Northridge Auto Repair

If you've ever driven in a foreign country (or even in another state), you're probably unaware of all the area's traffic laws, even the strange ones. We've compiled some very bizarre driving laws; check them out!  In Thailand, it is illegal for men to drive topless. They can be fined up to 500 of their currency. In Russia, you can be fined for driving a filthy car. In Australia, it is illegal for motorists to stick their arms and hands out the window unless it is to signal to other drivers. It is against the law to drive and smoke a cigarette in Greece. In Spain, you can be fined for wearing flip-flops to drive. You can be fined if you accidentally splash through rainwater or mud on a pedestrian when driving in Japan. Driving with headlights on is required 24/7 in Sweden and other parts of Scandinavia. This is probably due to the very few daylight hours in the winter. In South Africa, you will be fined up to $500 if you do not slow or stop for livestock tha ... read more

Usually, when you turn on your AC or heat, you don't expect any scent to come out of your vents. However, whenever you start noticing foul odors, it could mean bigger problems for your car's ventilation. It's vital that you try to find the source of the stench as it could potentially harm your health and the overall safety of your vehicle. Below are some common explanations for smelly vehicle air vents: Fluid Leak Leaking chemicals are a common reason behind strange car smells. The air circulating out of your vents actually comes from the engine bay. Therefore, oil, anti-freeze, and other fluids in that general area of your car can leak onto your cooling system. Most of the time, you can distinguish with oil, as it can smell like burnt oil. On the other hand, coolant has a sweet syrupy smell to it. Mold Growth In Vents If you live in an area prone to humidity, bacteria may be susceptible to growing in some regions of your home A/C system. Your car is no exception. Bacte ... read more

  Most drivers are unaware of how important shock absorbers are to the vehicle's overall safety. Like all other parts of the motor system, shocks (including struts), can deteriorate over time. To identify malfunctioning shock absorbers and safeguard your car's safety, you must be aware of the shock absorbers’ lifespan and when they should be replaced.   What Are Shock Absorbers? Shock absorbers are suspension components that govern the wheel's bouncing. Their primary function is to reduce the vehicle's motion and keep it from bouncing on its suspension springs when driving. But whether your vehicle is moving or not, shock absorbers, even struts, still operate. As a result, they can degrade very quickly.   Shock Absorbers: how long can they last? Shock absorbers have a life expectancy of around 4 to 6 years. However, it is dependent on the state of the roads on which you mostly travel. If you usually drive yo ... read more

While most of us do not drive nearly as much as we used to prior to the pandemic, some don't drive a lot in general. For example, you might work from home, you're retired, or you're a stay-at-home mom or dad. Regardless of your reason, many people have questions about their needed car services like an oil change. Do you still need it if you don't meet the mileage interval threshold for an oil change? Do you still need oil changes if you don't drive a lot? YES, we'll explain why.   General recommendations for oil changes are often defined by the number of miles you've driven since your last service: 3,000, 5,000, or even as much as 10,000 miles. But what if months and months have gone by and you aren't close? It would be best if you still had your oil changed at least 1-2 times a year. Oil, like everything else, degrades over time. If you have "expired" oil sitting in your engine, it's not healthy for your vehicle when you do run your ... read more

Passing your smog test doesn't require any rocket science. If you take proper care of your car, you shouldn't have to worry about failing at all. Your vehicle needs to be within the "normal range" of emissions determined by the government to pass the test. Once you get a renewal notice from California's DMV, you should make an appointment with a licensed station, mark your calendar, and start "studying"/preparing your vehicle for the test. Here are some of our top tips on how to pass your smog test! Perform Regular Maintenance Maintenance is key to pass the smog check with stripes and stars. You should get all your maintenance tasks, including oil changes and spark plug replacements, beforehand. Renewing your fuel injectors can also benefit you by ridding of carbon deposits and lessening emissions.  Make Sure Your Tires Are Properly Inflated The more air you put in your tires, the less stress you put on the engine, making it burn less. Please e ... read more