Northridge Auto Repair

When most people think of cleaning their car, they only think about the outside, but did you know that you can clean certain components under the hood? Your battery is a prime example; this critical component is prone to corrosion around its connecting points. Vehicle owners must clean off their battery terminals if they see corrosion forming. Otherwise, you may need a new battery a lot sooner if it continues to develop. Plus, cleaning your battery ensures your electrical functions and engine run smoothly. Here is what you'll need to gather before cleaning: A pair of gloves Baking soda Water Brush Petroleum jelly/Vasoline Rag Prepping the Cleaning Solution The first step is making a cleaning paste with these common household ingredients: 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 cup of water. You will need to mix it thoroughly. Locate the Battery Before you dive in, please make sure your engine is turned off and cooled down. Put on your gloves. You'll need to disconnect your b ... read more

Owning a car is a wonderful privilege as it is one of the most convenient transportation methods. Unfortunately, many drivers often forget about the impacts of emissions caused by burning gasoline, contributing to pollution and global climate problems. We thought we would share these green driving practices in honor of this month's green holiday! Keep your tires properly inflated to improve your gas mileage and preserve your tires. Check and replace the engine air filter, as a clogged filter can decrease your mileage up to 10%. Avoid idling. It can strain your engine and other parts while also wasting a significant amount of gas. Turning the engine off and on at a later time is your best bet. Don't carry hefty things. Extra weight = higher fuel consumption. If you don't need the item, leave it stored at home. Plan efficiently. Combine your short trips and run your errands all at once.  Don't heavily accelerate or brake as it can lead to extra gas consumption ... read more

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