Northridge Auto Repair

Fall is the best season to check your vehicle’s fluids. Your car has to work overtime during summers in Northridge. Hot temperatures take a toll on your car, but proper maintenance can prevent breakdowns and costly repairs. Several fluids work together to power your vehicle. This fall, your maintenance routine should include checking these five critical fluids to keep your vehicle running strong for October car care month. Engine Oil The engine oil is like the blood of your vehicle; it allows the engine to function optimally. The engine oil should be changed regularly during your oil change. Furthermore, many new cars now require synthetic oils. While oil changes are essential, don’t let them stop you from inspecting the engine oil every month to ensure the oil quality is still in good condition. Coolant/Antifreeze ... read more

Cars are not heatproof. Whether a vehicle is fresh off the lot or a high mileage old faithful, protection against the sun is essential. UV rays don’t just affect the paint; too much heat can also kill car batteries and affect the engine. If resale value, high performance, and longevity is a priority, sun damage must be prevented. Below are a few practical tips to protect your vehicle from the sun.  Keep your car clean. Staying on top of car washes removes minerals, dirt, debris, and dead bugs from the surface of your vehicle. If left on your car, the sun can cause these particles to become stuck and fade the paint. Some bugs have a bacterial decomposition that releases acids that can damage the paint surface. A run through the car wash with wax can offer maximum protection. Park in the shade. If you’re in a rush, it’s easy to choose a parking spot in the direct sunlight. If possible, take additional time to find a shaded parking spot. The ... read more

Safety is paramount the moment you start your car. While your seat belt is one of the most critical safety features, your brakes and tail lights are not far behind. Your brake lights illuminate to let the drivers behind you know that you’re slowing down or preparing to stop. In comparison, your tail lights are only activated when your headlights are turned on. They help with nighttime visibility or severe weather, such as heavy rain. Both lights work together to provide a safe driving experience. However, what happens if your tail lights are fully functioning, but your brake lights aren’t? Below are a few common reasons why this would occur: Malfunctioning Turn Signal Switch In some vehicles, the turn signal switch and the brake light share the same circuit. If the turn signal switch isn’t working, the other may not be either. Once the wire is replaced, both should be fixed appropriately. Blown Out Light Bulbs If you have an older v ... read more

Car horns are unique because they are the background soundtrack for many cities around the world. There are many interesting aspects of vehicles for a car enthusiast; it makes it easy to take the car horn for granted. Below is a glimpse of the history of the car horn and its modernization over the years. Before there were interstates, in a period of horseless carriages – drivers used bells, whistles, and even hand-squeezed horns to notify pedestrians and other drivers of their presence. It wasn’t until 1908 that young inventor Miller Reese Hutchison patented the Klaxon Horn. Hutchinson, who also worked alongside Thomas Edison, created two versions of his Klaxon Horn. According to MoparMagazine, one version of the horn was motor-powered with batteries, and the other was manual with a small hand crank. Both versions of the Klaxon Horn gave a distinctive “aoogha” to announce each vehicle’s presence. Today if you honk at a pedestrian, you may startle them or ... read more

Audiobooks are a great way to pass the time during road trips. Audiobooks provide a story filled with personality, and some studies show they improve mental health. For a car enthusiast, entertainment doesn’t have to start under the hood. Massive platforms like Audible offer a variety of options of books to keep car lovers entertained. Below are a few well written car-themed audiobooks for your next road trip:  The Toyota Way by Jeffrey Liker If you’re a fan of Toyota, this would be the perfect book to listen to as it explains what made them successful and how you can adapt some of their principals in your own life. Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide by Patrice Banks  Banks is an engineer-turned mechanic who provides a ‘do-it-herself’ book of tools geared towards women who are trying to navigate through auto maintenance, honest car repair, and roadside emergencies. The Yugo: The Rise and Fall of the Worst Car ... read more