Marina del Rey Auto Repair

Pressing down on the brake pedal only to have it sink to the floorboard and your vehicle not coming to a complete stop is one of the scariest things that can happen while driving. But this is what can happen if brake fluid levels are too low and you ignore the brake fluid warning light on your dashboard. When the brake fluid level in your vehicle is below what the manufacturer recommends, it can cause air to fill the gaps in your brake lines, which, in turn, causes the brakes to become soft and spongy. The longer someone drives their vehicle with low brake fluid, the more likely they are to be in an accident. Additional Signs of Low Brake Fluid A glowing brake fluid warning light and soft, spongy brakes are some of the more obvious signs of low brake fluid, but they are not the only ones. Additional signs can include: Grinding or squealing noises - When brake fluid levels get too low, it can damage several critical ... read more

Your automobile's cabin air filter is a necessary part of the HVAC system that helps keep the air inside your vehicle clean and free of pollutants. Over time, the cabin air filter can have too much dust, dirt, and other contaminants clinging to it. As a result, you may notice reduced airflow and even poor air quality.  What is a Cabin Air Filter? A cabin air filter is a device that is installed to sift out the impurities in the air that enters your vehicle's cabin through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. The filter is typically found behind the glove compartment or under the dashboard and removes dust, pollen, and other pollutants that can cause a disturbance.  How Often Should You Change Your Cabin Air Filter? The frequency at which you should replace your cabin air filter depends on various factors, including driving conditions, the environment, and the type of ... read more

Are you considering upgrading your headlights? If so, you may want to consider switching to LED bulbs. LED headlights offer several benefits over traditional halogen bulbs, including increased brightness and energy efficiency. Here are some of the top benefits of LED bulbs for headlights: Increased Brightness LED headlights are significantly brighter than the old-school halogen bulbs. This is because LED bulbs produce a more focused and intense light. LED bulbs can produce up to 30,000 lumens of brightness, which is several times brighter than halogen bulbs. Longer Lifespan LED bulbs have a much longer lifespan than halogen bulbs. While halogen bulbs typically last between 450 and 1,000 hours, LED bulbs can last up to 25,000 hours. This means that you won't have to replace your headlights as frequently, saving you time and money in the long run. Energy Efficiency LED bulbs are much more energy-efficient than halogen bulbs. LED bulbs use 80% less energy than halogen bulbs, so ... read more

Spring is finally here, and it's time to consider your vehicle's maintenance needs. After a long winter, your car may need some extra TLC to ensure it's running smoothly and efficiently. Here are some essential spring maintenance tasks you should consider: Change Your Oil and Oil Filter Your engine oil helps to lubricate and protect your engine's moving parts, keeping them running smoothly. Over time, oil can become dirty and contaminated, reducing its effectiveness. Spring is an excellent time to change your oil and oil filter, ensuring your engine is protected and running efficiently. Check Your Tires Winter can be tough on your tires, so you should check to see if they are still in good condition after. Inspect your tires for signs of wear and tear, including cracks, bulges, and punctures. You should also check your tire pressure and ensure it matches the recommended level in your vehicle's owner's manual. Proper tire maintenance can help improve your ve ... read more

As a car owner, it's important to understand the various types of maintenance and repairs your vehicle may need throughout its lifespan. One of the most significant is an engine overhaul. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at what an engine overhaul is, when it's necessary, and what you can expect from the process. What is an Engine Overhaul? An engine overhaul is a complete and thorough repair of the engine system. It involves removing the engine from the vehicle, disassembling it, and replacing worn or damaged parts with new ones. The goal is to restore the engine to its original operating condition and improve its performance. When is an Engine Overhaul Necessary? There are a few signs that indicate an engine overhaul may be necessary. For example, if your vehicle has high miles and is starting to experience a decrease in power, an engine overhaul may be in order. Other signs include increased oil consumption, knocking or ticking sounds, or if the engine's pe ... read more

Auto glass repairs are an essential part of maintaining the safety and functionality of a vehicle. Whether it is a cracked windshield, a broken side window, or a damaged rear glass, having a professional auto glass repair can make a significant difference in the longevity of your vehicle and the comfort of the driver and passengers. In this blog, we will discuss the process of auto glass repairs and what you need to know to make an informed decision. The first step in auto glass repair is to assess the damage. This includes evaluating the size and location of the crack or chip, as well as any other damage to the surrounding area. Based on the severity of the damage, the auto repair professional will determine the best course of action for repair or replacement. For small chips and cracks, a windshield repair may be possible. This involves injecting resin into the affected area to fill in the crack and prevent it from spreading. The resin is cured with ultraviolet light, and the dama ... read more

When you see a tire bulge, you may be worried that it means there's something wrong with your vehicle. But the reality is that there are many reasons for a tire bulging. You can avoid an unsafe situation by knowing what a tire bulge means and how to handle it. What do you need to know about tire bulges? A tire bulge isn't always dangerous or noticeable, but it can be. If you're driving on a highway or in heavy traffic and notice one of your tires is starting to show signs of stress, such as bulging, pull over immediately. Your vehicle will most likely be able to continue driving safely if you do this; if not, contact your mechanic immediately. It's important to note that when it comes time to replace your vehicle's tires, this could mean replacing all four tires at once or sometimes just two. This will save time and money in the long run because replacing one tire separately could cost hundreds of dollars! If you find yourself in this situation where all four t ... read more

The serpentine belt is an essential component of your vehicle. It helps to drive the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and water pump. A bad or failing serpentine belt can cause some major damage to both your engine and components in a very short amount of time. To ensure your vehicle runs safely and efficiently, it's important to stay on top of your serpentine belt maintenance and look out for any warning signs that it needs to be repaired or replaced. In this blog post, we take a look at some of the signs that your serpentine belt is failing. Signs of a Failing Serpentine Belt There are several signs that your serpentine belt is failing. Some of the most common warning signs include: 1. Squealing or Chirping Noise - If your serpentine belt is damaged, worn, or loose, you may hear a squealing noise when the vehicle is started and accelerating. This squealing sound usually means that the belt needs to be tightened or replaced as soon ... read more

Many have confused the roles of a car alternator and a car battery because they work together. Your vehicle may have a starting problem, but you are unsure of the cause. The major areas that cause such scenarios are corroded connection cables, the vehicle's starter, dead or dying battery, or a bad alternator. Below are the differences between the roles of a car battery and an alternator. Functions of a Car Battery 1. The automotive battery stores the chemical energy that converts to electrical energy whenever you start your engine. 2. Besides turning the car engine on, it also starts the ignition system. It is the source of the whole vehicle's electricity. 3. Ensures sustainability of the car's energy system. As the engine runs, the alternator charges the battery. The battery then stores the chemical energy again for running the engine. 4. The battery also acts as a voltage regulator in high voltage spikes due to overworking. The battery is capable of absorbing excessive ... read more

With older cars, it is not unusual to find an odd fluid puddle around. Before you become alarmed or stressed out, don't. You can count on the professional mechanics at Villa Marina Auto Care for quality fluid leak repairs. Since your vehicle has many fluids, we invite you to bring your car to our shop in Marina Del Ray, CA for a proper diagnosis. Here are some of the most common fluid leaks and how we identify them: Coolant Leaks Coolant leaks are quite common in older model vehicles with leaky hoses and worn radiators. If you aren't careful, it can cause engine overheating and irreversible engine damage. If you see a bright puddle of fluid with a sweet scent to it, please stop driving immediately. You may also notice a high-temperature reading, engine steam, and white exhaust smoke. Oil Leaks Oil leaks are easier to distinguish since they leave a prominent black stain underneath the vehicle. They tend to be caused by failing gaskets, clogged filte ... read more