Posted on 12/23/2022
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
Posted on 12/23/2022
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
Posted on 11/29/2022
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
Posted on 10/30/2022
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