Author: Gary Kasbarian

What Oil Changes Do For Your Vehicle

Posted on July 30, 2019 by - Auto Repair

oil-change-los-angelesTaking care of your car is the key to making sure it runs for as long as possible. There are many things that you can do to keep your car in tip-top shape, but actually doing them is the key. Car problems can be expensive but, If you avoid taking care of your car you will end up with a check engine light and likely a high maintenance bill. That is why it is important to do things like changing your tires, get your oil changed and do any kind of car maintenance in Los Angeles, Ca that you need to do. If you think about it, it is cheaper to do the things you need to to keep your car working correctly, than to have to buy a whole new car. Getting your car’s oil changed is probably one of the most important things you can do for your vehicle. Below, we list a few reasons why.

Benefits of an Oil Change

Gas Mileage – When your car is well taken care of, it will run better. Just like if you take care of yourself and drink water, you will run better, a car is no different.

Car Health – Changing your oil helps get the old dirt that has gathered up, to come out of your car and clean from your filter, making it run better and for longer without having any problems.

Less Harmful Emissions – Clean oil will help to put less bad emissions out into the world and keep the air from becoming even more polluted.

Give Carotech Automotive and Tires a call when you need an oil change in Los Angeles, CA, by dialing (424) 283-4303.

Why Is My Car Leaking Fluids?

Posted on July 30, 2019 by - Auto Repair

leaking-car-oil-change-los-angelesEvery car contains a variety of fluids that accomplish special tasks to allow the vehicle to operate. When you notice your car leaking, you likely wonder whether to feel worried, take the car in for service, or simply ignore the issue. If you know how to identify car fluids on your own, you can save money on repairs and rest assured about your vehicle’s condition.

At Carotech Automotive and Tires, we’re your local experts for the repair of leaking car fluids in Los Angeles, CA. To learn more or schedule service, reach out to us today at (424) 283-4303.

How to Identify Car Leaks

The first step to identifying a leak is knowing the nature of your car fluids. Once you can identify one fluid from another, you can adequately judge the seriousness of the problem.

Antifreeze: Antifreeze represents one of the more common fluids you may find your car leaking. Usually green, but sometimes orange or pink, antifreeze feels sticky to the touch and has a sweet smell. Though not a serious leak, you will still need to have it repaired. If you have pets, this becomes especially important, as the sweet smell will attract them to this poisonous substance.

Gas Leak: Gas is easy to identify among car fluids, thanks to its distinctive smell. Gas leaks are fairly common, and not a major cause for concern. While they still need repair, you need not worry about a gas leak as an immediate danger.

Oil: Oil can appear yellow if fresh, and dark if old. If you notice your car leaking oil, it needs immediate repair. A car that loses oil becomes vulnerable to a host of problems.

Brake Fluid: Clear to yellow in color, brake fluid leaks are rare. However, if you even suspect one, your car needs immediate service. As a matter of fact, you should probably have your car towed to the mechanic, since this fluid leak can result in brake failure.

Transmission Leak: Transmission fluid is an indispensable liquid that lubricates your transmission and prevents it from overheating. This fluid appears pink to dark red, and deserves immediate service once it begins to leak. Transmission leaks are fairly economical to repair, whereas a new transmission can cost a pretty penny.

Water: If you’ve ever noticed your car leaking water, you may wonder where it comes from. Though a common leak, the appearance of water beneath your vehicle is not a cause for concern. In all likelihood, the leak is simply condensation from your air conditioner.

Trust Our Team with Your Car Fluids

At Carotech Automotive and Tires, we’re your local source for the repair of leaking car fluids in Los Angeles, CA. We offer fast, affordable service that ensures the efficient operation of your vehicle. To learn more or schedule service, give us a call today at (424) 283-4303.

Tire Check: When to Replace Old Tires

Posted on July 29, 2019 by - Auto Repair, Brake Repair, Oil Change

tires-west-los-angelesKnowing when to replace old tires can be difference between a comfortable tire change at home and an emergency on the side of the road. Thankfully, you can figure out for yourself when it’s time to spring for a new tire. Here are three simple tips to help you know when the time has come.

Pro Tip #1: Use the Classic Thread Test

Some newer tire models come with a built in bar indicator to let you know when your treads are worn down. There’s no easier way to test out your threads however, than the classic Penny Test. All you have to do is grab a penny and insert Abraham Lincoln head first into the thread of each tire. If Abe’s head starts to disappear, the tread is still good. If Lincoln’s head is completely visible, you need to look for a replacement tire.

Pro Tip #2: Examine Your Manufacturing Date

Did you know that tires can expire? It may sound crazy, but even unused tires can (and do) expire after six years. Check the manufacturing date on the wall of your tires; look for a four digit code. The last two digits represent the manufacturing year, and the first two represent the week of that year. Always keep in mind: expired tires are much more likely to fail.

Pro Tip #3: Check Out Your Tire’s Sidewalls

Everybody tells you to look at the threads, but not so many tell you to examine your tire’s sidewall. Be wary of any large cracks or bulges in the sidewall, as this can mean your tire isn’t far from failing. Protect yourself from ending up on the side of the highway by having your tire replaced (if you spot this damage).

Be sure to follow these tips when it comes time to replace old tires. For more details on how to care for your car, such as checking your fluids, talk with one of our experts at (424) 283-4303, or check out our other articles on car maintenance.

Is It Time For Brake Repair Service?

Posted on July 29, 2019 by - Auto Repair

Road safety is very important when operating your vehicle. Your car comes with many amenities and systems to ensure that you not only have an enjoyable driving experience but that you are safe on the road. One of the most important systems is your braking system. Without it, your car is unable to stop on command. You want to make sure these stay at their best, but how can you do that? We have compiled some signs that your brakes have begun to wear so you can get service quickly.

Signs You Need Brake Repair

Are Your Brakes Making Noise? – Many people report squealing and grinding noises when their brakes start failing. However, metalling screeching is also a sign of worn down brake pads. When you hear any strange noise, it is time for service.

Does Something Smell LIke Its Burning? – If you notice a smell of burning from your tires, your brakes and tires are trying to tell you service is needed! This is a sign that your brakes have been damaged in some way and now your tires are being affected.

Has Your Brake Light Come On? – Your brake light is on your dashboard to tell you when part of the braking system has failed or is failing. Disregarding this light can lead to you and your car being hazardous or put in danger.

Do You Feel Vibrations In Your Steering Column? – Vibrations in your steering is absolutely, positively not normal. This means the rotors and metal are becoming damaged. Alternately, it may be an issue with your suspension. Both are serious issues and require repair immediately.

Never take noises, smells or sensations from your car lightly. If you have noticed any of the above issues, the team at Carotech Automotive and Tires is here for you. Give us a call today at (424) 283-4303 for your brake service repair in Los Angeles, CA.

When Do You Need An Oil Change

Posted on July 29, 2019 by - Car Maintenance

oil-change-los-angelesWhen you get a vehicle you have an obligation to take the best care of it possible while it is in your possession. This means that getting your vehicle’s oil changed comes with the territory. If you don’t know much about cars or when you need to get your oil changed, we can help you with that. Often times when you get your oil changed, the company you went to will put a sticker in your drivers’ side window in the left-hand corner that will tell you when they recommend coming back and at how many miles. This is not the exact number you should come back on, but it is pretty close usually to when you should think about heading in again. During an oil change, you will have several things done. Every place is different with what they do, but one thing’s for sure, that they will always change your filter, oil, and top off the fluids that may be getting low. If something is wrong, they will usually tell you what it is and throw in a price for reference. This is a great way to also tell if you need something more or your car will live to see another day.

Do You Need an Oil Change?

First and foremost, the length of time and miles you have driven since your last one is a major factor. If 3 months have passed, but you hardly drive your car, you can probably afford to skip it this time. If you are a commuter, you probably need to have your oil changed more regularly than that. One thing you can do right at home is pop your hood and pull the oil stick out yourself. There, you can check to see if your oil is low and if it is, go get your oil changed right away. Without oil in your motor, your vehicle engine will lock up and no longer work; talk about expensive. This is not a problem you want to have. An easy solution is to run over to Carotech Automotive and Tires and have us change your oil. Give us a call at (424) 283-4303 to set an appointment or just stop by.

Auto Insurance Coverage, Explained

Posted on July 29, 2019 by - Auto Insurance

auto-repair-los-angelesYour auto insurance coverage can sometimes be as confusing as a new home contract, it seems. However, knowing the basics of your policy can help save you money and keep you covered in an accident.

Liability
Liability insurance is required in order to be able to drive your vehicle. This coverage will kick in when an accident is your fault and will cover the other party’s bodily injury and property damage up to your coverage amount. (Typical coverage is $15,000/$30,000, which means $15,000 in bodily injury and $30,000 in property damage.) Remember, what your insurance doesn’t cover, you will be responsible for.

Comp and Coll
This type of coverage is optional and stands for comprehensive and collision. This means that if you are in an accident that wasn’t your fault, your vehicle will be covered, as will your bodily injury, up to your limits. Many times, this coverage includes rental car coverage as well.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist
This self-explanatory coverage will guarantee your vehicle repair and hospital bills, even if you are hit by someone who doesn’t have any or the correct amount of coverage. This ensures that even if they don’t pay their part of the damages, you are still covered.

Other Additions
Vehicle insurance coverages can vary greatly and can include everything from roadside service to death benefits upon an accident. Your insurance agent can go over any coverages that you have and any supplements that could provide better coverage.

It’s always a good idea to know your auto insurance coverage details before you are in an accident. This can help you stay safe and keep the process moving quickly. If you have been in an accident and need vehicle inspection or repair, call the Carotech Automotive and Tires team at (424) 283-4303 for more information.

Signs Of Engine Trouble

Posted on July 29, 2019 by - Auto Repair

car-repair-west-los-angelesEveryone knows that cars rely on their engines, right? Now that we’ve got that part out of the way, it’s time for a hard truth. That engine needs a lot of car, and even with all the right care, your engine won’t last forever. However, if you can pay attention to the signs as your engine ages, you may be able to extend the life of that engine, or at least keep yourself from being stranded due to engine failure. Today we are going to go over some key tips you need to know about your engine’s well-being.

3What To Look For

One of the first problem signs people notice is a lack of power. Pay attention to how your vehicle responds when you accelerate. Is it no longer moving as easily as before? This can be an indication that your engine is having to work harder than it used to. If this continues, you will see a steady decline in your gas mileage as well.

You need to take your engine in for maintenance right away if it sounds rough when it runs, or if it has trouble starting up in the first place. Luckily, engines are fairly noisy when they aren’t in great shape, so if you hear any knocking or popping, you know to get it looked at ASAP.

No matter what is going on with your engine, remember that is it one of if not the most valuable parts of your vehicle. If you want to continue relying on your car, you need to take care of the engine. Call our team of experts at (424) 283-4303 if you’d like to schedule service, or if you have any questions for our experts!

Car Maintenance: The Basics You Need To Know

Posted on July 29, 2019 by - Car Maintenance

brake-repair-west-los-angelesLast month, we discussed the the ins and outs of changing fluids for car maintenance. However, there are several other aspects of car maintenance that it is also important to remember. Today we will go over the car maintenance basics that you need to know if you want your car to last! If you need any help with vehicle maintenance services, you can always contact our professional team here at (424) 283-4303!

Scheduled Tune Ups

Just like we need regular checkups with the doctor to make sure we are healthy, your vehicle needs regular tuneups with a mechanic to make sure it is in good condition. Your owner’s manual will give you a good idea of how often you need to have your vehicle professionally taken care of.

Wiper Replacement
At the end of a hot summer, always remember to take a look at your wipers. Here in LA, rain isn’t very common, so it’s easy to forget that you even have windshield wipers, but they do become unusable with age and heat. By checking them at the end of summer every year, and replacing them when they become dry, cracked, or warped, you can make sure you’ll be prepared when it finally does rain!

Battery Checks
You should also check your vehicle’s battery at the end of summer. The heat can slowly corrode the battery, and the first cold snap could be the end of the line for it! Have it checked out before the first cold wind, just to make sure it won’t accidentally leave you stranded.

Tire Maintenance
Tire maintenance includes monitoring the tire pressure, as well as keeping an eye out for worn out tread. Proper tire pressure makes sure you are safe when driving, and that you aren’t putting too much wear and tear on your tires.

Headlight Checks
Last but not least, make sure your headlights are working properly. Check them every couple of months to make sure all of your headlights and brake lights work like they are supposed to. This can help you avoid accidents, as well as tickets!

Car Maintenance: Which Fluids to Check

Posted on July 29, 2019 by - Car Maintenance

oil-change-west-los-angelesCar maintenance is very important. You depend on your car to get you to work, get your kids to school, as well as drive you across the country for your annual road trip. If your car isn’t well maintained, any of these excursions could cause a serious malfunction in the engine, transmission or other systems in your car. Proper car maintenance can prevent a serious breakdown. Carotech Automotive and Tires offers a variety of car maintenance services.

Which Fluid Changes Are Part of Car Maintenance?

One of the biggest aspects of car maintenance is checking the fluids in your car. Here are three different types of fluid that lubricate different parts of your car. Here are the different fluids you should check and how often they need to be changed:

Oil
It is recommended that you checks the oil levels in your car once a month. This helps you to know when you should add oil. Usually, you will need to change your oil every 3,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first.

Transmission Fluid
The fluid in your transmission keeps the gears lubricated, which prevents wear and tear. You should check your transmission fluid levels at least once a month and have it changed every 50,000 miles.

Brake Fluid
The brake fluid lubricates the components of the brakes system to make sure the car stops properly. You should check the brake fluid for cleanness every time you get the oil changed and have brake fluid changed every two years.

Other fluids that you can check in your car include the power steering fluid and radiator coolant. Keeping up with the levels of fluid in your car can greatly extend the life of your engine. If you need fluid checks or other car maintenance, contact Carotech Automotive and Tires at (424) 283-4303.