The Importance of Supercharger Oil For Your Mini

Posted on June 3, 2021 by - MINI Repair

MINI Supercharged Engine

In recent years, the Mini Cooper has solidified itself as a reliable choice for luxury drivers everywhere by introducing the supercharger to its system. A supercharger, unlike a turbocharger, is connected directly to the engine via a belt and can provide a huge boost in power and performance. However, this is only true if the supercharger is properly lubricated.

Today, we’re talking about the importance of keeping up with the oil levels in your Mini’s supercharger and some common symptoms to watch out for that tell you it’s time to get the oil changed.

The Supercharger and Oil

One common misconception that a lot of Mini drivers believe is that simply keeping your engine oil levels up is enough to keep the supercharger lubricated as well. This isn’t true, though. Regular engine oil shouldn’t come into contact with the supercharger at all.

A supercharger is an air compressor that includes a lot of moving gears and parts, and it’s constantly under a lot of pressure. Regular engine oil won’t last very long in this kind of environment, and once the supercharger runs dry, it can’t work as well and will negatively affect your car’s fuel economy and performance.

That’s why there is specially formulated supercharger oil that goes into the supercharger’s own oil reservoir. It was created to withstand the conditions of the supercharger and also does a little to help keep the temperature under your Mini’s hood at a reasonable level by reducing the amount of friction.

Signs that You Need to Get Your Supercharger Oil Changed

You may not realize it, but because the supercharger relies on the engine to work, letting supercharger problems fester can cause damage to the engine in the long run in addition to reducing performance and power overall.

Since Mini drivers rely on the reliability and power that the supercharger provides, you’ll likely be able to notice immediately when something is wrong. However, the best way to keep your supercharger and all of your Mini’s other components in great shape is by being proactive and following recommended maintenance routines. For supercharger oil changes, in particular, most mechanics recommend getting it changed every 50,000 miles, though you should ask your trusted mechanic for their specific recommendation.

Otherwise, if you see any of the signs I’m about to talk about, schedule an appointment with your local Mini expert as soon as you can.

The first sign that the supercharger oil is running low is a dramatic decrease in performance and fuel economy. If you notice that you’re going to the gas pump a lot more often than you normally do after driving the same amount, it could have something to do with the supercharger. Similarly, if you’re finding that your Mini doesn’t seem to be able to get up to speed as fast as it used to be able to, it may be because of the same reason.

Another symptom to watch for is strange noises coming from the engine. Specifically, grinding sounds indicate that the supercharger oil has run dry. Since oil is designed to lubricate the gears within the system and keep them from rubbing against each other, grinding noises mean that lubrication has gone away.

Too much friction between different components can cause significant wear that may mean you need to replace the supercharger entirely. You don’t want that to happen, as the supercharger is one of the most expensive parts of a car’s engine to replace.

How Carotech Automotive and Tires Can Help

You may be wondering if it’s possible to change Happy MINI Owner After Supercharger Oil Change the oil in your supercharger by yourself. The answer is that yes, of course, it’s possible. However, a supercharger oil change is not as easy or quick as a regular engine oil change. Even when a professional mechanic does it, it can be a complicated and time-consuming process, so unless you’re a Mini expert or very experienced with DIY car maintenance, you may just end up doing more damage than it’s worth.

Instead, bring your Mini to professionals like the technicians who work here at Carotech Automotive and Tire. Serving the Los Angeles area, we are experienced in servicing a wide range of domestic, Asian, and European car brands, including Minis. We’d love to help you out!

Is It Safe To Drive A BMW If It’s Having Electrical Issues?

Posted on May 18, 2021 by - BMW Repair

BMW Car

BMW is known for being a luxury vehicle with an exceptional life span. Your car’s electrical system plays an important role in its ability to operate, so you should have any electrical issues inspected and repaired immediately to ensure your vehicle lasts for as long as possible.

Your BMW is important for your day-to-day life, and when you use your vehicle regularly, you want to make sure it is keeping you and your passengers safe. If your vehicle is showing any signs of experiencing electrical issues, bring it to an experienced automotive repair shop. Driving with electrical issues puts you at risk of being stranded with a vehicle that cannot start and is in need of extremely expensive repairs.

Signs Your BMW Is Having Electrical Issues

The electrical system in your vehicle is complex and plays a vital role in many of your vehicle’s functions. If your BMW is having electrical issues, there are a large number of signs that could indicate there is an issue including:

  • Light Issues: Your vehicle has a lot of lights that are important to keep you and those driving around you safe, such as, turn signals, brake lights, and headlights. When these lights dim or do not work altogether, it could indicate that your vehicle’s electrical system is holding a low voltage.
  • Ineffective Heating and Air Conditioning System: If the heating of air conditioning in your vehicle seems to be losing strength, it could be a sign that your vehicle is not able to charge properly.
  • Ignition Issues: Your vehicle’s engine needs electricity to be able to start. If your vehicle’s ignition is making an unusual noise when starting or is having trouble turning, then you should bring your vehicle into a professional BMW repair shop Ignition issues can quickly turn into not being able to start your vehicle at all.
  • Burning Smell: Whether it smells like burning plastic, burning rubber, or burning oil, all can be signs of an electrical system issue. While they vary in what electrical issue might be causing the smell, any burning smell should be addressed by an automotive technician because it could lead to more expensive repairs if ignored.
  • Malfunctioning Electronic Component: Other electronics in your vehicle, such as the power windows and the stereo, are also powered by your vehicle’s electrical system. If they are not operating properly, it could be a sign of an electrical issue.

Common Causes of Electrical Issues in Your BMW

Similar to the wide variety of signs that indicate electrical issues in your vehicle, there are also several different reasons that your vehicle may be having electrical issues. Some of the potential causes of your BMW’s electrical issues include:

  • Dead, Damaged, or Faulty Battery: While it is possible for your vehicle’s battery to die due to a mistake, such as leaving the lights on overnight, a battery can lose its ability to hold a charge over time. If your vehicle is exposed to moisture or road debris often, the battery’s terminals and cord connectors could corrode overtime, inhibiting the battery’s ability to hold a charge. Depending on the severity of the corrosion, it could potentially be cleaned up to allow the battery to function better. If not, the battery might need to be replaced.
  • Malfunctioning Alternator: The alternator helps recharge the battery, so when it malfunctions it can prevent the battery from charging properly, and may need to be replaced.
  • Damaged Alternator Belt: A cracked alternator belt can disrupt the electrical system’s process.
  • Damaged Cables: The electrical system’s cables can become frayed or broken over time, and disrupt the connection between the power source and various electronic components.
  • Faulty or Blown Fuses: Fuses are designed to protect your vehicle’s electrical system, and when a fuse blows, it disrupts the flow of electricity in your vehicle. While sometimes they blow for no reason, any time a fuse is blown it may be a good idea to have an automotive technician inspect the issue in case there is an underlying issue with the electrical system.

Bring Your BMW to Carotech Automotive

At Carotech Automotive, BMW Battery Voltage Check our ASE-certified technicians are experienced in handling automotive repairs and maintenance, including electrical issues. We serve vehicle owners in Los Angeles, California and its surrounding areas. If your BMW appears to be experiencing electrical issues, make an appointment at our shop today and we will return your BMW to its top condition.

* BMW Car image credit goes to: aapsky.

How to Effectively Deal With Gear Selector Issues in Your Mercedes- Benz

Posted on May 1, 2021 by - Mercedes Repair

Mercedes-Benz Gear Selector Issue

Mercedes-Benz vehicles are known for their reliability, but like any other car, they sometimes run into problems. One of the more common issues Mercedes-Benz owners deal with is the gear selector wearing down. Read on to learn about what the gear selector does, the symptoms to look out for that will tell you something’s wrong, and how to deal with the problem if it arises.

The Purpose of the Gear Selector

As you might expect from the name, a gear selector is what allows you to shift gears. In automatic cars, it detects things like your speed and what position the gearshift is in to tell the transmission what gear the car needs to be running in.

As you can see, the gear selector plays a crucial role, and if it’s not working properly, you could find yourself suddenly going backward when you want to move forward, or shifting to a lower gear when you want to speed up. You could also encounter several other problems, all of which are potentially dangerous to both the health of you and your passengers and your transmission’s health.

Luckily, however, chances are that you will notice the symptoms of a potential gear selector failure pretty quickly, so you can get it fixed as soon as possible and avoid damaging the transmission any further or, even worse, endangering the lives of the people who ride in your car.

Warning Signs of Gear Selector Problems

The tricky thing about gear selector issues is that the symptoms look very similar to other transmission problems, so you won’t be able to immediately tell that the gear selector is what’s acting up just by observing the symptoms.

However, any problem with a transmission is serious, so no matter what, if you notice one of the things I mention below, you should take your car in for repair. A professional mechanic will have the diagnostic tools necessary to determine exactly what the problem is and fix it much faster than you could.

With that being said, here are some common signs of gear selector failure:

  • Grinding or clicking noises, particularly if they happen while you are shifting gears. In any vehicle, but especially luxury ones like Mercedes-Benz, shifting between gears should be a seamless process.
  • Rough shifting. This can include sudden jerks while the car attempts to change gears, vibrations, or delays between shifting.
  • Difficulties moving between drive, reverse, and neutral. Your vehicle should change immediately between these when you tell it to. If instead, you notice that it’s hesitating, or you continue to move forward for a little bit even though you changed the gearshift into the reverse position, that’s a sign that the transmission is having trouble.
  • Gear slipping. This is a common symptom of transmission problems where the car will suddenly slip into a lower (or higher) gear even though you have not changed your speed. It can also happen when you’re accelerating, and the car unexpectedly shifts to a lower gear when it should be moving into higher ones as you speed up.

What to Do About Gear Selector Problems

Ideally, you want to avoid having any of these symptoms at all. The best way to do that is to keep up with the routine maintenance Mercedes-Benz Transmission Repairschedule suggested in your owner’s manual. Getting regular checkups and tune-ups allows mechanics to catch problems before they become problems and prevent them from turning into something much bigger (and more expensive).

If you are already experiencing one or more of the symptoms I mentioned, though, then you should schedule an appointment with your local Mercedes-Benz specialist as soon as you can before the issue gets even worse. Replacing a transmission can be a very expensive and stressful process, so it’s best to stop any potential hiccups before they get to that point.

If you live in the Los Angeles area and you’re looking for a great place to bring your Mercedes for maintenance or repair, look no further than Carotech Automotive and Tires. With expertise in a wide range of brands and highly trained technicians, you can trust that we’ll have the knowledge and tools necessary to get the job done efficiently.

Diagnose Engine Cooling System Issues in BMW From Certified Mechanics in Los Angeles

Posted on April 14, 2021 by - BMW Repair

BMW Engine Overheating

Though BMWs are known for their reliability and style, there is one problem in particular that BMW drivers tend to run into, especially during the hotter months: cooling system issues. Today we’re going to walk you through what the cooling system is, what signs might tell you it’s malfunctioning, and how to get help when you need it.

The Function of the BMW Cooling System

In this situation, we’re not talking about your vehicle’s air conditioner, which is in charge of keeping the air inside the cabin cool. No, we’re talking about the thing that regulates the temperature of the engine and keeps it from getting too hot— or too cold!

To operate as efficiently as possible, the engine needs to stay within a certain temperature range. Getting too hot can damage the engine, lower the fuel efficiency, and, if left unfixed, can lead to costly repairs down the line.

The cooling system is what prevents that, by making sure the engine never gets too hot.

How to Tell the Engine Cooling System Isn’t Working

Luckily, detecting when the cooling system stops working isn’t that hard in most cases. There are some easily identifiable symptoms to watch out for, and if you tell these to your mechanic when you bring your car in for repair, they can help cut down on the amount of diagnostic and repair time that’s necessary.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of cooling system problems:

  • Coolant leaks. Coolant can be a lot of different colors, from green to pink to yellow, and it usually has a sweet smell. If you notice anything like that pooling under your car, that’s a pretty good indication that your engine’s cooling system is damaged or cracked somewhere. This could be from the hoses, the radiator itself, the water pump, or other places.
  • High engine temperature. Many cars allow you to see the engine temperature on the dashboard. If the reading that you see is consistently much higher than it should be, your coolant isn’t doing its job.
  • Steaming hood. Steam coming from under the hood of the vehicle is an indication that the engine is overheating, which means that something is wrong with the cooling system. If you notice this issue, bring your BMW in for repair as soon as you can.
  • White exhaust smoke. Similar to the steaming hood, white exhaust is a sign of an overheating engine. White smoke can also be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a cracked head gasket, so if you notice this symptom it is best to get it into a garage as soon as possible.
  • Cracked hoses or other parts. If you notice a leak, there is likely a reason for it. Looking at the hoses, water pump, or radiator can help tell you if there’s something wrong. Even if you haven’t noticed any coolant leaking, damaged hoses or other parts will only continue to wear down, which will eventually lead to a leak.

To prevent these issues from arising, the best thing to do is to keep up with the recommended maintenance schedule that BMW suggests. Regular upkeep will keep your car in the best shape it can possibly be and give you the chance to drive it for much longer.

Similarly, regular maintenance means that you and the mechanic will be able to catch potential problems earlier on, which will save you a lot of money in car repairs later on. That’s why it’s so important to stay on top of inspections, routine maintenance, and repairs.

The coolant system is a vital part of the BMW’s internal components, since leaving it unfixed can mean disastrous things for the engine. If you notice any of the symptoms we talked about, or if your car just seems to be acting strangely for any other reason, you should bring it in to get checked out by a professional.

Where to Go For Help

Located in Los Angeles, California,BMW Cooling System Repair Carotech Automotive and Tires is proud to provide top-notch service to all our customers. We have extensive knowledge of many different car brands, including domestic, Asian, and European brands like BMW. Because of this expertise, you can trust that we will have the right tools to do the job. If you’ve been having coolant problems with your BMW, or if you’d just like to learn more about what we offer, feel free to give us a call.

What is Routine Maintenance on a Car?

Posted on July 31, 2019 by - Car Maintenance

tune-ups-oil-change-los-angeles-90035One of the first provisions that a car owner should make is to read the car manual for the vehicle they own. This is critical. The vehicle manual will usually have a 30-60-90 schedule. This schedule is predicated on when certain items in the car need to be inspected, changed, or replaced at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles. While it is true that some parts of the vehicle, such as rubber gaskets, hoses, windshield wipers, and tires will wear out at irregular intervals, the 30-60-90 schedule is straightforward for the indicated items on your vehicle.

What is Included in Car Maintenance?

Not only is car maintenance the single most important way to lengthen the life of a car, but it can also save serious money on car repair. Car maintenance includes changing the oil, rotating the tires, checking the fluids, and more. Timing and serpentine belts are often overlooked by car owners, however, these belts need to be replaced periodically. Most mechanics agree that timing belts should be replaced every 60,000 miles or so. The owner’s manual will offer the manufacturers instructions for each component of the vehicle, taking the guesswork out of the equation.

How Do You Do Basic Maintenance on a Car?

The maintenance schedule section, located in the owner’s manual, has the basic intervals for critical engine components. Two of these components are the oil, and the oil filter. Oil is your engine’s lifeblood. When it comes time to change the oil, make sure you make an appropriate selection between synthetic and conventional oil, determined by your budget needs, and the needs of the vehicle. Next, make sure to check your tires monthly. Tires need to be properly inflated in order to perform well. Using a bicycle tire to inflate them is an excellent pro-tip.

How Do You Maintain a Car Engine?

In order for your car to perform at it’s best every time it hits the road, inspections are necessary. Through proper maintenance, future repair costs become limited and car performance is optimized. Regularly refreshing the oil in your vehicle, according to the parameters of the owner’s manual, will keep your engine in great shape. For car owners who tow a trailer or often drive in dusty conditions, your oil should be changed more frequently, and you should absolutely consider switching to the premium type of oil, synthetic. Other considerations include checking the PCV valve for proper operation and checking the spark plugs and the spark plug wires.

What Happens When a Car Hits 100k Miles?

After a car has passed one hundred thousand miles, it’s essential to routinely groom the car for any possible hiccups. Please read over the following list for essential maintenance tips:

  • Fluids. The oil, transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and brake fluid all should be completely replaced after the one-hundred-thousand-mile mark.
  • Belts. The serpentine belt in your car is made of a special type of rubber that is streamlined to work within a hot engine compartment. However, no one component is built to last forever. Ask your mechanic to look into signs of cracks, missing ribbing, marring, striping or general brittleness.
  • Water pump and timing belt. Other than the oil, the timing belt is possibly the most important item that needs to be replaced at the 100,000-mile mark. This is because the damage caused by a broken timing belt on engines can be extravagantly expensive.
  • Tires and brakes. Check your tire’s inflation level and tread depth. Any signs of uneven wear, cracking, and bulging should be addressed promptly.

Where to Get Car Maintenance

If you have noticed a slow engine crank or a low battery fluid level, it may be time to get a car battery replacement. For a car battery replacement and car maintenance, vehicle owners should find a reliable car mechanic or repair shop. Ask trusted friends where they get their vehicle serviced, and whether they would highly recommend those services. Another avenue for car owners is finding a local shop with excellent reviews. Because your vehicle is important, it will be critical to find a mechanic who has in-depth knowledge and respect for automobiles and will be able to translate that into good repairs.

Car Maintenance to Do Yourself

There are a number of things that car owners can do to improve the maintenance of their vehicle without going to the mechanic. One of the items that top the list is replacing the air filter. Car owners need a new air filter approximately once every year or twelve months. Air filters cost about ten dollars and don’t take a lot of time to install. Windshield wipers are another car maintenance item that can be replaced with relative ease. Windshield wiper blades should be replaced once every six months, and only cost about ten to twenty dollars. One of the reasons why windshield wipers are so important to manage is because old wipers can leave messy streaks on the windshield, which can lead to low visibility.

Car Maintenance vs Repair

There’s an appropriate and realistic difference between car maintenance and repair. With enough preventative car maintenance, car owners can expect a long car life with very few incidents or need for repairs. With enough knowledge and care, cars have been known to last well beyond the 100k mark. Car repairs are necessary when accidents happen and can be very expensive. It is important to note that excellent car maintenance can help relieve and even eliminate car repair, but that it is not entirely foolproof, as there are accidents that happen on the road.

Car Maintenance by Mileage

A routine car maintenance schedule is optimally based on engine mileage. While not all cars will need the same thing at the same time (see the owner’s manual), a good rule of thumb would be to follow certain parameters. Better safe than sorry, as the adage goes. Every 3,000 to 7,000 miles, the oil and oil filter should be replaced. Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles the air filter should be changed. For every 20,000 miles, the battery and coolant should be inspected. Every 30,000 miles, replace the power-steering fluid. As always, consult the owner’s manual of your vehicle to make sure that you’re on track for car maintenance success.

Do you have car maintenance on your agenda? Our friendly staff at Carotech Automotive and Tires are ready to take your phone call at (424) 283-4303. In Los Angeles, CA car maintenance is critical. Consult our experts to receive the best car advice.

What are the Signs of a Bad Transmission?

Posted on July 31, 2019 by - Auto Repair

transmission repair los angeles 90035Some car problems are simple to diagnose. Whether you take your vehicle in Los Angeles, Ca or a Lombard, IL auto AC service, it’s easy to say “There’s no cool air coming out of the vents. Something’s wrong with the AC.” However, a failing transmission can have many potential symptoms, some of them fairly difficult to identify. If you aren’t careful, you could find yourself stuck out on the highway in dire need of transmission repair!

Today, we’re going to uncover some of the most frequent signs that your vehicle is having trouble with in transmission system. With these details you should be able to avoid an unpleasant situation on the roadway. Let’s get started!

What Does a Transmission Do?

The transmission manages your vehicle’s gear system, changing gears as needed while you accelerate or decelerate on the roadway. In automatic variants, the system activates gear changes without driver input, allowing for convenient shifting that preserves fuel economy by giving you just the right amount of power to travel at your given speed.

Why Do Transmissions Fail?

Unfortunately, transmission failure is a difficult challenge to avoid. What causes a transmission to go out? Some systems fail as a result of poor maintenance, such as a driver forgetting to replace transmission fluid in a timely manner. Low fluid or a clogged fluid filter can have disastrous consequences for your vehicle performance and safety.

Of course, long-term part wear may also produce significant hiccups in your transmissions performance. Have you ever heard the saying “Hurting people hurt people?” Well, damaged parts tend to damage other parts. If your transmission starts to display symptoms of malfunction (more on that later), you need to arrange service as soon as possible.

When to Repair Transmission

So how do you know when to drive down to your local mechanic and arrange repairs? As we’ve mentioned earlier, it’s prudent to arrange service as soon as you start noticing strange behavior from your transmission. This is especially true if you have a specialty vehicle that may demand extra time to source replacement parts.

What Happens When the Transmission Goes Out?

Okay! So we come now to the most important part of our discussion: the warning signs. What are the symptoms of a bad transmission?

  • A warning light and/or error code on your dashboard
  • Delayed movement when shifting out of park
  • The engine activates but doesn’t shift out of park
  • Whining noises or scraping noises during shifts
  • Signs of leaking red fluid (sometimes brown or dark red)

Many newer car models have advanced self-diagnostic abilities that offer more specific problems. When your vehicle generates an error code, it provides your mechanic with a quick summary of the problem under the hood.

Most likely however, you’ll feel the difference in driving performance if your transmission begins to degrade. Difficulty shifting, slipping gears, and whining noises quickly stand out as you zoom along the highway. While your system may not fail completely in one afternoon, it’s important that you arrange service as soon as you are able.

Transmission Repair or Replace?

This may be a difficult decision, especially as your vehicle grows older and more advanced in mileage. Replacement represents a significantly more expensive choice, but cyclical repair costs quickly add up over time too. If you’re vehicle is relatively new (less than 100,000 miles), swapping the transmission may seem like the obvious solution.

Before you jump at repairs or replacement, try researching your particular vehicle online. Some particular models routinely suffer from early transmission failure. If you are having a difficult time making a decision, take fifteen minutes to talk with your trusted auto repair mechanic and get their opinion. They’ll have inside insight into costing and expected part lifetime.

Transmission Repair vs Rebuild

There is a third option that some transmission repair shops may suggest, especially for luxury vehicles. For most problems, part repair offers a very affordable and lucrative way to resolve part wear. Damaged parts are simply replaced without too much fuss. However, replacing numerous parts in a completely worn down transmission is often way too expensive to be practical.

That’s where system rebuilds come in. The entire transmission system is shipped to the nearest manufacturing center (of your car’s brand) where each part is refurbished by that model’s specialist. This allows car owners to restore the entire system without replacing parts unnecessarily. Of course, this process does take significantly longer. It is usually cheaper than replacement however.

Need Professional Transmission Repair?

A faulty transmission system is a frustrating challenge to face on the roadway. Timely service could make all the difference, saving you from an emergency situation. At Carotech Automotive and Tires, our seasoned mechanics offer convenient, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for your vehicle. To arrange your professional transmission repair in Los Angeles, CA, call our team today at (424) 283-4303!

Can a Seized Engine be Fixed?

Posted on July 30, 2019 by - Auto Repair

auto-repair-west-los-angeles-90035-min

Car Engine Services

Owning a car is a huge responsibility. They are high-demand, high-performance machines that require regular attention and maintenance, most importantly, maintaining the engine. It’s recommended to get your oil changed between every 3,000 and 5,000 miles. In fact, just maintaining the oil in your car can help extend the life of your car engine. While there are, of course, several other important things to do to maintain your car engine, maintaining the oil levels can be the difference between needing a few repairs and needing a complete engine replacement. Failure to keep up with your oil can lead to internal damages, the most serious problem being an engine seizure. When your engine seizes there possibilities are few and far between to correct the issue.

Seized Engine or Dead Battery

Often times, when an engine won’t start many think the issue is with the battery. In some instances, that is true. If you’ve left your headlights on overnight or a door was not closed all the way can drain the battery, rendering your car inoperable. The difference between a dead battery and a seized engine will be what operates and what doesn’t. When your battery is dead, your car won’t start and neither will the electronic components. On the flip side, when your engine has seized, the electronic components may work, but your car won’t turn over.

What are the signs of a seized engine?

Before your engine completely stops working, there should be several indicators that it will or may seize soon. The two most obvious being the check engine light is on and a knocking or clunking sound coming from the engine. With that in mind, what actually causes an engine to seize?

Seized car engine causes:

Insufficient oil level: when the oil level is low, your engine overheats, parts melt, and the bearings ultimately become damaged.

Accumulation of water: water is not compressible like gasoline and can cause an engine to seize.

Accumulation of rust: when a car is unused for a long period of time, rust builds up, causing the engine to seize when use is attempted.

Faulty parts: this is rare, but has happened and it is why drivers should be aware of parts recalls on their vehicles.

Because of the causes listed above, a car will be at greater chance to seize than a car that has sufficient oil and maintenance. If for whatever reason, your oil levels are low, there is too much water in your engine, or you just haven’t driven your car in a while, there are several things to look for to determine if your engine has seized.

Seized car engine symptoms:

Loud cranking/clunking sounds: this is because the starter is hitting the flywheel because there is insufficient lubrication.

Piston visible: when looking at the engine, the piston may be visible because the loose components will lodge into another part of the engine with enough force.

Fumes/smoke: since the engine can’t turn over, fumes, smoke, and even fire can happen – all of which are a sure sign of an engine seizure.

Nothing: the most tell-tale sign of a seized engine is when nothing happens. When your car won’t start no matter how hard you try.

It’s important to note that it is incredibly unlikely to have an engine seized without warning. There are almost always signs that can indicate potential seizing or failure such as: knocking noises, poor engine performance, oil light is on, and more. At the end of the day, most engine failure is because of poor maintenance, specifically a lack of oil in your engine. At this time, there is debate as to whether you should use conventional or synthetic oil in your car. Either option has benefits and drawbacks, and the mechanics with Carotech Automotive and Tires can discuss this in detail with you. Call us today, (424) 283-4303, to discuss our services further.

Understanding a Seized Engine Diagnosis

If a mechanic has diagnosed your engine as seized, unfortunately, there are few options readily available to you. Depending on the severity of the damage, most mechanics will suggest a complete replacement rather than attempt a repair. This could be because, ultimately, repairs are more costly overall than just going through and replacing the engine. For the mechanics at Carotech Automotive in Los Angeles, CA engine rebuild is an option they can offer and provide. In this case, they will go through to essentially rebuild your engine from scratch, rather than go through to repair the damaged parts. Sometimes a replacement is less expensive and more applicable to your situation, but every car and case is different. It will all come down to the extent of the damage done.

Whatever it is you need, Carotech Automotive and Tires are experts when it comes to rebuilding an engine as well as engine replacements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between a motor and an engine?
No, engine and motor are used interchangeably with vehicles

Is it worth it to replace an engine?
There is no definite yes or no answer, because it will come down to the extent of the damage done to your engine. If a good mechanic from a reputable business believes that repairs will get the job done, then replacing your engine could be a waste of time and money. This would be something to discuss further with a mechanic.

How much does it cost to replace an engine?
Car owners should expect to pay anywhere between $2,250 and $4,000, or approximately 10% to 20% of the cost of a new vehicle, to replace the engine in their car

What does a seized engine mean?
A seized engine means the electronics in your vehicle may still work (i.e. the radio, A/C, etc.) but the engine itself will not turn over. Instead, you may hear a knocking or clunking sound.

Contact Carotech Automotive and Tires, (424) 283-4303, for car engine servicing in the Los Angeles, CA area.

Getting the Most Engine Power From Your Vehicle

Posted on July 30, 2019 by - Auto Repair

Cars are an important part of everyday life. They help us get to work, home, soccer practice for the kids, musical recitals, and even give us entertainment through NASCAR and Monster Truck rallies. There are those that like the style and look of the older cars, and others who enjoy the comfort, convenience, and the safety features of the newer model of cars. Whatever your preference is, it is important to make sure that your car is running properly and that you are getting the most out of your engine power from your vehicle.

What is Engine Power and Torque?

Power and torque are what is produced from the engine when you turn on your car and press on the accelerator. Air and fuel combust together causing the crankshaft, the transmission, and the drive axles to convert the potential energy of your car into kinetic energy. Here are a few of the textbook definitions to make it easier to understand your car’s engine.

Power – How rapidly work is accomplished.

Engine Power Efficiency – refers to the relationship between the total energy contained in the fuel, and the amount of energy required for it to perform.

Engine Power Output – refers to the maximum amount of power an engine can put out. In a car, this is often referred to as horsepower. In the United States, horse-power is used to show how much work is required to pull 33,000 pounds a distance of one foot per minute.

Torque – is a rotating force produced by an engine’s crankshaft. This helps determine how much work can be done. The higher torque results in a higher ability to perform work.

What Causes Poor Engine Performance?

It’s terrifying to be driving on the interstate and you go to accelerate, and your car either feels like it isn’t responding or it is losing power. The causes for this kind of problem are usually a result of mechanical failures, such as low compressions, where the cylinders are not producing enough increase in pressure during the combustion process. Other problems include but are not limited to:

Camshafts control the valves in the combustion chamber of a vehicle.

Camshaft Position Sensors Malfunctioning
The Camshaft Position Sensor is designed to give the electronic control module information on how fast the camshaft is operating in your car. (The camshaft is a set of cams that work the valves in the combustion chamber of your car.) The control module then dictates when the fuel injector and the ignition should go off. If this is malfunctioning, this will cause your car to jerk as the engine doesn’t have enough power to accelerate when being asked to.

Clogged or Bad Fuel Injectors
Fuel injectors spray fuel inside the engine. Bad fuel injectors could delay when the fuel is being sprayed into your engine, resulting in lower performance and ultimately leading to the engine not being able to produce enough power to run the vehicle.

Bad Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are located in your car’s combustion chamber. They send a signal that causes an electric spark in the combustion chamber, allowing the air and the fuel mixture to ignite, and send the needed energy for your engine to perform. With bad spark plugs, this reaction becomes more and more delayed, resulting in the weakening of your engine power and ultimately a failing of the engine.

All of these malfunctioning parts will result in your engine and your vehicle losing power. If left unchecked or unresolved, then your vehicle will ultimately fail, and result in costly repairs. It is important to keep your vehicle running smoothly, so noticing any sort of jerking or a change in the way a car rides is a good indicator that your car needs a tune-up.

What Can I Do To Correct My Car’s Loss of Power?

When it comes to your engine, it is the brain and heart of your car. If it is having trouble, it is time to take it in for a much-needed tune-up. At Carotech Automotive and Tires, we specialize in making sure that your engine is running smoothly, resulting in a reliable car and a happy client.

We can provide engine rebuilds, which focuses on finding broken parts and replacing them with parts that not only fit your engine but help it run more smoothly. Engine rebuilds are not only more economically friendly, but it is also a good way to make sure that the rest of the engine is running smoothly, and if not, that the hidden problem is taken care of in a timely and efficient manner.

We also offer engine replacements which can be helpful if you find your car is really fickle and needs extra care. In the long run, an engine replacement can be more cost-efficient, as it saves you from the hassle of having other parts of the engine malfunctioning. A new engine will guarantee that your runs like it is brand new.

Trust Carotech to keep your car up and running like new.

At Carotech Automotive and Tires, we are dedicated to making sure that you leave with a car that is reliable and able to keep up with the different pulls of life. We are always honest about the repairs your car needs and will not try to push unneeded equipment your way. We are passionate about cars and even more passionate about helping you get safely back on the road. If you are experiencing trouble, call (424) 283-4303 for our honest hard working automotive mechanics in Los Angeles, CA.

What Type of Tire is Best for You?

Posted on July 30, 2019 by - Auto Repair

best-tires-west-los-angeles-minWhen buying new tires for your vehicle, there will be a lot of options. If you are not familiar with different types of tires, this can seem pretty overwhelming. If you know a few things about the types of car you drive and what you want out of your tire, choosing them won’t be as difficult. For example, if you take touring tires vs performance tires, you will see that touring tires are rated for all season. That means that they can be driven during any type of weather and are good on your vehicle all year round. This is a great option for the people that live in climates that get very cold, but also want to drive regular tires during the rest of the year. This way you don’t have to worry about changing your tires out through the different seasons and you will still remain safe. Performance tires are typically for people that drive sports cars and want to be able to increase their handling capabilities and have different traction when driving in areas that are wet or dry. These tires are usually thinner so that there is more grip to the road which will allow the driver to make sharper turns and even take off faster. The different tire types explained here are just a few of the money different options that you can choose from. If you just need a tire that will get you by, you can always go the cheaper route. The problem with this is that it will not last as long and it will not grip the road the same way that other types of tires will.

Questions About Types Of Tires

What do tire codes mean?
The different numbers that you see on the side of your tires, are telling you what size tire is needed for that car. Every vehicle will take a different type of tire. For example, a Land Rover will not have the same type of tire as a Mustang. When you take your vehicle in for a tire service, they will be able to tell you exactly what size tire you need. You should write those numbers down and when you need tires again, you will have that information already instead of having to go look on the tire again.

Can I have two different types of tires?
You can have two different types of tires, but you should make sure that they are the exact same size. You should also try to change your tires at the same time so that the tread will all wear evenly. If you put new tires on at all different times, the tread will wear differently on each of them and then they will never match up because you will constantly be having to change a different one.

What is the difference between all season and all weather tires?
All season tires are a fine choice for weather that is mild all year round. What we mean by this is that they work fine in all weather conditions but do not excel in any one place. If you live in an area that gets heavy snow, these probably are not the tire for you. All weather tires are better equipped for snow because they are built with that in mind. If you want a tire specifically for snow, you will want to get actual winter tires, but if not, these will do if you aren’t doing anything too intense.

What type of tires should I get?
This will all depend on the type of vehicle you have and what you want out of your tires. The best thing you can do is give us a call and we will be able to give you options with prices.

What is an H rating on a tire?
Every rating on the tire will be able to tell you how fast of a speed that these tires can handle. For example, an H rating will have a maximum speed of 130 mph and typically are seen on sports sedan coupes. This is considered a high-performance rating because of the speed that it can stand.

What type of tires do I need?
If you are looking for a basic tire that will get you where you need to go, safely, and you won’t be doing any racing, off-roading, or driving through crazy weather, you are probably safe to get an all-season tire. This will be able to keep you safe on the road and are usually the most cost-effective. The best thing you can do is to ask a professional though so that you get exactly what you need.

List Of Different Types Of Tires

  • All Season Car Tires
  • Performance All-Season Car Tires
  • Ultra High-Performance Tires
  • Winter Tires
  • Performance Winter Tires

With so many different types of tires out there, it is always best to call Carotech Automotive and Tires to let us give you some options and show you exactly what is out there. If you want to know all about the different types of tires in Los Angeles, CA, make sure you call (424) 283-4303 so that we can help you in any way that we can.

Taking Care Of Your Car

Posted on July 30, 2019 by - Car Maintenance

auto-maintenance-los-angelesTaking care of your vehicle is something that you will need to do in order for it to continue to run properly. There is nothing worse than having car troubles when you need to be somewhere…like work. There are many things that you can do at home to take care of your car, but if you want to have someone else do it, you can always take it into a car shop and have mechanics look at it to be sure. It doesn’t matter if you need exhaust maintenance in New Jersey or an oil change in LA, car maintenance is so important to keep up with. With so many resources to use, you can look up your tires normal psi online or check your oil using the dipstick to make sure that those things are always looking good.

4 Regular Maintenance Tips To Always Do

Oil Change – An oil change is essential for you to have a running car. If you do not get an oil change done regularly, the engine in your vehicle could lock up and be useless.

Tire Rotation – Rotating your tires will keep them from wearing too much on one side rather than wearing the same all over like it should be.

Coolant – Having your coolant checked is important so that your vehicle does not overheat.

Brakes – Brakes are so important and should be checked at every appointment so that you are always safe on the road.

Making sure that you do your car maintenance in Los Angeles, Ca is so important, especially driving all over in traffic, you don’t want to break down on the side of the road. Give Carotech Automotive and Tires a call at (424) 283-4303 for proper care.