Category: Auto Info

Maintenance & Service Checklist For Los Angeles Audis

Posted on February 9, 2023 by Gary Kasbarian - Auto Info, Car Maintenance

Audi is a luxury car brand that offers superior performance, comfort, and style. However, to keep your Audi running smoothly, it’s important to have regular maintenance checks and services. Proper maintenance will not only extend the life of your car, but also keep it performing optimally and looking great. Here’s a checklist of Audi maintenance and service items that should be performed on a regular basis.

Engine Oil & Filter Change

The engine oil and filter should be changed every 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. Clean oil is essential for engine performance and longevity. Regular oil changes will help to remove contaminants and prevent build-up, which can cause engine damage.

Tire Rotation

A tire rotation should be performed every 10,000 miles. This will ensure that your tires wear evenly, which will increase their lifespan and improve your car’s handling and stability.

Brake Inspection

Brakes are critical to the safety of your Audi. It’s important to have them inspected regularly to ensure they’re working properly. Brake pads should be replaced when they reach a thickness of 3mm. Additionally, brake fluid should be changed every two years.

Battery Check

The battery should be checked regularly to ensure it’s holding a charge. If your battery is older than three years, it’s recommended that you replace it. A failing battery can cause all sorts of problems, from engine starting issues to electrical problems.

Air Filter Replacement

The air filter should be replaced every 10,000 miles. A dirty air filter can cause decreased engine performance and reduced fuel efficiency.

Coolant Flush

Coolant should be flushed every two years. A coolant flush will remove any contaminants that may have accumulated in the coolant system, ensuring that your engine runs at the correct temperature and preventing damage.

Transmission Service

The transmission should be serviced every 50,000 miles. A transmission service will help to keep the transmission working smoothly and prevent damage from occurring.

Fuel System Cleaning

The fuel system should be cleaned every 20,000 miles. A dirty fuel system can cause reduced engine performance and decreased fuel efficiency.

Suspension Inspection

The suspension should be inspected regularly to ensure that it’s functioning properly. If your car is bouncing or leaning to one side, it’s a sign that the suspension may need to be serviced.

Engine Drive Belt Inspection

The engine drive belt should be inspected every 10,000 miles. If the belt is frayed, cracked, or worn, it should be replaced. A failing engine drive belt can cause engine damage or cause the alternator to stop working.

Spark Plug Replacement

Spark plugs should be replaced every 40,000 miles. Spark plugs are responsible for delivering the spark that starts the engine. If they’re worn or damaged, they can cause misfires and decreased engine performance.

Exhaust System Inspection

The exhaust system should be inspected every 20,000 miles. If there are any leaks or cracks in the exhaust system, they should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent fumes from entering the cabin and to improve fuel efficiency.

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your Audi running smoothly and performing at its best. By following this checklist, you can ensure that your car stays in top condition for years to come. If you’re unsure about any of these services or need help with maintenance, be sure to consult one of our qualified Audi technicians.

Book An Appointment At Carotech Automotive For Your Audi Maintenance

At Carotech Automotive, we provide trustworthy Audi maintenance and service that is tailored to your car’s needs. Our experienced technicians guarantee prompt, reliable service every time you book an appointment with us. With years of automotive know-how, Carotech Automotive offers comprehensive knowledge in all facets of Audi maintenance and servicing. Whether it’s for a routine check-up or repair work, our team is dedicated to helping you keep your Audi running smoothly.

At Carotech Automotive, we are dedicated to providing impeccable customer service and high-quality car services throughout Los Angeles, CA. Our certified mechanics will help you diagnose problems accurately and quickly, so that any needed repairs can be done right away. Additionally, we make it as easy as possible to book an appointment with us: simply call or go online and fill out the form.

No matter what type of repair you may need, our reliable technicians are here to make sure your car is functioning properly so you can drive more safely. So book an appointment with us today and experience the highest standards of private automotive care around.

Are Los Angeles Smart Cars Unreliable?

Posted on October 13, 2022 by Gary Kasbarian - Auto Info

As they continue to grow in popularity in the US, Smart cars are generally regarded as being quite dependable automobiles. But even the most reliable vehicles occasionally experience recurring problems. If you drive a Smart car or are considering purchasing one, you should be aware of these issues.

Smart Automobile Co., Ltd., a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Swatch (a Swiss watch company), is the firm that makes Smart cars. Actually, the word “Smart” is an acronym for Swatch Mercedes ART.

Smart cars are typically quite dependable because of the tradition of Swiss commitment to quality and Mercedes’ skilled German engineering, but this does not imply that they are completely trouble-free.

Aside from its intriguing moniker origin, Smart is recognized for its city cars that can fit into even the smallest spaces and has made a name for itself in the mainstream auto market.

Are smart cars reliable?

Smart cars are generally quite dependable. Because of their excellent engineering, problems are not frequent. Their overall reliability score is really 4.0 out of 5, which places them 10th out of 32 major automakers.

To begin with, smart cars exist to lessen pollution. These eco-friendly cars consume less gasoline, and some, like hybrids, are even solar- or electricity-powered. By doing this, the volume of environmental contaminants emitted into the air is further reduced. Another great thing about them is that they can also be easily parked in small and tight places. Having easy access to parking may not seem important, but it can be a lifesaver when you’ve spent a long time driving around blocks looking for a spot to accommodate your car.

But what makes smart cars seem unreliable?

Despite all that has been mentioned above, a car’s reliability is determined by many factors other than just how frequently it experiences issues. Issues like the cost of the corresponding repairs, fuel prices, and size among many other issues are further key considerations.

The cost of repairs

Their repair expenses could be one reason why they have such poor reliability ratings. Many people have mentioned this as a problem when the car experiences issues and needs repairs. High maintenance costs frequently result in the car being taken off the road for an extended period of time while the needed parts are sourced and replaced. This issue may significantly reduce reliability.

Safety

Although smart car safety has evolved significantly since the past, it will still fall short in accident tests compared to other cars. Smart cars come equipped with the necessary safety features, such as airbags, cutting-edge brake systems, and the crucial safety cage. They are made with remarkable safety measures despite their small size. However, a collision of any kind in such a small car could result in serious damage.

Premium Fuel

All Smart cars, whether hybrid or not, require fuel to operate. And regrettably, premium fuel can be pretty expensive. While the gas mileage has improved, it’s still important to keep in mind that filling up the tank still costs lots of money.

Limited Space

You might notice that the same thing listed as a pro is also featured as a con. The small size of a smart car can, unfortunately, occasionally be a serious drawback. First of all, there is actually no room for more than one passenger. These vehicles are not meant for shared travel. Additionally, if you’re going shopping, you need to take the limited room into account. It fills up quicker than you may imagine. Families can not use smart cars as their official means of transportation.

Carotech Automotive Can Meet All Your Smart Car Needs

Considering the smart car is such an expensive purchase, it’s important to make an informed choice. If you’re in Los Angeles, we at Carotech Automotive and Tires are available to answer any questions or inquiries you might have about a Smart car. Additionally, if you’ve already committed to making the world a cleaner place, our top-notch services and repairs can help you keep your car in great condition. Our skilled experts can provide your smart car with any maintenance and repairs you may need. Contact Carotech Automotive by phone or stop by if you are in the Los Angeles area.

* Smart Car image credit goes to: Terroa.

The Pros And Cons Of Owning A Smart Car By The Experts Of Los Angeles

Posted on June 19, 2021 by Gary Kasbarian - Auto Info

Helping the environment is becoming a more popular idea among people and companies. We invest in solar-powered items, energy-efficient products, and other methods of being environmentally friendly. For many, buying a smart car is an option that fits with the goal helping the environment. This choice has both lovers and haters. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of owning a smart car.

Advantages Of Owning A Smart Car

There are several pros to making this considerable investment. They’re the green choice, they’re easy to park, and they’re relatively quiet when operating. The following are the advantages of owning a smart car.

Environmentally Friendly

To begin, smart cars are here to reduce pollution. These green vehicles use less gas, and some are even solar-powered or use electricity as fuel, such as in hybrids. This further helps to decrease the amount of chemical pollution released into the air.

Interestingly, many store owners and commercial buildings reserve parking specifically for smart cars. This is to act as an incentive for this environmentally-friendly decision of investing in a smart car.

Compact Size

Parking is a headache in most cities. If you live or work in a large city, then you’re aware of the struggle to find some space for your automobile. Fortunately, smart cars are compact. They can be conveniently parked in smaller and tighter spaces. It may not seem like a big deal, but when you’ve spent ages driving around blocks looking for a place to fit your vehicle, it’s a huge lifesaver to be able to park easily.

As mentioned above, it’s also a massive advantage that some places will reserve parking strictly for smart cars. Additionally, because of the small size of the interior, you’ll never have to worry about anyone asking you to help them move!

Reduced Sound Pollution

Ever wake up in the middle of the night from your neighbor’s car engine making loud sputtering sounds? If they had a smart car, this would not be an issue. Smart cars are very quiet compared to your average vehicles. The way they are engineered helps to reduce sound pollution. Imagine how quiet a large city would be if everyone had a smart car.

Disadvantages Of Owning A Smart Car

Smart cars have numerous advantages, but they also have their share of disadvantages. These are some of the cons of choosing a smart car.

Limited Space: It may catch your attention to see the same aspect listed as a pro also to be called a con. Unfortunately, the truth is that the tiny size of a smart car can be a significant disadvantage at times. To start, you can’t really fit more than just one passenger. These autos are not for group travel. Also, if you’re going shopping, you have to consider the lack of space. It fills up faster than you’d think. Smart cars are not meant to be family cars.
Safety: Whereas the safety of smart cars is now years more advanced than before, it’s still not going to beat the crash tests of an average automobile. Smart cars have the necessary precautions, including airbags, advanced braking systems, and the essential safety cage. Despite their small size, they are designed with notable safety features. Nonetheless, a collision of any kind in a small vehicle could be a major problem.
Premium Fuel: Smart cars, whether they are hybrids or not, are all vehicles that still need gas. And sadly, this premium fuel can be quite costly. There is indeed better gas mileage, but it’s still important to consider that fueling up will still require money.

Carotech Automotive of Los Angeles Can Help

All in all, when making any large purchase, it’s necessary to look at both sides of the reviews. At Carotech Automotive And Tires in LA, we’re here to help you with any questions you have. And if you’ve already made the jump to making the world a cleaner place, then our premium-quality services and repairs can help keep your vehicle top-notch. Our mechanics are highly trained to give your smart car the care it needs. If you’re in the Los Angeles area, call or visit us at Carotech Automotive today.

* Smart Car image credit goes to: Carotech Automotive Smart Car Repair.