Santa Monica Auto Repair

Vehicle diagnostics play a crucial role in identifying and resolving issues with modern automobiles before they start to shop and wreak havoc. Thanks to advancements in technology, automotive diagnostics have become more efficient and accurate, enabling mechanics and car enthusiasts to pinpoint problems and perform effective repairs.  But what is so special about this type of procedure? Can't it be done at home? Well, the short answer is no because it takes a lot of tools and skill to do it properly. If you want to learn about the long answer, here are the tools that are used in a vehicle diagnostic: 1. OBD-II Scanner The On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) scanner is a vital tool in modern vehicle diagnostics. It connects to the vehicle's OBD-II port, typically located under the dashboard, and retrieves diagnostic information from the car's computer system. The scanner can read fault codes, monitor sensor data, and provide valuable information about t ... read more

When your car is on the road non-stop, it comes in contact with all kinds of things like bad weather and even hail storms. The paint can get damaged or at least scratched. When your car's ceramic coating wears off, or it doesn't have one at all, the paint starts to chip away and uncover the metal.  If you have ever wondered why your car's paint looks weird, continue reading to find out the potential reasons for that problem. You will also discover one of the best places for ceramic coatings in Los Angeles, CA, and the surrounding area. Flaking Or Peeling Off An obvious sign of ceramic coat deterioration is the clear top layer starting to peel off or flake away. This can start as a little chip in the paint and become a big problem, sometimes affecting the exterior panels. When the clear coat is damaged, your paint is susceptible to rust over time. Deep Scratches Scratches are normal for vehicles, but deep ones aren't. This is b ... read more

One of the most frequently asked vehicle-related questions is whether an automatic or manual transmission is preferable. But nowadays, the question has almost disappeared because of the large number of automatic vehicles being produced. Strangely enough, some people still choose a manual, but why is the real question? Below, you will find a simple answer to this question, as well as the key differences between the two types of transmission.  Automatic Transmission The automatic transmission has a clear advantage in comparison with the manual alternative. The gear shifting is automatic, as the name implies, and is controlled by a complex system that changes the gears. There are also automatic transmissions with paddle shifters (flaps located behind the wheel), which can be controlled by the driver in order to change gears. One of the drawbacks is the mechanism, which is extremely complex and requires a lot of maintenance and care to function properly.   ... read more

Ceramic coating is a type of protective coating that can be applied to a vehicle's exterior to provide long-lasting protection against light scratches, weathering, UV rays, and other forms of damage. And when talking about the benefits, many people don't know about them or only know that they are good. That's why we have made a list of four benefits you get right after ceramic coating your car. 1. Long-Lasting Protection Ceramic coating provides a durable and long-lasting layer of protection that can last for years, depending on the product used. It is resistant to fading, chipping, and scratches, which can help keep your vehicle looking new for longer. It also protects your paint from harmful UV rays that change the color over time. 2. Easier To Clean If you clean your car at home, investing in a ceramic coating is a smart move. It creates a hydrophobic surface that repels water, dirt, and other contaminants. This makes it much easier ... read more

The ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) is an important safety feature in modern vehicles that helps drivers maintain control of their vehicle during emergency braking situations. The ABS system uses sensors and control modules to monitor the speed of the wheels and modulate the brakes to prevent them from locking up, which can cause the wheels to skid and reduce braking effectiveness. The ABS light is an indicator on the dashboard that alerts drivers to a problem with the ABS system. If the ABS light illuminates, it means that the ABS system has detected an issue that needs to be addressed. There are a number of reasons why the ABS light might come on, including: ABS Control Module Failure: The ABS control module is responsible for processing information from the ABS sensors and controlling the brake system. If the control module fails, the ABS light will come on, indicating that the ABS system is no longer functioning. ABS Sensor Failure: The ABS sensors are responsible for monitoring th ... read more

Tesla vehicles have become one of the most popular cars in the last decade and for a good reason. While they are famous for their unique, modern design, Tesla paint is not the best on the market. It is not inferior. If you want to keep your Tesla looking like new throughout the years, ceramic coating is a great, long-term solution.  As mentioned in his last blog, ceramic coatings are a popular service, especially for Tesla vehicles. Even with a new Tesla, all cars depreciate with time. To keep your Tesla’s value, you can prevent chips, scratches, and other aesthetic imperfections with ceramic coating application.  Ceramic coating is a much more effective solution compared to a wash and wax. It works by covering the paint with a permanent chemical bond. Whereas, waxing requires frequent upkeep because it lasts only for a couple of weeks. Furthermore, wax is limited in terms of the level of protection. The ceramic coating protects you from all types of elements, inclu ... read more

Ceramic coating is a newer and more advanced method of surface protection for automobiles today. We are proud to offer this service using Ceramic Pro products at 26th Street Auto Center. If you want to uphold your vehicle's paint job, then read on to learn about the many benefits of ceramic coating. Many people wonder whether ceramic coating application is actually worth it. Is it more effective than washing your car monthly or even weekly? More effective than wax and polish? The answer is yes. Ceramic coating is far more effective at getting rid of aesthetic blemishes such as scratches, stains, and grime. It might sound too good to be true, but that is why everyone is raving about it. Ceramic coating, also known as nano-ceramic coating, is a chemical solution applied to the exterior of automobiles to protect its paint job. It stands to be a better and more effective alternative to waxing. The primary difference that distinguishes ceramic coat ... read more

Is your car engine cranking over and over again without a successful start? By the time the car actually starts (if you’re lucky), you’re probably already late for work or school. Many drivers experience this problem at least once in their lives, but what could it be? Most issues relating to slow car starts are related to the starting system. Read on to learn more about the starter and the list of reasons behind your slow engine starts.  How the Starting System and Ignition System Works When you turn your car key in the ignition or press the push-to-start button, you trigger a battery-powered electric motor. The motor starts the engine’s rotation, which combines and retrieves a balanced mix of air and fuel. Once that reaches the engine, the ignition system provides a spark provided by spark plugs (of course). Once the fuel and air are ignited, the process is started. All in all, the starter system comprises many parts that need to work for the entire process ... read more

Tires are the most important part of our cars. They need to be at the right pressure and have the right amount of tread depth for you to travel safely on the road. Most cars on the road nowadays have sensors that serve to measure your tires’ vitals. The one we will be discussing today is the TPMS, or tire pressure monitoring system. When the TPMS recognizes a loss in tire pressure, it will illuminate a warning light on your dashboard. When you catch this light, you should quickly measure your pressure and refill your tires with the right amount of air. Hopefully, you don’t wait too long as it can have adverse effects on your tires, causing you to have to replace them a lot sooner. Your manufacturer specifically specifies the pressure at which your tires should be to ensure optimal vehicle efficiency and performance. At that given psi range, the tires on your vehicle will safely handle the full weight of the vehicle. On the other hand, ignoring the warning and continuing ... read more

Whether you are new or old to driving, most drivers on the road don’t even know what their dashboard warning lights mean. Driving like this can be very dangerous, especially when one pops up on your dashboard mid-drive. Before you know it, you car might break down, emit excess smoke, or worse. For the safety of you and your vehicle, it is imperative you understand what these warning lights mean and what to do when they illuminate in your vehicle. Below are the top 3 dashboard warning signals that you should never ignore: Check Engine Light The check engine light is feared by many drivers for a good reason: it has so many reasons for why it might come on. They range from very minor, like a broken gas cap, to severe, like a clogged catalytic converter. When this light comes on, check your gas lid before anything else. If the gas cap is closed, we recommend taking your car to our auto repair shop for engine diagnostics. Coolant Temperature Warning Light This symbol might not be ... read more