Santa Monica Auto Repair

Fall is officially here, and the winter is fast approaching. There’s still enough time to get in some fall vehicle maintenance before the weather gets cold. The Fall is the perfect opportunity to give your vehicle a little facelift to keep it running strong throughout the next year. A little TLC can make a huge difference in vehicle performance and gas mileage. Below are five tips to help protect your investment.  Check the Brakes and Tires The brakes and tires are two of your vehicle’s most important safety aspects, and sometimes as drivers, we can be guilty of neglecting them. Have your tire tread checked to ensure that they are wearing evenly. This ensures there isn’t an alignment or balance problem. An inspection is also an excellent opportunity to have them inflated to the correct tire pressure.  Check the Engine Filter A dirty air filter can drastically decrease vehicle performance. Have your trusted mechanic replace it with a c ... read more

Let’s face it, during the summer months, we all think of our cars as our cool comfort or refuge amidst a hot humid day. You want to reach your car as quickly as possible and bask in the relief it provides. However, in some cases, when you turn your A/C on, warm air comes out, or there’s a musty smell coming out of the vents. In these types of situations, it’s best to seek the help of a licensed auto repair shop to provide you with a car A/C service to prevent any major issues in the long run. It’s best to have regular maintenance or checkup so that you can count on your A/C system whenever you are on the road. Most car owners have visual hints that indicate the need for a repair but in some cases, only an expert car mechanic and state-of-the-art tools can detect a hidden problem with your air conditioning. If you wish to avoid inconveniences and costly car A/C repair bills, you should visit your local auto repair center for a car A/C service at least once a ye ... read more

The cooling system in your BMW is vital to protecting your vehicle's engine and ensuring a long lifespan. The job of the cooling system is to regulate the temperature of the engine and prevent it from overheating. It also helps to protect against metal to metal contact, which can be damaging.  With a system so important to the health of your engine, keeping it in good condition at all times is vital. If you do suspect a problem with your vehicle's cooling system or a coolant leak, it is important to have it addressed and repaired as quickly as possible.  Here are some of the signs that can indicate your BMW needs a cooling system repair:  Engine is overheating Steam coming from under the hood Low coolant levels Coolant leak Decreased fuel efficiency High reading on temperature gauge  White exhaust smoke Being familiar with the warning signs of a cooling system issue can save you hundreds on repairs. Engine trouble is never fun to deal with and can b ... read more

The fourth of July is a special day when it comes to celebrating our freedom here in the United States and gathering with loved ones for a good time. While we may not be able to celebrate how we used to, there is still an opportunity to gather with a small group of loved ones and enjoy the day. Many families will be firing up the grill, eating their favorite foods, and lighting up some fireworks. With the increase in vehicles on the road and the high amount of people out having a good time, it is important to remember a couple of ways in which we can stay safe during this holiday.  Here are some tips on how to remain safe during the fourth of July this year:  If you are gathering with others or publicly, don't forget to wear your mask and practice social distancing. Also, wash your hands regularly or after touching any public surfaces, sanitize often, and avoid touching your face.    Have a ride planned if you are consuming alcohol - don't drink and driv ... read more

The engine is one of the most important components of your vehicle and should be regularly serviced in order to protect the integrity of your vehicle. At 26th Street Auto Center in Los Angeles, CA, our ASE certified mechanics are experienced and specially trained to work on engines in all makes and models of vehicles. If you suspect an issue with your vehicle’s engine or are due for an engine service, bring your vehicle to our full service auto repair shop and we will determine the exact cause of the issue. We will get you back on the road quickly and safely.  We know that dealing with engine trouble can be stressful. If you do suspect that you need an engine repair or service, chances are you are probably dealing with one or more of the following symptoms:  Check engine light turns on Engine stalls Lack of power Lowered gas mileage  If you notice any of the issues above, don’t hesitate to bring your vehicle into our experts as soon as possible. Our pro ... read more

The brakes of your vehicle are vital when it comes to your safety. They allow you to slow or stop on the road when you need to, which is so important to safe driving. Although brake issue don’t happen all the time, it is still important to know when your brake pads may need to be replaced in order to maintain brake efficiency.  The brake pads are the part in your brake system that helps to gently stop your tires from rotating when you step on the brake pedal. When you apply pressure on the brakes, the brake pads will press against the rotor to slow down or stop the wheels from moving. With worn down brake pads, metal to metal damage can occur to brake components.  Typically, brake pads will last anywhere between 25,000 and 65,000 miles, with the average around 40,000 miles. How long your brake pads last will also depend on the quality of the brake pads and your individual driving habits. If you are constantly slamming on your vehicle's brakes, you m ... read more

At 26th Street Auto Center, we want our valuable customers to know that our shop is still open for business. We know that we are all dealing with very uncertain times with the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus. However, auto care is still an essential need for our community and we want you to know that we are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of our patrons and staff.  While remaining open, ensuring that we taking the proper precautions to ensure your health and safety is a priority. We are following the CDC's recommendations by constantly cleaning and sanitizing our lobby area, high-touch surfaces, and work stations. We will also make sure to sanitize your vehicle when it comes into our shop and when it leaves, while also implementing the use of gloves and other protection items. We are also requiring that any employees who may feel ill stay home until they are completely healthy again.  If you need a service or repair performed but need special ar ... read more

If you've been a car driver for years, chances are you've heard of your vehicle's shocks and struts. The shocks, or shock absorbers, are vital components of your vehicle's suspension system. They are attached to the car body and suspension system and are used to absorb road shock, as their name would imply. This helps to give you a smooth and consistent ride.  So, what is exactly is a shock absorber? It is essentially a cylindrical container that is filled with gas or liquid. While mounted from suspension system to the frame of your vehicle, the pistons inside the shocks will move up or down against the liquid or gas when you drive over bumps or uneven terrain.  Shocks definitely are a heavily used car component since they absorb so much energy each day. Typically over time, the gas or liquid inside the shock will leak after the shocks have been worn out. This will results in a very rocky or uncomfortable ride, and can also lead to excessive tire wear and lo ... read more

Spark plugs - you've probably heard about them but aren't entirely sure of their importance or how to best maintain them. Spark plugs have a really important job when it comes to getting your car to run. The spark plugs deliver the spark needed to ignite the air/fuel mixture in the engine. Without the spark, your car may not run and if it does, the performance will be poor and so will the emissions.  A telling sign of bad spark plugs is a engine that cranks but won't start. If the engine runs and misfires, this can indicate at least one of the spark plugs is bad. Since the spark plugs are considered an electronic component of your vehicle and do a lot of work when it comes to starting the engine, they will wear down over a certain mileage.  So, how often do the spark plugs need to be replaced? The best resource is to check your specific vehicle's manufacturer recommendations. The typically interval is anywhere between 30,000 and 45,000 miles. If its bee ... read more

We know that winter driving can be stressful, especially when you try to stay off the roads in times of winter storms and snow. The best thing you can do to be as prepared as possible when hitting the road in the winter is by ensuring that your vehicle is ready to handle the cold weather.  An inspection at our shop can help guarantee that your vehicle is in the best condition to stay reliable through the winter weather, and if not, we can help make the repairs necessary to get your vehicle where it needs to be.  Here are some of the top causes of winter vehicle breakdowns:  Engine overheating - Motor oil runs thicker in cold temperatures, making it harder for it to circulate and keep your car running smoothly—and prevent it from overheating. A dead battery - It’s harder for car batteries to produce a charge in winter — meaning it might not be able to produce enough energy to start your car when you turn the key. Radiator failure - You left your veh ... read more