Santa Monica Auto Repair

How to know if you have air in your brake lines Among some of the things playing a vital role in your vehicle are the brakes. When you want to slow down or make a complete stop, you step on your brake pedals. Faulty brakes can lead to accidents and eventually loss of lives. Well, this happens to every other driver sometimes when you want to slow down or make a stop. You step on the brake pedals and the brake pedal feels very soft and spongy than they usually are. This is a common sign that there is air in your brake lines and it's time you get your car checked by professionals. Let's look at some of the symptoms that indicate your brake lines have air in them. Symptoms of air in brake lines A spongy feeling of brake pedals when pressed Soft brake pedals than they usually are Bake pedals depressed too much than usual Driving around with air filed brake lines is very dangerous hence we recommend that you visit us should you notice any of the ... read more

Your vehicle's major components will eventually wear, making consistent care and maintenance essential to optimal performance. Engine oil keeps your vehicle functioning efficiently. Replacing the oil at regular intervals prevents damaging mechanical issues in the long run. Most vehicle manufacturers suggest changing the motor oil every 3,000 to 6,500 miles depending on the type of engine oil used. Engine oil keeps the engine lubricated and prevents its hot parts from creating too much friction. If you don't remember the last time your vehicle had an oil change, below are three signs that can help indicate whether your car is overdue.   Check the quality and color of the engine oil.  Engine oil is typically a liquid that's amber and translucent. As you tack on miles, the oil will become darker and gritty. Most drivers wait until their vehicle hits mileage intervals before getting an oil change. However, your oil can deteriorate several thous ... read more

2020 has been a historic fire season with record-breaking smog, scorching weather, and low humidity. In addition to everyday air pollutants, Los Angeles has experienced a decrease in air quality due to the soot, ash, and dust from the wildfires. This is a great time to consider your vehicle’s cabin filter. The cabin filter is designed to protect you and your passengers from harmful air contaminants entering your vehicle. Depending on driving conditions, cabin filters are typically changed every twelve thousand miles. However, due to the hazardous air quality from the California wildfires, the cabin air filter may need to be changed more frequently.  With today’s current circumstance, a clogged cabin air filter is inevitable. A dirty cabin filter will subject you to breathing the same polluted outside air while you’re inside your vehicle. Your vehicle’s cabin air quality will be drastically reduced and even just as dangerous as standing outside. If you aren ... read more

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