Huntington Beach Auto Repair

  Myths and misleading information can be found all over the internet. From mystical animals to lucky charms, we have heard them all. While most of them sound like complete nonsense, there are a few that regard vehicles. These exact ones aren't very funny and should be taken with a light hand. Here are a few car myths and why they aren't true: Myth 1: You need to change your oil every 3,000 miles.Fact: This myth originated in the era of older vehicles and conventional oils. Modern vehicles and synthetic oils are designed to last longer. Most manufacturers now recommend oil changes between 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or even longer for certain vehicles. If your mechanic or you see the oil change color (metallic or black), it can happen way before the recommended mileage. Myth 2: Premium gasoline improves performance in all vehicles.Fact: Premium gasoline has a higher octane rating, which prevents knocking ... read more

Cars are being announced all the time. Some are completely new, others have been altered slightly. But find three of the most interesting sedans coming, or already released, in 2023. Read along because they are all hybrids, which means less fuel for gas! #1 2023 Toyota Crown The most recent vehicle from the Japanese manufacturer Toyota is the Crown. It is a full-size sedan that has the appearance of a crossover - big wheels, good ground clearance, and a high roof. It is a hybrid, sporting a 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid engine or a 2.4L turbocharged performance hybrid for the most specked-out option. The drivetrain is an all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. The interior is simple and very functional, perfect for everyday driving. Make sure to check out the newest attempt at a crossover sedan if you need a little bit more space than a normal sedan. #2 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300 Hybrid If you are looking for a hybrid from Mercedes-Benz, the C300 is t ... read more

When you're driving a vehicle with a manual transmission, the clutch is one of the most important components. It allows you to engage and disengage the power of the engine to the wheels, and without it, your vehicle won't be able to move. If you're experiencing issues with your clutch slipping, it's important to address the issue quickly to avoid further damage to your vehicle. Here's what you need to know about why your clutch might be slipping. What is Clutch Slippage? Clutch slippage occurs when the clutch fails to engage properly, causing the engine to rev without transferring power to the wheels. The slippage can be brought about by a number of things, including wear and tear on the clutch plate, a worn clutch cable or hydraulic system, or a malfunctioning clutch release bearing. Why is My Clutch Slipping? There are several reasons why your clutch might be slipping. Here are some of the most common culprits: Worn Clutch Plate: Over time, the clutch plate ... read more

Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation. As the weather warms up and the snow melts away, it’s important to take care of your car and make sure it’s in good shape for the season ahead. One of the most important things you can do for your vehicle is to get an oil change, and spring is the perfect time to do it. Here are a few reasons why spring is the ideal time for an oil change: Winter Takes a Toll on Your Car The cold weather can all take a toll on your car’s engine and oil. Over time, this can lead to increased wear and tear, reduced fuel efficiency, and even engine damage. By getting an oil change in the spring, you can help ensure that your car is ready for the warmer weather ahead. Fresh Oil Helps Your Engine Run Smoothly Fresh oil is essential for keeping your engine running smoothly. Over time, oil can break down and become less effective at lubricating and protecting your engine. Old oil can increase friction, heat, an ... read more

Some people would say that the water pump is the heart of the cooling system. In most cases, this critical cooling system component can last a very long time. That’s not to say that it can never fail. Please bring your vehicle to H B Auto & AC for regular cooling system inspections to ensure the water pump is in check to keep your engine cool.  The water pump is located under the hood, and it is responsible for pushing coolant from the radiator to the engine and out. It helps facilitate the cycle of the coolant flow. It should be replaced every 60-100K miles as a  preventative measure. How to Tell If Your Water Pump Needs to Be Replaced When your cooling system component is faulty, it can put your engine at risk of overheating. No one wants to deal with this complicated and expensive performance issue. That is why you should bring your vehicle to our shop at the first sign of a failing water pump. Coolant Leak Rust and Corrosion Steam Coming from Under the Hoo ... read more

Fuel injectors are an integral part of a vehicle's engine, responsible for delivering the fuel from the fuel tank to your car's engine. It is important that they remain in good condition and operate efficiently. Unfortunately, signs of bad or clogged fuel injectors can start appearing after some time, leading to poor performance of your car. Knowing the signs of bad fuel injectors can help you identify when your vehicle is in need of repair or maintenance. What are Fuel Injectors? Fuel injectors are responsible for spraying fuel into your car's engine cylinders. This allows the engine to burn the fuel efficiently and produce power. A bad or clogged fuel injector will not be able to deliver an adequate amount of fuel, leading to a decrease in performance and a decrease in gas mileage. Signs of Bad Fuel Injectors 1. Poor Idle - One of the most common signs of clogged fuel injectors is a rough or poor idle. When fuel injectors are blocked, they cannot del ... read more

Many drivers fill their tires with regular air, but did you know that there are other options out there? Like NITROGEN! Filling your car tires with nitrogen has risen in popularity over the years. Read to learn about its benefits and if it is the right option for you. The biggest benefit of filling your tires with nitrogen instead of regular-degular air is tire pressure. We all know what a pain it can be to monitor and fill your tires up constantly. Since Nitrogen’s molecular composition is larger and moves slower than compressed air, making your tires hold its psi for longer periods of time. If you want lower maintenance on your tires, nitrogen air is the way to go.  Why Is Tire Pressure So Important? When you drive with optimal tire pressure, you help your tires last longer and wear more evenly. Additionally, it improves fuel efficiency as it minimizes resistance. Last but not least, it has major safety benefits. Properly filled tires offer great handlin ... read more

Yes, in most cases you can repair your hybrid battery instead of replacing it. This process is called hybrid battery reconditioning. If you are looking to save money, you can try repairing it. Repairing the battery will ensure that it operates at optimal levels, and will also prolong the life of your vehicle. Hybrid Battery Reconditioning Hybrid battery reconditioning is the process of restoring a hybrid battery pack to its original performance levels. This can be done through a variety of methods, including recharging, deep-cycling, and replacement of damaged cells. Hybrid battery reconditioning can extend the life of a hybrid battery pack and improve its overall performance. The first step is to test the battery to see if it is indeed damaged. This can be done with a simple voltmeter. If the battery is damaged, you will need to open it up and inspect the cells. Once you have determined which cells are damaged, you will need to replace them. This can be done by soldering in new cel ... read more

Usually, when you purchase your car, the car dealer can present you with a car manual that includes a factory or manufacturer-recommended car maintenance plan. The plan outlines guidelines on certain preventive services a vehicle needs at specific intervals from the time you start driving it. Why Vehicle Manufacturers Provide Factory Recommended Service Guides Multiple manufacturers aim to produce cars with extended ease of use and a longer lifespan. They design a specific maintenance guide for each vehicle model. Factory recommended services include inspections of vehicle parts such as an inspection of all major vehicle systems, such as brakes, engine, suspension, power steering, and tires. The guide can also entail various, including lubrication and part replacement, to keep the systems performing effectively. How Important Are Factory Recommended Services Some drivers only follow their car manual guides until their dealership warranty expires. You should continue following the m ... read more

We’ve all associated the terms “regular”, “mid grade”, and “premium” to gasoline before, but do you know what they mean? They are associated with octane ratings, which is a measure of the gasoline’s ability to resist engine knocking. Ultimately, you should not switch to a higher fuel unless your engine is rattling or pinging, signaling that the ignition process is premature.   Gas stations typically offer 3 octane ratings, with regular gas being 87, mid-grade at 89, and premium rated at 91 or 93 or higher. Engines with high compression ratios or turbochargers require the higher rating of octane fuel. However, most cars can typically run on regular gasoline. Unfortunately, many drivers make the mistake of associating the higher number rating and higher price of premium gas with better performance and fuel economy.   If your vehicle’s manufacturer simply recommends using regular gasoline, then filling up with premium is ... read more