Huntington Beach Auto Repair

July 4th 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. We know that our Independence Day weekend may look a little different than last year, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Many fireworks displays may be suspended and fairs or festivals shut down. However, we are still able to enjoy time safely with our loved ones. So fire up the grill and get your sparklers ready!  The following reminders can help you enjoy your July 4th weekend safely this year: Wear a mask when going out in public and practice social distancing when possible. Do your part to stop the spread of COVID-19!    There will be an increase in cars on the road, so be extra careful while driving. July 4th is actually one of most dangerous days of the year to drive, so be aware of your surroundings and other cars.    If you plan on partaking in the consumption of alcohol, plan to have a ride back home or us ... read more

The cooling system in your vehicle has an important job. This system helps to transfer heat that is emitted from your engine to the radiator, where that heat is then released. Without a working cooling system, your engine will likely overheat and corrosion to major parts will occur. This rapid wear can lead to expensive repairs. If you suspect a problem with your vehicle’s cooling system, don’t hesitate to bring your vehicle into the experts here at H B Auto & AC. A properly working cooling system will circulate coolant throughout the engine to lubricate components and acts as a transmitter of heat. If your vehicle is constantly overheating, this can be an indication of a cooling system problem. We recommend that your vehicle’s cooling system is inspected at least once a year. Our experts will look at fluid levels, look for leaks, and check parts of your engine for corrosion. If the coolant is dirty or low, we will recommend a cooling system flush to replace oil ... read more

You're driving along on the highway enjoying your ride when all of sudden, you notice that your vehicle is jerking or surging forward. This can definitely be scary, especially if cars are driving in close range ahead of you. It can be a tricky issue to diagnose, but other symptoms such as strange noises can help pinpoint the issue. Let's look at some of the common causes of this strange issue and how it can be repaired.  Typically, a surging or jerking motion can be caused by an unbalance of air and fuel in the engine. Your engine needs the exact amount of an air and fuel mixture to properly perform the combustion process. There are many different components within the fuel or air intake systems that can an issue if they become damaged or faulty. Not only do they cause this weird jerking motion, but they can also significantly decrease your vehicle's fuel efficiency and cause engine damage over time.  Here are some of the most common causes of this jerking/surgi ... read more

Here at H B Auto & AC, we understand that times are tough with business shutdowns, shelter at home orders in place, and panic surrounding the spread of COVID-19. We want you to know that we are taking this virus very seriously, and are doing everything that we can to help prevent the further spread of the virus here at our shop. With that being said, we are remaining OPEN at this time to serve our community with crucial auto care during this time.  Our community has many healthcare workers, law enforcement, and others working in essential industries that will need a reliable vehicle to get to work amid the COVID-19 outbreak. There are also those who need their vehicles to get to the store to get food and supplies for their families and at risk folks who will need reliable transportation in case they need to get to the hospital or pharmancy. This is why auto care is so important and why it has been deemed an essential service during this time, permitting us to stay open.  ... read more

With Spring just around the corner, we may be experiencing some of those yearly Spring showers that typically come through California around March and April. With a rather dry year so far, you may have put off making sure that your vehicle is ready to drive in the rain. Did you know that dry weather can actually cause your vehicle's windshield wipers to dry out faster and fray more easily? Chances are, you may not have testing your windshield wipers in quite a while - and you may not realize that they aren't working as they should until you need them.  Here are some of our top safety tips for dealing with unexpected rainfall and what you should do to prepare your vehicle for the wet weather:  Inspect your exterior lights to ensure that they all work properly. This includes headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and blinkers. The rain can decrease visibility on the road, and you want your actions to be seen by other drivers.  Make sure that your tires are in gr ... read more

Brake problems are usually an indication that your brake system may need a brake repair or service. Brake issues can be scary, so having any problem addressed as soon as possible is important to your safety on the road. As soon as you notice an issue with your vehicle's brakes, get your car into the experts here at H B Auto & AC for an evaluation.  Here are some of the common fixes of brake problems:  Low brake fluid can be a cause of worn disc brake pads which can be replaced or there is a leak within the brake system. A leak of brake fluid can cause brake failure, so this is very important to address quickly.  If your brake pedal looks low, this means that the rear drum brakes may need to be readjusted. Worn brake linings and a brake fluid leak can also cause this.  If the brake pedal is soft or spongy, the brake fluid level is low or may have air bubbles. The fix is to bleed the brake line.  A brake pedal that goes to the floor in order to get b ... read more

It’s that time of the season when we start thinking about what changes or resolutions we plan to make for the upcoming year. 2019 has ended and we all hope that 2020 will bring us health and good fortune. Many people will think about what resolutions to make such as going to the gym more often, eating healthier, and waking up earlier. These are all fantastic resolutions, but have you thought about any changes you will be making when it comes to your car?  Nobody is a perfect vehicle owner, but there are many ways in which the regular car driver can not only take better care of their vehicle but save money on car repairs in the new year. It is a great idea to think of a vehicle resolution that you can make going into 2020 that will help you protect your car investment and save you money on repairs. Here are some of our top vehicle changes to make for 2020: Try to keep your car clean and free of garbage Clean out your trunk - it will give you much better fuel efficiency Ha ... read more

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at H B Auto & AC! We hope that you had a wonderful holiday with friends and family. With all the holidays comes lots of travel, so if you are planning a road trip in the near future, we recommend that you check off some important travel measures before you hit the road.  Be sure to have your vehicle inspected by the experts here at H B Auto & AC before you hit the road. You never want to be caught in a situation where you are stuck without a working vehicle, so guaranteeing that your vehicle is ready for any road trip will keep your family safe and bring you peace of mind on the road.    Pack ample blankets and coats for the road to keep warm if you’re traveling in the cold this winter.    Have an emergency kit on hand in your trunk to help out in cases of emergencies. Some things to make sure you have with you include a spare tire, jack, wrench, flashlight, flares, cell phone charger, and first aid ... read more

Halloween is around the corner, and it’s no secret that on Halloween night, children will be walking around the streets going from door to door to trick-or-treat and spend time with friends and family. With the increase of kids on the street, it is important that we all practice safe driving on Halloween in order to ensure the safety of all and keep this holiday fun and stress-free.  When driving through neighborhoods on Halloween, be sure to drive slowly and carefully. Be aware of your surroundings and any children that are nearby. Always stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and stop signs so that they can cross safely. Be extra careful when backing out of your driveway as well - children could be passing behind you and may not notice that you are reversing. Also take caution while pulling into driveways and approach slowly.  If you have children who will be participating in trick-or-treating, be sure to remind your kids to be safe. Remind them not to walk on dark stre ... read more

A power steering fluid exchange is one of those services that may not be required very often, but may be necessary on older vehicles or vehicles will very high mileage. A power steering fluid exchange consists of removing the old fluid, cleaning out the fluid chamber, and putting in fresh fluid. It's not necessarily a required service, but can definitely be a key factor in vehicle maintenance for older cars.  If a mechanic checks your power steering fluid and finds that it looks really dirty, they may suggest a power steering fluid flush or exchange. So what does this power steering fluid actually do? The job of the power steering fluid is to help you make sure that you can turn your steering wheel accurately and without problem.  However, as it is with all fluids, the power steering fluid will become dirty and break down over extended periods of time. Therefore, this service is typically recommended every 100,000 miles or so and don't worry - it is a fairly inexpen ... read more