Huntington Beach Auto Repair

The alternator, also known as the synchronous generator, serves an essential function of a vehicle’s charging system. The alternator is a component every driver has heard of but may not understand. While a vehicle is running, the alternator works to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. The alternator provides alternating electrical currents that may periodically reverse directions. There are several complicated mechanical components that work together to power the engine, and with time they can fall apart. Depending on driving habits, an alternator can last anywhere from 5 to 8 years. You may be able to drive with an alternator that’s experiencing minor issues, but with time causes more damage. It will struggle to power the battery, requiring frequent jump-starts to drive. This makes it important to be able to identify a few common signs that the alternator needs immediate service.  The Battery is Dead The alternator charges the battery while your vehicle ... read more

The summer is always a great time to travel with friends or family and enjoy the warm weather and time off. However, as the summer comes to a close, you may recognize that you've added some wear on your vehicle throughout the last couple of months. Many kids will be starting up school again and we are thinking of the fall season ahead of us. With all the extra wear and tear that summer had on your vehicle, how can you care for your car moving into the fall seasons? The end of summer is always a great time to have your vehicle inspected and to take care of any due services or maintenance items. As the seasons change, our vehicles need to be prepared for different weather and circumstances. This time of year typically sees an increase in vehicles on the road, and you want to ensure that your car will remain reliable on the road.  Here are some great ways that you can care for your vehicle after the summer months to ensure a reliable car throughout the rest of the year:  ... read more

Potholes aren't just an annoyance in the road - the actually can cause real damage to our vehicles when driven over at a higher speed. They can't always be avoided either, sometimes we have no choice but to drive through them because there are vehicles on either side of us. While certainly driving over a large pothole doesn't feel good, you may hear some banging or clunking noises that make you think some damage may have been done to your vehicle. The truth is, potholes can cause damage to our cars.  What exactly is a pothole? Potholes typically appear during the spring season and occur because of water seeping through cracks in the pavement. The water underneath the road freezes during the winter, and when it thaws during the spring, it can form potholes. Here are some of the ways in which potholes can hurt your vehicle:  Tires can be affected, either causing blowouts, air loss or bulging. The tread can also be damaged.  Wheels and rims can also be crack ... read more

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