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Yearly Archives: 2022

What are the Signs of Bad Fuel Injectors?

What are the Signs of Bad Fuel Injectors?

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

Are Nitrogen-Filled Tires Better?

Are Nitrogen-Filled Tires Better?

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

Can I Repair My Hybrid Battery Instead of Replacing It?

Can I Repair My Hybrid Battery Instead of Replacing It?

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

Factory Recommended Services - What Are They?

Factory Recommended Services - What Are They?

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

Is High Octane Fuel Really Better?

Is High Octane Fuel Really Better?

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

What Are the Symptoms of Low Brake Fluid?

What Are the Symptoms of Low Brake Fluid?

Brake fluid is a critical component of your car's hydraulic braking system. It amplifies the force you exert using your foot on the brake pedal, turning it into pressure, bringing your vehicle to a halt. The energy from your foot is exacerbated by a vacuum booster usually located just behind the pedal. The boosted force initiates activity in the master cylinder, gushing the pressured brake fluid into the brake lines. The brake fluid will then travel through the brake lines until it arrives at the caliper on each wheel. Without brake fluid, it would be impossible to stop your vehicle by simply stepping on the brakes. The critical importance of brake fluid reflects the need to ensure that it gets replaced immediately after it goes low. But how do you know if your car is running low on brake fluid? Below are the signs: Warning Lights A typical brake system is made in such a way that it delivers warning lights as an indication that your car is running low on brake f ... read more

Safety Tips for Celebrating the Fourth of July

Safety Tips for Celebrating the Fourth of July

The 4th of July is more than just a US holiday; it is an iconic symbol of pride, joy, and freedom. Every year, many Americans take this holiday to celebrate with their loved ones. Whether you plan to stay in town or travel far and wide, we want you to be careful this Independence Day. With high volumes of traffic, you need to follow these steps to stay safe: Avoid Distractions - From cell phones, and loud passengers, to the radio, there are many distractions that you need to zone out from this holiday. Out of all of these, your phone is the most dangerous of all. If you have an incoming text or call, wait until you’re away from the wheel to handle it. Time Your Travel Better - To lower your likelihood of being stuck in traffic, we recommend that you plan ahead. It has been shown that it is better to get on the highway early in the morning over the busy traffic times of 3-8 PM. Follow the Law - You know the rules: no speeding, no texting and driving, buckle up, and don’t ... read more

Tailgate Recipes To Get You Ready For Independence Day

Tailgate Recipes To Get You Ready For Independence Day

Photo by zgrills.com.au on Unsplash Tailgate Recipes To Get You Ready For Independence Day Have you got your plans figured out for Independence Day yet? You don’t need to do anything fancy to make some great memories with families and friends. All you need is your tailgate, good music, and some great food!   Tailgating is an excellent and easy way to enjoy the Huntington Beach weather. It’s also an opportunity to show off your cooking skills. There are tons of cooking hacks to keep your food hot and fresh, whether you’re preparing it at home or on a small grill in the parking lot! Hot dogs and burgers are an easy classic, but don’t let that stop you from getting creative. Here are some of our favorite recipes for tailgating in 2022:   Bacon Jalapeno Macaroni and Chee ... read more

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Summer’s Here; Time To Check Your A/C

Summer’s Here; Time To Check Your A/C

Photo by Anja on Unsplash Summer’s Here; Time To Check Your A/C We’re pretty lucky here in Huntington Beach: we experience paradise like temperatures year-round. Summer in Cali has arrived, and it’s making things pretty warm. We’re only halfway through the summer, so it might be time to check the status of your A/C.    Maybe you’ve already taken your summer road trip, or you’ve got a few coming up. Things will only get hotter, and if you’re a Huntington Beach local, you know the Summer goes on and on. It’s a pain to drive around with a broken A/C, and sometimes minor fixes prevent you from needing more significant fixes down the line. You should bring your car in right away if:   There’s no airflow through your A/C. Something is wrong if you turn your fans all the way up and the air isn't coming through.  ... read more

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Why Detailing a Car is So Important

Why Detailing a Car is So Important

Photo by Deniz Demirci on Unsplash Why Detailing A Car Is So Important When was the last time you gave your vehicle a little TLC? Many of us have a weekly cleaning ritual, where we scrub out the fridge drawers and make sure to dust all the mantels. However, so few of us do the same for our cars, and we’re in them every day! Adding your car to your next cleaning ritual will have numerous benefits for you and your vehicle. What Detailing Means in Terms of Your Vehicle  Detailing is just a fancy term for getting into your car and doing a deep clean, the same way you might your kitchen or bathroom. It does mean "clean", but in a sense, it means much more. Think about how you may “detail” your home: maybe you don’t clean the oven or scrub the baseboards every weekend, but these are still essential tasks that need priority every once and a while. Clea ... read more

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