Huntington Beach Auto Repair

There are 5 costly misconceptions about having an auto brake job done: All brakes are created equal, so the only thing that matters is the price. If I'm quoted a higher price it just means that they make more profit. A lifetime warranty is better than a parts and labor guarantee. My next door neighbor's kid can do my brakes the same as your technicians can. If I'm hearing a squeaking sound, it means I need all new brakes. Brake Repair at HB Auto & AC There is metallic, semi metallic, organic, and ceramic. All have their advantages. We'll match you up to the optimum product. In most cases a higher price means that the shop is using better parts. This is not always the case and it's important to match function and demand. Never true. A shop offering a lifetime warranty comes with all types of gray areas. They'll install cheap semi metallic pads. It's never for the customer's best interes ... read more

When it comes to this, few know more than our technicians at HB Auto & AC. Chris worked on cooling systems almost exclusively for over 20 years one gets a pretty good feel for a lost art. We've detected more over heating problems, coolant leaks, head gasket leaks and the many other “radiator” and coolant related problems than almost anyone, PERIOD. This has given us a perspective on vehicles that carries over especially in reference for maintenance. Nothing will deteriorate and become like MUD more quickly than a failing radiator and or cooling system. There is a progressive corrosion, electrolysis or acidity that can classically happens in a radiator or cooling system. They always need metering or proper maintenance. In a similar way, we've discovered that ALL AUTOMOTIVE FLUIDS can have their own electrolysis or acidity and chemical reaction. That's one of the reasons motor oil is changed on a regular basis. Auto Repair in Huntington Beach ... read more

This we take seriously. Some times it is a small issue. You can check your owners manual for some help. You can bring your car in for a quick computer scan at NO COST when you print this article and bring it with you. It is wise to not let this condition go too long because there is a possibility that the problem can get worse. Also when there is a “drivability” problem indicated by the check engine light the motor is not at it's most efficient, causing less gas mileage and more pollution. Also the car will not pass smog when this light is on. Check Engine Light and Scheduled Vehicle Maintenance in Huntington Beach

We have an antique farm motor on display in our lobby dated 1917 that in order to tune would consist of cleaning the intake valve and spark “contacts”, and making sure there was gas in the tank. Things have changed. From the skill of valve adjustments with timing and adjustments of the points, to PROPERLY reading the electronic scanner to determine exact sensor reading, the new vehicles computer systems can be more complex than the lunar lander’s computer

Candy, lipstick, pencils, pens, coins, gum, plastic credit type cards, dollar bills, paper or paper clips, car cigarette lighters, make up, charms, little toys, tools, keys and key rings, gated community passes and my favorite of all time, a dead mouse. These are items that we have found inside the defrost vents of cars that the AC and heating vents were not working properly. Some repairs, or extractions were easy and minimal or no cost. Others were complete removal of the dash from the chassis depending on the vehicle. Just a friendly note to all to make sure nothing slips inside the defrost vents at the base of your windshield inside the car. Say hi to your kids

“Winterizing” is a term that is used by other repair services. As a former Radiator Shop (Bolsa Radiator) and a former avid skier, I know what it takes. To begin with, a properly maintained vehicle is already winterized to handle 15 below temperatures with clean cooling system at a 50/50% mixture of concentrated antifreeze and water. However… we recently serviced an older Chevy S-10 that is going to New York in the near future. At this time, the North East is suffering below zero temperatures. We mixed the cooling system a little richer with a 75% concentrated anti freeze to handle 30 below. Just in case. We also made sure it would make the trip and return the customers son back safely in a half a year. My daughter spent 4 years in Burlington Vermont in her little SUV and drove back last year. Give us a call if you need more info on winterizing your car or preparing for all kinds of weather

Our oil changes include up to 5 quarts synthetic blend oil, multi point inspection, Tire rotation if needed, fluid top off, belts and hoses inspection, battery check. We always think in terms of someone's Mom going to Las Vegas and back in the middle of Summer! Air Conditioning Charge and Check 134A Refrigerant & Dye and oil if needed Our expertise in auto air conditioning repair is second to none. After 25 years as one of Orange county's best AC and Radiator shops there is nothing we've not seen. Dealerships would bring us their problem AC diagnostic problems. Still get some! Cooling System Flush Plus antifreeze HIGHLY RECOMMENDED as normal maintenance. Regardless of owners manual scheduled radiator flush intervals at 100,000 miles or more, we recommend radiator cooling system repair and service sooner. Remember, the number 1 reason for on the road failure is the cooling sy ... read more

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My first experience with automotive air conditioning repair was 30 years ago in Santa Ana. I was fortunate to get a gentleman in my employ with over 30 years experience. We worked together over 17 years before he retired. He taught me a bunch, I taught him only a few things, we both learned even more. Together we made a knowledgeable team. New car dealerships and other shops would bring difficult AC jobs to us for diagnosis and completion. We have repaired components others replace, saving the customer money. I've taught my crew how to do it, and they are now skilled automotive air conditioner technicians

What's the difference? 134A was designed as replacement for R12 (used in vehicles for decades) that would not destroy the OZONE layer. The overall working properties are within 5 to 20% of R12. The majority of the time the new 134A will work just as well as the old R12. We still carry R12 to keep the purists happy. The disadvantages of the new 134A are: The molecules are smaller so it may leak out quicker. TThe high side pressures works higher so it may wear down the compressor quicker, especially in higher ambient temperatures. TIt is not as efficient at higher ambient temperatures so it may not “cool” as well by 5 to 20%, especially when driving slower. Now this aspect is the one that drives me crazy! It is harder to detect leaks in a 134A system than the old R12 systems. Not impossible (for other shops it seems to be), just tougher, especially the leaks that take 6 months or more to leak out. Good news, the advantages are enough to be ... read more