Downey Auto Repair

What’s Wrong with My Alternator - Downey Auto Repair What is an alternator? Most people have heard the name and many people know that it has something to do with starting your car, but is that it? Your alternator works with the battery to maintain power for your vehicle’s electrical system. If your alternator wears out, your car might not even start. Of course, a bad battery is another reason your car won’t start, but it’s not the only reason. It could actually be your alternator. If your car has had trouble starting, it’s time to bring your vehicle into our Downey auto repair shop for an inspection. We’ll use our diagnostic tools to determine whether it’s your battery or your alternator. After we pinpoint the problems, we’ll fix it, and get you back on the road.   Bad Alternator Signs Here are some warning signs that your alternator is going bad or already gone. Dying or Weak Battery ... read more

Downey Auto Repair - Why Is My Vehicle Making That Noise? Have you ever asked yourself: “Why is my car making that noise?” You’re not alone. Cars make all types of noises, many of which are totally normal. But what about one of those weird noises you’ve never heard before? What is that noise and why is your vehicle making it? And the next question, how do you make it stop? First off, not all weird noises are signs of big trouble. However, some of those strange sounds are warning signs that something is wrong. So, the bottom line is you shouldn’t ignore any weird sound from your car because it might be trying to tell you something.   Common Auto Noises and What They Mean Cars make too many noises to list them all, but here are some of the most common “strange” or “annoying” sounds your vehicle might make. Engine Noises – engines make noise. That’s a given, but ... read more

How to Budget for Auto Repairs – Downey CA Auto Service What’s the worst thing about needing auto repairs and why do people hate to get their cars worked on? For starters, no one likes to go without their vehicle for any period of time, especially for an extended time. If you only have access to one vehicle, a car in need of repair can make life inconvenient. But perhaps the biggest drawback to auto repairs having to pay for them. Some people have enough money for repairs but would much prefer to spend that money elsewhere. Who wouldn’t? But what if you simply don’t have enough money to pay for repairs? If you can’t fix your car, it could have a major negative impact on life. So, obviously it’s very important to care for your vehicle, which for some car owners, means budgeting for auto repairs. Car Care Tips on a Budget Having a general monthly budget is a good idea for lots of reasons. It can keep you on top of ... read more

Don’t Get Stuck with a Lemon When Buying a Used Car Most people don’t enjoy shopping for a used car. Driving all over town, checking out used car lots, and dealing with used car salesmen is not that fun. It takes time and energy, and you never know what you’re going to find. Shopping online is another option, and most people start there. There’s no shortage of websites with cars for sale. In fact, it’s not common nowadays to complete the entire searching and purchasing process online, without ever going to a car lot or even speaking with someone face to face. The downside to that is, you can’t see the vehicle in-person with your own eyes, so you never really know for sure. You could end up with a lemon, which is the last thing you want. With that in mind, here are some tips to avoid purchasing a lemon.   See it for yourself – it’s good practice to see a car before you buy it. You can see it and ... read more

If you want to be safe on the road, it all starts with your tires. You must have healthy tires to safely get wherever you need to go. That’s especially true if you’re taking a long trip, or if you drive a lot in general. You have to be ready for anything. No matter what time of year it is, or what type of driving conditions you face, your tires make all the difference in keeping control of your vehicle. But, just like any other car part, your tires get old, and they do wear down the more you drive. That’s just the nature of tires. As the tread wears out your traction starts to decline. So, if you own your vehicle for a long time, you’re going to have to replace your tires at some point. Is it Time for New Tires in Downey? So, what should you be looking for to know when your tires have reached their end? These are some of the most common signs you will most likely notice if it’s time to replace your tires. There are several things to lo ... read more