Gardena Auto Repair

  Going on a road trip this Thanksgiving? Between dropping temperatures and surging Covid-19 numbers the last thing you want to happen is for your car to break down while you're on the road in the middle of a pandemic. With Thanksgiving being one of the most popular times to travel it's a good idea to go through this checklist to help ensure vehicle safety and reliability in order to avoid any unscheduled stops. Doing a holiday pre-trip inspection can reduce the chance of unexpected, costly repairs and help to ensure a stress-free road trip.  Check all fluids (engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant)  Check hoses and belts (look for any that are cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear)  Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread Make sure all lights are working (interior and exterior) Check wipers. Wiper blades should be replaced every six mo ... read more

Winter Holiday Travel Road Safety Tips It's the time of year where your mind starts to wander off into good times relaxing, present shopping and getaways, and if you're planning a road trip getaway this Christmas, even if you're in Southern California these are things you need to mindful of, especially if you plan on heading to colder climates or even the snow, so in the spirit of the holidays, here are Shige's "Winter Holiday Travel Road Safety Tips" CHECK LIST! ENGINE OIL Check your owners manual for winter oil viscosity recommendations. In the winter oil viscosity is going to be thinner as cold temperatures cause the oil to thicken, it could get so thick the engine will not run properly. Getting stuck in the snow is never ideal! BATTERY In colder temperatures the engine is harder to turn which can shorten your battery's life. Get your battery tested or better yet get it teste ... read more

For part IV of our vehicle fluids series we will like to discuss brake fluid. And, we're gonna just jump right into it!! The brake lines in your vehicle are filled with a hydraulic fluid known as brake fluid. When you depress the brake pedal, the fluid filled lines transfer force to activate the vehicle's braking system, which aids in the movement of the brake pads at the wheels. Brake fluid also acts as a lubricant and an anti-corrosion fluid that will make sure your brake system is working at its' best. Brake fluid is made up of a mixture of varying glycols, which are derived from a mixture of non-petroleum and other alcohol based fluids. There are other higher end fluids that are silicone based. These particular high end fluids should not be mixed with other types of brake fluid and that is why it is important to understand the differences between types of brake fluid. Brake fluid will get hot at times and needs to have a high boiling point. Do to the fact that brak ... read more