Gardena Auto Repair

It can be a bit alarming when all of a sudden you're driving and you see your dashboard flashing with a light you haven't seen before, it can be something as simple as a loose fuel cap or an issue with your brakes. Some of these lights may not require immediate action, but there are some warnings you should never ignore. Keep your eye out for these 5 dashboard lights:  ABS (Anti-lock brake system) : Causes can include low brake fluid, a blown fuse, or abnormal signals from wheel sensors. If you ignore this light there's a chance of skidding if you need to slam on your brakes to avoid hitting something.   OIL LIGHT: An oil warning light should be taken seriously. It indicates that your oil level in the engine is low or that the oil pump is not circulating oil properly. If ignored, the chance of engine damage is likely to occur. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT: This may be the most obvious one here, but this is the light you really can't afford to ignore. A check engine ... read more

National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month Tips to Safeguard Your Vehicle For most of us motor vehicles are our primary mode of transportation that we rely on a daily basis and the thought of your car disappearing can be very distressful.  The most auto thefts occur in the summer so with July being "National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month" we want to help you protect your vehicle from theft, here are some tips to safeguard your vehicle:  PARK IN WELL LIT AREAS PUT AWAY VALUABLES LOCK CARS AND WINDOWS DO NOT LEAVE KEYS IN CAR NEVER LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE WHILE IT'S RUNNING With California having the most motor vehicle thefts in the U.S.., it's a reminder that no car is immune to the risk of theft, even older or damaged vehicles are prone to theft as they can be dismantled and individual parts get sold.    As you are already investing money and effort into your vehicle with repairs and tune ups, it only takes a few moments to secure your vehicle from the ... read more

National Tire Safety Week Tips to Stay Safe on the Road 4th of July   This week 6/28 - 7/4 is National Tire Safety Week and with the 4th of July holiday weekend upon us we'd like to remind you about the importance of tire safety. Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road, so it's imperative to keep them in top shape to help you stay safe on the road.  Here are a few important tips to remember: Pay attention to tire tread depth - Tire tread depth condition should be routinely checked. Make sure your tires are not close to balding, once the rubber on the tire has been worn down it can greatly reduce the vehicle’s handling and performance. Keep an eye on tire pressure - Check tire pressure monthly and before every long road trip. Keeping tires properly inflated will help ensure longevity and even tire wear, resulting in optimal performance. Driv ... read more

Your tires experience tremendous amount of wear and tear and is often neglected despite being the only part of the car that touches the road, however you can extend the life of your tires and stay safe on the road just by following these simple tips:    - Check tire pressure monthly and before every long road trip (Driving with improperly inflated tires is very dangerous and can cause damage to your tires, not to mention affect your drive and lower your fuel efficiency)    ​- Get tires rotated every 5,000 miles although this varies on vehicles and driving demands (performing scheduled tire rotation preserves the balance handling and traction, and promotes even tread wear)   - Adjust your driving style (aggressive acceleration, braking and steering will put an extra strain on your tires causing them to wear your faster)   - Check your alignment twice a year, we offer free tire alignment inspections! (Driving over a pot hole o ... read more

Tax day deadline has been extended to May 17th here's a reminder if you own a business, or self employed (rideshare driver, freelance writer, for instance) you might qualify to deduct the cost of car repairs on your federal tax return. Here are some of the car repairs and routine maintenance you can deduct on your federal tax return (according to tax prep company H & R block)  Oil changes Repairs, such as replacing a broken headlight or fixing faulty brakes Tune-ups New tires New air filters New windshield wipers In order to deduct these repairs good record keeping is important - keep track of your mileage (differentiating personal / business) with a mileage tracker (everlance, stride, mileage IQ) ... read more