Downey Auto Repair

Most newer vehicles these days feature anti-lock brake systems (ABS). The ABS helps you avoid skidding uncontrollably when you brake, and it provides more steering ability while you drive. ABS first came onto the scene in the mid 1980s, but only recently did it become standard on most vehicles. Fortunately, now that ABS is a common feature that means safer driving conditions for everyone.   What an Anti-lock Brake System Does The great thing about ABS is that it allows you to steer your vehicle even when your brakes are engaged. That makes avoiding accidents easier in some instances. So, how does it work? ABS sensors monitor wheel speed to determine if your wheels lock up during braking. When a wheel does attempt to lock, using a series of hydraulic valves your ABS reduces how much brake force is applied. This allows you to continue controlling your steering wheel and avoid skidding. In the ... read more

Who doesn’t like to save money? Unfortunately, if you own a vehicle that means eventually you will have to pay for service and repairs. It’s part of owning a vehicle. However, if you take good care of your vehicle, then those service and repairs should cost a lot less over the long-haul. When you have to do major repairs that’s when it really hurts your wallet. The good news is you can avoid most, if not all, of these types of repairs if you take the time to get regular maintenance, even when nothing is wrong. It’s all about routine, or preventative maintenance. Regular maintenance helps you save money on car repairs.   Regular Maintenance Works Even though regular maintenance works, most people ... read more

When was the last time you rotated your tires? It’s one of the most common vehicle services you can do, but many people still don’t do it enough. Some people get their tires rotated religiously, but a lot of drivers tend to forget about this important service. So, how important is it to rotate your tires? The truth is it really does affect tire life and it can cause other issues if you neglect it.   Do I Really Need to Rotate My Tires Regularly?   The answer is yes. Rotating your tires regularly is a big deal. There are plenty of good reasons to do this service every 5,000 miles. Here are a few of them.   Longer Tire Life – as you probably know, tires are not cheap. When you pay for tires, you expect to get a lot out of them, and no one wants to buy more new tires before they have to. However, if you don’t rotate your tires regularly, they wear out a lot faster. Tire tread is always going to wear down unless ... read more

Cars have become so advanced these days, sometimes it can be hard to keep up with all the latest technology. The newest features are very convenient and can make life much easier, but it can also be daunting for some drivers to understand how to work the new technology, including all the warning signals on the dashboard. After all, there is a lot to keep track of. Many of the dashboard warning lights are easy to understand, but others can be harder to decode. So, let’s take a closer look what these lights actually mean.   Most Common Dashboard Lights and What They MeanCheck Engine Light – the check engine light can cause immediate panic but, in most cases, it usually signifies something minor. For example, even a loose gas cap can trigger this warning light to come on. However, there are other more serious possibilities, like a bad catalytic convertor. That’s why it’s a good idea to  ... read more

When Should I Replace My Timing Belt – Downey Auto Mechanic If you drive an older vehicle with a timing belt, this is a good question to ask. Although every manufacturer varies, most timing belts need to be changed every 60,000 – 100,000 miles. Some timing belts will last even longer, but if you push it too far and it snaps while you’re driving, this could destroy your engine. So, getting it replaced at the right time is very important.   Why Is Your Timing Belt Important? So, what exactly does a timing belt do and why is it important? To synchronize your engine’s functions, most internal combustion engines use a timing belt. The timing belt controls the rotation of your vehicle’s camshaft and crankshaft. Your belt also helps moderate the engine valves. If your belt quits working, the valves can’t open when they should, and they end up hitting the pistons. That leads to engine damage.   When I ... read more