Downey Auto Repair

Squeaky brakes are one of the most common, and annoying, problems car owners experience. There’s not much worse than the sound of screeching brakes. It’s almost torture. The good news is it usually doesn’t take much to get rid of that awful sound. It’s also usually inexpensive compared to a lot of other auto repairs and it’s generally a straightforward repair. In any case, don’t try to ignore that sound. There are several things that can cause squeaky brakes. Most of them aren’t too serious, but a few of them are. We’ll get into that in a moment, but first, why do your brakes squeak to begin with? Because they use a cast-iron disc that’s squeezed in between two brake pads, it’s not uncommon for brakes to make noise. The pads are lined with a friction material so when conditions are right, they make a high-pitched screech when they rub together. The noise will vary ... read more

When was the last time you reviewed your vehicle’s warranty? Chances are, unless you need some auto repair it’s not something you look at very often. However, it’s a good idea to know what’s covered in your warranty because much of it is based on how well you take care of your vehicle, including how often you have routine maintenance performed. All new vehicles come with a warranty, but they will vary by manufacturer and dealer. The warranty can help save you from expensive repairs if something goes wrong while your vehicle is still covered. When it comes to routine maintenance, it’s common for people to take their vehicle to the dealer where they purchased it. However, you don’t have to service your vehicle at the dealer.   Is My Warranty Valid if I Use an Independent Shop? You may have heard that your warranty is not valid of you don’t take your vehicle to the dealer for service. Perhaps the dealer where you purchase ... read more

How’s your ride been lately? Is your vehicle still driving smooth, or have you noticed some rough patches? Maybe it’s just the roads you’ve been driving on, right? Unless you’ve changed your daily driving routes, that’s not likely. If you’re vehicle has felt bumpier recently, you might have a problem with your suspension. Most people don’t give their suspension a second thought. But if your car, truck, crossover, or SUV starts to get a little bumpy, even on flat surfaces, then you know something must be wrong. And it’s very possible that your shocks and/or struts are worn out.   Don’t Leave Bad Suspension in Suspense It’s pretty hard to ignore a rough-riding vehicle. But some people manage to do it. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea and we would advise against it. When you choose to ignore a problem, it will usually get worse. But what about shocks and struts, do they really need ... read more

Cars make a lot of noises. Some of them, like the powerful rev of a healthy engine, are music to your ears. Other sounds, like a squeaky steering wheel, can drive you crazy. So why does your steering wheel squeak, anyway? There are plenty of possible causes of that squealing or squeaking sound coming from your steering wheel. However, don’t panic because, for the most part, these are usually easy fixes. But the first thing you need to do is find the cause. Common Problems If you have some auto repair experience, you can probably find the cause yourself. However, it’s not always easy and if you don’t know where to look or what you’re looking for, you might need a Downey auto mechanic to diagnose and repair the problem for you. However, here are a few suggestions if you want to try it yourself first. Suspension and Steering – One of the first places to examine is the suspension or a steering component. These can both be c ... read more

Does Your Vehicle Have a Leak? – Downey Auto Repair What’s that funny looking stain on your driveway? Perhaps you have a puddle of liquid in your garage, or you’ve noticed some bad smells coming from under the hood of your vehicle. If any if this sounds familiar, you might have some kind of fluid leak. Not all fluid leaks are the same and some are worse than others. Some puddles are completely innocent, like water condensation after you’ve run your air conditioner. But there are other fluid leaks you should pay close attention to. Some leaks can be sign of a serious problem, or perhaps a warning sign that a serious issue is coming. Types of Vehicle Fluids Cars are full of fluids and sometimes, things wear out or break down and these fluids leak out. When that happens the first sign is usually a puddle under your vehicle. Here are the fluids you should be aware of and how to differentiate between them: Engine oil is typicall ... read more