Downey Auto Repair

Why We Often Recommend Toyota for New Drivers Handing your teenager a set of keys is exciting and, honestly, a little terrifying. Most parents we talk to ask the same thing in one way or another: “What’s the safest, most reliable car I can put my kid in?” From our perspective in the shop, looking at real cars with real miles on them, one brand consistently stands out for teen drivers: Toyota, because they’re reliable, dependable, and most are a pleasure to work on. Let’s walk through why we feel that way and what you should look for when choosing a vehicle for your teenage driver. What Really Matters in a Teen Driver’s Car Before we get into brands and models, it helps to define what “best” means for a teenage driver. In our experience, the ideal first car checks these boxes: 1. Safety Comes First You want: Strong crash-test ratings Modern safety features (airbags, stability control, ABS, backup camera, etc.) Predictable handling ... read more

Which Is the Better Vehicle for Reliability: Ford or General Motors? If you’ve ever shopped for a truck or SUV, you’ve probably found yourself comparing Ford and General Motors (Chevrolet/GMC) and wondering: “Which is more reliable long-term?” It’s a great question, and as a shop that works on both every single week, we can tell you there’s no one-word answer like “Ford” or “GM.” Instead, real reliability comes down to specific models, engines, maintenance history, and how the vehicle is used. In this post, we’ll break down how to think about reliability between Ford and GM in a way that actually helps you make a smarter decision, whether you’re buying your next vehicle or trying to keep the one you already own in top shape. What Does “Reliable” Really Mean? When most drivers in and around Downey say they want a “reliable” Ford or GM vehicle, they usually mean: It starts every time an ... read more

How to Reserve a Loaner Car at Glenn’s Auto Service in Downey When your car needs more than a quick oil change, the next question is usually: “How am I supposed to get around while it’s in the shop?” That’s exactly why we offer loaner cars at Glenn’s Auto Service. But because we’re a smaller, family-focused shop (not a giant dealership with a huge fleet), our loaners are limited, and we’re very intentional about how we assign them. This guide walks you through how our loaner system works, how to request one, and what to expect. How Our Loaner Car System Works We keep our policy simple and fair: We operate on a first-come, first-served basis, based on your repair needs. We try to reserve the loaners for those who have larger maintenance or repair needs that take several days. What that means for you: Loaners are not guaranteed, but we do our best to help. We prioritize bigger jobs that will keep your vehicle here overnight or for ... read more

When your vehicle needs maintenance, or something doesn’t feel quite right, one of the first questions you may ask is, “How can I get an estimate?” At Glenn’s Auto Service, we know that an estimate isn’t just a number on a piece of paper — it’s the beginning of trust. It’s the assurance that you’ll be treated with honesty, clarity, and respect, without any surprises or pressure. As one of Downey’s longest-standing auto repair shops, our team takes pride in offering written, transparent estimates that help you understand exactly what your vehicle needs and why. Whether you drive a Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, or another American or Japanese vehicle from the 2000s and newer, our estimate process is designed to give you confidence from the moment you walk in. Here’s how the estimate process works and what makes Glenn’s Auto Service different from other shops in Downey, Bellflower, N ... read more

When your car needs service, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, “How long is this going to take?” Between work, family, school drop-offs, and the daily traffic around Downey, being without your vehicle can feel stressful. At Glenn’s Auto Service, we understand that your time is just as valuable as your safety, and we take the question of repair timelines seriously. Our goal is always to give you an honest estimate of how long your repair will take while keeping you updated every step of the way. Because every vehicle and every repair is unique, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. But there is a very clear way we walk you through the process, so you always know what to expect. Here’s how we determine repair timeframes and why some jobs take longer than others. 1. Diagnostics Come First, and Accuracy Takes Time For many repairs, especially when the check engine light is on or you’re hearing an unfamiliar noise, we begin with diagn ... read more