Long Beach Windshield Wiper Blades

It doesn’t rain in Southern California – except when it does. In fact, weather forecasts say that it may rain for 48 hours straight this week! Having good wiper blades will ensure a clean windshield, which means that you will be able to see clearly what’s in front of you when driving through rain. Your windshield wipers are designed to remove water and debris from your windshield and give you crystal clear vision regardless of weather conditions. Quality wiper blades are made with high quality materials, which guarantee a clean windshield during any inclement weather.

Driving without resilient, long-lasting wiper blades can be detrimental to your windshield. There are many signs that will tell you when your wiper blades should be replaced immediately. Hardened or broken rubber will cause streaks when your wiper blades try to wipe away moisture. If you see streaks or mist after wiping, there may be debris or oil embedded into the rubber of your blades. If you see a series of streaks, the rubber on your blades may be bent. Defective blades may also cause a screeching or squealing sound when in use. Make sure that you inspect your blades for gashes or blemishes. With high quality wiper blades, the rubber will hold up to water, debris, salt, and sleet, and give you a streak-free windshield, letting you see clearly through the rain, mist, or snow.

Orozco’s Auto Service in Long Beach has everything you need to replace your wiper blades, and we carry the parts exclusive to your make and model, whether you’re searching for the best wiper blades for your Honda Civic or Ford F-150, we can give you the perfect match. Stop by our shop today in Long Beach to check out our stock for your daily driver.

If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Windshield Wiper Blades visit Orozco’s Auto Service Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Tires are one of the most expensive regular maintenance items on your car. Most tires last about 25,000 to 50,000 miles before they need to be replaced, but depending on the condition of your car and how you drive, you could need new tires sooner. According to a survey from Angie’s List, members paid an average of $637 to replace all four tires. Usually, a full set of new tires will cost at least $500, but can easily cost over $1,000 depending on the size and type of tire you need, as well as the quality of tires you choose. High performance sports, off road, or low profile / uncommon size tires can even cost around $500 each, easily bringing the total cost of a new set to around $2,000.

With this in mind, every driver in Long Beach who wants to save their hard-earned money should make an effort to make their tires last as long as possible. The easiest way is by practicing good driving habits – slowing down for corners and accelerating and braking gently in order to minimize wheelspin and loss or traction, both of which will grind your tires against the rough pavement, wearing off the outer layer of rubber more quickly. However, there are a few other things that you can do to keep your tires from working harder than they have to and slow down wear, prolonging their life.

Three of the most important things you should do to take care of your tires are tire rotation, wheel balancing, and alignment.

In normal driving, your front tires wear more near their sides, because they are responsible for steering your car and handle most of the load of cornering forces during turns. Front wheel drive vehicles are under even more load on their front tires, because they are responsible for not only steering the vehicle, but accelerating as well.

Tire rotation is a procedure that is performed which switches positions for your tires, usually from the front to the back. This way, the tires previously on the back will have to perform some duty on the front, and the tires that were in front can get a break in the back. This will allow all four tires to wear more evenly over their life, which will help them last longer. However, some high performance vehicles have unidirectional tires that can only be on the left or right side of the vehicle, or different sized tires in the front and back which will make front to back rotation impossible. In these situations, our service advisors can help you figure out the best option to make your tires last longer.

Most tire manufacturers recommend that you rotate your tires around every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, but if you’re not sure of the exact number our service advisors can check for you to keep you on schedule.

The second major procedure to prolong your tire life is wheel balancing. When your wheels are unbalanced, it means that there are heavy spots on the tire and wheel which can cause it to wobble, leading to quicker wear. If your wheel is out of balance, you may notice a slight vibration or hum when driving, caused by the wheel wobbling or bouncing against the road. The smallest weight difference, even a few grams, can throw a wheel out of balance. It’s like when you put clothes into your washing machine unevenly and it starts to shake. When tires are balanced, small weights are added to the inside of the wheel in order to balance it out and make it spin more smoothly. Some of the common causes that can throw a wheel out of balance are a weight falling off, mud or debris sticking to the inside of your wheel, or a tire malfunction.  If you hit a pothole and bend one of your wheels, this can also cause the same symptoms as being out of balance, but you should get your wheel fixed or replaced instead of just balancing it. Because an unbalanced wheel forces your car to work harder and drive less smoothly, it may also have a negative effect on your gas mileage.

Finally, your wheels being out of alignment can also cause much quicker or uneven wear. An easy way to test if your wheels are in alignment is to find a flat, empty street or parking lot, accelerate straight, and let go of the steering wheel. If your vehicle goes at least 100 feet before starting to veer off track, then your alignment is most likely okay. However, if it starts to veer to the side more quickly, you probably have an alignment problem, which can negatively affect your gas mileage and tire life. In serious cases, you may notice that you have to keep your steering wheel slightly rotated to keep your car driving straight. In this case, you definitely have an alignment problem, and should get it fixed as soon as possible in order to prolong your tire life and improve your gas mileage.

At Orozco’s Auto Service in Long Beach, we want to help you help your car last as long as possible, from your engine to your tires. If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Tire Balance and Rotation visit Orozco’s Auto Service Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Safe Driving Tips in the Rain – Long Beach

Whoever said it never rains in Southern California didn’t live here. It’s undeniable that anything more than a drizzle is an uncommon occurrence here in Long Beach. However, every once in a while, we get a heavy deluge that proves the saying wrong, causing slippery roads, huge puddles, decreased visibility, and sometimes even flash flooding. The rarity of these storms only makes it all the more important that you know how to drive in them, because to be blunt, most people in the area don’t – just take a look at any traffic report or count how many more crashes you see than normal on your daily commute next time it rains. Because so many other drivers on the road are unprepared and drive unsafely in rain, it’s even more critical that you practice defensive driving and take the extra steps to ensure your safety.

First of all, you should make sure that your car is ready to handle the rain. Make sure that your tires have enough tread and your tire pressure is what it’s supposed to be to maximize traction. You should also periodically make sure that your windshield wipers are working well, leaving your windshield clean and not streaky. Finally, check that all of your headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals are working properly.

The most common effect of rain on our roads is that traction is greatly reduced. In simpler terms, rain will make the road much more slippery, not only due to wetness but also due to oils and other fluids in the asphalt rising to the surface, in extreme cases even creating visible oil slicks in the road. In fact, the beginning of a rainstorm is often the most dangerous time to drive because of this. What can you do to make up for your decreased traction? DRIVE SLOWER. Driving more slowly is the single most important thing that you can do to decrease risk of losing control on wet roads. By driving more slowly, your take some of the stress away from your tires, making it less likely that they will exceed their limits of traction – and in the case that they do, you will have more time to react and regain control before ending up crumpled against a wall or another car. How much you need to slow down depends on the situation, but always err on the side of caution – don’t chase another car that’s speeding just because it seems to be having no problems. Remember that the speed limit is the upper limit, and that even if you’re driving under the speed limit you can still get a ticket for driving too fast for conditions.

Another common effect of rain is reduced visibility. In addition to driving slower, another thing you can do to help other drivers see you more easily is turn your headlights on. In fact, in many states including California, you are legally required to have your headlights on during rain – even at noon, and even if you can see fine. Remember, “wipers on, headlights on – it’s the law”.

Modern vehicles usually have several types of technologies that act as driving aids – however, it is important to know what is or isn’t appropriate to use during rain. It is not recommended to use cruise control, especially adaptive cruise control or collision warning systems during rain, because wet weather may affect these systems’ sensors and cause malfunctions. On the other hand, traction control, stability control, and antilock braking can be very helpful in wet weather, and should be kept fully engaged. However, it is important to remember that they are there only as a backup or aid, and make the effort to drive carefully enough not to engage them. 

Finally, there is the most terrifying part of wet-weather driving: hydroplaning. Hydroplaning is the term for when your tires lose contact with the pavement, instead gliding along the top of a layer of water, which can lead to a temporary complete loss of control. In this situation, you should gently take your foot off of the gas so that your car slows down enough to get back in contact with the road, and keep your steering wheel straight so that your car does not swerve abruptly when you regain traction. If you start to slide, the best general advice is to continue to look and steer where you want to go, which can sometimes go against your instincts. 

 Rain may be rare in Southern California, but it is important to know how to handle it. Always be ready for a rainy day, rather than stuck in a storm without the proper safety preparations. From the team here at Orozco’s Auto Service, we hope that you stay safe, stay dry, and stay on the road!

If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Safe Driving Tips in the Rain visit Orozco’s Auto Service Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Ignition Coil Repair / Spark Coil Repair (Long Beach, CA)

Does your vehicle ever have trouble starting? Does it stall, misfire, backfire, or get worse gas mileage than it used to? Does your engine die abruptly after running for a while? If you’ve noticed any or all of these symptoms, you may have a failing ignition coil. At Orozco’s Auto Service we know Ignition Coil Repair!

 An ignition coil, also known as a spark coil, is an induction coil in your car’s ignition system which transforms the battery’s low voltage into thousands of volts which are needed to create an electric spark in the spark plugs to ignite the fuel. Ignition coils can have either an internal resistor or an external resistor or resistor wire, which serves the purpose of limiting the current flowing into the coil from the car’s battery. They also have another high voltage wire which goes from the ignition coil to the distributor, and wires from the distributor to each of the spark plugs, called spark plug wires or high tension leads. Most ignition coil systems today use a power transistor to provide pulses to the ignition coil. Modern cars may use one ignition coil for each cylinder or pair of cylinders, and do not require a distributor. 

 Distributors started becoming less common in the late 1980s. In modern ignition systems, ignition is electronically controlled. Modern ignition coils are much smaller because they only need to power one or two spark plugs each. They can be mounted either remotely or directly on top of the spark plug – called coil-on-plug or Direct Ignition. In modern cars with individual coils for each cylinder or pair of cylinders, they may be all contained inside of one single molded block with multiple high-tension terminals, which is commonly called a coil pack. The symptoms of a failing coil pack are the same as a failing ignition coil – misfires, rough idle, being hard to start, higher fuel consumption, loss of power, or even stalling. The higher fuel consumption is because your car needs to use more fuel in order to make up for the lack of power. Continuing to drive your car with a bad misfire may cause more extensive – and expensive – damage, so if you notice an issue, you should get it taken care of as soon as possible.

 In most cars, a failing ignition coil or coil pack will also cause a check engine light. This is caused either by your car’s computer detecting misfires, or detecting an issue with the ignition coil signal or circuit, such as when a coil shorts or burns out. However, keep in mind that a check engine light may be caused by a wide variety of other issues, so having the computer trouble codes read by a professional is highly recommended. 

If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Ignition Coil Repair / Spark Coil repair visit Orozco’s Auto Service Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!!

Long Beach Valve Job

Your car’s engine has valves which open and close in order to let air and sometimes fuel in and exhaust out of its cylinders in order to produce power. Over time with normal wear and usage, the clearance between these parts and the valve stems deviate from their original measurement, which often leads to a clattering noise or rougher running engine that will increase gradually. 

Intake valves open and close to let the air (or air-fuel mixture in carbureted engines) into the combustion chambers, and exhaust valves allow exhaust gases to escape. Too much or too little valve clearance can cause poor performance or rough idle because the engine can no longer breathe normally and operate at maximum efficiency. Over a long time period, this can cause damage to the valves and/or camshafts or rocker arms. Eventually, the valves will no longer fully close, causing excessive heat and leading to a loss of power.

How can you tell if your car needs a valve adjustment? Depending on the age and condition of your vehicle, it could very well be time for a valve adjustment. Cars can vary greatly in the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance period, so as always, the best way to know for sure is to check your owner’s manual. But if you are not sure when your last valve adjustment was done, a loud clattering noise from your engine could be a sign that it is time for a valve clearance adjustment, although some engines will not give this warning sign. The best way to find out is to have it inspected by one of our ASE certified mechanics.

Because adjusting valve clearance requires removing the valve covers and checking both intake and exhaust valves, it is a somewhat intensive process, and can take at least a few hours. If you suspect that you might need a valve adjustment, come in to Orozco’s Auto Service in Long Beach or Bellflower today. Your engine will most likely thank you by running smoother and quieter, becoming more responsive, giving you more miles per gallon, and lasting longer. 

If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Valve Job visit Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Long Beach Auto Maintenance

The most important thing you can do to keep your vehicle running well today and in the future is routine maintenance. However, many drivers neglect keeping up with everyday basic maintenance. A recent survey by the Car Care Council found that 25% of cars had low or dirty engine oil, 13% had low or dirty brake fluid, 18% had dirty air filters, 17% had low coolant levels or inadequate cooling systems, 16% needed new windshield wipers, 27% had low or contaminated washer fluid, and 18% needed new belts. Overall, 89% of the vehicles surveyed needed at least one service or repair. A regular service schedule can keep your car running at its best.

To keep your car in good condition, here is a service interval schedule you can follow to keep track of regular maintenance. Most of these services can be done at little to no cost, and are quick and easy to do. Some of the things that you can do are to check the dashboard indicator lights, tire inflation and condition, washer fluid and engine oil level every three months or 3,000 miles, Automatic Transmission fluid, battery and cables, belts, air filter, hoses, lights, power steering, and tire inflation and condition. You should be able to check all of these things at home, and if you notice any problems you can take your vehicle in to Orozco’s Auto Repair in Long Beach for an estimate

If you do not know how to check some of these items, just bring your car in for a regular scheduled maintenance and our mechanics will take care of you and let you know if there’s anything that should be repaired or replaced. The recommended service intervals for most cars are every 30,000 miles. If your car’s mileage is getting high, or you notice any problems with your vehicle, feel free to bring it in for a check up by our certified mechanics today. Orozco’s is Long Beach’s number one auto service shop!

If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Auto Maintenance visit Orozco’s Auto Service Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Fuel Performance & Saving on Gas!

Saving Gas – You might notice that when you fill up your car, you have a choice between different grades of gasoline (usually three). Most gas stations carry “regular”, “mid-grade”, and “premium” octane gasolines. In the U.S., regular is typically 87 octane, mid grade is 89, and premium is 91 or higher. 

 What is octane? The octane rating is a standard measure of a fuel’s performance. The higher the octane number, the more compression the fuel can withstand before igniting. Higher octane fuels are usually used in high performance or luxury vehicles that require higher compression ratios. 

 So, if higher octane fuel performs better, does filling your car with premium lead to better performance? It should make your car faster, keep your engine cleaner, or maybe give you better gas mileage, right? Wrong. In simple words – it’s a waste of money. Unless your owner’s manual recommends that you use higher octane gas, there is usually no benefit to putting premium into a car designed for regular, although it doesn’t hurt or damage anything. All gasolines are required to have the same amount of detergents in them, and should keep your engine just as clean. 

The only case in which you might want to fill your car with premium is if you are having problems with your engine knocking. Engine knock, or pinging, occurs when a separate pocket of air-fuel mixture ignites after the spark has ignited the air-fuel mixture within the combustion chamber. Higher octane gas will help prevent this, but if your car is knocking on regular gas, you should find a more permanent solution such as retarding your ignition timing or lowering your compression ratio. Engine knock is a very serious problem, and in severe cases can lead to irreparable damage to your engine’s cylinder walls and pistons, possibly leading to you needing a whole new engine block.

 However, if your owner’s manual recommends that you fill your car only with premium gas, using a lower octane even once can cause knocking and void your warranty. But not all premium gas is the same – take notice of the octane number when you fill up and make sure that it meets or exceeds the manufacturer’s recommendation. Don’t take the risk just to save a few dollars.

 Another, more surreptitious difference in gasolines is summer and winter blend. Many people don’t even know or care that the gas they use in the summer is different from in the winter. However, they may notice that gas prices seem to skyrocket every spring. This is often attributed to refineries being “down for maintenance while transitioning from winter blend to summer blend gasoline”. But why is this necessary? 

 The difference between summer and winter blends involves a standard called the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) of fuel. RVP is a measure of how easily the fuel evaporates at a given temperature. Higher RVP gasolines are more volatile and evaporate at lower temperatures. Winter blend fuels have a higher RVP so that the fuel can evaporate at low temperatures for the engine to operate properly, especially when the engine is cold. If you have a car that’s been sitting with summer gas and try to drive it in the winter, it may be hard to start and run rough.

 Summer blend has a lower RVP to prevent excessive evaporation in hot temperatures, which decreases emissions that contribute to the ozone and smog level, and also helps prevent problems such as vapor lock on hot days, especially on older vehicles. The EPA claims that summer-blend gasoline contains 1.7 more energy than winter-blind gas, which gives you slightly better gas mileage. However, this is usually offset by higher gas prices due to higher production costs. 

 The switch between fuels happens twice a year: once in the fall and once in the spring. The change requires significant work at refineries, which is why gas prices usually spike around those times. But as a driver, you should understand that there are reasons for the switch and that running the proper blend can help protect your car, even if it may hurt your wallet.

If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Saving Gas visit Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Long Beach Wheel Bearings Repair

Wheel bearing repair isn’t something the average car owner thinks much about when maintaining their vehicle. What many people don’t know is without regular inspections and lubes your bearings can seize up cause a multitude of additional problems to your vehicle. At Orozco’s Auto Service part of our FREE brake inspection includes checking all your bearings. Also part of our brake repair process is repacking and lubing your bearings. Something many people overlook when trying to do a DIY brake job at home.

To understand why the problem is so serious, first we must know what a wheel bearing is. A wheel bearing is a set of steel balls held together by a metal ring called a race. They help your vehicle’s wheels spin fast with as little friction as possible. On cars, the wheel bearing rides on a metal axle shaft and fits tightly inside the hub, which is the part that holds the lug bolts used to bolt each wheel onto your car.

When the seal on your wheel bearing is damaged, it will start to make a noise. This noise will start out very faint and become louder over time. It may sound like your tires are louder than normal, like when you drive over a rough surface. If you notice that it is louder when you are turning, it may mean that the wheel bearings repair on only one side is damaged.

Most wheel bearings are made of hardened steel, and are very durable. Their two worst enemies are heat and water. These can destroy a wheel bearing, especially once the seal is broken. Seals protect the bearings from water and debris and seal in the high-temperature grease that lubricates the bearing, but a wheel bearing will start disintegrating quickly once the seal is broken and begin to make noise.

Wheel bearings do not fail immediately, and usually once you notice a sound it is still safe to drive your vehicle to the shop to have it replaced. However, if neglected for long enough, a wheel bearing could fail completely and lock up the wheel it serves, leading to loss of control, or even your wheel falling off completely.

If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Wheel Bearings Repair visit Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove, or Fullerton!

Long Beach Muffler Repair

A muffler is a device to decrease the amount of noise emitted by the exhaust of an internal-combustion engine.

Mufflers are installed within the exhaust system of most vehicles’ engines, although they do not serve any primary exhaust function. They are engineered as an acoustic soundproofing devices designed to reduce the loudness of the engine through acoustic quieting. Most mufflers work by routing the exhaust gases through a series of passages and chambers lined with roving fiberglass insulation and resonating chambers harmonically tuned to create destructive interference which makes sound waves cancel each other out. The unavoidable side effect of muffler use is an increase of back pressure in the exhaust, which decreases engine efficiency and may decrease power.

It is not uncommon for a vehicle owner to remove their muffler or install an aftermarket muffler to increase power output, reduce fuel consumption, or achieve a better exhaust sound if they modify their vehicle. However, modification of a vehicle’s exhaust system is highly regulated and removing your muffler is almost certainly illegal in California. Aftermarket mufflers can break noise or emissions laws and result in a pricey fix-it ticket. It is also possible for your original muffler to develop a leak or defect which can reduce its efficiency and lead to louder than normal sound or higher emissions. Modern cars are tuned to run most efficiently with a fully functioning exhaust system, and removing or modifying it can potentially confuse important sensors and cause unforeseen problems. If you are thinking about removing or modifying your exhaust, you should consider that the performance and efficiency gains will most likely be extremely minor, and you may incur unwanted attention from police and neighbors.

Keeping your muffler in good condition is important to keep your car in good condition and stay out of trouble. The most obvious sign of a failing muffler is a louder than usual or rumbling sound coming from your car. If you notice this, it may be time to consult one of our mechanics. Continuing to drive with a failing muffler can damage other things in your vehicle’s exhaust or emissions system and lead to more costly repairs. Don’t just turn up your radio and ignore the sound, have it checked out by one of our professionals! It will most likely save you a lot of trouble and money in the long run.

If you suspect problems with your muffler, come in to Orozco’s Auto Service in Long Beach today. Our ASE certified mechanics can solve all of your muffler problems, guaranteed!

If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Muffler Repair visit Orozco’s Auto Service Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

It’s a question you should hear every time you get an oil change – conventional or synthetic? Your mechanic might tell you that synthetic is better – and almost always more expensive – but you probably don’t know why. Is he just trying to squeeze more money out of you, or is there really a difference?

In fact, there are several substantial differences between conventional and synthetic motor oils. They both start as crude oil pumped from the ground, but that is essentially where the similarities end.

Synthetic oil is not only refined, but distilled, purified, and further refined into smaller, more basic molecules. This not only removes more impurities from the crude oil, but lets individual molecules in the oil be tailored to the needs of your engine. These customized molecules provide higher levels of performance and protection than conventional oils, resulting in a less stressed, longer-lasting engine. Synthetic oils also typically have more additives to help them work better.

The first major advantage of choosing synthetic oil is that it keeps your engine cleaner. As oil circulates through your engine’s nooks and crannies, it will pick up deposits from the parts that it flows through. Over time, especially if you don’t change your oil often enough, conventional oils may form sludge by the impurities in the oil binding to these deposits – reducing your engine’s efficiency and ultimately shortening its lifespan. Synthetic oils contain fewer impurities and do a better job of resisting the formation of sludge.

Synthetic oils will also give your engine better protection from wear. Motor oil lubricates parts of your engine that are in constant contact with each other and moving at high speeds. In the extreme environment of an engine, components will wear and break down quickly without lubrication. Motor oil serves as the protective barrier between these components. As conventional oils break down, their ability to prevent wear diminishes. Synthetic oils can retain wear protection abilities for a much longer time and increase your engine life.

Another advantage of synthetic oils is that they flow better in low temperatures. You may know that, on a cold day, you’re supposed to let your car idle for several minutes to warm it up before driving. This is so that the oil can warm up and flow smoothly through your engine. Synthetic motor oils are engineered to flow quickly even at lower temperatures, and driving a cold car with synthetic oil in it shouldn’t cause any extra stress or wear on your engine components.

Finally, synthetic oils can also protect a hot engine better. The high temperatures in your engine can cause conventional motor oils to break down or evaporate, risking heavier wear on your engine. Synthetic motor oils are better able to resist this, especially important under the hot California sunshine.

Now that you have a better idea of the differences between conventional and synthetic motor oil, take the time to weigh the options yourself – are you satisfied with conventional oil and more wear on your engine, or would you rather spend a few extra dollars every few months for a longer lasting, better running engine? Whichever you choose, here at Orozco’s Auto Service in Long Beach we can do your oil change for you, so give us a call today!

If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Synthetic Oil versus Standard Oil visit Orozco’s Auto Service Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Long Beach Safe Driving Tips

Regular repairs and maintenance are a normal part of any car’s life – but getting into an car crash will add an unnecessary burden to your normal budget and convenience. However, it is easy to greatly decrease your likelihood of being involved in a crash while driving around Long Beach doing errands or on a road trip with your family by following these safe driving tips:

Stay attentive. It is important to always try to be the best driver on the road and assume that everybody else is not paying attention. Always be sure that the path is clear before accelerating or turning, and stay vigilant of what is happening around you. Reacting to a situation just a fraction of a second sooner could make the difference between ending up in a crash or avoiding one. It is also important not to drive tired – it can be even worse than driving drunk – and to always drive sober and without distractions.

Scan the road. Many people only watch the car in front of them. However, it is important to scan ahead and around the car in front and watch for trouble up ahead or even anticipate crashes before they happen. It is also important not to follow too closely – it takes more than a hundred feet to stop from 60 mph in ideal conditions, so remember to increase the distance between you and the car in front of you at higher speeds!

Drive to conditions. Always be aware of how the environment around you is affecting you and other drivers’ driving abilities – snow, rain, or dirt/gravel will severely limit your traction and visibility and make changing direction happen much more slowly. Puddles can cause you to hydroplane and lose contact with the asphalt for seconds at a time. Driving during sunrise or sunset, or at night, will make it much harder to see the path ahead, not only for you but for other drivers. Also make sure to pay attention to road signs – they are there for a reason.

Check your blind spots. Even with your mirrors properly adjusted, many cars can have huge blind spots where another car may be driving just out of your field of vision. Always check before you switch lanes, and make sure when you are driving that you stay out of other drivers’ blind spots.

If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Safe Driving Tips visit Orozco’s Auto Service Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Long Beach Auto Maintenance Tips

Regular preventative maintenance is the most important habit you can have as as car owner to keep your car in good shape and save money on big future repairs. But preventative maintenance is a broad category. What exactly are some of the universal things within this category that you should make sure you’re familiar with?

First of all, read your owner’s manual. No matter what vehicle you drive, your regular maintenance schedule is inside of it. It will tell you useful information such as how often you should change your oil, what type of oil to use, what grade of gasoline is recommended, what kind of filters the car uses, various belts and other parts, and much more. If you bought a used car and it didn’t come with a manual, this website has one for just about any car: http://justgivemethedamnmanual.com/ . It is important that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for what type of oil and gas to put into your car, because using the wrong kind can potentially void your warranty and cause extensive damage over time.

Any vehicle owner should periodically do their own inspection. Look over your whole car and see if anything looks out of place – make sure that all of the lights are working, listen for any strange noises, and make sure that your tires have enough tread.

You should also check your tire pressure every few weeks – keep a tire pressure gauge in your glove compartment, and to check the tire pressure, unscrew each valve cap and press the gauge into the valve. A number should pop up telling you how many psi of pressure you have. Having the wrong tire pressure can severely hurt your gas mileage and affect your vehicle’s performance, so making sure that it is up to specification can save you money.

Learn to check your vehicle’s fluids, including power steering, coolant, wiper fluid, transmission fluid, and motor oil. Most of these are done by pulling out a dipstick and checking the level – make sure to wipe it off once and dip it in again to get a proper reading – or by looking at markers on the side of the tank. Newer cars may have electronic gauges, and cars often have warning lights for some fluids on the dashboard. If you notice anything running low, check for leaks and add more or get it changed. Never ignore a leak, especially for fluids that, if gone, can cause catastrophic damage: coolant, oil, and transmission fluid. Also make sure to pay attention to how these fluids look, and if they do not look normal then consult a mechanic to figure out what is wrong. Cloudy or discolored fluids are often a sign that there is something severely wrong with your engine.

Inspect and get your timing and serpentine belts replaced when necessary. Most cars will need them replaced about every 50,000 miles, but your owner’s manual should tell you the specific numbers for your vehicle. Ask your mechanic to inspect them, and if they are worn out then get them replaced before they fail. If they fail while you are driving, your engine will not be able to keep running, leaving you stranded and possibly damaging other components and leading to more expensive repairs.

It is also important to get your tires rotated and balanced, and alignment checked regularly. Your owner’s manual, again, should tell you how often. This will help your tires wear evenly and your car drive smoothly. Tires will last much longer if they are properly rotated and balanced, and even if your car drives straight, your alignment may be off by a little bit, which can lead to excess wear.

If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Auto Maintenance visit Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Auto Ethics – You hear them all the time – horror stories of shady mechanics who do shoddy work, overcharge customers, upsell unneeded services or repairs, or even sometimes rig customers’ cars to break more, guaranteeing them more expensive repairs in the near future. Stories like these might make you not want to ever employ a mechanic at all. But even if you can do all your own basic maintenance and your car seems healthy, you need a mechanic you can trust for the almost inevitable event that a major problem comes up.

Here at Orozco’s Auto Service in Long Beach, we pride ourselves in doing honest, high quality work at a price our customers can work with. We like to make sure that our customers know exactly what they’re paying for and why it needs to be taken care of, as well as a breakdown of the final estimate. If the customer leaves and a thorough inspection reveals additional work needing to be done, we will call and explain to them first and ask for permission before proceeding, instead of finishing all of the work and attempting to extort the customer out of money that they hadn’t already agreed to pay.

We adhere strictly to the automotive service industry’s standard for professional business practices, the Automotive Service Association Code of Ethics:

To perform high-quality repair service at a fair and just price.

To use only proven merchandise of high quality distributed by reputable firms.

To employ the best skilled technicians obtainable.

To furnish an itemized invoice for fairly priced parts and services that clearly identifies any used or remanufactured parts. Replaced parts may be inspected upon request.

To have a sense of personal obligation to each customer.

To promote good will between the motorist and members of the association.

To recommend corrective and maintenance services, explaining to the customer which of these are required to correct existing problems and which are for preventive maintenance.

To offer the customer a price estimate for work to be performed.

To furnish or post copies of any warranties covering parts or services.

To obtain prior authorization for all work done, in writing, or by other means satisfactory to the customer.

To notify the customer if appointments or completion promises cannot be kept.

To maintain customer service records for one year or more.

To exercise reasonable care for the customer’s property while in our possession.

To maintain a system for fair settlement of customer’s complaints.

To cooperate with established consumer complaint mediation activities.

To uphold the high standards of our profession and always seek to correct any and all abuses within the automotive industry.

If you are experiencing ethics problems with your current auto repair shop or have questions regarding Automotive Shop Ethics visit Orozco’s Auto Service Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Here’s some fun car facts you may not have known about the automobiles we all know and love and rely on for transportation:

The first car tires were like bike tires. In the early days of automotive development, tires had to be replaced much more frequently than they do today. Advanced development in materials and technology such as radial belts, stronger rubber, and layers help today’s tires last much longer. But when the first automotive tire was invented in 1911 by Philip Strauss, it was very different. His version of the tire was closer to a bicycle tire, with an inner tube that was inflated inside of an outer rubber shell.

Windshield wipers were invented by a woman. Mary Anderson invented windshield wipers in 1903 after visiting New York City, where she noticed that the streetcar driver had to keep his window open in a sleet storm and clean his windshield by hand with a squeegee. She acquired a patent for the windshield wiper but couldn’t sell her invention to car companies, who claimed that the device did not have commercial value. But after her patent expired in 1920, windshield wipers soon became a standard feature on automobiles. Even in sunny Southern California, changing your wiper blades is an important part of automotive maintenance – you don’t want to be caught in a rainstorm and have wipers that only make your windshield cloudier!

Your car uses six primary fluids. While most people know to change their motor oil regularly, less people realize that there are five other important fluids that should be changed or replenished at regular intervals to keep your car healthy. These are your coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. Many of these are also hazardous and need to be disposed of properly.

Antilock brakes were invented over 50 years ago. Although they are a relatively recent safety feature on most passenger cars, antilock brakes have actually been around for more than half a century. The British company Road Research Laboratories created the first antilock braking system in 1958, which was called “Maxaret” and used in production on the 1966 Jensen FF sports sedan. These systems were initially extremely expensive and were not widely used, but advances in brake controller technology have made ABS standard on almost every recent model vehicle.

If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Fun Car Facts 🙂 visit Orozco’s Auto Service Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Looking for Paramount Auto Repair? Orozco’s Auto Service is conveniently located near Paramount, CA and offers Free Shuttle Service to your home or work within the Paramount area. Orozco’s Auto Service is a family run business that has more than 25 years of experience providing professional and and affordable auto repairs in Los Angeles and Orange County. In addition to servicing all makes and models Orozco’s Auto Service specializes in BMW and Mercedes Benz. Our factory trained ASE Certified technicians can quickly asses your vehicles issues or apply a regular maintenance regiment to keep your vehicle in top running condition. Additionally every service or repair is backed with a 2 Year, 24,000 Mile Nationwide Warranty that is one of the best in the industry.

Orozco’s Auto Service also offers a VIP service for Paramount and surrounding area residents and business professionals.

Here’s some of what you get with our VIP Service:

• Lifetime Protection on Your Engine*
• Earn 2% Credit to Your Account (redeemed annually)*
• Low Cost Car Rental of $15 Per Day, up to 3 Days*
• In-House Financing, Pay No Interest for the First 6 Months*
• FREE Car Wash with Every Service
• FREE Tire Rotation with Every Service if Needed
• 3 Year, 36,000 Mile Nationwide Warranty*

*Contact Orozco’s Auto Service for Complete Details.

Below is a list of some of the auto repair and services we offer Paramount, CA:

Paramount Oil Change & Lube
Paramount Brake Repair & Brake Service
Paramount 30-60-90K Mile Services
Paramount Engine Repair / Engine Rebuilds
Paramount Transmission Repair
Paramount Radiator and Cooling System Repair
Paramount Power Steering Repair
Paramount Drive Shaft & UV Joint Repair
Paramount Fuel / Air Induction Service
Paramount Air Conditioning Repair
Paramount Diesel Car & Truck Repair
Paramount Alternator Repair
Paramount Battery Replacement & Service
Paramount Belts and Hoses
Paramount Muffler / Exhausts Repair & Service
Paramount Car & Truck Inspections
Paramount Car & Truck Alignments
Paramount Shocks / Suspension Service & Repair
Paramount Starter Repair & Service
Paramount Check Engine Light – Diagnostics
Paramount Tire Service, Repair & Sales
And More!

Did You Know? Orozco’s Auto Service is a NAPA AutoCare Award Winning Shop! Orozco’s Auto Service also services commercial vehicles of all sizes from Rental Cars to Semi Trucks. Orozco’s Auto Service has an in-house department for Gas Tanks and Radiator Repairs and Rebuilds, again both commercial and standard sizes.

Orozco’s Auto Service Paramount’s Dealership Alternative, Offering Better Price, Better Service And A Better Warranty!

It’s a common question for many motorists: how can I find trustworthy auto repair near me?

Just a few short years ago, the most common way for people to find new businesses to spend their hard-earned money at was the yellow. But today, it’s easy to find the right match for you with just a few short keystrokes “Auto Repair Near Me.

It’s important to find a good mechanic you can trust, and build a strong relationship with them before you need it. Would you rather wait until your car is no longer drivable before scrambling to find somebody who can fix it, risking making a rushed and rash decision, or have somebody that you know you can trust and leave your car with if it ever breaks down?

Another reason to find a good mechanic is because having a good relationship with your mechanic can give you more safety and security in your car repairs. Having a mechanic or shop that you know personally, who has repeatedly done quality work on your car, will give you more peace of mind when a major repair is needed.

Today, Yelp is one of the most common tools to help you find a shop that you can near you, but can you trust all those reviews? Yelp has a poor reputation for forcing businesses to pay for advertising to keep a high rating. Also many times those bad reviews can be posted by a competitor. Our web site features real reviews from real customers. Additionally, word of mouth is our strongest ally. We know when we do a good job people talk, that’s also why we have such a successful referral program.

With this in mind, we strive at Orozco’s Auto Service to provide only the highest quality honest and courteous service to keep your vehicle on the road. Come build your relationship with our friendly and helpful mechanics and discover why Orozco’s Auto Service is the Most Trusted Auto Repair Shop in Town!

If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Auto Repair Near Me visit Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

When you drive your car, there are two gauges that, no matter what, everybody pays attention to – your speedometer, and your gas gauge. Nobody wants to get a speeding ticket or run out of gas in the middle of nowhere. But what happens if your gas gauge isn’t reading your fuel level accurately? Sometimes, your gas gauge might get stuck or randomly move around, going up as your fuel level goes down. If your fuel gauge begins to malfunction without you noticing, you run the risk of running out of gas with no warning, leaving you stuck without a ride.

The fuel gauge on your dashboard is controlled by a component inside of your gas tank called the fuel sending unit. An automobile’s fuel sending unit is made up of a buoyant float attached to a thin metal rod which moves across a resistor. As the gas level in the fuel tank gets lower, the float sinks, causing the metal rod to move. The amount of resistance that the rod encounters is translated by electronic sensors into a reading, which is displayed on the fuel gauge.

Before you decide that you need whole a new fuel sending unit, make sure that the gauge fuse is not blown (this should be a starting point for all electrical problems as it is easy to do and costs nothing). Check your vehicle owner’s manual or consult our mechanics to locate the fuse and check that it is working correctly.

If the fuse is still good, then it is likely that part or all of your fuel sending unit is malfunctioning. Diagnosing and repairing a fuel sending unit is not an easy job to do at home – it involves draining your fuel tank and figuring out what is wrong with your fuel sending unit and how to fix it, and in many cars the fuel sending unit can be very hard to access and remove. It is highly recommended that you consult the help of professionals to replace your faulty fuel sending unit.

Many people who notice that their fuel gauges stop working simply fill their gas tank every few hundred miles, but what if you forget? What if a friend borrows your car and isn’t aware of the issue, and runs out of gas in the middle of their journey? A broken gas gauge, while it won’t disable your engine or affect your car’s performance, can easily lead to a huge inconvenience, having to leave your car stuck on the side of the road while you look for a ride or walk to the gas station. Or, if you don’t even know that your car is out of gas, what if it results in an expensive tow to a mechanic and hundreds of dollars wasted on diagnosis and repair that could have easily been avoided?

If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Orozco’s Fuel Sending Unit Info visit Orozco’s Auto Service Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Long Beach Tune Ups

Tune Ups – You may have heard of getting your car a tune-up, but what exactly does that mean? Why is it necessary? Is it really in fact necessary to keep your car running well?

Tune ups intervals vary from one vehicle to another. Most older vehicles with non electronic ignitions should get a tune up about every 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first, but newer cars with electronic ignition and fuel injection systems are designed to go tens of thousands of miles without needing a major tune-up.

Most basic tune-ups include performance checks – battery voltage, compression tests, vacuum tests, an ECU scan, exhaust emissions, idle speed check, ignition timing check, and a visual inspection of hoses, belts and fluids. Any parts that seem off are further inspected and repaired or made known to the owner.

Your vehicle’s owner’s manual should give you recommended tune-up intervals, but even if it says that your vehicle does not need a tune-up very often, there are several signs that you should watch out for to check that your vehicle is working as efficiently as it can. If you drive in heavy traffic or tow a lot of weight, more strain will be placed on your engine and it may need to be tuned more often. Here are some signs that you may need a tune-up: The car stalls a lot. The spark plugs may be fouled or worn, the gap between the spark plug electrodes may need adjusting, or an electronic sensing device may need to be adjusted.

The engine is running roughly when idling or when you accelerate. Chances are the vehicle needs a tune-up.

The car gets harder to start. The problem can be in the starting system (for example, a weak battery), in the fuel system (for example, a weak fuel pump), or in the ignition system, or can be due to a faulty electronic component, such as the electronic control unit (ECU).

If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Orozco’s tune ups visit Orozco’s Auto Service Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Long Beach Head Gasket Repair

Today, we’re gonna go over two of the most dreaded words in anybody’s automotive vocabulary – head gaskets. You may not know what exactly a head gasket is or what it does, but you most likely know that it is a very expensive repair. Well this week, we’re gonna teach you how to recognize early signs of a leaking head gasket and how to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place, as well as what to do if you realize that your head gasket has started leaking.

A blown head gasket may cause a number of different symptoms. Coolant in the engine oil, an engine misfire or oil leaking from the engine could all be a symptom.

Each of these symptoms could also have other causes and an actual blown head gasket may show none of the above symptoms, but a head gasket would be the most common cause.

Head gaskets may actually fail in several different ways, and each way can give different symptoms. The symptoms that you see will depend on how and where your head gasket has failed.

Because of the difficulty and expense of a head gasket repair, you may be tempted to try your luck and keep driving, hoping that it is something else. This would be a big mistake. If you drive on a leaky head gasket for too long, your engine can literally start to warp and will need to be completely refinished, at which point it would likely be cheaper to get a whole new engine.

If coolant enters the exhaust, the catalytic converter will most likely be damaged. Coolant in the engine oil may destroy the engine by reducing the oil’s lubricating power. Combustion gases that leak into coolant will result in overheating. The radiator, heater core, and other expensive components can also be damaged.

Head gasket repair is so expensive because it must be approached very carefully. To repair a head gasket, several parts including the engine head(s) have to be removed, and components must be measured with precision to determine what needs to be replaced, then installed to specification to prevent future malfunctions or further damage.

The best ways to prevent head gasket failure are to replace coolant regularly according to your owner’s manual and to shut off your engine immediately if it starts to overheat, and diagnose and repair the cause of overheating as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Head Gasket Repair visit Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Long Beach Driveline Repair

This week on Orozco’s Auto Blog, we’re gonna talk about your car’s driveline repair. Whether your vehicle is front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, or all wheel drive, all automobiles have a drivetrain which is responsible for delivering power from the engine to the drive wheels.

A vehicle’s driveline turns your axles, which turns your wheels. There are different types, depending on what your vehicle’s drive wheels are. A car’s driveline connects to the transmission and differential through a series of universal joints.

Most universal and CV joints are sealed, and do not require periodic lubrication. However, it is important to have them inspected anytime your car is on a lift for service. Any crack or leak in one of these joints can end up severely damaging your vehicle.

If your vehicle shudders when you accelerate, it could be a sign of a loose or faulty U joint or center bearing. If you hear a loud clunk during shifting, your U joints may be worn out. Roughness, clicking noises, or squeaking sounds at low speed may also be signs of driveline trouble.

Even if you do not have a leak in your driveline system, heat, moisture, extreme pressure, and high load will eventually cause breakdown and contamination of the gear oil lubricating these parts. This will lead to degradation, deposits, and eventually component failure.

Here at Orozco’s Auto Service in Long Beach, we can inspect and repair all parts of your vehicle’s driveline system. We replace worn out fluids and lubricants from transmissions, front and rear differentials, transaxles, and transfer cases with new high performance synthetic lubricant. Your car will shift smoother, operate quieter, and last longer.

If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Driveline Repair visit Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Long Beach Auto Air Conditioning Repair

Here at Orozco’s Auto Service in Long Beach, we’ve talked about several essential vehicle maintenance items so far. It may be obvious that most of these crucial parts, if neglected to the point of a serious malfunction, can result in you losing control of your car or your car catching fire. What most people never consider is that there are several less violent or obvious ways that your car can damage your health just as seriously. One system that may seem harmless and unnecessary to maintain at first, your car’s climate control and ventilation system, can do just that.

If you neglect maintenance on your car’s AC system for long enough, it can develop a condition known as “black death”. Black death develops from the inside out and can be impossible to detect, but after long enough, it can cause you illness or respiratory issues.

Black death starts from inside of the AC compressor after the refrigerant breaks down. Since refrigerant also provides lubrication for the system, old fluid will result in wear to the system’s Components, starting with the compressor. Fine, sharp metal particles will then travel through the rest of your AC system and damage the rest of its Components, destroying its function gradually. The best way to protect your A/C system from black death is to have regular checkups and perform needed maintenance as soon as possible.

Auto Air Conditioning Repair – There are several problems that an A/C system may develop:

Why does my A/C have weak airflow?

The main causes of weak airflow are mold or mildew accumulating in the evaporator core from moisture or condensation from regular operation, a hose coming loose and decreasing air pressure, ventilation fan failure, or seals coming loose and diminishing airflow. A/C systems are extremely sensitive, and a loose hose or seal can compromise the entire system.

Why isn’t my A/C as cold as it used to be?

A/C losing its frigidity can be caused by a number of reasons, including a freon leak caused by a loose seal, gasket, hose, or component, a clogged hose or tube, a failed compressor or component, a failed blower motor, a damaged or failed condenser or evaporator, vacuum leaks, or a failed switch, relay, fuse, or solenoid. A leak in the A/C system can end up compromising the entire system. If you or your mechanic discovers the leak early, then it most likely will not have damaged as many parts, and your repair will not be as expensive.

A/C starts out cold but gets warm?

There are several possible causes to this problem: a clogged expansion valve, a faulty compressor clutch, a blown fuse, or leaks may all cause this symptom.

Foul odor from your AC system?

Unpleasant odors coming from your car’s vents are usually caused by a dirty, old air cabin filter or a moldy evaporator case.

A small leak or malfunction in your AC system can eventually lead to huge expenses or even tainted air in your passenger compartment. If you suspect that your vehicle’s Auto Air Conditioning Repair system has been compromised, If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Auto Air Conditioning Repair visit Orozco’s Auto Service Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Long Beach car battery replacement, testing and service

It all starts with a few seemingly minor problems. A warning light may flash on your dashboard, your headlights may seem dimmer, or your gauges may flicker. Maybe you notice an odd smell or even a growling noise from your engine. It may sound like your car is possessed, but most likely it is just a problem with the alternator. Without attention, alternator problems can cause you trouble ranging from slower starts to a dead car.

Although alternators are relatively simple and contain only a few parts, they play a critical role in vehicle operation. Alternators are essentially responsible for turning the mechanical energy of the engine’s rotating crankshaft into electricity, which is used to power your car’s accessories ranging from headlights to radio. It also keeps the battery fully charged to provide power needed to start the car. Alternator failure most likely will not cause any major damage, but it can be a huge inconvenience if you need your car and it isn’t starting.

There are five common signs of alternator trouble that you can look out for:

Warning lights

Most late model cars – within the last decade or so – have a warning light specifically for alternator trouble. This light can be shaped like a battery or read “ALT” or “GEN” (alternator or generator). Most people will see this light and assume that it means they have a battery problem, but in most cases it is the alternator. If the alternator’s output goes beyond a preset limit, then the warning light will come on. Because of this, at the beginning, this light may flicker, turning on only for a second then off again, or only when you turn on your accessories. As more power is demanded by the headlights, windshield wipers, radio, climate control, etc., the alternator will need to work harder to maintain necessary voltage, and as its voltage diminishes, the warning light will turn on.

2. Dim headlights

Since the alternator is in charge of supplying the vehicle’s electrical needs, as it gets weaker so will your car’s accessories. This is why your headlights or instrument panel lights, or even power windows, may be getting less power and not operating to their full potential. In newer cars, there is often a preset list of which accessories will lose power first based on which are most necessary – headlights usually will usually lose power last because they are the most necessary accessory to vehicle safety.

3. Sounds and smells

There are some other, less concrete signs that you can watch out for to notice alternator trouble. There may be a growling or whining noise before an alternator failure. This is because the pulley or belt that drives the alternator may have fallen out of alignment. There may also be the scent of burning rubber or hot wires due to the pulley or belt being out of alignment and creating friction.

4. Dead battery

If you leave your alternator problem unattended for long enough, the car’s battery may die, even if you didn’t leave your lights on overnight. Car batteries are not designed for long-term power use; they are meant to provide the vehicle with enough power to start by powering the starter motor and getting the entire system to move. To see if your alternator is dead, jump start the car and then remove the cables as quickly as possible. If your alternator is failing to charge the system, the car will die again soon. If the car runs and continues to run, then the problem most likely is with the battery.

5. Broken or Loose Connections

If everything else seems fine – there are no belt issues, strange noises or smells, but your car battery is still dead, then the alternator most likely is still functioning but there is a loose or broken connection. Alternators put their electricity through cables and wires. Any loose or broken wires could cause problems with your alternator.

If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding your car battery visit Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Long Beach Shocks and Struts

Shocks and Struts – This week on Orozco’s Auto Blog, we’re gonna go over something that most people don’t even think about when they consider vehicle maintenance. You may know that they are a key part of your car’s suspension system, but do you know what they do and the consequences if they are not well kept? Maybe the extent of your knowledge is “the car will still drive even if these parts are worn out, so they do not matter.” However, worn and malfunctioning shocks and struts can actually be extremely dangerous and should not be neglected.

To understand why these Components need attention, we must first understand what they do and how they work.

A shock can be described as something that keeps the spring from bouncing too much – with working shocks, the springs in a car’s suspension will not compress as much, and will not rebound as quickly or violently as they would alone. They also will not keep bouncing for a long time as they would with worn out or no shocks. A shock can also be called a damper.

A strut is also responsible for dampening the springs’ movement, but they are also a structurally integral part of the car’s suspension. Therefore, they are more important than shocks and absolutely cannot be neglected. It would be possible, if uncomfortable, to drive a car with worn out shocks; it would just keep bouncing after every bump, but with worn out struts, the entire suspension could easily fall apart since struts keep the parts together.

So how can you tell when your shocks or struts need to be replaced? Well, the best way would to be get them inspected annually for signs of wear or failure. However, if you neglect them for long enough, there will eventually be some noticeable symptoms:

“Bottoming out”: if your car is riding unusually low on one end, it can be a sign that on that end are worn out.

“Forward plunge”: if the front of your vehicle plunges forward harder than normal under normal braking, the front ones may be worn out.

“Rock and roll”: if the vehicle rocks or rolls from side to side around corners, they may be worn out.

Bumpy ride: an unusually bumpy or bouncy ride is almost certainly a sign they are worn out.

Unpredictable handling: if your vehicle’s handling seems to be harder to control than normal, your shocks or struts may be worn out.

Another sign of serious they wear is oil or air leaking from them; the oil may be visible if enough leaks to drip down to the ground underneath the car. If your shocks or struts are filled with air, you can spray them with soapy water and wait to see if air bubbles form; this is a sign of an air leak. Leaking shocks or struts should be replaced as soon as possible.

One of the easiest and most common methods to test the condition of your shocks and struts is the “bounce test”. This is done by pushing down as hard as possible once on the front or back of a vehicle. If the car rebounds and stays at normal height without bouncing when released, then the shocks and struts should still be in good working condition. If the vehicle does bounce, then most likely the shocks or struts need replacement. Finally, a good general rule is to replace your struts and shocks every 50,000 miles as preventative maintenance.

At Orozco’s Auto Service in Long Beach, we can inspect and replace your struts and shocks and keep your car safe to drive. If your ride is uncomfortable, your shocks or struts are leaking, or your car has began handling erratically, If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding your Shocks and Struts visit Orozco’s Auto Service Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Long Beach Wheel Alignment

When your vehicle needs an alignment, contact Orozco’s Auto Service. Wheel alignment is one thing that you absolutely cannot cheat on. To do an alignment properly, expensive tools are required, and an improper alignment can lead to more wear on the vehicle, more unpredictable driving dynamics, and more trouble in the end.

Alignment consists of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are straight. Proper alignment gives you the benefits of minimal tire wear, a car that drives straight, and minimal stress on parts of the suspension.

All new vehicles are set to manufacturer specifications, but it is advisable to get your car’s alignment checked again after about 2000 miles, since the suspension may move slightly due to normal driving.

An improper alignment could cause problems such as uneven tire wear, pulling to the left or right, or twitchier handling. Tire wear will cause more frequent tire replacement, which will be at least a few hundred dollars each time, and the vehicle pulling is not only dangerous but will make it harder to drive.

With a proper alignment, most cars can go about 30,000 miles before needing new tires, although even if you do not drive as much, old tires can become dangerously brittle. Every time you get new tires, you should also check your alignment. Check your alignment sooner if you get into an accident, change suspension Components, or notice any unusual handling characteristics. Vehicle alignment can commonly be thrown off severely at once by hitting a big pothole at high speed.

Alignment on a typical car should take about an hour, although rusted parts or specialty vehicles can require additional time.

An alignment check should include several measurements:

primary angles: front/rear left and right caster, front/rear left and right camber, front/rear left, right, and total toe.

secondary angles: SAI (steering axis inclination) (left & right), left and right included angle, left and right toe out on turns, left and right maximum turns, left and right toe curve change, track width difference, wheelbase difference, left and right front/rear ride height, frame angle, and front/rear setback.

Setback is the difference between right and left side wheelbase length. Caster, camber, and toe are all angles which the wheel is attached to the suspension by. Unless you have a modified suspension or professionally adjust them for motorsports, all of these measurements should ideally be adjusted to the factory specifications.

Besides uneven wear and pulling, vibration can also be a sign of bad alignment.

Some tires that come with a warranty even require you to get regular alignments and rotation, or risk voiding the warranty. A proper alignment also reduces wear on the steering column, since in an extreme situation bad alignment can cause vibration and shaking, damaging several parts. A proper alignment can also improve gas mileage, since bad alignment will cause more resistance and make the car work harder.

Here at Orozco’s Auto Service of Bellflower, we can provide all alignment services and keep your car driving straight and smoothly. If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Wheel Alignment visit Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Long Beach Mass Airflow Sensor Repair

This week on Orozco’s Auto Blog, we’re gonna go over something which can cause a wide variety of symptoms, from the mildly annoying to the critical.

Your car’s Mass Airflow sensor, or MAF sensor, can cause several problems with how your engine runs, including but not limited to rough idle, mild to severe hesitation, loss of power, poor fuel economy, and even the engine stalling – yes, even in an automatic car. In the ‘80s and ‘90s, these sensors were in an evolutionary phase, and if your car was built during these two decades it is very likely that its MAF sensor is not the most reliable.

A MAF sensor converts the air flowing past it into an electrical signal which goes to the car’s ECU. As the volume and density of air across the sensor changes, the computer is able to make adjustments to the air/fuel mixture and injector timing and optimize your vehicle’s performance, emissions, and economy. If the sensor becomes contaminated or malfunctions, or a wire wears out, then your car will most likely run poorly, waste more gas, and jerk or stall.

The MAF sensor malfunctioning can also cause your car to throw a check engine light (CEL). Furthermore, it can cause different check engine codes such as the O2 sensor, “low air volume”, or something else. Problems with the MAF sensor could be related to wiring, the sensor itself, or actual air flow.

In fact, symptoms or codes associated with a bad MAF sensor may not be related to the sensor itself at all. They could mean that your car has a vacuum leak, blocked intake, torn tubes or hoses in the intake system, or something else entirely. A common condition in higher mileage cars is that the duct running from the air filter to the throttle body is torn, which allows air to enter the engine which the computer has not accounted for, and can cause symptoms and codes indicating sensor failure.

Another possibility is that your MAF sensor is simply dirty. Any vehicle with 20,000 miles or more could very easily have contamination build up on the MAF sensor – the older, the more likely.

Vehicle manufacturers eventually built in a self cleaning mechanism that would superheat the sensor to burn off contamination, but on older vehicles (likely any vehicle built before the late ‘90s), it will be necessary at some point to clean the MAF sensor.

Even if cleaning the sensor does not solve all of the problems it is still beneficial. It is a good idea to clean the sensor every time you get a new air filter as regular preventative maintenance. If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Mass Airflow Sensor Repair visit Orozco’s Auto Service Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Long Beach automotive vehicle’s coolant

This week on Orozco’s Auto Blog, we’re keeping your car cool by teaching you about your vehicle’s coolant.

What is coolant? Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is the fluid that is responsible for absorbing heat from the engine and dissipating it through the radiator. It is made from a mixture of ethylene or propylene glycol and water, usually in a 1:1 ratio. A coolant service consists of draining and flushing your car’s cooling system then replacing the old coolant with fresh coolant.

Over time, coolant will accumulate dirt and rust particles that can clog up your engine’s cooling system and cause problems, especially in the winter and summer at extreme temperatures. Furthermore, because it operates in a hot, hostile environment, coolant experiences chemical breakdown over time which breaks down its rust inhibitors and leaves your engine and radiator vulnerable to corrosion.

If the rust inhibitors in coolant stop working, then the cooling system will start to rust from the inside out. The biggest source of rust in a car’s cooling system is your engine block. Over time, these rust particles will also clog the tiny passages within the radiator and heater and cause your engine to overheat, probably necessitating a new engine and a hefty mechanic bill.

Your vehicle owner’s manual should have a recommended service schedule to check and replace your coolant. If you check your coolant level when the engine is cold, it should be at or above the “minimum” line on the transparent refill container. If the engine is hot, it should be at or slightly below the “max” line.

Coolant disappearing can only mean one thing: a leak, either external or internal. Internal leaks are more expensive, but both require immediate attention since running low on or running out of coolant can lead to catastrophic engine failure.

If you live where the temperature goes below freezing – not likely in sunny Southern California – you might want to check the concentration of your coolant. Diluted or weak coolant can freeze when the temperature drops below freezing and even crack your engine.

It is worth noting that antifreeze has a sweet aroma and taste which appeals to many pets, and ingesting even small amounts can easily kill an average sized cat or dog. There is nothing you can add to antifreeze to make it less appealing to animals, but antifreeze made with propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol is only about a third as toxic. If you have pets, it can be worth checking before you buy and only using propylene glycol antifreeze. It may save your pet’s life.

Here at Orozco’s Auto Service in Long Beach, we’ll be happy to help you with any antifreeze troubles you may have. If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Mass Airflow vehicle’s coolant visit Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Engine Air Filters – Long Beach, CA

Any internal combustion engine needs air to operate. Without oxygen, gasoline and diesel fuels will not ignite and create the explosion necessary to power the engine. However, not just any air will work. The air must be clean before getting sucked into the engine’s intake and combustion chambers. Imagine a cloud of dust getting sucked into your engine – say you’re driving through a sandstorm – or driving through rain and having water get sucked into your intake. Not only will the fuel have problems igniting, but there will almost certainly be damage to your engine’s internal Components. Dust, dirt, and debris can quickly pollute an engine, causing poor performance and shorting your engine’s life span. Foreign particles become abrasive to the metal parts inside of an engine, causing wear to the cylinders, piston rings, gaskets, and other parts.

Modern engines also are programmed to run most smoothly on a precise ratio of air to fuel, and deviating from this ratio will put added strain on your engine.

Fortunately, we have air filters which allow just the right amount of air into our vehicle’s intake, while filtering out the dust and debris that would damage our engine. But even the best air filters will only last so long, being driven through dirty air every day.

So how do you, the car owner, know when it is time to change your air filter?

As with many car parts, that depends on how often and how hard the car is driven, and under what conditions. If you live somewhere with a lot of sandstorms or smog, then more frequent air filter replacements will be necessary. On the other hand, if you live somewhere where the air is clean and the water is clear, and only drive your car occasionally, then you will need to replace your air filter much less frequently.

Some experts recommend that you change your air filter every time you change your oil, while others say that is way too excessive. As with most parts, your owner’s manual should have a suggested maintenance schedule. However, if you live somewhere with a lot of pollution, you may need to change it more frequently. It is smart to get your air filter at least inspected every time you change your oil, and changed if necessary.

If you neglect changing your air filter for too long, you may see a noticeable decrease in fuel economy, performance, and possible damage to other Components such as your spark plugs from the dirty air entering your combustion chamber.

We here at Orozco’s Auto Service in Long Beach will be happy to take a look at your air filter for you, and change it if necessary. If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding your engine’s air filter visit Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Long Beach Car’s Exhaust

Orozco’s Auto Blog is back this week with not so much a single part, but a general idea. This week, we’re going to tell you what the color of your car’s exhaust means.

If you see a noticeable change in your car’s exhaust, you should be concerned. Even if you do not notice a change in your vehicle’s performance or efficiency and there are no warning lights on your dashboard, smoke coming from your exhaust is more often than not a sign that something may not be working correctly.

There are a few different colors of smoke that can point to common issues which are relatively easy to diagnose.

Blue smoke coming from your exhaust pipe most likely means that your engine is burning oil. The most common causes of this problem are your valve guide seals, piston rings, or head gasket being worn out, allowing oil to leak past where it belongs into the cylinder, where it is being ignited with the gaIf you see blue smoke, you should check your engine’s seals and gaskets and replace the worn ones as soon as possible to prevent further, possibly catastrophic, damage to your engine. Until then, you should check your oil regularly, refill it if it goes down, and avoid putting excess stress on your car.

Burning oil can cause your car to produce more pollution and run more roughly, as it can damage your spark plugs.

The second most common reason for blue smoke is, if your car is turbocharged, the turbo(s) may need to be rebuilt or replaced.

Gray smoke is not as telling as blue smoke. It can also mean that your car is burning oil or needs a new turbo, and you should get all of these checked as soon as possible, but it can also mean other things.

Gray smoke may be automatic transmission fluid leaking into the engine and getting burned up, which would mean that you need a new transmission vacuum modulator. It could also mean a stuck Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve, which is designed to cut down on harmful emissions by recycling them back into the combustion chamber. Your PCV valve getting stuck can lead to a buildup of pressure and oil leaks.

Thick white smoke can be caused by your engine burning coolant. This is most likely a serious issue such as a blown head gasket, damaged cylinder head, or a cracked engine block, all of which can quickly destroy your engine if not taken care of right away. Even a small leak in coolant can lead to overheating and risk serious damage to your engine, or mix with oil and destroy its functionality.

Black smoke means that your engine is running too rich. This may be due to an air filter, oxygen sensor, fuel injector, fuel pressure regulator, clogged fuel return line, or another component of your intake and injection system malfunctioning. Usually, this will not lead to any serious problems or damage, but will definitely negatively affect your fuel economy and should still be remedied as soon as possible.

Any smoke coming from your car is a sign that something is wrong. Pay attention to what your vehicle needs and take care of it to ensure that it lasts you as long as possible. Here at Orozco’s Auto Service in Long Beach, we are happy to help figure out why your car is smoking and fix the problem.

If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding your car’s exhaust visit Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!

Long Beach Oxygen Sensor Repair

This week on Orozco’s Auto Blog, we’re gonna tell you about one of the most common car repairs: the ubiquitous oxygen sensor.

Your car’s oxygen sensor, or lambda sensor, is an electronic device which measures and reports the proportion of oxygen in your car’s exhaust.

Every new car, and most cars produced since 1980, has an lambda sensor as part of its emissions control system. This sensor is about the size of a spark plug and located in your car’s exhaust pipe. The lambda sensor feeds data to the car’s ECU, and is designed to help your car’s engine run as efficiently as possible, and produce as low of a level of emissions as possible.

A gasoline engine needs oxygen to operate, otherwise the fuel will be unable to combust. There is a certain ratio of air to gasoline that is “perfect”, which is 14.7:1 (this number will differ by different types of fuels or engines). If there is too much gasoline in this mixture, then there will be fuel left over after combustion, and your engine will be running rich. The unburnt fuel will create pollution which is released into the atmosphere. If there is too little gasoline, then there will be excess oxygen after combustion, also known as a lean mixture. A lean mixture tends to produce more nitrogen-oxide pollutants, which can potentially cause poor performance and even damage your engine.

By measuring the amount of oxygen in your exhaust, your lambda sensor is able to detect and report rich or lean mixtures. The engine needs an oxygen sensor to determine how much oxygen is being taken in, which can differ greatly due to the air’s oxygen density, affected by many factors such as the altitude, air temperature, engine temperature, air pressure, and more. When the lambda sensor fails, then the computer is no longer receiving data on the air/fuel ratio, and ends up guessing, leading to a loss in your car’s engine performance and efficiency. A faulty oxygen sensor can cause up to a 40% loss in fuel economy.

Most modern cars have two to four oxygen sensors, any of which can fail and cause a check engine light. There are several reasons why an oxygen sensor may fail, such as gasoline additives or dirty oil clogging them. In new cars, oxygen sensors should last around 100,000 miles, but problems may occur sooner if your car isn’t being maintained correctly.

In addition, in some cases a wire or hose leading to the lambda sensor could be broken or burned out, which makes it even harder to figure out where exactly the problem is coming from.

If left untreated, a faulty oxygen sensor can easily lead to more expensive and extensive problems, such as catalytic convertor failure. It is best to replace your lambda sensor as soon as you notice a problem.

Here at Orozco’s Auto Service in Long Beach, we can diagnose and remedy exactly what is wrong with your oxygen sensor system and keep your car running efficiently. If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle or have questions regarding Your Oxygen Sensor visit Orozco’s Auto Service Orozco’s Auto Service at any of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove or Fullerton!