Sherman Oaks Auto Repair

Modern cars are some of the most complex pieces of machinery on the planet. The electrical system of your car is responsible for powering essential functions, from the lights to the engine itself. Unfortunately, due to the complexity of the system, problems can arise over time. Here are some of the most common car electrical system problems and what you can do if you encounter them. One of the most common problems is an issue with the battery. A weak or failing battery can cause all sorts of problems, from difficulties starting your vehicle to an inability to power on certain features. Similarly, a faulty alternator can cause the battery to drain, leading to a weak electrical system. Another common electrical system problem is a battery drain, which occurs when the car is not in use. This can be caused by a faulty alternator, a failing battery, or an electronic component that is drawing power when it should not be. If your car's electrical system is functioning erratically, it ... read more

Most people that own an SUV don’t even understand what it the letters stand for. An SUV is a sports utility vehicle, and they have been increasing in popularity over the years. In the last several years, over 8 million SUVs have been accounted for in automobiles (new or used) sold in America. That is why most vehicles on the road today are SUVs. Read on to learn why they are America’s preferred vehicle choice. Sedans used to be the winner in the categories of sizing and affordability. However, they don’t offer the versatility of sports utility vehicles. SUVs can handle various terrains with better comfort, larger space, and increased safety.  Versatility You can get the best of both worlds with an SUV. Whether you are squeezing into city traffic and parking or ready to go off-roading, it is perfect for both. SUVs can have both a casual appearance and a fancy appearance. They can be driven by practically any individual with various needs ... read more

There's nothing scarier than stepping into a car and driving with bad brakes. Worn brakes are a major safety concern and can put you in harm's way. Still, many drivers wait until it is too late to have their brakes checked. Whenever you need a brake inspection, turn to your local experts at Sherman Oaks Exclusive. Whenever you step on the brake pedal, you need to realize that there are many parts that come into play to slow down and stop your car. Depending on your vehicle's brake system, it may have brake pads, brake shoes, brake calipers, brake drums, brake rotor, brake fluid, etc. These parts wear down or deteriorate over time, so it is imperative to catch the signs of wear and tear and replace them early. How Often Should You Have a Brake Inspection? A good rule of thumb to follow is to have your brakes checked every time you rotate your tires or oil changed. That way, you never forget. Otherwise, you should have your brakes inspected every 6 months. Doing it season ... read more

Wheel balance and alignment frequently take place concurrently, but they must not be mistaken for one another! If you want to know how to differentiate the two, you have come to the right place. Wheel alignment The mechanism that links a car to its tires is adjusted during wheel alignment, sometimes referred to as tire alignment. A wheel alignment is the process of changing the angles of the wheels on your car so that they all cooperate in straightaway and turns. Your wheels may become slightly out of tune with each other when you're driving every day. Your tires are effectively leaving scuff marks on the ground as you drive when one or several of your tires aren't pointed in the same direction. This can result in accelerated tire wear, tugging between one side or another an off-center steering wheel, and reduced fuel efficiency. It's a smart idea to have your alignments checked twice a year, if you can. Causes of wheel alignment • Potholes • Unsettling effe ... read more

Did you know that Labor Day weekend is one of the most dangerous times of the year to be driving in America? With an extended weekend, many families and friends come together for a last hurrah of the summer.  Whether you’re staying local or taking a road trip, be sure to be extra careful on the busy roads.    Traffic will definitely be overwhelming, and no one wants to spend the holiday stuck on the side of the road. To avoid crashes and/or breakdowns, we thought it would be great to share these tips and tricks to make your drives safer. SAFETY FIRST! First and foremost, please remember to buckle up when getting into your car. Not only should you be following the law, but make sure your passengers, especially kids, are buckled up too. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. Keep your phone out of sight and out of mind once you have put in your directions or picked out your song. Both your hands should be on the wheel at all times. And your eyes should be focused on the road ahe ... read more

There are multiple causes for the oil light to become illuminated. When it does it is best to immediately turn off the vehicle and refrain from driving it until the problem is resolved. While this can be extremely inconvenient, it is preferable to the risk of engine damage caused by driving the vehicle. Let's take a look at why the oil light may be illuminated and what your next steps should be. How come the Oil Light is on? There are several reasons your vehicle's oil light may be on. Let's have a look at the most common reasons and what to do. Time for an Oil Change! This is the most typical cause of the oil warning light to illuminate. It indicates that the oil level is so low that the oil light sensor activated the light. Simply confirm this by inspecting the oil and refilling the oil in the vehicle. Reduced Oil Pressure If the oil pump has difficulty circulating oil, the pressure is low. You should have this inspected, as operating a vehicle with low oil pressur ... read more

If you’ve heard unusual sounds under the hood, it should cross your mind that it could be your serpentine belt. Your serpentine belt is one of the most important parts of your vehicle. It is a long and snake-like belt that goes through various systems with a network of pulleys. For instance, the serpentine belt powers the alternator, a/c compressor, water pump, power steering pump, and more.   With such a vital role in your car, it is important for you to keep an eye out for a worn serpentine belt. Read on to learn more about the red flags of serpentine belt failure.  Physical wear and tear - Physical signs are the most obvious signs that indicate the belt is on its way out. Most of the time, your technician will inspect your belts and hoses at regular service intervals. Signs of cracks and tears indicate that it is time to replace it. Loss of power - When the components that your serpentine runs through break down or malfunction, it is a sign that you should check ... read more

If you've ever been driving and seen the ABS warning light come on, you may have wondered. The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is a safety feature that helps prevent your car from skidding when you brake. When the ABS warning light comes on, it's good to act fast. But what does it mean, and what should you do? What Does the ABS Warning Light Mean? Generally speaking, the ABS warning light means a problem with the anti-lock braking system and the wheels' stability. This could be anything from a loose connection to a more severe issue like low brake fluid or a bad sensor. There are other reasons for the vehicle computer to turn on the ABS warning light. For example, if you've just installed a new battery, the light may come on as the computer resets itself. Or, if you're driving in deep snow or mud, the light may come on because the wheels are slipping. In these cases, it's usually nothing to worry about, and the light will go off once the computer has reset its ... read more

Factory recommended services are an important part of keeping your car running like new. By following the factory-recommended service schedule, you can keep your car's warranty valid and avoid expensive repairs down the road. Your car's factory-recommended service schedule is designed to keep your car running at its best. The schedule is based on the number of miles you drive and the type of driving you to do. For example, if you drive mostly in stop-and-go traffic, you'll need to have your car serviced more often than someone who drives mostly on the highway. How Does It Work? The best way to think of factory-recommended service is as a maintenance plan for your car. Just like you have to maintain your home by doing things like changing the air filter and checking the smoke detectors, your car needs regular maintenance to keep it running properly. During factory scheduled maintenance, a trained technician will perform a series of inspections and tests on your car. They ... read more

You park your vehicle, walk into your home, and come back out later to find a stream of liquid running from underneath your vehicle. Leaks happen often with vehicles considering how many fluids our vehicles use to run properly. If you do notice a leak, the first thing you should do is take a closer look. Try to get a good idea of the color and consistency - this will help better pinpoint the source of the leak. If the leak has a color or viscosity similar to an oil, we recommend bringing your vehicle into our shop at your earliest convenience. A fluid leak can be a sign of a crack or break in a line or hose somewhere in your vehicle. This can cause extremely damaging effects on your car and can progress the issue even further if you continue to drive. When you bring your vehicle into our repair shop, be sure to let our staff members know when you saw the leak, where it seems to originate from, and the color and viscosity of the liquid. This will help our mechanics get an idea of wher ... read more