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Are you looking to expand your knowledge base about auto repair and learn from the fine team of auto mechanic professionals at Walt's Auto Service in Torrance, CA? Check out our blog, where we delve into all manner of helpful auto repair topics.

Do you have questions? We’ve got answers! We’ve been serving the communities of Torrance, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes, Hawthorne, Carson, Lomita and Gardena for over 34 years, and we want to empower our customers to be educated about their vehicles. Check us out!

Tag Archives: check engine

Getting to Know Your Vehicle: A Beginner's Guide to the Basics

Getting to Know Your Vehicle: A Beginner's Guide to the Basics

Welcome to the exciting world of vehicles at Walt’s Auto Service! Whether you're new to driving, love vehicles, or want to know more about how your vehicle works, it's essential to understand the basic parts of a vehicle. We've created this beginner-friendly guide to help you learn about the critical parts of a vehicle.   In this guide, we'll cover the basics: from the engine, the heart of your vehicle, to the transmission system that controls the power. We'll also discuss the chassis and suspension system, which keep your vehicle stable and comfortable. And we'll explain the braking and steering systems, which are essential for keeping you safe.   We know that vehicle terms and ideas can sometimes be a bit much, so we're here to make them easy to get and fun to learn about. After reading this guide, you’ll better understand what’s happening under the hood and around your vehicle ... read more

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Auto Tips

Essential Tips for Optimal Vehicle Battery Care and Maintenance from Walt’s Auto Service

Essential Tips for Optimal Vehicle Battery Care and Maintenance from Walt’s Auto Service

As we welcome February, a month often associated with renewed energy and optimism, it's an excellent time to focus on the health and longevity of your vehicle, starting with one of its most crucial components: the vehicle battery. At Walt's Auto Service, right in the vibrant heart of Torrance, CA, we're excited to kick off this month with an informative and educational blog centered around this theme. These tips are more than just suggestions; our extensive experience in auto repair and auto maintenance back them. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your vehicle is always ready for the road, providing you and your family with safety and reliability.  So, as we step into February, let's start the month by giving your vehicle the attention it deserves. Keep an eye on our blog for these invaluable insights, and remember, for all your auto service needs, Walt's Auto Service is here to assist. Understanding Your Car Battery Understanding your vehicle ba ... read more

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Auto Tips

Understanding Your Brakes: Signs It's Time for a Replacement

Understanding Your Brakes: Signs It's Time for a Replacement

Happy New Year! As we step into January 2024, let's embrace the fresh beginnings and exciting opportunities this year brings. Today, we are diving into our comprehensive guide on one of the most critical components of your vehicle – the brakes. With every trip you make, whether it's a short errand or a long journey, you rely on your brakes to keep you safe and secure. Yet, how much do we really know about these essential safety components? And more importantly, how can we recognize when they're crying out for attention? Understanding the telltale signs that your brakes may need replacement is vital knowledge every driver should possess. That's why we've compiled this detailed guide, meant to steer you through the nuances of your braking system and help you identify when it's time for a new set.    In this blog, we're going to unpack everything from the nitty-gritty of how your brakes work to spotting those tell-tale signs that something ... read more

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Auto Tips

Prevent a Meltdown: 5 Essential Steps to Take When Your Car Overheats - A Guide by Walt's Auto Service

Prevent a Meltdown: 5 Essential Steps to Take When Your Car Overheats - A Guide by Walt's Auto Service

Heat can tend to intensify the strain on your vehicle, threatening its performance, safety, and lifespan. At Walt's Auto Service, we understand the importance of tackling overheating issues and are dedicated to helping you maintain your car's cooling system in peak condition. Our experienced technicians are ready to assist you with comprehensive checks and services, ranging from inspecting the coolant levels to evaluating the radiator and water pump for proper functioning. By taking proactive steps against overheating, you can ensure a smooth and worry-free driving experience throughout the sizzling summer. Adequate maintenance and quick response to overheating can help your vehicle remain safe, efficient, and reliable, even under the intense summer heat. Follow our essential tips on what to do when your car overheats to navigate your summer journeys confidently. And remember, regular maintenance and inspections at Walt's Auto Service are crucial for detecting potential iss ... read more

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Auto Tips

Summer Car Care: Prepare Your Vehicle for the Sunny Season with Walt's Auto Service

Summer Car Care: Prepare Your Vehicle for the Sunny Season with Walt's Auto Service

Preparing your car for the summer month is essential as the weather warms up and the summer season approaches. After all, extreme heat can take a toll on your vehicle and compromise its performance, safety, and longevity. At Walt's Auto Service, we recognize the importance of summer car care and are committed to helping you keep your car in top condition. Our expert technicians can assist you with your car maintenance needs, from checking the air conditioning system to inspecting the tires and fluids. By caring for your car, you can enjoy a hassle-free driving experience throughout the sunny season. Proper maintenance ensures your vehicle stays safe, comfortable, and reliable no matter how hot it gets outside. So, follow our essential summer car care tips to make the most of your summer driving adventures. And don't forget to bring your car into Walt's Auto Service for regular maintenance and inspections   Check Your Air Conditioning System Your car's air condit ... read more

What is the difference between an oil change and an oil change service?

What is the difference between an oil change and an oil change service?

  What is the difference between an oil change and an oil change service?   Offering a fast 20-minute oil change sounds excellent to the busy family; however, it is overall a disservice to both vehicle and customer alike.   Here at Walt’s Auto Service, we believe not including a vehicle inspection with an oil change is risky for our customers. Imagine leaving an auto repair shop after your oil change just to have your serpentine belt break. What customer would not prefer, even expect an auto repair shop to inspect their car while it is already in the shop than find themselves broken down after leaving the parking lot of our auto repair shop?   As expert auto mechanics and auto technicians in the South Bay area, including Torrance, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes, Hawthorne, Carson, and Gardena, we see the value of vehicle inspections at every service, no matter the age of your car. We provide oil services to your car for your ... read more

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Auto Tips

Summertime car maintenance tips

Summertime car maintenance tips

  Summertime is here, and so is the heat. At Walt’s Auto Service, we care about you and your car, which is why we want to share summertime auto maintenance tips, so check out what you can do to extend the life of your vehicle.   Inspect the AC AC and summertime in California are synonymous. When the summertime heat hits, we want our AC system working without a struggle, so testing it is an important step in keeping ahead of the curve.  When you turn on your ac and have hot air blowing, it could mean that you need a Freon charge. This is the refrigerant your system is pressurized with. Topping off your system can be the boost you need; however, there could also be something else going on with your AC system that one of our trusty ASE-certified auto mechanics can diagnose and repair.   Check your tires' air pressure  After a long winter, wintertime wear and tear is likely on your tires. Be sure to check your air pressure and check for signs of i ... read more

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Auto Tips

Make time to Break for Your Brakes!

Make time to Break for Your Brakes!

Happy May to you all; our team at Walt's Auto Repair wants to tackle the daunting issue of brake maintenance & common problems drivers can run into if they aren't taken care of properly. Your vehicle's intricate brake system relies on each individual connected brake part to function successfully & safely. If a loose bolt or parts have become worn down, it will affect the entire brake system. The driver can hear or feel the first indicator that something is wrong. We will dive into different sounds & what they could mean for you & your vehicle's brake system.    Constant Squeaking  This noise is prevalent in older vehicles due to worn and tired brake pads. When these pads have reached their last leg, they are thin they can rub against your rotors. This sound is a warning sign for you to get new brake pads before further damage is done. If you have a new vehicle & this is occurring, it can be due to overheating due to the pads not bei ... read more

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Auto Tips

Car Maintenance Tips for Winterization

Car Maintenance Tips for Winterization

As we welcome in December, we wanted to prepare our loyal customers for the upcoming winter months by putting together some of our car maintenance tips for winterization! Even though we live in a warmer state, the changing temperatures & changing seasons are reason enough for some advice!    Cabin Air Filter Replacement The wintertime is a great time to replace your air filter. Who wants to sit in a musty vehicle? No one. The odd smells most likely come from a dirty cabin air filter if you notice a strange scent. A cheap filter only blocks dust from getting inside your vehicle. A higher-quality filter will trap much smaller particles and help keep pollen and other allergy-causing debris out of your car. But by installing a new filter, you are improving the air you breathe when driving.   Tire Inspection One significant step you can take in the winter is to get a full tire inspection from our skilled auto mechanics. You can trust our expert technicians to as ... read more

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Auto Tips

Pet Safety And The Dog Days of August

Pet Safety And The Dog Days of August

  Anyone who is a dog owner knows just how important your furry friend is and that they are a member of your family. This means your beloved pet will most likely travel with you in your vehicle at some point in its life, whether it be to the vet, the dog park, or a friend's house. We, at Walt's Auto Service are animal lovers too, and we want to discuss the dangers when a pet is left inside your parked vehicle.    Did you know that thousands of pets are injured or die each year due to auto accidents? According to Pet Pro Supply Company ", 84% of dog owners traveling with their dogs are not restraining them. Only 16% of people who transport their dogs use proper safety restraints & 60% of dog owners have driven while distracted by their pets as passengers." We take many risks when traveling with our animals & the dangers that we open up to them if we leave th ... read more

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Auto Tips
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