Torrance Area Auto Repair

  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

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

  Happy September to you all; as we prepare ourselves to welcome back the cool fall weather, it also means that back to school is right around the corner. Many schools and colleges will be welcoming back their students very shorty & we at Walt's Auto Service want you as parents and loved ones to be prepared as your child begins the drive back to school. Let's start by easing some stress and thoroughly preparing our students with a well-working and equipped vehicle. Walt's Auto Service presents - Getting your child's car ready for back to school.   Cleaning the Vehicle: Who doesn't love a fresh, clean exterior? Cleaning the outside of your vehicle isn't all about aesthetics; dirt & debris can damage the body of your car over time and lead to more costly repairs. Take this cleaning day as a time to explain more details about the exterior of a vehicle with your soon-to-be student. Take them to a local auto shop to pick up cleaning supplies that ... read more

    What a milestone it is in life to learn how to drive for the first time! Do you recall your parents taking me to a local church parking lot (large and empty) and getting behind the wheel for the first time? While it is a joy and a newfound sense of freedom to have a vehicle for the first time, it's also a huge responsibility. Once the driving test is passed (hopefully the first time), it seems all the teen wants and thinks about is "my first car." If you decide the timing is right to purchase a vehicle, it's your job to make sure you are a prepared parent and teacher and your new driver is feeling confident behind the wheel. At Walt's Auto Service, we wanted to put together a small guide to help ease this huge transition!    Double Checking Safety: If you purchase a used or brand new car for your new driver, ensure by bringing the vehicle into Walt’s Auto Service for a Pre-Purchase Inspection that, at the very least, the first car ... read more

  At Walt's Auto Service, we understand how unbearable and uncomfortable the California heat can become, especially given that summer is right around the corner. With temperatures quickly reaching over 100 degrees, it's essential to have a proper A/C system in play. At Walt's Auto Service, we wanted to take the time to discuss good A/C and cooling for your vehicle so you can be prepared to get it fixed before that first unbearable summer heatwave.    When Should I Get My A/C Unit Checked? Thankfully this is a decently easy question to solve; the answer? You tell us! How does the air in your vehicle feel during your ride? Are you feeling refreshed after a couple of minutes? Or do you find yourself eventually caving in and rolling the windows down? If you think you are "cool as a cucumber," then you probably don't need a tune-up. However, if you find yourself rolling down the windows or thinking, "my A/C isn't cool enough,"/" ... read more

Our cars have become so reliable these days that we simply forget to do simple maintenance such as checking the oil levels between services. Not to mention that it is much harder to find a place that can or will do a simple under hood check for you. The responsibility of checking the oil then falls to the car owner. To do so, it is first necessary to shut off the engine and open the hood. Finding the dipstick is a simple matter of locating a looped wire or plastic handle (often painted red or yellow) on the side of the engine. The dipstick should be removed, cleaned off with a cloth, and reinserted into the engine. After it is pulled out once more, the dipstick should be observed to note the oil level. If the level shows between the “add” and the “full” markings at the end of the stick it is fine. If the oil level is below the “add” mark sufficient oil should be added to reach the “full” line. Checking your oil every fourth tim ... read more

Spot fluid leaks check color chart When was the first time you took a close look at your garage floor or the patch of driveway beneath your car in an effort to spot a fluid leak? This type of informal inspection should be conducted on almost a daily basis. Conscientious car owners who frequently spot check for leaks will more likely be rewarded with a minor repair bill, rather than the more costly complication of fluid loss. A puddle of greenish-yellow or reddish fluid is indicative of loss of engine coolant. Motor oil is usually blackish-brown, while transmission fluid has a red tint. Brake fluid is clear, but its location near the wheels may help identify it. These fluids are all considered to be lubricants, the loss of which compromise a corresponding unit’s functioning efficiency and should be checked out right away. If fluid spots are a common sight on your garage floor or driveway, start fresh with a clean piece of card ... read more