Venice Auto Repair

Why Does My Car Smell Like Burning Oil?    Oil, a major component to your vehicle, and often times can be leaking from those compartments that holds it. A guest of ours recently came into our shop with the complaint of a "hot smell". Our technician Tony informed me that the term "hot smell" usually always refers to the smell that stems from an oil leak, where the oil is dripping onto another component in the vehicle and burning essentially. In this case, the oil leak was coming from a bad Valve Cover Gasket. Oil leaking from or around the engine can be potentially dangerous. You could significantly damage your engine if you let an oil leak go. You want to avoid fire hazards, but also, future expensive repairs.  He found this leak upon doing a thorough visual inspection, oil residue found coming out of the Valve Cover Gasket.    What Tony found was the oil that was l ... read more

Why Won't My Car Move in Drive?    Hey there friends! Thank you for stopping by today, whether you are just visiting our blog for content, or if you are looking for a new Auto Repair shop specializing in today's topic, we welcome you to give us a try!    The topic today is Why Won't my Car Move in Drive? Very frustrating, I am sure, since the car decided to start but won't go anywhere!  Get It Diagnosed!   Joey Reda, our ASE Certified Master Technician let me dive in with him to watch his process when repairing Transmission parts! This client came in with the complaint that their vehicle wouldn't move or shift into gear after it was put into drive. In this case, it is a Truck that is having this disruption. It was also stated that the engine revs up but will not budge ... read more

Why Is My Car Hard To Steer? Why Is My Car Not Driving Straight? Why Is My Car Making A Strange Noise When Turning?    The answer to this question may be the result of a bad Tie Rod. The Tie Rod connects the Steering Gear or Power Steering Rack to the wheel of your vehicle. Over time, the pivoting joint of the tie rod can wear out, causing your tire to no longer stay in alignment. When you are turning your wheel a little bit and the steering feels loose, or the vehicle isn't responding to the way you are turning your steering wheel, this would be the reason. Other symptoms include: No steering at all or unusual steering  High pitched squealing noise (especially around turns) Uneven wear on tires Wheel alignment off             Our mechanics routinely check your tie rods when your vehicle comes in for service. To safely inspect ... read more

Do I Have to Replace my Timing Belt?    The simple answer is yes. Some vehicles have a Timing Belt, and others have a timing chain. These are necessary to keep the engine working properly and "in time". A Timing Belt is what keeps the engine valves and pistons "in time" with each other so that they don't collide. It is part of the internal engine system that creates a synchrony of movement between the Camshaft and Crankshaft to ensure that these engine valves open and close in unison during the Cylinder's in/out strokes.    The Timing Belt is rubber, so it does not last forever. In most cases, your manufacturer will recommend replacing as part of routine maintenance. This is about 70,000 miles, but every manufacturer is different. You can consult your owner's manual or come to our shop with trained professionals to ensure you are ... read more

Why Are My Brakes Squeaking?Squeaking Brakes, American Import Auto, Inc.  In this post, we are going to discuss some of the reasons for squeaky brakes. Squeaking brakes are attributed to many different factors. At American Import Auto, Inc. we offer brake service and repair on ALL makes and models. Call us today to schedule an appointment to determine the cause of your squeaking brakes!    Brake Inspection First, we go into the brake system inspection. At  American Import Auto, Inc. we recommend changing front brakes at 3-4 millimeters in thickness. Rear Brakes at 3-4 millimeters in thickness, and a brake fluid flush every 24 months, or 24,000 miles. Our ASE-Certified mechanics will inspect all the major components of your vehicle's brake ... read more