Van Nuys Auto Repair & Service Center

Hector Gordils, a long time Client and friend shares a few words with the Mensch:  

With the prospect of a heavy rainy season ahead, hydroplaning  in your vehicle becomes more likely and dangerous. Even with a thin layer of water on the road, your vehicle speed and tire tread depth will have  a significant impact on control or lack thereof.                      THIS IS A DIRECT RESULT OF A HYDROPLANE ACCIDENT With good tire tread depth, and a cautious speed, the tire tread pattern will push the water out and away from the wheel allowing  for maximum contact with the road. However, regardless of how  good or new the tires are, the faster the speed the less direct contact with the road. A layer of water builds up between the  rubber and the road resulting in Hydroplaning and loss of control. Prescription: Don't drive if you don't have to                    Have your Tires Checked for Tread Depth & ... read more

Did you know that every 2 minutes a case of breast cancer is diagnosed here in the United States? Here at AutoAid in Van Nuys, California, we understand how important it is to find a cure for Breast Cancer and that's why we are doing something about it! This month for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are donating $5 for every invoice to the the Susan G. Komen foundation for Breast Cancer Research. We are Help us donate by doing your maintenance and service this month! Visit us for more information or click here to schedule your appointment online now!   Check out this info below for more information on the Susan G. Komen Foundation. In addition to supporting research, Susan G. Komen is helping save lives through:   Funding to programs that help the underserved find breast cancer services.   Local programs that help pay for child care and transportation so those in need can get life ... read more

With talk of El Nino weather heading our way this winter, what can we take away and apply to our safety and driving habits from the disaster that is flood ravaged South Carolina? We've seen hillsides destroy property, sink holes swallow cars and people losing their lives when being swept away during sever rains while driving a car, walking or on a motorcycle. 

flood driving tips Sometimes it's unavoidable, as when a summer sprinkle quickly devolves into a flash flood. If you're caught driving in a flood, we have some tips to help you stay safe. Estimate how deep the water is As little as 6 inches of water can damage your car and lead to stalling. A foot of water may even cause your vehicle to float. If you think the water is more than 6 inches deep, don't try to drive through it. Best to turn around and find another route. Slow your speed If you drive through water, slow down and take your time. Watch for downed power lines If you approach a water-ridden area where power lines are down, turn around. Respect the barricades If you're approaching a road that's barricaded, don't attempt to go around the barricade and take the road anyway. There's a good chance serious danger's ahead. Don't wait out the water in your car Because only a foot of water can make your car float and 2 feet can cause it to ... read more

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is reminding drivers to take their keys and lock their vehicles, or risk becoming a statistic. It might seem like a no-brainer, but last year some 45,000 drivers admitted that they had left their keys in the car when it was stolen. "This may sound like a broken record," said NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle. "But the simple fact is, too many people make it easy for car thieves. We repeatedly warn motorists to lock it up and take the keys, but our research shows that in too many cases, that's not happening. Today's vehicles have excellent anti-theft systems, but they don't work if you don't use them ... read more

Last night at my sisters for dinner I learned about "Car Surfing" and it's tragic consequence to a young Agoura Hills girl who lost her life  last week to an insanely stupid activity. Our hearts and condolences  go out to her family, friends and community of which my sister is a part of. Car Surfing, like the name implies, is standing on top of a moving car in a surfers posture for a thrill ride. If you hear your teen  driver mention car surfing in phone conversation, personal engagements or in any other format, it's time to intervene. It could save a life. It's bad enough that new teen drivers get into minor and some major accidents, but it's totally uncalled for to risk their lives and those of their friend or innocent bystanders for a cheap thrill. I have a teenage son and this tragedy hit way to close to home. Read ... read more

Many consumers do not know the many ways in which their car’s safety technology works to protect them from danger on the road. In fact, many drivers misunderstood their vehicle's safety behaviors as being "unexpected." A brand-new, one-of-its kind study from the University of Iowa revealed that a majority of drivers expressed uncertainty about how many potentially life-saving vehicle safety technologies work. The survey also showed that 40 percent of drivers report that their vehicles have acted or behaved in unexpected ways. The study found that a majority of respondents had heard of, been exposed to, or interacted with at least one of the nine vehicle safety features studied, but expressed uncertainty about all of the technologies ... read more

In recognition of National Emergency Preparedness Month in September, AskPatty joins with the non-profit Car Care Council to remind motorists of the importance of the "three Ps of auto care" to make sure their vehicle is ready for the unexpected. Preventative: Reduce the chance of unplanned, costly car trouble by following a vehicle service schedule and performing routine maintenance. The Car Care Council's free personalized schedule and email reminder service is a simple way to help you take better care of your vehicle. Proactive: If you find your vehicle needs repairs, be sure to address them in a timely manner to avoid more extensive work down the road. Before traveling longer distances, perform a pre-trip inspection before your journey begins so you have an opportunity to have any repairs made by a trusted technician before hitting the road. Prepared: Keep an emergenc ... read more

  I just had a discussion last night about safe seating with the 8-year-old son of a friend of mine who wanted to be moved up to the front seat. (Sorry Hayden, NHTSA recommends children ride in the back seat at least through age 12!) Did you know that motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13 in the USA? In 2013, a child under 13 was involved in a crash every 33 seconds. Sadly, many of these deaths and injuries could be prevented by proper use of car seats, boosters, and seat belts. AskPatty joins with NHTSA and other child safety organizations like SafeKids.org to observe Child Passenger Safety Week from September 13-19, 2015, and National Seat Check Saturday on September 19, 2015. One of the goals of Child Passenger Safety Week is to en ... read more