Van Nuys Auto Repair & Service Center

By Jack Bulko Are you tired of having to run around and rent a car, truck or van whenever one of your fleet vehicles is on the fritz? As a nonprofit organization you can’t afford downtime, and yet that’s what happens when one of your vehicles breaks down. Whether you are a small or large nonprofit, you rely on your transportation vehicles for pickups, deliveries, transportation of clients, etc. Your fleet is inherent to the smooth operation of your organization, so when it is down for the day or longer due to engine problems, brake issues, battery replacement or a simple tune-up, it directly affects how your institution functions. And because of the wear and tear you and your staff put on your vehicles on a daily basis, they need regular maintenance to remain safe on the road. At AutoAid, we offer superior repair and maintenance for all nonprofit fleets. As a AAA approved auto repair shop, we wor ... read more

Do you remember the days when you brought your car in for an oil change or another type of maintenance, and both you and your car were treated like royalty? Your vehicle’s oil and air filter weren’t the only things being checked or changed. The auto repair mechanic gave your vehicle the once over looking for any potential problems that might occur down the road. Not only that, but the mechanic wore a crisp uniform with his name embroidered on it, just above the pocket. After seating you in a comfortable, clean area with refreshments, he focused on getting your car back in pristine condition. He may have even given it a quick carwash before returning it to you. Ah, the good old days. Well, believe it or not, these amenities and courtesies are still part of AutoAid’s everyday operation. We take customer service seriously because we don’t just want your business today. We want you to come back time an ... read more

You bring your car or truck into a service station for maintenance or repair. Then what? Do you rely entirely on the mechanic to alert you to any problems and fix them? Most people realize that their car’s health depends on a discussion between themselves and the mechanic, similar to a conversation you might have with your physician about your physical health—what’s working, what isn’t and why. The questions posed during your doctor’s visit and the answers you give allow the physician to make a more accurate diagnosis of your health. Our auto service technicians are the doctors for your car. And as your automobile or truck’s health professionals, we need as much information as you can supply to determine what is going on under the hood or the chassis. What Our Technicians Need to Know When you bring your car or truck into AutoAid, whether it is for a routine checkup or a speci ... read more

YES, your car is on, and NO, you aren’t the first person to ask us this question. Unlike the loud gas-powered engines that can be heard from blocks away, hybrid and electric cars have a much more stealth-like approach. AutoAid customers tell us their cars are so quiet they forget to turn them off! They only realize it when trying to lock the doors. Luckily, car manufacturers have figured this out and installed a safety device that won’t allow you to lock your vehicle if the engine is running. Extremely quiet car engines have also become a concern for pedestrians, especially those who have sight issues or are blind. If they can’t hear your car, then they don’t know your car is coming their way. What to Do About the Quiet If you already own an electric/hybrid car with no alert system, don’t be too concerned. But be aware of your surroundi ... read more

So you just got in a wreck and your engine is beat up. You love your car with all the nostalgia and memories that come with it and you don’t want to give it up. However, your car insurance provider has deemed your car totaled and won’t let you get back on the road until you get a salvaged or rebuilt title. If you wish to keep your car, you will first need a professional like AutoAid to get the job done correctly to make sure your insurance company will accept the salvaged or rebuilt title. It’s important to know what these titles mean to you in order to make the best decisions moving forward. There’s a clear difference between a salvage and rebuilt title. A salvage title means the vehicle was totaled. A rebuilt title means that the car has been rebuilt from a totaled state. If a car is damaged to the point ... read more

If you’ve visited a car dealership recently, you’ve probably been blown away by the comforts and conveniences that many offer - some nicer than a luxury home! With putt-putt courses, computer lounges, bakeries, fancy drinks, and courtesy rental car programs, these large dealerships look like they're taking great care of their customers. In the end, however, you might end up footing the bill later for a lot of things you don't want or need. Someone will need to pay for all those lavish perks - and they usually end up boiling over into the costs of auto service and repair. Adding Up The Costs of Car Auto Service and Repair Would you rather spend a lot less... or pay for someone else’s perks? Here are just a few of the things that look free, but might actually end up inflating your repair or service bill:   Multi-Million Dollar Facilities Huge franchise fees Fancy, plush computer lounge Courtesy cars Children’s play area Entertainment areas wit ... read more

It’s happened to everyone: you’re rolling down the highway, blasting the radio, when the low fuel warning light catches your eye. There are no gas stations or rest stops for miles, and you don’t have a can of extra gas in your car. You’re about to run your tank dry. When a conventional engine runs out of gas, it’s just an inconvenience. All you need to do is get some more as and you’re on your way. But when your hybrid runs out of gas, it can cause long-lasting engine problems. If you own a hybrid vehicle, you need to be aware of the risks. When A Hybrid Runs Out Of Gas If your hybrid runs out of gas, you might assume that giant battery will help you out. However, most hybrid engines simply weren’t designed to operate on electricity alone. They aren’t electric cars after all: the gas engine and propulsion battery are engineered to work in tandem, not on their own. Every hybrid engine runs a little differently, so every hybrid vehicle w ... read more

If you purchased an extended warranty from a dealership, they might have told you that you should always come back to them for servicing. Most of the time, that’s simply not true. AutoAid might be the more affordable or convenient option—but you’ll never know for sure unless you ask us. Read on to find the answers to all your most pressing extended warranty questions! Where Can I Purchase an Extended Warranty? You will usually be able to purchase an extended warranty when you buy your vehicle, whether it’s from a used lot or a new car dealership. Your insurance company may also offer an extended warranty, so ask around a little before you commit. Do I Need To Visit A Dealership for Regular Maintenance? After your extended warranty runs out, AutoAid will be happy to help with any issues you encounter on the road. When the ... read more