Van Nuys Auto Repair & Service Center

[Jack’s air conditioning blog, part II] Here is Part two of a two-part series on automobile air conditioning systems. Part I focused on what to look out for if you have an air conditioning problem. Part II covers solutions to these challenges.  In Part I of this blog, our client, Caryn heard a loud noise after turning on her car’s air conditioning and became so alarmed that she asked for a tow to our shop as she was afraid to drive herself.  I asked Caryn if this was the first time that she noticed a problem with the AC.  “Well, it hasn’t been consistent over the past year—it would blow cold air and then some warm air. It was hit or miss. I didn’t think it was urgent enough to bring in the car.” I explained to her that those malfunctions are why I ask customers to come in for regularly scheduled ... read more

Part I: Is Your Car’s AC Making a Racket? This blog is part one of a two-part series on automobile air conditioning systems. Part I will focus on what to look out for if your air conditioning problem. Part II will offer solutions to those challenges. By Jack Bulko, AutoAid As restrictions for COVID loosen up throughout California, temperatures are rising, and we could be in for one sweltering, uncomfortable summer. The heat could become an even more significant factor if your vehicle’s air conditioning is not working well. Is your car’s AC making a racket? Caryn, who has been a client of our auto repair shop for several years, called me the other morning. I could tell she was irritated. “I was in my car, and I turned on the air conditioning, and I heard a loud noise. I’m not sure if the sound is connected with turning on my AC or not, but I&rsqu ... read more

By Jack Bulko, AutoAid It’s spring, and as the Willie Nelson song goes, “it’s time to get on the road again.” That’s what many of AutoAid’s customers are hoping to do after a year of stay-at-home orders. Before you rev your engine and drive off to “places you’ve never seen before,” you may want to check beneath the hood, under the car and in the trunk for any unexpected creatures. Cats, rats and other small animals look for warm places to rest and nest in the colder weather. And if you left food in the car, well, they get hungry too. Rats, in particular, can cause havoc to your vehicle’s wiring, hoses, fuses, upholstery, and more. That’s what happened to Ted, a longtime customer, who for most of last year didn’t move or start his car. It just stood idle in his driveway for months. He was terrifi ... read more

My customer Joe called the other day, and he wasn’t in a good mood. Nothing I did, but unfortunately he had become one of the latest victims in Los Angeles to have his catalytic converter ripped off. “I can’t believe it, Jack. I got in my Prius this morning and turned it on. There was a weird sound like a motorcycle engine. I knew something was wrong because my car always purrs; it doesn’t roar. I got out to look around the car and noticed that the exhaust was gray and there was a huge gap in my exhaust pipe system. “That’s when I realized, someone took my #?$*& catalytic converter!” I felt for Joe, but I wasn’t surprised. Between 2019 and 2020 the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department reported 3,180 of these thefts, an increase of 164 percent in that one year. Catalytic converters cut down the emissions of your automobile and are required for all automobiles in the state of California. If it’s missing it will delay the rene ... read more