Mission Viejo Auto Repair

Usually, when you bring up Ford and Chevy in the same breath, you are invoking the longtime feud between truck owners over which General Motors ‘make’ is the better of the two. Even ion their sports cars, there is a longstanding rivalry that evokes the Hatfields and McCoys-- and often from the same quarters. Instead of stoking the fire of that feud, today, we’re looking at the virtues of both. At Larry’s Independent Service in Mission Viejo, California, we see plenty of Fords and Chevys for repair. And although we service all manner of cars at our shop, we haven’t seen a significant factor to claim one type is better than the other, nor can we say if they are better (or worse) than the Japanese, Asian, or European models we also service. All cars have their virtues and failings… we’re here to extol the virtues of Ford and Chevy! These cars are so similar though-- dark mirrors of each other-- that it’s hard not to compare and contrast t ... read more

Do you know the anatomy of your brakes? Do you know how your brakes work so they can stop your car? Without getting too technical, the Larry’s Independent Service team in Mission Viejo, CA wants to share information about your braking system and why it is so important to keep them in good repair. First, let’s list all of the brake parts: Brake pedal Brake booster Master cylinder Brake lines and hoses Brake fluid Brake calipers and pistons Brake pads or brake shoes Brake rotors or disc drums ABS (anti-lock brake system) control module Wheel speed sensors Second, let’s show how all of these brake parts work together: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6H7nwlT_qNY&t=187s <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6H7nwlT_qNY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> Third, let’s explain ... read more

When you think of your car as a machine, you may or may not realize how many fluids it requires for it to operate. However, when you think of your vehicle like a human body and how that body has a number of fluids that make it operate, it’s easier to connect the dots and understand your car’s needs. That is why in this month’s blog, Larry’s Independent Service in Mission Viejo wants to discuss your car’s top five fluids. Your vehicle has six major fluids that it requires in order to operate: Oil -- The engine oil pumps through the system, reducing friction, and carrying away debris. This fluid needs to be changed on a regular basis for the engine to perform optimally. Coolant -- This radiator fluid helps to keep the engine at the optimal temperature and prevents it from overheating. This fluid needs to be changed on a regular basis for the radiator to perform well during all weather seasons. Brake Fluid -- Without brake fluid, the hydraulics in your br ... read more

Asian vehicles are known for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and holding their value over long periods of time. The two dominant brands in the Asian car market are Toyota and Honda, and rightly so. Both car brands have a long history and in this month’s blog, we want to illustrate why most owners of Asian vehicles drive a Toyota or Honda. Just ask any Honda or Toyota owner. They love how reliable and fuel efficient their vehicles are. Yes, both brands are similar, but they each have a loyal fan base. It’s like rooting for your favorite sports team. It is more uncommon to see the two brands living under one roof. But each brand has its pluses and minuses. Hondas are known for their performance, their interiors, their safety, their small cars, their small SUVs, and their minivans. Toyotas are known for their pricing, reliability, mid-sized sedans, mid-sized SUVs, hybrids, pickup trucks, and their overall vehicle line up of choices.  Both Hondas and Toyotas are te ... read more

If you are thinking about purchasing a hybrid, that’s great! We approve. The auto mechanics at Larry’s Independent Service in Mission Viejo are happy to assist with your hybrid’s service and repair. Though hybrid vehicles have been around for several years now, there is still an active debate with some friendly ribbing from those who are fans of gas-powered engines, diesel-powered engines, and electric vehicles.  So, why drive a hybrid? Here are the things we believe to be true about why people drive hybrid vehicles: Hybrids are fuel-efficient. If you like to save on fuel costs, hybrid vehicles are the way to go. They get better mileage during stop-and-go traffic and while driving around town.  Hybrids are eco-friendly. With lower emissions, hybrids have less of an environmental impact. If you want to help make a positive impact on climate change but don’t want to give up having an automobile, hybrid vehicles are a ... read more

What is it about that light that causes our blood pressure to spike when we see it shine on our dash? What a feeling of dread is caused as we wonder what this unexpected cost will be.  If you are curious about what could be causing this pesky light to turn on, read on!   When a dash light turns on, it lets you know that there has been a signal sent from the emission system. The emission system on your car is closely linked to your engine, which is why this same system triggers the check engine light.   Your first step when your check engine light turns on is to check your fuel cap. If the vapor system detects a leak, the check engine light on your dash will shine. If this is the issue, merely tightening your fuel cap will make the light go off on your dash.    There are many reasons for a check engine light to illuminate. If the light only turns on when you are driving on the freeway, and shuts off when you are on the side streets, you will want to let your mec ... read more

Whether you drive a race car or the family wagon, your vehicle is a significant investment, and its reliability is essential. By choosing to use certified auto mechanics, you can rest assured knowing that your car is in good hands of mechanics that undergo continual training to stay up on the latest techniques and tools in the industry.    ASE stands for Automotive Service Excellence. This certification means that the mechanic on staff has a minimum of 2-years experience before undergoing initial testing. There are tests that cover many topics such as engine repairs, drive trains, axles, suspension, automatic transmissions, suspension, brakes, electrical, heating, and air conditioning, as well as engine performance testing.   Because technology is always changing, certifications expire without undergoing continual training and testing. This means that your auto mechanic is sure to be informed and armed with the latest in automotive repair technology. Computer chips, diag ... read more

Preventive maintenance for your car is like going into the doctor before joining a sports team. A simple checkup can catch a little issue before it becomes a big issue. We all know it is a good idea to get a checkup now and then, so give your car the same care and plan a time to take your vehicle into the shop. Mechanics have a trained eye to catch any warning signs on your car before things get out of hand. Take the time to form a relationship with a repair shop before you need one; it is the ace-in-the-hole move you can make. Knowing they have your car in their system means that you are more likely to get in and back out when time is of the essence.   There are simple things you can regularly do yourself to help prevent damages to your car, things like replacing your cabin filter, washing your car, and replacing your wiper blades. If you are handy, more significant things like oil changes belt, hose, tire, and battery inspections need to be performed. These items are often best ... read more

Larry’s Independent Service in Mission Viejo knows how much you love your car. That’s why we don’t want you to neglect showing it some love this Valentine’s Day. Imagine a day without your car and how bummed you would be if that were the case. Now is the time to show your car a little love. You can never go wrong doing so and will always reap the benefits. Here are 5 ways you can show that love this Valentine’s Day:  Take time to check all of your car’s fluids. Each one contributes to keeping your vehicle running at its best. You’ll want all fluids to be at optimal levels and clear of dirt and debris.  Tires are often neglected, but when cared for can significantly improve your fuel efficiency as well as properly grip the road and even help you stop in time. The way to help your tires wear down evenly is to have them regularly rotated, aligned, and air pressure kept at the right levels of inflation. All the belts and hoses should b ... read more

As we move into the new decade, this is a wonderful time to reflect on habits that have served us well and maybe ones that aren’t so great. If you take a close look at your driving habits, that’s an area that we could all take the time to reflect upon and find areas that need improving.  The number one bad driving habit that most people not only complain about but also do is using your cell phone while driving. We can’t help it! We HAVE to see who called or quickly read the text that is so important. As human beings, we are wired that way. When we receive a text, it releases dopamine into our system and makes us happy. However, we won’t be happy if we end up in a ditch or worse. Slow down. Don’t be in such a hurry. Give yourself a few extra minutes so you don’t feel compelled to speed. Take a moment and breathe. Even if you are running late, let it go! It’s better to be late than to be dead. No wants a ticket either! Turns signals were ... read more