Costa Mesa Auto Repair

Imagine yourself driving along, and suddenly, your vehicle’s check engine light turns on. What does this mean and what should you do next? To put it simply, your check engine light monitors your car’s performance. When the light illuminates, your car’s internal system is flagging a problem it is unable to repair it. The check engine light means different things for different vehicles, so unfortunately, the light does not mean the same thing across the board. Just because the check engine light has turned on, doesn’t always mean the problem is severe. It could be something small or in some cases something more serious. At Saddleback Automotive Repair we stress the importance of taking care of the problem as quickly as possible. Ignoring your check engine light can lead to a significant financial burden. When your car’s check engine light starts to flash, don’t let it go unnoticed. Your car is trying to tell you something, and it would be wise not to ignore it. When you ... read more

A tire or wheel alignment is recommended in order to help your tires perform properly and help them last longer. Undergoing a tire alignment also improves handling and keeps your vehicle from pulling in one direction. What is a tire alignment? When we refer to an “alignment” we are talking about an adjustment to your vehicle's suspension. Not an adjustment of the actual tires or wheels themselves. A proper tire alignment makes sure your car drives straight and handles properly, ultimately making your ride safer. Also, your vehicle tends to get better gas mileage after an alignment, because your tires will be properly aligned with the road. Some vehicles require only that the front wheels be aligned, but this is not standard. Most vehicles require a four-wheel alignment. Tire alignment differs by vehicle make and model, which is why you may want to do a bit of research before bringing it in to your local mechanic. (Of course you're always welcome to bring it into Saddlebac ... read more

Today's vehicles differ significantly from those of decades past that required a tune-up every 20,000-30,000 miles. Vehicles on the road today have moving parts and components that are built to last much longer (100,000 miles+) before requiring service. But that doesn't mean you should ignore telltale signs of engine trouble. Sluggish. Squealing. Vibrating. Shaking. If any of these describe your vehicle's recent behavior, it might be time for a tune-up. If your vehicle's engine misfires, stalls, gets poor gas mileage, or simply doesn't feel right, our automotive technicians have the experience and skill to diagnose your problem and repair it. What are the signs and symptoms that might make you think your vehicle needs a tune-up? A misfiring engine: Worn spark plugs often ignite at the wrong time, causing the engine to misfire. Bad spark plugs can also cause low fuel economy, hard starting, and sluggish acceleration. Most plugs, though, should last ... read more