Blog

Keeping your car running smoothly requires some occasional maintenance. Not all maintenance requires taking up a lot of your time and energy either! There are some simple tasks to keep your vehicle in great shape that takes only a couple minutes to complete. This includes replacing the air filters in your vehicle. There are two air filters that need to be maintained:

The engine uses an air filter in order to trap dirt and debris that could otherwise enter into the engine and cause damage to the inner workings of the engine including the cylinders, pistons, and etc. The filter also prevents debris from interfering with the airflow sensor. Check up on the engine air filter any time the oil is changed or at least once annually. This will help reduce the wear and tear on your vehicle and improve its lifespan.

The second air filter is used to keep the air inside the vehicle clean. It’s used to trap dirt, pollen, and other debris to improve ventilation. Replacing this filter will help keep your vehicle’s HVAC system working properly. A dirty filter can prevent the system from working properly and can actually damage it over time. It’s recommended that you change out this filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.

Even small maintenance tasks like replacing an air filter, can help improve your vehicle’s performance and help it last longer. If your vehicle is due for more extensive maintenance, contact L.A. NTX Transmission today. We’re available for automotive services in Inglewood, CA. Give us a call at 310 672-8131 for more information.

When it comes to maintenance for your vehicle, the number of myths and legends are excessive. You must be mindful of what’s real and what’s fake. Fortunately for your, the specialists L.A. NTX Transmissions are well versed in all things related to various vehicles and we’re here to debunk some of the most well-known car care myths around.

• Premium fuel is always better than regular: This is one of the most expensive myths floating around. The type of vehicle you drive is what determines what type of fuel you should buy. A majority run completely fine on regular. But when it comes to fuel with higher octane levels, it’s less likely that the engine will experience pre-ignition issues and this is why it’s normally used in hotter, high compression engines.
• There’s very little maintenance required with a newer model vehicle: It is true that vehicles today’s compared to ones made a couple decades ago do need less maintenance. But this is not saying that you NEVER have to make a stop into your local automotive professional to get a check up.There ae some things that you must get checked and changed occasionally, such as tires, and oil. Without regular maintenance, the lifespan of your vehicle is guaranteed to be shortened.
• You must get your oil changed every 3,000 miles: This use to be a requirement back when a majority of vehicles had carburetors. Most manufacturers don’t even bother to put the recommended mileage on vehicles as they did some years ago. Instead, newer model vehicles now have oil life monitors.

So the moral of the story is, don’t believe everything that you hear. If you’re still uncertain about various car care myths in Inglewood, CA or just need a reliable mechanic, just call L.A. NTX Transmissions are 310 672-8131.

Oil changes, replacing brake pads, and maintaining the tires are just some of the tasks required for your car to stay in great shape. It can be a lot of hard work, but taking care of your vehicle makes it more dependable and keeps it working well for a long time.

Changing the Oil – In order to keep the engine running smoothly, you’ll need to take your car in for regular oil changes. This ensures that the oil and filter are clean which in turn keeps the engine in the best shape possible.

Brake Maintenance – Every vehicle should have a reliable brake system and that’s why regular maintenance for your brake pads and rotors is extremely important.

Tire Rotation & Wheel Balancing – Well maintained tires helps keep you on the road when dealing with wet or icy road conditions. Don’t end up stranded on the side of the road because of low tire pressure causing a blowout. Keeping up with the tire pressure means less trips to having flats repaired and can improve your gas mileage.

These are just some of the maintenance requirements that a vehicle needs. Maybe you don’t have the time or you don’t know how to perform the tasks yourself, you still don’t want to put off maintaining your vehicle. That’s why L.A. NTX Transmissions offers tune-up service in Inglewood, CA. Our automotive professionals will do the work to make sure your vehicle is running at top performance. Contact us today at 310 672-8131 and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have.

No one wants to find out that they need transmission repair as it is one of the most costly auto repair services. However, poor maintenance or high mileage can cause your transmission to wear out. Don’t put off this repair or you’ll risk even more damage! Watch for these 5 signs you need transmission repair.

Leaking Transmission Fluid

If you see transmission fluid leaking, you definitely have a problem. Unlike motor oil, transmission fluid does not burn up, and it should be slightly pink and translucent. If it appears dark or smells burnt, your transmission is overheating and you should see a mechanic right away.

Burning Odor

You never want to smell something burning when driving your car. If you do, have your fluids checked. As mentioned above, transmission fluid should be translucent, and it smells slightly sweet. If it smells burnt, the parts could be overheating and will not be lubricated properly.

Unusual Noises

When your transmission is struggling, it will make unusual sounds. You might even feel the car grinding or shimmying when you change gears. With a manual transmission, you might hear a loud grinding sound when you shift. In an automatic, you may hear a whining or buzzing noise.

Delayed Movement

If your car hesitates when you shift gears, or when you move your car out of park or drive, you could have a clutch or transmission problem. You should be able to change gears and drive smoothly. If you notice any difficulty, it’s best to see a professional mechanic for an inspection.

Transmission Temperature Warning Light

Most new cars have a transmission temperature warning light that should alert you if your transmission overheats. However, you should not rely solely on this system. If the warning light activates, it’s best to pull over or get to a mechanic as quickly as possible for an inspection.

When you need transmission repair in Inglewood, CA, choose L.A. NTX Transmissions! Call 310 672-8131 for transmission rebuild and replacement services near you.

Staying safe on the road means having brakes that you can count on. Keep the brakes on your vehicle in good working order with regular maintenance for both the rotors and brake pads. Here are some things to check when looking over the brakes on your vehicle.

The rotors may not need a replacement every time the brake pads wear down. The best thing to do is check the condition of the rotors as the pads are being replaced. Running a finger across the rotor you’ll be able to notice if the plate has become grooved. If not, the rotor does not need to be replaced. If a groove has begun to develop, it’s a good idea to replace the rotor. Once a rotor becomes grooved, it can cause faster wear and tear on the brake pads. Sometimes, if the wear is minimal, rotors can be taken off and smoothed down instead of replaced.

The brake pads should be replaced every so often because they eventually wear down with use. A small piece of metal built into the pad with reach the rotor as the brake pad becomes thin. Once the strip of metal touches the rotor it will emit a squealing sound, making it apparent to the driver that the brake pads will need to be replaced soon.

Do you need vehicle maintenance in Inglewood, CA? Come by LA NTX Transmissions today! Whether you need the brakes maintained or the transmission repaired, we can get your vehicle back in top shape again.

Call us today at 310 672-8131 for more information about our automotive services.

We all love a good road trip every now and then. But what some people fail to realize is that there are some things that should be done before hitting the road. Below, you’ll find a list of things to do to ensure that you and your car remain safe while on the road.

1. Brake check: A very important part of your vehicle. The last thing you want to have to worry about is not being able to stop your car once you get rolling. Make sure you have plenty of brake fluid and listen out for any grinding noises.
2. Check fluids: Fluids are the bloodline of your vehicle. Without them, your car could be headed for some major internal damage. Oil is need to lubricate the engine, the temperature is controlled by the antifreeze, and your washer fluid allows you to maintain clear visibility. These are just a few of the several other fluids that should be topped off.
3. Check tires: Tires are one of the most common issues on a long road trip. You can potentially avoid having to call road side assistance if you check the tire pressure prior to your trip and always be sure to have a spare and jack.
4. Check up and repairs: Just like you need to have your regular check ups with your doctor, it’s also necessary for your vehicle…with a mechanic of course! This way any necessary tune ups or repairs can be addressed and taken care of.

Once you have gone down the list and received the thumbs up from one our trusted mechanics, then you should be all good to go. Call L.A. NTX Transmissions to set up an appointment before heading out. Contact us online or dial 310 672-8131.

We’re officially in an age where technology moves fast, and developments across all industries are almost impossible to keep up with. Some of these developments are incredibly exciting, while others gives us moments of pause as we consider the implications of the brave new world ahead with such inventions. The realization of self-driving cars probably falls a bit into both of these categories, as we grapple with the practicality of autonomous transit against the potential for access to mobility and perceived safety improvements. Plus, it’s pretty awesome.

Tesla is essentially leading the way with their assisted driving technology already available in their Model S, dubbed “Autopilot,” which has already seen 130 million miles traveled as of early July 2016. They recently made headlines — which is not uncommon for Tesla — as the first fatality occurred while using the technology. It’s still unclear whether the tech-guru behind the wheel had somehow overwritten the system console to watch a movie while driving in Autopilot mode (which is obviously against on-board warnings), but regardless, it stirred the proverbial pot in terms of the safety of such new technology in use. Distracted driving is already a major source of concern, which ironically is exactly what many hope that self-driving vehicles will be an answer to. Tesla reminded consumers that their Autopilot feature is still in Beta mode, as disclosed via console warnings before switching from traditional, manual mode in the vehicle itself. And while the crash was tragic, the statistics thus far (for Tesla, at least) still fall below the worldwide and even national average for fatal crashes per miles driven.

Google is also underway on their Self-Driving Car Project, which has already clocked 1.5 million miles in California, Texas, Washington, and Phoenix. They utilize a fleet of modified Lexus SUVs as well as custom built cars that are designed bumper to bumper for self-driving capabilities. There is a back-up system for steering and breaking as needed, but the design of these vehicles is already catering to riding (versus driving). Again, the desire is to improve safety by reducing distracted driving — which we can all see on our highways and city streets is a rampant issue — as well as provide opportunities for those who might otherwise have difficulty getting around, such as aging or visually impaired individuals.

More automobile manufactures are getting in on the action, with names like Audi, Jaguar, and BMW also underway on plans to launch self-driving models in the not-too-distant future.

Pretty cool stuff, huh? In the meantime, keep your eyes on the road, and don’t forget to come on by L.A. NTX Transmissions if your vehicle is giving you problems. We’ll get you fixed up and back on the road!

Deana Eckman and her daughter, Shelley Whitney, are very well-loved in their community of Pendleton, Oregon. Why? Because the blue-collar town, which saw its last new car dealership leave years ago, depends on the women to fulfill its transportation needs. And the women love their community as well, working hard to make sure that even customers with poor credit can get financing for a car.

Deana’s Auto Biz is a small lot that sells about 100 pre-owned cars per year. The ladies like the way things are working out, and they aren’t in a rush to expand the business any time soon. They work out of a tiny two-room office on a 10,000 square foot lot. Their overhead is minimal, so they can afford to acquire cars that are hot-sellers at the moment.

Pendleton was hit hard by the Recession, and it has never fully recovered. Many plants and other businesses abandoned the area, taking jobs with them. But Eckman and Whitney are determined to stay put and make sure their community’s needs are met.

Ladies, you’re an inspiration!

If you need auto services in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas, please give us a call!

The world of cars can be a strange one. Sometimes they make weird sounds, other times they pose mysteries to even experienced automotive technicians. Today, we’re looking at the lighter side of the car world, with these five fun facts about cars.

France: All drivers in France are supposed to carry Breathalyzers in their cars at all times. President Sarkozy was ready to exact a fine for failing to do so. Then, due to his loss of the next presidential election, the law was left half-finished. Now, Breathalyzers are mandatory, but there is no fine for not carrying one.

Germany: The luxurious German cars of Dusenberg were the talk of the world in the 1920’s. They were such a big deal, in fact, that English-speakers started saying, “That’s a doozy!” when referring to something impressive. The phrase has stuck with us ever since.

Sweden: They do things a little differently in Sweden. Their traffic fines go along a sliding scale, so richer drivers pay higher fines, and poorer drivers pay less. One wealthy Swedish man got a first-hand look at the law when he was given the most expensive traffic ticket of all time: $1,000,000 for driving 180mph!

England: English traffic police are known to carry teddy bears with them. This is because they use the stuffed animals to provide comfort to kids who are scared or hurt during traffic accidents.

Italy: Italian luxury car maker Lamborghini produces some of the fastest (and most expensive) cars on the market. Because they place such an emphasis on performance, Lamborghini never produces more than 14 cars per day. In comparison, Honda creates over 13,000 cars a day.

We hope you enjoyed this quick bit of trivia! If you have any questions about your own car needs, please call us right away!

This has been a rough year for the leading American automobile manufacturer, General Motors.

Official statement from General Motors:

“There is a risk, under certain conditions, that your ignition switch may move out of the “run” position, resulting in a partial loss of electrical power and turning off the engine. This risk increases if your key ring is carrying added weight (such as more keys or the key fob) or your vehicle experiences rough road conditions or other jarring or impact related events. If the ignition switch is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury or fatality.

If you are driving an affected vehicle, until the ignition recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that you remove all items from your key ring, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable) should also be removed from your key ring. Before exiting the vehicle, it is very important for you to make sure the vehicle is in “Park”. For a manual transmission, put the transmission into reverse gear. In both automatic and manual transmission cars, set the parking brake. And please remember to always fasten your seat belt.”

With recalls nearing 29 million individual units (cars), here are the effected vehicles and how to deal with the recall if your vehicle is one of them:

• All 2003-2007 Saturn IONs, 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalts, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHRs, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5s, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstices and 2007-2010 Saturn Skys.