Here at Auto Repair La Brea, our shop specializes in diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Our services cover a vast array of issues when dealing with car repairs, from minor maintenance checks to major damage repairs. Extra focus in our collision center is put on vehicles that were recently in accidents, or that have pretty significant damage. Our expertise in this area of Los Angeles allows us to handle your car with extreme detail and care, and produce the best result for you. We work directly with the insurance company to take that additional stress off your plate. If you were recently in a car accident, just give us a call so we can fix up your car for you.
At La Brea Auto Repair, quality is our top priority—we don’t just want satisfied customers; we want delighted customers who come anytime they need our assistance! We are proud of what we do and look forward to servicing your vehicle soon! If you have any questions or would like more information about any of our services please don’t hesitate to contact us directly—we look forward to working with you and your vehicle.
While we do focus our efforts on vehicle accident repairs, we also offer additional services to take care of your car on a regular basis. Routine maintenance of your vehicle is essential to keep it running smoothly. If this type of maintenance is neglected, it can lead to larger expenses of big repairs, and reduce the lifespan of the vehicle and its parts. Most people know about the most common check ups that a car requires, however many people neglect these services.
The first being oil changes, which should usually occur around twice a year, but it can depend on the type of vehicle you have and how frequently you drive it and how far as well. An oil change provides a refreshment of your oil which is crucial to reduce friction and prevent wear and tear on your engine. Forgetting to take care of this can result in significant and costly repairs to your engine earlier than should have been needed. So be sure to change your oil and oil filter regularly to prevent overheating and damage, ensuring the engine stays cool and lubricated.
Tire Rotation and balancing is useful to make your tires last as long as possible, and also helps the overall balance and maintain the frame of the vehicle. Tires wear out unevenly when a vehicle is driven, so frequent tire rotation services allow even wear and tear as well as a balanced vehicle.
Brake system inspections and replacements are very important for safety. This also has an affect on more parts of the vehicle when this wears down or is damaged. This can include the brake pads, rotors, calipers, and fluid levels that need to be inspected and checked periodically to maintain the health of the vehicle. For all vehicle repairs in Los Angeles, contact us.
Car battery inspections and checks are useful to ensure your safety on the road, as you do not want to be stranded somewhere when your battery dies. Frequent checks and inspections will give you an idea of the length you still have on the battery to provide added comfort to know that you are safe to drive. Checking the voltage and overall health of the battery can be done by our team of mechanics and technicians.
Air filters can be replaced for the vehicle and the engine, which is crucial to prevent dirt and debris from entering the engine or other parts of the vehicle. One thing about this part is it is not too noticeable, but as a filter gets worn and clogged, it will reduce the efficiency of the engine. It is not too noticeable to an average driver, but overtime this will get worse and worse and leave lasting damage on your engine if not dealt with.
Fluid checks include the coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid and power steering fluid, which are all important to keep an eye on. Most of these are not easily checkable for the average driver, but will be handled by our experts in the shop. Similar to some of these other issues that should be part of your routine maintenance, when these levels get low, you may not notice, but it reduces overall efficiency of the vehicle and can start damaging different parts of your car. If this goes completely neglected it can result in severe and lasting damage. So frequent maintenance is not only useful to make sure you are safe driving, but it also helps extend the life of all the parts of the vehicle, saving you money in the long run.
If you are experiencing any issues with your car, it is typically best to just bring it in to a technician who has vast experience dealing with such issues. It has become commonplace to try to just look up answers ourselves online and figure it out. Of course it is difficult to describe weird sounds when typing an idea on the internet, and many times an accurate assessment cannot be made with that information anyway. That is why it is best to just bring the car into the shop for accident repairs in La Brea so we can run our diagnostics with our specialized equipment, and allow our experienced technicians to take a look. We can utilize one of our diagnostic scanners to connect to the car’s computer and retrieve various codes to identify where the issue is coming from, whether it be the transmission, engine, or other sensors or systems. These tools allow us to easily diagnose more complex issues as well, many of which are hard to see or figure out just by looking, hearing, and driving the vehicle. So this can allow us to go above and beyond to service you and provides an additional way to collect information rather than a traditional inspection. Most cars come with sensor and system diagnostics, such as the check engine light that would display to you, which probably led you to bringing in your car in the first place. These are especially usually for inexperienced drivers or those who just do not know much about cars, to let them know of a potential issue. Some systems that typically need diagnostics include the transmission control unit, anti-lock braking system, the engine control unit, and airbag sensors. Electrical system checks will be done as well and can be a bit more difficult, but still helps to work with a technician and their specialized tools. This allows us to diagnose problems with the battery, alternator, and wiring and fuses. These types of issues can affect pretty much everything on the car, from lights flickering to power steering and your car pulling in one direction. So if you anything comes up with your car in Los Angeles, just call us up so we can take care of it for you.
Once the diagnostics phase is complete and we have concluded what is wrong with your vehicle, the next step would be to take on the repair job. The term repairs is a general one of course, and covers everything, which could be a simple oil change to a complete overhaul and reassembly job. We will go over quite a few of the common repairs we see and what they are, but do not worry about reading this and understanding it all. If you have any issues, just bring the car in and let us handle it. Then full documentation of everything will be provided and explained to you so you have a record of everything next time you need service.
Engine repairs range from replacing spark plugs to blown head gaskets and replacing timing belts. The engine directly leads to cooling system repairs and fuel system problems, such as fuel injector and fuel pumps, and the radiator and thermostat. This could be a radiator leak or failing water pump, which would result in the engine overheating and cause more damage. The transmission is typically next and the other most important repair since it is the heart of the vehicle, allowing it to change gears and control power circulating from the engine to the wheels.
Smaller issues may be replacing a clutch, fixing leaks and shifting issues, or larger issues to completely replace or rebuild the transmission. The suspension system makes sure your car handles properly on the road and drives smoothly. Fixing these issues would be replacing worn out shocks and struts, repairing steering components such as the control arms or tie rods, as well as fixing broken springs. The exhaust system consists of additional parts that help to reduce emissions and noise from the engine. These parts can get clogged, leak, or rust, making them need repairs or replacements. Those include the muffler, catalytic converter, and exhaust pipes. Hopefully your catalytic converter survived all the thefts from the last few years as people realized the value of selling this part and stealing it from vehicles. If so you probably replaced it by now, but for that or any other vehicle service in Los Angeles, let us know.
The electrical system is the last that may need repairs, which controls the lights, climate, and other information and entertainment systems. This would be fixing faulty wiring, replacing an alternator, or fixing the car’s sensors. Overall you can see there are many things that may need repairs on a vehicle, so it is no wonder that the average person is unsure of what is going on with their vehicle. Especially because so many of these things cannot be easily seen when just looking at the car or popping the hood. So let the experts take care of it for you and give us a call to schedule an appointment now.
Tires are one of the more overlooked parts of a vehicle, when really they are critical to maintaining the safety of a vehicle. Tires on an average car are quite strong nowadays, so most people do not worry too much about them. Most recent issues we have with tires come from teslas, as those tires are not quite as sturdy as many that we are used to and although teslas are sleek and small they are quite heavy because of the large battery. Regular care and rotations can provide your tires the work they need to improve performance and provide lasting results. If you get a flat tire, we can inspect the tire to see if it can be patched up or if it needs to be replaced. Depending on where the puncture or hole is would decide if it can be patched, such as in the tread area and not being too large. Tire installation can be provided if the tire needs to be replaced. Balancing the tires is part of the service because without that, uneven wear could be put on certain tires causing an unsafe driving experience. Misalignment can also happen if components of the suspension wear out, or if you run over potholes going too fast. This was getting really common and bad throughout Los Angeles the last few years when we were getting a lot of rain at once, creating large potholes all throughout the city. We provide the needed alignment to adjust the angles of the tires so they are all parallel and working correctly and in unison, to create a smooth driving experience for you.
These are different types of repairs, mainly to the exterior and structure of the vehicle as opposed to the earlier section of repairs that focused on the interior components of the car. Many auto repair shops may not offer body work, since it is a specialized service and handled mainly by collision repair centers like ours. We will go over a few of the services here, but will have a larger dedicated section to our collision repairs and how that all works since that is our speciality. The first service would be dent repair, which can be from small accidents, typically a single car accident or accidentally scraping a pole or tree or high curb. We have tools to remove the dent without damaging the paint. Larger dents would require biller and repainting. After a larger collision, larger body repairs would be needed such as realignment, new paneling, paint, and structural repairs. Also the frame may be damaged, so frame repair can fix a bent or misaligned frame. We have more specialized equipment for this as well such as a frame straightener to restore your vehicle back to its pre-accident condition so that it is safe to drive again.
Repairs needed after car accidents can be complex, which is why you should go to a collision repair expert if you experienced a similar event. We focus on repairing the car’s body, frame, and structural integrity, all while ensuring the safety features are fully operational. This complex work is not easy, but our experienced technicians know exactly what needs to be done.
We started out with highly skilled technicians, and with all of their recent experience working here they are even better. This type of experience only comes with hands-on training working with vehicles post-collision. All of our staff is certified by I-CAR or ASE, and are required by our own standards to do that. This keeps them up to date on all of the latest technologies to further advance all of our vehicle repairs in La Brea. Our shop as a whole is also certified, which means that many car manufacturers recognize us as one of the elite shops in the area that can handle their specific vehicles. We also keep our own training systems in place, specifically when it comes to advanced safety features and new technologies. As cars continue to advance, they are coming with more and more features to enhance safety, and many of them are technologically advanced. That means we need to know exactly how to repair and recalibrate them following an accident. So we stay up to date on all these new innovations so we can quickly and efficiently repair your vehicle and get it back on the road.
Our equipment and tools are probably pretty easily noticeable when you first walk into the shop, assuming you are knowledgeable about vehicle repair shops. It is what separates us from the average repair shop down the street that handles minor repairs and services. That is because we need these tools for complex frame realignment and precise bodywork, as two examples. We utilize frame straighteners, also known as unibody repair systems, to fix a misaligned or bent frame after an accident. This tool uses hydraulic pressure and computerized systems to pull and straighten the frame back into its proper place. These machines also come set with complex systems to allow our technicians to align them precisely by entering in the exact specifications into the machine. This then means that the specifications can match the manufacturer’s recommendation exactly, leaving you extra confident in our services. Now that the car’s suspension and all of its components are aligned properly you can get back onto the road with your vehicle with added assurance. Our collision center also employs both laser and 3D measuring systems to help even more with alignment, and these computerized measuring systems make it easy to get every angle perfect on the frame, body and unibody. We have paint booths that are used frequently to create a controlled environment for optimal conditions to paint. This allows the paint to dry properly without any contaminants or other issues. Spot welders and metal inert gas welders are also part of our equipment arsenal, helping to weld together and join damaged frames and panels that create long lasting repairs. Paintless dent repair tools are utilized in certain situations and can actually allow us to fix a smaller dent by reshaping it back to its original form without even needing a new coat of paint. Other equipment and tools we have allow for better recalibration of various complex electronic systems, and to easily remove glass without damaging any other part of the car. We need to get back to our actual service work now, but feel free to reach out if you have any other questions about all our different specialized tools and equipment we use to help your vehicle.
The first step when we receive your car into the shop after an accident is to take on a detailed damage assessment of the vehicle. Upon completion of the assessment, we can create a comprehensive repair estimate. Our shop utilizes advanced estimating software to get up to date cost estimates that are accurate, while completing the inspection for both cosmetic damage and structural or mechanical damage. This process then involves disassembly, to check for additional hidden damage. Removing bumpers, fenders, trim, and other components may be necessary to fully inspect the structural integrity of the car. This type of damage is usually found in the suspension, frame, or other internal components like the engine or transmission. This car accident repair in Los Angeles is top tier.
Our specialized tools typically come into play here if the frame or unibody is damaged. We need to realign it appropriately with our frame machines. Additional tools such as for welding can be used here too, or in some cases complete replacement of sections of the frame that were too severely damaged during the collision. This process allows the vehicle to be structurally sound upon completion so the suspension is aligned correctly to then drive safely. Once the frame is done, the rest of the body such as the panels are repaired or replaced. Our paintless dent repair will be applied in cases with small dents that can be removed. Panel replacement involves reordering additional parts and removing damaged parts.
Painting is the next step once the frame and overall structure is completed. Just like every section we have detailed here, our specialized tools come into play again. Our paint booth allows for a complex and controlled environment in which to properly apply the paint and primer and all other layers for exquisite results. We also have technology to assist us in matching the paint colors so your car looks as good as new once we are done. After the paint, any other electrical repairs will be made, including brake lines, airbag systems and other sensors. Recalibrating all these technical systems is done now to ensure all safety features are working correctly going forward. Finally some advanced diagnostics will be done to ensure all mechanical and electrical systems are working properly.
After all the repairs are done and the vehicle is painted and looks ready to go, a final inspection will be undertaken to ensure everything is reset to being above and beyond the manufacturer standards. Of course we meet those standards, but we set an even higher bar for ourselves that we meet as well. We then test drive the vehicle to check for proper alignment, braking and handling. Final recalibration of all advanced systems is double checked, and now that everything is running smoothly again, we are ready to return your car. We handled everything with the insurance already, and now your car is ready for delivery. All documentation is provided to you and you are ready to go on your way. We like to think you will come back soon, although we do not really want to see you again because that means another accident occurred. But if that is the case, just know that we are here to help anytime!
Your local collision repair experts in La Brea and Los Angeles are here to assist you whenever you need us. We know that contacting us is probably not a great situation since your car is damaged. But since you are nearby looking for accident repair in Los Angeles, we can assist you. Just give us a call, even directly from the scene of an accident, we can provide a tow to our shop and take care of everything for you. Our area is one we like working in, and hope to continue to serve for a long time. This area is quite historic as well, so we take our car repair services in La Brea seriously. We value our customers and their feedback, so if you are still having any issues at all with your car please let us know. We do not accept doing an inferior job, so if you have any continuing issues after our accident repair services in Los Angeles, we will fix them for you right away and free of charge. We put great pride in our work so if anything is not satisfactory we want to address that right away. If you have any questions feel free to call us or fill out a form on this page and we will get back to you. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you soon.
We understand how important it is for your vehicle to be running smoothly. That’s why our goal is always to deliver outstanding results that exceed expectations and have customers coming back time and time again if they experience another car accident. Our experienced auto detailers have seen it all – from classic cars to brand new vehicles – so you can rest assured that they know exactly what they are doing when it comes to taking care of your automobile and getting it right to its pre-accident condition.