Huntington Beach Auto Repair

The move to weekly blogs  HB Auto & AC has been your local park for over 25 years. We’ve watched many of our customers raise families to retire. Now we look after some of the kids of our original customers, and soon, we’ll be serving their grandkids!   As we go, we’re starting to grow. We want to connect with more people and talk to them about cars, AC, and Huntington Beach. The best way of doing it is by sharing some vital information and advice on our weekly blogs. Another important thing you may have noticed recently, our April blog was published last week on the 4th, instead of on the 1st, as we usually do. That’s because we’re switching to a weekly format.  Sneak peek at new weekly blogs.  Don't worry-- the increase in blogs won't slow us down, or change the quality of our content. HB Auto & AC will continue to give you advice on cars, share more ideas to keep your vehicle in good condition and learn more about ... read more

Image by @Tumisu at Pixabay How To Deal With An Accident  Do you know what to do if you get in a car accident?   We never know how we will react to a stressful situation until we are thrown into it. As much as we prepare for the worst, sometimes our fight, flight, or freeze runs the show when we are under pressure. That’s why it’s so important to have your emergency plan solidified and ready to go, just in case. Nobody wants to get on their phone to Google “what should I do after an accident?” while they wait for the police to show up.  What To Do Right After a Car Accident  In general, you should follow these steps after you get in a car accident: Remove yourself and any passengers from the vehicle if you can and get to safety.  If you are injured or unable to move, call 911 and wait for emergency personnel ... read more

We rely on our vehicles to get us where we need to go on a daily basis. After a number of drives, you get to know your vehicle and how it performs. This includes how it sounds, how it handles, and the standard noises it makes. That is why noticing that your vehicle doesn't accelerate as quickly as it used to and is performing sluggishly can be a cause for concern. A sluggish vehicle can be an annoyance, but can also be unfit for the road. Plus, it often points to an issue with your vehicle. Let's look at some of the most common causes behind a sluggish running vehicle: Clogged or Dirty Air Filter A clogged or dirty air filter can prevent the proper amount of air from getting into the engine, which can cause problems with its overall performance. Bad Fuel Pump or Dirty Fuel Injectors A problem with your car's fuel system, such as a bad fuel pump or dirty fuel injectors, can prevent the proper amount of fuel from reaching the engine, thus causing it to run sluggish. Fai ... read more

Image by TheDigitalWay at Pixabay Car thefts are rising in 2022. It seems like you can’t get on any neighborhood or social media app without seeing the news of another stolen car.   And if the car isn’t stolen, we often hear of poor souls who have gotten their catalytic converter taken out. Catalytic converter thefts increased rapidly over the last year, with claims across the nation going up 293%. Your catalytic converter helps your car with its emissions by converting toxic substances into less toxic pollutants. You might be wondering why a thief would want to get their hands on it, and the answer is simple: the precious metal it’s made of can get them a few hundred bucks or more at most scrap yards.    Getting your car or one of its parts stolen is one of the most stressful things that can happen to you. Getting a catalytic converter replaced is ex ... read more

Your vehicle relies heavily on multiple fluids to keep its engine, and other systems cooled, powered, and lubricated. Over time, you may find some of these fluids in a puddle underneath your car. When this happens, you've discovered a fluid leak. Some liquid leaks require immediate attention and repairs, while others aren't as severe. We'll go over some of the basics to analyze your fluid leaks. Types of Fluid That May Leak While you can assume that the fluid running from your car is gasoline or engine oil, there are more fluids than the two. Below are some of your vehicle's fluids that may be the puddle on the ground: Brake Fluid - This yellowish solution is responsible for engaging your brakes. While this type of leak rarely happens in modern cars, it is still possible. Coolant (or Antifreeze) - Coolant is a bright-colored solution, usually pink, orange, or green, that helps maintain your engine temperature. Coolant is a sticky, syrupy liquid and is prone to leaki ... read more

Image by AD_Images at Pixabay   Are you a stranger to heartbreak, or do you have the scars and the story of the love you lost along the way? It seems that only the most aware, concerned, and loving among us never feel the sting of a love that has gone cold. Sooner or later, we all feel heartbreak, rejection, or miss the feeling we had when love was new, and we couldn’t wait to see our partner again. It’s hard sometimes to keep a relationship alive and well. It takes constant work. Neglect it, and you will eventually see things begin to fall apart. Treat it right, and you can have decades together. And that can be costly, both in terms of your money and your time. No, I’m not talking about your marriage or your sweetheart. I’m talking about the relationship you have with your car.  And it truly is a relationship with your car. Yo ... read more

With Valentine's Day coming up, we thought you could use some local recommendations on date ideas. All you need is to buckle up with your sweetheart and drive to do one of these romantic activities. Go to an Oceanfront Resort Spas There's nothing more romantic than a spa day for two. Soak in the sensual aromas on your weekend getaway with a massage, facial, and more. We guarantee that you and your loved one will enjoy this much-needed pampering getaway. One of our top recommendations in the area is the Waterfront Spa in Huntington Beach. Take a Nature Walk You and your partner can enjoy the beautiful weather by walking hand in hand for this wonderful holiday. Whether you decide to stroll through Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Central Park, or the Huntington Beach Pier, it's going to set the mood. Do a Brewery, Wine, or Distillery Tastings If you and your S.O. are in it for a good time, we suggest visiting a tasting room. Here are some of our favorites in t ... read more

Photo by Jan Baborak on Unsplash   With Christmas done and the new year beginning, this may be a time of teaching someone in your home how to drive for the first time. It can be nerve wracking for parent and child, trying to keep the work ahead of you serious and focused without terrifying a new driver.   The first thing we’d like to recommend is to set up some goals with your young driver, skills tests that they will pass under your watchful eye. We recommend that you download this PDF from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as a great checklist to knowing all the necessary skills. (Their website has a lot of great guidance.)   Be sure to check their preparation when they drive. Make sure they are making proper adjustments to the steering wheel, seat, and mirrors ... read more