Posted on 11/1/2024
November has arrived! But is your car ready for this winter & holiday season? After a long and hot summer here in LA there is no denying that all of our cars have been through a lot. As our climate here in California changes throughout fall, it is important to give your car some tender loving care to prepare it for a busy holiday and Christmas season. Here at FAS we take car maintenance and auto repair very seriously and don't want to see you stranded on the side of the road with your family missing Thanksgiving Dinner. That's why we have come up with a Car Care Checklist to make sure you are traveling safely around Burbank and Los Angeles through the rest of the year into 2025. Important Maintenance Items to Consider Safety InspectionTires & Alignment ... read more
Posted on 11/1/2024
Keep your car battery in top shape to avoid holiday travel hiccups. With the approaching holiday season, we eagerly anticipate merry gatherings and thrilling winter escapades. However, nothing crushes our festive mood quite like a vehicle that fails to start - especially when laden with Christmas gifts or a tight itinerary of events. After all, without your car's battery working effectively as its life-force; it simply won't budge from its parking spot! In this article, we'll delve into why safeguarding your battery's condition is crucial- particularly before embarking on any seasonal road trips. What Causes Battery Drain in Colder Weather? The relationship between winter and car batteries is far from cordial. Frigid weather conditions can significantly impair the starting capabilities ... read more
Posted on 10/31/2024
Buying a used car can be a fantastic way to get the vehicle you need at a price that’s kinder to your wallet. However, there’s a lot of uncertainty when you’re purchasing a pre-owned vehicle. One thing that can help you avoid unexpected costs and regrets down the line is a pre-purchase inspection (PPI). But how exactly does a PPI save you money? Uncover Hidden Issues When you buy a used car, what you see isn’t always what you get. Sellers may not always disclose every issue with the car, and even if they do, they might not be aware of problems lurking beneath the surface. A pre-purchase inspection is designed to identify these hidden issues that could become major repair costs later on. During a PPI, a qualified technician thoroughly examines the vehicle’s major components, such as the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension. They can catch ... read more
Posted on 10/21/2024
The ultimate driving machine has been around for decades and the Bavarians seem to be coming up with faster and more powerful iterations of their "M" cars every year. But does more horsepower and hybrid technology necessarily mean better? Today, we are taking a closer look at what some BMW enthusiasts would consider the holy grail of engines made by BMW M. The S85 V10 engine offers one of the most unique driving experiences ever with its high-revving nature, independent throttle bodies, and exotic sound notes. Join us for an important discussion about the maintenance and repairs you might be facing with a S85-powered BMW M5 or M6. What makes the BMW S85 V10 special? This BMW M6 pictured below in our shop here for example is powered by the legendary S85 engine. A 5.0L V10 cylinder with an 8,250 rpm redline, 507 horsepower, and the sound note of an F1 car. Coming from a time when German automakers went all out to celebrate the possibilities of the ... read more
Posted on 10/16/2024
Today we are talking brakes! They are one of the most crucial components of any motor vehicle out on the road and are essential to slowing down your car and at the same time ensure safety for yourself and others on Burbank's roads. However, not all brakes are the same. Did you know there are two largely different types of brake systems on cars? In this blog post, we will do a crash course on the two kinds of conventional brake systems: Drum Brakes and Disk Brakes! So stick around to find out how these two brake systems are different, which ones you have on your car, and how they are serviced! A Brief History About Brakes The first ever car with brakes was introduced by the Frenchman Louis Renault in 1902. While disk and drum brakes saw the light of the world around the same time, the first mass-produced cars featured a drum brake system due to simpler technology and lower costs. Disk brakes didn't really become a thing until 1953 when ... read more