Burbank Auto Repair

At Future Auto Service, we want to help your vehicle run as cleanly and efficiently as it can. We perform emissions tests to ensure your car complies with local Burbank, CA smog regulations. The annual emissions test for many California drivers is a crucial part of maintenance. We follow very particular and careful procedures to ensure your vehicle is prepared for the test. Your vehicle must pass the smog test to have your vehicle registration renewed.  Your vehicle’s engine releases a lot of byproducts from combustion. The exhaust system is in charge of transforming these gasses and releasing them into the atmosphere. Unfortunately, if the emissions aren’t regulated by the state of California, our air quality and environment can have harmful effects. When you bring your vehicle to Future Auto Service for an emissions inspection, one of our technicians will inspect all the critical components of the engine and exhaust system, including the catalytic converter. If yo ... read more

Virtually every car today has a power steering system. Modern power steering systems are electric. However, there are still many cars with hydraulic power steering systems. There is a warning sign on your dashboard which alerts you to any issues with the steering system. The warning light is often in the shape of a steering wheel. If you see the light, you should get your power steering checked immediately. The power steering system warning light means the following: Hydraulic Power Steering If you see the power steering warning light, it may mean that you have a low power steering fluid. Only hydraulic power steering systems will encounter this issue. If you see the light, you should pull over, then check the liquid. If it is low, add it, and the warning light should go off promptly. However, adding power steering fluid is a temporary solution. If you repeatedly have low-power steering fluid, it means that there is a leak. Take it to a repair shop and get an evaluation. If you do ... read more

The alternator in your car is responsible for recharging your car battery and powering all your vehicle’s electrical accessories. Often, we think of the battery as being the holy grail for all your car’s electricity. While your battery is necessary to start your engine, it wouldn’t be able to stay reliable without the alternator. Thanks to the alternator, you have windshield wipers that work and can adjust your seats and windows in seconds.  If you ever suspect that your alternator has gone bad, look for these tell-tale signs of imminent failure: Sign #1: Malfunctioning Accessories When your alternator is on its way out, you may notice failure in your car accessories. Dimming or blinking car lights or dashboard lights are common signs people experience. You may also catch problems or notice slow performance from your power seat adjustments and power windows. Sign #2: Warning Light Illuminated on Dashboard The dashboard is the ultimate information center for ... read more

Have you ever wondered what coolant/antifreeze actually does in a vehicle? One of the most important parts of your car's cooling system is its coolant, also known as antifreeze. The coolant's job is to keep your engine at the right temperature by regulating how much heat reaches it. The engine needs to be at a specific temperature in order to run smoothly and efficiently. If it is too hot, it can damage itself; if it is too cold, some parts will not work right. So the coolant keeps things just right. As the engine turns over, it turns pumps that send fluid through tubes throughout your engine and radiator—that fluid absorbs heat from inside the engine and then releases it outside through small holes in your radiator when it gets too hot. Why Car Coolants/Antifreeze Matters Your car's cooling system uses antifreeze/coolant to regulate the temperature of the engine to prevent overheating. If there were no such thing as antifreeze, your car would overheat very quickly ... read more

Yes, you should be worried if your car, SUV, or truck is letting out an excessive amount of smoke out its tailpipe. In most cases, it can be an indication that you have a major exhaust leak under the hood. The exhaust smoke is then brought about by burning the displaced fluid with gasoline.    Typically, you can tell what the nature of the problem is by looking at the color of the smoke. However, you should not take the risks of continuing to drive if your car is blowing excessive amounts of smoke. Please call for a tow to a trusted auto repair shop soon. Black Exhaust Black smoke is a popular symptom that indicates the engine is burning too much fuel. In other words, the air and fuel ratio is unbalanced and too rich in fuel. Naturally, this can be very hazardous as leaking fuel can cause fires. You might even see sparks or flames coming out the tailpipe if the problem is severe enough. Blue Exhaust Blue exhaust is an indication that the engine is burning leaking oil. A ... read more