Brentwood Auto Repair

Picture this: you're cruising down the open road, enjoying the scenic views and the wind in your hair, when suddenly, that dreaded low fuel warning light illuminates on your dashboard. Panic sets in as you guess just how far you can push it before your vehicle comes to a sputtering halt. We've all been there, desperately calculating distances and contemplating the risks. But fear not, for today, the team at Monkey Wrenches will unravel the mystery behind the low fuel light and provide you with some insights to help you make informed decisions on the road. So how far can you drive with that ominous indicator glowing? Well, the answer isn't as straightforward as we might hope. The range can vary depending on several factors, including your car's make and model, driving conditions, and fuel efficiency. While it's tempting to test the limits and see just how far you can stretch that last drop of fuel, it's essential to approach the situation with caution and prior ... read more

There are times when driving is not as enjoyable anymore. Especially when you notice that your brakes are faulty on one side. You become more cautious since the risk of causing or being involved in an accident is higher. What Causes Brakes to Wear Out on One Side? Some of the things your mechanic might look into include: Variance in Rotor Thickness The size of your braking rotors may affect how quickly your brakes burn out. Brake pads are tailored to last up to 20,000 miles. But, if the rotor size is inconsistent, they will not wear uniformly and will tear considerably sooner. This implies that if you have mismatched rotors, you may need to replace your brake pads every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. Misalignment Misalignment causes the front tires to tug on one side or another during braking, resulting in inconsistent pad wear. This is because if one side wears quicker than the other, your car will not move properly, causing extra resistance in that area of your brake system. As a result ... read more

A serpentine belt, also known as a multi-ribbed belt, is a long, winding belt that runs through various engine components, such as the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. Its primary role is to transfer power from the engine's crankshaft to these components, which run on different accessory drive systems. That is why the serpentine belt is also commonly referred to as the drive belt. How Does a Serpentine Belt Work? The serpentine belt works by rotating in a circular motion around the engine's pulleys, which then rotates the various components. It's made up of a durable material, usually rubber, with several grooves on its underside that fit into the pulleys. When to Replace a Serpentine Belt? Serpentine belts are designed to last a long time, more than 100,000 miles, but they do wear out over time and eventually need to be replaced. Some common red flags that point to an old or worn serpentine belt include: Squeaking or squealing sounds ... read more

As a vehicle owner, you know that regular maintenance is essential to keeping your vehicle in good condition. A critical aspect of car care is replacing the various filters in your car. Here is a breakdown of the different filters in your vehicle and their functions. Air Filter: The air filter ensures that clean air enters your engine. A dirty air filter can reduce your car's performance and fuel economy. Replacing your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year is recommended. Oil Filter: The oil filter removes contaminants from the engine oil, preventing them from damaging the engine. A clogged oil filter can lead to engine damage and decreased performance. It is recommended to replace the oil filter every time you change your oil. Fuel Filter: The fuel filter removes impurities and debris from the fuel before it reaches the engine. A dirty fuel filter can cause engine misfires and reduce fuel efficiency. It is re ... read more

The vehicle’s air conditioning system can make or break the entire driving experience. Unfortunately, car problems and misuse of the A/C system can cause smelly air to be emitted into the passenger cabin. If you’ve ever ridden in a car that smells musty, burnt, or even rotten-y, you need to pinpoint the problem ASAP.  In most cases, mold is the most common culprit of foul-smelling A/C. Did you know that the A/C system doesn’t actually produce cold air? It actually uses hot, outside air and removes moisture and heat from it. Unfortunately, the excess moisture can sometimes get stuck in the A/C system, specifically in the drain tube, resulting in a musty smell. This problem is common in older vehicles or vehicles that are constantly pumping air conditioning. In minor cases, you can resolve the problem by drying out the system. You can turn on the car’s fan with the A/C turned off and open up your vehicle windows.  If the smell lingers after trying th ... read more

Your vehicle's exhaust may be able to tell you that your engine is in serious trouble. If you think about it, you should rarely ever see your exhaust. You might see steam on a cold morning or at night from time to time, but the exhaust is usually never seen. If you begin to see a ton of exhaust smoke spilling out of your tailpipe, then it's most likely a sign of trouble. Please make sure you note the color of the exhaust as it can help your trusted mechanic diagnose the issue: Black Exhaust If your tailpipe releases dark clouds of exhaust smoke, your engine is burning too much fuel. In rare cases, it can even lead to a fire. It's essential to pull over right away if your engine releases a lot of black exhaust, especially if the smoke is coming out of the hood too. You can trust the expert team at Monkey Wrenches Inc. to locate and repair the problem for you. Blue Exhaust If your exhaust smoke is blue or grayish, it's vital to stop driving your automobile. Blue ... read more

Most people don’t give their shocks and struts any thought, and others might not even know what those things are. If you care about your safety, then you should periodically check on your suspension system. Otherwise, the quality, comfort, and safety of your ride can be compromised. What Are Shocks & Struts?  Struts have a coil spring attached on the outside and other things in a singular unit, and shock an independent spring on its own. They are both intended to absorb road impacts to ensure a smooth and stable ride. Every vehicle’s suspension system has a shock or strut at every wheel. Depending on your vehicle, you can even have a mix of both. Even though these components are made to last a long time, they don’t live forever. When they age, they will affect your vehicle’s overall performance. Here are the top signs that your shocks and struts need service: Uneven Tire Wear - While premature tire wear can be attributed to many things, it can indi ... read more

As a car owner, it's important to be aware of the symptoms of a bad oxygen sensor. Read on to discover the symptoms of a bad oxygen sensor. What Is an Oxygen Sensor Inside a Vehicle? This crucial piece of equipment measures the oxygen in your car's exhaust. If it isn't functioning properly, it can cause several problems. Here are some symptoms of a bad oxygen sensor that needs to be replaced. 1. The Check Engine Light Is On One of the most common symptoms of a bad oxygen sensor is that the check engine light on your dash will be illuminated. This is because the oxygen sensor is responsible for monitoring the air-fuel mixture in your engine, and when it senses that the mixture is too rich or too lean, it will trigger the check engine light. 2. Your Engine Is Running Rough Another symptom of a bad oxygen sensor is that your engine will run rough. This is because the oxygen sensor is responsible for maintaining the correct air-fuel mixture in your engine, and when it go ... read more

The brilliance of the automatic transmission is how easy and seamless it is to switch from one gear to another. That is why most manual transmissions are phasing out. Even though the newer, more modern automatic transmissions are longer lasting, it is still imperative that you maintain their parts and fluid. Did you know that it costs more to replace them than it is to replace your car’s engine? Read on to learn more about the common problems of automatic transmission and what you can do to prevent them.   8 Signs of Transmission Problems Grinding or shaking when switching gears Slipping gears Leaky transmission fluid Unresponsive transmission Dashboard warning light Burning smell Humming or clunking noises Jerking movements If the issue is minor, your mechanic may recommend a transmission fluid flush to mitigate the problem. Other solutions may include resetting your vehicle’s internal computer. If the problem is left to develop or is more severe, you may re ... read more

The term "tune-up" is overlooked by drivers. This type of service is not commonly used today as the modern car has given the word a new meaning. Since vehicles no longer have a carburetor and have transitioned to an electronic fuel injection system, a tune-up today is similar to preventative maintenance. A tune-up today at Monkey Wrenches involves a series of maintenance items performed under the hood.   Understanding the modern tune-up and how it can be advantageous can help your car go a long way. An engine tune-up involves repairing, cleaning, and replacing combustion-related components under the hood. It includes checking the condition of your spark plugs, wires, fuel injectors, engine air filters, and more. A tune-up can look different from car to car, depending on its age and the miles it has covered.  What Are the Advantages of a Tune-Up? Prevent unnecessary breakdowns Lower repair costs Uphold vehicle’s resale/trade-in value Improve fuel economy ... read more