A muffler reduces noise from the engine and is typically installed along the exhaust pipe of a vehicle. The tubes and chambers of a muffler reflect sound waves produced by the engine. By adding two opposite sound waves together, the waves cancel each other out, thereby creating less sound.

Why is my muffler making a loud noise?

If the muffler is making a loud noise, like a hissing or popping sound, the muffler is probably worn out and needs to be replaced. Lots of short trips during cold weather could leave condensation in the exhaust system and cause corrosion. Also, over time small holes and exhaust leaks can develop, or cracked or damaged pipes can occur. Even very small amounts of carbon monoxide that can escape into the passenger compartment from leaks are extremely dangerous.

What are my options?

Topline Perofmance in Huntington Beach specializes in muffler and exhaust sustems. An owner may also be able to diagnose what is causing the problem, but caution is advised since carbon monoxide is dangerous.  There are service manuals and how-to books that can also be purchased online but not recommended.

For muffler repair and exhaust systems visit:

7312 Autopark Dr
Huntington Beach, CA 92648-1200
(714) 848-6433
www.toplineperformancehb.com

Brake lights, also called stop lamps, are red steady-burning rear lights and are brighter than taillights. They are required to be located to the rear of a vehicle and are activated when the brakes are applied.

How do I know if a brake light is going bad?

If you suspect a brake light is bad, have someone look at your vehicle to see if the light comes on when you tap the brakes ? preferably not your local police officer. The problem could be a short or bad connection in the wiring or the bulb itself could be bad. If a brake light won?t go off, a brake light switch on the brake pedal could also be out of adjustment or just plain faulty.

What are my options?

Vehicles can be taken to a local dealer or Topline Performance. There are numerous automotive websites that advertise their repair services, and many others sell brake lights, including new and rebuilt parts and assembly systems. Some sites also explain how to remove and replace the parts for specific makes and models but to save time and money visit Topline Performance auto repair in Huntington Beach.

For brake light and lamp replacement visit:

7312 Autopark Dr
Huntington Beach, CA 92648-1200
(714) 848-6433
www.toplineperformancehb.com

An alternator is a device that converts mechanical energy into alternating current (AC). A rectifier converts AC current to DC current, which charges the battery and runs the electrical system.

How do I know if the alternator is going bad?

Since alternators fail in stages, it?s very possible to not know at first that it is going bad, especially if high current using accessories like headlights or air conditioning aren?t being used much. An inexpensive voltmeter can be used to check the voltage to determine if the alternator is working properly. Although a loud grinding noise can be caused by other problems, there?s a good chance it means the alternator needs to be replaced.

What are my options?

Dependent on the make and model of the vehicle, it can either be taken to a local dealer or Topline Performance. There are numerous automotive and other websites that explain how to repair or replace an alternator, and one site offers rebuilding and conversion kits. You can also purchase a repair manual or how-to book from a vendor online. One such service manual available online explains how to repair the part, or provides a shop repair hour estimate.   But if not installed properly you may have more problems then you started with and having to spend more money than the cost of the alternator itself.

For alternator replacement service visit:

7312 Autopark Dr
Huntington Beach, CA 92648-1200
(714) 848-6433
www.toplineperformancehb.com

The primary parts of a vehicle air conditioner consist of a compressor, condenser, and a evaporator. Air is compressed and sent to the condenser, and the evaporator serves as the heat absorption component.

What can go wrong?

On a hot summer day, push a couple of buttons in the car, and the air conditioning system emits cool air within a few seconds. What happens if the vents are blowing out hot air, or if the compressor is making a noise? There may be a bad shrader valve or other component failure, like a ruptured hose, that results in an oil or refrigerant leak. Also, if a the system was manufactured before 1995, it may contain ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and the system may need to be retrofitted.

What are my options?

Many newer vehicles have computerized automatic temperature control, and the complexity of such systems may make do it yourself less feasible. Otherwise, vehicles can either be taken to a local dealer or repair shop, or the owner can repair it or retrofit it. There are numerous automotive do it yourself websites that explain how to repair and/or retrofit a vehicle?s air conditioning system.

For air conditioning service or repair visit:

7312 Autopark Dr
Huntington Beach, CA 92648-1200
(714) 848-6433
www.toplineperformancehb.com

An antilock braking system (ABS) prevents the wheels from locking or skidding, even with the full application of brake pressure, which is particularly helpful in an emergency situation with heavy braking. Since an ABS system continually releases brake pressure and is rotating at significantly less rms, the brakes should never be pumped, which is just the opposite of what is recommended for a non-ABS system. Under some weather or road conditions, ABS promotes increased braking distances, but some automakers have created a brake assist system to minimize the issue.

When would I need to repair the ABS brakes?

Malfunction of ABS could cause the antilock brake control module to shut off. Loss of hydraulic fluid in the brake master cylinder will also disable the ABS system, and an ABS system may cause more wear and tear to the chemical makeup of brake fluid. The ABS light indicator should come on if there is a problem.

What are my options?

Since diagnostic equipment may be needed, the vehicle will probably need to be taken to a local dealer or repair shop. There are numerous automotive websites that advertise auto repair services. Other sites offer free information about ABS systems, while others sell service manuals online.

For brake service and repair in Huntington Beach or Fountain Valley visit:

7312 Autopark Dr
Huntington Beach, CA 92648-1200
(714) 848-6433
www.toplineperformancehb.com

•Struts
•Shocks
•Ball joints
•Sway bar bushings
•Control arms and bushings
•Inner and outer tie rod ends
•Center links
•Springs

•Alignments
•Air ride suspensions
•Air shocks
•Traction control repairs
•Active steering systems
•Shim kits
•Camber kits
•Life kits for trucks

7312 Autopark Dr
Huntington Beach, CA 92648-1200
(714) 848-6433
www.toplineperformancehb.com

Changing your engine oil and filter regularly as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer is the single most important activity you can perform to help keep your vehicle healthy, ensure long, trouble-free engine life, and help you avoid breakdowns or costly repairs down the road.

At Topline Performance auto repair in Huntington Beach, our oil change service consists of a 17 point inspection including oil and filter replacement, chassis lubrication, topping off essential fluids, inspecting wipers, air filter, belts and hoses, adjusting tire pressure, cleaning front and rear windows, and vacuuming front and back floorboards.

Choose the oil change service that is right for you:

17 Point Oil Change:
1.Oil Change with National Brand Oil
(conventional oil, up to 5 quarts)
2.Install New Oil Filter
3.Lube Chassis*
4.Check and Fill** Transmission Fluid
5.Check and Fill** Differential Fluid
6.Check and Fill** Radiator Coolant
7.Check and Fill** Power Steering Fluid
8.Check and Fill** Battery Fluid*
9.Check and Fill** Windshield Washer Fluid
10.Inspect Brake Fluid Level
11.Inspect Air Filter
12.Check Wiper Blades
13.Check Belts and Hoses
14.Check PCV* and Breather*
15.Check and Set Tire Pressure
16.Wash Front and Rear Exterior Windshields
17.Vacuum Front and Rear Floorboards
* Where applicable ** Up to 1/2 Pint
High Mileage Oil Change:
Includes 17 Point Oil Change service with special formula oil designed for vehicles with 75,000+ miles.

Benefits of high mileage oil include:•Helps reduce oil consumption
•More protection against engine wear
•Contains special seal conditioning agent to help prevent leaks and oil burn off
•More engine cleaning power
•Greater resistance to oxidation
•Helps keep engine clean and helps extend engine life by enhancing protection to worn engine parts
Synthetic Blend Oil Change:
Includes 17 Point Oil Change service with synthetic blend oil.

Benefits of synthetic blend oil include:•Increases oxidation protection for severe driving conditions
•Increases deposit control to reduce formation of sludge and varnish
•Increases anti-wear protection by providing better cold flow performance
•Offers stronger film strength for better wear protection
•Works better than conventional motor oil in stop-and-go traffic and for high-revving engines
•Helps keep engines running clean in the extreme temperatures
100% Synthetic Oil Change:
Includes 17 Point Oil Change service with 100% synthetic oil.

Benefits of 100% synthetic oil include:•Ultimate protection for drivers who demand the best
•Outstanding cold weather starting for best lubrication of moving parts
•Reduces oil consumption due to lower volatility
•Outstanding deposit control due to a special blend of additives
•Among the finest quality lubricants available
•Helps extend engine life by reducing friction
•Helps protect against high temperature sludge build-up
•Helps improve fuel economy
•Provides quick hot/cold weather starts
Free Top-off Service:
To help ensure the proper operation of your vehicle, Topline offers a free top-off service for the 3 months or 3,000 miles following a Topline oil change or tune-up service. During this time we will check and top-off your engine oil and other essential fluids (up to 1/2 pint), including transmission and differential fluids, plus check tire air pressure and clean the front and rear windows.

7312 Autopark Dr
Huntington Beach, CA 92648-1200
(714) 848-6433
www.toplineperformancehb.com

• visual inspection of engine components
• install Bosch spark plugs
• set timing and idle (if applicable)
• 6-month/6,000-mile limited warranty*

PLUS TUNE-UP

• visual inspection of engine components
• install Bosch spark plugs
• set timing and idle (if applicable)
• fuel system cleaning
• 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty*

PREMIUM TUNE-UP

• visual inspection of engine components
• install Bosch spark plugs
• set timing and idle (if applicable)
• fuel system cleaning
• install air filter
• 24-month/24,000-mile limited warranty*

OTHER TOPLINE ENGINE SERVICES

Your vehicles engine may occasionally require more than a tune-up. After inspecting your vehicle, our technicians may recommend other services for the health of your engine.

Our other engine services include:

• oil and oil filter change
• lubrication service
• spark plug replacement
• air filters
• fuel filters
• fuel pump
• crank case vent filters
• vapor canister filters
• pcv valves
• ignition wires
• ignition module
• emissions
• engine sensors including oxygen sensor
• coil packs
• distributor cap and rotor

7312 Autopark Dr
Huntington Beach, CA 92648-1200
(714) 848-6433
www.toplineperformancehb.com

ABOUT BRAKING SYSTEMS
Today’s braking systems are composed of a number of integral parts all working together to ensure that your vehicle stops properly. Generally speaking, by depressing the brake pedal, you are telling the master cylinder to compress brake fluid, which in turn sends hydraulic pressure through brake lines that activate your vehicle’s brake pads (or shoes). These pads (or shoes) then make contact with spinning rotors (or drums), slowing down or stopping the vehicle. More complex systems use sensors to activate the brake system, but the net desired effect is the same.
The parts that make up your vehicle’s brake system wear down over time and eventually need to be replaced. The most common brake repair performed is the replacement of brake pads (or shoes). Whether composed of ceramic, semi-metallic, or organic materials, brake pads erode each time you depress the brake pedal. If the pads wear down too much without being replaced, the metal housing for the pads will make contact with the metal rotors (or drums), which may produce not only a safety issue but a situation where the rotors/drums are required to be replaced as a result of the prolonged contact of metal parts without the pad buffer.

TIME FOR BRAKE SERVICE?
There are several warning signs that your vehicle can give you before your brakes may reach the point of potential failure or extensive repair. Simply using your sense of hearing, sight and touch may alert you to a potential problem. Here are some of the common questions you should ask yourself concerning your vehicle’s brake system:

• Does your brake warning light come on when you are driving?
• Is your brake fluid low? Does it appear very dirty?
• Do you hear a grinding sound or a squealing sound when you apply the brake pedal?
• Do you feel a pulsation or some sponginess in the brake pedal when it is depressed?
• Does your vehicle steer or pull to one side when braking?

These are the most common signs that can suggest a potential brake system problem that should be addressed. Any other sights, sounds or sensations in the brake system that seem out of the ordinary should also be taken into consideration. Most times, brake system problems will only escalate if disregarded.

TOPLINE’S AUTO REPAIR SUGGESTIONS

• Technicians at Topline Performance are trained to service today’s complex brake systems. They can inspect your vehicle’s braking system to ensure that it is functioning properly or to diagnose a problem and offer suggestions and an estimate for repair.
• From brake pad replacement to servicing rotors to replacing brake cylinders to addressing Anti-Lock Brake System issues, Topline provides full repair service for all your vehicle’s brake components.
• Additionally, we can perform routine maintenance as suggested by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Most often this is a brake system flush, which involves the removal of air and moisture from brake lines and the replacement of brake fluid.

Whatever your vehicle’s brake system needs, Topline Performance auto repair can perform the service to help ensure its proper working condition. Trust Topline for your vehicle’s brake service, maintenance and repairs.

7312 Autopark Dr
Huntington Beach, CA 92648-1200
(714) 848-6433
www.toplineperformancehb.com