If you are a first-time car owner, you need to understand that no matter how nice your car is when you bought it, it will need automotive repair down the road.

There was a time when Japanese cars were cheap and laughable alternatives to American cars. Today, we have lots of Japanese car enthusiasts who were likely influenced by the Fast and Furious franchise.
 

The younger drivers are modifying their Civics, Supra’s, and RX-7s as the tuner culture thrives in America.
 

Adults that have outgrown the modded street racers graduate to Camry’s, CRVs, and Accords.
 

Many car owners consider Japanese cars as the gold standard for affordability, reliability, and value.
 

Sales figures from auto manufacturers prove this as we can see top brands like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan, among the top-selling vehicles for the first quarter of 2020.
 

For Japanese car lovers, we share tips on when to bring your vehicle to your trusted automotive repair shop.
 

SIGNS YOU NEED AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

For relative newcomers in Japanese car maintenance, you may worry about strange occurrences in your vehicle. 
 

The good news is that not all weird sounds or vibration may mean that your car needs automotive repair. A simple DIY fix can do the job like lubricating door joints, for example.
 

We share some cases where you need to take your vehicle to the professionals for automotive repair.
 

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

A newbie may worry once the check engine turns on in your car’s dashboard.
 

A check engine light may remain lit or flash continually. In both instances, you need to go to your automotive repair shop for inspection.
 

When the light continues blinking, this serves as a warning that a problem needs immediate attention.
 

Common causes include engine misfiring, which means unburnt fuel goes to your exhaust system. This situation will damage your catalytic converter, which can be costly to replace.
 

Take note that there are many other instances when your check engine light may blink continuously. When it does, go to your automotive repair shop at once.
 

A steady light, on the other hand, requires less immediate attention. You should bring your car to your expert automotive repair shop soon. Keeping the check engine light on while you drive can affect your Japanese car’s performance and exhaust functions.
 

KNOCKING NOISE

A knocking sound may always indicate the need for automotive repairs asap. In many situations, a knocking sound may be the last thing that you hear before your engine dies.
 

As soon as you hear this noise in your Japanese car, turn your engine off and contact your automotive repair shop for diagnosis.
 

You wouldn’t want to put added stress on your car, which can lead to costly replacements.
 

SMOKE

Smoke in your Japanese car should never be ignored. It doesn’t matter if it’s coming from the front or rear of your vehicle; you should never let your car emit smoke.
 

Smoke that comes from your engine is an indication of an overheating engine. Your cooling system may be damaged, so you need to have it checked right away. 
 

Blue smoke means you are burning oil; white smoke signifies burning coolant while black smoke shows too much gasoline is being used.
 

A smoking car should not be driven if you want to avoid further engine damage.
 

If you are driving and your car puffs out smoke, pull over and turn your engine off. Call your automotive repair mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
 

LEAKS

If you notice liquid pooling in your garage or office parking spot, don’t ignore it. 
 

Liquid pools indicate that your Japanese car has leaks. A newcomer may have difficulty identifying which one is the source of the problem as leaks may come in various colors.
 

A coolant leak can be bright green while an engine oil leak is either red or brown. You can also encounter leaks from a brake or transmission.
 

Safety should always be a priority. Contact your automotive repair expert to check on where the leaks are coming from and repair them at once.
 

WEIRD NOISES

Apart from knocking, you may notice other weird sounds from your Japanese car. 
 

A grinding or squealing noise may come from a brake problem. Worn out brake pads usually become noisy, which is a sign that you need replacement at once.
 

Brakes are essential to safety while driving, you shouldn’t ignore these sounds, especially if they are coming from your braking system.
 

A dragging noise is another sound you should watch out for. This may be a symptom of wheel bearing problems. You may also have something rubbing against your brake rotors that may be the source of the weird sound.
 

An experienced automotive repair expert can pinpoint the problem and fix it right away.
 

TOKYO AUTOMOTIVE: EXPERT AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR IN PLACENTIA

The Japanese cars of today are computerized machines that no newbie mechanic can diagnose or fix easily.
 

It’s a good thing to have Japanese car experts who are passionate about their craft and updated with the latest in car technologies and repairs. 
 

If you are looking for the best car automotive repair in Placentia, Tokyo Automotive is happy to serve your needs.
 

For all your car repair and maintenance needs, we can help you.
 

We have been in the auto repair business since 1978, and we are proud to be Orange County’s first independent Japanese car experts.
 

We have 40 years of experience in automotive repair and maintenance to back us up. 
 

From minor services to major repairs like brakes, tune-ups, major overhaul, preventive maintenance, diagnostics, electrical, transmission, radiator, we can do it all.
 

Enjoy Free Wifi at our lobby and a complimentary rental car so you can go on with your day.
 

More than car auto repair in Placentia, we can perform regular service, diagnostics or maintenance for top Japanese brands like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Lexus, Subaru, Scion, Acura, Infiniti, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Mazda, and Isuzu.
 

Japanese brands are our passion and expertise.
 

We look forward to meeting you! Give us a call or schedule an appointment online.