Frank Hernandez

Auto Technician

Frank Hernandez is an ASE Master Certified Technician based in La Palma, CA. With over 7 years of experience, Frank is certified in collision, maintenance, light, and undercar repair. Most recently, he joined the International Education Corporation as an Automotive Instructor, teaching on-board diagnostics, troubleshooting, maintenance & repair, and customer service.

Education

  • Associate of Science, Automotive Engineering Technology, Cypress College
  • Graduate, Toyota Technician Education Network

Certifications & Organizations

  • Master Certified Automobile Technician, National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
  • Certified CA Smog Inspector
  • Motor Vehicle Air Conditioner (MVAC) Certified, EPA 609
  • Certified Technician, ProCut
  • General & Light Repair Technician, National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
  • Collision Certified Technician, National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
  • Under Car Specialist, National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)

Favorite Piece of Advice

Don’t underestimate yourself.

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Q&A Comments (11)

I applied some plasti dip and it's bubbling, what should I do?
Bubbling in plasti-dip usually happens when the surface wasn’t prepped correctly, coats were applied too thickly and too fast, or moisture got trapped underneath. To fix bubbling, start by letting the area dry completely without touching it until it’s no longer sticky. Once it’s dry, you can try gently pressing down on the bubbled spots with a soft cloth or a clean, lint-free towel to smooth them out. If the bubbling is severe and pressing it down doesn’t help, you may need to remove the bubbled sections. Before reapplying plasti-dip, wash the surface with a mild solvent or a cleaner that is safe for car surfaces. Make sure the area is completely dry and free of any residue. When you’re ready to reapply, use thin, even coats of plasti-dip and let each coat dry fully before adding another. This extra step helps prevent future bubbling and gives you a smooth finish.
Sometimes my seatbelt gets stuck, what's the problem here?
This might be due to the seatbelt safety mechanism. Seatbelts are designed with a built-in safety mechanism that is meant to lock up when it is being pulled too fast or during rapid movements that holds you tightly in place during an accident, crash, or a sudden stop. So, if you pull the seatbelt too quickly when putting it on or adjusting it, it might get stuck and stop extending. To avoid this, try pulling the seatbelt out slowly and steadily. If it’s still getting stuck, there might be an issue with the retractor mechanism inside, such as dirt buildup or wear and tear. In that case, cleaning or a professional inspection may be needed to ensure it works smoothly.
Are there any other ways to cool a hot car?
Use the fresh air setting on your car’s fan if you have one, as this helps pull in cooler outside air instead of circulating the hot air inside. Drive for a bit with the windows down to get the air moving and replace the hot air with cooler outside air. But remember that this could only work if the outside air is cold. Parking in the shade or using a sunshade is also a great idea to keep your car from heating up too much when it’s parked. This makes it much easier to cool down when you get back in.
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Co-authored Articles (9)

How to

Remove a Stuck CD from a Car CD Player

Dash-mounted CD players in cars present unique problems when CDs become stuck - because they're installed into the car itself, you can only manipulate, poke, and otherwise handle them from one angle, unless you're willin...

How to

Remove an Old Car Stereo

Take out your old car stereo easily with our complete tutorialCar stereos sometimes wear out or break, and you need to swap out the old one for a replacement. This might sound tricky, but it’s actually a pretty easy jo...

How to

Install a Car Volt Amp Gauge

A volt gauge shows how much power your vehicle’s battery provides while the amp reading will tell you if the battery gets enough current to charge the system. While these gauges may not be included in the dashboard, yo...

How to

Remove Cement from a Car

Concrete and cement splatters from construction sites and highway projects may seem a bit tricky to remove from your car without scratching the paint. However, you can easily remove cement stains on your own. Start by sc...

How to

Set the Gain on a Car Amplifier

A simple guide to adjusting the gain on your aftermarket stereo amplifierSinging in the car is likely the second most popular pastime while driving. Listening to music in the car is certainly the first. With that in mind...

How to

Cool Yourself in a Car Without Air Conditioning

When it's hot outside, the inside of your car gets even hotter... especially if you don't have air conditioning. Yikes! However, there are ways to stay cool, whether it's using frozen ice packs, wearing lighter clothes, ...

How to

Fill Plastic Scratches

Plastic scratches may not be the end of the world, but they’re a definite eyesore. While serious damage should be left to a repair professional, like a scratched bumper, some scratches can be filled and “erased” fr...

How to Install a Aftermarket Radio: A Beginner’s Guide

The easiest way to replace your factory radio with an aftermarket one For some people any stereo in a car is sufficient. For others, only the best will suffice. If you are the latter, you may need to consider an afterm...

How to

Use Hybrid Cars Efficiently

There are a number of things that you can do to get the most out of your hybrid car. Taking care of your battery, using cruise control, and accelerating slowly will help your hybrid function at optimum efficiency. Stay...