San Diego Auto Repair

The check engine light is a familiar sight to any vehicle owner. It's that pesky little indicator on your dashboard that can cause immediate anxiety when it illuminates. But have you ever wondered why and when the check engine light was created? Understanding the history behind the check engine light can help us appreciate its significance in diagnosing and resolving potential issues with our vehicles.    The Birth of the Check Engine Light The check engine light, also known as the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), was introduced as a standard feature in vehicles in the early 1980s. It was a response to the increasing complexity of car engines and the need for an efficient diagnostic system. Before the check engine light, diagnosing engine problems relied heavily on manual inspections and mechanical expertise.    The Purpose of the Check Engine Light The primary purpose of the check engine light is to alert drivers ... read more

Photo by Laura C on Unsplash   Sunny San Diego Spots for the Summer: Don't Forget Your Car Service! Summer is here, and there's no better place to soak up the sun than in San Diego. San Diego has something for everyone, from the beaches to the parks and everything in between. But before you hit the road, ensure your car is ready for the summer heat. Here are some tips to keep your car running smoothly and some suggestions for fun in the sun in San Diego. Auto Repair in San Diego: Keep Your Car in Tip-Top Shape Before you enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather, ensure your car is in good working order. Getting your car serviced regularly is essential so it can perform at its best. Some things to consider include getting an oil change, tire rotation, wheel alignment, and suspension check.   Oil Change: Getting an oil change is crucial to the longevity of your vehic ... read more

Cars - we all love and hate them sometimes. With almost everyone having one or at least being a passenger, interesting stories and facts are bound to happen. Furthermore, the love of some car enthusiasts pushes them to invent new things like the people at Koenigsegg, famous for the world's wildest and fastest cars. If you want to learn a few interesting facts about cars, continue reading because we will share five of them below! 1. The first car accident occurred in 1891 The first recorded car accident in history happened in Ohio, USA, in 1891. James William Lambert was driving his single-cylinder gasoline engine car with his friend James Swoveland when he hit a tree root and lost control of the vehicle. The car crashed into a hitching post, injuring both men. Inspired by that accident, Lambert later patented over 600 inventions related to automobiles! 2. The world’s most expensive car is worth $19 million One of the world’s most ex ... read more

  Photo by Jean-Lui Poston on Unsplash Replace Your Air Filter: A Step-By-Step Guide From Import Auto Specialists  Are you noticing your car is not performing as well as it should? One of the reasons why your car may need to be running at its optimal level is because of a dirty air filter. When your filter isn't taken care of, it can cause a rough idle, decreased acceleration, and decreased fuel efficiency. To keep your car running smoothly, you should regularly check and replace your air filter. What's an Air Filter and Why Should You Care? Think of your car's air filter like a bouncer at a club - its job is to let in only the good stuff and keep out the riff raff. It filters out all the dirt, dust, and other gross stuff that can mess up your engine while letting in clean air to help your engine burn fuel more efficiently.   Over time, your air f ... read more

When it comes to fuel efficiency, Japanese car manufacturers have long been at the forefront of innovation, consistently producing vehicles that deliver impressive mileage without compromising performance. If you're in the market for a fuel-efficient car, look no further than these five standout models from Japanese automakers down below! Toyota Prius The legendary Toyota Prius has become synonymous with fuel efficiency and eco-friendly driving. With its hybrid powertrain and aerodynamic design, the Prius achieves exceptional fuel economy. Its latest models boast an average fuel efficiency of over 50 miles per gallon, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a highly efficient and environmentally conscious vehicle. Prices are between $20,000 and $30,000. Honda Insight The Insight (priced at around $25,000) is another hybrid car that combines fuel efficiency with style and comfort. Because of the advanced hybrid powertrain, the Insight achiev ... read more

Photo by Alec Marc Wagner on Unsplash What’s An Alternator And What Does It Do? There are many moving parts and pieces in your vehicle–so when something is out of whack, it can be difficult to pin-point the issue. To better take care of your vehicle, it’s essential to learn about these many moving parts. Today, we’re going to chat about your alternator.    An alternator is an essential component of a vehicle's electrical system. It plays a vital role in keeping your car running smoothly.    In this blog, we'll explain what an alternator is, what it does, and the signs of its failure. We'll also provide some tips on how to maintain and repair an alternator and why it's essential to have regular inspections at an experienced auto repair shop. What Is An Alternator?  So, what is an alternator? It's an electric ... read more

There are many lights on the outside of your vehicle, and it can be hard to keep track of them all. Fortunately, most cars nowadays are smart enough to detect electrical faults and let you know if your headlight, taillight, or other light is out.   Your vehicle's lights not only help you see the road ahead but also help other drivers see you. If all of these car lights are confusing, we are here to simplify them for you. Here are all the different lights on your vehicle that you should know! Headlights: Headlights are the primary lights on your vehicle and are essential for visibility while driving. They are located on the front of your vehicle and come in different styles, such as halogen, LED, and HID. Headlights can be turned on and off from the dashboard or the headlight switch. Additionally, there are typically three headlight settings: high beam, low beam, and daytime running lights. It's important to use the proper setting for the current dr ... read more

Photo by Osman Rana on Unsplash It’s Time To Replace Your Wipers San Diego experienced rain like never before this Winter and, in doing so, became the talking point of national news. If your windshield wipers were working hard to keep you safe in the flooding conditions, it might be time to replace them.   Windshield wipers should be replaced about once a year or sooner if they’ve worn them. Worn-out wipers may have rubber trailing behind them, scrape against your windshield, or do a poor job of getting water and debris out of the windshield.    I’m a big believer that regardless of the rain season or how often your wipers are getting action, it’s necessary to replace them at least once a year–but usually, much sooner. Below, I’ll go over signs you need to replace your windshield wipers, provide a quick how-to, and explain the bene ... read more

Let's face it, sometimes your car stinks. Once you determine there's no dirty laundry bag in your car, what should you do? Whether it's a sweet maple syrup smell or an awful dirty laundry smell, there are some odors in your car you shouldn't ignore. Learn what to do when your car starts sending smelly hints that something is not quite right. Syrup If you're noticing a sweet maple syrup smell it probably means your coolant system is leaking. The smell is most likely coming from coolant or antifreeze that has leaked out and you'll want to get that fixed before it turns into a more serious problem. Musty/Mildew Smell When you turn on your car's air conditioning and a blast of musty air is what comes out, there could be moisture in the system. This can lead to mold and mildew forming in your system and while it isn't that bad for the car, it definitely affects the quality of air you are breathing in while driving the car. Burning Hair/Burning Carp ... read more

Photo by Monica Sauro on Unsplash 5 Reasons To Add Preventative Maintenance To Your Calendar Last month, many of us took to drafting complicated schedules and random errands into our brand-new 2023 planners. As the month of New Year's Resolutions ended, you may have felt sluggish regarding your goals and appointments. This is totally normal for this time of year. Research shows that by February, nearly 80% of people have given up on their New Year's Resolutions.   Today, I’m making the case to you to keep on keepin’ on, especially concerning car maintenance. In fact, scheduling your car maintenance directly in your planner, calendar, or phone can help you in many ways. Below, I will list the top five reasons to add preventative maintenance to your calendar.  1. Save Time & Money by Identifying Problems Early Have you ever gone into the shop just ... read more