San Diego Auto Repair

Image by Nikos Apelaths from Pixabay   October is one of the most exciting months of the year. It’s also one of the worst months if your vehicle is not in top shape. With kids running around everywhere during holidays such as Halloween and “spook’ trucks driving like crazy, even the most minor problems your car has can result in a catastrophe if you are not careful. And what better disaster prevention than checking your tires?   Good tire pressure is paramount to vehicle safety. Low tire pressure increases the chance of tire failure exponentially, and you don’t want this to happen if you live in a town (or a city) that is passionate about Halloween. Therefor ... read more

Did you know that the different smells your vehicle gives off can help you recognize a problem with your car? Some scents may require urgent care, while others can signal minor problems. However, you should never ignore anything unusual that your vehicle may give off. Whenever you catch an odd odor in your car, we urge you to bring it to our shop to get a proper diagnosis. Here is a list of scents that could signal something wrong with your car.   Sweet/Maple Syrup: If your car smells sweet like pancakes or waffles, then we have bad news for you. A sweet-smelling scent usually points to a coolant leak from your radiator, cylinder head, or manifold gasket. You should have a professional check it out ASAP to prevent overheating. Gasoline: The smell of fuel can also indicate a fuel leak within your automobile. Your tech will usually trace the leak back to the fuel injector line or the fuel tank. Burning Carpet: An ashy carpet smell can be caused by failing brakes. This odor will ... read more

Photo by Malachi Brooks on Unsplash   With wildfires becoming more violent in the state of California, we have to make sure that our car is in top shape in case of an evacuation. Although nothing beats checkups with a professional mechanic, here are some bullet points to help you determine if your car is ready if disaster comes in your region:   Check your tires. If your tires have dry rot or are coming apart, it’s best to replace them immediately if you can. If your tires have hard rubber in some places, that’s also an indicator of worn-down tires.   Avoid soft brakes. Soft brakes can be caused by a couple of things, but most oftenly, they are a sign of contaminated brake fluid. It’s a rule of thumb ... read more

  The suspension system of your car works to ensure driving comfort is sustained. It smoothens out the bumps on the road providing traction and keeps the wheels on the ground. This system is complex and composed of different components such as shock absorbers, struts, springs, ball joints, and other parts. These, along with the wheels, control how your vehicle handles the road and helps manage wear and tear.   However, it's sometimes tricky to diagnose suspension problems in your car. The signs may be present but can be mistaken for other problems. It's vital to recognize these warning signs as early as possible and to have your suspension repaired when needed.   Signs Indicating Suspension Problems Have your suspension system checked when you begin experiencing difficulties controlling your car and your ride gets rough. Here are the common signs your suspension system needs repair:   A Bumpy Ride This is the most s ... read more

Photo by Gabriel Sollmann on Unsplash   Car commercials can move us, educate us, make us laugh, and even make us angry. The annual Super Bowl tradition of car commercials has produced some very funny, lasting characters. And Mercedes-Benz has done many exciting commercials over the years. But the five commercials featured in this blog will likely never be beaten!   Take a look at some of our favorite commercials from Mercedes-Benz!   The 2012 CLS Commercial - This commercial is a pretty crafty way to combine technical knowledge with a sense of humor. Part of Mercedes-Benz's charm as a brand!     Appa ... read more

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is one of the most reliable work vans to date. It is so dependable that Amazon purchased over 20,000 Sprinter vans for delivering goods in 2018 alone. While there aren't many complaints with the Sprinter, these work cans are constantly on the road. Problems from wear and tear are bound to arise, no matter how well these vehicles are designed. Let's break down the most common issues that can occur with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter!   1. Engine Starting The sprinter van endures long hours, which is why you may encounter problems with starting it from time to time. Usually, when you have difficulties starting your engine, you can trace it back to the battery or alternator. You should physically inspect the battery first to see if there are any signs of damage or corrosion. However, if you notice that you've been only relying on jump-starting the van with cables - you may need a replacement. Consult with an expert at Import Auto Specialists for ... read more

Whether you know much about automobiles or not, it is very straightforward to check your engine oil using the dipstick found under the hood. If you have trouble locating the dipstick, please refer to your owner's manual for detailed instructions. If you are on top of getting your oil changes when they are due, you should rarely encounter problems with the oil levels or quality. Nevertheless, it's still worth taking a few minutes every month or so to check your engine oil. It can tell you a lot about the engine's health, and it's just a remarkable thing to do for the well-being of your car.   Here are several things to look for when checking your engine oil: LEVEL The first thing to make a note of is the oil level. The dipstick will have indicators to show you the ideal level range. If there is slightly too much in the reservoir, it's usually not a significant cause for concern. If it is too low, then you must have it topped off ASAP. It co ... read more

Photo by Lance Anderson on Unsplash   San Diego is the second-largest city in California, including numerous charming neighborhoods and communities, with sunny skies, scenic wilderness, and countless outdoor adventures. Including the best attractions for memorable experiences for you, your family, and friends!    But, do you know what type of attractions to find in San Diego? The most difficult decision to make is to determine what to do and see. Below are three of the best places that you might want to visit.    Hike Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: Hike in the trails of the beautiful Torrey Pines, with the most incredible ocean views; you can also find a diversity of plants and wildlife, including coastal pr ... read more

As a Jaguar owner, you take pride in driving one of the most iconic British models with a long history and heritage. The vehicle provides excellent sporty performance with state-of-the-art safety technologies. While car manufacturers recommend that you maintain the car all year round, there's a heightened focus on special care that you need for your Jaguar in summer. Temperatures rise, and heavy downpours become a norm, resulting in wet road conditions. Drive safe by adhering to the following summer car care tips. Pay Attention to Preemptive Maintenance Such as Cleaning It's The Best Way to Keep Your Car Ride Like New Winter ice and snow can stress your vehicle. The conditions can cause corrosion on the body and undercarriage. Brake lines and fender wells are especially susceptible to rust after winter. It is critical to inspect the vehicle inside-out to identify areas that require polishing, machining, replacements, or fresh paint. It's also crucial to assess all rubbe ... read more

Exhaust mufflers have been in use in cars since 1859 when J. J Etienne installed a metal reducer in the first internal combustion engine. Although it wasn't up to today's manufacturing standards, it reduced backfiring and exhaust noise, providing efficient exhaust flow to the pipes. Like the car ac or taillights, the mufflers may fail. It is critical to understand the signs of exhaust problems so that you repair them at their "bud." Here are the signs and symptoms of a failing muffler: Engine Misfiring Unlike old vehicle models, modern cars come with finely tuned engines with parts that work together to deliver efficiency and fuel economy. The exhaust system is a critical part of the engine, starting at the exhaust valve lodged inside the cylinder head. The muffler is usually located between the catalytic converters and the exhaust pipes. If there's a hole or damage inside its chambers, it reduces exhaust efficiency, which causes engine misfires, especially dur ... read more