San Diego Auto Repair

Undeniably, when you notice smoke billowing from under your vehicle's hood, something is wrong with your engine. This scenario could indicate a complex problem that requires expert intervention from your mechanic or a simple issue you can resolve. Most people often mistake steam-like vapor to smoke emanating from the tailpipe. This type of vapor should not raise any alarm because it is due to condensation within the exhaust system. However, you should understand the type of smoke by comprehending its color and smell before you panic. Stop immediately and peep or continue driving to the nearest repair shop. Reasons Why a Car SmokesSpill onto the Car Engine A running car has its engine often hot. Besides, the exhaust also remains hot throughout the drive. A spill from fluids such as motor oil onto these hot areas can result in a cloud of smoke emanating from your hood. The main fluids that may leak from damaged seals or engine parts include the ... read more

Photo by Atul Pandey on Unsplash     Choosing the right gift for a car lover can be a difficult task. After all, buying a new engine isn’t optimal for everybody! However, the beauty of a gift is not encapsulated by its size or cost but by the joy it gives the receiver. As you’ll learn in this article, you don’t have to bring something grandiose to make your fellow car fan rejoice. It’s often the simple things that are most appreciated.    For The Vintage Collectors:   Sports Car Collector Sign - If your mate is a fan of sports cars, you should definitely check this coll ... read more

The holidays are one of the jolliest times of the year, but it's the worst time to be on the road. While traffic jams and congestion are inevitable, we make it worth it by seeing family that we haven't seen in a while. To ensure you make it there in one piece, you need to keep safety in mind. This year, the travel numbers are expected to increase since many did not see family due to the pandemic last year. To stay protected, you will need to be on the lookout for various hazards, including harsh weather and negligent drivers.    Whether you're driving for work or vacation this time of year, please take extra precautions on the road. You can reduce the risk of an accident or injury by following these safe driving tips below: Make Sure Your Vehicle is Well Equipped for Long-Distance Travel: Your car should be in tip-top shape before trekking miles and miles. We recommend having a mechanic inspect your vehicle before departing. Your technician should thoroughly ex ... read more

Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash   Having a car is one of the most exciting parts of life. In this article, we’ll present to you (an amateurish) a lyrical poem that our team created that will express the love we hold for cars!      Oh, dear car. Thank you for everything. Thank you for not letting me down on the road. Thank you for protecting me from the cold and snow.  Where else would I be today?  Somewhere else, there I say For the places you took me, Forever changed my thoughts and ways.    Your opinion-less nature It helped me express what I truly feel Even though sometimes  My language geared toward you was ill.    You’re my best friend during travel ... read more

With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up, most of us will hit the road and head to our families for a feast. As excited as you might be to eat some pie, you're probably not looking forward to packing for your travels. Due to the procrastination to load the car, most people tend to fill our luggage and car way more than they need. It takes patience and some skill to efficiently and effectively load your vehicle, and we are here to provide you with the tips to do so!  Tip #1: Clean Out Your Car Before you pack or leave for your trip, you must start by cleaning out your vehicle. This step involves removing everything from the cabin and trunk that you don't need for the course of the trip. That camping gear you might've had from the summer? You kids' sporting equipment? These items can all stay in your house as you probably won't need them for Thanksgiving. Tip #2: Get Started Early It's always wise to pack in advance. If you can get all your items packed aw ... read more

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