The auto mechanics and the rest of our team at Import Auto Specialists in San Diego love to educate our customers, and that’s why we write this blog. Any way that our auto repair team can provide you useful information, that’s exactly what we want to do. That’s also why we perform digital inspections and take the time to listen to you thoroughly and what you have to say about your car. Import Auto Specialists in San Diego offers a 3 year/36,000 mile parts and labor warranty on most repairs. We also have a 3 Year/36,000 Mile NAPA AutoCare Peace of Mind Warranty on parts and labor. To make your experience with us even better, when you bring your vehicle in for any major service or repair, you’ll drive away with a vehicle that has received a complimentary full-service! When you are ready for top-quality auto care, give us a call at 858-576-7186, or schedule an appointment today. We hope you enjoy our blog!

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Give Thanks for Our Cars

Give Thanks for Our Cars

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

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5 Packing Tips for Your Thanksgiving Road Trip

5 Packing Tips for Your Thanksgiving Road Trip

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

Why We Want You To Check Your Tires This Month

Why We Want You To Check Your Tires This Month

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

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What Your Nose Can Tell You About Your Car

What Your Nose Can Tell You About Your Car

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

Evacuations in the Dry Season and Your Car

Evacuations in the Dry Season and Your Car

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

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Signs You Need Suspension Repair

Signs You Need Suspension Repair

  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

Our Favorite Mercedes Commercials!

Our Favorite Mercedes Commercials!

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

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What Are the Most Common Sprinter Van Repairs?

What Are the Most Common Sprinter Van Repairs?

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

What Should I Look For When Inspecting My Oil?

What Should I Look For When Inspecting My Oil?

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

San Diego Adventuring

San Diego Adventuring

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

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