San Diego Auto Repair

Have you noticed a decrease in your car's performance or maybe even a weird smell from under the hood? If so, your car may be experiencing a head gasket leak. But what is a head gasket leak, and how do you diagnose and repair it? This article will help you understand a head gasket leak, including the signs to look out for and what to do in case of a head gasket leak. What is a Head Gasket Leak? The head gasket is an indispensable component of your car's engine and plays a vital role in controlling the flow of steam, gas, and oil. A head gasket leak occurs when the head gasket between the engine block and cylinder head develops a small hole or crack. This leak allows coolant or oil to seep through and enter your engine's combustion chamber, causing an increase in pressure in the engine. This change in pressure leads to a decrease in your car's performance, a loss of compression, and eventually, even damage to your engine. Signs of a Head Gasket Leak If you suspec ... read more

Photo by C.C. Francis on Unsplash How To Drive Safely During The Biggest Holiday Month Of The Year Winter is here, and if you're like most people, you probably dread the cold weather. Lucky for us, it never gets too cold! Unfortunately, it's not so much the temperature that makes winter so stressful; it's the hazards that come with driving in low temperatures. Whether you're headed to work or taking a quick trip to get groceries, these tips will help keep your car safe during this season of icy roads and snowstorms (even if those are out-of-state!). Check your tires. Tire pressure is a no-brainer. Low tire pressure can cause your vehicle to skid, making it much harder to control in bad weather conditions.   If you’re not sure if your tires are in good condition or not, check the tread depth (the grooves in the rubber) on each tire with a penny: If a ... read more

Most people are unaware that their brake system is hydraulic. What that means is that your brakes work as a result of the pressure created by brake fluid. When you step on the pedal, this fluid gets pushed to engage the calipers which help your brake pads clamp onto the rotors to stop your spinning tires. And just like how you have to replace your brake pads or shoes, you have to service your brake fluid too. Is Changing Your Brake Fluid Necessary? Yes, it is necessary to keep your vehicle safe on the road. Over time, the brake fluid sitting under the hood will get contaminated and become less effective overall. As the boiling points decrease, so does your vehicle’s braking power.  Depending on your car’s make and model and type of brake fluid, your brake fluid service or flush may vary. Typically, manufacturers recommend getting them done anywhere between every 2 years or 20,000 miles to 5 years or 50,0000 miles. To be sure, you can refer to your car’s ... read more

Photo by Mark Boss on Unsplash Winterizing Your Car And Why It Matters Winter is coming, and if you live in California, it's not necessarily the cold that should worry you…it's the moisture! The weather can change quickly here, so it's essential to take precautions to ensure your car lasts through the months ahead. Here are a few ways to winterize your vehicle and ensure it gets you through any unexpected temperature changes. A little prep can go a long way in helping your car last. Winterizing your car can be extremely helpful in preventing several problems. However, it looks different here in San Diego than in Denver or Cincinnati. No, you probably won’t need snow tires (unless you’re traveling), but you do still need to run an assessment of your vehicle. Winterization can save money and help prevent accidents, emergency repairs, and other issues that may ... read more

If you've ever seen a car driving down the street with blue or black smoke pouring out of the exhaust pipe, you may have wondered what was wrong with it. In most cases, this type of smoke indicates that there is something wrong with the engine. Today, we're going to take a look at some of the most common causes of colored exhaust smoke and what they mean for your car. Most Common Causes of Colored Exhaust Smoke One of the most common causes of blue smoke is a leaking engine oil seal. When this happens, oil can enter the combustion chamber and be burned along with the gasoline. This will cause the smoke to be blue in color. In some cases, it can also lead to a loss of power and decreased fuel economy. Another common cause of colored exhaust smoke is a problem with the piston rings. Piston rings are responsible for sealing the space between the piston and the cylinder wall. If they are worn or damaged, they can allow oil and other fluids to enter the combustion chamber and be ... read more

Photo by Osman Rana on Unsplash Have you ever been driving and see someone else driving aggressively? It can be scary, especially for new drivers. As the holidays approach, we may need to all take a minute and figure out how to deal with the monster inside of all of us–that is, road rage.   Road rage comes in many forms, including unsafe lane changes, tailgating, honking horns, swerving into other lanes of traffic, and more. We sometimes get frustrated when driving on the road—it is one of the most frustrating aspects of modern life! However, it's important to remember that some people take their frustration to another level by lashing out at other drivers or even assaulting them physically. It's also important to remember that road rage drivers can come from any corner on any given day; they may even be someone you know!  Know The Things That Bug You Th ... read more

When it is hot outside, the last thing you want to do is hop in your car with warm air blasting on your face. For San Diego drivers, most people tend to rely on their vehicle’s air conditioning system most of the year. They turn to the team at Import Auto Specialists Autoworks for all their auto air conditioning needs. Warm air is a common A/C problem – let’s discuss some of the reasons why your car ride may be hot. Bad Compressor  The compressor is a component that takes high pressures to compress the chemical refrigerant to make cool air. When you haven’t run your air conditioning in a while, such as in the winter month, it can stop working from being inactive. A malfunctioning compressor will cause warm air to blow out your vents. Faulty Condenser  When the compressor can successfully pressurize the refrigerant, it pushes the refrigerant into the condenser where it transforms from a gas to liquid form. Unfortunately, the condenser is prone to ge ... read more

Photo by Obi on Unsplash Labor Day Reflections And Why You Should Let Your Car Rest As you celebrate the holiday this year, why not consider letting your car rest by getting auto repair work done that you’ve been putting off? It’s a great way to honor the legacy of those hard-working Americans because, let’s face it, we all need a break sometimes!   Did you know it is recommended that older automobiles have their transmission fluid checked every 15,000 miles? Did you know it is recommended that older automobiles have their transmission fluid checked every 15,000 miles? Transmission fluid is the lifeblood of your car's transmission. In fact, it is not something to be taken lightly as it allows for smooth gear changes and prevents overheating. For this reason, regular checks are necessary to ensure proper performance and overall safety in your vehicle. Th ... read more

The summertime is when most people prefer to go out and about with friends and family. With more drivers on the road, accidents become a greater threat. Whether you are making short commutes or long road trips, it is important that you are operating a safe car. Below are the top most common summer driving hazards that you should be wary of: Weather - The summer weather can be just as unpredictable as any other season, so make sure you check the weather forecast periodically. Your vehicle should be equipped to handle extreme thunderstorms, blistering heat, and anything in between. Drunk Drivers - Summer is a time of many celebrations. It is a given that you should never drink and drive. But be on the lookout to report any drunk drivers on the road. Heat - Children, pets, and even some of your car parts are sensitive to the heat. Make sure you take the extra measures to keep your vehicle cool. This includes making sure the air conditioning in your car works. Furthermore, park away fro ... read more

The Most Reliable Brands In The World (And Why It Doesn’t Matter Who’s First)    Photo by Dylan McLeod on Unsplash No one you’ll ever meet will say they want an unreliable car. Most people who say they want “reliability” mean they want a car that won’t break down on them, doesn’t need too many repairs too often and get them to where they need to go with no stress. One way or another, reliability is a huge factor when buying a new car—and many people would instead buy from brands that are known as reliable rather than ones with questionable reputations.    However, we're here to tell you that it doesn't matter who comes first when it comes to this subject: all cars have ... read more