San Diego Auto Repair

A vehicle’s alternator is a mechanical component that most drivers have heard of but may not know what it does. The alternator serves the essential function of keeping the car battery charged. It helps supply the power a driver needs to use a vehicle’s electronic accessories such as your headlights, radio, and ignition. It can come as a surprise when your car won’t start and lead you to suspect various causes. If you believe you may be experiencing problems with your alternator, below is a list of a few signs to look out for:  The Engine Smells like Burning Rubber or Wires If you notice an unusual odor of burnt rubber or wires, it could indicate that parts of the alternator have worn out. As you drive, the alternator’s drive belt stays under constant tension and friction. With time, it may wear out and emit an unpleasant smell. If the alternator is overworked, it will push too much electricity through its wires, causing them to heat u ... read more

At Import Auto Specialists, we do a lot of preventive maintenance work for the vehicles that come into our auto repair shop. When people start to compare Asian vehicles with European vehicles, our team will often hear the question, “What’s the main difference between Asian and European vehicle maintenance?”. In this month’s blog, without getting too technical, we will explain the main differences, plus the pros and cons of each category of vehicle. First and foremost, the main, number one difference between Asian and European vehicle maintenance is cost. Asian vehicles are mostly less expensive to maintain than European vehicles. Why is it more affordable to maintain Asian vehicles? Simply put, the parts for Asian cars are less expensive. Plus, their engines are designed to last for high mileage, like upwards of 250,000 miles.  European vehicles, on the other hand, have more expensive parts and the engines typically are not designed to last beyond ... read more

If you had told us back in January 2020 that a lot of Californians would be uncertain if the back to school season was going to be normal, we would have given you a very curious look. Now that we’ve all lived through the ups and downs of childhood education throughout the COVID-19 era, it’s anyone’s guess as to what the back-to-school season will look like for anyone who is of school-age. With that being said, there are going to be a lot of school kids who are old enough to drive who will need a car for commuting purposes. Whether that child is in high school, attending community college, or driving long distances to a state or private university, he or she will need a reliable vehicle. Which leads us to the question: Is your student’s vehicle ready for school? Before the COVID-era, most parents had the vehicle of the young driver inspected before their kid began the school season. Then, after the school year was over, the vehicle required another safety inspe ... read more

For several generations, owning a car gives a sense of independence and freedom. We can remember when we started wanting to own our first car when we were kids. Owning a car meant you were (almost) an adult, that you could go where you wanted to go, and you could go on an adventure on a moment’s notice. But, this begs a discussion with drivers of all ages about what independence and your car means. From the teens learning how to drive defensively, to the elderly drivers who need to surrender their car keys for safety, we all have something to talk about.  Teen drivers. We know how it feels. We’ve been there. You dream of the car you want. You talk your parents into letting you practice driving. You eventually get a car to drive. And you have to listen to your parents lecture you throughout your early driving career to be safer behind the wheel. We get it. A car gives independence, yes, but freedom comes with responsibility.  You parents want yo ... read more

With the COVID-19 crisis, a lot of summertime car shows have been canceled. It’s sad, for sure. But there are some online alternatives that will allow you to enjoy seeing automobiles in a virtual format. For example, we have a friend in Monterey who attends various car shows at Monterey Auto Week every August. Though this year’s Concours d’ Elegance and Monterey Auto Week is cancelled, here are a few videos from past years. Carmel Concours on the Avenue <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HM9kw90wiMY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> Pacific Grove Little Car Show <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WEfc8s9DxfU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture ... read more

As we all dream of a summertime road trip and should be prepared, just in case we can hop in the car and go. With the COVID-19 epidemic chasing our heels and so much uncertainty surrounding our travel plans, now is an ideal time to get our vehicle prepared for the just-in-case. You know what they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So let's plan on curing our stir-crazy selves, by being prepared for our upcoming freedoms and road trips!   A full-service inspection comes standard with preventive maintenance services such as oil changes. This simple inspection by a professional auto mechanic can make the difference between being stuck on the side of the road and arriving at your destination. It is an excellent idea to let the professionals give your vehicle a once-over a few days before planning to leave town. This allows time for any last-minute repairs, in case they are found. Safety first  Here is a list of safety inspection item ... read more

Cars today have a few filters on board to keep your engine running smoothly and air clean. We don't often think of filters as being the cause of our car running poorly. However, clean filters are a big part of keeping your vehicle in tip-top operating condition. It is good to keep an eye (and ear) out when symptoms arise and if a filter can be cleaned rather than replaced. We all want to save our money, right? Cabin Air Filter This is one filter easily declined and overlooked when we choose to save money during an oil change. Air filters are made of a variety of materials such as paper, foam, and cotton. They capture debris and contaminants before making it to your cabin and into your lungs. The cabin air filter also can make the air inside your vehicle smell cleaner when you are using your heater or air conditioner as some have activated charcoal impregnated into the filter which absorb many different odors and also moisture. The cabin filter is often located near your glove comp ... read more

When planning your spring break road trip, it is vital to think about your car as well as where it will take you and the adventures that will ensue. Here are some car care tips before hitting the road for spring break: Get an Inspection The last thing anyone wants to be is stuck on the side of the road. It is important to bring your car into the shop for a visual inspection. Your qualified technician will inspect your hoses and belts for leaks, cracks and ensure everything is snugged up. Check Your Radiator Fluid Do you plan on heading over a mountain pass or drive some winding roads? Coolant plays a vital role in keeping your engine running at the right temperature. The longer you are on the road, or faster you drive, the chances of overheating increases. Check Your Tires There is nothing scarier than having a blow-out on the freeway at full speed. Be sure to inspect your tires for any cracks, exposed metal, or uneven tread wear. You will want to air up those tires of yours before ... read more

  Top Gifts for the Car Lover in Your Life    When someone loves their car, often the most thoughtful gift you can give is… car accessories or a spa day!   Car Detailing Gift Certificate to a nearby auto spa is a truly generous and thoughtful gift. There is nothing more satisfying than to climb into your ride and breathe deeply surrounded by a new car smell with gleaming leather and clean carpeting surrounding you. Your car lover will be so grateful when they are driving their sparkling clean vehicle.   A Portable Jump box is an excellent safety device to make your loved one feel protected and well cared for. You can pick one up for well under $100, and they often have an emergency light and have a USB port on them to charge your cell phone if needed in a pinch.   Car Covers are especially nice to use when preserving your paint from harsh weather and the suns penetrating UV rays. Showing your partner that you care deeply ab ... read more

We are so lucky to live, work, and play in San Diego. Not only is it a beautiful place to live, but we don’t have to deal with yucky weather (for the most part). Even though our climate and surroundings lack the snow scene on a Christmas card, there are still some amazing San Diego locations to see the holiday lights. At Import Auto Specialists, we love celebrating the holidays. One of our favorite holiday activities is to hop in the car with the family and go see the Christmas lights. Here are our top five places to visit around San Diego:   Starlight Circle is located in Santee, and it’s awesome! You’ll see a massive lights display coming from several homes located on East and West Glendon circles off Magnolia Avenue. The lights are usually on from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly. If you’re lucky and extra nice, the kind residents may share some of their Christmas treats with ... read more