San Diego Auto Repair

This December, some new drivers may wake up Christmas morning to find keys to a car in their stocking. As they prepare to move out of the home and on to college, parents are buying their kids used cars, more and more, as their ‘starter’ car.    If you’ve been thinking of a car to pair with your new driver, U.S. News and World Report has done a very comprehensive look at the best used cars for new drivers. Here’s a look at what they found out!   The features most parents want their kids’ first car to have are very safety-focused:   Driver Assistance features - forward collision warning automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and teen driver controls (with notifications for parents) Strong predicted reliability ratings Excellent crash test scores   The things that we most important to avoid were the unsafe elements:   Sports cars - showy cars that go to drivers’ heads High seating cap ... read more

The holidays will soon be here, and with it, the horrors of mall shopping for gifts and the traffic that comes with it… in the time of COVID-19, too. Traffic is going to get hot soon, and it’s important that you keep your cool on the road, whether alone or with your family. Have you ever noticed that the better behaved you are in traffic, the more likely it is that someone will absolutely take advantage of your good nature?  You’re following the speed limit, over to the right to let fast traffic through, letting in anyone who signals. You’re obeying all the rules, and giving adequate braking distance between you and the car ahead of you, when some %#$&# (let’s call this driver So-and-So from now on, even fake cursing is a bad habit) decides to put on their blinker and swerve right in front of you in the very same motion. Then the car ahead of them brakes... and the So-and-So has to hit their own brakes, forcing you to suddenly brake, too, sendi ... read more

Although National Brake Month is actually the month of July, many auto mechanics, including the ones at Import Auto Specialists in San Diego, think October is the most important month for getting your brakes checked out and dealt with if they need repairs or parts replacement. Why is that? You know how important it is to have good working brakes. Losing control of a car in an emergency stop situation is a terrible situation. The best measures in your car -- in terms of not just your car’s care, but your own expenses -- is to be proactive with preventive repairs.  There are a variety of elements around October that make us mindful that people need to attend to their brakes: School’s back in session. With kids back out in the streets, and coming home in the late afternoon, you will once again have to worry about kids suddenly in the road. Not to mention inexperienced teenage drivers learning to drive for the first time in the midst of COVID19.  Halloween is at t ... 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

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

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 all hear it as car owners, don’t we? Come into the auto repair shop for minor service or major service. But what does it mean? For every car brand, there are unique nuances to what minor service and major service involves. For the most part, vehicles need check-ups and maintenance as their mileage increases. That is why you’ll hear numbers like 7500 miles, 15,000 miles, 30,000 miles, 45,000 miles, 60,000 miles, 75,000 miles, 90,000 miles, etc. But what do these numbers mean? Of course, you’ll want to consult the Owners Manual for your vehicle for specific information. But generally speaking, minor service is to be performed between every 10K - 15K miles. This minor service generally includes the following:   Oil change Tire rotation Tire inspection Brake inspection Lubrication and inspection of chassis Fluid inspection Belt and hose inspection The goal for the minor service is to check on the vehicle’s health and make sure nothing appears to be ... read more