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!

Tag Archives: engine

Fuse Box vs. Circuit Breaker: Managing Electrical Flow in Your Vehicle

Fuse Box vs. Circuit Breaker: Managing Electrical Flow in Your Vehicle

Are you familiar with the differences between a fuse box and a circuit breaker? Understanding these two components is key for safe electrical management in your vehicle. A fuse box uses replaceable fuses to protect circuits from overload, while a circuit breaker can reset itself after a fault is cleared. In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each, when you might encounter them in your vehicle, and how Import Auto Specialists in San Diego can assist with all your electrical system needs. Schedule an appointment here. Fuse Box Basics Fuse boxes contain replaceable fuses, each designed to blow when electrical flow exceeds a safe level. While this effectively protects the system, blown fuses must be replaced after each overload, making this option less convenient for frequent or high-power users. When dealing with fuse issues, our experts at Import Auto Specialists will carefully inspect and replace your fuses to prevent f ... read more

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What Is The Role of Engine Maintenance In Fuel Efficiency?

What Is The Role of Engine Maintenance In Fuel Efficiency?

What Is The Role of Engine Maintenance In Fuel Efficiency? Photo by Damir Kopezhanov On Unsplash   Engine maintenance that is effective and efficient will continue to be a driving force behind optimized fuel efficiency in automobiles. It is not merely a matter of mechanical maintenance; instead, it is a deliberate investment in performance and economy that opens up new realms of cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability. Beyond Oil Changes: A Comprehensive Approach to Engine Maintenance Engine maintenance is an essential term in the automotive industry that encompasses a far broader scope than simply changing the oil regularly. Despite the undeniable significance of performing oil changes regularly, our dedication to providing drivers with information drives us to shed light on a broader range of engine maintenance matters. Every ... read more

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Transmissions 101: The Basics

Transmissions 101: The Basics

Photo by The Blow Up on Unsplash   When it comes to your car, it’s essential to know the functions of each piece and be mindful of your impact on them. In today's post, we'll be diving into transmissions, shedding light on what they are and explaining their vital role in your vehicle's performance. So, buckle up and join us on this informative ride! The Basics: What Is It? At its core, a transmission is a complex piece of machinery that bridges your engine and your car's wheels. It transfers the power generated by the engine to the wheels, allowing your vehicle to move forward or backward smoothly and efficiently. Think of it as the conductor in an orchestra, orchestrating the perfect harmony between power and movement. What’s The Job of A Transmission? So, what does a transmission do? Well, its primary function is to control the speed and torque (r ... read more

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Sunny San Diego Spots for the Summer: Don't Forget Your Car Service!

Sunny San Diego Spots for the Summer: Don't Forget Your Car Service!

Photo by Laura C on Unsplash   Sunny San Diego Spots for the Summer: Don't Forget Your Car Service! Summer is here, and there's no better place to soak up the sun than in San Diego. San Diego has something for everyone, from the beaches to the parks and everything in between. But before you hit the road, ensure your car is ready for the summer heat. Here are some tips to keep your car running smoothly and some suggestions for fun in the sun in San Diego. Auto Repair in San Diego: Keep Your Car in Tip-Top Shape Before you enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather, ensure your car is in good working order. Getting your car serviced regularly is essential so it can perform at its best. Some things to consider include getting an oil change, tire rotation, wheel alignment, and suspension check.   Oil Change: Getting an oil change is crucial to the longevity of your vehic ... read more

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5 Reasons To Add Preventative Maintenance To Your Calendar

5 Reasons To Add Preventative Maintenance To Your Calendar

Photo by Monica Sauro on Unsplash 5 Reasons To Add Preventative Maintenance To Your Calendar Last month, many of us took to drafting complicated schedules and random errands into our brand-new 2023 planners. As the month of New Year's Resolutions ended, you may have felt sluggish regarding your goals and appointments. This is totally normal for this time of year. Research shows that by February, nearly 80% of people have given up on their New Year's Resolutions.   Today, I’m making the case to you to keep on keepin’ on, especially concerning car maintenance. In fact, scheduling your car maintenance directly in your planner, calendar, or phone can help you in many ways. Below, I will list the top five reasons to add preventative maintenance to your calendar.  1. Save Time & Money by Identifying Problems Early Have you ever gone into the shop just ... read more

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The Coolest Cars on Television and Film

The Coolest Cars on Television and Film

Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash   Welcome to the June blog! This month, we’re having a look at some of the coolest cars in television and film.   We’re skipping cars that are mostly made up of the adventurer’s exploits and going to cars that do exceptional things.   5.  Pursuit Special, Mad Max, 1979: Also known as The Interceptor, this was Max Rockatansky’s police pursuit vehicle in Mad Max and the sequels. Set in a dystopian future where gas had run out, outlaw societies form based on fuel dependence and access.  Max’s car had all sorts of custom riggings, including booby traps for those not mechanically minded, to ens ... read more

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Top Gifts for the Car Lover in Your Life

Top Gifts for the Car Lover in Your Life

  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

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What’s The Difference Between Major Service and Minor Service?

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

2005 ACURA RL – OIL PUMP REPLACEMENT

2005 ACURA RL – OIL PUMP REPLACEMENT

We had a 2005 Acura RL in with a warning on the dashboard indicating low oil. The oil level was checked and found to be at proper level. We decided to change the oil first before beginning tear down to check the condition of the oil and check for any possible sludge buildup. The oil looked good. Manually checked oil pressure and it was intermittently testing low. The oil pump was not pumping sufficient amount of oil to the top end of the engine and needed to be replaced. Quite a timely process, but needed to be done before any damage is done to the engine. It was good we got to the problem now as after replacement of the oil pump, the warning is gone, the engine is running like a champ and the customer does not need to replace the motor! ... read more

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