San Diego Auto Repair

Photo by Tekton On Unsplash Gifts For Your Car This Holiday Season It’s the gifting season, and maybe you are wondering how to care for your vehicle and give it the gift of reliability this holiday season. Well, you are in the right place! In this blog, we'll explore some thoughtful and practical gifts you can consider for your car.    At Import Auto Specialists, we understand the significance of keeping your vehicle in top-notch condition, and we're always ready to assist you with any car-related issues. Now, let's dive into the world of gifts for your car that will keep it running smoothly through the holidays and beyond. Quality Motor Oil A good-quality motor oil is like a lifeline for your car's engine, especially during the cold winter months. Engine oil lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, and helps maintain ... read more

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

Photo by Alec Marc Wagner on Unsplash What’s An Alternator And What Does It Do? There are many moving parts and pieces in your vehicle–so when something is out of whack, it can be difficult to pin-point the issue. To better take care of your vehicle, it’s essential to learn about these many moving parts. Today, we’re going to chat about your alternator.    An alternator is an essential component of a vehicle's electrical system. It plays a vital role in keeping your car running smoothly.    In this blog, we'll explain what an alternator is, what it does, and the signs of its failure. We'll also provide some tips on how to maintain and repair an alternator and why it's essential to have regular inspections at an experienced auto repair shop. What Is An Alternator?  So, what is an alternator? It's an electric ... read more

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

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

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

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

Photo by Anastase Maragos on Unsplash   Welcome to the May blog for Import Auto Specialists! We hope that April was kind to you and your family and that immunizations are scheduled if not yet done. Things are beginning to reopen everywhere, and we hope everyone stays just ahead of the virus and keeps wearing those masks until they hear otherwise from the government!   We’re deep in Spring, and while May showers aren’t guaranteed, we can bet that Summer is just around the corner. The Summer heat can be brutal on your car and you. Being in a space with glass windows in the sun is solar cooking, so do your best to minimize the Summer’s traumatic heat when it arrives. Here are some tips for how to handle ... 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