San Diego Auto Repair

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

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

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

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

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 would like to inform all of you that we have expanded our services here at Import Auto Specialists and are now offering full detail services for your vehicle! Not only can we take care of your vehicle’s engine, brakes, suspension, fluids and tires; but now we can also take care of the paint and body of your vehicle. Everything from a wash/wax to shampooing carpets and even dings, dents and scratches. Did you know that you should be waxing your car at least once a year? The harsh UV rays from the sun eat away at the paint’s clear coat and it will eventually chip and flake away leaving the paint exposed to fade and flake away as well. What happens when paint is gone and the metal body is exposed? RUST! Protect your investment and be sure to get a wax treatment right away before it is too late! Get your car looking like new and the paint feeling silky smooth with clay bar treatment. The clay helps remove any deposits that may have set in the paint from either bei ... read more