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: warning

5 Signs You Need New Tires: Don't Let Your Wheels Get Sunk in the Sand!

5 Signs You Need New Tires: Don't Let Your Wheels Get Sunk in the Sand!

Photo by Robert Laursoo on Unsplash 5 Signs You Need New Tires: Don't Let Your Wheels Get Sunk in the Sand! While cruising along the coast in your trusty vehicle, keeping an eye on your tires is essential to ensure a safe and smooth ride. In this blog post, we'll dive into five signs indicating it's time to trade your worn-out tires for fresh ones. Let's hit the road and discover when to give your tires the attention they deserve. Tread Depth: Saying Aloha to Traction One of the most crucial tire health indicators is your tread depth. Having sufficient traction is paramount in San Diego's diverse driving conditions, including sandy beaches and hilly terrains. Remember, the deeper the tread, the better your vehicle will grip the roads, even on those thrilling coastal curves! Wear Patterns: Don't Let Your Tires Hang Ten Surf's up! Well, maybe not for your ... 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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Replace Your Air Filter: A Step-By-Step Guide From Import Auto Specialists

Replace Your Air Filter: A Step-By-Step Guide From Import Auto Specialists

  Photo by Jean-Lui Poston on Unsplash Replace Your Air Filter: A Step-By-Step Guide From Import Auto Specialists  Are you noticing your car is not performing as well as it should? One of the reasons why your car may need to be running at its optimal level is because of a dirty air filter. When your filter isn't taken care of, it can cause a rough idle, decreased acceleration, and decreased fuel efficiency. To keep your car running smoothly, you should regularly check and replace your air filter. What's an Air Filter and Why Should You Care? Think of your car's air filter like a bouncer at a club - its job is to let in only the good stuff and keep out the riff raff. It filters out all the dirt, dust, and other gross stuff that can mess up your engine while letting in clean air to help your engine burn fuel more efficiently.   Over time, your air f ... read more

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

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM – TPMS – WHAT IS THIS WARNING?

Question: My tire pressure warning light came on recently. What does that mean? Answer: It means that one or more of your tires has low air pressure. The dashboard warning light, which looks like a cross-section of a tire with some lines in it, comes on when the tire pressure is 20% below what the auto maker recommends. So if your recommendation is for 35 psi (pounds per square inch), the light will come on when your pressure falls to 28 psi. It’s vital to note that 20% below recommended pressure is significantly under-inflated. This means that you will be experiencing degraded handling and that your tire will be running hotter than it should. This can not only be a safety hazard, but your tires will wear prematurely and could even suffer a heat related failure. San Diego drivers should not use their Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning light as their trigger for checking their tire pressure. They should still check their tire pressure at least once a ... read more

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