San Diego Auto Repair

A blown motor can be costly, especially if the damage is severe enough that the entire engine needs to be replaced or rebuilt. When a motor blowout occurs, the damage affects most of the engine parts and can include a cracked engine block or crankcase, broken connecting rods, damage to the pistons, or problems with the intake and exhaust valves. A blown motor can be caused by any number of issues such as running an engine without the proper amount of oil, engine overheating which could be caused by a coolant leak, or running an engine at excessive speeds and RPM's for a long period of time. Early warning signs that your engine could be in trouble include low oil pressure, recurring overheating, and unusual engine noises. At the first sign of any problem with your engine, you need to have your car checked ASAP by an experienced mechanic. Any delay on your part could result in dangerous driving conditions out on the highway and could really compromise the safety of your vehicle ... read more

Remember "Sunday drives," where the whole family piled into the car without a care in the world? You simply sat back and enjoyed the view while cruising around the countryside. Scenic drives are a very relaxing way to spend time alone or with others without the stress of an agenda or time schedule. In San Diego, there are driver resources available to help you pick a route that suits your desire. To name a just few of the many attractive options: you can hop onto Highway 5, which meanders along the lovely Pacific coastline, or take the 805 all the way into Mexico via festive Tijuana, or steer your car onto the 15 where you will find yourself traveling inland toward lovely communities such as Poway and Escondido. Any one of these scenic drives will keep you pleasantly entertained for hours. And don't forget to check ... read more

Southern California has it all – beautiful mountain ranges, warm, sun-drenched beaches, and magnificent deserts full of amazing wildlife. So, what better way to see all that Southern California has to offer but to take one of the many scenic drives that criss-cross the region. Whether you're up for a day trip or just want to get away for a few hours, there's a great drive anywhere you want to go. In the San Diego area, there are several scenic drives that take you along the spectacular Pacific coastline, up into the nearby mountains, or into desert lands. The "Mexican Border Scenic Drive" takes about 1-2 hours, running along the Mexican border to the desert of the Imperial Valley. Sunrise Scenic Byway runs through the Cleveland National Forest, along the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and the Laguna Recreation Area, providing visitors with beautiful mountain meadows and breathtaking vistas. If you're looking for a day trip, the Pacific Coast Highway – Californi ... read more

Whether you are visiting San Diego or you are a resident, being involved in an accident can be a traumatic and frightening experience. It's important to know what action you need to take if an accident occurs. In the state of California you must stop if the accident involves a moving or parked car, a pedestrian, or property. Failing to do so could result in a hit and run charge. After assessing the situation, call the police and 911 for an ambulance if medical assistance is needed. Be prepared to provide the following information: your driver's license car license and registration name and address of your insurance company Make sure that you get the same information from the other driver as well as the names and addresses of any witnesses to the incident. Write down the name and badge number of any officers that arrive at the scene and make sure that you will be provided with a copy of the accident report. Report the accident to your insurance company ASAP ... read more

Do you own or are you considering buying a car with a diesel engine? If so, then you might want to investigate the advantages and disadvantages to having a diesel vehicle. On the plus side, diesel engines get significantly more miles to the gallon, so you won't have to fill up as often. Although older models have the reputation of being heavier polluters than cars that run on regular gas, big improvements have been made in this area in recent years. Some of the downsides to owning a diesel vehicle include the fact that only about 50% of filling stations carry this type of fuel, so you have to plan trips carefully to make sure there's a diesel station on your route. Common diesel engine problems such as the emission of smoke or a sudden decrease in acceleration power, however, are generally easy to diagnose and fix if you take your car to a certified mechanic like those at Transmasters. More than maintenance One of the biggest upsides to buying a diesel powered vehicle is th ... read more

The clutch in your car is a key part of its transmission, and its function is to transfer power from the engine to the transmission. When you "engage" the clutch, power goes from your car's engine to its rear wheels via the transmission and, voila! Your car is able to move. Conversely, when you "disengage" the clutch, the flow of power is interrupted, allowing your vehicle to stop while the engine continues to run. The clutch is made up of (4) basic parts — the flywheel, pressure plate, clutch disc, and the shaft which connects it to the transmission. If you drive a car with a manual transmission, you use the clutch pedal in order to shift from one gear to the other. Automatic transmissions use a "torque converter" to do the job. What are some of the warning signs that your clutch may need repairing or replacing? the transmission grinds when shifting gears transmission becomes stuck in reverse problems shiftin ... read more

The steering and suspension system in your car is subject to a lot of wear and tear and needs to be properly maintained. In order to avoid larger problems down the road, it's always a good idea to be proactive. Be on the lookout for common problems such as your steering wheel being difficult to turn or the feeling that it's vibrating under your hands. In many cases, this may just require an easy fix, but your best bet is to find a reliable mechanic with whom you can entrust your car. The folks at Transmasters Transmissions and Auto Care have been serving the residents of San Diego for over twenty years. In order to keep your car in great condition, we recommend that you follow the maintenance guidelines set by the manufacturer of your automobile. This will help you to avoid common mistakes like allowing fluids to get too low. It also gives our technicians a chance to keep your car running smoothly no matter how many miles you put on it. Help from Transmasters Have you had t ... read more

Problems with your car's transmission are probably one of the bigger repair issues that you'll face. When your car's transmission starts to exhibit problems or stops working altogether, you're often facing a choice of having it repaired or replacing it with a new or rebuilt transmission. Generally speaking, replacing your car's transmission is the most cost–effective option. So, the next step is choosing a repair shop with mechanics that have the training and experience when it comes to transmission repair and replacement. In the San Diego area, your first choice should be Transmasters Transmission and AutoCare. At our Miramar location, we have in-house automatic and manual transmission, engine, and drive train remanufacture facilities along with state-of-the-art computerized transmission DYNO testing. Transmasters has been in the business of repairing and replacing transmissions for over 24 years. Our staff of ASE-certified mechanics are up-to-date on the latest technolo ... read more

Your car's transmission is probably the most complicated engine component in your car and the one that is most essential to keeping your car on the road. It experiences a lot of wear and tear because it's made up a lot of moving parts that are susceptible to heat and friction. Symptoms of a transmission that is failing include slipping gears, leaking transmission fluid, grinding or thumping when changing gears, or getting stuck in one gear. If your transmission has stopped working, most of the time the problem is due to a part inside of the component. If the transmission is too damaged to repair, then one option is to replace it. Another option is a rebuild of your car's transmission which involves putting brand new parts — gasket, seals — into the existing unit. Some questions to discuss with a mechanic before making the decision about whether or not to rebuild vs.replace your car's transmission are: How much will replacing the transmission cost vs. rebuilding ... read more

Are you a "car person"? Do you own a vintage car or have you been loyal to the same make of car for years? If you consider yourself a true enthusiast, you're in good company. Whether you have a Model T or have always loved sports cars, being a car buff is a passion shared by countless people. Joining a car club has a lot of benefits, including a chance to meet and socialize with others who have similar interests. There are many types of car clubs, and they serve a variety of purposes. Some get together and display their mint condition, vintage vehicles like showpieces, while others like to plan trips and cruise around the city in groups. And, you'll find people with a wealth of helpful information about your vehicle. When you join a Corvette club, for example, you'll interact with a large number of Corvette owners who can be a great asset when trying to find a rare part or deal with a mechanical problem you may be experiencing. One for every type of car enthusiast Particula ... read more