San Diego Auto Repair

The purpose of the driveshaft is to transmit torque from the engine to the wheels. It's set into motion by the transmission and then works to get your wheels rotating. This component has to be precisely balanced, and when it gets out of whack, it profoundly affects a car's performance. In fact, it should be addressed sooner rather than later. Driveshaft problems can range from a slight vibration to an unusual noise to much bigger issues that can affect your vehicle's driveability down the line. So how do you know if you have a broken driveshaft? What to listen and look for Because the driveshaft is finely balanced prior to installation, any sort of vibration is a sign that there is a problem. This generally occurs when certain parts, like the U-joint or bushings wear out. If the driver or the passenger begin to feel the car vibrating while it's in motion, it's time to take it in for a maintenance check. Another indication that there's a problem is unusual sounds. If the ... read more

Like the rest of the country, it's getting warmer each year in Southern California, and it's not unusual to turn on the news and hear about another heat wave happening near you. The reality is your car needs extra care when the temperatures rise. Whether you're parked in the sun or driving on extra-heated asphalt roadways, it's important to be aware of common problems that may affect your vehicle during the summer months. When it's hot outside, the AC in your car takes a beating, and you need to pay attention to any changes such as the inner cabin of the car not getting as cool as you'd like. This can mean you need to add coolant to your system. Another item that gets extra wear and tear during the summer is the battery because the heat can accelerate corrosion. To combat this issue, you or your mechanic should clean any corrosive build up, and make sure that the clamps remain properly tightened. Making sure fluids remain topped off and tire pressure stays at the appropriate level ... read more