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

Anyone who claims it's always balmy in Southern California has not been paying attention. The weather patterns have been trending toward hot, hot, hot, and there's no question that your car's air conditioner is important. So, when you push the AC button and nothing but warm air comes out, it's hard not to experience a moment of panic, especially when you think about the cost to completely overhaul your air conditioner. But don't worry, more often than not, when you get to the root of your problem, it will turn out to require only a quick fix. The first thing to do is check vents. Is the air not coming out or blowing only warm air? Both indicate that you likely have an issue with the ventilation system which is responsible for air flow. Resetting your ventilation system control computer is an easy solution to this problem. Another easy-to-fix issue you may run into is an a blown fuse in the electrical system which generally requires only a minor repair to get your cooling system bac ... read more

The average American uses around eleven gallons of gas a week, and the prices are constantly shifting based on the political climate. As a result, the amount you spend at the pump can vary from 5-10% of your monthly household expenses, depending on how much you drive. Either way, filling your tank too often can take a serious hit on your bank account which is why it's important to keep track of the MPG to make sure your car isn't guzzling the gas faster than normal. There are a number of causes for a drop in MPG in your car which can be costly if not fixed quickly. If you drive an older car, you may notice gas mileage getting worse over time. But, even if you own a new car, it's possible to experience a significant drop. Regardless of the age of your vehicle, however, there are some simple reasons why it may be using more fuel than usual. An easy fix? You may be surprised at some of the simple reasons for a drop in MPG. For example, idling your car in the driveway to "warm ... read more

The function of the check engine light is to let you know if there is a problem with one or more parts of the the car's engine. For example, an oil leak that leads to low motor oil can cause the light to be illuminated. In addition, the manufacturer also programs the light to be illuminated when the odometer reaches specific mileage readings, such as 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles, and so on. When you take your car in for a tune-up, your mechanic will reset the on-board diagnostics computer, and the light won't come on until the next scheduled date. Unless you are diligent about taking your car in exactly according to the manufacturer's guidelines, however, you have probably had the check engine light illuminated on the dashboard, even when there isn't a mechanical problem. If you suspect that this is the case, you can learn how to reset your check engine light on your own. A "hard reset" refers to a process of following step by step instructions that allow you to circumvent your c ... read more