Solana Beach Auto Repair

It's the great debate of the Independent Repair Shop Vs Dealership! David Vs Goliath! But what do studies actually say about this heated topic? We hear it all the time, "I'm a dealer guy, I always bring my car to the dealer for repairs." So we've wondered, are dealers a better value than your local mechanic? We may have a slight bias on this topic but who better to ask for a fair and balanced view than Consumer Reports. Consumer Reports 2015 Repair Satisfaction Survey found that when your car is ailing, odds are that you’ll be more satisfied with an independent repair shop than with a new-car dealership. The annual survey of Consumer Reports subscribers found that independents outscored dealership service once again for overall satisfaction, price, quality, courteousness of the staff, and work being completed when promised. With few exceptions, the entire list of independent ... read more

We often wonder whether it's best to lease or buy a new car. According to LeaseGuide.com, it's not possible to simply say that one is always better than there other so they have provided a summary of Lease vs. Buy for your benefit: The SHORT-TERM monthly cost of leasing is always significantly less than the cost of buying. For the same car, at the same price, over the same term, with the same down payment, monthly lease payments will always be 30%-60% lower than loan payments. This is still true when compared to 0% or low-interest loans offered by the car manufacturers. The MEDIUM-TERM cost of leasing is about equal to the cost of buying, assuming the buyer sells or trades the vehicle at loan-end and the lessee returns the vehicle at lease-end. Comparisons sometimes show buying to cost a ... read more

FIND CHEAP GAS Running on Empty? No, it's not just an amazing song by Jackson Browne. Sometimes you really are running on empty and that goes for your wallet too! Even though the price of gas has declined this year, you can rest easy if the "E" on your fuel gauge begins to glow ominously. Just download GasBuddy and the app will map gas stations for you by city or zip code. The app also lets you sort results by distance or price. It really does find cheap gas! Download it free from the Apple ... read more

Driving in the rain is not very common in San Diego and it happens every year when you are least prepared. So this year get a head start on Preparing Your Car for El Nino! Follow these tips for this winter’s inclement weather: Battery: Replace weak batteries and have your charging system checked out by a professional. Brakes and Exhaust: Have your brakes checked by an ASE Certified mechanic. If the brake pads are worn, you should definitely have them replaced. Fluids: Check fluid levels, battery posts, voltage regulator and alternator. Change your oil and oil filter as needed: a good rule of thumb for most cars is every 3,000 miles. Heating and Cooling System: Check your radiator and hoses for cracks and leaks. Make sure the radiator cap, water pump and thermostat work properly. Anti-freeze should be changed at least every two years. Lights: Make ... read more

If you're wondering whether your car needs an alignment, first look at your tires. Uneven tire wear is a prime indicator that your car is likely out of alignment. Here are a few more indicators: your car seems to be drifting to one side, even when you think you're driving straight your steering wheel vibrates you are driving straight, but your steering wheel isn't centered Even if none of these indicators have occurred and it's been a while since your last alignment, you should check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommend service interval. An out-of-alignment car is a common result of everyday driving where your car's suspension can become worn and the springs can be stretched out. The alignment process restores the car's suspension into its proper configuration, positioning and adjusting components so that the wheels are aligned with one another ... read more