Solana Beach Auto Repair

Many drivers rely completely on mileage to determine when their oil needs to be changed, but other factors, such as the quality of the oil and how the car is driven, also play a role. Fresh, clean oil improves the performance of your vehicle by lubricating parts and keeping the engine clean and healthy. However, the fluid degrades over time and becomes incapable of performing its functions. When this happens, your car will most likely exhibit at least one of the warning signs listed below. 1. Check Engine Light The check engine light comes on due to a lot of things. But the thing they have in common is that they are important for the engine's proper work. It has no oil, temperatures rise, and this can result in a lit check engine light. Make sure to visit a repair shop because there are a lot of other things that the car can switch on. 2. Low Oil Level The oil level can be checked by opening the hood, and pulling the oil dipstick when the car i ... read more

Hybrid vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. They offer improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and a smoother ride. However, like any other vehicle, hybrids require regular maintenance to ensure their longevity and performance. Here are some tips on hybrid vehicle maintenance to keep your car running smoothly. Oil Changes  Contrary to popular belief, hybrid cars still require oil changes just like conventional cars. The oil in a hybrid car's engine lubricates the moving parts and helps to cool the engine - the same way it does in a normal one. It's important to follow the manufacturer's recommended oil change schedule to keep the engine running smoothly. Battery Maintenance  The battery is one of the most critical components of a hybrid vehicle. It powers the electric motor and provides extra power when needed. Hybrid batteries typically last longer than traditional car batteries, but they still require regular maintenance. It ... read more

When customers come by DRIVE AutoCare, they often ponder on whether they actually need a fluid flush when our technicians recommend it. There are many factors that come into play. Today, we will “flush” out the truth and discuss how fluid flushes can benefit your vehicle. What Are Fluid Flushes or Fluid Exchanges? Fluid flush is the process of removing and cleaning out the entire system of the old fluid and any sludgy remains. Afterward, your mechanic will replace it with new and clean fluid. It can also treat problems of corrosion and excess build-up in older vehicles. While it is okay to top off certain fluids in newer vehicles, there will come a time when a fluid flush is more beneficial for you. In fact, many auto manufacturers recommend fluid flushes in the owner’s manual. You can learn more about it, including other information such as the fluid specifications, fluid exchange intervals, and how to perform the service. Fluid flushes have shown tremendous imp ... read more

When it comes to driving, being aware of your vehicle's sounds is critical for avoiding trouble on the road. A well-tuned engine should be relatively quiet, with only little hums and buzzes. However, if you start hearing strange noises from your car or truck, it's essential to take notice and investigate what could be causing them. Let's look at some of the most common vehicle sounds indicators of potential trouble. Growling, Grinding, or Squealing Sounds One of the most obvious signs is a growling, grinding, or squealing noise from your engine. This could indicate an issue with your car's belts and pulleys, or your water pump could fail. Rattling Sounds Another sound you should be aware of is a rattling noise from underneath the hood. This can indicate that something loose inside the engine compartment needs to be fixed. Clicking Noises A clicking noise while driving could mean your engine struggles to turn over. This can be caused by various underlying issues ... read more

Don’t wait for it to rain to get your car ready for winter! Just because we live in beautiful San Diego doesn’t mean our wiper blades last longer. In fact, heat and lack of moisture damage the blades even if you never turn them on.  Our gift to you this holiday season – FREE Windshield Wiper Blades! During the month of December, we will replace your wiper blades for FREE with any paid service*. Heat and lack of use destroy rubber blades too.   If you’re like most of us who live in sunny San Diego, we don’t think about windshield wipers until it rains.  But did you know that heat, lack of use and low moisture can damage rubber blades even if you never turn them on? That means they may not be ready when you need them the most.   It’s recommended that you change your wiper blades every 6 - 12 months. Experts say that for optimal performan ... read more

Every pet owner faces the challenge of keeping their homes and cars clean. It is normal for cats and dogs to shed, but it is vital that you take care of your car too. Not only is it unpleasant to step into a filthy car, but it can lower your car’s resale value too. Not to mention, loose animal hairs can cause irritations and allergies for those with sensitivities. To ensure your car stays clean and comfortable, read on to learn some essential cleaning hacks to keep your vehicle odor-free and mess-free. Vacuum It is pretty evident that a vacuum cleaner is the best clean-up tool to use to eliminate your furry friend’s messes. However, it might not be accessible to drag a large vacuum everywhere you go. Instead, we recommend investing in a smaller hand-held vacuum with brush or bristle attachments. It makes cleaning up quick and easy. Balloon  Say you don’t want to invest in a device; you can perform the balloon trick. A traditional balloon is made of rubber la ... read more

A timing belt is a crucial part of a car's engine. Timely replacement of the timing belt is equally an important part of car engine maintenance. It helps to coordinate the spinning of the crankshaft and camshaft, which in turn helps in ensuring the valves open and close at the correct time. Most cars need a timing belt replacement every 60,000 miles or so. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of a timing belt replacement and how often you should have it done. We will also provide some helpful tips on choosing a reputable auto repair shop. Timing Belt and its Importance For starters, let's discuss what a timing belt is and why it needs to be replaced every so often. A timing belt is a long, thin belt that is made of rubber and reinforced with fiberglass or Kevlar cords. The timing belt connects the crankshaft to the camshaft in the engine. As the crankshaft turns, it turns the camshaft, which in turn opens and closes the valves in the engine. The timing belt is r ... read more

Wheel alignments are a key part of automotive maintenance, and this service should be performed at regular intervals, just like your oil changes and tire rotations. Generally speaking, most automakers recommend this service every 20,000 - 30,000 miles. By aligning your car’s wheels with the appropriate machines, you can adjust your tires to point in the proper direction. In other words, wheel alignment services work to improve your vehicle’s steerability and safety,  while extending the life of your tires. Wheel alignment should be a part of routine maintenance because your wheels’ angles naturally drift over time. However, certain road conditions can abuse your car and shift its wheels out of alignment even sooner. Some examples include ramming into curbs, speeding over speed bumps, and flying over deep speed bumps. To tell whether you’re needed for wheel alignment, you should pay attention to how your car drives. If your steering wheel is crooked or the ... read more

With summer in full swing, many of you may be finishing out with a road trip or vacation. Before you hit the road for your summer fun, it's vital to prepare for the journey. At Drive AutoCare, we want you to get to your destination safely so follow these five tips before your next trip: Tip #1: Check Your Tires Did you know that the heat can cause your tires to increase in pressure? When driving with overinflated pressure, you’re at a higher risk of wearing down your tires prematurely and tire blowouts. To avoid either case, we recommend measuring your tire pressure and tread depth more frequently. Additionally, don’t forget to pack a spare tire with you for long trips. Tip #2: Get a Cooling System Inspection The risk of engine overheating is much higher when it is hot outside. With this in mind, you should be aware of your coolant levels and condition. Make sure you top it off when necessary. In some cases, a coolant flush may be n ... read more

I Windshield wipers are one of the most underrated safety components on your vehicle! But all too often drivers ignore their wipers until they break or stop working entirely. Since windshield wipers are a key component of vehicle safety, the experts at DRIVE AutoCare are available to serve you today.   Windshield wipers can last up to 12 months depending on the climate, material, and where you drive. For instance, if you stay in very hot or very cold regions, you should consider replacing your shield after every 6 months. Signs a bad windshield wiper You should consider replacing your windshield wipers at least once per year because their life span depends on several factors. Below are the signs to watch out for if your wipers need a replacement: Rough streaking: Excessive streaking can indicate that your rubber has either worn out or cracked. These strikes leave wet spots on your shield. Vibrating noise: It is time to replace your wipers ... read more