Solana Beach Auto Repair

What Are Rotors? Rotors, working in conjunction with brake pads and calipers, are an essential part of your brake system that causes your car to slow down and/or stop. They are the circular metal piece that the brake pads come into contact with to control your wheels and stop them from spinning. They are often overlooked, but they are just as crucial as brake pads and any other brake component required for decelerating. What Could Go Wrong with Rotors? It doesn't take a scientist to conclude that heat is not a friend of metal. The intense heat from the friction of your brake system can cause warping and wear and tear on your rotors. Experts suggest that you replace your rotors every 30,000 - 70,000 miles, depending on usage. Rotor and brake pad replacement usually go hand in hand since the two parts are 'mated' and typically have the same wear pattern. Not replacing your rotors (and brake pads) when they wear down or get bent out of shape can cause your brake system to f ... read more

When it comes to your vehicle maintenance, engine oil is the most critical responsibility. Oil permits the various parts of your engine to seamlessly run without banging against each other. It also prevents your internal systems from reaching unbearable temperatures. However, numerous myths have invaded general knowledge when it comes to motor oil. We're here today to debunk the four most common myths about engine oil. Myth #1: You Should Always Replace Dark Oil The dark color is not the only sign that your oil is dirty or no longer functional. Some oils turn almost black as soon as the additives start cleaning your engine. Nevertheless, gritty or grainy textured oil is contaminated and should be replaced.  Myth #2: Synthetic Oil Cause Leaks Synthetic oil was first created and used in 1970, and leaks were common when they first hit the market. Back then, synthetics could bring about the additional wear and tear to seals and gaskets in your vehicle's engine. In 2021, th ... read more

We realize that seeing white smoke coming from your vehicle's exhaust pipe can be a cause for concern. It is not a normal circumstance - so what does it signify? First of all, your vehicle's exhaust pipe is where your car's fumes are discharged. White smoke is not normal; however, it does not necessarily always point to a critical issue. Here are some of the common causes of white exhaust smoke that we've seen in our shop:  Condensation  If you notice the white smoke on a brisk, cold day and you only just started your vehicle, you may just be seeing steam from condensation. Wait it out and see if the smoke will clear quickly.  Coolant Leak  A coolant leak is a common cause of white exhaust smoke. If there is a coolant leak in your vehicle, you may also smell a sweet syrupy scent. Beware because low coolant can cause damage to your vehicle's engine and surrounding components. Take your car to an auto repair shop, so getting this taken care of ... read more

A coolant plays a crucial role in your car's engine system. First, it is responsible for heat transfer across the system, maintaining optimum temperature, and protecting the engine from overheating or freezing. It also lubricates the constantly moving engine components ensuring your car runs smoothly and efficiently. So How Does an Engine Coolant Work? The coolant is a colored liquid mixed with water and held in a reservoir attached to the radiator. Every time the engine is active, the coolant moves across the engine system and then gets back to the radiator for cooling. Upon cooling, it escapes from the bottom of the radiator, after which it is supplied into the water pump. The water pump pushes the coolant to your vehicle's engine head and block where it controls the temperature. The antifreeze will then be pumped back into the radiator for cooling. Your engine's coolant system is quite intricate made of such components as: Radiator Hose Drives heat a ... read more

We’ve already seen extreme heat in San Diego this summer with record-setting temperatures in Borrego Springs, Campo, and Chula Vista according to the National Weather Service. Although we’re only a few days into summer, the forecast is for more hot days for San Diego County!  That means your car's air-conditioning system is about to get a workout as the long summer days heat up.  Your vehicle’s air conditioning is a sophisticated system that works hard to keep you cool. There are 5 main components of your air conditioning (A/C) including:  Compressor - This is an essential component of a car’s A/C that pressurizes refrigerant to cool the air. The compressor senses temperature changes inside and outside your car while controlling the temperature output.  Condenser - Located at the front of the radiator, the condenser receives air from the compressor and works to reduce the temperature/pre ... read more

Family road trips are fun and exciting until the 'Are we there yet?' questions start popping up way more than we would like. Having fun road trip games is one of the best ways to keep everyone entertained. The games, however, need to be kid-friendly to keep the fun factor alive. Here are some fantastic road trip games that will keep your whole family entertained:License Plate Decoder This game is not only fun but calls for a ton of creativity. It is easy to play and can be rib-cracking if you are good at it. Imagine every license plate is a hidden message and try to decode it. The crazier the message is, the more fun it will be. For example, BLYT237 can be Beyonce Let You Take 237Million. Two Truths and a Lie Do you really know your traveling entourage? If you do, your knowledge will be tested in this fun game. Everyone takes turns making three statements to the group. Two are true, while one will be a lie. Everyone else ta ... read more

With their streaking, chattering, and squeaking your windshield wipers are sending you a message! Although it may not be top of your list, wiper blades need replacing to perform their best and to keep you driving safely.  It’s true that because of the pandemic we’ve been driving our cars less, but windshield wipers are made of rubber which is degradable and become less effective over time. And don't think that just because we live in “72 and sunny” San Diego without much rain that your wiper blades will last longer. In fact, heat and lack of moisture can damage the blades even if you never turn them on. It’s recommended that you change your wiper blades every 6 - 12 months. You should get into the habit of checking your wipers regularly and know what signs to look out for as they begin to wear. Cracked or Broken Rubber:  When you look closely at your wiper blades, do you notice ... read more

Spring is in the air – along with pollen, dust, and a host of other irritants! If you suffer from allergies, you go through a love-hate relationship with spring every year. While you can’t magically get rid of all the pollen in the air, you can ensure the air inside your vehicle is clean and fresh with a new pollen filter. Problems Associated With a Dirty Filter Think of this hard-working filter as “PPE” for your vehicle's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system! Over time your pollen filter can become clogged with dust, leaves, twigs, and residue from exhaust fumes. A dirty filter can't do its job properly and filter out the contaminants. Left blocked, not only will it cause your car to smell moldy, it could also potentially cause costly problems to your vehicle’s AC system.  Spring is a great time to replace your pollen air filter. (Read to the bottom of this article for DRIVE&nb ... read more

Vehicles are machines, and like any machine they need maintenance. For most vehicles, regular maintenance begins at 5,000 miles and continues from there every 5,000-10,000 miles. Of course, checking your car on a more regular basis is even better. Why do you need to maintain your car regularly? Properly maintaining your vehicle is key to keeping it in top condition. It can also help ensure your safety, the safety of your passengers, and your fellow drivers. Here are the reasons maintaining your car is the right choice. Preventing future repairs When your car develops a problem, and you leave it unattended, the problem can potentially become bigger. For example, if you ignore an oil leak, your lubrication and transmission systems will get damaged, plus the engine's car starting system and other components. By repairing a car the moment you notice a problem, you can avoid all the additional problems. Increasing your car's lifespan As you use your car, most of its ... read more

Shock absorbers are a crucial part of a car's suspension system. They maintain incredible traction between the tires and ground by preventing excessive movements caused by speed bumps and potholes. All the same, after years of hard work, your shock absorbers are subject to wear and tear and will eventually fail, calling for a replacement. Naturally, you can use your shock absorbers for approximately 50,000 miles before you need to replace them. However, this is dependent on where, how, and for how long you drive. If you mostly drive on the less beaten paths, your shock absorbers are more likely to fail more quickly, unlike in cars driven on smooth and leveled roads. Other factors such as weather can also contribute to corrosion, thereby reducing your car's shock absorbers and strut life span. When Should You Replace Your Shock Absorbers Your car's shock absorbers play a vital role in enhancing comfort and safety on the road. In fact, they are considered a regular mainten ... read more