Solana Beach Auto Repair

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

Your vehicle’s electrical system is made up of three important components: the battery, starter, and alternator. The battery provides power to the starter. On the other hand, the alternator replenishes the battery with the necessary power to start your car. If one of these parts doesn’t work, your entire electrical system will be off.  Since all these parts work collectively, it can be difficult to point out the culprit. The professional team at DRIVE AutoCare can inspect your vehicle and ensure you're back on the road quickly! Read on to learn about the battery, starter, and alternator. Battery When most people think of their car’s electrical system, they immediately think of their battery. Until you turn the key, your battery is providing all of the car’s electricity, including the fuel injection system. Batteries come in various types, sizes, and models. Some are lead-acid, while others can be lithium-ion. When your car doesn’t start, you ca ... read more

Your automobile's anti-lock braking system (ABS) light usually signifies that there's an issue with one or more brake components. Your brake fluid may be running out, the signals from wheel sensors may be malfunctioning, or the entire system may be down. Whatever the problem may be, the professional technicians at Drive AutoCare can properly diagnose your ABS light. We’ll get you the brake repair you need.  What Does the ABS Do? Today’s ABS relies on its sensors to monitor each wheel’s speed to prevent your brakes from locking up. The sensors will communicate with your vehicle’s computer when it picks up instability. For example, if your wheels are slipping on snow or hydroplaning in the rain, you can rely on the ABS to keep your brakes working.  What Should You Do If The ABS Light Is On? When your vehicle’s ABS light is illuminated, you should not be too alarmed. Once you are safe and parked, turn off your car and restart it to see i ... read more

DRIVE AutoCare Welcomes Troy Greig from All German Auto DRIVE AutoCare is proud to welcome Troy Greig, Service Manager, to our team of professionals!  After nearly two decades at All German Auto, Troy Greig has joined DRIVE AutoCare as Service Manager. In his previous role at All German Auto, Troy developed a loyal following of BMW, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Audi, VW, Mini Cooper and Sprinter owners. Today, Troy is thrilled to work with the award-winning team at DRIVE AutoCare to continue the legacy of legendary customer service and quality repairs.  A New Pro Joins the Company With 23 years' experience in Service Manager leadership, Troy is a highly respected industry veteran who brings a wealth of customer service knowledge, technical skills and operational know-how to his new role. Troy has excellent communication skills and uses communication to build relationships of trust and commitment with customers. Additionally, his focus on workplace communication is vital to ... read more