Solana Beach Auto Repair

Get Your Car Ready For Summer Driving With An Air Conditioning Inspection and Service DRIVE AutoCare recommends an annual A/C Inspection to stay cool when temperatures soar. Summer heat and humidity can drive you to distraction and the last thing you need is a malfunctioning air conditioning system. “Getting stuck in traffic is stressful enough, but getting stuck in traffic during the heat of summer without functioning A/C is the pits,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “It is important to always have the A/C system properly maintained to keep it in tip-top shape and avoid costly repairs down the road.” A vehicle’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning system keeps the interior cabin comfortable in any season by providing the right temperature and humidity level ... read more

Future Technologies for the Connected Car: Future Technologies for the Connected Car, as we understand it... FULL SMARTPHONE INTEGRATION It's dangerous and illegal to use your smartphone while driving, but sometimes you just need to ask Siri, "Where's the nearest gas station?" while you're navigating unfamiliar territory. Get ready for a proliferation of systems that will allow you to better operate your smartphone hands-free. Look for technology that will turn your apps into a voice-activated experience, such as sending a text or tweet through natural speech. DIGITAL DASHBOARD The days of conventional gauges displaying speed and temperature are soon to be in the past. Look for a fully digital dashboard, which replaces the instrument cluster in front of the driver. Larger displays will have exceptional clarity and ... read more

Avoid Costly Auto Repairs by considering these recommendations from Consumer Affairs: Neglecting preventative maintenance and minor repairs Ignoring simple preventative maintenance, like changing the engine oil and filter, could damage your engine. It can also mean the difference in extending the life of your car.  Failing to make minor car repairs, such as replacing a thermostat or front brake pads, could result in more expensive repairs in the future.  Other simple, but important, tasks that car owners should consider include changing the transmission fluid, checking the coolant (level, mixture, and condition), and checking tire pressure on a regular basis. Not asking for your parts back If a part needs to be replaced on your car, always ask for your old part back; simply ask the mechanic to place the old part in the new part ... read more

Teaching new drivers about vehicle maintenance is as important as teaching them how to operate a vehicle. Learning some basic maintenance tips will help them keep your vehicle, or theirs, in good working order. Here are some basics to keep in mind: Perform All Regularly Scheduled Maintenance Preventative automotive maintenance (before your vehicle needs) can extend the life of your vehicle and help avoid the vast majority of unexpected breakdowns. Regular oil changes, tune-ups, and frequent inspections by a skilled mechanic make a world of difference in keeping your vehicle in good order as well as in optimizing fuel consumption levels. Perform Pre-Trip Inspections Before a trip, especially a long distance one, your should take the time to check and top off fluids as well as to check your tires. Pay Atte ... read more