Solana Beach Auto Repair

All front wheel drive and four wheel drive vehicles are equipped with parts called the CV axles. The CV axles are an integral part of the suspension system. It is essentially a shaft that has two CV, or constant velocity, joints at the end of either side. These joints are in place to allow the axle shaft to spin as the suspension goes up and down when you steer your vehicle. A front wheel drive vehicle will have two, one for the passenger side and one of the driver's side. In an all wheel driver vehicle, you'll have the two mentioned above plus two in the rear.  The CV joints on either end of the axles are covered with a rubber boot that will hold in grease and prevent dirt and water from getting inside the axle and joints. Eventually, these boots can wear out just with regular use of your vehicle. When the rubber boots are worn, grease can seep out and dirt and water can enter into the joints, causing suspension system issues.  A CV axle re ... read more

When you own a vehicle, there are two things that you may find yourself spending money on: maintenance and repairs. The difference is, maintenance is much more affordable and actually helps you avoid having to spend money on repairs. It also protects the overall integrity of your vehicle and increases resell value in the future.  When you spend money on repairs, typically these repairs are needed due to poor maintenance. Repairs can be much more costly because they include having to often times replace parts all together and can be intricate depending on where the part is or how extensive the repairs are. Your car is an investment, and the better you take care of it, the more you get out of your investment. Cars are built with many different parts, and even with great maintenance, some items will wear out and need replacing over time. So, lets look at what goes wrong with vehicles, and when.  Dead battery - the typical car battery only lasts between 3-5 years, so it will n ... read more

You're driving your vehicle and you check the rearview mirror to see smoke coming from your exhaust - you wonder, what could be causing this and what do I do now? Well, first things first, try to determine when this exhaust smoke happens. Does it happen when you accelerate, and how long does it last? Also, make a note of the color, as black and white smoke can point to different issues.  Next, give us a call here at DRIVE AutoCare. We can help you identify any exhaust issue and determine what may be causing the smoke to appear. This can be caused by a number of different underlying issues, including the following:  Clogged air filter Clogged fuel injectors Damaged fuel-pressure regulator Clogged fuel return line Dirty transmission fluid A stuck PCV valve A faulty transmission vacuum modulator Excessive oil consumption Bad turbocharger As soon as you notice smoke, whether black, white or gray, coming from your vehicle's exhaust, don't hesitate to give us ... read more

AUTOMOTIVE AIR CONDITIONING SERVICES With summer's warmer temperatures and longer vacation driving just around the corner, we suggest that you get your car into an independent repair facility for automotive air conditioning services.   Even if everything seems fine now, it's still important to schedule regular maintenance at DRIVE AutoCare.  You may not be aware but your car’s heating system is also responsible for cooling your car’s engine on hot days and the air conditioning system plays a vital role during the colder months as well.  If you ignore these performance issues it can lead to expensive repairs down the line. Here are some things go consider: THE HEATER KEEP THE ENGINES COOL It might sound strange, but the engine's cooling system is directly related to the heating system.  Your engine produces heat during operation and w ... read more

5 Reasons Your Car Might Need Brake Repair When it comes to automotive comfort and safety, there are 5 reasons your car might need brake repair. DRIVE AutoCare believes you should be aware of the signs of failing brakes. Here are 5 reasons that your vehicle probably needs immediate brake repair: Brakes squeal when applied Your brakes are designed to squeal or screech when the brake pads are getting thin. This is often the first sign of brake failure. When you hear squealing or screeching, you should get your car to a local repair shop immediately. Failure to do so may result in larger, more expensive repairs down the road. Car vibrates when the brakes are applied If you apply the brakes and you feel shaking, vibrating or other odd motions, you probably have warped rotors. Brake pads grab the rotors to slow your vehicle. Warped rotors ... read more

Tire Codes - What Do They Mean? Tire Codes - What Do They Mean? There’s a lot of important information on the sidewall of a tire, but deciphering all of it can be tough. By understanding these codes, you can decide if a tire is right for their vehicle, driving style, and road conditions. According to US News & World Reports, some of the information is mandated by government regulation, providing a description of the tire’s size, intended use, capacities, and manufacturing source. Brand and Model The largest type on the sidewall shows its brand and model. That might seem like basic information, but if you are shopping for a used car, you’ll want to walk all the way around to make sure that all of the tires match. If you are replacing your vehicle’s tires, consult your car’s ... read more

Digital Vehicle Inspections Digital Vehicle Inspections:  DRIVE AutoCare now employs the latest digital technology which allows our customers to see, before buying.  A picture is worth a thousand words so in to help our customers visualize the necessity of recommended services, DRIVE AutoCare is taking multiple photos of the vehicle conditions to illustrate the metal-to-metal brakes, fluid leaks, or bulging tires and how any of these or other service scenarios can be remedied.  Industry best practices suggest that our technicians take between five and seven photos during every inspection. Think of the multi-point inspection feature as your gateway to an illustrative story detailing your vehicle's overall condition. These inspections are color-coded, providing sections for technician notes and recommendations. The Notes section is the go-to place for illustrating problem ... read more

FREE CAR BATTERY CHECK A Free Car Battery Check today at DRIVE AutoCare can keep the tow truck away.  That's why we suggest you come in for a free, digital battery inspection at any of our three locations.  It only takes a few minutes and, if needed, we can replace the battery while you wait.  No appointment necessary!!! It's a fact that car batteries don't last forever and they will eventually need to be replaced.  Assuming ideal conditions (moderate climate with no excessive humidity), you can expect your car battery to last about six years.  But in reality, a car battery only lasts between two and five years. Excessive heat and overcharging are the two main reasons for shortened battery life.  Excessive heat causes the battery fluid to evaporate, thus damaging the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging syst ... read more

Summer's End Is The Perfect Time For Car Care Summer's end is a perfect time for car care to assure you and your family of worry-free driving this fall and winter. The vacations are over and the kids are going back to school. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) suggests you take advantage of this lull to prepare your vehicle for the seasons ahead.  Breakdowns are never convenient and the following tips from ASE should give parents and students a preventative maintenance road map: Recommended Service Schedules We suggest you follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules which can be found in your owner's manual.  Or contact one of DRIVE AutoCare's Service Managers who have complete access to this information. Engine Performance Have engine problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected soon as colder weather w ... read more

Summer Road Trip Checklist Summer Road Trip Checklist: AAA reports that 4 of 10 drivers are unprepared for vehicle breakdowns which can take the joy out of your trip.  The Car Care Council recommends taking the following steps before you leave home: Check the battery:  Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging.  Excessive heat and overcharging shortens the life of a battery.  Replacing an old battery is an inexpensive insurance policy. Check the tires:  Be sure to check the tire pressure and tread including the spare. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots. Check the air conditioning:  Proper cooling performance is critical for interior comfort. Check all fluids ... read more