Solana Beach Auto Repair

Oil Change in Solana Beach, Del Mar, Cardiff, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe Here's 3 technical reasons why you should regularly perform an Oil Change in Solana Beach, Del Mar, Cardiff, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe: Oil is subject to high temperatures and, as anti-oxidizing and anti-wear additives break down, sludge can form, making it difficult for oil to flow and squeeze itself between moving metal parts. Viscosity modifiers break down after exposure to high temperatures, making the oil thinner at high temps and less effective at separating metal parts sliding past one another. Metal, dirt, soot and other particulate buildup in oil —much of which is too small to get caught by the filter— which causes the fluid to become abrasive, significantly accelerating engine wear. Over time, detergents and dispersants that are meant to combat those small insolubles break down, and ar ... read more

  Brake Repair Solana Beach, Del Mar, Encinitas, Cardiff, Rancho Santa Fe Your brakes may be trying to tell you something about Brake Repair Solana Beach, Del Mar, Encinitas, Cardiff, Rancho Santa Fe.  According to the Car Care Council, a properly operating brake system helps ensure safe vehicle control and operation and it should be checked immediately if you suspect any problems. DRIVE AutoCare offers free brake inspections at all three locations. “While an annual brake inspection is a good way to ensure brake safety, motorists should not ignore signs that their brakes need attention,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Knowing the key warning signs that your brakes may need maintenance will go a long way toward keeping you and others safe on the road.”  Look and listen to the f ... read more

Tune Up Your Foreign Domestic or Exotic Automobile in Solana Beach Let DRIVE AutoCare Tune Up Your Foreign Domestic or Exotic Automobile in Solana Beach and perform a tune-up and get better gas mileage in return. According to the Car Care Council, even today’s modern vehicles need a periodic tune-up and that can save big at the pump. “Regular tune-ups are an investment that really pays off. A well-maintained vehicle is not only more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly, but performs better and is safer and more reliable,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. The Car Care Council recommends a 21st Century tune-up during which the fuel, emissions and ignition systems are checked, as well as the battery, charging and starting system, and the engine mechanical and powertrain control systems. Keeping a car properly tuned can improve gas mileage by an average of 4 p ... read more

ASE Certified Technicians in Encinitas, Cardiff, Del Mar, Solana Beach It seem that every automotive repair shop has a sign stating they employ ASE Certified Technicians in Encinitas, Cardiff, Del Mar, Solana Beach.  This sign states that the technicians are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.  Have you ever noticed that sign and wondered what it means? ASE, is short for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Since 1972 the independent, non-profit organization has worked to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals.  ASE promotes excellence in vehicle repair, service and parts distribution and over 300,000 automotive technicians hold an ASE certification. The ASE certification exists to protect the automotive service consumer and shop owners. They test and certify automotive pro ... read more

The Car Care Council reminds us to make sure your child's back-to-school vehicle preparation is complete with this 4-point checklist: Check lights and wipers for visibility. With shorter days and inclement weather ahead, we recommend you check the exterior and interior lights and replace any that are dimming, rapidly blinking or not functioning. Also check your wiper blades for signs of wear or and replace if necessary. Both of these items are quick and inexpensive to remedy. Get a brake inspection. Schedule a brake inspection and look for warning signs, such as an illuminated brake light, screeching, grinding or clicking noises when applying the brakes. Brake repairs caught early can be inexpensive; wait too long and the brake repairs can add up! Check tires for improper i ... 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

The Dealer Alternative in Solana Beach: DRIVE AutoCare! Why is DRIVE the dealer alternative? Price: Many industry studies have found that independent repair shops cost significantly less than the dealer. At DRIVE, we are priced significantly below the dealers because our overhead is much lower. And you should know that bringing your car to the dealer for regularly scheduled maintenance does not (and can not) void the manufacturer's warranty. Convenience: Most automotive dealers are grouped in areas like Carlsbad and Kearny Mesa. DRIVE AutoCare has two locations conveniently located in Solana Beach that serve the communities of Del Mar, Carmel Valley, Rancho Santa Fe, Cardiff and Encinitas. Drop you car at DRIVE and we are happy to shuttle you home or to work.... or you can easily jump on the train to San Diego, Orange County or Los Angeles. Or better ... read more

Safety Dependability Longevity can be assured with routine automotive maintenance The key to automotive safety dependability longevity today and down the road is routine maintenance. Yet many drivers tend to stall when it comes to keeping up with some everyday basic maintenance. A recent survey by the Car Care Council found that 89% of vehicles were in need of at least one service or repair. Other findings include: 25% had low or dirty engine oil 13% had low or contaminated brake fluid 18% had dirty air filters 17% had inadequate cooling protection or low coolant levels 16% needed new windshield wipers 27% had low or contaminated washer fluid 18% needed new belts The Car Care Council has dev ... read more

Don't Let These Warning Signs Result In A Breakdown Car problems, if detected early, can be dealt with before they develop into something more serious. Knowing these automotive warning signs and visiting an auto repair shop immediately can save you a lot of time and money. These warning signs are: Flashing Check Engine Light: If your Check Engine light is illuminated there's no cause for alarm but you should still have your vehicle checked. But if the Check Engine light is flashing, it's a sign that your engine needs to be checked immediately. The problem might be the emissions system which could cause damage to the catalytic converter if you continue driving. Odd Smells: If you smell something burning while driving, your problem could be the brakes, wheel bearings, transmission, or engine belts. A sickly-sweet sme ... read more