Solana Beach Auto Repair

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

German Automobile Repair Tips German Automobile Repair Tips from DRIVE AutoCare where we specialize in Mercedes Benz, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen and Mini Cooper. Since the 1980, we have learned a lot about German-made vehicles: 1. German automobiles require specialized service:  German manufactured vehicles are specialized for performance.  To ensure performance, specialty tools and expensive diagnostic equipment are required that are specific to your make, model and brand. It is strongly recommend that you stay away from generic automotive shops that work on all makes and models and do not have the equipment, or expertise to properly maintain and repair your German performance vehicle. 2. Your vehicle has upwards of 90 computers on board: Today’s complex German vehicles are rolling electronics and computers. Today’s Mercedes Benz ... 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

Independent Mercedes Repair Independent Mercedes Repair and maintenance means not going to the dealer.  If you want to save time and money, DRIVE AutoCare in Solana Beach, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Cardiff and Encinitas is an ideal option to the Mercedes-Benz dealer. Vehicle Longevity One of the best reasons to turn to DRIVE AutoCare is our dedication to the long life of your vehicle.  A dealership makes most of its money on the sale of new cars.  As an independent repair shop, we are focused on making sure your vehicle remains in good operating condition for a long period of time. Lower Prices A dealership uses expensive parts manufactured by the car company. Typically the dealer promotes these as the best parts.  However, many parts obtained from other sources are just as good without the inflated price.  Only an independent Mercedes repair shop can acc ... 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

Transmission Fluid and Transmission Repair Transmission Fluid and Transmission Repair at DRIVE AutoCare because transmission fluid helps cool and lubricate your vehicle’s transmission’s internal parts.  According to the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association, 90% of automatic transmission failures are caused by overheating and can be often blamed on transmission fluid that should have been replaced. The transmission transfers power from the engine to the wheels of the car.  An automatic transmission shifts the car into different gears depending on the speed that you are driving.  In an automatic transmission car, the transmission system has an oil pan that contains the transmission fluid and fluid filter. The fluid provides the force required to shift into different gears.  If an automatic transmission does not have enough fluid, or the fluid has been conta ... read more

Timing Belt Replacement Timing Belt Replacement means realizing that a timing belt is a very critical engine component. On most vehicles, a broken timing belt means you'll be buying a new engine! A timing belt, timing chain or cam belt is a part of an internal combustion engine that synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft so that the engine's valves open and close at the proper times during each cylinder's intake and exhaust strokes. Many car owners may wonder how often to replace a timing belt. The old rule was every 60,000 miles but as technology improves, many manufacturers now recommend intervals up to 100,000 miles. If your vehicle has anywhere near that mileage and you've never replaced your timing belt, you're on borrowed time! To be safe you should check what the vehicle's manufacturer recommends and stay within that mileage. Common symptoms that might indicate that your timing belt is wearing out or has broken are ... read more