Solana Beach Auto Repair

Is your car making strange noises while driving? When your vehicle is telling you something, its best not to ignore it. A strange noise can definitely be an indication that there is an issue with your vehicle, and understand what you hear and when it happens can help narrow down where the problem is stemming from.  If you do hear a strange noise, don’t ignore it! The best thing to do is to make a mental note of when the noise happens and what it sounds like. If the noise is persistent and doesn't go away, we recommend getting your vehicle into DRIVE AutoCare as soon as possible. The sooner we get the issue taken care of, the less repairs that will be needed and the better off your vehicle will be.  Here are some of the most common noises heard while driving:  Squealing, screeching, or grinding while braking Sputtering or rattling exhaust noises from underneath the car Chirping or squealing noise from under the hood Humming, growling or roaring noise while ... read more

Car maintenance is a key part of car ownership especially when it comes to both your safety on the road and the overall integrity of your vehicle. Whether or not you intend to resell your vehicle sometime in the future, the best care you take of your car, the most reliable it will be on the road.  Car maintenance and how often you will need it will vary depending on the service as well the make and model of your vehicle, its age, and your own driving habits. Regular vehicle inspections are a great way to stay current with your vehicle's maintenance and being able to schedule out services when they are soon to be due so that you don't miss any important items.  Maintenance can mean a number of things, from regular inspections to oil changes and other recommended services by your vehicle's manufacturer. While all maintenance items are typically important, here are some of the services that should never be ignored in terms of getting them done when they are du ... read more

Many of the cars on today's roads are older than 10 years. While there are many newer cars in production today, many drivers don't feel the need to purchase a new vehicle when their current car runs just fine. There's nothing wrong with driving a vehicle older than 10 years, however, it is important to understand how to best care for it.  As vehicles age, preventative maitnenance becomes more and more important. This is because important components, fluids, and parts within your vehicle will begin to wear down and become less effective over time. When parts are older, they tend to break down more easily.  When you invest in preventative maintenance, your vehicle will be well taken care of and you'll prevent major issues from occuring which can end up costing you a lot more money to repair. A well taken care of vehicle will also help you get the best fuel efficiency from your car and keep it running even longer.  According to the Car Care Council, the m ... read more

Many car owners may not be staying on top of their vehicle's inspections, and we understand why. For most people, they may be afraid that if they have a vehicle inspection, the mechanic will find something wrong and it will cost them money. This may be true in some instances, but let us explain the importance of this.  Inspections are a way of catching issue early on, especially if you are already experiencing some minor symptoms of an issue. While you may feel that catching these problems is costing you money, it is actually saving you money in the long run.  When a problem is ignored, it can actually progress and get worse. The worse the issue is, the more extensive and expensive the repair becomes. So an inspection isn't about just finding anything wrong to cost you money - it is about finding a small issue that can be fixed now to prevent a more expensive problem from occurring later on.  Regular inspections are a key part of preventative maintenance, and ... 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

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