Solana Beach Auto Repair

We understand that this month's back to school season looks a little different than usual. Your children may be in smaller class sizes, may have to wear their mask at school, or might be learning from home virtually. Even though back to school looks different, this is still a great time of the year to catch up on your vehicle's maintenance and ensure that your car will be safe on the road.  The summer can actually take quite a toll on our vehicles, which is why a pre-fall inspection is so important. Getting your vehicle ready for the changing season and the increase in driving is critical so that you don't have to deal with any unexpected vehicle breakdowns or major repairs any time soon.  Here are the vehicle maintenance items to take care of now:  Tires - check that your tires have proper air pressure and are in condition, meaning that they have good tread and there is no obvious sign of wear and tear.   Oil change - be sure to have your oil chang ... 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

Tires Solana Beach, Del Mar, Encinitas, Cardiff, Rancho Sante Fe Tires Solana Beach, Del Mar, Encinitas, Cardiff, Rancho Sante Fe requires consumers of tires to consider the following when purchasing new tires in order to maximize their value: 1. Size Matters:  A tire's size is listed on its sidewalls in a sequence such as P265/70R16.  Replacement tires should always match what's noted in your owner's manual or car door jamb, not necessarily what's currently on your vehicle. 2. Age Matters:   Tires naturally deteriorate over time and even faster in warmer climates.  A tire's manufacture date is noted as a four-digit number following a letter sequence beginning with DOT, indicating the week and year it was manufactured — 5009, for instance, means the 50th week of 2009.  Vehicle manufacturers recommend you replace tires after six ... read more

If you're wondering whether your car needs an alignment, first look at your tires. Uneven tire wear is a prime indicator that your car is likely out of alignment. Here are a few more indicators: your car seems to be drifting to one side, even when you think you're driving straight your steering wheel vibrates you are driving straight, but your steering wheel isn't centered Even if none of these indicators have occurred and it's been a while since your last alignment, you should check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommend service interval. An out-of-alignment car is a common result of everyday driving where your car's suspension can become worn and the springs can be stretched out. The alignment process restores the car's suspension into its proper configuration, positioning and adjusting components so that the wheels are aligned with one another ... read more