This question may seem irrelevant to you....either you already know the answer or you've never thought about it.  Let me tell ya, the weather here in San Diego has finally showed that it IS actually winter, haha.  With the nighttime temperatures dipping into the low 30s overnight in the foothills and valleys, you may have noticed some lovely "white stuff" on the ground.  Oh yes, it has been very frosty out in the early mornings.  If everything else if frosted over, it is safe to say that your vehicle will be also.  I went out the other day to leave in a hurry.  I couldn't even open my door...my Jeep was frozen shut :-0  Basically the entire vehicle was frozen.  I managed to grab the house, turn it on and guess what?  It was frozen too, burst open halfway down the house.  But I was in a hurry so I used that half hose to water down and de-thaw the door and windshield.  I would definitely suggest giving yourself some extra time to worry about the exterior of your vehicle in the early mornings for visibility. 
Now to the main question or point of this post.  Do you need to let your vehicle warm up during cold weather?  This is not as simple an answer as it would seem.  It really depends on what type of engine your vehicle has.  For your modern day, fuel injected, gas engine there is no proof that letting it warm up for 5 minutes before is better for your vehicle.  In fact, some would say that it is worse on the internal components.  This is because with the modern internal combustion engine the fuel injectors produce an excess of fuel into the combustion chamber, which can cling to your cylinder walls.  Since gasoline is an excellent solvent, excess gas on the walls can dissolve the oil that lubricates your cylinder walls, leading to shorter life.  It is recommended to give your vehicle a minute and then start off with easy driving.  The modern gasoline engine is very efficient, but this minute of warm-up gives the thick, cold oil a chance to start the journey up from the oil pan and start to lubricate the internal components. 
The recommendation is a bit different for a diesel engine.  Diesel engines are not  "start-up and go" machines and therefore need a warm-up period.  The warm up period depends on the ambient temperature outside.  So for here in San Diego, since we've been seeing the temps dip into the 30s, we recommend allowing your diesel engine warm-up for about 5 minutes.  Keep in mind that as with the gasoline engines, you will still not reach operating temperature without being driven.  

Now if you are an old car enthusiast and really enjoy that carbureted vehicle of yours, the answer is a resounding Yes! let that baby warm up for at least 5 minutes.  This gives the carburetor time to wake up and for oil to really get through and lubricate all the vital components.  When the engine is cold, the combustion is un-even and poor; the carb chokes off some of the air to compensate and runs richer, but less efficiently.  Once the vehicle is warm the fuel can vaporize properly, and the car will start to idle and  run smoothly. 

As always, take a look at your user manual for the factory recommendation first.  No two engines are exactly the same so figure out what yours likes ;-)  If you have any questions, please give us a call at 619-562-3933.   

It's that time of year again.  Everyone is excited to travel to far away lands to spend quality time with family and friends.  If you are lucky enough to be flying, the only few travel points on the check list for you would be to arrive to the airport with LOTS of time to spare, have boarding passes already printed and ready, make sure you read the airport rules/regulations, and go in knowing that it will be busy so stay calm and positive.  For the rest of us who will be traveling on the ground, I have compiled some bullet points for you to check off.  Any vehicle that will be used for the long haul to Grandma's house should be given a good once over.  Don't stress yourself out by waiting until the day before travel!  Go through this today or a week before so you have plenty of time if anything comes up!  Here are some major points:

• Check ALL fluids.  This includes oil, transmission, coolant, and washer fluid.  Top off if low and replace if looking dirty. 
• Check and/or replace Windshield wipers.  The weather can be unpredictable and one of the most important things while driving is being able to see!!  If those wiper blades are hard and cracking it's time to throw them out and put some new bad boys on.
• Have someone assist in checking all your lights and signals:  headlights, high beams, tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals.
  
• Inspect and replace if necessary the vehicle air filter and your cabin air filter.  They are both located in different locations, so do believe that your vehicle has both :)  
• Examine all of the tires, this includes your spare!  Look for cracks in the side walls and depth of the tread.  Use the penny trick for tread depth; stick the penny upside down into the tread groove, if Lincolns head is visible then it is time for new tires.  To add to this, if you are going somewhere where there will be snow be sure to pack chains!
• It's been pretty cold!  Check the function of your heater and defrost options.  Make sure these are both working properly for warmth and visibility.
• Let us do the dirty work for you!!!  Bring your vehicle in for a 55-pt inspection where we check all of the above and much, much more!!!

From our family to yours, wishing you a safe and happy holiday season!!! Safe travels!

No matter how new, maintained, or reliable your vehicle is, one day you will have to deal with something leaking.  The many different types of fluids that our vehicles use come in a variety of colors and smells.  Depending what "color" you see on the ground under your vehicle will determine if you've got a serious issue or just some normal drainage.  So, how can you tell the difference?  That's why we are here and writing this blog, to help you!!  Take notice of the color and location of the fluid, so that you can figure out what could be the cause.

Clear fluid leaking from under your car, mostly located in the front, is water.  There are two possibilities for this leakage.  The first is if you've been running your air conditioner and you are seeing the condensation produced that has to go somewhere.  The other option is windshield washer fluid.  If you determine that it's not condensation and is washer fluid, this could be due to a crack in the fluid bottle.

If you notice brown or black fluid located front to middle of the vehicle this is more likely engine oil.  You may have to get a closer look or feel.  If the liquid feels slick and is hard to get off your fingers then it is oil.  Oil can leak from various spots such as the head gasket, oil filter, oil plug, oil pan and the timing cover.  During your process of elimination, check the engine oil level.  This could be a shoe-in to let you know if it is low.  
Some brake fluid and gear lube is also known to be a brown color.  The brake fluid, if leaking, will most likely be found by the wheels or brakes.  It will darker in brown and slick to touch.  The gear lube has a very potent, distinct smell that will tell you for sure.

A more reddish brown (sometimes pink) color fluid would possibly be your power steering fluid.  It usually has a slightly sweet, burnt smell and will be found under the front of the car near the steering rack or hoses.  

If you have fluid under the middle of the vehicle that is red or pink, you could be looking at a transmission fluid leak.  This fluid is odorless and can be verified by checking the fluid level.  

Besides engine oil, one of the most common leaks that we see is coolant/antifreeze.    This will be anything from yellow to a green puddle underneath the front (almost very front) of the vehicle. Coolant has a sweet smell and is slimy to touch.  The areas from which the leak could be from include the radiator cap, overflow tank, the water pump, or the coolant hoses.  

If you have determined that the puddle under your vehicle is something more than just a/c condensation or washer fluid, give us a call so we can further assist in the investigative process.  We are here to help ensure that your vehicle is reliable and continues to be for many years.  

I love unique gifts!  Both receiving and giving them.  In search of ideas for my friends and family, I came across some great gift ideas that you don't see everyday but are incredibly useful and unique!  I wanted to share with you, maybe save you some research time ;)

1.  The Drop Stop Seat Gap Filler.  This thing is genious!  I am one of those who loses everything down into the black abyss of the seat gap.  It's distracting, annoying, and very inconvenient, haha.  

2.  A small foldable garbage can.  With two small children, I NEED a trash bag or can in my vehicle to keep the trash on the floorboard (and the smell) to a minimum.  There are many brands out there and these can be found at pretty much any store.  

3.  A set of jumper cables in a case.  You never know when those jumper cables will come in handy.  It's better to be prepared than stranded and helpless.  It is another good idea to get that special someone a "road kit' which will usually include jumper cables, screwdrivers, air compressor, flashlights, etc.  These can be found in any automotive store and possibly in your major box stores in the automotive department.  I found this one on Amazon which includes 76 different components.

4.  A Keychain Car Escape Tool.  These are really neat.  If the unthinkable ever happens your loved one will be prepared.  These handy little tools can cut the seat belt and break a window, plus they come in a variety of colors!  

5.  How about a hands free cell phone/tablet holder for the dashboard?!  I am guilty of not having one yet, but this one from Scosche with it's strong magnets and sleek look might just do the trick.   Encourage your friends and family members to stay hands free with eyes on the road with this awesome gift.

6.  A tool set.  I cannot even tell you how many times I could've used a screw driver or wrench while out and about.  Most everyone will have some sort of tool box in their garage, but what good does that do you when your away from home?!  Having a tool set in the vehicle can aid with the actually vehicle itself or other issues that may arise.  (i.e. Fixing bike seat heights while at the park, lol)

7.  Most of us vehicle owners are in our modes of transformation for 2+ hours a day and listening to the radio.  Let's give that special someone some amazing speakers so they can really enjoy their music, podcasts, movies, conversations, etc with great sound! Found these JBL ones on Amazon for a great deal.

These are just a few of the many, many unique gift ideas that are available.  Let me know what else you find!  Happy Holidays!!!

When it comes to vehicles nothing is worse than being stranded on the side of the road.  Many factors can contribute to this unfortunate situation, one of which is the battery.  Today's modern vehicle are not known to give away many warnings that a battery is on the fritz.  

The battery in your vehicle, just like your cell phone or laptop, are lead-acid and have a limited life span, eventually losing their ability to hold significant charge to start your car.  The average life expectancy of a vehicle lead-acid battery is around 42 months.  This time frame can be influenced by a number of different variables; hot or cold climates, journey lengths, and the performance of your vehicles electrical system.  

There are a few things that you can do to help prolong your batteries life:

1. Keep the battery tightly fastened.  Excessive vibration can damage the battery's internal components, creating short circuits and reducing battery life.  We suggest making sure that you have the correct battery clamp and that it secures the battery properly.  Tighten the bolts until you feel resistance, then go about another 1/2 turn as to avoid over tightening.
2. Keep the battery clean.  Ensure that the top of the battery is free of dirt and grim.  A dirty battery can discharge across the grim, thus creating a mild short circuit leading to a flat battery.  Keep an eye on the battery terminals as well.  Over time the terminals start to calcify and corrode.  The terminals are the life source for the battery and sending power to the rest of the electrical system.  Using a mixture of baking soda and water, scrub the terminals with an old toothbrush then spray them with clean water to rinse the solution off and follow up with a clean clothe to dry.  
3. Minimize the power used while the vehicle is off.  Batteries are happiest when kept as close to 100% charge as possible.  Be mindful to turn headlights and interior lights off while the engine is not on.  Before leaving the vehicle, check your switches to ensure everything is turned off.  
4. Minimize heat exposure.  It is said that cold weather is what kills a battery.  It is true that it is harder on the battery to start your vehicle in cold weather, but it's the heat causes the most damage.  Extreme heat increases the rate of water evaporation from the battery cells.  The cold will then reveal the shortcomings of a weaker battery.  Basically try anything you can think of to minimize the heat exposure.  This could mean parking in the shade or keeping the vehicle garaged.  You could also look into insulating the battery to protect it from the heat generated in the engine bay.
5. Don't leave the vehicle unused for long periods of time.  It is vital the lead-acid batteries are kept fully charged at all times to prevent damage.  Your alternator is what recharges the battery, so if the vehicle doesn't get started for a long period of time this promotes what we call self-discharge.  All batteries self-discharge throughout their life span, keeping them fully charged with your vehicles built-in system is a great way to battle the fast decline.

We are always here for you!  Give us a call anytime, we are happy to help 619-562-3933

In this busy, sun up to sun down, rushed daily life that we lead, our own well being can get lost.  Take a look at your daily tasks; the list of things or people that you have to care for and keep a schedule for; the personal positions that need maintenance.  We maintain our house, vehicles, appliances, children, spouses, parents, family, etc.  What about you?  Do you take the time each day to check in with yourself?  You will find a lot of blogs in this feed that focus on how to care for your vehicle, we are an automotive specialist ;), which is incredibly important.  But I wanted to take a moment and focus on how important it is to take care of YOU!  Who's going to watch after those kids, drive the vehicle, clean the house, enjoy the vacation and recreational vehicles, or hang out with friends and family if you let your mental and physical well being slide?!  
Everybody is different in how they view self-care.  Some read a book while others love rigorous outdoor activities.  Whichever feels best for you, take the time every week, heck every day if possible, to do something for your mental and physical health.  Eat more unprocessed foods, exercise, drink water, laugh, cry, hug, and just see the positive in this life.  This is the month of giving thanks!  How about showing yourself some thanks for all the "things" that your mind and body do!

If taking care of you involves having piece of mind about your vehicle, give us a call!! We are here to help with any automotive repair needs that you have.  We work on everything and perform almost any service or repair you will need.  619-562-3933

The job of the coolant is to maintain the optimum engine temperature of your vehicle.  This is a very important fluid for your vehicle and essential system that should not be ignored.  Just like your engine oil, yet not as frequent, the coolant should be drained and replaced or flushed to keep your engine running smooth.  Overtime the coolant starts to break down, allowing dirt and rust particles to invade, potentially clogging the radiator and heater core.  Clogs in the radiator, or being low on fluid, will cause your vehicle to start to overheat.  A clogged heater core blocks heat from being able to enter your vehicle through the vents, aka your heater.  Both are expensive repairs and can have a trickle affect on other components if ignored.  

In comes the cooling system flush.  A necessary maintenance item that should be performed every few years or 30k miles.  During the cooling system flush, we hook your vehicle up to a machine that flushes out the old fluid and replaces it with new fluid, thus riding your cooling system of all contaminates (rust and dirt) that could clog any components.  

Of course there is the option to just drain the old coolant out and refill.  This will eliminate only about 40% of any contaminants that are floating around in the old fluid.  What is left is the contaminants that have stuck to the sides of the cooling system components.  It is not a bad idea to perform a drain and refill between flushes as a preventative measure.  

Both services will not hurt your wallet as much as a radiator, heater core, or an engine replacement.  We highly suggest adding this service to your regular maintenance schedule.  The final cost of a cooling system flush depends on vehicle year, make and model, but will roughly fall into the $150-$250 range.

Give us a call if you have any questions 619-562-3933

On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, driving home from a fun time at the pool, I thought my vehicle was possessed.  Dash lights were flashing at me, the message center kept telling me random things were wrong with my Jeep, it had already given me a hard time starting earlier that day, and then I saw the smoke!!!  Now, I know a lot about cars, but this was something new to me.  My first thought was a dead battery.  And I wasn't completely wrong.  But the dead battery came as a result of something else, it was not the initial problem.  Come to find out my alternator had gone bad.  The smoke?  Well that was a pulley, which is affected by the alternator ;)

The alternator is responsible for the electrical system within your vehicle.  It takes an immense amount of power to not only start your vehicle but to keep it running.   What about the battery?  The battery provides the electricity necessary for the starter to crank and start the vehicle.  The alternator then takes over and charges the battery.   The internal combustion of the engine, the crankshaft and pistons, provide the power to the alternator, which is connected to the pulley system with a serpentine belt.  The energy produced to spin the pulleys moves the belt and powers many components of your vehicle.

Luckily I was right down the street from my house and was able to make it into the driveway.  As I reflected on the past few days, I realized I had ignored the signs!  There had been multiple times that my vehicle was slow to crank, my lights had seemed dimmer than usual, and there had been some flashes of odd things on the control center.  I was just chalking it up to my battery going dead and I would deal with it "later."  Famous last words! haha.  

So learn from me...pay attention to your vehicle and it's warnings so you don't end up stranded! If you have any questions please give us a call 619-562-3933
​Happy Monday!!

Oh the change of the seasons...leaves changing colors, pumpkin spice hits the coffee shops, Holiday decorations start to decorate lawns, and a little cooler temperatures here in San Diego.  If you have lived in southern California for any amount of time, you know that the Autumn Equinox doesn't really mean much different driving conditions for us.  We still see 90 degree days Inland and will probably not see much rainfall until the start of winter.  This day of change and balance is a good time to remember all the things that we were too busy enjoying summer to do or check.  Along with the kids going back to school, deep cleaning the house, maybe switching out some of your wardrobe, we also should make a checklist for our vehicle.  The summer rays and high temps can really do a number on the rubber components (well, really a lot of components) of your car.  Here are some things that we recommend taking the time to check on if it's been a while:

• Check the Battery:  One way for you to check your battery is to examine the connections.  If there is any calcium build up, use a wire brush to clean them off.  Check for the date on the battery to make sure that it's not nearing it's life span and will leave you stranded. 
• Tires:  Take a walk around your vehicle and examine all of your tires, including the spare!  Check and correct tire pressure, examine the side walls for cracks or bulges, measure the tread and wear patterns.  
• Fluids:  Give all your fluids a quick check.  Making sure that they are at optimum level.  If you need to, look back at old repair orders to see when the last fluid exchanges were done and if they are needed.  This includes engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, power steering/brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
• Windshield Wipers:  I don't know about your vehicle but with mine the summer sun ALWAYS dry's out my wiper blades.  More times than not you will need to get them replaced and what better time than now before you really need them.  The rubber will be cracked/torn or hard as a sign that it's time for replacement.
• All Lights:  You might need a partner in crime for this one.  Have someone sit in the drivers seat while you walk around the vehicle.  First stopping in front of your vehicle, have the person turn on the headlights, high beams and both turn signals.  Now go to the rear and have the person do the same, plus push on the brake pedal.  Check both rear tail lights and the third brake light if you have one.  This bullet point is very important as we start to commute more in the dark with our days becoming shorter and shorter, we need to be seen!  

If you would like us to do the dirty work for you we offer a 55-Pt vehicle inspection that includes all of the above and then some!  Give us a call today to schedule your appointment or for any questions you might have.  We are here for you!!!
619-562-3933

​

We've all been there.  Our kids are being too loud, making the best of the drive home in traffic, road trip fun, or when our vehicle is making strange noise, we crank up that stereo and let the music take over.  I'm down for all of these except for if your vehicle engine is making unusual noises.  This is one thing you shouldn't drown out.  But how can you decipher between an unusual noise and a typical engine sound.  Let me specify some of the unusual noises to listen out for:

Squealing: If you hear squealing come from the engine compartment this could mean that a belt or pulley is loose or worn out.  The belts drive several components of the engine along with the pulleys.  If either of these has gone bad it could leave you stranded on the side of the road.  You will hear this type of squealing while your engine is turned on and is at idle or even while driving.  If you hear squealing while braking, this indicates that the pads have started to get close to worn out.  If you ignore this indicator, your brake components will start to contact each other, which could cause expensive damage.

Hissing:  Hissing sounds coming from your engine could indicate a problem with the hoses that connect to your radiator.  Over time hoses become dry and can crack.  If you hear this sound while driving take a glance at your temperature gauge, your vehicle could be overheating (losing coolant).  Steam flowing out from under the hood is an even more serious indicator.  If this is happening, pull over, turn the vehicle off and DO NOT open the hood.  Let the vehicle sit, call a tow truck and your local mechanic.  

Ticking:  Most of the time a ticking noise coming from the engine will be an indication of low oil level.  Your engine oil is the lubricant for all the internal parts of your engine.  If it is low or the pressure is low then the internal parts may be rubbing metal to metal, thus creating the ticking sound.  First thing for you to do would be to turn the vehicle off and let it cool for a little while, then check the engine oil level.  If it is low, add as much oil as necessary.  If the ticking sound does not go away, this could indicate low oil pressure which is a bit more complicated of an issue and should be tackled by an automotive mechanic. 

Knocking or pinging: A knocking or pinging noise indicates that there are worn out parts in the engine.  There are several components that could be worn out, so getting your vehicle to your mechanic ASAP is highly advised to prevent further damage to both your engine and your wallet.

Clicking:  There are many components of your engine that make clicking noises: timing chains, rocker arms, and the camshaft.  The noise from these parts are usually pretty quiet and you wouldn't notice them unless you were really listening out for them.  When the clicking sound from them becomes more noticeable or louder is when you should start to be concerned.  

As always, if you have any questions or concerns give us a call anytime Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm 619-562-3933