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

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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