San Diego Auto Repair

Are you considering getting your windows tinted, but not sure where to start? Not only are there various levels of tinting you could get, but there are also laws that govern window tints and films. Before you bring your car to the tint shop, read on for details about window tints, and what you should look for. What is Window Tinting? Generally speaking, window tinting is a modification to a car’s windows involving a thin film or layer that is applied to the glass. Often times, this film or “tint” is colored darkly (in various degrees or grades of darkness), much like sunglasses. Here's what window tints accomplish: Reduced glare from the sun Privacy Safety/security Filtering of UV rays Thermal insulation Window Tinting Laws Believe it or not, anonymity and privacy issues are just the start of window tinting headaches. Every state has different laws regarding window tinting. The laws classify tints according to “Visible Light Transmission” or VLT ... read more

Many people spend a lot of time at car dealers haggling over prices for the car with the best features and built-in gadgets. However, nearly any car can be made much better with the right types of add-on accessories.   Most accessories are relatively inexpensive, and can make your drives more enjoyable (and in some instances, much safer). Some of these you can also make on your own. Here’s a list of the top 5 car accessories for your vehicle. 1. Trunk Organizer Very few drivers understand how revolutionary it can be to use a trunk organizer. Do you hear thuds or bumps every time you turn or brake? It's time to tie up the loose items rolling around in your trunk. You can prevent damage to your belongings and do away with those driving distractions with a portable trunk organizer.     Also, trunk organizers are very easy to make your own. Some ... read more

The Convoy area in Kearny Mesa has recently experienced an influx of restaurants, dessert cafes, and karaoke bars. This has caused the scene to thrive and bustle with an eclectic fusion of different foods and dining experiences. This week, we’ll be focusing in on the best sushi spots in Kearny Mesa near Convoy Auto Repair. Sushi is great for a quick pick-me-up snack, a light lunch, or a lively dining experience with friends and loved ones. Check out these 7 delicious Kearny Mesa sushi spots : Katzra Sushi 4233 Convoy St. This is a favorite go-to sushi spot for Kearny Mesa locals. Unique at Katzra are the no-rice protein rolls (try the Burrito Roll), Chef rolls (the Padres roll is great), and of course baked rolls (try the Lobster crunch). The lunch combo Bento boxes are also excellent if you’re looking for a more complete meal.   Kula Revolving Sushi 4609 Convoy St. Ste F This place is truly revolutionar ... read more

Many car owners ask the question, “What do the numbers on my tires mean?” There is a lot of information printed on the side wall of every tire. This week, we’ll be examining an often overlooked set of tire number meanings. Your tire’s birth date or “tire birthday” is the approximate time that the tire was manufactured, and it's very important information to know when it comes to maintaining your vehicle. Read on to learn more about your tire’s numbers. Locating and Reading the Birth Date The tire birth date is not really a specific date, but rather the week and year the tire was manufactured. You can find it by locating a set of numbers that begins with “DOT." This string of letters and numbers will end with 3 or 4 numbers. For instance, your tire’s numbers might read DOT DA07 JN2S 4212. That last number, 4212, is the “birthdate”. The first half of the numbers, “42," indicates that the tire was made ... read more

Go Kart Racing in San Diego: Top Venues and Tips from Convoy Auto Repair Are you a car enthusiast looking for a fun and safe way to hone your competitive driving skills? Go-kart racing might be just the ticket! Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding thrills or a family-friendly activity, San Diego has plenty of fantastic venues to explore. At Convoy Auto Repair, we understand the love of driving, whether it’s on the track or commuting in your personal or work vehicle. While we take care of your car repair needs, you can hit the track to satisfy your need for speed. Best Go Kart Racing Venues in San Diego K1 Speed: High-Tech Indoor Racing Location: 1709 Main Street, San Diego, CA 92101 K1 Speed is a top-notch indoor racing venue that combines speed, safety, and fun. Their electric go-karts can reach up to 45 mph on a professionally designed quarter-mile track loaded with challenging turns. Whether you're a seasoned racer or a beginner, K1 Speed offers options for ev ... read more

Next to drunk driving, distracted driving is one of the main causes of accidents and injuries on the road. With the the introduction of smartphones, drivers are now facing more temptations on the road than ever before. However, distracted driving doesn’t just include cell phone use while driving; it can include several other forms of distraction, as well. The more you understand about distracted driving, the safer you’ll be as a driver. Read on to learn what you can do to prevent driving while distracted. Understanding Distracted Driving: Types of Distractions The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) classifies distractions into three main categories. Knowing these categories can help you understand exactly what types of dangers a distraction can create. These three categories of distractions are: Visual: Anything that causes you to take your eyes ... read more

Many people don’t realize just how expansive the automobile industry is. It encompasses a very wide range of professions and jobs, and overlaps with so many other industries. Landing a job in the automotive industry can be extremely fun and rewarding, and requires a combination of different skills and talents. Here’s a list of 7 super fun automotive jobs to consider. 1) Classic Car Restoration This is a niche field, but thanks to all the TV car restoration shows, more people are getting involved. It can be fun and rewarding to take a junky car and transform it. What does this job require? An “eye” for spotting the promising cars that might make a good restoration. If you hone in on that ability, the entire process makes for a satisfying and entertaining career. 2) Car Designer Designing a car requires an ability to combine beauty and functional physics. It’s one thing to design a stationary building; it’s another thing to design a working, movin ... read more

Electric cars are becoming common on the road as people make the switch from fuel to electric. While fully electric vehicles don’t consume any fuel, they still have a rating that is similar to miles per gallon for gas-powered vehicles. Some manufacturers use a converted scale equivalent for electric vehicles (MPGe), while others speak of “miles per charge." Generally speaking, “miles per charge” is also known as the car’s “range”, and helps owners to think in terms of distance traveled in between charges. This gives the driver a better ability to plan out her trips and charges to avoid running out of battery charge. Of course, some electric cars have better range than others. However, there are some factors that can affect the vehicle’s range. Here are a few ways you can maximize your electric vehicle’s range. Plan Your Route Certain driving conditions and road layouts can cause your car to drain quickly. For instance, windy ... read more

Passing a smog test is important to ensure that your car conforms with vehicle laws. It’s also better for both your car’s performance and for the environment when your car is up to state smog standards. Many people don’t know that there are several factors that can affect the outcome of a smog test. This is especially true for older vehicles or vehicles that haven’t been used in a long time. Read on to learn six factors that could drastically affect your car’s smog test outcome.   Repairs Needed If your car needs immediate repairs, you should not subject it to a smog check. There is a very high likelihood that the car will fail the smog test entirely if major repairs are needed. Complete major engine repairs before bringing your car in for the smog inspection. This will increase the car’s likelihood of passing drastically.   Cold Engine It’s not a good idea to do a smog inspection on a car with a co ... read more

Fleet maintenance is one of the most important aspects of operating a business. A company’s fleet of working vehicles should always be in working order and ready to go when needed. If even just one vehicle is not working properly, it could cause a whole host of problems. This week, we’ll be focusing on some basic steps you can take to ensure that your business’ fleet is in good shape. Even if you don’t operate a business, you should consider the cars you own for personal use as your “fleet”, and you can still apply the tips below to your own cars. Read on to learn what you can do to maintain your vehicles and prevent issues from arising unexpectedly.   Why Fleet Maintenance is Important An improperly maintained fleet can cause a whole host of issues for your business. These include: Delayed deliveries or pick-ups Problems with transporting employees Decreased fuel efficiency (this can be costly!) Increased risk of an accident while dri ... read more