San Diego Auto Repair

Parents always make sure their kids are either in an appropriate car seat or booster or are wearing their seat belts in the car, right? Of course; even if sometimes your kids get on your nerves you love them, and (most importantly) it’s the law. So why on Earth aren’t you putting your dog in a safety harness or restraint whenever he or she rides along with you? This is especially surprising since everyone knows the dog is the most loved member of the family. (Don’t deny it, they don’t talk back.) There are many ways to keep your pet safe in the car. The first is to always have them riding in the back of the car because a front airbag detonation would most likely prove deadly in a frontal impact. The second is to use an appropriate safety harness or carrier for your pet's size and weight. And if you're the type to hold your small dog, cat, or p ... read more

May is the official start of kitten and puppy season in San Diego, which means the shelters are full of adorable fuzzies that need homes. This would be the perfect time to consider fostering those who are too young to be adopted out, or even adding a new member to your family! Since we treat our pets like they're treasured members of the family, it's no surprise that we've spent more than $55 billion last year on our animals, nor that the pet safety industry is alive and well, and even thriving! Keeping Pets Safe On The Road Image: James Hamel Americans love to drive their animal friends with them about town. Now that dogs fit in purses, pigs act like dogs, and ... read more

As electric and hybrid cars become more and more common, consumers are looking for more options that just the dealer when it comes to hybrid maintenance and repairs. How is a consumer supposed to pick a new mechanic for new technology? Here at Convoy Auto Repair we know we are committed to keeping up with the newest and greatest in green technologies, but how would the average car owner be able to find the right mechanic for their electric vehicle (or hybrid car)? Image: Wikipedia Pop Quiz! Take a note from your least favorite teacher and give any potential mechanic a pop quiz by asking a few simple questions. You'll quickly be able to determine if the mechanic is capable of handling electric and hybrid vehicles, and to make sure they’re ready for your business. First ... read more

As electric cars grow in sales and popularity, cities throughout the United States are catching up with their infrastructure. We’ve already covered the first 5 cities, and here is the final countdown in our rundown of easier cities for electric car owners to be in based on per capita charging stations reported through PlugShare. Image: FlickrSan Diego, CA San Diegans don’t just enjoy great weather – they enjoy plenty of eco-friendly amenities like electric vehicle charging stations, solar panels companies, and more! According to 10News, San Diego has the highest number of electric vehicles on the roads per capita in the USA. Plus, w ... read more

While there's never really a bad time of year to buy a greener and more energy efficient new vehicle, tax time does provide an excellent opportunity to buy your green dream machine, especially when that new car (like these electric models) comes with generous government incentives and tax rebates. Traditionally, buying an electric car is a wise move right before the end of the year, when you would have to separate the purchase along with your tax returns due April 15th. Whoops, little late for that now. Fortunately, buying an electric car now offers the best of both financial worlds, and the benefits last into 2015! By investing your tax refund from 2013 on an electric car in 2014 and taking advantage of this year's federal incentives, you're going to get to claim that purchase on your 2014 taxes and get a sweeter refund in 2015. But if that's too much math for you, trust us when we say that buying an electric vehicle now definitely has its benefits, so get on it. Inv ... read more

As electric cars grow in sales and popularity, cities throughout the United States are catching up with their infrastructure to support these alternative vehicles. However, there are a few cities that make it little easier for electric car owners. Here are the first 5 of the top 10 cities for electric cars based on per capita charging stations reported through PlugShare! Also, it's Earth Month, so maybe  now is the time to consider an alternative fuel vehicle if you don't already drive one! Image ... read more

Did you know Convoy Auto Repair performs hybrid car repair and maintenance? While most hybrid and electric car warranties require repairs to be performed at the dealership, routine maintenance can be performed by any auto repair shop, often for far cheaper. ) Our mechanics take part in ongoing training in order to service the latest hybrid and electric vehicles to ensure each customer is receiving the highest quality care regardless of what type of car they drive. Once your electric car is out of its warranty, you can get any hybrid car repair or maintenance done anywhere you please. Hybrid cars, especially, have most of the same parts as traditional cars, and those parts will need replacing and servicing as time goes on. Even all electric cars have many of the same parts that need attention over the years. Why not bring your car to Convoy Auto Repair? We offer plenty of extra conveniences to make your auto repair experience as ... read more

Sometimes when you’re car shopping, buying a brand new car just isn’t in the cards. Between the expense of the new car itself, the cost of taxes and registration, and the eventual cost of depreciation, many buyers turn to the used car marketplace to save money and still have a reliable vehicle that fits their needs exactly. That said, there are plenty of reasons why buying used is actually preferable to buying new in just about any situation. Recognizing the value of an older vehicle can save time, hassle, and all sorts of stress. Here are some of the benefits of buying used: Image: FlickrRecalls If you’re buying a used car from a dealer lot, you can bet all the recalls on the car have already been taken care of, and if they haven’t been, it’s the dealer’s responsibility to ... read more

There are thousands of vehicle makes and models for those in the market for a pre-owned vehicle. Buying an older car doesn't have to be a shot in the dark - not with so many amazing choices on the market today. We’ve already covered #10 – 6 of the top 10 used cars, and here is the remainder of our picks to #1! With so many choices available, you’re sure to find the perfect car for your lifestyle, budget, and taste on the used car marketplace. Image: Flickr#5 - Mazda MX-5 The MX-5 may not seem like a very bold choice in a vehicle, but that’s exactly why we think it’s a solid family mover. This Mazda powered minivan is one of the more unique vehicles out there, since it’s based on the popular Mazda 3 platform, but built wi ... read more

When it comes to buying an older car, there are countless options available. No matter what your tastes and needs, there are numerous used (or pre-owned, if that's your preferred lingo) options out there, and numerous price points. If you’re ready to start your search for buying an older vehicle, we’ve put together some great options to jump-start your brain. Here are our picks for number #10-6 of the top 10 best older model or used cars available: Image: Flickr#10 - Toyota Highlander The Highlander combines family-friendly features like 4 doors, seating for 5, and a large cargo area with the legendary Toyota reliability. Toyota came out with the model in 2001, which means there’s a wealth of options available in the used marketplace, which can vary in features, mileage, and care, depending on your budget and needs. #9 - Honda Accord The Honda ... read more