San Diego Auto Repair

Getting the right auto air conditioning service before summer hits is essential in making sure that both you and your car stay cool and run smoothly. Over the winter, a car’s A/C system will often see little or no use, meaning that parts can freeze up, corrode, or fail without a driving ever being aware of it. When the system is started in the summer, it may either produce very little cold air or none at all. If an A/C issue is left unserviced, it can cause not only a lack of comfort, but it can also cause serious damage to the car itself. There are a number of problems that auto air conditioning service can address, and two of the most common are torn or cracked drive belts that turn the air compressor and a plugged condenser, which cools the refrigerant as it is circulating through the system. If either of these parts becomes damaged, a vibration inside the car may result, along with reduced air flow or a ... read more

Good brakes are obviously very important. If you've ever had your brakes go out while you're driving around the San Diego area, you'll know how terrifying it can be. Today we'll focus on how to tell when you have a brake problem, and how to make good repair choices. Often, the first indication that something's wrong with the brakes is an unusual sound. It could be a squeal, chatter or grinding sound. Some brake pads have a little piece of metal embedded in them that will make a squeal or chirping sound when the brake pads have been worn down to the point that they need to be replaced. It's an early warning indicator. When you hear that sound, schedule an appointment at Convoy Auto Repair soon. Now a chattering sound is more urgent. That usually indicates that something is loose. It could be a brake pad or even the brake calipers. If one of those parts falls off, you could have some serious trouble stopping the vehicle. It would be a g ... read more

If you've ever been in a car accident around San Diego, even a minor one, you know how upsetting it can be. It's hard to think straight and know what to do. Let's review what you should do in case of an accident: When an accident occurs, you should always stop. Leaving the scene of an accident is considered a crime in CA - even if it's not your fault. And hit-and-run penalties are fairly severe, possibly resulting in steep fines, loss of your driver's license or even jail time. Most states, including CA require that you try to help someone who is injured by calling for help or performing first aid if you are able. Warn other San Diego motorists by putting out flares, using your flashers or lifting your hood. Call 911 as soon as possible. Tell the operator if medical or fire help is needed. Always file a police report. It's tempting to skip this if everything seems to be ok. But without a police report, the other guy c ... read more

Provided that your vehicle undergoes proper auto maintenance, a road trip can be an exciting way to get out of the house and see our great nation. Leaving from San Diego, the road trip options are nearly endless. One could head to San Francisco, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, or even New Orleans. On any road trip, however, there are items an individual should consider bringing, lest you experience discomfort along your route. 1. Naturally, auto maintenance is a must for any road trip. No one wants to break down along their journey, which is why visiting an auto shop is important. Auto maintenance will ensure that the brakes are functioning correctly, the car is properly aligned, the engine is not overheating, and that all fluids are at desired levels. 2. First aid supplies and medicines should be remembered, as should toiletries. 3. Cameras, music, and books are ideal entertainment solutions. 4. Just because you’re in a vehicle, this does not mean tha ... read more

Hey San Diego, is this thing on?!! This Friday, Split Decision is dishing out some great live music at Tango Del Rey in Pacific Beach. Our good buddy Rich Krantzman kills on the drums, and his band cranks out classic rock hits from Journey, The Cars, and Billy Idol, just to name a few. The show is scheduled to start at 8:30 on April 1st, and you'd be a fool if you weren't planning on attending. Rock On!

Even though the weather in San Diego has been unpredictable lately; one day we have beautiful sunshine and the next, it’s pouring rain... we still have a week’s worth of fun to keep you busy - no matter what Mother Nature is in the mood for this week! This Wednesday, March 30th, is Commune Wednesday, a monthly event that celebrates local art, music and fashion every last Wednesday of the month. Their goal is to celebrate local arts and music while educating people about the harm caused by the tobacco industry, and shift the focus of the younger generation from smoking to creative music and art. This week features a trunk show by Magpie Cacti, art by Jen Fong, musical performances by The Stere ... read more

Weight is the enemy of fuel economy. Everyone here knows this makes sense. Some of us in the area carry a bunch of unnecessary weight, and I'm not talkin' what you see in the mirror. Guys; sports equipment and tools. Ladies; well, just take a look around the passenger compartment and trunk. I think my car has about forty-five pounds of French fries on the floor. All that extra weight wastes gas as you drive between here and there, and everywhere else in between. Lose the junk and save some money. ...And you really only need one of those spare tires

Bad air quality while you're driving around is nothing to sneeze at. But seriously, more and more vehicles these days come equipped with a car air filter. Since they're fairly new on the scene, a lot of folks don't know about them yet. These filters clean the air in the passenger compartment, or cabin, of your car or truck. They do the same job as the furnace filter you have at home. They can filter out particles as small as thee microns. By contrast, a grain of sand is about 200 microns. So your cabin air filer can clean out dust, pollution, pollen and spores, to keep the air in your car nice and clean. And just like your furnace filter, they need to be replaced when they get dirty. Check your owner's manual, but they typically need to be replaced at around twelve to fifteen thousand miles. The filter is usually either under the hood or under the dashboard. Some are a little tricky to get to, so you'll want ... read more

With high fuel prices in San Diego comes lots of gas saving advice. Some of it is really great. Some is myth. And some is just designed to prey on people desperate to save some money on gas. When you get one of those e-mails that's going around telling you how to save gas, try to think it through. Does it really make sense? Does it defy the laws of physics? Do some research on the internet or ask your San Diego service advisor at Convoy Auto Repair. There aren't any magic pills you can drop in your gas tank and the government hasn't suppressed a device you can clamp on your fuel line to make your car run on air. Not even in San Diego! So next time you get one of those e-mails, check it out with an automotive professional. You'll get more bang for your buck with an car oil change or an engine air filter replacement. We're Convoy Auto Repair ... read more

Spring is in the air in San Diego! With longer days and warmer weather, we have some great suggestions on how to enjoy your week; from film festivals to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and some free family art fun, this week is sure to be a busy one! The 18th annual San Diego Latino Film Festival is happening now through Saturday, March 20th in San Diego. It features 185 documentaries, feature films, animations and shorts - as well as parties, talks with he filmmakers, and more. The festival is being held at UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas and tickets are still available for purchase. General admission tickets are $10 or you can purchase a $90 film pass, which includes entrance to 11 films, no waiting in lines, and VIP seating. Support the local arts a ... read more