San Diego Auto Repair

When it comes to air filters, many car owners are in the dark. What do they do? Can they affect my car’s performance? When do I need to change them? These are all great questions and signs that a person is conscientious about the “health” of their vehicle. Air filters are crucial to your car’s performance, and failure to keep them in proper repair can cause setbacks in your car’s longevity. Here are some pointers to help you understand air filters and how they can affect the way your car performs. What the Air Filter Does The main purpose of a car’s air filter is to ensure that large debris items like leaves, bugs, dust, debris, and other matter don’t get into the engine’s delicate systems. Basically, the air filter is similar to an allergy mask that some people wear to prevent pollen from getting into their systems during spring time. Similarly, vehicle air filters block larger particles from entering the engine intake, allowing only pu ... read more

One of the joys of owning a car is customizing and modifying it to suit your preferences and tastes. There are infinite ways that you can transform your car from stock to an expression of your own personal flavor and individuality. Car "modding" is a hobby that has been around since cars were invented. There are many different “schools” of car customization, and many feel that it’s an art form in itself. Whether for performance, for pure looks, or both, car mods can increase your car’s value and can set you apart from the rest of the pack. Here are 7 of the most popular car mods to check out. Wheel and Rim Mods This is one mod that can have a direct influence on your car’s performance. For instance, wheel size and width can affect grip and acceleration, while a lower tire profile can help to reduce weight. Another popular mod is to go wi ... read more

Everyone loves remote control (RC) cars! These fast, zippy little machines make us feel like little kids again and allow us to race and go off road when we personally can’t. They are truly vehicles for our imaginations—there’s nothing like spending some time jumping them off ramps, doing donuts, and trying tricks with these miniature beasts. They’re also great for trying out mods and swapping parts to make them perform better. RC cars go by many names, including radio control cars, remote controlled cars and other names. The hobby has also expanded to include RC airplanes, hovercrafts, helicopters, boats, drones, and more. At Convoy Auto Repair, we love all things cars and car-related. Check out some of the best RC shops and hobby shops in San Diego. Hobby People 4344 Convoy Street This favorite local RC shop is right down the street from us on Convoy Street. They have a nice selection of RC cars and airplanes, model trains, and other hobby-related items and s ... read more

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

A fun, safe way to hone your competitive driving skills is to try out some good old go kart racing. When it comes to providing fast, speedy action, nothing really beats indoor and outdoor go-karts. Go-karts have advanced to become quicker, more maneuverable, and safer than ever before, making them a great option for adults and children alike. Whether you’re a car enthusiast looking to work on your close-quarters maneuvering, or a novice just looking for some plain all-out fun, go kart racing is the thing to do these days. Here are a few of San Diego’s best go-kart racing venues for you to check out this weekend! K-1 Speed 1709 Main Street, San Diego, CA 92101   K-1 Speed is one of San Diego’s premier indoor go-kart venues. They have a beautiful quarter-mile track with lots of turns to keep you on your toes the entire time. Their indoor electric go-karts rate at 20 hp, and can reach spe ... 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