Posted on 1/26/2015
Have you ever had a car that ran low on coolant? Or perhaps a car that overheated without warning? Coolant leaks are an indicator of a serious problem in any car. In this video, we see a 2002 Jeep Liberty that was constantly running low on coolant. The owners never saw any leaking on the ground, so they were stumped. They brought the Jeep into Convoy Auto Repair to see what the problem was, and we discovered there was indeed a leak - just not where they thought! Coolant works together with the car's radiator to make sure the engine doesn't get too hot. Overheating can damage an engine to the point that's it's unusable, especially if you keep driving when it's overheating. The water pump, fan, and serpentine belts are crucial components of your engine that allow it to function properly in rough terrain (such as going up the mountains on ... read more
Posted on 1/20/2015
If you’ve paid any attention to the news in the last month, you’ve likely seen some coverage of the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. Manufacturers bring their latest and greatest concepts and newly announced models to this annual event, and it’s often a great way to see what directions automakers are headed with their designs and technologies. Here are some of our 2015 car predictions! Image: Flickr More Electric Between Tesla’s upcoming Model X and the new Chevy Volt, the full-electric car is getting some serious contenders in the marketplace. Mileage limits are expanding and batteries are getting better, allowing both full electrics and hybrids to really push the envelope when it comes to conserving fuel. Hyundai also announced a new plug-in hybrid that can go a whopping 22 miles before it even starts ... read more
Posted on 1/20/2015
If you haven't had one yet, you will eventually: the dreaded flat tire. You’re driving along, probably to work, and the car pulls to one side or loses momentum as the air escapes. Some cars have a tire pressure monitoring system that flashes, letting you know which wheel to check, or just turning on a light. So what now? Image: FlickrTurn on your hazards and pull off the road as quickly and safely as your are able. The shoulders on the highways were invented just for this kind of thing! (Make sure you don’t try to drive too far on a flat tire, you could do serious damage to your wheel or your drivetrain, turning a flat tire into a costly repair.) Safely exit the car and identify which tire is flat. Hopefully you already know where your spare tire is and know that it’s full of air, but if you don’t, check your owners manual for the loc ... read more
Posted on 1/16/2015
If you’re interested in customizing the wheels and tires on your sedan, there are a few things you should know first. Read on for The Convoy Auto Repair guide to custom wheels! Most importantly, the wheels you buy need to fit your vehicle. Not all wheels are created equal. Too many San Diego auto owners have bought a set of wheels that caught their eye, then, after going to the work of mounting them, have found that the wheels don’t fit right and the tires rub against the sedan when they turn or go over a bump. To ensure a proper fit, you can consult with your Convoy Auto Repair tire professional. He/she can also help you find tires that are suited to your driving habits as well as your sedan. You may find their auto advice invaluable, and you’ll probably be happier with your new wheels once you purchase them. But if you just have to have that set of wheels, and you’re willing to pay for t ... read more
Posted on 1/12/2015
2015 is here and it’s time to reflect on the previous 12 months and take a moment to think about self-improvement. For some of us that means a new exercise routine or a promise to learn a new skill. For others, that means sticking to a firm cleaning schedule or working toward a specific goal. But what about your car? New Years can be the perfect time to make a calendar for you and your car to make sure your ride is in tip-top shape. Start by taking a look at your manual and see what services your car is due for in the next 10,000 miles. If you have a higher mileage car and aren’t sure about the upcoming service requirements, schedule an appointment and we’ll be happy to set you up with a service schedule and recommend any other repairs your individual car may need. Starting off your year with an inspection can also set you off on the right foot for saving up for essentials or major repairs. New tires, major services, and unexpec ... read more
Posted on 1/5/2015
Considering the Ford Escape for your next new ride? Why not? It's one of the least expensive cars to insure, comes with a very sweet parking assist feature (the car literally parallel parks itself), and comes fully loaded for under $35,000 (under $30K for the base model). Our friends at Why This Ride? have a video review to share after having the vehicle for a week. The highlights of the Ford Escape are the surprising styling inside and out, the 2.0 litre, 240 horsepower/270 lbs. feet of torque Ecoboost 4-cylinder, and the affordability of the car fully loaded. This is a great car for a daily commuter for the whole family, and it looks pretty great, too! Check out the video for the full review! Image ... read more