San Diego Auto Repair

Photo by Lorenzo Hamers on Unsplash Do I Need To Go To A Mechanic For Every Dashboard Light? When you're driving, the last thing you want is to see a warning light flashing on your dashboard. It's natural to feel concerned and wonder if you must rush to the nearest auto shop. But the truth is, not every dashboard light requires immediate attention from a mechanic.    For most dashboard lights, you can look up what they mean in your manual and determine if going to a mechanic is necessary. You may need to inflate your tires or make a quick fix. Otherwise, it’s best to visit a mechanic for consultation.   Understanding the different types of lights and their significance can save you time, money, and unnecessary trips to the auto shop. This blog post will break down the most common dashboard lights and help you determine when to consult a mechanic. T ... read more

Photo by Lorenzo Hamers on Unsplash   New Vehicle This Summer? Don't Forget a PPI! Summer is here, and for many people in San Diego, that means it's time to buy a new vehicle. But before you sign on the dotted line, get a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) from a trusted auto repair shop. A PPI can help you avoid costly surprises and give you peace of mind knowing that your new ride is in good shape. What is a Pre-Purchase Inspection? A PPI is a thorough examination of a vehicle by a qualified mechanic. During the inspection, the mechanic will check for any mechanical, electrical, or safety issues affecting the vehicle's performance or safety. They will also look for signs of wear and tear, accident damage, and other potential problems that could impact the vehicle's value.   Why is a PPI so important? Buying a car is a significant investment, and you wan ... read more

Photo by Daniel @ bestjumpstarterreview.com on Unsplash How to check your vehicle’s battery Have you ever been in a hurry to get to work or school, and your vehicle won’t start? A dead or damaged battery can cause it. Having your vehicle break down in the middle of the road due to a dead or damaged battery can be another nightmare.   Even if jump-starting your vehicle may get you to your work or school, the best option is to replace your battery before other significant issues arise. For this reason, it is helpful to know when your battery needs to be replaced, and in this month’s blog, we will share some tips on how you can check your vehicle’s battery.  Signs to know when to replace your ve ... read more

Before you know it, Valentine’s Day will be here, and you might find yourself in desperate need of a few ideas on how you can spend and celebrate the day with your loved one. The team at Convoy Auto Repair is here to help, as we think a romantic drive along the beautiful California coast is the perfect way to spend your day. Here are some of the most lovely and romantic drives in San Diego and Southern California:   Sunrise Scenic Byway: The name of this 24-mile road trip through East San Diego County says it all. Bask in the glow of the sun, while you travel through Laguna Mountain Recreation Area and along the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail in the Cleveland National Forest. Ortega Highway Mountain Escape: During the winter months, you will find yourself transported to a winter wonderland, as you drive past canyons, forests, hillsides, and even boulders dusted with a light blanket of snow. Rim of the World Scenic Byway: If the name alone isn’t enough to p ... read more

If you’re like most of us, you spent good money when you bought your car, truck, van, or SUV. Automobiles are a major asset for most people. They allow us to commute to and from work, carry precious cargo, and give us a strong sense of independence. Because we often rely so much on our vehicles, it’s important to take care of them and protect our investment in them. The team at Convoy Auto Repair loves cars of all types, makes, shapes, and models. Over the years, we have recorded several videos showing some of the service and repair jobs we’ve had the good fortune to handle. Check out these videos and see for yourself why preventive maintenance is one of the key means of protecting the investment you’ve made in your cars. Electric Fuel Pump Repair Broken Water Pump Repair Coolant Leak Repair Transfer Case Repair Radiator Repair If you have any concerns about the service and repair of your vehicle, Convoy Auto Repair is here to help. Stop by Convoy Auto Repai ... read more

We were reminded of this adage due to the particularly wet winter we had. But the dryness of Summer is still far off. So, with some wet weather still to go, we thought we would share some simple tips that will help keep you safer in the wet weather. Rain changes things about driving, and habits that you might have may need to be adjusted. Slow down and increase the distance between yourself and the next car. You have a poorer stopping distance on wet surfaces. Turn on your lights, even during the day. Other cars notice you more quickly with your lights on. When turning, brake before you enter the turn, not during the turn, then accelerate out of the turn. Avoid driving in the ruts that naturally form within lanes by driving just slightly off center from the lane. Water pools in these ruts and you can hydroplane in a deep patch. Take extra care to avoid water where you can't see the bottom. That puddle might be hiding a deep pothole. If they need it, make sure you've replaced ... read more

It has come to light in the past several years that several Dodge and Chrysler vehicles are equipped with valve stems that are prone to corrosion and damage. This failure is most common in colder parts of the country, but even here in warmer states the failure still occurs routinely. This failure can and does happen on weakened valve stems sometimes by just simply unscrewing the cap to check the tire pressure. It should be noted that the valve stem is merely the most common part that fails, other parts of the system are also at risk. If you own a 2008-2011 Dodge Grand Caravan or Chrysler Town & Country, you may be at risk. These defects can cause tire blowouts, even at low speeds. There is currently a pending lawsuit against Chrysler over this issue, and their failure to issue a recall. Later models switched to rubberized valve stems to avoid the problems found in earlier models. At Convoy, we’ve had the unfortunate experience of dealing with the effects of this firsthand. I ... read more

Are you planning a holiday road trip? If your answer is yes, then you are going to be needing some festive music to listen to. Before you on embark on your holiday adventure, take a look at the list of songs the team at Convoy Auto Repair has compiled for you. Here is a list of the top holiday songs to include on your trip to Grandma’s house: All I want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey. Rockin around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee. Santa Claus is Coming to Town by Michael Buble. Little Drummer Boy by Josh Groban. Blue Christmas by Elvis. Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt. Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms. The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole. A Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer by Gene Autry. Sleigh Ride by The Ronettes. Please Come Home For Christmas by the Eagles. Frosty The Snowman by Jimmy Durante. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer by Burl Ives. Along with planning your playlist for your holiday road ... read more

The holidays usually means that you and your family will be hitting the road more frequently. Between the drives around town to purchase holiday items and attend holiday parties, to driving longer distances to visit loved ones, your vehicle is likely to have an uptick in mileage demands. Therefore, the big question is:  Is your vehicle ready for the holidays? Here are the top five things your vehicle requires to be ready for the holiday season: Tires that have a safe amount of tread, are properly aligned and are inflated to the ideal amount for better fuel economy. If your tires are flat, bald, worn unevenly, or show signs of bulging, you may need new tires. Wiper blades that keep your windshield clean and are in good shape. Most windshield wipers are meant to last for one year. If you see cracking, strips, or bits of rubber missing from your wiper blades, it’s time to replace them. Fluids are what makes your car operate smoothly. Without the prop ... read more

As cars age, they are more likely to experience hiccups in their reliability and performance, despite your best maintenance and foresight. Here are a few emergency items to keep in your car or trunk for a quick fix on the side of the road or in your driveway, and some bonus items every driver should have with them. Image: Flickr If you have an older car, you may already know the value of having a few supplies with you in case something happens. As cars age, they are more likely to experienc ... read more