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

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

When making a decision to purchase a used vehicle, it should always be inspected by a third party before purchase. While there are many very reputable used car dealers in San Diego, we have found over the years that we are able to uncover many needs, neglected maintenance or concerns not addressed in the dealer’s multipoint inspection process. Most dealers use entry level technicians and mechanic’s helpers to perform their own multipoint inspection punch list. While it may look impressive, it generally is pretty surface level. On the flip side, when Convoy has a seasoned ASE certified technician inspect the vehicle, they use their years of experience and a "fine tooth comb" to inspect the vehicle. This is where we discover all of the skeletons in the closet. In this particular inspection, a Convoy customer brought in a Volvo they had just purchased from a very reputable dealer. After further inspection, we found an oil leak, and a possible transmission problem. Si ... read more