San Diego Auto Repair

The temperatures are rising, flowers are beginning to bloom, and the sun is starting to shine. We all know what this means: spring is here, and summer is just around the corner. If you are like us at Convoy Auto Repair, we love road trips, and we enjoy them even more, we have our trusty sidekick with us, our beloved pup. It is the best of both worlds: out on the open road with two of our favorites, our vehicle, and our dog.  Before we embark on any road trip with our pup in the warmer months, it is essential to make sure we are prepared. Driving with our furry friends may present some challenges if we don’t take the time to go over and review safety tips. Fortunately, the team at Convoy Auto Repair has put together five of the essential tips for traveling with your trusty sidekick, your dog:  Be mindful of any pet food you are bringing with you on your trip. Pet food is at risk of both spilling and spoiling, neither of which we want to deal with!  Water, water ... read more

Unfortunately, our vehicles can’t talk to us, but we can pay attention to sure signs, and some of these signs scream a little bit louder than other ones. When your vehicle makes a specific engine noise, it can mean numerous things, but the most important takeaway is that you should schedule a visit at Convoy Auto Repair for an inspection.  When you hear one of these noises emanating from your engine, you can think of it as your car’s cry to help. Here are the top 5 engine noises that scream service is necessary:  Hissing Sounds: If your engine is making a hissing noise, it is often indicative that there is an issue with your vehicle’s cooling system or your vacuum line.  Clunking: Is your vehicle making a clunking noise, especially when your car is going over a bump or pothole? If your answer is yes, your vehicle may be trying to tell you that there is an issue with the undercarriage.  Howling: Did you even know your vehicle could make a howlin ... 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

San Diego may not suffer the extreme temperature drops that other cities do, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have winter! In colder climates, drivers need to think about how to prepare their cars for winter: antifreeze, engine heaters, ice scrapers, snow tires...the list goes on. Here in Southern California, we only really have one major concern: tire pressure and condition. Image: Flickr As the temperatures drop in the winter months, the air in your tires gains density. That increased density means lower air pressure in your tires, leaving them under inflated. What does that mean? Underinflated tires can cause improper tire wear, reducing the lifespan of your tires. They can also reduce your fuel economy, as a tire with low pressure has increased resistance. Most importantly, an underinfla ... read more

Although it's officially been the fall season for some time now, it's only just now starting to feel like autumn in San Diego. However, this means cool weather - and rain! - is not far behind. As preparation for the season, make sure your car is in prime condition. When the seasons are a-changing, it 's always a good idea to take your car to a local mechanic for a check-up. Things to look at include the battery, antifreeze level, heater, brakes and defroster. In addition, have any other miscellaneous fluids checked, especially if the last maintenance check was over summer. This will ensure the basic functions are in order and you won't be subject to unpleasant surprises. Another important place to focus on is the tires. Be sure there is enough tread left to handle the slick roads and rotate the tires. Rainy weather also calls for the use of ... read more