Carlsbad Auto Repair

Also known as a cambelt, a timing belt runs the engine camshaft and crankshaft. It plays the crucial role of timing the pistons' up and down movements with the opening and closing of the engine valves. The belt is made of tough rubber material, which enhances its durability. All the same, with everyday use and the belt's constant movement in the motor, it is exposed to extreme pressure, which might ultimately wear it down. If ignored, a damaged timing belt can translate to serious engine problems. Besides, the timing belt might also overstretch with time which impacts its performance. In such a case, you will notice the check engine light illuminating the dashboard or experience a slow engine pick-up. As a rule of thumb, you should have your timing belt replaced at 60,000 to 100,000 miles. However, the intervals can even be longer for newer cars, while some high-mileage vehicles might have their belts even past the recommended interval. So When Should I Replace My Timing Bel ... read more

We rely on our vehicles to get us where we need to go on a daily basis. After a number of drives, you get to know your vehicle and how it performs. This includes how it sounds, how it handles, and the standard noises it makes. That is why noticing that your vehicle doesn’t accelerate as quickly as it used to and is performing sluggishly can be a cause for concern.  A sluggish vehicle can be an annoyance, but can also be unfit for the road. Plus, it often points to an issue with your vehicle. Let’s look at some of the most common causes behind a sluggish running vehicle:  Clogged or Dirty Air Filter A clogged or dirty air filter can prevent the proper amount of air from getting into the engine, which can cause problems with its overall performance. Bad Fuel Pump or Dirty Fuel Injectors A problem with your car’s fuel system, such as a bad fuel pump or dirty fuel injectors, can prevent the proper amount of fuel from reaching the engine, thus causing it to ... read more

Your car engine works at extreme temperatures with high heat involved. When this heat gets too much, your engine will overheat leading to a blown head gasket in your engine. The extra heat causes the engine block and cylinder head to expand too much that causes a failure in your head gasket making it necessary for you to replace it. The problem is when your head gaskets fail, you are left with very few options, the best of which is to have it replaced by a licensed professional. As soon as you notice any symptoms of a bad cylinder head gasket, it is best to take action. If you wait, it may cause irreversible damage to your engine. Symptoms include; coolant leaking from the open drain lines or the entire cooling system, loud noises coming from the engine, and bubbling from the radiator. There are some precautionary measures you should be aware of when it comes to replacing a coolant, however. One of the most important steps when it comes to preventing blown head gasket causes is to ma ... read more

When you visit our smog inspection station, we will test the amount of pollutants your vehicle releases into the air. We will then check to ensure that it is in line with California's emissions requirement. The check is done biennially (with a few exceptions), and your vehicle is required to pass for complete registration. Thankfully, Carlsbad Auto Service is an AAA-approved and authorized smog test and repair station providing quality emission inspection services to our clients in Carlsbad, CA, and beyond. So, What Does a Smog Test Entail? Our ASE-certified technicians will run a performance test on your car's exhaust to ensure that it does not emit excess pollutants or smog. Our team is well equipped with state-of-the-art tools and equipment and employs cutting-edge technology to guarantee accuracy and precision. They then test your car emissions and compare them to California's standards, which will mean your vehicle passing or failing the test. What Happens if M ... read more

As much as any car is a convenience, you are bound to experience some setbacks and problems, some of which are common to all car brands and others that are brand specific. BMW is one of the car brands that have a high purchase price, and high maintenance cost. However, even with its high-performance features that make it expensive to own and maintain, BMW vehicles are known to also to have brand-specific issues. Here are the most common BMW problems. Oil Leaks As much as it is not an issue with newer BMW models, oil leaks are one of the most common problems you encounter with BMWs. Most times, oil leaks witnessed with BMWs come from the valve corners or at the transmission. It may also be a result of a failing fuel pump. Often, oil leaks in BMW are discovered through a puddle of oil under the car at the front. Cooling System Failure The engine cooling system is a very crucial component of cars, but even with the numerous advancements BMW has tried to make to improve performance and ... read more

The sun is starting to appear from behind the clouds, the temperature is slowly warming up, and the flowers are beginning to bloom -- all signs that Spring is almost here. Not only does Spring signify that Winter is officially over, but it also means it is time for Spring cleaning. We might have already started on our house, dusting off all the cobwebs and mothballs as we put our winter jackets away, but we can’t forget about our vehicles.  Winter truly takes a toll on your vehicle, not only on the exterior but on the inside too -- our little ones can’t help but track in all that dirt, mud, and grime. The team at Carlsbad Auto Service has compiled a few tips and tricks to help you carefully and thoroughly clean your vehicle’s exterior and interior:  First, let’s start with your vehicle’s carpeting and upholstery. We recommend beginning by using a damp towel to wash down the seats. If you notice any debris, mud, or dirt, you can use a portable va ... read more

Your check engine light is part of your car's onboard diagnostic system. It either flashes or remains steady whenever something goes wrong. Before we conclude whether it's safe to drive with this light on or not, let's first find out why it could turn on in the first place. Below are four common reasons. Bad Catalytic Converter The catalytic converter constitutes your vehicle's exhaust system. Its role is to transform carbon monoxide into carbon. Its failure is usually indicated by a rotten egg-smell emission. If the catalytic converter is faulty, the check engine light will turn on. Something Is Wrong with The Gas Cap The gas cap ensures the fuel system is intact and nothing is lost through evaporation. If you did not tighten your gas cap after the last refill, it could be the reason your check engine light is on. A broken, missing, cracked, or loose gas cap will turn your check engine light on. You Need to Replace The (MAF) Sensor This sensor regulates the amoun ... read more

Valentine's Day might look a little different in 2021. Still, we are fortunate to live in such a picturesque state -- California is home to so many beautiful landscapes, ranging from the snowy mountains in Tahoe to southern California's breathtaking beaches. The team at Carlsbad Auto Service can't think of a better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than spending time with two of your loves: your vehicle and your sweetheart.  The team at Carlsbad Auto Service has put together a list of the most romantic drives in California to share with your sweetheart:  Angeles Crest Highway: This magnificent mountain route begins along California State Route 2 and is approximately 66 miles long. This drive takes you through the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest. Expect relaxing and twisting turns.  Pacific Coast Highway: Pacific Coast Highway is a classic. Even though we have all been on the PCH at some point, we have ... read more

First and foremost, the team at Carlsbad Auto Service would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! We couldn't be more grateful for our customers throughout 2020, especially during such challenging times. We are looking forward to seeing what 2021 has to offer, and we can't wait to see many of you in the upcoming year for your next service.  We are all always looking for ways to improve and grow, and New Year's resolutions are an excellent way to set the tone for the rest of the year as well as give ourselves something to strive for. This year, we have come up with New Year's resolutions for better and safer driving, as being safe on the roads is always of the utmost importance.  The team at Carlsbad Auto Service recommends the following New Year's resolutions for better and safer driving:  Say 'no' to distracted driving. Did you know that nine people die every day due to distracted driving? This statistic is sobering and ... read more

The holidays are quickly approaching! In the wake of COVID-19, holidays might look a little different this year, but visiting our families is one of the biggest joys of the season. If you are still planning a holiday trip this year, the team at Carlsbad Auto Service wants you to feel safe and stress-free while you combat any holiday traffic.  Dealing with holiday traffic is also easier when your vehicle is properly serviced. We encourage you to bring your vehicle to our shop for an inspection, and we will make sure each component of your vehicle is ready for winter, including holiday traffic. To escape the heartache and headache of traffic, follow these tips:  Plan ahead! Holiday traffic peaks the day before Thanksgiving and two days before and after Christmas. If you are planning to drive or fly anywhere, try to avoid traveling on these days.  Don’t forget to get digital, especially if you are driving with little ones. If you have a big road trip ahead and are ... read more