Carlsbad Auto Repair

Autumn means apple cider, pumpkins, and falling leaves, but it also means that Winter is right around the corner. Even though it's warm in Carlsbad, you probably enjoy the chilly weather, bundling up under a blanket, and drinking a steaming cup of hot chocolate like the rest of us. But this Winter, the weather can take a toll on your vehicle. Winterization of your car is critical especially if you plan to drive into the mountains or out of state.  Fall is the perfect season to prepare your vehicle for holiday travel, especially as the temperatures have not yet dropped and are still relatively warm. Preventative maintenance before Winter is officially here helps ensure your vehicle's longevity and driveability during the colder months. The team at Carlsbad Auto Service will perform these steps, along with others, when winterizing your vehicle:  If needed, our technicians will flush and put new antifreeze in your cooling system. Typically, this procedure is completed ... read more

California is experiencing a record number of wildfires across the state, and these fires lead to a vast amount of smoke and ash. The smoke and ash negatively affect our health, leading to several symptoms. Not only does this ash and smoke jeopardize our health, but it also affects our vehicle, specifically our cabin and engine air filters.  A new air filter will be sparkling white, but you will find the air filter blackened with ash and other debris after a relentless fire season. Ash is fine, which means it will make its way through the backside. Your cabin air filter keeps particles, including dust, dirt, pollen, bacteria, and ash, from entering the passenger compartment of your vehicle.  When your engine air filter is dirty, your engine cannot breathe properly, which means low fuel economy, engine power loss, and higher emissions. A dirty cabin air filter affects your health, as contaminants, including ash and smoke, will enter your cabin. A newly replaced cabin air fil ... read more

We can't believe that Labor Day is almost here. Time is flying by. The team at Carlsbad Auto Service wants you to have a fun and family-friendly holiday this year. We have compiled a list of Labor Day getaways all within driving distance of Carlsbad. In the wake of COVID-19, we would like to remind you that certain destinations may be offering different hours and venue options. We recommend planning your Labor Day getaway ahead of time and checking all possible destinations for their hours and protocols.  Here are the top 5 Labor Day getaways all within driving distance of Carlsbad:  La Jolla: For nature lovers, La Jolla is an excellent option. La Jolla is home to many beautiful beaches, including some of the best surfing and diving spots in California as well as the La Jolla Ecological Reserve. For hiking, you can head over to the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.  Julian: Located an hour east of San Diego in the Cuyamaca Mounta ... read more

Back-to-school season can be hectic for both parents and students alike. We all seem to have a mile-long to-do list. Even in the wake of COVID-19, and schools being different this year, we have to ensure we stay up on vehicle maintenance. The technicians at Carlsbad Auto Service recommend making sure vehicle maintenance is on your to-do list.  Keeping up with preventative maintenance can prevent potentially costly and dangerous repairs down the road. We don’t want you to have to deal with significant auto repairs during the busy school season. Here is how we plan on getting your vehicle ready for the back-to-school season:  Fluids Our technicians will examine your vehicle’s fluid levels, including your motor oil, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid. We will also look for any leaks.  Battery We will take a look at your vehicle’s battery to ensure all connections are correctly tightened ... read more

We all know that winter takes a toll on your vehicle, but what about summer? The summer months can also wreak havoc on your vehicle. The warm weather, hot pavement, long road trips, and dry air can be detrimental to your vehicle’s overall condition. Just like how you must stay hydrated to combat this season, your vehicle must too.  Known as “antifreeze” during the winter and “coolant” during the summer, this fluid plays a crucial role in keeping your vehicle hydrated during the summer. Low coolant levels can lead to potentially dangerous and costly situations. Worn hoses or a damaged radiator can lead to coolant fluid leaks, causing your vehicle’s temperature to increase. When your vehicle’s temperature increases, you run the risk of overheating. Engines can overheat for many different reasons, but there is usually an issue with your car’s cooling system. The heat is trapped within your vehicle’s engine and unable to escape, w ... read more

There seems to be an app for everything! The App Store is inundated with apps, and it can be challenging to find the best automotive apps -- it’s like finding a needle in the haystack. Fortunately, the team at Carlsbad Auto Service is here to help. We have compiled a list of the most useful and helpful automotive apps out there.  Carcorder: Dashcams are becoming more and more popular. These are especially helpful in matters of security, as they capture even the smallest details. If you are in an accident, a dashcam can be a source of invaluable information. If you are looking for an alternative to a dashcam, Carcorder is the app for you. This app will transform your phone into a dashcam, while even tracking your location and letting you know if you are driving over the speed limit. Carcorder is for iPhones.  AutoMate: This app is specific to Androids, and it allows you to turn your phone into a hands-free command center. You can easily use Google Maps, send messages ... read more

Auto repair can be confusing. There are so many nuts and bolts, no pun intended, and you might find yourself feeling a little lost when you try to think of the difference between a timing belt and a transmission. Fortunately, the team at Carlsbad Auto Service is here to help. You have enough going on, and the last thing you should stress about is auto repair. We will properly service and repair your vehicle while easing your worries each step of the way. All your questions will be answered, honestly, and accurately.  This automotive repair FAQ is just a starting point -- here are important questions we will answer about your vehicle and auto repair in general:  Q: What exactly is preventative maintenance, and why is it important?  When it comes to the service and repair of your vehicle, it is better to take a proactive approach. Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, it will require certain services at different intervals. These services are ... read more

Spring is officially here, and we are starting to see the telltale signs of this season: clocks have already sprung forward, the sun is beginning to peek out from behind the clouds, and blooming flowers are beginning to sprinkle along the roadside. Yet, spring also means spring showers! We all know the saying: April showers mean May flowers! The team at Carlsbad Auto Service wants you to stay safe out there. Here is how to deal with spring rainstorms:  Make sure to slow down on those wet and slippery roads! Rain is the deadliest weather-related driving hazard. Spring showers result in slick roads because water is mixing with oil in the pavement. The first 10 minutes of light rain is the most dangerous for hydroplaning, especially if you are driving at speeds above 35 mph. This means you need to slow down during those spring rainstorms.  Sometimes, we see those large puddles on the pavement, and we can’t resist the urge to drive through and see the splash! However, thi ... read more

We all know that your vehicle’s manufacturer has a recommended service schedule for preventative maintenance. At certain intervals, specific services are recommended, including oil changes, fluid level checks, and tire rotation, to name a few. It is easy to forget about these services, especially as life gets busy, and we think “Well, it’s probably fine.”  Unfortunately, it’s not probably fine, as many of these services are designed to prevent potentially expensive and dangerous auto repairs from happening. Here are the five most preventable auto repairs:  Transmission replacement: Transmission fluid needs to be checked or replaced on a routine basis. If you don’t have your transmission fluid checked, you run the risk of needing a transmission replacement -- an expensive and time consuming repair.  Blown head gasket: The head gasket can fail if your engine overheats. To avoid this repair, make sure to have a qualified technician che ... read more

It seems like just yesterday that we were opening gifts for Christmas and ringing in the New Year with our loved ones. Before you know it, Valentine’s Day will be here, and you will be racing to the florist to purchase a dozen roses. The team at Carlsbad Auto Service is here to help make sure Valentine's Day doesn't surprise you this year and has put together a list of the most romantic road trips in California. Ojai: The scenic route between L.A. and Ojai usually takes about two hours. There are cool places to stop at along the way, such as a tour of Mission San Buenaventura, also known as “Mission By the Sea.”  Ojai is the perfect destination if you are looking for a break from city life. This is a charming, picturesque town, complete with yummy restaurants, hiking, and even horseback riding.  Palm Springs: The road trip to Palm Springs isn’t the most beautiful drive, but there are fun and popular places to ... read more