Carlsbad Auto Repair

The answer to what makes a good mechanic is not as simple as it once was. A 1968 Ford Mustang is a lot easier to work on than a 2019 Mustang. Those were the good old days of simplicity and ease when it came to popping the hood and fixing a problem. Those days are long gone. Now a good auto mechanic also has to be a true technician, a computer whiz, and possess wicked diagnostic abilities. It’s also not just about the mechanic: look into the shop itself. When you have a great team up front, it allows the mechanics to focus on their work under the hood of your car.  Let's start with the basics when it comes to the person performing all the mechanical/technical work. Training and experience are critical. What's even more significant is a mechanic's ability to see the bigger picture, to look beyond the obvious and be able to trace back a diagnostic code to possible other contributing factors. Just like humans, when you go to see a doctor, you don't want them to ... read more

February is a month known for showing some love. After all, how can anyone not think of love when Valentine’s Day takes center stage in the middle of the month? In the spirit of this romantic season, we thought it would be fun to share what we love best about our customers. So, how do we love our customers? Let us count the ways… 1. We love their loyalty and the confidence they have in the quality of our work and the knowledge of our team. 2. We love their patience, understanding, and cooperation when we need to keep their vehicle a little longer than estimated. 3. We love the relationships that we've formed with our customers throughout the years (many who have been with us since we started the business over 33 years ago) and the great conversations we have when they come in whether it's about sports, family stories, travel, etc. 4. We love that many of our customers are children and grandchildren of longtime customers. 5. We love how supportive of our busin ... read more

Happy New Year! It’s a new year, a fresh start, and a unique chance to do what’s best for you this year. Are you taking up a new hobby? Going to start a new workout routine? Taking up meditation or yoga? Eat clean? Drink more water? Get out with friends more? The ways that you can find to recommit yourself to your health, wealth, and well-being in 2019. Here’s one way.  Might we suggest...caring for your car! No matter how old or new your car is, there are a lot of things you can do to improve its performance. Even just regular auto repair and maintenance can make a huge difference in your car’s overall health...as well as its lifespan!  Whether it’s an oil change, a brake fluid replacement, a transmission flush, an engine rebuild, or a 60,000-mile service, Carlsbad Auto Service can get you set up with the very best TLC for your car. Your car will perform better, and you will leave knowing that you got the very best auto repair service that m ... read more

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: time to drive over the river and through the woods to see your friends and family and celebrate the holidays! But how to keep the munchkins happy--and how to keep their parents sane on the long drive? Read on to find out…. Listen to audiobooks Consider a classic series, like Harry Potter, The Hobbit, or maybe The Chronicles of Narnia. Kids love imaginative adventures, and you’ll love the peace and quiet that comes with occupied little minds--as well as the joy of passing on your favorites to your kiddos. Consider a new educational game or two for the iPad. None of us like to rely on the electronic babysitter, but there’s a time and a place--and trust us, long road trips are as a good a time as any. There are thousands of educational games to choose from. Here is a good list to get you started.  Car games One great way to engage the whole family is to play car games! Check out some of our favorites. Pack well. Pl ... read more

At Carlsbad Auto Service, we want to make sure you have the safest and happiest holiday season imaginable! Tensions run high this time of year, and we want to help you relax and hold space for the things that matter in life: Your loved ones! So, without further ado, here are our hot tips for a cool holiday driving season: Check your tires Here in Sunny CA, we don’t need to worry much about snow. However, winter rains can wreak havoc on tires that are bald or unevenly worn, so November is a great time to winterize these tires. Have them checked out at our auto shop! Check your fluids Checking your fluids should be part of every routine auto repair maintenance! Brake fluid, transmission fluid, oil, and washer fluid all should be topped off. Your car gets thirsty just like you, and keeping these fluids at appropriate levels means your vehicle will run better! Don’t drink and drive  It should go without saying. If you are going to drink, please arrange for a designated ... read more

So, after much research and agonizing, you finally did it. You bought that new car and drove it off the lot...and now you want to get rid of that new car smell! Never fear--we’ve got the scoop on how to quell that smell!  Leave Car in Hot Sun. Parking your car in direct sun can help reduce that smell. It’s counterintuitive to park in the sun, but give it a try.  Leave the windows open Whenever possible and safe, leave the windows rolled down. If you have a garage, park your car inside it and leave all the windows down all night long. This allows natural air to circulate through the vehicle. Consider an essential oil diffuser. Essential oils pack a powerful punch. Avoid calming scents like lavender, which might make you feel sleepy. Instead, opt for citrus, like lemon, grapefruit, or orange. Try this diffuser. Get the car detailed. These can be expensive, but worth it! Alternatively, you can detail your car yourself using this handy how-to video. Whether you l ... read more

Every year, it happens --a fleet of bright young faces go off to college, taking with them their hopes and dreams, as well as our own. Our bright young men and women go off to the halls of learning to sharpen their minds, hone their skills, and hopefully, graduate! What happens now?  The best thing you can do is make sure your college-bound student has a good vehicle that is well maintained. The following are a few of our favorites:  Acura We’ve heard that the Acura TSX, particularly from 2004-2008, are good cars if you’re looking for something affordable. Acura TSX has a great safety record, which can give you some peace of mind. And with lots of models still on the market, even previous to 2004, you shouldn’t be hard pressed to find something in your price point.    If you’re looking for high safety ratings as well as superior mileage and easy part replacement, look no further than Honda! Their cars are reliable to the max, and you really ... read more

What’s the hottest thing about summer? Your car! How may you ask? Well, cars need care and maintenance, as we all know. During the hot summer months, the added strain of the AC can make it challenging for vehicles to regulate their temperatures. The last thing you want is to be stranded at the side of the road with an overheated car! That being said, it can happen to the best of us.  Here are our cool tips on how to handle overheating this summer.  Pull over. Do NOT continue driving a car that is obviously overheating! If you see steam coming out of your engine area, illuminate your hazard lights and get quickly and safely to the side of the road. There, you can assess the damage and decide on next steps. Be Prepared. Make sure that you always have a gallon of water and a gallon of coolant in the trunk of your car. Keep extra water in your vehicle available for drinking, in case you get stranded longer than you expect.  Turn off AC Air conditioning. It may cool ... read more

Got the munchies? With Americans commuting an average of over 100 minutes per day, it’s important to make sure that your car is a place you can relax and enjoy the drive. Last month, we covered some tunes that are great for summer road trips. This month, we’ll talk about the best car snacks! Eating food from a drive-through while on the road is often expensive, and let’s face it, messy. No one wants to arrive at the PTA meeting with the crusty remains of a Quarter Pounder with cheese on their shirt!   You can get yourself nourished without too much work if you pack the right snacks! One great protein-packed option is meat bars like these Epic Bars. They are made with grass-fed beef and taste delicious!   Another very tasty option is Larabars. With a host of flavors and varie ... read more

After a long chilly winter, it's time to start thinking about those well-deserved summer road trips. Even more importantly, it's time to put together that playlist of songs that will accompany you on your getaway and offer the feeling of freedom, vibrancy, and joy. Below are some tunes that are sure to keep you singing and your fingers tappin':   "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers: Any Bill Wither's tune is a great companion in or out of your car. Listening to "Lovely Day" with the windows down and the sunroof open can turn any dreary mood into positive feelings.   "Africa" by Toto: This Toto song is guaranteed to bring some zest and good vibrations.   "American Pie" by Don McLean: It's almost impossible not to belt this favorite tune at the top of your lungs.   "Lyin’ Eyes" by The Eagles: With the 3-part harmonies and very beatable chorus, even the grumpiest of drivers and passengers are ... read more