Carlsbad Auto Repair

It has happened to all of us. You're driving along, unbothered, jamming out to your music when the dreaded event occurs: a light pops up on your dashboard that wasn't there before. It's important to stay calm, take a deep breath, and check your vehicle's manual to see what exactly has happened. In the case of a TPMS warning light popping up (tire pressure monitoring system), we are here to help you with the next steps!   What is a TPMS Warning Light? The TPMS warning light on your dashboard typically will have a sort of horseshoe-looking symbol with an exclamation point inside. This warning light is there to alert you when your tire pressure is too low, thus jeopardizing the safety of you and others on the road. If this light appears on your dashboard, it means that your tires aren't inflated as they should be which could lead to serious problems such as tire blowouts, excess tire wear, and others.   What Do You Do Next ... read more

Black Friday is a crazy time to be out and about; the roads and parking lots will be packed with impatient and short-tempered shoppers this year. According to Progressive Insurance, there are 34% more vehicle accidents on Black Friday than usual. And about a third of those collisions happen in a parking lot. If you plan on going out to get a deal on your holiday shopping, you may want to brush up on your parking skills beforehand. We've put together this guide to make sure you get through the day safely! Be Alert - As a pedestrian and a driver, please stay alert in crowded areas. Even if you think you have the right of way, other drivers may get distracted or be impatient. Reverse Out of Your Parking Spot Carefully - Leaving your parking spot could be the most critical part of your shopping day, especially if many cars are searching for vacant spots. With a limited field of view, many things can go wrong. To be more cautious, triple-check the path behind you and then back up extr ... read more

If you've had your vehicle for a while, you're probably accustomed to how it operates and the sort of sounds it makes. This is why you may be taken back a bit if you overhear an unusual sound mid-drive. Depending on what you overhear, your vehicle could signal something wrong, and you need to take a trip to the auto shop soon. Here are some everyday car noises that may indicate trouble: Screeching that emanates from under the hood can indicate a defective belt or pully. The screeching sound can sometimes occur in a pattern. For instance, you may hear the screech every time the strap makes a loop.  A hissing sound under the hood can mean you have a damaged pipe. A broken hose or pipe can lead to all sorts of fluid leaks, so it's best to take it to Carlsbad pronto. A metal clanking sound means there's a problematic metal-to-metal contact somewhere in the vehicle. It can be due to having too low motor oil, causing friction with engine parts. If you hear high-pitch ... read more

Like your engine oil or coolant, it's also essential to check your transmission fluid level to ensure it's at the level it needs to be. It is only possible if your vehicle doesn't have a closed or sealed transmission system. When your transmission fluid levels get low, you will need to bring it to a trusted auto repair shop for a transmission fluid flush or exchange, as well as an inspection of the entire transmission system.   First, Locate the Dipstick Your vehicle should come equipped with a transmission fluid dipstick for inspection purposes. It looks very similar to the oil dipstick but can be more challenging to find. Most of the time, it has a red handle on top. Front-wheel vehicles tend to have the dipstick positioned at the front of the engine near the transaxle. In contrast, it is closer to the back of the engine in rear-wheel-drive vehicles. If you are still struggling to locate the dipstick, please refer to your owner's manual.    How to ... read more

Simply starting your car has significant implications for your engine. Over your vehicle's lifetime, air and fuel sediments can build up on the engine's components, such as the piston crowns, injection novels, and combustion chambers. The debris can choke the air induction system causing the motor to work harder. In some instances, gas mileage may be impacted and hurt your wallet every time you fill up. A fuel induction service may be your best bet to remove carbon deposits and other contaminants and restore your induction system.   Here are some of the signs to look out for that may indicate you need a fuel induction cleaning: You notice a significant loss of engine power. Your commute is rougher than usual.  You perceive shakiness when your vehicle is idling.  The check engine light comes on your dashboard.  Your car fails the emission test.  Before a fuel induction service, our skillful mechanics will inspect your vehicle to ensure we perform ... read more

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