Carlsbad Auto Repair

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

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

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

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

Happy New Year from the team at Carlsbad Auto Service! We wish both you and your vehicle a happy and healthy New Year! The key to keeping your vehicle performing in tip-top shape throughout the year and even decade is preventative maintenance. This year one of your New Year’s resolutions should be to develop a preventative maintenance plan.  If you own a vehicle, it is very tempting to ignore any maintenance and play the waiting game until something goes wrong. However, as you can imagine, this is a bad idea. Most expensive and potentially dangerous auto repairs are easily preventable with a preventative maintenance plan.  You can think of preventative maintenance as a doctor’s trip for your vehicle. Just like how you go to the doctor for a check-up, your vehicle needs to see the technicians at Carlsbad Auto Service for a check-in. Our team will check your oil, tire pressure, and other routine maintenance designed to prolong the longevity of your vehicle. Our te ... read more

December is here, which means we are getting closer and closer to the most festive time of year. Just as quickly as the holidays get here, they seem to leave just as fast. It is important to take some time to cherish them because before we know it, New Years’ Day will be passing us by, and it will be January 2020.  Here are some holiday soundtracks to brighten your December and remind you why this time of year is so special:    'The Christmas Song': Nat King Cole (1961) 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas': Judy Garland (1944) 'Happy Xmas (War Is Over)': John Lennon (1971) 'Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree': Brenda Lee (1958) 'Santa Claus Is Coming to Town': Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi (2003) 'All I Want for Christmas Is You': Mariah Carey (1994) 'Christmas Time Is Here': Vince Guaraldi (1965) 'Santa Tell Me': Ariana Grande (2014) 'Jingle Bell Rock': Daryl Hall and John O ... read more