Carlsbad Auto Repair

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

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

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

It is almost that time of year again: the holy trinity of holidays -- Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas, and New Years. For many of us, this time of year means spending ample time with our families, whether they are traveling here to visit us, or we are traveling to them. If your family is visiting you for one of these holidays, you may be in search of some easy recipes. Here are some easy recipes we love when the family visits for the holidays:    Pork Chops with Parmesan Sauce Apple-topped Ham SteakBeef and Mushrooms with Smashed Potatoes Creamy Salmon Linguine ... read more

Is your little one not so little anymore? Are they getting ready to go behind the wheel and drive themselves to school? If your answer to both questions is yes, then you might find yourself a little nervous about the school year starting. The team at Carlsbad Auto Service is here to ease all your concerns. Here are some helpful tips for young drivers:  This may go without saying but always follow all traffic laws. You may be late to school and want to hurry through that red light, but remind yourself, safety always comes first.  Slow down! Speeding is the leading cause of fatal accidents for teen drivers.  Put that seat belt on, and don’t take it off until your car is turned off. In fatal accidents, more than 56% were found not to have their seatbelts on.  Avoid distractions. Out of sight, out of mind. We recommend putting your phone away, so you aren’t tempted to check that text message while driving.  Adjust your accessories before driving aw ... read more

We usually associate the term “spring cleaning” with our wardrobe or house, but we encourage you to apply this well-known expression to your vehicle. Our vehicle can take a beating with the colder temperatures and harsh road conditions of winter, and we believe a spring cleaning would be much appreciated.   To renew and restore your vehicle after winter, try these spring cleaning tips:  Wash and wax your vehicle: wash your vehicle from top to bottom to avoid dragging any dirt and grime upward. Washing and waxing your vehicle can add shine and protect the paint.  Don’t forget about the interior: focus specifically on your carpets and floor mats, as these components of the interior of your vehicle can act like a sponge, soaking up all that dirt, mud, and grime. A microfiber cloth and a cleaner can be used to clean your dashboard and any other surface in your vehicle.  Replace those wiper blades: your wiper blades are working in overtime duri ... read more

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