Carlsbad Auto Repair

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

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

Your vehicle is made up of various components, each aspect working harmoniously to ensure you arrive at each destination you drive to safely and securely. When we think of our vehicle’s engine, we think of the more complex pieces, such as the transmission or brakes. However, we can’t forget about the fluids in our vehicle, as every one of these fluids plays a crucial role in securing the longevity, driveability, and safety of your vehicle. Here are five fluids you should know about:   Brake Fluid: Want to not run into other cars? Keep an eye on your brake fluid, or have the technicians at Carlsbad Auto Service monitor this vital fluid. This fluid is pressurized and adds power to your braking system, so your brakes work, and you don’t run into other vehicles. Transmission Fluid: Transmission fluid keeps your transmission properly lubricated and cooled, and with the transmission being one of the most complicated components in your vehicle, it is essential to ... 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

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

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

A new set of wheels will put a smile on anyone’s face. Here’s some advice for giving a car as a winter holiday present–big bow included. We’ve all seen the commercial: the husband gives his wife a set of keys and walks her out to a snowy driveway where a shiny new car is parked with a big red ribbon tied around it. She smiles at her man, a tear in her eye, gives him a kiss and their black lab wags his tail. This is not just a fantasy: late December is a great time to spoil a loved-one with a new set of wheels, but it’s a big purchase. Here are some things to keep in mind when buying a car as a Christmas present. Put some thought into it If you already know what your recipient would like, that makes life easy. If not, think about his or her needs: does a crossover make more sense because it’s a family car? Or maybe your recipient drives a lot and would appreciate a hybrid. Maybe it’s a teenager’s first car and a used vehicle (as opposed to new) is ... read more