Carlsbad Auto Repair

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

A road trip is one of our favorite summer activities. It is excellent to spend our time in our vehicle, enjoying the open road and seeing all that California has to offer. Carlsbad is located within driving distance of many lovely places, so it was quite easy to put together a list of the top 5 best road trips from Carlsbad:  Palm Springs: Looking to spend some quality time near the pool, basking in the warm California sun? Palms Springs is the destination for you. Many resorts in the region are even dog-friendly.  Laguna Beach: There is so much more to love than just the beach here, including the quirky art scene, fun shopping places, and electric sunsets.  Los Angeles: The City of Angels may seem like your typical go-to destination, but don’t let the commonality steer you away. Los Angeles is always changing with something new on the scene for everyone, such as restaurants and the new vintage Silver Lake Pool and Inn.  Joshua Tree: Looking for an escape ... 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

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

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

Being mindful of preventative auto repair maintenance is part of being a responsible car owner. It improves fuel efficiency, extends the life of your vehicle, and increases the longevity of your automobile. In addition, preventative maintenance makes your vehicle more reliable and will most likely save you more pricey auto repair costs down the line. Below are some of the main reasons to stay on top of preventative maintenance: GAS MILEAGE: Coming to an auto repair shop for regular maintenance will help your car achieve optimal fuel mileage. Ignoring to change the engine air filters and oil   regularly will reduce your vehicle's gas mileage. It will also most likely cause undesirable wear and tear on your engine. The exact recommended time between oil changes depends on the vehicle. Making sure that your automobile gets a tire balance and service every 10,000 to 15,000 miles is also crucial to make sure your car can achieve its optimal fuel efficiency. Malfunctioning sp ... read more

If you live near or around Carlsbad and are interested in taking a getaway within driving distance, you're in luck. Southern California is home to so many beautiful places that could be the perfect medicine when you need a little time away. Here are some suggestions from the team at Carlsbad Auto Service:   Idyllwild, CA Idyllwild is the ideal southern California destination for nature-loving travelers. Rent a cabin or pitch a tent and enjoy this little town in the San Jacinto Mountains. You can mountain bike, hike, and climb in popular spots like Tahquitz Rock. If you go into the village, have a meal on the patio at Café Aroma and look at some art and hear live music.   Temecula, CA Located about an hour from Carlsbad, Temecula is considered the wine country of southern California. There are more than forty wineries that offer tastings, tours, and multiple festivals. You can even take a hot air balloon ride over the Temecula Valley. Julian, CA Nothing screa ... read more

  A lot of us wished we loved anything as much as a dog loves a car ride. Whether they're headed to a beautiful beach or to the vet, the magical adventure in the car is heaven. So if you're going on a road trip, chances are your pooch would be thrilled to accompany you. It's wonderful to bring your furry family along just make sure to prepare and be sure their time in the car is safe and comfortable.   Perhaps your dog is no stranger to car rides. Yet keep in mind that long road trips can be taxing on people and animals. Before a long trip, take your dog on car rides that get longer in duration so they are ready and prepared. Also, have your dog's papers that indicate that he/she has had their rabies shots. Not often, but sometimes you will be asked for proof before crossing state lines.   Have a crate or carrier that will keep your canine comfortable and with room to turn around, sit, lie, lay, and stand. Be sure to have it strapped in safe and secu ... read more