Oceanside Auto Repair

Adjusting to the winter months takes some effort, and some of that effort should go into winter automotive maintenance. No matter where you live, the changing seasons present a challenge to your vehicle, and probably more than you realize. A lot goes into keeping your ride riding smoothly, and any car maintenance issues that you ignored in the summer could create an additional hazard in the winter. Winter automotive maintenance includes anything that prepares your car for winter, from protecting sensitive components to ensuring proper visibility. Auto repair shops approach the process in two ways; preparing the car for the worse possible weather conditions and making important repairs that insure the long-term functionality of your car. You might have to grit your teeth and personally gird yourself for a long harsh winter, but winter automotive maintenance is much easier than most people think. Most importantly, any efforts you put in now can increase safety while decreasi ... read more

How to Get Honest Auto Repairs When you take your car in to the auto shop for servicing, you have every reason to expect to be treated with honesty and integrity. However, it's pretty hard to know when you are lied to, over charged, or taken advantage of, when automotive care is not your expertise. So how do you know when you are getting honest auto repairs? It all boils down to the details. What You Should Expect With Routine Maintenance Taking your car into the auto shop for routine maintenance is always a good idea. It prolongs the car's useful life, prevents larger repair bills, and it prevents you from having to deal with unexpected problems and expenses, or wondering whether or not you really need this repair. When you take your vehicle into the auto shop, the technician should tell you what services will be performed, how long it will take, and the cost. Honest auto shops want you to know these details and strive to perform the ... read more

Vehicles are extremely complicated machines, and any number of parts can malfunction. In a society that relies so heavily on their vehicles for work and recreation, an unexpected breakdown can spell disaster. However, increasing numbers of car owners are neglecting routine maintenance and ignoring the common signs of a need for engine repair that could leave them stranded and with huge repair bills. Getting the most out of your vehicle means keeping it in the best shape possible, and that requires knowing and acting on important warning signs that your vehicle needs engine repair or maintenance. If you want to avoid the inconvenience of a breakdown, take your vehicle in to your auto repair shop when you notice any of these signs of engine problems. Warning Lights That pesky “check engine” light is hard to miss, but many people do not take it as seriously as they should, especially if the light is not identifying a specific problem. Warning lights are c ... read more

If you own a service fleet of trucks, trailers or vans, you know how difficult it can be to find a reliable repair service that will perform good maintenance and take great care of your fleet vehicles. It's important to find a shop and technicians that know your business and know the unique needs of fleet vehicles. Why is regular maintenance for fleet vehicles so important? You may not think of your fleet vehicles as needing regular maintenance, but fleet vehicles often acquire mileage faster than most person vehicles if they spend the majority of the day driving, instead of just commuting like personal cars. Scheduled, routine maintenance helps your fleet vehicles stay in great shape and in peak performance - which makes for easier driving, better gas mileage and minimal repair costs down the line. In addition to the repair costs of major part failure, when your fleet vehicle is out of commission, you know that you not only incur costs from the repair, but the detrime ... read more

Just like brakes, it’s easy for drivers to tell when the clutch is wearing out and needing a replacement. A worn out, or wearing out, clutch can be harder to handle. You might notice that the pedals seem to ‘stick’ more, and that pushing the clutch in requires more force than normal. A clutch in need of repair can also lose the smoothness of a clutch in good condition; you might notice a ‘shakiness’ or jerking motion when the clutch moves from gear to gear, or even total loss of control at times, as the clutch slips out of gear entirely. The clutch doesn’t usually last the lifespan of the car. Depending on the vehicle’s make and model, and how well the clutch is treated, the clutch may or may not last more than 50,000 miles. Even the climate of where you live and drive, and your commute-type can affect the clutch. A driver that sits in city traffic all day, inching along, uses the clutch a lot more than a driver that coasts down the highway. Hot weather also affects the usage ... read more

So you’ve found out that your brake pads are wearing out, and it’s time for a replacement. But did you know that there are multiple types of brake pads, made from different materials and suited to the different needs of cars and driving styles? Our team at North County Auto Service in Oceanside, CA can help get the brake pads that best fit your car. Here’s a quick guide to help you select the right brake pads for you. Semi Metallic Brake Pads Semi Metallic pads can be made from anywhere from 30% to 65% metal, from copper, wire, steel wool and other metal materials. Semi Metallic pads wear out the least quickly of all brake pads, but they also tend to wear out the brake rotors faster. Low-Metallic These pads are made from a special formula using about 10% to 30% copper or steel. Low-metallic brake pads are optimal for high heat and friction braking, and ideal for high speed braking. These types of pads are less clean than others, though. Low metallic pads produce a ... read more