Oceanside Auto Repair

Brakes are your first line of defense against any accidents or collisions on and off the road. So it’s important that you get them checked out before they begin to fail or make noises. If you’re like most drivers in Oceanside, you only get your brakes checked once you notice that something’s wrong. It’s important to get your brakes checked regularly. Note, an easy way to remember is to get them checked each time you go in for an oil or filter change at North County Auto Service Not maintaining functioning brakes is a danger to both you and other drivers on the road. Most common signs you need a brake check:
Grinding or Screeching noises when you brake Cause: This usually indicates that the brake pads are worn down and need to be replaced immediately. Remember, the grinding and screeching is not a “friendly reminder” to change your brake pads, it is a sign of a mechanical problem. Not replacing your brake pads at th
... read more

We all fear that time of spring when everything turns yellow in color and everyone we know seems to come down with hay fever. The effects of pollen on air quality during spring are obvious in indoor and outdoor settings, but it’s really important not to neglect the effects of pollen on your car. When you think about it, our cars are on the front lines of the war on pollen. Imagine if you went out for a jog one spring day, but you magically acquired a new super power that enabled you to run at 50 miles per hour. It’d be a total blast at first, but after the first few blocks you’d be wheezing and sneezing from all the pollen suddenly rushing into your face and lungs. Why are air filters so important? We tend to think of our cars as solid, and totally protected from the elements like rain and wind. But lots of air flows through our vehicles when we drive, both into the interior cabin of the car where we sit, and under the hood into the engine and machiner ... read more

It’s a busy weekday morning. You barely get out the door in time, and when you get to the car, start the ignition, and a dashboard warning light comes on- the check engine light. The check engine light is probably every driver’s most hated warning light. It gives no details about what’s wrong, and the list of potential problems goes on and on, ranging from minor malfunctions to costly problems. NOTE: If your check engine light comes on and is flashing, this indicates a serious problem and you should get to the nearest auto repair facility immediately. Top 3 Most Common Causes of the Check Engine Light Oxygen Sensor: The oxygen sensors in your car helps determine how much fuel you burn. A defective oxygen sensor effects mileage calculation and leads to a decrease in fuel economy. While oxygen sensors are a relatively easy and inexpensive part to replace, failing to replace them in time can eventually destroy your catalytic converter. And depen ... read more

Tires (general about large selection of tires, and capable mechanics able to help you pick the best tires for your vehicle and driving needs) Sometimes tires don't get the time and consideration they deserve. We just buy them and count on them to serve us for a certain amount of miles. They deserve a lot more of our respect though; tries are one of the vehicle's most important safety features and everything from the type to tread matters in the tire's performance, and ultimately your safety. That's why it makes sense to get help from automotive professionals when choosing tires. There are Many Types of Tires There are many types of tires. That's great, right? It is if you know what tires are the right size and type for your car and driving considerations. Tires are more than a flexible rubber container for air. They actually have between 19 and 25 different components that make them well suited to a particular purpose and vehicle. You'll need to match ... read more

Knowing when to take your vehicle into the auto shop for struts and shocks repair can be kind of tricky. The damping characteristics of shocks and struts diminish slowly over time, making it difficult to detect a problem. Usually when a driver notices that there is a problem, it's well past the time of needing replacement. Shocks and (or) struts are part of your vehicle's suspension system. Not all vehicles have both shocks and struts; some only have one or the other. Each aids in the vehicle's stability and handling. There's no strictly set time for shock and strut replacement as part of it depends on driving conditions such as how you drive and the condition of the roads. Some need replacement at 30,000 miles, and others can go as long as 60,000 miles. There are however some good indications that it's time to get into the auto shop and have them looked at by service technician. Signs that it's Time to Replace or Repair Struts Shocks and struts are re ... read more

Having the correct tire pressure is an important part of regular maintenance of your car, and it's also a necessity for being a good driver. The amount of air pressure in your tires has an immediate effect on the quality of your driving, especially when braking and turning. Aside from these concerns, seasonal temperature changes can also effect the performance of your tires, and the overall pressure within them. The basics of tire pressure: Like most maintenance suggestions and requirements, always check the user manual and manufacturer's schedule for when to have certain repairs and what is required. Your car's user manual and maintenance handbook will also tell you the exact psi requirements for your tires, and you can also find this information on the tires themselves. Always check the psi in your tires regularly, during scheduled maintenance and tune-ups (your mechanic should always do this for you), and it's a good idea to go it before going on lo ... read more