Our Auto Repair Blog

July 12, 2023
According to California law and EPA standards, gasoline-powered, hybrid, and alternative fuel vehicles model year 1976 and newer will require a smog check. There are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, if the vehicle is 8 model years or newer, the car doesn’t need a biennial smog check. If the car is fewer than four model years old, it will not require a change of ownership smog check. That means if you buy a new car, you won’t need to have a biennial smog check for eight years. For diesel-powered vehicles, if the vehicle is a 1998 model or newer and has a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds or less, you’ll need to have a smog check performed on your vehicle.

April 12, 2023
The summer months can make for a miserable commute if your car’s AC isn’t working at its best. Noticing the signs that your vehicle AC has a leak early and getting it repaired right away can mean avoiding more costly and time-consuming repairs in the future. One of the most obvious signs of a problem with your vehicle’s AC system is when the system blows warm or hot air instead of cold. You could have a problem with the AC compressor if you hear a clicking sound when your AC is running. The compressor problem could be a result of low refrigerant levels caused by a leak, but there are other reasons for the same symptom. If your vehicle has one, a warning light on the dashboard can also point you toward a leak in the AC system.

January 12, 2023
Any oil leak can become a big problem for your engine. Even the smallest of leaks can sometimes expand while your vehicle is in operation, causing your engine to seize up. Such a catastrophic engine failure is not only going to be expensive to repair but should the failure happen while you’re driving, the seizure of the engine can contribute to a crash and the accompanying problems and repairs that result from a crash. The best thing you can do for your engine and peace of mind is to take your vehicle to Encinitas Foreign & Domestic Auto Repair in Encinitas, CA, for regular oil changes and engine inspections.

October 12, 2022
The purpose of a wheel alignment is to make it easier for the vehicle to stay on a straight trajectory where the thrust line of the vehicle is centered on the vehicle and road. When your wheels are out of alignment, and the thrust is off as well, your vehicle has to fight against the misalignments to move forward or backward, reducing fuel efficiency and putting stress on various elements of the suspension system.