Escondido Auto Repair

Not only is it frustrating and inconvenient when your car can't start, but it can be very stressful when you can't figure out what is causing it. Many reasons can explain why your car can't start, and the two of them we will discuss today are a bad battery and a failing alternator.    First, the battery is liable for delivering voltage to the starter, which cranks up your motor engine. The alternator recharges the battery while your engine runs, allowing your car to function at its total electrical capacity. Below is how to pinpoint whether the battery or alternator is causing your starting issues. Battery Your vehicle is responsible for providing power to the starter and entire electrical system when your car is not moving. A new car battery has a bandwidth to last three to four years. While it is a major power supplier, the alternator lends it a hand to charge it. With usage over time, the parts on your battery may be susceptible to corrode, reducing its abi ... read more

Gasoline prices seem to be a hot topic nowadays, as they have skyrocketed to ~$6 per gallon in the Escondido area! You may be wincing every time you pass by the station or flinching as you pay, but there are ways to minimize your cost of spending on gas. While changing your mode of transportation isn’t a realistic choice for every person, you can make changes to your driving style or purchase decision. Here are some of Grand Garage's top tips for saving money on gas: Fill Your Tires Driving with too little air in your tires is not only dangerous but it can cost you more money. So please make sure to regularly check your tire pressure and make the appropriate adjustments to match the recommended psi. You can find these exact numbers on the inside of the driver’s door.  Avoid Idling Idling burns more gas than you may think. An engine burns 1/4 to half a gallon of gas per hour when idling. Fortunately, most cars nowadays only need around 10 seconds to warm up the ... read more

California is known for many things: The "Golden State", beaches, Hollywood, Disneyland, and more. It's also the state with the largest population in America, and the reality of it is that California is also the most polluted state in the country. California requires a smog check for almost all registered vehicles to protect the environment and minimize harmful emissions. Clean air is often taken for granted, and everyone should do their part so that we can share it with those after us.   The Smog Check Program has been proven to show positive results. The program has dramatically reduced air pollution. Emissions testing is meant to distinguish cars with excess emissions and make the necessary repairs to limit them. If you reside in Escondido, CA, passing a smog test is essential to register your car, SUV, or truck.  What Vehicles Require a Smog Check? According to the state's law, all gasoline-powered vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles, or hybrid vehic ... read more

Most of us have been there at one time or another. We press down on the gas pedal in our vehicle, fully expecting to have enough power to pass someone on the highway or quickly take off after a traffic light has turned green, only to be left feeling underwhelmed by our vehicle's sluggish performance. If this is something that resonates with you and you're the proud owner of an older or high-mileage vehicle, you should know that such letdowns are not uncommon. And there are several reasons why this drop in power happens. In some cases, it is a byproduct of the mileage on the odometer starting to climb. Other times, we pay the price for not keeping up with routine maintenance. Sometimes, it is the perfect storm of high mileage, neglect, and bad luck. Top Mechanics Chime in on Why Vehicles Lose Power One of the things that nearly all mechanics will agree on when it comes to trucks, SUVs, and cars is multiple things can affect their performance. Aside from engine problems, which ... read more

Your car's oxygen sensor, or O2 sensor, is responsible for regulating the amount of oxygen in the exhaust system. It relays real-time measurements of the amount of unburnt oxygen to the engine's computer to determine the proper air to fuel ratio for the car's engine.  A faulty oxygen sensor can negatively affect both engine performance and the environment. Fortunately, there are warning signs that you can detect and treat early on: Engine-Related Issues Since the oxygen sensor plays an integral part in the combustion process, a failing O2 sensor can form a number of engine-related issues, including engine misfires and rough idling. Furthermore, you may even experience stalling, hesitation, and overall engine weakness. Check Engine Light On Since you're experiencing engine problems, it can ultimately trigger your check engine light to come on. This dashboard engine light can turn on for several reasons, so it's essential to take it to a professional to inte ... read more

Though a fuel system cleaning is not needed nearly as frequently as an oil change or tire rotation, this type of service can be very advantageous for your vehicle. With usage over time, sediments can accumulate in the gas tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, and fuel injection system. Additionally, the fuel filter will also get dirty and clogged to the point of ineffectiveness in refining your fuel. These factors will all hinder your engine's performance and eventually cause significant problems. Most specialists suggest a fuel system service every 30,000 miles, give or take, to maintain your fuel system and keep your engine healthy. A fuel system cleaning will typically include a complete flush and chemical cleaning of your fuel system, as well as the replacement of your fuel filter. Our expert team will inspect your fuel pump and fuel injectors closely and replace the parts if needed. Below are the top 3 benefits of getting a fuel system cleaning: 1. Improve Engine Performance Your en ... read more

Oil changes are the most essential (and most frequent) maintenance service that every vehicle owner needs to have done. Motor oil plays a vital role in your engine by keeping your engine components lubricated and absorbing excess heat. Though all engine oil serves the same purpose, there are three varieties: conventional, semi-synthetic, and synthetic. At Grand Garage, our expert team can give you a comprehensive consultation and recommend the type of oil that is most suitable for your vehicle. Conventional Oil Conventional oil is the most traditional and has been around for ages. This kind of motor oil is the most economical option, and it is recommended for older-model automobiles with simplistic engine designs. You can expect the change interval for traditional oil to be about 3,000 miles. Semi-Synthetic Oil Semi-synthetic oil is a blend of both synthetic and conventional motor oil. It has many of the characteristics and benefits of full synthetic oil but at a lower price point ... read more

"Why is my check engine light on?" is one of the most common questions mechanics are asked, and for good reason. It makes sense because the light turns on, however, it gives no apparent explanation to you as a driver of what the issue could possibly be. Since the check engine light can illuminate for various reasons, it's vital to have a trusted automotive specialist perform proper diagnostics to identify the definitive cause. The issue could be as small as a loose gas cap, or something more serious such as a failing catalytic converter. The equipment we use here at Grand Garage allows us to scan your vehicle’s on-board computer system to better understand the true problem at hand. Here are five of the most common problems that can trigger the check engine light:  BAD OXYGEN SENSOR The oxygen sensor plays a key role in regulating the amount of unburned oxygen within your vehicle's exhaust system. If you're noticing that your car is burning through mo ... read more

If the California heat is affecting you, it is likely taking a toll on your car too. Contrary to popular belief, the high temperatures of summer have a more threatening impact on your car's battery than the low temperatures of winter. In order to really understand the damage of overheating your battery, you first need to know how your car battery works.  More About Car Batteries Your car's battery is an electrochemical mechanism made out of electrodes that store an electrical charge. A car’s battery stores acid and chemical reactions occur within the battery case to keep electricity flowing throughout the car. When the reaction occurs, it creates the charge needed to get your vehicle going and maintain power throughout your ride.  Heat & Batteries Heat can do multiple things to affect your battery's health negatively. The optimal temperature for a car battery is 80 degrees F, and whenever it exceeds that temperature, internal corrosion can occur. Add ... read more

If your car's air conditioning isn't blowing cold air on a hot day, your drive may be extremely uncomfortable. It’s getting to that time of year when having a working air conditioning system in your car is vital. The source of a malfunctioning car A/C system ranges from simple to complex. Sometimes it can be caused by a leak, while other times, it can be attributed to damaged parts within the system. Here are some of the most common issues that can occur with your car’s A/C system that we often see here at Grand Garage: Refrigerant Leak Refrigerant, also referred to as Freon, is a crucial component of your vehicle’s A/C system. It is used to actually cool the air through a very complicated process. A refrigerant leak can occur due to a hole in the compressor, connection, hoses, condenser, and more. A refrigerant leak can be difficult to identify, due to the fact that it is designed to evaporate when exposed to air. A fluorescent leak tracer dye is often used ... read more