Escondido Auto Repair

10 Common Car Problems Escondido Drivers Should Never Ignore (And How to Catch Them Early) Intro: When your car starts acting differently, you notice. A sound. A light. A vibration. Something feels off—and deep down, you know it. But most people wait. Life gets busy, the warning light stays on, and next thing you know, what could’ve been a simple fix becomes a full-blown repair bill. That’s exactly why we wrote this guide. At Grand Garage in Escondido, we’re not just here to fix what’s broken—we’re here to help you stay ahead of the problem, protect your investment, and keep your car running like it should. No pressure. No guesswork. Just honest guidance from a shop that truly cares. Here are the 10 most common car problems we see, what they mean, and how you can respond with confidence—not confusion.     1. The Check Engine Light Comes On—and Stays On Sometimes it flashes. Sometimes it glows steady. Either way, i ... read more

5 Engine Noises You Should Never Ignore Warning Signs Your Car Is Trying to Tell You — and Why Grand Garage Is the Shop to Listen   Not all breakdowns happen suddenly. Most start with a whisper — or a knock, or a hiss. Your engine is constantly communicating. When something begins to fail, the first signs often come through sound. Whether it’s a subtle tick or a sharp grind, unusual engine noises are your vehicle’s way of saying, “Something’s wrong. Pay attention.” At Grand Garage in Escondido, we help local drivers stay ahead of expensive repairs by catching small problems before they turn into major ones. These five common engine noises are early warning signals that should never be ignored — and here's why.     1. Knocking or Pinging During Acceleration What it sounds like: A repetitive knock, tap, or ping — especially when accelerating or going uphill. What it means: Engine detonation or pre-ignition ... read more

Why Is My Car Overheating If I Have Coolant? The Truth Behind a Full Reservoir and a Failing System | Grand Garage – Escondido, CA     Your temperature gauge spikes. You notice the heat climbing while idling in traffic on East Grand Avenue. Maybe there’s steam under the hood or a warning light flashing. You check your coolant—it looks full. So why is your engine overheating? At Grand Garage, we hear this every week. And the answer is simple but critical: Coolant volume doesn’t mean the system is working. Overheating is almost always a symptom of a deeper mechanical or electronic failure, even if the reservoir is full. Let’s break down why this happens and what it means for your engine, your wallet, and your peace of mind.     1. The Coolant Isn’t Circulating Coolant doesn’t help unless it’s moving through the system. If it’s stuck, restricted, or slowed down, heat builds up fast. The most common reasons ... read more

Is Your Car Burning Oil? Here’s What It Means and How Grand Garage Can Help You’re adding a quart of oil every few weeks. There’s a faint bluish smoke from the exhaust. Maybe your engine smells like something’s burning, but you don’t see any leaks on the ground. If this sounds familiar, you may be dealing with internal oil consumption—commonly known as burning oil. And while it’s often overlooked, it’s a serious issue that can lead to major engine damage if not diagnosed and repaired in time. At Grand Garage in Escondido, CA, we specialize in tracking down the root cause of oil consumption problems and helping drivers like you protect their vehicles for the long haul.     What Does It Mean When a Car Burns Oil? Burning oil occurs when engine oil makes its way into the combustion chamber and burns along with the air-fuel mixture. This is not part of normal engine operation. Oil is supposed to stay in the crankcase and lubri ... read more