Escondido Auto Repair

Your car's water pump is critical to the engine's cooling system. The water pump ensures coolant flows from the radiator to the engine to prevent overheating while operating the vehicle. The coolant traps heat from the engine and pushes it back to the radiator for cooling, and the process repeats. If the water pump stops working, the coolant will stop circulating, exposing your car engine and other components to overheating and other complications. Here are common signs your vehicle needs a new water pump. Sign #1: Coolant Leaks A leaking water pump is one of the most common and evident indications of pump failures and a clear sign to replace it. Coolants are usually green, orange, or red to differentiate them from other liquids in your car. Finding colored coolant on the ground where you parked your vehicle is a sign of water pump damage. The pump can wear out, crack, or loosen, causing leakage outside the engine. Sign #2: Engine Overheating A worn-out or ... read more

Most of us will be cranking up our vehicle's air conditioning up high in the upcoming months. Most people expect a refreshing blast of cool air whenever they do this. But what if you're caught off guard by an unpleasant odor that fills the cabin? If you've ever encountered this issue, you're not alone. The presence of smelly air coming from your A/C vents can be a bothersome and perplexing problem. Let's delve into the potential issues that could be at hand. One of the most common culprits for smelly air conditioning is mold or mildew growth within the A/C system. Over time, moisture can accumulate in the evaporator core, responsible for cooling the air. This moisture, combined with the dark and damp environment of the A/C system, creates an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew. As the air flows through the system, it picks up these odorous particles and distributes them into your vehicle's cabin. Another potential reason for foul-smelling A/C air is a cl ... read more

It's every vehicle owner's nightmare: you pull out of your driveway or a parking spot and notice a pool of oil beneath your vehicle. Leaking engine oil or motor oil is a serious issue that requires immediate attention, and if left unchecked, it can cause severe damage to your car. It is so pressing because oil is necessary for lubricating your engine's moving parts; when oil leaks, the engine is susceptible to increased friction and overheating. If you're wondering what is causing the problems in the first place and what solutions to repair them, keep reading. 3 Common Causes of Engine Oil Leaks Damaged Gaskets or Seals One of the most common causes of an engine oil leak is a worn or damaged gasket or seal. Gaskets and seals are used to prevent oil from escaping from the engine. Over time, these gaskets and seals can become brittle and crack, allowing oil to seep out.  Broken Oil Pan Another common cause of oil leaks is a broken oil pan or oil filter. These com ... read more

At Grand Garage in Escondido, CA, we believe that the braking system is one of your vehicle's most essential safety components. Catching the signs of bad brakes can be scary, which is why it's critical to have your brakes inspected and repaired as soon as you notice unusual behaviors with your brakes. If you need some assistance, the team at Grand Garage, an Escondido auto repair shop, is here to lay out the top signs of worn brakes: Why Are My Brakes Making a Squeaking or Grinding Noise? One of the most common signs of brake problems is a squeaking or grinding noise when you apply the brakes. The unnecessary noise may indicate that the brake pads are worn and must be replaced. Why Do I Have Vibration in My Brake Pedal? If you feel a vibration in the brake pedal when you apply the brakes, it may indicate that the brake rotors are warped or damaged. Neglecting to take care of this can lead to uneven wear on the brake pads and decreased braking performance. Why Is My Brake P ... read more

The winter mornings in Escondido, California can get pretty cold, and having a functioning car heater is essential for staying warm on the road. If you're experiencing issues with your car's heating system, it's essential to have it checked and repaired as soon as possible. Grand Garage, the top auto repair shop in Escondido, CA, offers comprehensive car heater service to keep you comfortable during the winter months. There are several reasons why your car heater may not be working correctly. Some of the most common causes include a malfunctioning thermostat, clogged heating core, low coolant levels, or a damaged blower motor. No matter what the issue is, the team at Grand Garage has the expertise and experience to diagnose and repair the problem quickly and efficiently. ● Faulty Thermostat: If your thermostat is not functioning properly, it can prevent the flow of hot coolant into the heating system. ● Blocked Heater Core: If your heater core is blocked, it can prevent h ... read more

When you need windshield wipers replaced and serviced in the Escondido, CA area, know that the experts at Grand Garage can help. Windshield wiper blades are the most valuable tool on your car – they clear off your windshield so you can have a better view of the road and your surroundings. Even though it doesn’t rain much in California, windshield wipers come in handy to remove excess moisture on our windshields. Wipers are not the most durable parts of our cars. They are made of rubber, silicone, plastics, and sometimes metal. They become less effective from wear and tear. That is why you should incorporate changing your windshield wiper blades into your auto maintenance routine. When Should You Replace Them? It depends. However, they will not last longer than 12-15 months. You should regularly inspect them to see how they hold up over time. Here are the top signs that indicate it is time to replace your windshield wiper blades: ● Smearing and streaking ● Skipping or jag ... read more

Your vehicle’s engine fires at the right time to ensure smooth operation. The timing belt is a vital component that plays a major role in ensuring the process of opening and closing the valves is done synchronically. This rubber belt is so important, yet most car owners tend to ignore it and forget to replace it before it is too late. Let the experts at Grand Garage take the stress off your hands by inspecting and replacing your timing belt when it is due for a change. What Are the Warning Signs of a Worn Timing Belt? Unusual Engine Sounds The belt is attached to various pulleys leading to the crankshaft. The crankshaft is responsible for powering the connecting rods as the camshaft controls the cylinder head valves. Once your timing belt starts to age, it interferes with combustion which may result in misfiring sounds. Engine Won’t Turn Over If you are experiencing issues with having your engine turn over, consider having your timing belt checked. If the belt is worn ... read more

Healthy, even tires are essential to your vehicle’s safety. While tires are expected to wear naturally over time, they should wear evenly and not too quickly. There are various factors that can affect how your tires wear. If you notice an unusual wear pattern on your tires, it is important for you to find out what is causing the problem of wasting money later on. What Causes Premature/Uneven Tire Wear? 1. Inadequate Air Pressure - At Grand Garage in Escondido, CA, we remind our customers to check their tire pressure as often as possible. When your tire pressure doesn’t meet the manufacturer’s recommended pressure range, your tires will wear out sooner. Underinflated tires will wear down the outside edges of your tires at a faster rate. Whereas, overinflated tires wear out the middle of your tires too much. With proper inflation or psi, your tires will be exposed to an evenly distributed amount of pressure, making tread wear more uniform across the t ... read more

Spring break is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to take a road trip with your family and friends. Before you hit the road, it’s important to ensure that your car is in good condition and ready for the journey. Here are some tips from the professional team at Grand Garage in Escondido, CA on how to best prepare your car for a spring break road trip. Check your tires: Check the tire pressure and inspect the tires for any damage, such as bulges or cuts. Replace worn-out tires and consider getting a tire rotation and alignment to ensure even wear. Change your oil: Get an oil change if you haven’t done so in the past few months or after driving long distances. Old oil can cause your engine to work harder and reduce fuel efficiency. Check your brakes: You should check to see if your brakes are working properly. The inspection should include the brake pads and rotors for wear and tear. If your brakes fee ... read more

While some car owners are thrilled by the pride of knowing how every part of their vehicle works, others are just content with the fact that their machine is in good condition. Numerous benefits come with understanding how different components of your car operate. For instance, you can easily identify the source of a fluid leak or even fix a few manageable parts whenever they get damaged.  Your car relies on the synchronization and collaboration of several parts to work. The common factor that brings all the moving parts of your vehicle together constitutes motor oil. The thing about motor oil is that when it is utilized, it generates energy which in turn produces heat. Now imagine yourself sitting in a heated car after driving for hundreds of miles without a means of cooling your system. That is where your car radiator comes in. A car radiator is the primary component of your vehicle's cooling system. Its main function is to regulate the engine temperature and avoid overhea ... read more