Escondido Auto Repair

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

If you haven't been changing the transmission fluid as frequently as recommended by your car's manufacturer, you might have noticed that the transmission slips - and the heat indicator light is always almost on. This is because proper and adequate lubrication reduces wear, tear, and grinding caused by friction and heat from the gears and other moving parts of your transmission system. The transmission fluid is as critical to a car as blood is to humans. It lubricates the transmission system's internal components, helping it transfer power to the wheels to run smoothly. If you notice a puddle of red/burnt-red fluid beneath your car; it indicates that the transmission system is leaking, and you need to get it sealed. Unfortunately, only a handful of car owners adhere to the recommended transmission fluid maintenance routine. In the past, that question was relatively straightforward and easy to answer because all it took an auto care technician was a dipstick and a piece of ... read more

The direction and the angle that your vehicle's tires point relative to each other and to the car's body are very important. If the alignment angle has been altered - may be due to daily usage, potholes, or mechanical failure - beyond the maker's specification, taking your car to a seasoned professional for wheel alignment becomes very important.  6 Reason to Get A Wheel Alignment To make sure your car drives in a straight line without adding unnecessary stress to the suspension components. To avoid driving a car that is constantly pulling to one side. To improve gas mileage. To reduce uneven tire wear. To achieve a smoother ride. To ensure stability and responsive handling. A wheel alignment issue is not something to be ignored. If left unresolved, it may lead to premature tire damage. In addition to struggling to keep your car traveling straight, tire misalignment can also lead to loss of proper traction and issues while turning. Driving a car with wheels ... read more