Auto Repair San Diego Location and Hours

For complete Google map directions, click here.

Our foreign auto repair and service shop San Diego is located centrally
and just off of Miramar Road on 9555 Black Mountain Road.

Foreign Auto Repair Business Hours

Monday through Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Foreign Auto Repair & Service Appointments Call:

858-549-9020

Over 20 Years of Experience in Foreign Auto Repair San Diego! Let us take worry out of auto repair. Here is some info. & great ideas for you to keep your car running its best:

Seven Vital Facts About Your Car’s
Air Conditioning System

Your Car's Cooling System

While the servicing of modern car air conditioning systems is best left to auto repair professionals, you can get the most enjoyment from your ac system if you know a bit about how it works and what malfunctions you should be on the lookout for.

1. Odd smells coming from the air conditioning may be caused by bacterial buildups
As your car becomes older, or when the air conditioning system is used infrequently, bacteria, micro-organisms, mold and fungi may start growing, just behind the dash panel on the evaporator causing some very unpleasant odors. This problem can be solved by using an anti-bacterial treatment that destroys the bacteria growth and leaves your car smelling fresh again.

2. If you car does not feel cold enough, then you may need to recharge your system
If you feel that your car doesn’t feel as cold as your friend’s car, then your system may need servicing. The air conditioning system in your vehicle is not usually covered by most manufacturers servicing schedules and the refrigerant gas that is used to operate the system depletes over time. On average most vehicles lose up to 15% per annum. This leakage can be caused when then system is not used during the winter months. If this continues, eventually the system will not be able to operate at all.

3. Running your air conditioning year round will help maintain the system
If you run the air conditioning in the winter it will help to keep the system well lubricated and leak tight.

4. Strange noises coming from the air conditioning should be attended to immediately
If your air-con system suddenly starts making noises you have not heard before it is very advisable to have a qualified vehicle air conditioning auto repair specialist have a look at it.

Some noises could be early symptoms of a compressor failure (the compressor is the air conditioning pump).The compressor is usually the most expensive part on the system and if the bearings in your compressor break down or if the compressor seizes up it also means that other components can become contaminated with metal particles. A flush of the system would then be needed as well as replacement of the compressor, the receiver/drier and the expansion valve - quite a hefty bill!

5. Don’t worry about a pool of water forming under your car after using the A/C
If you see a puddle of water on the ground, usually under the passenger area don’t be alarmed. This is a normal feature of the system as it is only water dripping from the air conditioning evaporator.

6. Excessive moisture inside the car can be fixed easily
Sometimes the drain tube from the evaporator may become blocked or detached allowing the condensation to build up inside your evaporator. If this occurs water will just build up inside your car to a point where there are damp carpets or misting / high humidity type problems. These problems can be solved with low-cost servicing.

7. Have your air conditioning serviced regularly, even if there are no visible problems
--The compressor needs oil, or else it will seize up. The filter collects debris and moisture. If the filter becomes blocked, then the performance of the system will deteriorate and it can even quit working entirely (probably when you need it most!)

--Normally the refrigerant gas in a car air conditioning system has to be recharged completely within four years from the manufacture date and thereafter every two to three years.

--An annual servicing of your car’s air conditioning system will guard against malfunctions in the compressor and other vital parts of the system. Regular maintenance will save you money in the long run and guarantee you comfort in the hottest months.

Submitted by: Steve Magill
Steve Magill is the managing director of LVV Services Ltd. http://www.lvvservices.com. Located in South Wales, LVV Services specializes in Smart Repair of autos, including dent removal, car diagnostics, paint repair, alloy wheel repair and air conditioning services.

The purpose of the engine's cooling system is to remove excess heat from the engine, to keep the engine operating at its most efficient temperature, and to get the engine up to the correct temperature as soon as possible after starting. Ideally, the cooling system keeps the engine running at its most efficient temperature no matter what the operating conditions are.

As fuel is burned in the engine, about one-third of the energy in the fuel is converted into power. Another third goes out the exhaust pipe unused, and the remaining third becomes heat energy.

A cooling system of some kind is necessary in any internal combustion engine. If no cooling system were provided, parts would melt from the heat of the burning fuel, and the pistons would expand so much they could not move in the cylinders (called "seize").

The exhaust system takes away much of the heat, but parts of the engine, such as the cylinder walls, pistons, and cylinder head, absorb large amounts of the heat. If a part of the engine gets too hot, the oil film fails to protect it. This lack of lubrication can ruin the engine.
On the other hand, if an engine runs at too low a temperature, it is inefficient, the oil gets dirty (adding wear and subtracting horsepower), deposits form, and fuel mileage is poor-- not to mention exhaust emissions! For these reasons, the cooling system is designed to stay out of the action until the engine is warmed up.

Liquid cooled engines have passages for the liquid, or coolant, through the cylinder block and head. The coolant has to have indirect contact with such engine parts as the combustion chamber, the cylinder walls, and the valve seats and guides. Running through the passages in the engine heats the coolant (it absorbs the heat from the engine parts), and going through the radiator cools it. After getting "cool" again in the radiator, the coolant comes back through the engine.

Common Problems:
• Broken hose. Hoses wear out and can leak. Once the coolant has left the system it can no longer cool the engine and it overheats.
• Broken fan belt. The water pump is driven by the engine through a belt. If the belt breaks the water pump can not turn and coolant will not be circulated through the engine. This will also lead to engine overheating.
• Faulty radiator cap. The radiator cap is designed to hold a certain pressure in the coolant system. If your cap does not hold pressure, then the car could overheat on hot days since the system never becomes pressurized.
• Water pump failure. Most commonly you will hear a screeching noise and will be able to see coolant leaking from the front of the pump or under the car. Early signs are small spots of coolant under the car after being parked overnight and a strong coolant odor while driving.
• Head gasket have large amounts of white smoke flowing out of your exhaust? Could be a head gasket. The head gasket seals the cylinder head to the engine block and also seals the coolant passages. When this gasket fails coolant can enter the cylinder and it will be turned to vapor as the engine fires. Head gaskets most often fail after the engine has experienced an overheating situation.

Preventive Maintenance:
• Have your auto repair mechanic check all belts and hoses regularly. (at oil change is a good time)
• Look out for coolant leaks underneath the car, they could be signs of trouble to come.
• Change your coolant every 2 - 3 years depending on the manufactorers recommendations.
• Inspect your radiator cap for deterioration of the rubber seal. Replace if you think it is worn. $5 - $10 is cheap insurance.
• Have your coolant system flushed every 5 years. It gets all the corrosion which has built up out of the system.

What to Discuss With Your Auto Repair Mechanic:
• Let your auto repair mechanic know when your overheating problems occur.
• Ask your auto repair mechanic if it's worth changing the timing belt or chain while he is replacing your water pump.
WARNING: Never open your radiator when the engine is hot. The pressure in the system can cause hot coolant to splash out and burn you.

Submitted by: Kevin Schappell
Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com where he gives advice on buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles. To learn more about how your car works, Kevin has created http://www.mycarwizard.com.
kevin@schappell.com