San Diego Auto Repair

Click here for Part 1 of this article: About your transfer case problems A list of some more of the basic problems, and some solutions Your transfer case is noisy, or "jumps" out of the 4×4 low range: Your transfer case may not be fully engaged. Stop your vehicle, shift into Neutral, and then engage 4L (4×4 low gear). Your shift linkage may be loose, worn or binding. Tighten, repair or lubricate the linkage as necessary. The shift fork may be cracked, the inserts worn, or the fork binding on the rail. Disassemble the unit and repair all problematic parts. It's also a good idea to Inspect the bushings on the linkage; they may need to be replaced. There are lubricant leaks from the vent, or the output shaft seals: The transfer case may be overfilled. If so, you need to drain it until the fluid is at the proper level. The vent may be clogged or ja ... read more

If you drive a four-wheel, rear wheel or all-wheel drive automobile, you will need to perform regular maintenance on the transfer case. For many cars, increasing mileage means that you may run into some common transfer case problems. For example, are you hearing strange sounds coming from the engine or have you noticed that the transmission is not shifting very smoothly? Both could be the result of a problem within the transfer case. Before you encounter a transfer case problem, however, the folks at TransMasters Transmissions & Auto Care recommend you bring your car in for regular checks. Two of the things we'll be looking for are making sure that the fluid inside the case is not leaking and checking that the pump inside the transfer case is not rubbing against the side. This can result in a hole through which the transfer fluid may leak. It's particularly important to note that this can happen even if you haven't seen any leakage under the vehicle. Diagnosing the issue ... read more

The function of the transfer case in a 4-wheel drive vehicle is to redirect power from the transmission to other systems. For example, it transfers power to the front and rear axles when you shift into 4-wheel drive mode, enabling all four wheels to drive the vehicle. And, the transfer case is what gives you the ability to choose between 2 and 4-wheel drive. Even if you don't regularly use the 4-wheel drive option on your car, you still need transfer case maintenance because, if this component stops working, your car won't run. Making sure to follow your vehicle's regular service recommendations is vital to the health and longevity of your engine. That service should include the transfer case because it plays an important role in rotating and reserving power whether or not you use the 4-wheel drive option. And, transfer case problems, if not addressed, can result in a costly replacement. On the flip side, regular maintenance such as changing out the oil and fluids is relatively ine ... read more

One of the biggest dilemmas we all face at one time or another is whether or not our car is worth repairing. We weigh the pros and cons; expensive fixes vs. the cost of a brand new car, and try to make an educated guess. However, unless you're a trained and experienced mechanic, it's hard to know if all your car needs are cheap, easy repairs or a major overhaul. Your biggest resource in this case is a trusted local mechanic, such as the highly qualified professionals at TransMasters Transmissions and Auto Care. With two locations serving the greater San Diego area, you're invited to stop in at the shop nearest you and take advantage of our knowledgeable staff. We'll help you compare the price of getting your existing car into great running condition against that of purchasing a new one. We can also offer an estimate of how many more miles you can expect from your car once the repairs have been made. Would it be better to buy another? The benefits of a brand new vehicle are ... read more

Have you seen the popular commercial where customers walk into an auto shop and hilariously imitate the knocking noises or engine sounds their car is making? The underlying message is that the mechanic knows exactly what is wrong with the car upon hearing this. In real life, it's just not that simple. Diagnosing problems with automobiles requires a thorough examination, and a lot of training and experience on the part of the mechanic. At TransMasters Transmission and Auto Repair, we take pride in the level of expertise of every mechanic on our staff. They receive extensive training and multiple certifications; qualifying them to find not just obvious, but hidden car problems as well. Why not? TransMasters has a reputation for being the most trusted auto repair shop in San Diego, precisely because we take the time to figure out the underlying issues causing the noises our customers are hearing. We don't make educated guesses, but rather give ... read more

Lately, if you've begun asking yourself "how many more miles can I really expect to get from my car", you are not alone. Today's car consumers are driving their vehicles a lot farther and are finding out that the old ideas about the limits of a car's endurance are not what they used to be. Your car's odometer is not always a good indicator of a vehicle's continued performance. Hondas, Toyotas, and Volvos, brands, known for their durability, are being sold secondhand with as many as 200,000 miles and are still in great working order! The key to getting the most mileage out of your car is to keep it well-maintained. Regularly scheduled oil and filter changes are a must. With every oil change, your mechanic should check your transmission fluid, and coolant levels as well the level of your brake fluids. If there is an issue with any of these, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. Your mechanic should also be checking for wear ... read more

A timing belt is located in your car's engine behind the drive belts. The job of the timing belt is to keep the movement of the crankshaft synchronized with the camshafts by precisely timing the opening and closing of the valve with the movement of your engine's pistons. At some point in the life your car, the timing belt will need to be replaced, and it is one of the more expensive maintenance procedures you can have done on your car. Manufacturers recommendations about replacement vary anywhere from every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. So, how can you tell whether or not your car has a timing belt or whether is has a timing chain? Most newer models of cars have timing chains instead of timing belts. You can check your owner's manual if you're not sure. The benefit of having a timing chain is that they don't need to be replaced unless they develop a problem. Lack of regular oil changes, low oil levels, and/or using poor quality engine oil can all result in the need for a timing chain re ... read more

Basic car care is really not that difficult. The are a number of simple things that you can do on your own to keep your car running smoothly and in top shape. The following is a list of simple car care tips that are basic to all vehicles: Check the levels of all of your car's fluids Check the tire pressure on a regular basis Change the windshield wipers if they start to show wear Check the battery for leaks, cracks, and terminal corrosion Check the condition of your air filter Clean your vehicle on a regular basis Refer to your owner's manual for the correct information on basic maintenance and service. Have your car checked out a garage at least one time per year and follow the recommended maintenance schedule. That you can do even if you're not a mechanic Even if you're not "mechanically inclined", there are some things that you can do at home to really help prolong the life your vehicle. Check the tire pressure once a month with a tire ... read more

Most of us know that helpless feeling you get when your car breaks down on you. It's never a good time or place, and then there's the question of what to tell the tow truck driver. If you live in "America's Finest City" as San Diego is affectionately known, the decision is easy because you're fortunate enough to have access to the best auto mechanic in Southern California! Tell the driver to tow your car to Transmasters in San Diego. At Transmasters, we understand the frustration of having a car that's out of commission. That's why we work quickly to diagnose the issue, provide a free estimate, and get you back on the road as fast as possible. Our mechanics can help The technicians on our staff are experienced and certified in transmission and auto repair. We pride ourselves on providing the same level of expertise as you would find at a dealership, but at a more affordable rate. Whether you're towing your car to our facility or you're able to drop off your car, we will wor ... read more

Why is your car shaking and what are those strange vibrations going on with your car? Shaking and vibrations are one of the most common complaints of car owners. And, the good news is that many of the causes of shaking and vibrations are easily diagnosed and corrected by something simple such as balancing or rotating the tires. Some of the more common problems that cause your vehicle to shake and vibrate are: Bent axles Warped brake rotors Out of balance tires Loose tire Stuck brake caliper Loose engine mount If your car shakes and/or vibrates at high speeds or while you're accelerating, this could indicate a problem with your tires or more serious problems involving the transmission or a worn-out universal joint. This can lead to a dangerous situation while you're driving and can compromise highway safety because it can ultimately result in a loss of control. If your car shakes when shifting into different gears, this could be an indication ... read more