San Diego Auto Repair

Volvos have a reputation for being some of the safest and long-lasting vehicles on the road. Stories of owners getting 200-300K miles out of their cars are not unusual. That said, there are several common problems with Volvos that you may encounter. As with any automobile, it's always good to be informed as to what to expect so you can address the issues in a timely manner. If you want to extend the life of your car, proper maintenance is key. So, how do you know when it's time to take your car into the shop? Even those of us who don't have any training in car mechanics know when something simply feels different in our personal vehicles. Other times we're alerted by an unfamiliar sound or because the check engine light is illuminated. With Volvos in particular, this can be an indication that there are transmission problems. Are you experiencing any of these? Occasionally the check engine light comes on for what appears to be a camshaft position sensor failure. Though, with ... read more

Is it necessary to incur the cost to change transmission fluid at the intervals recommended by your car's manufacturer? The answer is a yes — both to keep your car running smoothly and to avoid the more costly bill of having to replace a transmission that has been ruined by bad fluid. This is true for both transmission fluid types although for different reasons. The fluid present in an automatic car degrades because it is subject to high heat, and manual transmission fluid collects fine metal shavings from the the bearings, gears and synchronizers over time. If you're concerned about saving money, you may be asking yourself is it hard to change your transmission fluid or can you do it yourself? This depends on your tolerance for how long it takes, which is different for every type of vehicle, and whether you're up for a dirty job. Removing the pan and drain plugs if necessary and dealing with the old, dirty fluid can be very messy. Also, making sure you do the job properly is ... read more