Other Auto Repair Services In Kearny Mesa, San Diego

A well-maintained vehicle is the best defense against breakdowns and complicated repairs. But no matter how carefully you drive or how closely you follow your vehicle’s regular maintenance schedule, you may need occasional repairs.

At California Motor Works & Tires in San Diego, our ASE Certified technicians and in-house master technicians are trained to service a vast range of vehicles including cars, light-duty trucks, commercial trucks, SUVs, 4x4s, hybrids, and more. We offer a comprehensive approach to auto service, specializing in regular maintenance, inspections, and repairs, all with the goal of keeping you safe on the road.

30/60/90K car maintenance service

Adhering to the factory scheduled maintenance plan, often called the 30/60/90K plan, is one of the best things you can do to keep your vehicle running at peak efficiency. While some drivers might view this maintenance as optional if their car is running well, regular maintenance can reduce costly repairs in the future and help prolong the life of your vehicle. 

At California Motor Works & Tires, our comprehensive 30/60/90K maintenance service includes:

• Oil change
• Spark plug replacement
• Fuel filter and air filter replacement
• Drive belt replacement
• New wiper blades
• Flushing the fuel injection, cooling, and power steering systems
• Flushing the transmission and brake fluid
• Cleaning, adjusting, and replacing brakes if needed
• Tire rotation and air pressure adjustment 
• Battery service
• A/C and heater system inspection
• Inspection and lubrication of the suspension system
• Inspection of suspension alignment and tire wear
• Inspection of the exhaust system
• Inspection of all hoses
• Inspection of engine and transmission mounts
• Inspection of timing belt, distributor cap and rotor

Optimal performance and safety aren’t the only reasons to keep up with regular vehicle maintenance. In many cases, you’ll need to prove your car has been regularly serviced in order to keep your warranty valid. And if you ever decide to sell your car, you’re more likely to get a higher asking price if you can prove it has been well-maintained.

Oil changes

Motor oil is the lifeblood of all motorized vehicles. When oil levels get low or the oil becomes gritty with dirt and debris, the resulting friction can cause serious damage to engine components. In severe cases, insufficient oil levels can seize the engine entirely.

Vehicle manufacturers suggest regular oil changes every 3 months or 3,000 miles, but some driving habits and weather conditions cause the need for more frequent service. Here are some signs your vehicle may need an oil change sooner rather than later: 

• The engine runs louder than usual

• The oil level is low or black and sludgy

• The dashboard oil light illuminates

At California Motor Works & Tires, our oil change service includes a complete flush of the old oil and replacement with up to 5 quarts of the oil of your choice, plus a brand-new oil filter. We also check for leaks and inspect all seals and gaskets.

Timing belt maintenance and replacement

Your vehicle’s timing belt might look like a simple strip of rubber, but it’s a crucial engine component that ensures each cylinder fires properly and at the right time. Despite the high-quality, durable rubber used to manufacture timing belts, the material will still break down over time. You will need to replace it at the earliest sign of damage or cracking because once it breaks, your vehicle’s engine won’t run at all.

The certified technicians at California Motor Works & Tires will thoroughly inspect your timing belt and replace it if necessary, but if you miss your regular maintenance schedule, it’s important to keep an eye (and ear) out for the following signs of timing belt wear: 

• Oil leaking from the timing belt cover

• Extra emissions released from the exhaust system

• Ticking, squeaking, or squealing noises coming from the engine

• Frequent engine misfires

If your vehicle’s engine won’t turn over at all, there’s a good chance your timing belt is already broken and you’ll need a replacement right away.

Suspension system evaluation and repair

A properly maintained suspension system allows you to drive straight, turn, and brake safely. It also reduces the bumps and vibrations from the road. When your vehicle’s suspension is damaged or in need of maintenance, it can result in poor handling, alignment issues, and accelerated tire wear, all of which compromise your safety.

If you notice your vehicle rides rougher than usual, pulls or drifts when you turn, or lurches forward when you apply the brakes firmly, you may need a suspension system inspection and repair.

At California Motor Works & Tires, our certified technicians will thoroughly evaluate your suspension system to diagnose the problem. Our comprehensive suspension system service includes inspection of the shocks and struts, tires and wheels, alignment, ball joints, leaf springs, coil springs, and control arms. Common suspension system repairs include:

• Replacement of worn shocks or struts

• Replacement of broken spring coils

• Repair of leaking shocks