Are you ready for a grand adventure? It feels like we have been stuck inside for weeks or maybe even months. Let’s load up the car and go on a road trip this spring! But first, we need to be sure our car will get us there and back. What do we need to do to make sure our vehicle is road trip ready? First things first, let’s talk fluids. Most vehicles have six fluids to pay attention to.   Oil Most of us already know how important good oil is for your engine, but it never hurts to go over why and when. Let’s talk about what oil does for your engine. There are many moving parts in your engine, such as pistons, a crankshaft, and your camshaft. Most manufacturers recommend that you change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles; however, since hybrid and synthetic oils are now on the market, some manufacturers recommend an oil service every 7,500 - 10,000 miles. You will want to check your owner’s manual to set a regular schedule for your car or leave it to the ... read more

Happy February, the month we celebrate Love. At John’s Automotive Care in La Mesa, we feel it is important to celebrate our customers, and their vehicles, so during the month of February; we have red roses to give away to every custom alignment if it is found necessary. When we are proactive, we end up with a more peaceful life, with less unexpected breakdowns and repairs. Preventive maintenance is a term we use to refer to regular maintenance items such as oil changes, tire rotations, topping off your fluids, checking your brakes, or possibly even a wheel.   Regular Inspections When you bring your vehicle in for regularly scheduled maintenance, not only does your car get a thorough inspection by trained professional ASE-Certified mechanics, but it also prolongs the life of your vehicle and keeps it in good condition mechanically. Plus, you get peak performance out of your car when it is running well and tuned up. When your car or truck struggles for air because of a dirt ... read more

Happy New Year from the team at John’s Automotive Care in La Mesa! January is a good time to talk about money-saving tips while you drive to kick off the new year. Let’s be kind to our wallets!   Steady speeds Did you know that driving smooth and steady, avoiding sudden braking or acceleration, can save you money? Although it is fun to drive fast and accelerate quickly, it becomes costly. If you want to become an economical driver, practice driving just below the speed limit and avoid quickly accelerating. Driving this way also reduces the wear on your engine, suspension, and tires.   Turning off your engine Running your car while waiting can get costly at the pump. If you park your car so someone can run back into the house or a store, and you might be idling your vehicle for over 1 minute, turn off your engine. Not only will you save fuel, but you will also be saving the environment one minute at a time.   Oil Check Proper oil for your vehicle. Wo ... read more

What is the Importance of an Oil Change?   We all hear time and time again that the most important service you can schedule for your car, but why? Well, oil is the most critical part of your cooling system and is the primary lubricant for the internal components of your engine. Neglecting to have regular oil change services can ultimately lead to expensive, otherwise avoidable repairs.   Fundamentally, an oil change consists of draining and refilling your engine oil and installing a new replacement filter. Here is the process. First, we remove the sump plug to drain the oil, remove the old filter, replace the drain plug and add oil, refilling to the correct amount based on factory specifications.   What does an Oil and Filter Change Do for my Car? Oil goes bad. No matter how well you drive, dirt and debris end up in your engine oil. The quality of oil you run in your car prevents or increases friction, which causes avoidable stress and wears on the internal compon ... read more

Can you believe that Halloween is coming up and pumpkin spice lattes are in abundance? Even if you are still holding onto summer, now is the time to think about winter road trips during the holidays and seasonal changes that can affect your car. If you are wondering what types of seasonal maintenance to focus on, keep reading to find car care tips to ensure your vehicle is ready.   Fluids The first thing you want to do is check your fluids. This is most critical of all, as the fluids not only lubricate your engine, they keep your car from overheating. This is a perfect time to pop the hood and look at your engine oil, coolant level, brake fluid, Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF, and power steering fluid. Be cautious if you have been driving your car because the coolant in your car is HOT and could severely burn you if you have been recently driving your car. If your vehicle has a transfer case or differential, you should also check these fluids to make sure there is no viscosit ... read more

    Increasing driver’s safety in summer   According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, most auto-related incidents and injuries occur in July and August, including teenage accidents and deaths. In summer, we experience many weather-related changes and cultural patterns, which increase driving hazards during the summer months. This month’s blog will cover the most common summertime driving dangers and how we can avoid them.    Tire blowouts When it is hot outside and the pavement heats up, that heat transfers to your tires, causing the air inside to expand. Even new tires can blow out during a heatwave if you are not mindful of your tire pressure. The opposite occurs when it is cool outside, meaning that your tires will have low air pressure. Shifting between temperatures can cause frequent flat tires and blowouts, and if this occurs while driving can cause a terrible accident, especially while driving at high speeds. &nb ... read more

Every component in a vehicle needs regular maintenance to extend its lifecycle. And one particular system that you certainly want to maintain is your vehicle's A/C system. Given the warm climate of California that we live in and call home, your air conditioning unit is one of the most crucial to keep you cool and calm all year. John's Automotive Care is your best choice for auto cooling system repair in La Mesa. Our ASE Certified auto mechanics are either ASE Master-Certified with extensive experience repairing auto cooling systems in all makes and models of foreign and domestic vehicles. Who wants to leave their truck feeling sweaty and stuffy? No one! If there is an issue with your auto cooling system, our auto mechanics will identify and solve the problem. Additionally, most auto repair is backed by a 36,000-mile/36-month warranty.  What happens if you neglect to service your A/C system? This is what we'll be covering in this article. Are you ready? Let's get ... read more

  We are wishing you & your family a wonderful month of May! Our John's Automotive Care team has decided to talk about all things brakes for this month's blog! Including simple things you, as a responsible vehicle owner, can do to save you money in the long run. We will tackle what different brake issues mean & when it's time to see an expert.    John's Automotive Care is your trusted source for brake repair in La Mesa. Brakes are paramount to your safety, your passengers, and your car. Skilled brake repair auto mechanics should only handle these essential components of your vehicle. So let's begin with, "when do I need to see an expert?"    Vibrations in your vehicle?  Vibrations in your car indicate it's time to visit the experts at JAC. The reasoning behind this is due to worn down brake pads; over time, this occurs — there's no avoiding it. As your brake pads wear down, they can come into contac ... read more

  Happy April to our John's Automotive Care Family!  With the new month of April, our team decided this was the perfect time to inspire our wonderful customers & give some road trip ideas for Spring. Our team hopes you find some inspiration for your next California adventure, from day trips to long weekends or weeklong getaways!    Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a must for a road trip & is the largest state park in California. Just under a two-hour drive from our shop, this park consists of over five hundred miles of dirt roads, with 12 wilderness areas with many miles of hiking trails. California's largest state park provides visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonders of the California Desert. The park's name comes from Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza, mixed with Borrego, or bighorn sheep. Find camping reservations here.&nb ... read more

  Happy February from John's Automotive Care!  For this month's blog, we are highlighting our tips & guidelines for driving in the snow safely! If a winter adventure is calling your name, this blog is for you. Even if you love to play in the snow, your vehicle doesn't. According to the U.S Department of Transportation, "Over 1,300 people are killed, and more than 116,800 people are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy or icy pavement annually." Here are John's Automotive Care's tips for driving in the snow to help make your winter adventure easier & safer.    The prep begins before the driving; always remember to check roadway conditions, including chain controls, before you leave the comfort of your home with Caltrans QuickMap. Another at-home step is ensuring you have the right supplies for your adven ... read more