Turn your family road trip into an adventure with fun, kid-friendly games! Preparing for a long distance journey or cruising the picturesque roads of California, ensuring that your kids are occupied while on the road is vital to make your family road trip memorable. Travelling through extended stretches of highway can be dull and tedious, resulting in restlessness among children. But with some ingenuity, you can enliven those silent miles into an entertaining spectacle filled with laughter, education and exhilaration.   Discover these fascinating games and enjoyable activities which can entertain your children during lengthy drives, keeping them content. The Classic “I Spy” Game As one of the most adaptable and time-honored road trip games, "I Spy" provides endless entertainment for kids. Designed to stimulate young minds through observation, this game can be modified to suit any child's age or preferences without requiring materials. Besides being e ... read more

Debunking Common Misconceptions About Engine Warm-Up and How It Affects Your Vehicle in Chilly Weather As the temperature decreases, many drivers kick off their day by warming up their vehicles. Most people believe that allowing your engine to "warm up" before driving is as customary as having morning coffee for work or leisurely activities. Yet, do cars genuinely require this additional time to heat up? Or could it be an obsolete misconception? In this blog post, we'll examine the scientific reasoning behind car warm-ups and refute popular misconceptions while presenting accurate facts on keeping your automobile running efficiently throughout winter. Where Did the Idea of Engine Warm-Up Come From? Warming up your car before driving originates from the era of carbureted engines, prevalent in vehicles manufactured before the 1990s. Such engines required time to regulate and balance the fuel-air mixture ... read more

Welcome to our March blog at John's Automotive Care La Mesa, where we're dedicated to ensuring the longevity and health of your vehicle.    This month, we will dive into automotive oils, exploring their essential role in your vehicle's performance. We'll be shedding light on the various types of oils and their unique benefits, helping you make an educated decision for your vehicle. Have questions about the right oil for your vehicle? Don't hesitate to drop by and consult with our expert team today in La Mesa! The automotive industry has seen significant improvements in engine technology over the years. One area that has evolved is the engine oil. Today, you'll find both conventional and synthetic oils on the market. But are there notable differences between the two? This blog will explore the differences in performance, requirements for modern vehicles, cost, and current customer trends in engine oils.   Are you curious about the distinctions ... read more

Owning a car is both a privilege and a responsibility. Just as John Eppstein's passion for cars ignited with understanding the essentials, each car owner should be well-equipped to maximize the vehicle's longevity and ensure a safe driving experience. As you journey with your vehicle, there are five essential must-haves every car enthusiast, commuter, and everyday driver should be aware of.   1. A Reliable Auto Mechanic In the vast world of automotive care, not all mechanics are created equal. Just as John transformed from a gas station mechanic to an owner, his journey is a testament to the value of dedication, experience, and genuine care for vehicles. Having a trusted mechanic is like having a family doctor. They become familiar with your car's nuances, ensuring it runs optimally and addresses issues proactively. Many U.S. drivers cannot find a trusted repair facility. This makes it even more essential to find a reliable auto repair shop, such as John's Auto ... read more

Want to discover some spooky roads this spooky season? Look no further! At Johns Automotive Care La Mesa, we know that you depend on your vehicle for everything from daily errands to thrilling adventures. And with Halloween approaching, what could be more thrilling than exploring some of the nation's most famously haunted roads? People love to be frightened, whether at local attractions like a haunted corn maze or watching a horror film from the comfort of their homes. But what about those who crave something more real? Recently, visiting locations with eerie reputations has become increasingly popular. Many of us know about iconic haunted structures like New York's Amityville house or the Stanley Hotel in Colorado. But have you ever heard about these seven haunted roads? Let's take a look at seven roads across the country that are wrapped in mystery and intrigue. Trust us, and you'll want to ensure your car is in top shape if you venture down any of these paths ... read more

Greetings and welcome, September! Get ready to embark on an automotive adventure with Johns Automotive Care La Mesa's blog. This time, we're focusing on a unique group of drivers – SUV owners. As the summer season fades, we're here to equip you with valuable knowledge about your SUV. So, fasten your seatbelts as we present "Unlocking the Power: 10 Essential Things You Should Know About Your SUV" With the arrival of a new month, we bid farewell to summer and embrace the season of fresh beginnings. In this spirit, we want to guide you through the ins and outs of your SUV. Whether you're a college student preparing for the upcoming academic year or a seasoned driver seeking to enhance your SUV knowledge, this blog post is tailored just for you. As you embark on your college journey or daily commutes, ensuring you're well-prepared is crucial. We aim to provide practical and reliable advice, empowering you to understand your SUV better and ensuring a smoo ... read more

Greetings, August! Welcome to Johns Automotive Care La Mesa's blog - your trusted companion on the journey to automotive knowledge. As we wave goodbye to summer and enter the season of new beginnings, we're focusing on a unique group of drivers - college students. With the advent of a new academic year, thousands of students nationwide are preparing to hit the road, bound for their respective college campuses. But before they do, it's essential to ensure they are fully equipped with dorm essentials and study materials and the proper knowledge about their most significant mode of transport - their cars. In this spirit, we're thrilled to present our new blog post, "Driving 101: The Ultimate Car Guide for College Students". We aim to provide insightful, practical, and reliable auto advice for all eager students, helping them understand their cars better and prepare for a smooth, stress-free college commute. Our guide covers everything from essential maintenance t ... read more

Why Getting it Right from the Start Ensures a Smooth Ride Ahead Every vehicle owner dreads the moment when something goes wrong with their car. Often, the inclination is to take it to a repair shop and demand a quick fix. However, jumping into repairs without a proper diagnosis can lead to more problems and costlier repairs down the line. This blog will explore the importance of accurate diagnosis before beginning any auto repair work and how it ensures a smooth ride ahead. The Role of Diagnosis in Auto Repair: Just like a doctor examines a patient before prescribing treatment, a skilled auto technician will thoroughly inspect and diagnose your vehicle before attempting any repairs. This initial step is crucial, as it helps pinpoint the root cause of the problem and determine the most effective course of action. This is why turning to the experts at John's Automotive Care in La Mesa is your #1 choice for peace of mind. Proper diagnosis can save you time, money, and headaches by ... read more

Happy April, we welcome you to John's Automotive Care La Mesa's monthly blog. This month is National Car Care Month; we care about you and your car. We at John's Automotive Care in La Mesa, California, want to help you keep your vehicle in tip-top shape while driving on the road for many more years. Why do we celebrate National Car Care month? Well, we at John's Automotive Care La Mesa celebrate this month because taking care of your car is our specialty! We love preventative maintenance and taking care of your vehicle.  Preventative Maintenance  At John's Automotive Care, we understand the importance of proper vehicle maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Our comprehensive preventive maintenance services cover critical areas such as fluid checks and inspections, adhering to manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules. For instance, for Honda Civics between 15,000 and 105,000 miles, we recommend replacing the transmission fluid, con ... read more

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