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

Delve deeper into all things to do with your vehicle! Dive into the exciting world of automobiles! Perfect for beginners, whether you're a fresh driver, a vehicle hobbyist, or just curious about how your vehicle functions, knowing the basic anatomy of your vehicle is crucial. This easy-to-understand guide, presented by John's Automotive Care La Mesa, is crafted to unravel the complexities of vehicle mechanics into easily digestible concepts.   This guide will help you navigate through the essential parts of a vehicle. We'll start with the engine and your vehicle's heartbeat and move on to the transmission system that regulates the engine's power. We'll also explore the chassis and suspension system, which is key to your vehicle's stability and ride comfort. And, we'll delve into the braking and steering systems, integral for ensuring your safety on the road.   We understand that automotive terms and concepts can sometimes be overwhelming ... 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

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

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

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

  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

  Happy November to our John's Automotive Care La Mesa customers; pardon us for saying a well-used phrase, but Winter Is Coming. Given our past knowledge of what winter road conditions can bring, there is no better time like a November blog to talk about all the ways you can protect & prep your vehicle for the upcoming winter months. Winter-proofing one's vehicle is key to saving you money and time in the long run! We present our top five ways to prepare your vehicle for winter.    Light Cleaning  Take a walk around the exterior of your vehicle. Check to make sure that all your headlights and taillights are clear and sturdy and the bulbs put out plenty of light. As we head into the darker months, visibility is critical. The polycarbonate material that makes up most headlights is often sun-damaged from the hot summer months. From scratches to UV rays beating down. Having your headlights or taillights cloudy significantly impacts your visibility on the ... read more