Welcome to the Pacific Automotive FAQ. We’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions we hear from our San Diego customers. If your question isn’t here, please don’t hesitate to call us!
The Check Engine light is your car’s main warning system. It means the onboard computer has detected a problem, which could be anything from a loose gas cap (a simple fix) to a failing sensor (which can hurt your gas mileage and damage your engine over time).
Don’t ignore it. A small problem can become a major, expensive repair if left unchecked. Our ASE-certified technicians use the latest diagnostic equipment to find the exact problem, saving you time and money. See our Check Engine Light page.
The old “3,000-mile” rule is no longer true for most modern cars. The right answer depends entirely on your vehicle’s manufacturer, the age of your car, the type of oil you use, and your driving habits.
Some new cars can go 7,500 or even 10,000 miles between changes. However, if you do a lot of short-trip, stop-and-go driving in San Diego, you may need it sooner. We’ll check your factory’s recommended schedule and help you create a plan that’s right for you, not just an outdated rule.
Your brakes are your car’s most important safety system. We recommend a brake inspection at least once a year or every 12,000 miles.
You should come in immediately if you notice:
A squeaking, grinding, or scraping noise.
A “soft” or “spongy” brake pedal.
Your car pulling to one side when you brake.
A vibrating steering wheel when you brake.
At Pacific Automotive, we offer a free brake inspection to give you peace of mind. See our Brakes page.
This is one of the most critical (and most-forgotten) pieces of preventative maintenance. A timing belt is a rubber belt that keeps your engine’s parts synchronized. If it breaks, it can cause catastrophic and extremely expensive engine damage.
There is no “check engine” light for a worn-out timing belt. It must be replaced based on your manufacturer’s schedule, which is typically between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. We can look up your vehicle’s exact recommended interval.
See our Scheduled Maintenance Service page.
No. This is a common misconception. You have the right to have your car serviced by any qualified independent shop without it affecting your factory warranty.
We are an ASE-Certified shop, and we use factory-approved procedures and parts (or high-quality OEM alternatives) to ensure your warranty remains 100% intact. We are a reliable, professional-grade alternative to the dealership.