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

Keeping Your Vehicle in Top Shape with Simple, Fun Tips Get a comprehensive guidebook that helps you keep your vehicle in top-notch condition! Whether you're an auto enthusiast or simply aiming to optimize your car's performance, understanding essential maintenance techniques is imperative. At John's Automotive Care La Mesa, we offer valuable insights and helpful tips focused on prolonging the life of your vehicle. Our combined efforts involve learning basic upkeep procedures while guiding seamless operation. A is for Air Filter Air filters are often disregarded despite their crucial role in maintaining cars. Overlooking them can lead to potential engine damage caused by dirt and debris, which impacts vehicle performance. Therefore, the significance of air filters cannot be overstated. Regular maintenance ensures optimal efficiency levels that result in improved fuel economy ratings - a valuable b ... read more

Ready, Set, Adventure: Pre-Trip Prep As summer draws to a close, there's an opportunity for one last remarkable road trip. Whether your destination is the beach, the mountains, or the desert, meticulous planning is crucial to ensure that your journey exceeds expectations and provides maximum enjoyment. Prioritize your vehicle's health. Just like you wouldn't embark on a hiking trip without the right gear, ensuring your car undergoes maintenance before hitting the road is imperative. Start by checking its tires—ensure they have adequate air pressure and tread depth. Don't forget to examine your spare tire, too, and have all the essential tools in case of an emergency flat tire situation during travels. Next, shifting your focus toward your vehicle's fluids is essential. To ensure the smooth functioning of the car, make sure that oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid are t ... 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

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

Get ready, fellow adventurers! Welcome to Southern California, the land where every day is a fiesta. From sun-bathed beaches to the rhythmic pulse of city life, SoCal is a flavor-packed feast for your senses. The cherry on top? Those drool-worthy tacos that you can't miss! Now, if your escapades whisk you off to the delightful town of La Mesa, we're here to let you in on a little secret. John Automotive Care in La Mesa, California, is your car's best friend while you're out there making unforgettable memories. They have all your auto repair needs covered with first-class services and spot-on diagnostics. These guys will keep your ride purring as smoothly as butter melting on a hot pancake. Summer in SoCal is like biting into a hot jalapeño - fiery from June to mid-September. That kind of heat can make your car work up quite a sweat. Finding a top-tier repair shop like John Automotive Care is critical. They're all set to ensure your beloved vehicle stays in ti ... 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 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