Auto Repair Trends in Paso Robles for 2020

Our auto repair shop is in Paso Robles close to the border with Templeton off of Ramada Drive and being an auto repair shop in North County means we see different automotive needs than others see below The Grade.  For all of our friends and neighbors that live or work in Paso Robles, we thought we would share the unique trends we see for auto repair around Paso Robles.

Air Filters – There are a fair number of dirt roads around Paso Robles, and many people who drive out onto ranches and vineyards through dirt paths.  While rock chips are the most common problem with dirt roads, the next biggest issue happens to be air filters getting clogged.  Your vehicle likely has two air filters: one for the engine and the other for inside the cabin.  Both air filters should be replaced at every-other oil change.  Most air filters have a lifespan of 12,000-15,000 miles (check your owner’s manual for the specifications for your vehicle under your Factory Recommended Maintenance), but if you drive on dirt roads, we recommend replacing them sooner, like every 10,000 miles.  Air filters are usually easy to check, so if you have a concern, bring your car, truck, or SUV on in and we’ll take a look for you. 

Brake Repairs – There is nothing more important to your safety while driving than a good set of brakes.  There are several components involved in the braking system depending on your vehicle, but we see brake pads, shoes, and rotors needing to be replaced more often in the Paso Robles area.  This might be due to all of the dirt roads or it might be due to the fact that many of us put on more in-town miles on our vehicles than freeway miles, and in-town driving requires a lot of starting and stopping.  Because we know brakes are a common auto repair need in Paso Robles, we often have a coupon for brake repairs on our specials page, so be sure to check!

Shocks – We love living in Paso Robles, but let’s face it, many of our paved roads are in disrepair.  Add in the number of dirt roads and off-road driving through farms and vineyards and it all adds up to premature wear of your shocks and suspension.  You can check your Factory Recommended Maintenance schedule for more details, but shocks typically last 50,000-100,000 miles, which is a very broad range.  What we see in the Paso Robles area is the need to replace shocks, struts and/or bushings sooner rather than later.  If your car has over 50,000 miles on it, be sure to ask to have your shocks checked, and if your vehicle has over 100,000 miles on it and you’ve never replaced any of your shock components, it’s probably time to bring it in.  We’ll look at your shocks before recommending replacement, but there’s a pretty good chance you’ll need it if you work or live in the Paso Robles area. 

Windshield Wiper Blades – Replacing windshield wiper blades is a common auto repair that many people feel comfortable with doing themselves.  Most wiper blades are only meant to last 6 months to 1 year before they’ll start to squeak or chatter and you’ll see a noticeable difference in their wiping abilities.  Since we have hot, dry summers, that rubber will surely crack so we recommend sticking to that 1-year lifespan and replacing your blades every year rather than waiting to see if they are ‘good enough’ to get the job done.  Remember, we want you to be safe out there! 

If any of these auto repair items sound like something familiar but you aren’t sure when it was last done, we’d be happy to take a look for you!  We don’t make unnecessary repairs, so if you think it might be time for new shocks or even just new blades but you don’t know how to change them, make an appointment or stop on in.  We love seeing and talking to our customers and neighbors here in beautiful Paso Robles.