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Working Hours
Monday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Tuesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Wednesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Thursday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Saturday 8:00AM - 4:00PM Sunday Closed -
Visit Our Shop
We have friendly staff who will take care of you
1288 West San Marcos Blvd Suite 107
San Marcos, CA 92078 -
Have Questions?
We're here to help you!
760-744-5498 -
Vehicle Tips
According to recent studies, 5 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities are clearly caused by automobile maintenance neglect.
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Vehicle Tips
The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of coolant should be checked. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.)
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Vehicle Tips
Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled. The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses should be checked by a pro.
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Vehicle Tips
Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual, or more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage or tow a trailer.
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Vehicle Tips
Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended, or more often in dusty conditions. Get engine drivability problems (hard stops, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.
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Vehicle Tips
A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent.
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Vehicle Tips
Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; let the tires cool down first. Don't forget your spare and be sure your jack is in good condition.
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Vehicle Tips
Check your owner's manual to find out what fuel octane rating your car's engine needs then buy it.
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Vehicle Tips
Keep your tires inflated to the proper levels. Under-inflated tires make it harder for your car to move down the road, which means your engine uses more fuel to maintain speed.
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Vehicle Tips
Lighten the load. Heavier vehicles use more fuel, so clean out unnecessary weight in the passenger compartment or trunk before you hit the road.
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Vehicle Tips
Use the A/C sparingly. The air conditioner puts extra load on the engine forcing more fuel to be used.
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Vehicle Tips
Keep your windows closed. Wide-open windows, especially at highway speeds, increase aerodynamic drag and the result is up to a 10% decrease in fuel economy.
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Vehicle Tips
Avoid long idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than one minute, shut off the car. Contrary to popular belief, restarting the car uses less fuel than letting it idle.
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Vehicle Tips
Stay within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. For example, driving at 65 miles per hour (mph) rather than 55 mph, increases fuel consumption by 20 percent.
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Vehicle Tips
Use cruise control. Using cruise control on highway trips can help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption.
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Vehicle Tips
Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent.
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Vehicle Tips
Inspect the engine's belts regularly. Look for cracks or missing sections or segments. Worn belts will affect the engine performance.
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Vehicle Tips
Have the fuel filter changed every 10,000 miles to prevent rust, dirt and other impurities from entering the fuel system.
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Vehicle Tips
Change the transmission fluid and filter every 15,000 to 18,000 miles. This will protect the precision-crafted components of the transmission/transaxle.
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Vehicle Tips
Inspect the suspension system regularly. This will extend the life of the vehicle's tires.
What our clients say about us?
Reviews and comments from our satisfied customers
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I just moved into the neighborhood and needed an oil change for my car. There are so many auto shops in San Marcos! How to choose? I happened to get a welcome to the neighborhood coupon in the mail from Fast Automotive Center. So I checked them out on yelp and found that they have positive reviews. After calling to make an appointment for a couple days out, I showed up with my car for my oil change and was told it would be 30 minutes. They actually did call me and finish my oil change in 30 minutes! Ralph at the front desk was friendly and professional. It was the easiest and least stressful oil change of my life! I'll be going back for future car issues. They also did not try to up sell me on "necessary repairs" which I greatly appreciated. Thank you!
-Susan C. -
These guys are fast! The service manager is polite and has always been patient to explain what is required to do the job. I have used them on two occasions with great satisfaction. The price is reasonable and the service has not let us down.
-Raymond M. -
Visiting from LA for the weekend, car broke down unexpectedly in San Marcos, on a Saturday at 3 PM! Ralph, and Al were super helpful and accommodating. Very nice and genuine. Stayed past their closing time trying to help with the issue and even gave us a ride back to our Airbnb. Great business. Thanks Ralph!
-Shadi A. -
Great auto shop, honest and reliable. Our family mechanic for over 15 years now.
-Kelly L. -
For 20+ years I have brought my cars here. Good prices and always fair treatment.
-Michael B. -
I've been taking all of my cars there for smog for years and he has been great and reasonable every time!
-Fritz S. -
I highly recommend Fast Automotive. It is a friendly, honest, and true to its name, fast automotive shop. It's really nice as a woman who is not automotive inclined to know that I can take my car here and not ever feel like I might be getting swindled. Ralph, the owner, always ensures I understand the state of my car and I have never felt pressed into buying anything. Great customer service, great car service.
-Amy H. -
Best mechanic I have ever used! Ralph is honest and fair. He's even given me advice on how to fix some things myself to save money! Been using him since 2000, and will continue to as long as he is open and I am in San Diego. I cannot recommend him enough.
-John K. -
Second time I've been here. Always friendly and fair. I'm happy I've found a great local shop to rely on.
-Naysan K. -
We've been coming here for years, the whole family. Ralph is great, and I really trust him with my car.
-Dalila H.