LOOKING FOR A MECHANIC YOU CAN TRUST?

Our team brings over 150 years of combined experience in the automotive industry.

Are you looking for a reliable and honest auto mechanic in San Marcos, CA?

Glen Hoisington is an ASE-certified Master Auto Technician and has been in the automotive industry for over 45 years. He always found himself questioning the intense pressure of his employers aiming to sell, sell, sell, whether a service was necessary or not. Being a man of integrity, Glen wanted to put his customer's needs at the forefront of a business.

in 2012, Glen and his wife Michele decided it was time to open a shop of their own, based entirely on the principles of integrity and honesty. This simple strategy has earned Coastal Car Care an excellent reputation over the years, with a loyal customer base in North San Diego County. Setting themselves apart from other shops in a positive way is always a priority. For example, they stand behind all of their work, guaranteed. Period.

If you aren’t convinced, see what your neighbors are saying about them on Yelp and Google. They are very proud that all of their reviews are purely organic, and NEVER purchased!

Announcements

Coastal Car Care Is AAA Approved

Coastal Car Care is a AAA approved auto repair facility with ASE certified auto mechanics in San Marcos, CA. Present a valid AAA membership card and enjoy these membership benefits:

Quality Repairs and High Customer Satisfaction Standards
10% Discount off Parts and Labor, Up to $75
Warranty Minimum of 24 Months or 24,000 Miles
Written Estimate of Work Performed
Priority Service with AAA Roadside Assistance
Free Maintenance Inspection
Schedule An Appointment With Us On the AAA Website or Here On Our Website
Call us today for more details!

State-of-the-Art Wheel Alignments

We are now offering regular, specialty, and custom alignments for all our customers! Whether it's for your daily driver or special off-road project, we are confident we can give you the best alignment results in town. Our technology-packed Hunter alignment machine has easy-to-understand color printouts showing before and after alignment measurements.

Alignments

We Can Build Overland Vehicles For You!

Coastal Car Care is excited to announce that overland/ off-road/ van life projects are now within our scope of services we offer our customers. We personally love our own vehicles being fitted with functional utilities for adventuring, so we want to help you achieve your goals. We can order and install custom kits and mods for any vehicle you may be building out. We can also do alignments in-house, letting you drive out with a full suspension job or lift kit ready for adventure. Check out our page showing off some of the work we've done!

Overlanding Mods/ Kits

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at mycoastalcarcare@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What are your business hours in San Marcos, CA?

Coastal Car Care is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

We provide full-service auto repair and maintenance during business hours. If you need to schedule service, we recommend calling ahead or booking an appointment to minimize wait time.

What types of vehicles do you work on?

We service most foreign and domestic vehicles.

Our technicians in San Marcos also specialize in:

Asian imports (Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura, Hyundai, Kia)
Domestic vehicles (Ford, Chevy, Dodge)
Classic cars, hot rods, and muscle cars

We also do limited work on these vehicles, so please call for details:

European vehicles (BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Mini, Land Rover)

If you’re unsure about your vehicle, give us a call—we likely work on it.

What auto repair services do you offer in San Marcos?

We provide full-service auto repair and maintenance, including diagnostics, oil changes, brakes, suspension, and major engine repairs.

Common services include:

Oil changes & maintenance
Brake repair & replacement
Wheel alignments
Suspension & steering repair
Engine diagnostics & repair
Pre-purchase inspections
Classic car mechanical restoration & performance upgrades

Do you offer Used Car Inspections?

Coastal Car Care provides comprehensive, unbiased, bumper-to-bumper pre-purchase inspections for used vehicles, replacing traditional "tire-kicking" with expert evaluations of computers, engines, and mechanical systems. The detailed reports identify necessary repairs, enabling buyers to leverage negotiations and make informed, confident decisions. Read more about this inspection under the Services tab.

Do you offer body work, tires, or smog services?

No, we focus strictly on mechanical auto repair and do not offer body work, paint, smog checks, tire services, or windshield replacement.

This allows us to specialize in high-quality mechanical diagnostics and repairs.

Do you work on classic cars and hot rods?

Yes, we specialize in classic car repair, mechanical restoration, and performance upgrades in San Marcos.

Our services include:

Carburetor tuning and adjustments
Engine timing and diagnostics
Suspension and brake restoration
Engine swaps and modern upgrades (fuel injection, drivetrain)

We work on vehicles from early 1900s models to modern builds.

Are your mechanics ASE certified?

Yes, all of our technicians are ASE certified, and most hold Master Technician certifications. This ensures your vehicle is serviced by highly trained and experienced professionals.

What is included in an oil change?

A standard oil change includes draining old oil, replacing the oil filter, and refilling with the correct engine oil.

At Coastal Car Care, we also include:

120-point vehicle inspection
Fluid top-offs (no extra charge)
Visual inspection for leaks or wear

What is included in a 120-point vehicle inspection?

A 120-point inspection is a comprehensive, bumper-to-bumper check of your vehicle’s key systems.

It includes inspection of:

Engine fluids, leaks, and cooling system
Exhaust System
Fluid Leaks
Tire Wear
Belts, hoses, and filters
Transmission and fuel system
Brakes and ABS components
Suspension and steering
Electrical systems and battery
HVAC (heating & AC)
Alignment and tire condition

This inspection helps catch problems early and prevent costly repairs.

How do I choose a trustworthy auto repair shop?

To find a reliable mechanic, look for clear explanations, transparency, and certifications like ASE.

Here’s what to check:

Do they explain repairs in plain language?
Can they show photos or evidence?
Do they answer questions without pressure?

A trustworthy shop will educate you—not rush or confuse you.

How much of a modern car is controlled by computers?

Most modern vehicles rely heavily on electronic systems, with many cars using 30–50+ onboard computers.

These systems control:

Engine performance
Safety features (ABS, airbags)
Power steering and braking
Climate control and electronics

That’s why accurate diagnostics require advanced tools and expertise.

How much does an oil change cost in San Marcos, CA?

Oil change costs typically range from $110 to $180 depending on your vehicle type and the oil required.

Factors that affect price:

Conventional vs. synthetic oil
Engine size and oil capacity
Vehicle make (European cars may cost more)

For an exact quote, call Coastal Car Care with your vehicle details.

How long does brake repair take?

Most brake repairs take between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the vehicle and the work needed.

Typical timelines:

Pad Replacement and Machine Rotors: 1-2 hours
Pad and Rotor Replacement: 1-2 hours, depending on size of vehicle.

We recommend scheduling ahead to ensure same-day completion.

Do you offer same-day auto repair in San Marcos?

Yes, many services can be completed the same day, including oil changes, brake work, and basic diagnostics.

Same-day availability depends on:

Type of repair
Parts availability
Current shop schedule

Call early in the day to increase the chances of same-day service.

What are the signs my car needs repair?

Common signs your car needs repair include unusual noises, warning lights, fluid leaks, or changes in performance.

Watch for:

Squeaking or grinding brakes
Check engine light
Vibrations or pulling while driving
Decreased fuel efficiency
Difficulty starting

If you notice any of these, it’s best to have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible.

Is it better to go to a dealership or a local mechanic?

A local mechanic often provides more personalized service, faster turnaround times, and lower costs compared to a dealership.

Local shops like Coastal Car Care offer:

Competitive pricing
Direct communication with technicians
Flexible scheduling
Expertise across multiple vehicle brands

Dealerships may be better for warranty-specific repairs.

How much does a car diagnostic cost?

A diagnostic typically costs $165 and up depending on the vehicle type and complexity of the problem.

This includes:

Scanning for error codes
Identifying the root cause
Recommended repair steps

The diagnostic fee will be reduced or eliminated if the time spent is less than an hour.

How often should I service my car?

Most vehicles should be serviced every 5,000 or every 6 months.

However, this varies based on:

Driving habits
Vehicle type
Manufacturer recommendations

Regular maintenance helps prevent costly repairs.

COASTAL CAR CARE - mycoastalcarcare@gmail.com

1292 W. San Marcos Blvd #120 San Marcos, CA 92078

(760) 444-0144 / Monday - Friday / 8am - 5pm

All photographs and content on this website are the intellectual property of Coastal Car Care, Inc. and protected by copyright law. Users may not modify, copy, reproduce, republish, upload, post, transmit or distribute any images or content without the express written permission of Coastal Car Care, Inc.

Photography by Dyson De Soto

Family-Owned Auto Mechanic in San Marcos, CA and Surrounding Areas

Family-Owned Auto Mechanic in San Marcos, CA and Surrounding Areas

LOOKING FOR A MECHANIC YOU CAN TRUST?

Our team brings over 150 years of combined experience in the automotive industry.

Announcements

Coastal Car Care Is AAA Approved

State-of-the-Art Wheel Alignments

We Can Build Overland Vehicles For You!

How can we help?

Coastal Car Care

Hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Family-Owned Auto Mechanic in San Marcos, CA and Surrounding Areas

Family-Owned Auto Mechanic in San Marcos, CA and Surrounding Areas

LOOKING FOR A MECHANIC YOU CAN TRUST?

Our team brings over 150 years of combined experience in the automotive industry.

Announcements

Coastal Car Care Is AAA Approved

State-of-the-Art Wheel Alignments

We Can Build Overland Vehicles For You!

How can we help?

Coastal Car Care

Hours

Frequently Asked Questions

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