Auto repair, city by city.

The rules every California shop has to follow, plus the local details that matter: where the DMV is, how the climate wears on your car, and where to get help paying for smog repairs.

• City of San Diego

  Auto repair in San Diego

  Everything a San Diego driver should know before approving a repair, passing smog or heading to the DMV.

• South Bay

  Auto repair in Chula Vista

  What South Bay drivers should know before approving a repair, whether the shop is on Third Avenue or across the border.

• North County Coastal

  Auto repair in Oceanside

  For Oceanside drivers, including the many military families nearby: how to vet a shop, pass smog and handle the DMV.

• East County

  Auto repair in El Cajon

  East County drivers deal with more heat than the coast does. Here's how to vet a shop, pass smog and find the DMV.

• North County Inland

  Auto repair in Escondido

  Escondido doesn't have its own DMV field office. Here's where to go, plus how to vet a shop and pass smog.