Folsom Auto Repair

Welcome back to the Foreign Autohaus blog, where we're all about keeping your wheels spinning smoothly. Today, we're diving into a topic that demands your attention: those persistent dashboard warning lights. Let's be real—we've all experienced it. You're cruising down the highway, tunes cranked up, when suddenly, a glowing symbol grabs your gaze. Do you brush it off? Many do, but that's not a smart move. Here's the deal: those dashboard lights aren't just there for decoration. They're your car's way of saying, "Hey, something's up. Pay attention!" Ignoring them is like pretending your body's warning signals aren't there—it might seem fine now, but it could lead to bigger issues down the line. Now, let's talk about the most overlooked warning light: the check engine light. It's like the forgotten cousin of dashboard lights – everyone sees it, but few want to deal with it. But here's the reali ... read more

"Love Your Ride: Schedule Your Car's Checkup Now!" Hey Car Lovers! As February unfolds, remember to extend some love to your trusty ride. Neglect = Costly Breakups Neglecting maintenance might seem harmless, but it could lead to costly repairs down the road. Skipping oil changes and ignoring warning signs can snowball into hefty repair bills, turning a loving relationship with your car into an expensive heartbreak.  Scheduled Service = Love Language Scheduled maintenance is your car's love language. Regular check-ups, oil changes, and inspections show your commitment to a healthy relationship, ensuring peak performance and longevity. Not only does it keep your ride running smoothly, but it also prevents major issues from surfacing. Wallet-Friendly Care Staying on top of maintenance is a wallet-friendly move. A well-maintained car is more fuel-efficient and less likely to encounter major problems, sav ... read more

Title: "Rolling into 2024: Car Resolutions for a Smooth Ride" As we roll into the journey of 2024, it's a perfect time to focus on the well-being of our vehicles. Car resolutions aren't just for personal improvement; they can extend to our cars as well. Let's explore some realistic resolutions to keep our cars running smoothly and reliably throughout the year. Resolution 1: Regular Checkups for Peak Performance Just as we prioritize health checkups for ourselves, our cars need routine maintenance too. Schedule regular checkups to ensure your vehicle is in peak condition. From oil changes to brake inspections, these proactive measures can prevent costly repairs and promote a longer, healthier life for your car. Resolution 2: Tire TLC Tires play a crucial role in every journey, providing traction and safety. Make it a resolution to check tire pressure regularly and rotate them as recommended. Proper tire maintenance not only improves fuel efficiency but also ... read more

As the cooler season approaches, it's crucial to prepare your vehicle for the chilly season ahead. Among the most common winter car problems is a dead battery. Cold temperatures can drain your battery's power, leaving you stranded. However, with some simple steps, you can keep your battery healthy and avoid any cold-weather surprises. -Battery Health Check: Start by checking your battery's health here at a Foreign Autohaus. If it's old or weak, consider replacing it before winter hits.   -Clean Connections: Corrosion can accumulate on battery terminals over time, hindering the electrical flow. Inspect and clean your battery terminals regularly using a mixture of baking soda and water and a wire brush. Remember to disconnect the battery before cleaning.   -Garage Parking: Whenever possible, park your car in a garage or shelter to shield it from the cold.   -Limit Electrical Use: Be mindful of using electrical accessories while idling, as this can dr ... read more

Help! My Car is Overheating! What Should I Do?  We've all been there - you're cruising along, and suddenly, your car starts overheating. It's a stressful situation, but knowing how to handle it can save you from further damage and keep you safe. As an auto repair business, we've got your back. Here are some quick tips on what to do when your car overheats. 1. Don't Panic, But Act Fast: Take a deep breath and stay calm. As soon as you notice the signs of an overheating engine - steam, rising temperature gauge, strange smells - pull over to a safe spot. Don't wait it out! 2. Give It a Break: Turn off the engine and let it cool down. Be patient. Opening the hood right away can lead to steam burns, so wait at least 30 minutes. 3. Coolant Check: Open the hood and check the coolant levels once safe. Most likely, this is the culprit. Top it off; if you have coolant, be sure not to touch any engine parts. 4. Call for Help: If you're unsure about what caused ... read more

"Raindrops keep falling on my head." If you reside in California, you can attest that we have had more rainy days than sunny days. Some would say this weather feels as if we live in Seattle. The Sacramento Bee reported it has rained for nearly half of 2023. It has rained 39 of the past 82 days! With the excessive amount of rain comes road hazards. Potholes are typically caused by weather, traffic volume, and the age of the road. It seems to be that every road and freeway in California is bombarded with potholes. The excessive amount of rain has increased the potholes in our area. When the water seeps into the crack of the road, it can expand during cold weather, causing the pavement to break apart. Once a vehicle drives over these areas, the pavement breaks more, creating potholes.  Avoiding potholes on the road will save you money. Hitting a pothole can cause damage to your car and a possible collision. Avoid potholes while driving by following these tips: d ... read more

5, 4, 3, 2, 1: HAPPY NEW YEAR! Can you believe it? It is 2023. The beginning of a new year is full of goal-setting and resolutions. It is time to make a 2023 automotive goal. Creating new habits can be difficult; luckily, we have tips and tools to help you. Avoiding or putting off preventative maintenance will decrease the life expectancy of your vehicle. Not only will it reduce the lifespan of your car, but it will also create a reactive mentality. Setting an automotive goal will shift the car care mindset to proactive vs. reactive. Please do not wait to care for your car till it is a problem. Making a habit part of your lifestyle starts with consistency. Choose one day out of the month to work on your automotive goal. For example, make the first Sunday of the month "Car Care." Below is a list of items to check when working on this goal: -Check windshield wipers -Check headlights -Check the condition of your tires and air pressure -Clean-out middle consol ... read more

Cha-ching, Cha-ching! The sound you hear every time you pull up to the gas pump. Nationwide everyone is feeling the effects of record-high gas prices. In California, gas prices are reaching a record high for the second time in 2022. Breaking records is fun, but not when it affects our bank accounts. Are you asking yourself: How can I improve my gas mileage? What driving habits affect fuel efficiency? How can I save money at the gas pump? The best place to start is...our driving habits. This is one area we can correct quickly.  1. Slow down; it is not a race!! Avoid accelerating quickly when driving—rapid acceleration and speeding while driving will burn more gas. Refrain from braking at the last minute.  2. Turn off your car. If you are waiting to pick up children from school or practice, turn off your vehicle—an idling car will burn gas. In a recent article, the California Energy Commission states that an idling vehicle can burn as much as ... read more

It's that time of year--time for some SPRING CLEANING!!!  Temperatures are warming up and we see some road trips in your future.  Oh yes, road trips are in the planning process, hotels are booked--let the countdown begin!  Spring cleaning is not only for your home but also for your vehicle.  Time to clean out, clean up, and show your car how much you care. Today we are going to tackle a couple of areas of the vehicle that we call the "problem" areas.  These areas tend to be neglected the most and store a lot of junk.   The trunk is also known as the junk drawer of the car.  Our trunk ends up being a catch-all for anything and everything.  Think about it right now, what's the oddest item living in your trunk? Most likely that item has nothing to do with your car.  Clean-out unnecessary items in your trunk.  Make sure your trunk emergency kit is stocked with all the essentials: jumper cables, flashl ... read more

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL? The NFL football season is here!  Truth be told you do not have to love football to enjoy tailgating.  Whether you are a sports fanatic or a food fanatic, tailgating is a MUST!  If you are a first-time tailgater or experienced, let's go over the "Tailgating Essentials."Tailgating Essentials: Bluetooth Speaker: Nothing keeps the energy up more than music.  A fully charged portable speaker is compact and easy to pack.  Don't forget to charge your speaker before the big game. Cooler: Investing in a good cooler will be beneficial in the long run. It will keep the food cool and can serve as extra seating when not in use. Folding Chairs: Extra seating is a must!  No one wants to eat their food standing up.  Sit back, relax, and have a good time.   Portable Grill: Now to the most important part--the food!  Grilling and football are the dynamic duo.  A ... read more