Posted on 7/19/2024
At Foreign Autohaus, we understand how important it is to keep your European car looking as good as new. With the summer sun beating down, it’s crucial to protect your car’s interior from sun damage. Not only does this keep your car looking great, but it also helps maintain its value. Here are some easy and effective tips to safeguard your car's interior and keep it cool during those scorching summer months. 1. Use Sunshades Let’s start with something simple but super effective – sunshades! Popping a sunshade on your windshield whenever you park can make a huge difference. It blocks those harsh UV rays and keeps the interior temperature down. Don’t forget you can get sunshades for the rear and side windows too, for extra protection. 2. Window Tinting Ever thought about window tinting? It’s a game-changer! Tinted windows can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays, protecting your car’s upholstery, dashboard, and other surfaces from fading an ... read more
Posted on 6/19/2024
Can you feel it? The warmth of the summer sun, the promise of road trips, beach days, and weekend getaways. It's that time of year when we shake off the winter blues and embrace the open road. But before you hit the highways and byways, let's talk about giving your car the TLC it deserves to keep your adventures smooth and stress-free. First up is the A/C. Nothing’s worse than being stuck in traffic on a hot day with no air conditioning. It’s not just about comfort – a well-functioning A/C system can prevent overheating and keep you alert. Swing by Foreign Autohaus, and we'll make sure your A/C is blowing ice-cold air, just like it should. Next, let’s talk tires. Summer heat can take a toll on them, causing blowouts if they’re not in good shape. Check for tread wear and ensure they're properly inflated. Under-inflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency and compromise your car's handling. Need a professional opinion? We’re here to ... read more
Posted on 8/18/2023
“Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!” As the summer sun turns up the heat, we at Foreign Autohaus understand how crucial it is to keep you and your vehicle cool and comfortable during scorching days. No one enjoys stepping into a sweltering oven on wheels, so we've got some friendly tips to help you beat the heat and preserve your internal heat index in these hot summer months! 1. Keep it Shady: Choose shaded spots to protect your car from the sun when parking. If you can't find shade, invest in a windshield sunshade to reduce interior heat and prevent your steering wheel from becoming a sizzling surprise. 2. Sunblock for Windows: Tinting your car windows adds a touch of style and helps block harmful UV rays and heat. 3. Ventilate Wisely: Before hopping in, crack open your windows slightly to allow hot air to escape. Once inside, roll down the opposite window and fan the door a few times to create a natural cross-breeze, expelling even mo ... read more
Posted on 7/19/2023
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
Posted on 9/19/2022
Hot, Hot, Hot! Living in Northern California we are not surprised or shocked when a heat wave sweeps through our area. Last week temps were over 100 all week long. During a week like that, this is definitely not the time we want our car to overheat. Let's talk about what to do if your car overheats, what not to do if your car overheats, and how can you prevent this from happening. First, how can you tell your vehicle is overheating? Here are three signs that your car is overheating; the temperature gauge is rising, a weird smell, and there is visible steam coming from the engine. What do you do if your car overheats? First and foremost, stay calm. Do not panic. Pull over to a safe secure area and turn off your car. If you are not familiar with working on cars, now is not the time. Call roadside assistance or a tow truck. Leave this for the professionals. While waiting for the tow truck to arrive wa ... read more
Posted on 8/19/2022
Trivia Question? How often should you wash your car? a) once a week b) every 2 weeks c) every 3 months Answer: every 2 weeks Experts say we should get a car wash once every two weeks for optimal results. Now, this depends on environmental factors. Living in an area with dirt roads or lots of salt (ocean) you will find you need a car wash more often. Whether you like to wash your car at home or take it to your local car wash, we know there is nothing better than driving in a clean car. A clean vehicle inside and out takes your driving experience to the next level. Sticking to a 2-week car wash schedule will also keep you on track from collecting "junk in the trunk" 😂. Less time in between washes will create a clean car routine. Periodic cleaning is much easier than one big clean day! Let's check out a local spot Foreign Autohaus uses for all our car wash needs. Folsom Glenn Car Wash has been the leading car wash i ... read more
Posted on 7/19/2022
Summer 2022 is breaking travel records! TSA is reporting this as the busiest travel season they have seen in years. Are you ready to travel but don't want to deal with flight delays and cancellations? We have a list of our top 4 summer travel destinations within driving distance. Our top summer driving destinations will have you speeding out of the hot Northern California weather. All 4 destinations will have you racing towards cooler temps and scenic beauty. Topping #1 on our list--Lake Tahoe. Tahoe provides a breathtaking landscape that can not be matched. Snow-capped mountains and the crystal clear lake will make you ask yourself, "Should we move here?" Summer activities in Tahoe are endless: hiking, rent a jet ski, helicopter tour, bike tour, sail tour, horseback riding, and zip-lining. Did we mention the weather during summertime in Tahoe is perfect! During the summer months, the weather ranges from 73-80 d ... read more
Posted on 6/20/2022
Temps are rising and this can mean one thing...SUMMER is officially here! There is nothing worse than being uncomfortable in your car during the summer months. We have created a list of 10 Must-Have items everyone needs in their car during the summer. Trust us, you definitely want to check out this list! 1. Sunglasses!!! Essential for driving when that sun hits right under your visor, no squinting here. Have an extra pair in your glove compartment to be on the safe side. 2. Water and Snack kit: Keep an insulated cooler in the trunk with water and snacks. Hangry passengers are not the best company! 3. Bug Spray: You never need bug spray until you really need bug spray! A product that is often forgotten since it is not used in our daily lives. Bye-Bye mosquitos! 4. Phone charger: Arguably the number one item on this list no one can live without! 5. First Aid Kit: Safety first. Check First Aid Kit before heading on your summer road ... read more
Posted on 5/19/2022
What's the Best car for High School Graduates headed to College? This time in your grads life is full of lots of first. First time living on their own, their first time figuring out how to manage their time, and the first time where they are responsible for everything! Before they leave for college you need to figure out if your child needs a car in this next chapter of life. Will your student need to travel from campus to home? Will they need a vehicle for work and outside activities? Many incoming freshmen living on campus will not need a car however if they choose to get one here are some things to consider. The top four things to consider when looking for a car for your college student are safety, affordability, mileage, and insurance. When we consider affordability, a used car will be the best option. In a recent article in Money Crashers, they list the best affordable cars for college students. Let's take a l ... read more
Posted on 7/19/2021
Did you know that July is the most popular month for summer vacations? 51% of Americans will be packing up their bags and heading to a summer destination. A majority of those travelers will be traveling by car. In a recent survey on our social media, we asked our followers, "What's most important on a Road Trip: snacks, music, podcast, or road trip games.?" With a landslide win---87% of our followers voted that MUSIC is the most important aspect on a road trip. So we did a little research and found on any music streaming service they have a ROAD TRIP playlist! Spotify users will find 7 different road trip playlists. Let's check them out! -Classic Road Trip Songs -Road Trip Classics -Road Trip 2021-Best Hits -Road Trip Sing-Along Songs -Road Trip Throwbacks -Family Road Trip -70's Road Trip Wheeeeeewwwwwww, those are some options. Digging into each playlist there was a com ... read more