Folsom Auto Repair

The Importance of Regular Brake Inspections Before the Rainy Season As fall rolls into Folsom, the weather starts to shift, and so do the road conditions. At Foreign Autohaus, we know how important it is to keep your car in top shape, especially with the rainy season just around the corner. One thing you definitely don’t want to overlook? Your brakes. Your brakes are like your car’s lifeline when it comes to safety. With the wet roads, fallen leaves, and random debris that come with fall, having your brakes in good condition is crucial. If they’re worn out or not working as they should, stopping quickly can become a real challenge—and that’s the last thing you need when the roads get slick. When you bring your car into Foreign Autohaus for a brake inspection, we check everything—from your brake pads to your rotors and fluid levels. Even something as simple as worn pads or low fluid can mess with your stopping power, putting you at ... read more

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

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

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

  “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

Did you know that 42.4% of Americans ignore this vehicle repair? Can you guess the neglected repair? Utires conducted a survey and found that a cracked windshield was the number one neglected to repair. Most people admitted to waiting 30 days or longer to replace their cracked windshield. It is hazardous to drive with a cracked windshield. Neglecting a cracked windshield can lead to several potential issues. Your vision is obstructed while driving with a cracked windshield. This can lead to a rise in accidents, especially in severe weather conditions. A cracked windshield increases the glare from sunlight and lights at night, preventing clear vision. A damaged windshield increases the risk of ejection when in a car accident. Another problem that can occur is the airbag not deploying correctly during an accident. The windshield acts as a barrier to keep the airbag in place; a cracked windshield lessens the effectiveness. Neglecting a cracked windshield can lead to more d ... read more

12 Days of Christmas Foreign Autohaus Edition We thought it would be fun to have a Foreign Autohaus 12 days of Christmas blog and focus on 12 tips to care for your car during winter. Throw on your Santa hat, and let's get to it. On the first day of Christmas, Foreign Autohaus said to me: Replace your windshield wipers.  On the second day of Christmas, Foreign Autohaus said to me: Rotate your tires. On the third day of Christmas, Foreign Autohaus told me: Keep up on preventive maintenance. On the fourth day of Christmas, Foreign Autohaus said to me: Be prepared with an Emergency Car Kit. On the fifth day of Christmas, Foreign Autohaus told me: Ensure front and rear defrosters are working. On the sixth day of Christmas, Foreign Autohaus said to me: Check headlights and rear lights. On the seventh day of Christmas, Foreign Autohaus told me: Stop and check the spare tire. Make sure your spare tire is not deflated. On the eighth day of Christmas, F ... read more

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

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

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