Tag Archives: Drive safe

Spring Clean Your Ride: A Guide to Sparkling Car Windows!

Spring Clean Your Ride: A Guide to Sparkling Car Windows!

Ah, spring is finally here! Say goodbye to those dreary winter days and hello to sunshine and warmer weather. But wait a minute... have you taken a good look at your car lately? If you're like most of us, those winter months have left your windows looking pretty sad – covered in a layer of dirt, salt, and who knows what else. But fear not, my fellow road warrior! It's time to roll up our sleeves and give those windows some much-needed TLC. Trust me, it's easier than you think! First things first, grab your supplies – a good glass cleaner, some trusty microfiber cloths, and maybe a squeegee if you're feeling fancy. Now, give those windows a quick rinse to get rid of any loose dirt and debris. Next up, spray your glass cleaner liberally and get to work with your microfiber cloth. Think of it as giving your windows a spa day – gentle circles to lift away the grime and reveal that sparkling glass underneath. Got some stubborn spots? No worries! Just gi ... read more

Categories:

Blog

"Love Your Ride: Schedule Your Car's Checkup Now!"

"Love Your Ride: Schedule Your Car's Checkup Now!"

"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

Categories:

General

Cruising Into 2024

Cruising Into 2024

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

Categories:

General

Battery Care: Avoiding Cold-Weather Car Problems

Battery Care: Avoiding Cold-Weather Car Problems

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

Categories:

General

Help! My Car is Overheating! What Should I Do?

Help! My Car is Overheating! What Should I Do?

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

Categories:

General

Cracked Windshield

Cracked Windshield

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

Hazards of the Road

Hazards of the Road

"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

Categories:

General

Best Iconic Car in a Motion Picture

Best Iconic Car in a Motion Picture

  And the award for Best Iconic car in a major motion picture goes to...  The Oscars will be held on March 12th, here at Foreign Autohaus; we thought it would be fun to join in on the awards ceremony "automotive style."  Many iconic cars are featured in movies, but here are the five most memorable ones.  Coming in at #1 and arguably one of the best 80's movies-Ferris Bueller's Day Off. This 1986 iconic movie is in a class of its own. It is safe to say the Ferrari 250 GT California feature was legendary. Let's all give this car a moment of respect.  The runner-up, placing second, is the Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger. Perfection on wheels! "The" car for a secret agent. Here is a hint about our third-place winner. "Roads? Where We're going, we don't need toads." Have you guessed the movie and car? Back to the Future! Marty and Doc are the dynamic duos in their Delorean DMC-12. Mini but mighty, our fourth ... read more

Categories:

Blog

12 Days of Christmas Foreign Autohaus Edition

12 Days of Christmas Foreign Autohaus Edition

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

Categories:

Blog

How to Maximize Gas Mileage

How to Maximize Gas Mileage

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

Categories:

General
12
Foreign Autohaus is committed to ensuring effective communication and digital accessibility to all users. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and apply the relevant accessibility standards to achieve these goals. We welcome your feedback. Please call Foreign Autohaus (916) 933-6002 if you have any issues in accessing any area of our website.