Tag Archives: Weather conditons

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

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General

Beat the Heat: Keep Your Car Cool in the Scorching Summer Months

Beat the Heat: Keep Your Car Cool in the Scorching Summer Months

  “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

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

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

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Blog

Hot Hot Hot!

Hot Hot Hot!

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 Road Trips Within Driving Distance

Summer Road Trips Within Driving Distance

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

Summer Car Essentials

Summer Car Essentials

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

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Blog

How to Drive in Snow Safely

How to Drive in Snow Safely

Did you know January kicks off the best "ski conditions?" Skiing, snowboarding, and sledding trips are fun, but the snowy conditions can pose a problem for drivers.  If you are not familiar with driving in the snow, here are a few safety precautions to follow. Skidding and sliding are common while driving in the snow.  The key is not to panic when this happens.  Our natural reaction is to slam on the breaks, but DON'T DO IT!  Instead, ease off the gas.   Be prepared and carry the right supplies.  Drive with a full tank of gas, lights on, and always carry chains.  It wouldn't hurt to throw a snow shovel in the trunk too!   Keep driving movements smooth and subtle.  This includes control of the steering wheel, brakes, and accelerator.  Look far ahead and keep a generous distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Most importantly, if a road is unplowed the maximum speed limit is 35mph ... read more

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Blog

Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain

Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain

Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain It's beginning to look and feel a lot like RAINY season!   According to the U.S department of transportation, there are nearly 1.2 million auto accidents each year related to weather.  Most of these accidents occur during rainfall.   Here are some tips for driving in the rain: 1.  Slow Down!  Allow more travel time while it is raining.  Traffic will be slower, so don't be in a rush-it is not worth it.  Speeding while driving in the rain will cause hydroplaning.  2.  Turn on your defroster:  Turning on your defroster will prevent the windshield from fogging up, and give you better visibility. 3.  Give extra room:  Give yourself a safe amount of space between vehicles.  The extra room will give you a better reaction time. 4.  Avoid hard braking: Slow down, and give plenty of room so last-minute braking is avoided. 5.  Stay calm if you ar ... read more

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Blog
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