If you own a foreign car, you need to schedule regular visits to the shop for maintenance, or else you may end up with costly foreign car repair. Many Americans buy international brands for their reliability, repair costs, and access to parts. The difference between owning a domestic and foreign vehicle are less significant than before. Many auto shop mechanics specialize in European and Japanese car repair, so owning one is no longer a hassle.
Japanese brands are among the top-selling vehicles in America today. Toyota and Honda are among the most popular, and they have a cult-like following here in the U.S. Historically, American made car brands are known to be less reliable than their foreign counterparts, especially those from Japan. Japanese cars may be famous for performance and reliability, but it doesn’t mean that their engines don’t break down.
Signs That Your Car Has Engine Damage and Needs Foreign Car Repair
It doesn’t matter if you own a high-performance foreign car, if you fail to perform the proper maintenance for your engine, you will need foreign car repair. The top foreign brands in the U.S. based on Consumer Reports are Subaru, Genesis, Audi, Porsche, and Lexus. Here are the signs you need to look out for to know if it’s time to visit the auto repair shop.
Check Engine Light
Warning lights on your dashboard are signs that your foreign car has problems as detected by your OBD(On-Board Diagnostics) system. If your check engine light illuminates, you should not overlook it. Doing so may cause more problems to your engine and eventually to other parts of your vehicle. Many things can trigger a check engine light like the following.
- Mass Airflow Sensor needs replacement
- Oxygen Sensor is damaged
- Catalytic Converter
- Worn-out Spark Plugs
- Loose Gas Cap
- Electronic Sensor and Actuator Problems
Weird Noises
A knocking noise coming from your engine is a classic sign that your engine is about to die. This type of noise is usually caused by the wear and tear of engine parts like bearings, pistons, and other moving parts. If you hear knocking sounds from your bonnet, you should turn off your engine and call your auto technician to prevent further damage. Overlooking this issue can result in a roadside breakdown and a higher repair bill.
Other noises you should watch out for include spitting, backfiring, and popping sounds from your exhaust system.
Oil Patches
When there are oil patches in your garage or office parking space, this is due to a leak in your engine. Low oil levels mean more friction and less protection to internal parts. Overheating is a common consequence of oil leaks, and it is recommended that you get your engine leaks sealed quickly. Ask your mechanic to check on gaskets, oil seals, sump plugs, and washers.
Exhaust Odors and Smoke
Emissions are not meant to be noticeable while you are inside your car. If you notice a strong exhaust smell, engine fumes, or any strange odors, it can indicate engine problems. These odors won’t go away if you don’t have them fixed at once.
Smoke from your exhaust is another sign of trouble. The color of the smoke can give you an idea of the problem. Black smoke means that your engine has problems with combustion. Gray smoke can indicate transmission fluid problems or excessive oil consumption. Blue smoke means that your engine is burning oil. Oil is leaking into your combustion chamber due to damaged valve seals or worn-out piston rings.
Go to your auto mechanic to have your foreign vehicle diagnosed.
Low Gas Mileage
Higher fuel consumption is an indication that your engine is having trouble somewhere. If your check engine light turns on, this means that your problem is more serious.
Engines will have a hard time running at their peak level if there is an internal issue. Your car may stall, shake, or struggle when climbing up hilly terrain. If your engine is not working correctly, don’t ignore the symptoms.
Call a professional mechanic to check your foreign car at once.
Professional Foreign Car Repair in San Rafael, CA by R & I Automotive
Regular foreign car repair service is an integral part of responsible car ownership. Keep your loved ones and other drivers safe on the road. You can’t take risks when it comes to your car’s engine. Whether you are going on a road trip or just picking up the kids from school, your safety is always a top priority.
R & I Automotive is your professional Foreign car repair expert in San Rafael, CA. Here are the top reasons why you should hire us.
- Our mission is to keep car owners in California safe and secure while they are on the road.
- We are one of a handful of San Rafael auto repair shops that have the experience and expertise to work on most foreign vehicles on the road right now. From Japanese sedans, large European SUVs to massive pickup trucks, we can service them all.
- You can check out our 5-star reviews on Google and Facebook to know what our customers are saying about us.
- We provide same day service ( in the majority of cases)
- We only use OEM parts or better quality parts for your peace of mind
- Our team is composed of ASE certified mechanics
- Local shuttle service so you can go on with your normal activities for the day
- We give our customers a 36 months or 36,000 miles warranty
Your engine is a central part of our vehicle. It gives you the power to operate and perform well. A damaged engine affects car performance dramatically. If you want to extend your foreign car's lifespan, give us a call to schedule an appointment today. Early diagnosis before they cause more harm is the best practice for car owners.
We can provide a loaner car while your vehicle is in our shop so you can continue with your day.