In order to take proper care of your car, you will want to pay attention to any leaks that may appear in your driveway after your vehicle has been sitting in park for any length of time. An oil leak is among the most common types of leaks that can affect German cars. If your car is leaking oil, this may indicate that it has a cracked seal or degraded engine gasket. Leaking oil can also cause other problems. Oil can get on hoses, belts, mounts & bushings, degrade the rubber. It can get in to electrical components & connectors & cause check engine lights. It can get on exhaust components & cause smoking & burning smells. To get to the bottom of what is causing your oil leak, you will want to make an appointment with a certified auto mechanic in Sacramento.

With service from a mechanic that specializes in German auto repair, you can make sure that your oil leak is not causing major damage to your engine. Your mechanic will have the tools that are needed to fully repair the oil leak and restore your engine to clean working condition. If you have recently spotted an unusual leak beneath your car, do not hesitate to schedule car repair services .

A luxurious Porsche vehicle will be crafted to meet the demands of the discerning driver. Whether you have recently purchased a new Porsche, or you are a lifelong Porsche owner, you will want to make sure that you bring your vehicle to an auto mechanic that specializes in German car repair . A mechanic that repairs German cars near Sacramento can provide the finely-tuned components of your Porsche with the care and attention that they need to remain in great operating condition. Let’s review some essential preventative maintenance tips that all Porsche owners should keep in mind.

Pay Attention to Your Brakes

In order to harness the incredible power of your Porsche’s engine, you will need to make sure that your vehicle is equipped with a properly working set of brakes. If you hear squealing noises whenever you hit the brake pedal, this is a sure sign that you need to set up brake maintenance with your mechanic. Having your brakes & brake fluid inspected at regular intervals will help to ensure the safety of your Porsche.

Inspect Your Tires

During your routine preventative maintenance procedures for your Porsche, you will also want to make sure that you inspect your tires. As your tires start to wear down and lose their tread, they will no longer provide your Porsche with the traction that it needs to drive safely or efficiently. When you notice the tread wear indicator bars appearing on your tire treads, this will let you know that it is time to schedule a tire replacement with your mechanic. We also check manufacturing dates on your tires. Your tires may look new but they can be old. An old tire can be just as dangerous if not more dangerous than a worn tire. Old tires can come a part under the stress that you can put your vehicle under.

Choose the Right Engine Oil

Changing your engine oil is an essential preventative maintenance step for your Porsche. When you bring your Porsche in for an oil change, you will want to check with your mechanic to make sure that you are using a high quality motor oil that is suited for the delicate components of your engine. Most modern Porsches require owners to use high-grade synthetic oil, which helps to keep the engine clean and lubricated. We also recommend an oil change once a year no matter how few mile you may have on your vehicle.

We get a lot of calls from clients asking if we can “clear codes”, “perform software updates”, “resetting service indicators”, “re-adapt”, or “program components”. They had another shop install parts but they didn’t have the right tools or knowledge to complete the work . So I ask you,“Does it sound like that shop completed the work?“

That is why it is important to check on who is working on your vehicle, verifying they have the equipment and capabilities to complete the work. Anyone can replace parts but the proper tools and knowledge is needed to complete the work. They may be able to give you a very low quote for replacing parts, but they are only doing half the job. You can go to a restaurant and order a meal but what would you say if they brought you a plate of raw food and told you they didn’t have the tools to cook it? That would be unacceptable. Looking at it that way, do you think it would be acceptable to leave service indicators lit, check engine lights on, or your vehicle not running properly?

At Frank’s Automotive , when we quote a price, that quote is for installing components and performing the necessary actions to Complete The Job . Also, a very important part of completing the work is standing behind the work we do. That is why we give you a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty. We want you to know that we are here to take care of you.

So next time you call for a quote ask not only for a price but verify that they can…

Complete the Work!

Transmission repair is vital for maintaining the performance and integrity of your vehicle. By scheduling regular transmission repair for your automatic transmission, you can make sure that your vehicle runs smoothly for every mile that you drive. With services from a transmission shop in Sacramento, you will be able to address any issues that are troubling your car’s transmission system. Between transmission repair appointments, there are a few steps that you can take on your own that will help to preserve your transmission. Let’s review some common driving habits that could be causing damage to your transmission.

Rapid Acceleration

In order to allow your vehicle to accelerate quickly, your transmission must quickly shift through many of its internal gears. If you are the type of driver that prefers to accelerate quickly through traffic, you may be causing damage to your car’s transmission. In order to ensure that your transmission is able to last for as long as possible, it is a good idea to drive smoothly and without sudden spurts of acceleration. Also a key thing to remember, allow your vehicle to come to a complete stop before you switch between forward & reverse gears. That rapid transition could be damaging.

Leaving Your Foot on the Clutch

Drivers of manual transmissions will have additional considerations when it comes to their driving habits. One common habit that could be hurting your transmission is a tendency to leave your foot on the clutch. If you neglect to take your foot off of the clutch between shifting, you may be keeping your clutch in constant engagement. Over time, this habit may cause your clutch to wear prematurely.

Driving Up Steep Hills

If you want to make sure that your transmission lasts for as long as possible, you may need to adjust the routes that you drive every day. Driving up and down very steep, hilly terrain can place excess wear and strain on your vehicle’s transmission. By choosing the flattest route possible, you can ensure that your transmission lasts for the lifespan of your car. Your mechanic can provide you with additional tips and information about how to care for your transmission.

Brake repair is a vital service for any vehicle. When you schedule brake repair in Sacramento, your mechanic will take a careful look at your brake calipers, as well as your brakes and rotors. Your brake calipers play a vital role in the braking performance of your vehicle. When you step down on the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid tells your calipers to extend the brake pistons. This extending action is what engages the brake pads, thereby allowing your vehicle to slow or stop safely. Without properly working brake calipers, the performance of your entire braking system could become compromised. An important part of proper brake maintenance is routine brake fluid servicing. Most Manufacturers recommend brake fluid servicing every 2 years, especially in humid climates. We test for water content in brake fluid with a meter. Anything 2% or over we recommend brake fluid servicing.

If your car is in need of brake repair, Frank’s Automotive can provide you with all of the necessary services. When you start to experience strange sensations or hear unusual noises when you step on the brake pedal, it is time to schedule immediate brake repair. With professional brake services, you can get your car safely back on the road in no time.

When you drive a luxurious German vehicle, you will feel great knowing that your car’s transmission has been crafted from top quality components. Even the best transmissions, however, will eventually require transmission repair after many miles of driving. When you start to see the signs of transmission problems in your German car, you should be sure to call your transmission shop serving Sacramento. Using the latest transmission service equipment, your technicians can return your transmission to safe driving condition. If you are wondering whether it is time to schedule repairs, here is a look at the top 3 signs that your car has a transmission problem.

Slipping Gears

A transmission that is experiencing mechanical problems may begin to gradually slip in and out of gear. Typically, a slipping transmission feels as though it is lacking power or struggling to remain in the proper gear. When your car starts to lose its smooth shifting performance and overall transmission power, you will need to schedule immediate transmission repair services.

Failure to Move Forward

When your transmission is functioning properly, it will engage as soon as you shift your car from park into drive. If you have started to feel as though your car fails to move forward right away after you move the stick shift, you may be suffering from transmission problems. By adjusting the gear ratio of your transmission, your mechanic will be able to make sure that your car is fully responsive to your shifts.

Leaking Fluid

Leaking transmission fluid is a sign of a very severe transmission problem. When your transmission fluid leaks, the gears inside of your car may begin to grind or overheat. In order to identify a transmission fluid leak in your vehicle, you can look for a bright red puddle that forms underneath where your car is parked. You can also check to see if your transmission fluid is low by examining the dipstick in your car’s engine.

A dirty engine can cause significant wear and tear on the mechanical components of your vehicle. In this video, you will learn some essential tips for performing engine repair on your vehicle. To protect your engine from wear, you can apply an engine degreasing product at regular intervals. The degreaser will remove any dirt and buildup, allowing your engine’s parts to operate more smoothly. Along with cleaning your engine, you can also extend its lifespan with routine engine repair in Sacramento .

If your check engine light is on, do not hesitate to contact a qualified mechanic that services your local area. A mechanic that specializes in repairing and maintaining German cars will be able to provide you with quality services that are tailored to the needs of your luxurious vehicle and its high performance engine.

Does You Vehicle Burn Oil?

Are you having to add oil in between oil changes, but there are no visible oil leaks? Your engine could be burning oil. 1 quart every 1000 miles is quite normal & acceptable.

Problem that arises when your vehicle burns that oil, it leaves behind carbon & sludge. (It is like burning oil in a fry pan. A portion of that oil remains as thick sludge or carbon.) That carbon restricts & plugs up oil passages in your engine & it’s components. It is important to remove as much of that build up as possible. That is why we at Frank’s Automotive recommend our Bluechem Premium Engine Oil Service . Bluechem softens, breaks up, & encapsulates those carbon molecules allowing them to be flushed out with the old oil. This allows the new oil to better lubricate your engines interior components. The benefit from this is it helps to restore performance & efficiency. Read more about Bluechem .

Purchasing a used car is a savvy investment for any driver. Before you place a down payment on a used German auto, however, you may want to bring the vehicle to an auto mechanic in Sacramento for a pre-purchase inspection. During the pre-purchase inspection, your car repair professional will carefully evaluate the performance, safety, and efficiency of all of the vehicle’s vital systems. To emphasize the benefits of having your used car inspected before you buy, here is a brief overview of 3 reasons to schedule a pre-purchase inspection.

Identify Potential Problems

One of the top reasons to schedule a pre-purchase inspection at Frank’s Automotive for your used vehicle is that the inspection process will allow you to identify any potential problems that may be going wrong underneath the hood. Your mechanic will be able to tell you whether the brakes, coolant lines, or other major systems are going to require major repairs at any time in the near future. If the inspection does not reveal major mechanical problems, you can make your purchase with confidence.

Avoid Buying a Lemon

After you purchase a used car, you will not want to find out about major mechanical issues that were not revealed to you prior to the sale. With a pre-purchase inspection, you can ensure that you are not buying a car that is destined to break down. A qualified mechanic will be familiar with your make and model of car, so he will be able to warn you of any mechanical problems that are common with that type of vehicle.

Receive a Better Price

If the pre-purchase inspection reveals the need for certain mechanical repairs, you may be able to use this information to negotiate a better price for your vehicle. Your mechanic can provide you with an estimate for the cost of repairing the car, and you can relay this information to the seller. Ultimately, your pre-purchase inspection will allow you to get a fair price on a car that is in good mechanical condition.

Your car is more than a thousand pounds of metal on wheels; it also involves complex automotive electronics in Sacramento to make itself as safe, effective, and convenient as possible. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the automotive electrical components that are included in your car; this will also help you identify problems early on. Be sure to talk to your alternator repair specialist for tips on solving electrical problems, and take a look ahead for more on what you should know about your car’s electrical system.

Electrical Components

A vehicle’s electrical system is made up of several components, all of which serve specific purposes and contribute to the overall functioning of your car. In addition to your radio, dashboard camera, and built-in television screens, your automotive electronics consist of systems like the battery, the computer, and the alternator. These components are important when it comes to basic functioning of your car—even getting it started. Your electrical system keeps you and others safe by powering your headlights and your turning signals, while your alternator allows your vehicle to keep moving. Knowing about your automotive electronics and what they do can make you better prepared to notice problems with your electrical system. An important fact about most modern cars, all components from light management to stereo to engine management communicate with each other. With electrical issues, you want to start with the basics.

Common Problems

If you get into your car on a hot day and try to roll your windows down to no avail, there might be a problem with your electronic system. Similarly, having trouble starting your car or issues with your seats and automatic locks can point to automotive electrical problems. You might even notice your headlights dimming or shutting off completely, which can compromise your safety on the road. How you handle these issues can impact the working life of your vehicle and your own wellbeing.

How to Solve Them

It’s always a good idea to talk to a professional when working on your automotive electrical system. You want to make sure your battery and charging systems are in proper functioning order. So it is important to check all systems when looking for electrical gremlins. You might end up doing more harm than good if you try to deal with the problem on your own, so play it safe and see your specialist for professional help.

Being in tune with your vehicle means knowing what kinds of problems to look for and what types of signs your car might provide when it’s dealing with an issue. Your check engine light in Sacramento can help alert you to a problem with your car, but it’s your responsibility to talk to your engine repair specialist and get to the bottom of the issue. Check engine lights can indicate a wide array of malfunctions, so you shouldn’t waste any time in looking for a diagnosis. Continue reading to find out why you shouldn’t ignore your check engine light.

The longer you wait to find out what’s making your check engine light illuminate, the more time you will give the problem to develop. Even minor issues can become serious if you don’t address them, but a check engine light could also indicate a significant malfunction. Try looking at your gas cap when you notice your check engine light is on; you might just need to tighten it. If the check engine light stays lit, you could have a problem with your spark plugs, catalytic convertor, or oxygen sensor. Make sure to talk to your mechanic to get these problems sorted out.