Nashville European Auto Repair

Driving during a winter storm is a situation that most of us may try to avoid. However, if you are already on your way and a winter storm hits and you have no choice but to drive through it, the following winter storm driving safety tips can come in handy.  If you have some flexibility when it comes to when you need to drive through winter storm prone areas, be sure to look up weather conditions through major passes or highways along the way. This will help you better understand the conditions you will hit and inform you to make a better decision if driving through a snowstorm can be avoided.  If you find yourself driving through a winter storm, here are some safety tips to follow:  Keep a close eye on the road and be weary of black ice which can be difficult to detect.  Always drive slowly and carefully and eliminate all distractions if possible.  When you do drive over ice or snow and feel that your vehicle has lost traction, the important thing is to no ... read more

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at German Motorworks! We hope that you had a wonderful holiday with friends and family. With all the holidays comes lots of travel, so if you are planning a road trip in the near future, we recommend that you check off some important travel measures before you hit the road.  Be sure to have your vehicle inspected by the experts here at German Motorworks before you hit the road. You never want to be caught in a situation where you are stuck without a working vehicle, so guaranteeing that your vehicle is ready for any road trip will keep your family safe and bring you peace of mind on the road.    Pack ample blankets and coats for the road to keep warm if you’re traveling in the cold this winter.    Have an emergency kit on hand in your trunk to help out in cases of emergencies. Some things to make sure you have with you include a spare tire, jack, wrench, flashlight, flares, cell phone charger, and first aid ... read more

If you’re planning on taking the family on a road trip this winter season, making sure that you are organized and prepared will keep your family happy and minimize the stress of the trip. When it comes to traveling during the winter, many other vehicles will be on the road with families trying to spend holidays with their loves ones. The weather will also be harsh, so preparing for your next road trip will ensure your safety on the road.  Here are some of our suggestions to follow in order to be completely prepared for your winter road trip:  Have your vehicle inspected before your trip to ensure you won't run into any car trouble along the way.    Make sure to plan breaks along the way. A short break every couple of hours is recommended. These could be at rest stops or gas stations, just a chance to get out of the car and stretch your legs. If kids are traveling along, you may find that bathroom breaks will be needed during these breaks, too.  ... read more

When it comes to your vehicle, making sure that the engine is always running healthy is one of the most important maintenance items you need to take care of. An overheating engine or smoke coming from underneath the hood are telling signs that you may be due for a radiator flush. So, how often is this service needed? Overheating engines is primarily caused by cooling system problems, including the radiator. The cooling system circulates coolant throughout the engine and connecting parts, and without a working cooling system, coolant will not be circulated properly and will not protect your vehicle properly from heat.  The answer for how often your radiator needs to be flushed would be best answered by your vehicle manufacturer's owner's manual. However, as a general rule, this service is typically recommended every 30,000 miles or so. During this service, your cooling system will be flushed and cleaned and new coolant will be added.  Here are some signs that y ... read more

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, following your recommended service intervals is key to a long lasting vehicle. The Car Care Council is a dependable source for vehicle safety and service, so the below infographic is extremely helpful when it comes to understand what your vehicle needs and when.  If your vehicle is due for any of the services listed above, don't hesitate to bring your car into the experts here at German Motorworks today. 

Hearing a strange noise coming from under the hood of your car can be a cause for concern. You may be uncertain if the problem is as simple as a loose component, or if it is pointing to something much more severe. If the noise is coming from the engine, this is usually a motor problem. Here are some of the most common types of noises and what they can indicate:  Engine Clicking Noise A clicking noise when you rev the engine is usually a sign of either low oil pressure, excessive valve lash, or worn/damaged engine parts.  Engine Pings or Knocks When Accelerating A pinging or knocking sound when accelerating can be caused by a number of different things, including ignition timing problems, engine overheating, carbon buildup, or low octane fuel.  Low Rumbling or Knocking Sound If you hear a low rumble or knocking noise when the engine is warm, the most likely cause may be a bad rod bearing on the crankshaft (whic ... read more

Brakes are super important when it comes to accurately controlling our vehicles on the road and staying safe. An issue with your vehicle’s brakes can sometime start small, and starting to gradually get worse over time. If you ever notice a problem with your brakes, it is important to have your vehicle looked at by your trusted local auto mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring a small issue can turn into a larger one, that could eventually lead to brake failure and have devastating consequences.  Brake problems can manifest in many different ways, whether you notice a lack in performance or are suddenly experiencing a strange vibration while braking. Brake problems can stem from a number of different components, including brake pads or shoes, brake rotors, brake lines, and much more.  Any of the following symptoms can indicate an issue with your brakes:  Noticeable lack or decrease in brake performance Brake pedal goes all the way to the floor Brake pedal feels ... read more

The days are getting warming, and it is time to check your vehicle’s A/C system to ensure that it is working properly. A properly maintained A/C system will ensure that it is always in top working condition and will help you avoid costly repairs that can occur with poor A/C system maintenance.  A vehicle’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning system keeps the interior of your vehicle comfortable in any season by providing the right temperature and humidity level. A thorough inspection should be performed annually and our shop will: Checks pressures to test operation, refrigerant charge and outlet temperatures. Check for any leaks Top-off Refrigerant Check the compressor’s drive belt and tension If you suspect an issue with your vehicle’s A/C system or are due for an inspection, don’t hesitate to give us a call or request an appointment online. We will help keep you cool through the warmer months ahead of us

After you drive your vehicle for a while, you get used to the way that it drives, including the way it sounds and performs. If you ever notice a sound out of the blue that is strange or never heard before, it is important not to ignore it. Often times, a weird noise coming from our vehicle’s is a telling sign that there is an issue with a component, whether that issue be big or small. The sooner you have your vehicle inspected, the quicker the issue can be repaired and the more money you can potentially save.  Here are some important car noises that you should not ignore: Hissing sound coming from underneath the hood Squealing noise or chirping noises coming from tires Clicking noise coming from underneath the hood Scraping or grinding noises while braking Roaring noise coming from the exhaust Rapping or banging noise coming from underneath the hood As soon as you hear one of the noises listed above, bring your vehicle into our shop for an inspection. Our experts will ... read more

Spring is a great time to take control of your vehicle’s maintenance. Driving in the winter weather can take a toll on our vehicles, causing wear and tear that can affect overall performance and fuel efficiency. Before your spring and summer road trip plans, be sure to come by our shop for a spring vehicle inspection. Here are the top spring maintenance items to keep your vehicle running smoothly into the summer! Read your vehicle’s owner’s manual and see if any recommended services are due Make sure you are current with your vehicle’s oil and filter change Have coolant levels, condition, and concentration checked Inspect belts & hoses for any wear and tear Test air conditioning and verify if it is working properly Check your tires - look at the overall condition, tread, and check tire pressure  Look at all lights, interior and exterior, to make sure they work properly including headlights, tail lights, and brake lights Change your windshield wi ... read more