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Many parts of your vehicle require regular maintenance services to stay in good condition. You vehicle’s air conditioner is not one of those things, so sometimes it can be difficult to know when to have it looked at. Today we will go over 4 surefire signs that mean your car’s air conditioning is in need of service.

Blowing Hot Air

First and foremost, the air conditioner is in place to provide cold air. If it is no longer providing cold air, there is certainly a problem. For the most part, this can be fixed with more refrigerant or a simple fan replacement, but make sure you have it looked at quickly. to make sure there isn’t a more serious problem damaging it.

Puddling Water

If water puddles underneath your vehicle when the A/C is running, that’s normal. However, the water should never puddle inside the vehicle! If your A/C is causing condensation or puddles of water inside of your car, bring it in for replacement right away.

Strange Sounds

Cars aren’t known for being quiet, but if you drive yours regularly, you recognize what is normal and what isn’t in terms of vehicle noise. With that in mind, if your vehicle’s A/C starts making strange noises it can indicate a problem.

Foul Smell

If when you turn on your vehicle’s A/C, you start to smell a foul odor, be sure to have it looked at right away. It could indicated mold or mildew in the tubes, which can lead to respiratory problems. Getting the system flushed or replaced is essential.

If you need help with your vehicle’s A/C repairs, give our team a call today at (805) 466-3236!

Like many important devices and machinery in your life, your car needs regular maintenance. At times, it may need a little extra service to combat a harsh environment, like winter weather. Winter, even a rather mild one in comparison to some, can be hard on your car. Even if you had a car tune-up in the fall, it’s not a bad idea to have it checked in the winter to make sure that it’s running as well as it can.

Winter Car Issues

Have a Professional Car Check and Tune-Up in Winter.

Cold weather can make a number of common issues even worse. The cold makes idling, hard starts, and more difficult. It’s important to do take care of all the little things you should be doing that often get forgotten. Filters, for example, should be replaced to help your car run more efficiently in tough weather.

If you didn’t have your oil changed near to the start of winter, have it done. It is one of the most neglected services, but it’s important to protect your engine, particularly when it’s working hard to run your car in cold weather. Sometimes, your fuel line needs some help to keep from freezing, too. A car service professional can add something for that.

Of course, your car heater works hard for you in winter. It’s important to pay attention to your heating and AC system so that it doesn’t get overworked and die on you. Not only would that be uncomfortable for you, it could affect visibility, too.

There are many details of car maintenance that are extra important during winter. Many things you can manage on your own with the help of your car manual. But, let an auto technician help, too. Keep your car running well through winter and have a car check and tune-up. Come visit the auto care specialists at German Performance in Atascadero, CA, or call us at (805) 466-3236.

Winter can present a brutal collection of circumstances for a vehicle. Between freezing temperatures, ice, and travel requirements, the season can put any vehicle through the ringer. To avoid spoiling the fun of the season, make sure you’ve attended to these winter car tips.

If You Live Within or Plan to Travel Toward a Wintry Area, See to These Winter Car Tips.

Check Your Battery

A dead battery has provided the source for countless episodes of stress and worry. The last thing you want is for your battery to die the morning of a big trip, or before you head to work. Though you cannot check the actual effectiveness of your battery, you can keep replacement records so you know its approximate age. When the lifespan of your battery has come and gone, go ahead and have it replaced.

Check Your Tires

Winter demands the best of your tires. Before the season begins in earnest, check your treads for signs of developed or uneven wear. You should also check the sidewalls for any damage, and confirm appropriate levels of tire pressure on a monthly basis.

Fuel Deicer

A bottle of deicer added to your fuel tank once a month or so can save you a heap of trouble. In extremely cold temperatures, moisture in your fuel lines can freeze. Deicer helps prevent this circumstance. You can also ensure the proper function of your fuel lines through keeping your tank close to full.

As the cold season approaches, German Performance can help you accomplish any winter car tips in Atascadero and Paso Robles, CA. To learn more or schedule any service needs whatsoever, give us a call today at 805-466-3236.

Vehicle owners may or may not know about the heater core located behind their dashboard. This mechanism operates your defrost and heating functions. If you are having trouble with your car’s heating system in Atascadero, CA, Rick’s German Performance can help. We offer heater core replacement services in the Atascadero and Paso Robles area. If you are unsure if your car’s system constitute repair services, check out these signs of a damaged heater core:

Busted Heater

If your car isn’t getting any heat, you will be able to notice pretty easily. This is obviously apparent during the winter months. While other factors could be causing the lack of heat, one of the most common ones is a hole in your heater core. This sucks in the heat before it ever reaches your cabin, rendering your heater effectively worthless.

Fogged Windshield

If your windshield and windows are fogging up uncontrollably, it is a common sign of heater core damage. You will likely notice condensation on all of the windows. This indicates a leak in the core mechanism. Vaporized coolant is actually dripping into your vehicle’s cabin.

Humid Aroma

Not every sign of a damaged heater core is visible. But sometimes you can actually smell it. Leaking radiator fluid has an almost sweet smell but certainly a humid aroma. This smell can be apparent on both the interior and exterior of your vehicle. Double check underneath your car for signs of liquid. Call (805) 466-3236 for heater core repair in Atascadero, CA and Paso Robles, CA.

As the Seasons Change, Make Sure Your Car is Ready/

As summer wanes and winter approaches, car owners should practice a few fall car tips. Decreasing temperatures and the end of summer’s demands require a few updates. Also, you will need to review and account for any wear or maintenance needs after a busy, hot summer. Utilize these fall car tips, and you’ll be ready for the road in no time.

Check Belts, Fluids, Hoses

Summer takes a toll on a vehicle. For a safe fall, you’ll want to check your car’s belts, fluids, and hoses to make sure that none need the attention of a mechanic. You should also change your oil if needed.

Antifreeze

Your antifreeze must have equivalence to the temperatures in which you drive your car. Antifreeze can become diluted over the summer, and needs attention to cope with colder temperatures. Without the proper amount, your engine’s operation can suffer.

Tire Pressure and Fuel Lines

Colder weather has a special impact on these two areas. The change in weather can cause your tires to expand or contract, which results in lower tire pressure. Fuel lines can also suffer negative impacts from cold weather. For especially cold weather, you may need to use fuel supplements to prevent freezing.

Update Car Kit

Seasonal changes should also affect changes to your car kit. As cold weather approaches, update it with blankets, gloves, or other items that will add to your comfort.

While many people overlook fall as a reason to review your vehicle, seasonal changes do make our fall car tips necessary. If you own a German-made vehicle and need assistance in  Atascadero, CA, contact German Performance at 805-466-3236.

The transmission is one of a car’s most complicated mechanisms.

A car’s transmission serves as its heart. This complicated mechanism transfers the engine’s power to the wheels and enables the car to move. With a faulty or failing transmission, your car may actually cease to function. To prevent such an occurrence, you should recognize when your car needs transmission repair.

Warning Light Activation

Though they often get ignored, a car’s warning lights provide valuable indicators of repair needs. For the transmission especially, the light will indicate subtle vibrations that precede serious problems. As a general rule of thumb, always take your vehicle for service if a warning light activates.

Fluid Leaks

Your transmission would quickly overheat and fail without the presence of transmission fluid. The transmission does not consume this fluid, however, and any loss opens the door to major problems. A transmission fluid leak, for example, opens the door for serious problems. You can always detect transmission fluid thanks to its sweet smell.

Movement Delays

Transmissions should operate smoothly, with no jerks or sudden movements. The design of transmissions enables them to enter gears smoothly. Any delay in this function indicates trouble that could quickly evolve into an emergency. Another sign occurs when your engine revs without an accompanying response in movement. This means that your transmission struggles with the transfer of power, a sure sign that its needs service.

For any needs with transmission repair in Atascadero or Paso Robles, CA, call (805) 466-3236 today for German Performance. We take care of all your service needs for German-made vehicles.

Your car has different belts that keep the components running together. It’s important to know what kind of car belts you have and know when to replace them. Ask your local mechanic today about serpentine and timing belt replacement in Atascadero and Paso Robles.

Timing Belt

A timing belt ensures the components inside your engine move at the right time while the vehicle is on. A broken timing belt causes engine misfire and other related issues.

Timing Belt Replacement

Oil leakages often affect the timing belt before any other component in the vehicle. While timing belt breakage doesn’t cause oil leaks, it’s time to check the timing belt if any leakages occur.

Have your belts checked with every oil change for belt maintenance.

Serpentine Belt

The word “serpentine” means snake. It is not, made of serpentine (an earthy mineral that looks like snake skin). This belt winds around 3 or 4 different pieces of the engine, including the power steering pump and the alternator. If the belt breaks, the components don’t synchronize, and could cause even further damage to your engine and other parts of the vehicle.

Serpentine Belt Replacement

The serpentine belt controls cooling components of the vehicle, overheating indicates belt failure. Engine overheating, A/C failure and loss of power steering could all be major indicators that the serpentine belt has failed.

Changing these belts during ownership of a vehicle is inevitable. Have your local mechanic check them with each oil change or maintenance visit. This prevents further damage to the rest of your vehicle.

Contact Us 

When you experience these symptoms, call the mechanics. Our experts at German Performance work on a variety of cars. A serpentine or timing belt replacement in Atascadero and Paso Robles is our specialty. Call (805) 466-3236 for repairs today.

Many car owners can notice when something is different about their car. If you are noticing some unfamiliar changes in the way your car drives, sounds, or performs, it is important to have it checked out by a professional as quickly as possible. However, not all changes in your car are cause for alarm. When it comes to wheel alignment, if you can recognize these 3 symptoms, you can confidently ask for exactly what your car needs!

Pulling

Does your car pull strongly to the left or the right when you’re driving? This is often an issue with wheel alignment. If you aren’t sure if your car is pulling, find a flat, even road to test on. If your car continues to pull in one direction when you are driving on the flat and even road, you likely need a wheel alignment service!

Vibrations

Does your steering wheel vibrate when you drive down the highway? This is a fairly common indication that your wheels need alignment. If you are experiencing this, slow down and look for a shop sooner rather than later!

Uneven Wear

Everyone knows that your tires are incredibly important to your safety when driving, so it is important tot check on their condition frequently.If you are noticing uneven wear and tear on your tires, you probably need a wheel alignment. Typically you will notice more wear towards the outside of your tires in this situation.

If you notice any of these 3 symptoms with your vehicle, bring your car in to be looked at by a professional mechanic. Though these are often indicative of a wheel alignment issue, they can also point to other problems at times. If you need a trusted mechanic in Atascadero, CA, call us at (805) 466-3236 today! Our professionals are happy to assist you with all of your vehicle care and repair needs!

Pay Close Attention To Your Car’s Performance With These Tips!

Don’t get stranded this summer – review this checklist of summer maintenance.

The heat, dust, and traffic of summer will do a number on any vehicle. If significant time has passed since your last scheduled service, the season of fun could bring with it an unwanted breakdown. You can prevent against most vehicle disasters with regularly scheduled summer maintenance. To get your car ready for summer, prepare it against this checklist.

Air Conditioner

An air conditioning system that has never seen service could well meet failure at the hands of summer’s exertions. At the very least, you should replace your air conditioning filter. Otherwise, get your air conditioner serviced with a certified technician.

Cooling System

The vast majority of summer breakdowns occur as a result of overheating. Ideally, you should get your coolant system flushed and refilled once every two years. As with your air conditioning service, this is another job you should leave with the pros.

Oil and Tires

In preparation for any big road trips, go ahead and get your oil changed. As for your tires, you should have them rotated every 5,000 miles to prevent against unnecessary wear and blowouts.

Battery

The last thing any traveler wants is a dead battery in the middle of nowhere. Again, preventative maintenance can serve you well here. Get your battery fully inspected before you begin any long trips.

Emergency Kit

Since summer brings with it more travel, you should prepare a kit for any possible emergencies. Go ahead and pack a blanket, first aid kit, and strong flashlight in your trunk. You will definitely thank yourself should the situation arise where you need these things.

For summer maintenance on German-made automobiles, do not hesitate to contact us at (805) 466-3236. At German Performance, we are the local experts for Atascadero and Paso Robles. 

When it comes to doing what’s best for your vehicle, you can’t listen to everything you hear. We’re sure that you’ve heard the myths about vehicle maintenance, but the auto experts at German Performance is here to shed some light on what’s real and what’s not.

• If you don’t hear or feel anything out of the ordinary, then everything is fine: This is one myth that proves to be the downfall of many vehicles. Just because there’s no apparent sign of distress, doesn’t mean that there’s not an underlying problem. Be sure to schedule appointments for regular vehicle maintenance to ensure that your vehicle remains in good condition for years to come.
• Premium gas is better than regular gas: It depends on your vehicle. Premium gasoline is made for high compression engines and helps alleviate pre-ignition issues. Most people have vehicles that only need regular gas and wouldn’t necessarily benefit from using higher octane fuel. So although putting premium fuel in your vehicle wouldn’t do any harm, it would end up being a waste of money for most car owners.
• You MUST get your oil changed once every 3,000 miles: Rewind a few decades back, this would be true. With modern engine designs, most vehicles can go for at least 7,000 miles before needing an oil change and some even more.

Trust the auto specialists at German Performance to answer all of your vehicle questions and to debunk those crazy vehicle maintenance myths. Contact us today at (805) 466-3236.