Minneapolis Auto Repair

Tweet Driving with car suspension problems such as worn or leaking shocks/struts, loose or broken controls arms or other damaged suspension components can be just as risky as driving with bald tires or squealing brakes. But many drivers who have their tires and brakes inspected and replaced regularly don't think to have their suspension checked. If you experience any warning signs of car suspension problems such as: the car bouncing or swaying, the car does not handle well, the car does not sit level, or if the car is shaking or vibrating, you should have your vehicle inspected right away by a qualified professional. After a vehicle has 50,000 miles on the odometer, the suspension should be checked every time the brakes are inspected; at least once a year or every 12,000 miles. Some brands such as Land Rover/Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz include models that have air suspension. According to ... read more

  BMW Crankcase Vent Valve Failure: BMW crankcase vent valves fail more often this time of year and we see more of these types of problems as the weather gets colder. The BMW crankcase ventilation valve is also known as the oil separator, CCV, or PCV valve.  According to Wikipedia, "A crankcase ventilation system is a one way passage for gases to escape in a controlled manner from the crankcase of an internal combustion engine.  This is necessary because internal combustion inevitably involves a small but continual amount of blow-by, which occurs when some of the gases from the combustion leak past the piston rings (t ... read more

BMW oil leaks from the engine area are a common problem that we see at DJ Foreign Auto Care. Since fluids in your BMW do not get used up or go anywhere (with the exception of gasoline and windshield washer fluid) if you notice that any are low, it is likely that there is a leak somewhere. If you notice your oil level is low when you check the oil, it is important to have a reputable BMW repair shop check for leaks right away. If all oil is lost, damage to the BMW engine will extensive and a new engine may even be needed. According to Autohausaz, engine oil is a "...honey or dark-colored, greasy fluid".  Symptoms of leaking oil are a burning smell and/or signs of drips or wet spots under the engine or vehicle. Valve Cover Gasket Leak: Valve cover gasket leaks are a common BMW oil leak. Valve covers are located at the top of the engine and protect the ro ... read more

Tweet You should check your Tire Pressure at least monthly, according to manufacturers. Having correct Tire Pressure gives you better fuel efficiency, and also maintains vehicle safety and stability. Tires complete the essential link between your vehicle's suspension and the road, and having under-inflated or over-inflated tires can compromise your car's stability, as well as its ability to corner and brake effectively. High Tire Pressure: If Tire Pressure is too high, less of the tire is touching the road. So instead of gripping the road, your tires will be bouncing off the road, leading to uneven tire wear, a bumpy ride, poor traction and longer stopping distances. Low Tire Pressure: If Tire Pressure is too low, too much of the tire surface is touching the ... read more

Tweet Many European import car engines are damaged when North American engine oil is used instead of the European Engine Oil recommended by the manufacturers. European car makers insist on very specific types of motor oils to be used, motor oils that follow European specifications which are different from the specifications in North America. Specific European Engine Oil: From ultimatesyntheticoil.com: From techmax.ca: To find out more about what type of oil to use for your vehicle, take a look at your owner's manual, which will specify what kind of oil should be used or you can look at the manufacture's web site. At DJ Foreign Auto Care, we follow the manufacturers' specificatio ... read more