Chantilly Auto Repair

Oil changes are affordable and straightforward; when performed at regular intervals, they can enhance performance and increase your vehicle's lifespan. While most drivers rely on mileage intervals to identify when it's time to have the oil changed, it's always best to inspect the oil first hand. Your oil can be low or degraded before the scheduled mileage change comes up, so it's crucial to check it visually. If your engine is overdue for an oil change, the engine can struggle to perform and eventually overheat. Below are five indicators to determine if your vehicle will need an oil change sooner than later.  Dirty Oil  Healthy oil is an amber color and free of any debris. As you drive, the engine oil gets darker and collects particles from inside the engine. The only way to check the oil's quality is to pop the hood and pull the dipstick out. Make sure to wipe it first, then reinsert it, pull out the dipstick, and inspect the oil. If th ... read more

The brakes are an integral part of a vehicle’s safety system. If the brakes aren’t properly functioning, you lose the ability to slow down or bring the car to a complete stop. Brakes have a lifespan that doesn’t leave much room for maintenance to be ignored. If it’s been a long time since the brakes were serviced, they’ll start to give clear signals that an inspection is needed. Below are five warning signs that your brakes need professional attention.  1.    The Brake Light Has Comes On The brake light can indicate you’re due for a service, or it can be alerting you to a problem. If your brakes have already been serviced, check that the parking brake is down.    2.    Spongy Brake Pedal If you step on the brake pedal and notice very little resistance, the brakes should be inspected. There could be air or moisture trapped in the braking system. There can also be a major problem with the master cylinder.  &nbs ... read more

Many drivers think of all the money they could save if they perform their own vehicle repairs. While this is great in theory, it falls flat on its face in practice. Most automotive repair jobs are just too complicated for the average person to do themselves, especially if they don't have any mechanical repair experience. Our mechanics have the certification and expertise to ensure that your vehicle is repaired correctly, the first time around. When it comes to repairs, you don't want to run into any mistakes risking your safety and other drivers on the road. Below are a few common DIY vehicle repair services that would best if they were left up to the professionals:  Replacing the windshield Windshield cracks are simple fixes, but full-on replacements should be left to the professionals. A windshield replacement is a complicated job with specialized tools. This isn't a repair you want to get even a little bit wrong, save it for the experts. F ... read more

If you like to keep a clean car, there’s nothing more frustrating than the fuzziness of an oxidized headlight. The issue with fuzzy headlights isn’t just because they aren’t visually appealing, but how it diminishes visibility during night drives. This can turn a regular drive into a dangerous one. In the past, the headlights in classic vehicles were created with glass. The headlights on modern cars have been designed with a very tough plastic called polycarbonate plastic. While this plastic is sturdy, it’s also porous. Headlights do come with a protective film, but with wear and tear, that film can become damaged. With damage, the porous material will become oxidized.  Before you attempt to clean your headlight, it’s crucial to figure out whether the oxidation happened inside or outside of the headlight. If the oxidation is outside your headlight, the instructions below are an easy tip to remove it. If the oxidation occurred on the inside of the hea ... read more

A COMMON PROBLEM WE SEE WITH MODERN BMWS IS WATER PUMP FAILURE. The video below features a BMW 550 with a classic example of water pump failure. The owner of the vehicle noticed an odd noise and brought his vehicle to Foreign Auto Services in Chantilly, VA. In the video, you’ll see one of our ASE-certified technicians demonstrating the loud wobbly noise you hear when turning the pulley with the belt off. THE DANGERS OF A FAILING WATER PUMP A failed water pump can cause an engine to overheat, which can lead to major damage. If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms of a failing water pump, don’t hesitate to give Foreign Auto Services in Chantilly, VA a call or use our convenient online scheduler to make an appointment