Chantilly Auto Repair

Fall is finally here in Chantilly, VA, and before you know it, the leaves will fall and the chilly weather will come around. This time of year is not only the perfect time to sip on pumpkin spice lattes and go to football tailgates, but it is the perfect time to prep your car for the cooler weather. Here is how we can help you at Foreign Auto Services Inc. Tip #1 - Check Your Tires Tires are one of the most important components of your car, and it requires the most attention when it gets cooler. First off, remember to check the tread depth. Make sure that they aren’t bald or uneven in certain areas over others. Next, you’ll want to monitor and adjust your tire pressure. Tire pressure drops when the temperatures drop, so make sure you fill them up to the automaker’s recommended PSI range.  Tip #2 - Inspect the Battery Your battery connections should be free of corrosion or other harmful contaminants. Extreme temperatures can be harsh on your battery, draining ... read more

If your vehicle has an internal combustion engine, it can release harmful byproducts that can in turn contribute to air pollution. To minimize the waste, each gas-powered vehicle has a catalytic converter to convert these dangerous gasses into safer ones. If your catalytic converter suddenly stops working, you can definitely tell as soon as it does. If you aren’t sure, here are the signs of a faulty catalytic converter. Lit Check Engine Light A check engine light can mean many troubling things, including a faulty catalytic converter. That is why it is important to have professional diagnostic testing done to be sure. If your catalytic converter is at fault, it will send a particular trouble code. Failed Emission Test The catalytic converter plays a huge role in the emissions system, which is why a bad catalytic converter will result in a failure of the smog test. The test may reveal too many concentrated pollutants or excess carbon emissions. Rattling When the catalytic con ... read more

Are your car's headlights foggy? Well, then it is probably time to clean them. There are many methods that can be used to clean car headlights but let's first look into what causes the foggy headlights in the first place. What Causes Headlight Fogginess The reason is quite simple! Due to the headlights of recent times being made from a thick plastic material which is made up of polycarbonates, it is less resistant to the sun's UV rays and thus degenerates over a period of time creating the foggy exterior of the headlights. There are many ways in which you can clean your car's headlights, some of the most popular include: Using toothpaste Using baking soda and vinegar Using bug spray How to Use Toothpaste to Clean Your Car's Headlights Grab a tube of toothpaste and apply it generously to you car's headlights. Toothpaste possesses mild abrasive properties which aid in scrubbing out the foggy layer. After applying the toothpaste simply rub it around in a cir ... read more

There’s more to your brakes than the brake pads and rotors. A caliper is an important piece of a disc brake system. This braking system relies on hydraulic pressure to function. The calipers are situated on every wheel and have the role of squeezing the brake pads against the rotors to slow down your vehicle’s wheels. Read on to understand more about what calipers do, the symptoms of bad brake calipers, and how often you should replace them.   Calipers work like any other clamp. When you step on the brake pedal, pressure is created to increase friction and stop your car. Just like any other car part, calipers can fail over time. You should especially pay attention to the calipers because their failure can cause catastrophic accidents. Read on to learn more about the warning signs of bad brake calipers. Car Pulling to One Side - The caliper has pistons that move as a result of the hydraulic pressure. If the pistons don’t work anymore, due to corrosion or debris ... read more

The air we inhale is very important to our health, which is why it is important for you to keep up with your cabin filter’s condition. A cabin filter is a critical component to keep the air fresh and purified for passengers. Otherwise, contaminants and pollutants can make their way into the cabin. After many miles of driving, your air filters can get jammed with pollutants, leaves, dust, debris, and more. As a result, your AC and heating may have to work extra hard to push air into your car. As a result, your car will burn more gas. Here are some more signs that indicate you need a cabin filter change. Inconsistent Airflow From Vents A filthy air filter can block the air ducts, leading to reduced airflow. If your A/C isn’t giving out the same pressure as usual, please bring it to our shop for inspections soon. We can replace your cabin air filter with ease. Bad Odor From the Vents When the air filter is plagued with dirt or dust, it can create a foul smell when it sits ... read more