Professional European Auto Repair Advice from The German Auto Doctor

A belt or hose failure can cause an overheated engine, loss of power steering, and loss of the electrical charging system. If a hose leaks coolant or the belt turning the water pump snaps, the cooling system is inoperable. If the engine overheats, it can suffer serious internal damage that requires expensive repairs and can ruin a summer vacation. Overheating can occur anytime, but usually...

At The German Auto Doctor, there are a few questions we receive more than others. Many of them have to do with common noises that come from our customer’s cars. From squeaking brakes to ticking engines, we’ve heard it all (no pun intended). Today we’ll be talking about noises you hear when turning, their most likely causes, and what to do about it. When you make a turn in your car, you really...

When someone reverses out of their garage and sees a stain, one of the first questions they ask is, “Why is my car leaking oil when parked?” This question is then quickly followed up by others, including, “Can you drive a car with an oil leak?” and even, “Wait, is that oil? “ If you’ve noticed your car leaking oil when parked, call Colony One Auto Repair today. We’ll answer your questions and...

In Simi Valley, California, one of the most essential aspects of vehicle maintenance is the regular oil change. Ensuring that your engine’s moving parts are properly lubricated is crucial to avoid damage and extend the life of your vehicle. Over time, engine oil breaks down and becomes contaminated with dust, dirt, and debris, compromising its ability to do its job effectively. An oil change in...

The main problem with the standard double flaring tool is that the die is not centered when it sits on the top of the end of the brake line and there is a much greater chance for error than for success. You can see in this picture that the die is not square with the surface of the tool and the yoke does not help much in the centering and squaring of the die. You need a good eye and a lot of...

Ignition lock failure is not a common occurrence, but it can happen. This is usually apparent when you get into your vehicle, insert the key, and the ignition will not turn to start. In older vehicles, your key ignition system is entirely mechanical, from the lock cylinder all the way until the cylinder activates the ignition switch. On modern cars with keys, most are equipped with chip-keys...