Is it just us or was this winter in Nashville extra brutal? Just like the snow and freezing temperatures can take a toll on our skin, homes, and moods, winter can be rough on our imported automobiles. The cold temperatures, ice, and road salt all strain your vehicle, making it essential to check key components for wear and tear. As the chill of winter fades, it's time to prepare your car for the warmer months ahead. Here’s what you need to know to keep your BMW, Mercedes, Audi, or other imported vehicle running smoothly this season. 1. Inspect and Replace Wiper Blades Winter weather can be tough on wiper blades. Ice and snow may cause the rubber to crack or tear, reducing visibility during Nashville’s heavy spring showers. Replacing worn-out wiper blades ensures you have a clear view of the road, which is critical for safe driving. 2. Check Tire Health and Alignment Cold temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop, leading to uneven wear. Additionally, potholes from winter storms can throw off your vehicle's alignment. Have your tire pressure checked and inspected for any signs of damage. Proper alignment and balanced tires ensure better fuel efficiency and safer handling. 3. Test Your Battery Car batteries can lose power in cold weather, and the effects might not be noticeable until the temperatures rise. Testing your battery this spring ensures it has enough power for reliable starts—especially important for high-performance Asian and European imports. 4. Inspect Brakes Road salt and moisture can lead to corrosion and wear on your brake system. Have your brakes inspected for any signs of damage, such as squeaking, grinding, or reduced stopping power. Ensuring your brakes are in top shape is vital for safety. 5. Replace Cabin and Engine Air Filters Winter air can bring in debris and contaminants that clog your filters. Replacing the cabin air filter improves air quality inside your car, while a clean engine air filter enhances performance and fuel efficiency. 6. Check Fluid Levels Cold weather can affect fluid levels and consistency. Inspect your oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Fresh, clean fluids keep your vehicle running at peak performance and prevent damage to critical systems. 7. Examine Belts and Hoses Extreme temperatures can cause belts and hoses to become brittle and crack. A thorough inspection can prevent unexpected breakdowns, especially when the summer heat hits. As the days get longer and warmer temperatures greet us, get your vehicle ready for wherever life will take you this spring. At Import Speciality Service —a local Nashville mechanic experienced in Asian and European imports—we understand the unique needs of import vehicles. From routine spring check-ups to specialized repairs, our expert technicians are here to help you keep your car in optimal condition. Schedule your spring maintenance today and drive into the new season with confidence!
Do you remember a situation when you got inside your Nissan on a rainy day and while driving you realized that your car skids every time you hit the brakes or turn sharply? This may mean that there is a problem with your car’s traction control system ( TCS ). The TCS is an important safety component that counteracts slipping and provides better traction for your Nissan on slippery or irregular road surfaces. But what happens when it stops working as it should?
Do you ever get confused when you hear a loud screeching sound erupt from your Nissan’s engine or ever feel that your car AC is not as efficient as before? These may be signs of drive belt trouble ; a fairly common problem that can shift your car’s performance from hero to zero. Known as serpentine belts , drive belts play a very important role in your Nissan by turning some of the key parts of the vehicle including the alternator , air conditioning compressor , or power steering .
Are you curious to know where exactly that rumbling sound is coming from beneath your Toyota ? What if it is coming from the exhaust system ? A functional exhaust system is important to ensure that the vehicle’s engine performance, as well as its durability, is optimum. However, over time, all the pipes , mufflers , and other components that make up the exhaust can get damaged or corroded. Failing to pay attention to any odd noise or stench emanating from the car’s exhaust pipe , will only make things worse later.
Your car can have all the great features that make it a luxury car, but without a functioning door lock , it is not usable or safe. The door lock system is an essential one, as it helps to provide safety and security for passengers once you're inside, and it helps keep thieves out.
Safety is an essential topic when talking about driving your Acura on major roads. Various factors, such as visibility, contribute to your safety while driving. Hence, the windshield wiper is an essential vehicle component that helps to remove dust, snow, or debris that can affect your visibility while driving and compromise safety.
When your Mercedes requires repairs, the best thing you can do is to take it to a reputable company . A good repair shop will ensure your car is well maintained and its useful life is not shortened. Here are some tips that will help you in choosing the best repair shop for your Mercedes .
Is your Mini losing coolant without an obvious leak? If you are always refilling your coolant yet you cannot seem to locate the source of the leak, your radiator expansion tank could be to blame. A crack or break in this cooling system part can result in the slow leakage of the coolant and ultimately result in overheating of the engine . Here is a breakdown of what a radiator expansion tank does and the symptoms that you should watch out for to know the tank is failing.
Are you experiencing vibrations or having an unstable ride in your Mercedes ? There are so many factors that could be responsible for this and one of the possible causes for all these problems may be a bad chassis flex disc . Commonly referred to as a flex joint , a chassis flex disc is made of rubber and metal parts and it is used to connect the transmission to the drive shaft .
Have you ever asked yourself what could be wrong with your Land Rover’s steering wheel , why it vibrates, or why it produces a certain sound? The answer could be the steering shaft . This key component connects your car’s steering wheel to its steering mechanism so that you can control the vehicle's direction. The steering shaft can wear down with time and provide an undesirable drive to the car. Keep reading to find out how to identify the steering shaft problem , what you can do about it, and where you should take your Land Rover for a reliable repair.