San Francisco German Auto Repair

The check engine light pops up on your BMW's dashboard - what's next? For most Bimmer drivers, the check engine light is the most dreadful to deal with. It's like your car is trying to tell you something, but it's speaking in code. What do those BMW trouble codes mean? We'll demystify the language of your BMW's onboard diagnostics and help you understand the whispers of your beloved car. The Mystery of BMW Trouble Codes Your BMW is equipped with an onboard diagnostics system, known as OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II). When something goes amiss in your vehicle, sensors throughout the car pick up on irregularities and trigger trouble codes. These codes provide a glimpse into what's troubling your car's various systems. Common BMW Trouble Codes and Their Meanings P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinde ... read more

Has your car ever greeted you with white smoke billowing from the tailpipe? Your natural instincts will kick and have you wondering what could be causing this unexpected phenomenon. Fear not, because the team at Pete's, Inc is here to shed light on the mystery of white smoke and what it could mean for your automobile. Unlike black or blue smoke, which often indicates specific issues, white smoke tends to be associated with different scenarios. Possible Culprits of White Smoke Coolant Leakage: One of the most common causes of white smoke is a coolant leak into the combustion chamber. When coolant mixes with fuel and burns, it creates white smoke. This might be due to a faulty head gasket, cracked cylinder head, or even a warped engine block. Condensation: In colder weather, it's normal to see white smoke when you start your car. This is usually just condensation from the exhaust system and should dissipate as the engine warms up. Burning Oil: While burning oil typically pro ... read more

Owning a car requires regular maintenance to ensure its performance, safety, and longevity. While numerous maintenance tasks are best left to professionals, every car owner should know these top five essential maintenance tasks. Maintenance Activities These are essential maintenance requirements for every vehicle. They are simple and can be done by car owners without visiting a mechanic. 1. Checking and Changing Oil Regularly checking your vehicle's oil level is crucial for proper engine function. Refer to your car's manual for the recommended oil change interval and type of oil suitable for your engine. Regularly changing the oil ensures that harmful contaminants do not build up and damage vital engine components. 2. Tire Maintenance Proper tire care is essential for optimal handling, fuel efficiency, and driving safety. Check tire pressure regularly using a gauge and maintain it at the manufacturer-recommended levels. Additionally, inspect tires for signs of damage or w ... read more

Keeping the correct tire pressure is among other key considerations for safe driving. Tire pressure is measured in pounds per square inch, and you can find the manufacturer-recommended pressure level on a sticker inside the driver's door or the owner's manual, depending on the vehicle brand. You may be wondering how certain you'll be sure the pressure of your tires is okay. It's simple! Use a tire pressure gauge at an auto parts store or your car's service station. Continue reading to learn how to check tire pressure and its importance. How You Should Assess Tire Pressure Auto care experts recommend checking pressure when the tires are cold, probably first thing in the morning or when your car is in park mode for at least three hours. It's because friction while driving makes the tires heat up, affecting the pressure inside them. You can check tire pressure when you top up gas or at least once a week. Follow these 4 steps to check tires: Loc ... read more

Amidst the excitement of our road journeys, there's an often-unseen adversary lying in wait: the dreaded pothole. These sneaky road craters can wreak havoc on our vehicles, causing costly damages and unexpected repairs. To ensure your vehicle stays clear of pothole damage, you must understand the dangers of the problem at hand and know how to fend against them. Here are some of our top tips that you should follow! Stay Vigilant: Potholes often appear when we least expect them, catching us off guard. Therefore, please remain vigilant while driving. Keep your eyes on the road ahead, scanning for any potential hazards. Don't forget to watch for visual cues like uneven surfaces, patches of worn-out asphalt, or standing water, as these can indicate the presence of potholes. Mind Your Speed: Speeding over potholes is a recipe for disaster. Higher speeds increase the impact force, amplifying the potential damage to your vehicle's tires, suspension, and alignment. By reducing yo ... read more

The exhaust system of a vehicle is an important part of its performance and can provide useful information about what might be going on underneath the hood. Different colors of exhaust smoke can indicate different problems, from minor to major repairs that need to be made. In this blog post, we'll examine what different colored exhaust smoke can indicate and the types of repairs you may need. White Smoke White smoke usually indicates a coolant leak. Coolant is the term used to describe a mixture of water and antifreeze, which is essential for maintaining your engine's temperature levels. If coolant begins to escape, it will cause white exhaust smoke as it mixes with the fuel in the combustion chambers. For repairs, you may need to replace a faulty radiator or gasket. Blue Exhaust Smoke Blue exhaust smoke indicates that the engine is burning oil. This could be caused by worn piston rings or other engine seals, which will allow oil to enter the combustion chamber and be burne ... read more

Drivers rely on their steering wheels every day to navigate their vehicles smoothly and safely. So, if your steering wheel feels stiff or challenging to turn all of a sudden, it can be a cause for concern. A stiff steering wheel can make it hard to control your vehicle, especially when making turns. To avoid putting yourself and your loved ones in a dangerous situation, please bring this to a professional mechanic's attention. There are several reasons why your steering wheel may feel rigid. Here are some of the most prevalent explanations: Low power steering fluid - Power steering fluid is essential for ensuring smooth and effortless steering. If your power steering fluid levels are low, it can cause your steering wheel to feel stiff. Check your power steering fluid levels regularly and top up as needed. Damaged power steering pump - The power steering pump is accountable for pumping power steering fluid through the steering system. If the pump ... read more

Your vehicle's windows and windshield are critical components ensuring your road safety. From protecting you from the elements to allowing you to see clearly, your vehicle's glass surfaces are essential to maintain. Below are some of the most standard auto glass services that can help you keep your view clear and your vehicle safe. Windshield Repair If you notice a crack or chip in your windshield, it's important to address it as soon as possible. Small chips and cracks can quickly turn into larger, more dangerous issues. A skilled technician can often repair the damage quickly and easily, saving you from having to replace the entire windshield. Windshield Replacement If the damage to your windshield is severe, you may need to have it replaced entirely. This is especially true if the crack or chip is in your line of sight, as it can be distracting and dangerous while driving. A windshield replacement is a more involved process than a repair, but it can ensure your safe ... read more

Oil changes are one of the main reasons for a visit to your local auto service shop. While it can seem like it is not that important, a missed appointment can cost you not only time but money as well. That’s why you should keep it in mind, and make sure you have it performed. Why is oil important? Oil keeps all the parts lubricated, and allows them to stay at a certain temperature so they do not overheat. These two factors play a key role in the engine’s health and efficiency. If routine oil changes are ignored it can result in damaged cylinders, broken crankshafts, or, in the worst case, a blown engine. This can be easily overcome by regular visits to the service shop. How often should you change your oil? Most manufacturers advise owners to go in for a routine oil change every 3,000-7,000 miles, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Some engines can even go for as long as 10,000 miles, but that doesn't mean that every car can last that long. Another thin ... read more

A car battery provides your vehicle with an electrical current. The battery serves many functions, but primarily powers the starter and ignites the engine. It is paramount to keep an eye out for symptoms of a weakening battery. The following are five signs of a dying car battery: Engine Starts Slowly The first sign of a deteriorating battery is that the engine starts slowly. The less power the battery has, the slower the engine starts. Therefore, you should pay attention to how long it takes the car to start after turning on the ignition. Get the battery checked as soon as you notice any lags. The Engine Will Not Start Worse still, your engine may not start at all. If your car refuses to start after you turn on the ignition, it means your battery is dead. You will typically hear a clicking sound or a long crank in such a case. If the engine starts eventually, the issue is due to a damaged starter. Heavily Coated or Corroded Battery. If the engine takes a while to start after tur ... read more