Nashville European Auto Repair

Power steering is used in almost all modern vehicles today, including cars, trucks, and SUVs. The power steering system allows for easier control when parking, driving at low speeds, and is great for drivers who aren't as steady at the wheel.  What is the power steering system? This is a system that helps you easily turn your vehicle's wheels using hydraulic or electric power. Think of this system has a helpful push, because otherwise steering would require much more effort from the driver.  The power steering system is typically hydraulic, and is set up with a sensor that detects force, a pump that helps to create the hydraulic pressure in the system, valves that move the high-pressure fluid, and actuators which actually help to turn the wheels.  The power steering system is a tricky one, because it is designed to give you better control without being too sensitive. The goal is to not affect your vehicle's handling too much so that the direction of y ... read more

At German Motorworks, we want you to know that our shop is open and available to serve you during the COVID-19 outbreak. We know that times are uncertain and a little scary, but rest assured that if you have car trouble, our experts will be available to assist.  Although many business have been ordered to shut down during this time to prevent the spread of COVID-19, auto repair is classified as an essential business and is permitted ot remain open. We need our cars to get to work, to the stores, or to recieve medial attention, and cars will still continue to have problems or need services while COVID-19 is active.  We care about the health of our patrons and our employees, which is why we have made necessary adjustments to ensure that we do our part in preventing the further spread of the virus. Measures we have implemented include:  Santizing your vehicle when it comes into our shop and before it is returned to you, including the door handles, steering wheel, middle ... read more

A rough idling engine can be a cause for concern, especially if the issue points to some sort of engine problem. In order to understand whether or not rough idling is what you are experiencing, lets talk about what exactly idling is and what symptoms indicate rough idling.  When you get into your car and start the engine, it at first runs without you putting it into gear or accelerating. In this state, your engine is idling. It just means that your engine is running, but your vehicle isn't moving or in any gear. A proper idling allows your vehicle to maintain a steady RPM and will ensure that the engines air and fuel mixtures are correct.  Rough idling is when you notice that when your engine is idling, strange symptoms are occurring. These symptoms include a vibrating or shaky vehicle, RPMs that aren't steady and fluctuate quickly, and skipping or slipping sounds. You will definitely feel that your vehicle is "running rough" when your engine is rough idli ... read more

Vehicle maintenance is the single best way to ensure that your vehicle runs at its best and lasts you throughout the years. When you take care of your car, you protect your investment and guarantee reliable transportation every day. In between your visits to German Motorworks, is doesn't hurt to understand and be aware of your vehicle and know little checks that you can do every 6 months to evaluate your vehicle's condition. If you notice something off, you'll know to come into our shop for further inspection.  Here are some little checks that you can do every 6 months to stay on top of your vehicle's preventative maintenance:  Check your tire tread and look at overall tire condition Make sure that your tire pressure is correct and that your TPMS light is not illuminated Inspect your fluid levels under the hood Change your windshield wipers once a year and check windshield washing fluid Check all of your interior and exterior lights to make sure they are ... read more

Driving during a winter storm is a situation that most of us may try to avoid. However, if you are already on your way and a winter storm hits and you have no choice but to drive through it, the following winter storm driving safety tips can come in handy.  If you have some flexibility when it comes to when you need to drive through winter storm prone areas, be sure to look up weather conditions through major passes or highways along the way. This will help you better understand the conditions you will hit and inform you to make a better decision if driving through a snowstorm can be avoided.  If you find yourself driving through a winter storm, here are some safety tips to follow:  Keep a close eye on the road and be weary of black ice which can be difficult to detect.  Always drive slowly and carefully and eliminate all distractions if possible.  When you do drive over ice or snow and feel that your vehicle has lost traction, the important thing is to no ... read more

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at German Motorworks! We hope that you had a wonderful holiday with friends and family. With all the holidays comes lots of travel, so if you are planning a road trip in the near future, we recommend that you check off some important travel measures before you hit the road.  Be sure to have your vehicle inspected by the experts here at German Motorworks before you hit the road. You never want to be caught in a situation where you are stuck without a working vehicle, so guaranteeing that your vehicle is ready for any road trip will keep your family safe and bring you peace of mind on the road.    Pack ample blankets and coats for the road to keep warm if you’re traveling in the cold this winter.    Have an emergency kit on hand in your trunk to help out in cases of emergencies. Some things to make sure you have with you include a spare tire, jack, wrench, flashlight, flares, cell phone charger, and first aid ... read more

If you’re planning on taking the family on a road trip this winter season, making sure that you are organized and prepared will keep your family happy and minimize the stress of the trip. When it comes to traveling during the winter, many other vehicles will be on the road with families trying to spend holidays with their loves ones. The weather will also be harsh, so preparing for your next road trip will ensure your safety on the road.  Here are some of our suggestions to follow in order to be completely prepared for your winter road trip:  Have your vehicle inspected before your trip to ensure you won't run into any car trouble along the way.    Make sure to plan breaks along the way. A short break every couple of hours is recommended. These could be at rest stops or gas stations, just a chance to get out of the car and stretch your legs. If kids are traveling along, you may find that bathroom breaks will be needed during these breaks, too.  ... read more

When it comes to your vehicle, making sure that the engine is always running healthy is one of the most important maintenance items you need to take care of. An overheating engine or smoke coming from underneath the hood are telling signs that you may be due for a radiator flush. So, how often is this service needed? Overheating engines is primarily caused by cooling system problems, including the radiator. The cooling system circulates coolant throughout the engine and connecting parts, and without a working cooling system, coolant will not be circulated properly and will not protect your vehicle properly from heat.  The answer for how often your radiator needs to be flushed would be best answered by your vehicle manufacturer's owner's manual. However, as a general rule, this service is typically recommended every 30,000 miles or so. During this service, your cooling system will be flushed and cleaned and new coolant will be added.  Here are some signs that y ... read more

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, following your recommended service intervals is key to a long lasting vehicle. The Car Care Council is a dependable source for vehicle safety and service, so the below infographic is extremely helpful when it comes to understand what your vehicle needs and when.  If your vehicle is due for any of the services listed above, don't hesitate to bring your car into the experts here at German Motorworks today. 

Hearing a strange noise coming from under the hood of your car can be a cause for concern. You may be uncertain if the problem is as simple as a loose component, or if it is pointing to something much more severe. If the noise is coming from the engine, this is usually a motor problem. Here are some of the most common types of noises and what they can indicate:  Engine Clicking Noise A clicking noise when you rev the engine is usually a sign of either low oil pressure, excessive valve lash, or worn/damaged engine parts.  Engine Pings or Knocks When Accelerating A pinging or knocking sound when accelerating can be caused by a number of different things, including ignition timing problems, engine overheating, carbon buildup, or low octane fuel.  Low Rumbling or Knocking Sound If you hear a low rumble or knocking noise when the engine is warm, the most likely cause may be a bad rod bearing on the crankshaft (whic ... read more