When you buy a car, you want it to be dependable by running smoothly and getting you wherever you need to be. Let’s face it – dead batteries and blown tires can ruin your day. We don’t want these repairs to surprise you, which is why preventative maintenance serves to take the stress off your hands. They are services that can save you time and money in the long run by preventing unwanted breakdowns. At German Car Depot, we can help you stay on top of preventative maintenance. Here are some of the services we offer that can keep your vehicle reliable on the road. Oil Change - This is the best preventative maintenance that can be done. It is most frequently recommended by your automaker because motor oil is a lubricant for your engine parts. When you feel your engine with fresh and clean oil, wear and tear are minimized. Filters - Filters often get neglected, but they are a major part of your regular service. There’s the engine air filter, cabin air filter, fu ... read more

There can be several factors that are the cause of a driving accident. Being under the influence is one cause, however, in 2021, only 20% of vehicle accidents were related to alcohol. A big number of serious vehicle accidents, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation are related to driver error. Getting in a hurry while driving is often the number one mistake drivers make. Ways to prevent or at least decrease our chance of a serious accident is to adhere to the cautions provided to us. Paying attention to the warning signs--stopping at red lights and stop signs, or pulling over to allow an emergency vehicle to pass are obvious ways to avoid driving errors. Common Driver Mistakes Here are some of the most common mistakes drivers make while driving: Driving too fast during inclement weather. Distracted driving. Avoid all distractions including cell phones, car radios, even passengers. Not driving in one lane at a time. Often, this happens when a driver is over tired or th ... read more

One part of our vehicles that we tend to forget or take for granted is the headlights. They are extremely vital when it comes to our safety. I mean – can you imagine driving in the dark or through fog or rain without working headlights? Not to mention, they help other drivers and pedestrians see you as much as they help you see things ahead. When you take care of your headlights, they take care of you. Fortunately, headlight maintenance is little to nothing and easily broken into three easy steps. GENERAL INSPECTIONS - Take some time before or after you get in/out of your car to check on the condition of your headlights. All it takes is a quick walk-around to check for dimness or damage to the covers. This allows you to catch problems early on before they become major.  CLEAN YOUR LIGHTS - Regular cleanings of your headlights are key to keeping them bright at night. Scrubbing them with soap and water is great, but if they are especially fuzzy or yellow, we recommend someth ... read more

Windshield wipers are often underappreciated until a rainstorm comes by or dust and bugs hit your windscreen. When you can’t properly see through your windshield, it’s time to turn these on. To make sure you’re safe in hazardous conditions, make sure your windshield wipers are clean and effective. Below are some of the best practices for preserving your wiper blades: Step 1: Inspect the Wiper Blades The windshield wipers should not be too tight, loose, small, or big. We suggest checking on the appearance of the wiper blades as a part of your routine. A good time to check them is when you’re filling up at the gas station. Some signs of wear and tear to look for are glazing, fraying, and cracking on the rubber side. Step 2: Make Any Adjustments If they are loose or tight, make any adjustments needed. Otherwise, the wipers may skip and jump when you turn them on. Your windshield wipers should cover your windshield smoothly. Step 3: Wipe Them Down Last but not ... read more

Traffic accidents and collisions, natural disasters, and other unforeseen events can cause fluid leaks in your car. There are three types of fluid leaks that you might encounter on the road: oil leaks, transmission fluid leaks, power steering fluid leaks, coolant leaks, brake fluid leaks, wiper fluid leaks, and gasoline leaks. 1. Oil Leaks The engine is lubricated by a thick, slippery liquid called oil. It's this vital liquid that keeps all of the moving parts in your car from grinding into each other like sandpaper. The consequences of a broken oil line or a loose, missing, or cracked oil pan gasket can be disastrous, such as an engine fire. 2. Transmission Fluid Leaks Your car's transmission fluid is responsible for transmitting the power generated by your engine to the wheels that make your vehicle move forward. The fluid lubricates and cools parts of your transmission while transmitting fuel to the engine as well. At times, you may notice fluid leaking out of the bottom ... read more

Driving can be a dangerous activity, and hazards tend to arise more when driving at night. We have to keep our speed and our eyes peeled on the road and surroundings, all without the help of the sum. Without the daylight, driving becomes more challenging. If you tend to drive at night, be sure to follow these helpful tips! Be cautious of other drivers - While you can control how you operate your vehicle, you don't have much of a say in how others drive. Drowsy drivers, drunk drivers, and reckless drivers can be found on the road late at night. Keep a good eye on your surroundings and avoid contact with careless drivers. Report them if needed. Clean windshield - Visibility is the most common problem drivers struggle with at night. A dirty and smudgy windshield will make it harder for you to see. Plus, other vehicle lights and street lights can cause the light to scatter. Be sure to wipe off your windshield with glass cleaner as much as possible. Test your lights -  Speaking ... read more

Wheel alignments are crucial services to keep your wheels pointing in the right direction. Over time, your wheels can alter their direction and you’ll need a wheel alignment service as a result. If you're experiencing any of the five warning signs below, please head on over to German Car Depot for quality wheel alignments. Sign #1: Steering Wheel Not Centered If your steering wheel appears crooked or does not return to the center after you turn, there’s a good chance your wheels are misaligned. If this problem persists, please bring your car to German Car Depot for a wheel alignment service. Sign #2: Quick Tire Wear If your tires are wearing down faster than normal, it can be due to various things. One of them could be due to misalignment. Sign #3: Vehicle Pulling to One Side If your car starts pulling left or right when you're trying to go straight, it could be a sign that the alignment is off. This can be very dangerous, as you’ve lost some control of ... read more

For most people, a car's exhaust system is the most underrated component in any roadworthy vehicle. Although it might not be the first thing you think about in terms of personal safety or even engine performance, it plays a crucial role in both these aspects. The exhaust system is an array of vehicle parts and pipes that work together to channel the exhaust gasses generated by your car to the outside. Additionally, its design reduces air pollution inside your vehicle. Therefore, your exhaust system must be in optimum condition. Below are some tips on how to maintain your car's exhaust system. Repair Broken Components Promptly Your exhaust system has many components that bring it all together to work efficiently; all these parts play a designated role. No matter how tiny the role may seem, it's crucial to the overall performance of the whole system. For example, the hanger keeps the exhaust system at a certain level. Hence once it breaks, the system moves up and down as yo ... read more

You will likely deal with a breakdown at some point in your life or your car's life. Many drivers find themselves stranded due to a dead battery, flat tire, or overheating. And once these catastrophes occur, people often freak out and panic (which is NOT what you want to do as it can worsen the situation). To help you stay safe in unexpected times, here are five crucial steps that every driver should take when they experience a breakdown: Find a safe location to pull over - If your vehicle shows signs of a breakdown, the first step you should do is find a safe place to pull your car away from traffic. If it is too late, see if you can get someone to lend a hand by pushing your vehicle to a safe spot. Engage the emergency brake - Once you've relocated to a safer zone, turn the car's wheels away from the road and apply your e-brake to stop your vehicle from rolling. Turn on hazards - Your hazard lights are there to warn other drivers that something is wrong. It may also be ... read more

Most of us have been frightened by the surprise appearance of the check engine light before. We have our fingers crossed that it is an easy and inexpensive fix. At the same time, some of us try to put it off and pretend like it's not even there. The truth is the check engine light could be signaling something more severe like engine damage. This infamous yellow engine light is usually a sign that your car needs repairs. Read below to learn about the five most common reasons why a check engine light might come on. Your Gas Cap Needs To Be Tightened This is the easiest fix for a check engine light problem. When a gas cap becomes loose, missing, or impaired, then it can trigger your check engine light. To ensure your gas doesn't evaporate, you should tighten it or replace it if it is missing or damaged.  You May Need to Replace the Oxygen (O2) Sensor This kind of problem is a common occurrence, and it can cause your gas mileage to drop up to 40 percent! When this critical ... read more