Simple advice for import car owners
Short, plain answers from the people who fix these cars every day. No sales pitch. Just what you need to know.
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Why Is My Check Engine Light On?
Steady or flashing? Gas cap or sensor? What the light means and what to do next.
4 min readHow Often Should You Change Oil in a European Car?
Long-life oil is real, but 15,000 miles is a stretch. A safer interval for BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and VW.
4 min read
Should I Repair or Replace My Transmission?
Fix one part, or put in a new unit? How we decide on an import with transmission trouble.
4 min read
What Is a Pre-Purchase Inspection?
A mechanic's check of a used car before you buy. What we look at and why it matters for imports.
4 min readTiming Chain Rattle in a BMW or Mini: What It Means
That rattle on cold start is a warning. What a worn timing chain sounds like and what happens if you wait.
4 min read
Why Is My Car AC Blowing Warm Air?
Low refrigerant, a bad compressor, a stuck blend door or a dead fan. How to tell which one it is.
4 min read
Dealership or Independent Shop: Which Is Right for Your Import?
What dealers do well, what independents do well, and what federal law says about your choice.
4 min read
Brake Noise: What It Means and When to Worry
Squeal, grind, click or thump? Each brake noise tells a story. Here is how to read it.
4 min readFAQ
Who writes these car care tips?
The team at Athens Import Auto Repair writes them. James Miner, our owner, is an ASE Master Technician with more than 50 years on foreign cars.
Can I ask a question that is not covered here?
Yes. Call 706-353-3880. We are happy to answer questions about your import.
Are these tips for all import brands?
Most tips apply to all imports. Where a brand is different, we say so. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Honda, Toyota and Subaru all get a mention.
How often do you add new tips?
We add a new tip when a customer question comes up often enough. Check back or follow us on Facebook.
Should I try to fix my import myself?
Small things like a gas cap or a bulb are fine. For most repairs, imports need special tools and know-how. Call us before you start.
What is the one tip every import owner should know?
Do not ignore warning lights or new noises. Small problems on imports become big problems fast. Get them checked early.
Got a question about your import?
Call the shop. Real answers from real techs.
Open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. After hours, leave a message or send the form and we will call you back.
Send us a message
Tell us your car and what you notice. We will call you back during shop hours.
If the form does not show, call 706-353-3880.