Customer complaint: The owner of a 2014 BMW 535i reported front-end clicking when slowing down and accelerating again.
Fix: Charlie’s Foreign Car found two of four steering rack mounting bolts loose and rattling and re-torqued the hardware. Although the original click could not be duplicated, no abnormal noises were heard during the follow-up road test.

Customer complaint: A 2018 Audi Q5 Premium Plus returned for an oil-leak recheck after an add-oil message appeared.
Fix: Charlie’s Foreign Car confirmed that the other inspected leak sources passed and traced the active leak to a cracked oil pan. Subframe lowering was identified as necessary for repair access; repair completion and final retest results remain pending confirmation.

Cars in 2026 are smarter, faster, and more efficient than ever. But they’re also more complex. That complexity demands attention.

In Southern California, rain is rare enough that we forget how to drive in it — and that’s exactly what makes it dangerous.

Running February 7–16 at McCormick Place, this year’s show is packed with things for every kind of driver, whether you’re a tech enthusiast, performance lover, EV shopper, or weekend custom-car fan.

With the amount of hoses and connections packed into these cars, Porsche had to get creative to make everything fit.

Electric and hybrid vehicles are no longer “the future” — they’re already here, especially in Southern California.

Is your BMW Jerking Or shuddering? This 2019 BMW X5 is experiencing jerking or shuddering at low speeds, especially during light to moderate throttle application while turning, both in forward and reverse gear. The vibration can be felt in the seat, steering wheel, and by passengers. BMW has released a service bulletin addressing this issue (SIB 2702220).

Have you ever wondered how brake pads are actually made?

It’s a day to celebrate freedom, unity, and the birth of the United States as a nation. Traditions include fireworks, parades, barbecues, and time with family and friends.

Rodents can cause significant damage to vehicles in Southern California, particularly because the warm climate provides a conducive environment for these pests. Here’s the kind of damage they might do:

Sometimes the car wouldn’t start, requiring a jump start, and occasionally, the blower motor would cut out. Let’s break down our inspection, diagnosis, and the ultimate solution.

We will be closed December 25. May your holiday season be filled with joy, peace, and precious moments with family and friends. Here’s to a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with happiness and smooth rides!

The debate over Die Hard is a Christmas movie has been around for years, but there’s a compelling case to firmly place it in the holiday genre. Here’s the argument:

Come and see all the cool cruising around and parked along the 101 in downtown Encinitas. Enjoy live music, food, cars and make some new friends.

This 3-page coloring book features a delightful mix of themes, including cars, beach scenes, and more.

Embarking on a road trip, or running errands around town, having a well-equipped emergency kit in your car can be crucial in handling unexpected situations.

Improving gas mileage can save you money and reduce your carbon footprint. Here are five effective ways to improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency:

June 20th, 5:30 pm Cruise Night Downtown Encinitas. Come out and enjoy food, music, and very cool cars.

Oil change or a brake service are just a few services that we offer part of our Core Services. If you’re in need of a vehicle service, we make Booking A Service easy.

There are a lot of interesting new cars just around the corner, from long-range electric vehicles to practical family SUVs and everything in between. But are they worth waiting for?

Do you notice a strange smell when you turn on the A/C or Heater? Your filter will contain allergens, and may contain water, debris from rats, mice and even be moldy.

World Book Day originated from a UNESCO initiative called “World Book and Copyright Day,” which was first celebrated on April 23rd, 1995.

The FIT dates back to the ratification of the 16th Amendment to the Constitution in 1913. It’s can be a stressful time so we have jokes to make you smile.

Are you tired of spending so much on gas? Here are 3 things you can do immediately to improve gas mileage and keep a few extra bucks in your pocket.

The solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, will indeed be a remarkable celestial event visible from various parts of North America, including Encinitas, California.

Air Conditioning♨️Summer Service.
Warm weather is just around the corner and it comes quickly here in Southern California, one day it’s cool and the next it’s boiling outside.

Do you know the origin of April Fools Day? Not many know what it means other than a day for pranks, hoaxes, and practical jokes in many countries.

Performing 27-point inspections along with all services is a proactive approach to ensure thorough maintenance and to detect any hidden issues that may not be immediately visible.

N47/47S & N57 DIESEL ENGINE TIMING KIT B118760KITV2 – We use the BAUM timing chain kit to change the Mid Tensioner, and get this car back on the road.

Did you get in your car after a cold snap and see a low tire alert? Don’t worry, we can fix that!

Do you mind driving in the rain? How much rain is too much rain to keep you off the road?

His trusty Land Rover Range Rover Sport sat patiently in the garage.

Diagnosing the problem is the first step in fixing it. We use our tools and experience to fix it the first time.

Diagnosing the problem is the first step in fixing it. We use our tools and experience to fix it the first time.

For SALE – This is an original 21-window Deluxe repainted in its original Sea Blue/Cumulous White that drives great.

Are you a skilled and passionate auto mechanic looking to take your career to the next level? Charlie’s Foreign Car, a reputable establishment founded in 1978, is currently seeking a talented individual to join our dynamic team.

Routine maintenance and necessary repairs that collectively contribute to the overall well-being of a vehicle.

This is a one-owner 2002 Lexus IS300 manual transmission! The car has been regularly maintained and I have all the service records.

In recent years, a notable trend has emerged in the automotive industry – an increasing number of car owners are opting for major repairs rather than investing in brand new vehicles.

You know the movie, you probably love the movie. Take a look at a few hilarious Christmas Vacation Moments that are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Does your company hold a yearly holiday party? Aside from team building a company party can be a lot of fun and allow your staff to understand each other a little more.

Detecting a water leak in a car, particularly from a sunroof, can be crucial to prevent damage to the interior and electrical components. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you identify and address the issue:

If the odometer in your Porsche is not counting up I can fix it for you.

Preparing your vehicle for winter is crucial to ensure safe and reliable transportation in cold and potentially harsh conditions.

Over time, due to the heat, stress, and wear and tear associated with regular use, the plastic gear can become brittle and wear down. The reasons why this plastic gear is susceptible to failure are as follows:

San Diego is renowned for its idyllic weather, with year-round sunshine and mild temperatures. Winters here are far from the frosty landscapes experienced in many other parts of the country, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect the need to prepare your vehicle for the cooler months.

The Model S is a huge departure from the typical electric car, with its luxury sedan accommodations and pulse-quickening performance. Thanks to a thoroughly modern interpretation of interior design and a host of advanced technological features, the Model S also serves as a new benchmark for all vehicles, electric or otherwise.

If you’re a Tesla owner and need new brakes, an alignment, or new tires give us a call.

Hydrogen fueling stations will get 15% of funds in a state program — even though Californians own only about 12,000 hydrogen cars. The funds come from fees paid by car owners.