At Foreign Affairs Motorsport, we take pride in being South Florida’s leading destination for auto repair center
in Pompano Beach. From McLaren’s to Lexus’s, and everything in between, we work on a variety of vehicles.
Despite this diversity, it’s surprising how frequently we encounter the same types of repairs.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common car problems we see and how we fix them.
Air Conditioning Problems: Blowing Hot or Not Working
In Florida’s heat, a functioning air conditioning system in your car is a necessity. The most common causes of
AC failure include seized compressors and leaking coolant lines. A seized compressor prevents the
refrigerant from circulating, while, damaged lines lead to coolant loss, leaving the system non-functional.
Our solution includes diagnosing the issue, replacing faulty components, and pressure-testing the system to
ensure long-term performance. We complete the repair by recharging the refrigerant in compliance with
environmental standards.
Electrical System Issues
Electrical problems are among the most complex and time-consuming to resolve. While diagnostic codes
from the OBD2 port are helpful, they aren’t always accurate for electrical faults. Often, the issue is with
damaged wiring rather than the component itself.
We methodically test components, wiring, and circuits against factory specifications to isolate the root
cause. Corrosion from South Florida’s salty air is a common offender, damaging connectors, and wiring. Any
faulty parts are replaced and programmed to match original specifications, ensuring your car runs smoothly.
Unusual Noises
Unusual car noises can be unsettling and often signal underlying issues. To diagnose these problems, our
technicians first replicate the sound during a test drive with the vehicle owner.
Common causes of strange noises include:
Power Steering Pumps
A failing hydraulic pump can produce loud whines. Repairs range from replacing the pump to more extensive
fixes like replacing the steering rack.
Accessory Belts and Pulleys
As belts age, they harden and stretch, causing slippage and noise. We replace worn belts, test pulleys, and
address any underlying issues.
Suspension
Knocking sounds over bumps often indicate suspension issues. Your car’s springs and shock absorber work
hand in hand to make sure your suspension does not compress or extend too much, creating a smoother ride.
Once we diagnose that your suspension needs to be replaced, both the spring and strut will need to be
removed for replacement. While springs can be reused in most cases, we recommend replacing both, and any
supporting rubber, at the same time for optimal performance.
Air Suspension Failures
Air suspension systems, popular in high-end luxury vehicles, offer comfort and versatility but are prone to
failures due to their complexity. Common issues include malfunctioning air compressors, leaking air lines, or
damaged airbags, leading to uneven ride heights or compromised suspension.
Our diagnostic process includes testing the compressor with a PSI gauge and using colored smoke to identify
leaks in the system. Depending on the issue, repairs may involve resealing threads or replacing components.
