Which vehicles we look after
Above all, these are the makes we also sell: Jeep, RAM, Dodge and Chrysler. If you drive a Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac or another US make, describe what you need in advance, ideally by e-mail or on the phone.
For the workshop it makes a difference whether a vehicle was built for Europe or brought over from the USA. On the US model, the engine, exhaust system, lighting and electrics often differ from the European version of the same name, and some models are not available in Europe at all.
What to bring to your first appointment
- Registration certificate part I (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I)
- Invoices or records of previous maintenance, including any from the USA
- The locking wheel nut key, if your wheels have locking nuts
- If you tow: how often and how heavy the loads are
- A short note on the fault: since when, with a cold or warm engine, at what speed
Engine, oil and drivetrain
Many US engines are designed for thin oil such as 0W-20 or 5W-20. A thicker oil, of the kind often found on the shelf in Europe, is not the better choice for them. We use the oil the manufacturer specifies for your engine and base the scope of maintenance on its schedule.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles from Jeep and RAM or large US SUVs often have a transfer case and two axle differentials as well as the engine and automatic gearbox, each with its own oil. For vehicles that often tow a trailer or go off-road, many manufacturers specify shorter change intervals. A hum that gets louder with speed can come from a wheel bearing, a differential or unevenly worn tyres and should be checked.
Brakes, tyres and tyre pressure sensors
A loaded pickup or an SUV with a trailer puts a lot of weight on the brakes. Discs and pads are correspondingly large, but they also wear faster in this kind of use. If you tow regularly, it is better to have the brakes checked more often, not just at the service. More on this under brake service.
With tyres, load capacity and speed rating count as well as size. Depending on the version, pickups run on LT tyres, which are built for heavy loads. The vehicle documents show which sizes and ratings are approved for your vehicle.
On US vehicles, the tyre pressure sensors often transmit on a different frequency from those on European models. If you buy new wheels, you need sensors that match the vehicle, otherwise the warning light stays on. We keep an eye on this at the tyre service.
Lighting and conversions
Many imports have been modified for German registration, for example their indicators, or have a retrofitted rear fog light. If one of these lights breaks after damage, the replacement part must again match the approved condition. An unmodified US light will fit the bodywork, but it will be noticed at the HU, the German roadworthiness test, at the latest. How we repair accident damage is described under bodywork and paint.
Parts ordered by VIN
We fit genuine parts and order them by the vehicle identification number (VIN), not by the model name. A Grand Cherokee from the USA and one delivered in Europe can differ in many parts, from the headlight to the control unit. Tell us what it is about when you ask for an appointment, and we will clarify the parts before you come in.
LPG for large petrol engines
If you drive a HEMI or another petrol engine with port injection, you can have an LPG system fitted by us after we have checked the engine. Maintenance and preparation for the gas system inspection are then handled by the same workshop. Details are under LPG systems.
Appointments and directions
The workshop is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 to 17:00 and closed on Saturdays. Write to us at info@autohausfritz.com or call +49 34604 348-0; all the ways to get in touch are under contact. You can reach us in English by phone and e-mail. We are in Oppin near Halle (Saale), right by the A14 motorway, between Magdeburg and Leipzig.
The US cars page gives an overview of all the American makes we have. If you are still looking for a vehicle, you will find our stock under vehicles.
What customers often ask
Do I have to have bought my US vehicle from you?
No. We also maintain and repair American vehicles that were bought elsewhere or imported privately. Bring all the documents you have for the vehicle.
Why does the engine management light come on after refuelling?
Often the fuel cap has not clicked into place properly. Vehicles for the US market monitor their fuel system for leaks and report even small ones. Close the cap firmly; if the light does not go out after a few journeys, we read the fault memory.
Why is the right type of oil so important for the HEMI engine?
Many HEMI V8s shut down four cylinders under light load to save fuel. This cylinder deactivation works with oil pressure and is matched to the specified viscosity. With the wrong oil it can work poorly and cause entries in the fault memory.
Where do I find the VIN of my US vehicle?
In registration certificate part I (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I), in field E. On vehicles for the US market it is also on a plate at the bottom of the windscreen on the driver’s side and can be read from outside through the glass. Have the 17 characters ready when you write to us or call about a part.