March 2017 - Euro Automotive

[reviewstream]

Month: March 2017

Distinguishing a Reproduction from an Original Jaguar Part

Posted on | 29 Mar 2017 By Anita Gaal

Any luxury car brand, especially Jaguar, is deserving of an owner who cares about the maintenance of such a magnificent vehicle. Most car buyers or enthusiasts will know at least a thing or two about the quality of the parts that are used for repairs and replacements on these vehicles. However, not all of us know when a car part has been replaced with a reproduction part or an original part. Although the difference is difficult to see to an untrained professional, there are some distinguishable characteristics that vary between reproduction Jaguar parts and original Jaguar parts that can be helpful to know, especially if this is your first high-performance car. Taking care of your vehicle and treating it with integrity comes with the territory of owning a luxury car such as a Jaguar. Using only the best parts available will not only honor the history of the Jaguar brand, but will also extend the life and quality of your car for years to come. It is important to be knowledgeable about car parts in order to be sure that expensive repair shops don’t swindle you. So here are just a few simple tips about Jaguar parts, and ways to distinguish between an original Jaguar car part and a reproduction Jaguar part.

Buy parts from OEM

Buying a part from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will always be the most ideal solution to a replacement need; these parts are designed specifically for the car brand itself. Compared to many other luxury car brands, Jaguar parts are not astronomically expensive. However, with the more rare or classic models it can get incredibly pricey, and it is difficult to find replacement parts that are original. Now, you might be saying, “I can’t afford to spend money on original car parts for my 1969 Jaguar!” but before you panic, you should know that reproduction parts are not always the enemy. Although, it is worth noting, that if you so ever choose to re-sell your Jaguar, you should disclose that the replacement parts are reproduced, not from the OEM, and this may drag down the price you will get for it, as may enthusiasts prefer original parts.

Reproduction parts are not that bad

This is not to say that you and your car are doomed if you purchase reproduction parts. Many reproduction parts are extremely difficult to tell apart from the originals and do a fine job functioning as such. The OEM does not manufacture the reproduction car parts, and therefore, they are generally cheaper than the originals. While they are more affordable, unfortunately this means that sometimes the quality is not as great. Another drawback is that in the instance of a car accident, most warrantees do not cover reproduction parts. If you are unsure of whether or not the part used as a replacement on your vehicle is a reproduction or an original, you can look at the distinct markings and serial numbers on it, or bring it to a professional to inquire. This number can then be verified with the original equipment manufacturer.

Compare the quality and function

When taking on a restoration project, especially with Jaguar, original parts can become extremely expensive, and possibly not worthy of investing the funds. Luckily, reproduction parts are becoming more and more popular—making the demand for quality reproduction parts even higher. You can check with the retailer of the reproduction part to find out more about the process and materials used to manufacture the parts and compare the quality and function of the parts with the originals. Depending on your set of priorities with your beloved Jaguar, reproduction parts are sometimes the only option; they have the potential to offer the same benefits of the original part at a significantly lower price, assuming they resemble the OEM parts.

Last words

Most reproduction parts are manufactured by a set of standards and requirements that match the OEM’s same standards. Depending on the quality of the reproduction, you may go through the entire life of the car unable to distinguish whether or not it is original. This is generally indicative of a good quality replacement part. On the flip side, reproduction parts can sometimes actually be more expensive than originals due to the need for mass production and replication on a larger scale—especially if you find used original parts instead of new originals. In any case, it is important to do your research comparing prices and quality of parts before you slap any old replacement on your precious Jaguar. OEM parts will always be the most desirable, especially for luxury performance vehicles.
How to Fix a Broken Moon Roof of a Car in Texas

Posted on | 14 Mar 2017 By Anita Gaal

In recent years, Texas is becoming even more developed as far as population and city living are concerned. This is partly due to the beautiful weather, and sometimes it can even get a little hot—temperatures breaking one hundred degrees are not uncommon. For those of us that love to drive down the highway with our windows down, taking in the gorgeous surroundings and beauty of Texas may very well have been the reason for moving there in the first place—it may even be the reason why you specifically purchased a car with a moon roof. However, when your awesome moon roof dies out on you, your leisurely days of enjoying the beautiful Texas weather may seem over with. Luckily, this does not have to be the end of your moon roof—fixing a broken moon roof may be simpler than you think. If you are unable to fix it yourself, then you should find qualified professionals who specialize in window repairs and can help you get your days of highway glory back. Here are a few possible reasons why your moon roof may be broken, and some suggestions on how to fix it.

Check whether moon roof is completely broken or not

You roll down your windows, and are ready to breathe in the fresh air and feel the warm sun on your shoulders as soon as you open your moon roof. You push the button, and to your dismay, all you hear is a sad sound indicating that your moon roof is broken. Before jumping to conclusions, it is entirely possible that the moon roof is not completely broken, but only stuck. Prepare yourself for a little bit of labor, and if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, rightfully so. So look into asking a professional to check it out for you.

D-I-Y Tips

The first thing you will want to do is evacuate the glass portion of the roof. You will need a screwdriver to take out the screws that are holding the glass. Once the glass is removed, you should put it on a cushioned area, being careful not to scratch or break it. With the help of a flashlight, take a closer look at the inner structures of the moon roof—do you see any broken pieces or anything impeding the movement of the gears inside? You can double check by messing around with the moon roof button to see if anything is not working properly. A can of dust-off is helpful to spray out any dust or debris.

Take professional help, if you’re unsure

In the worst-case scenario, the motor in your moon roof may be broken; this is why it is important to first exhaust all other possible options. If you are unsure of whether or not it is the motor that is broken, you should take your car to a repair shop that can perform a diagnostic and help assess the situation; but keep in mind that each attempt to fix the problem yourself could only add to your expenses. It is important to know whether or not it is simply an issue of debris or grease buildup, or if the issue is bigger—like a motor malfunction. Luckily, the occurrence of motors in moon roofs completely failing is infrequent, unless you are really getting the most use out of your moon roof, everyday, or your kids got ahold of the button, pressing it until its death.

Find an exact replacement motor

Motors for moon roofs are relatively inexpensive on their own and are usually within the range of a few hundred dollars. What becomes more costly is the act of replacing it. If you are feeling adventurous and decide to replace it yourself, you will save the most money. However, depending on the model and year of your car and what shop you decide to take it to, this simple repair can become a larger expense than initially imagined. If your motor truly is broken, it is best to order the part on your own, and give it a try—you may be surprised at your ability to replace the motor on your own. Although, it is important to keep in mind that not all moon roofs are created equally. Finding an exact replacement motor for your moon roof is ideal—finding the serial number and brand will help you find an identical match. By bringing your car to a local shop in Dallas, you can get some much-needed information and help with your broken moon roof.