A Bad Accessory Drive Belt in Your Volkswagen Can Make the Drive Worse in Dallas

Posted on | 26 Aug 2019 By Anita Gaal

All Dallas drivers can probably agree on one thing: it’s an absolute must to have working air conditioning in your car. It can get so hot that you may think you could probably fry an egg on the hood of your car. Since air conditioning is such an important component of a comfortable drive, let’s take a look at one of the parts helping you to stay cool in your Volkswagen while on the road: the accessory drive belt.

The Belt that Offers the Works – The Accessory Drive Belt

The accessory drive belt is made of tough rubber purposed to handle a variety of conditions and levels of durability. Depending on how much and how far your drive, an average accessory drive belt can last you roughly 45,000 to 75,000 miles. On top of providing your air conditioning, it also allows your water pump and power steering capability to operate, making it an essential part of your car.

Depending on your car, you may not have 1 but 2 accessory belts. Keeping them both in good working order is an important part of making sure your vehicle is working properly.

Cracks, Squeaking, Thumping

As durable as it may seem, your belt will need replacement at some point in order to continue to do the best job possible. As you can probably imagine, underneath the hood of your car can get extremely hot. The durability of the accessory drive belt can only take so much before it succumbs to the heat. But don’t worry, it will tell you when it needs attention.

If you hear squeaking or chirping coming from the front of your vehicle, most likely debris or water slipped into the belt, so it’s time to attend to it immediately. Other signs to look out for are friction or wear on the belt, your engine overheating, or your power steering not functioning properly.  Time is of the essence in this case. You need to get it replaced as soon as possible. Otherwise, you risk the belt breaking entirely, and then you won’t have an operable car. For your safety and the safety of others around you, get that belt replaced as soon as possible.

Your Car is an Investment – Maintain It Like One

Replacing one’s accessory drive belt can often be overlooked, but it really should not. It’s necessary for your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. With plenty of reliable resources like Euro Automotive to help you get the job done, car repair does not have to be so dwelling. As stated before, time is of the essence with summer right around the corner. You want your AC in tip-top condition, so be sure to pop the hood and take a good look at that accessory drive belt.

Where to Go for Trusted Repairs

Treat the maintenance of your accessory drive belt as you would with your oil changes. Just like the oil in your car, your accessory drive belt is used whenever you use your car. Because it does a lot of work, it requires frequent upkeep. Luckily, the upside to this is there are plenty of auto shops that offer this service.

If you’re on the Northwest Highway, Euro Automotive is the shop for you. The diagnostics are free, and all repairs are priced reasonably. Their customer service is well respected, as they have an A+ rating on Better Business Bureau and currently carry a 4.5 star rating on Yelp. And for those still not convinced, have no fear: they are a Bosch certified service center.

Located in North Dallas, Euro Automotive is conveniently 30 minutes away from Garland, Arlington, and Fort Worth. When it comes to repairing your car, you may find yourself in need of a garage at odd hours and days, which is why on top of convenient Monday through Friday business hours, they also are open on Saturdays.

If you drive an Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes, Porsche, Volkswagen, or Volvo, you’re in luck. Euro Automotive specializes in servicing the make of your car. Their website is user-friendly, and each accepted model is listed in an orderly fashion. Be sure to let them know you’re a newcomer, as they offer a 10 percent discount off your first bill.

How BMW Specialists in Dallas Can Help With Your BMW’s Ball Joint Failure

Posted on | 9 Aug 2019 By Anita Gaal

BMWs are a luxury to own and will give you the best driving experience possible. They are known for their sports performance while being comfortable and reliable. Keeping your BMW in the best working order should be a priority. It is important that you stay current on the service schedule and maintenance requirements.

The suspension technology of BMW provides you will a smooth ride. Driving over rough roads and terrain isn’t a problem for this vehicle. Even though it keeps your ride comfortable, the suspension receives a lot of wear and needs to be taken care of. An essential part of the suspension system is the ball joint. It is an often overlooked component of your vehicle when it comes to regular maintenance, but this important piece needs to be checked regularly. Here at Euro Automotive, we know how to properly take care of your BMW and its ball joints.

What is a ball joint?

A ball joint holds together the front suspension. It is a pivot point that allows for a limited range of movement between the suspension and the wheels. It is an important component that keeps your wheels from moving freely. If this part breaks, the outcome could be disastrous due to the fact that the wheels cannot be controlled. When the ball joint fails, the tires typically turn outward and damage the fender.

What are the causes of ball joint failure?

Everyday Use:  Just like any moving part, ball joints experience wear. Normal everyday use is the main cause of ball joint damage. Joints that are not properly greased will fail quicker due to excess friction.

Environmental Factors:  The environment plays a large role in ball joint failure. Excess heat can dry up the oil that is used to keep the joint lubricated. On the other hand, rain and high humidity can cause damage to the steel and the joints can break.

Damaged Seals:  Old seals will crack or break over time. Defective seals cannot protect the joint and will allow the oil to leak and debris and dirt to get through.

Common Signs of a Defective Ball Joint

If the ball joints in your BMW are damaged, you will feel it in the suspension. The ride will no longer be as smooth as it once was and you may hear strange noises and feel vibrations. Below are some of the common signs of a defective ball joint. If you notice any of these symptoms, call us to schedule an appointment today.

Irregular Tire Wear:  If your BMW is properly aligned, your tires should wear evenly. If one edge is wearing more than the other edge this can be a sign of a worn ball joint.

Vibrations:  Vibrations can also be a symptom of a failing ball joint. When a ball joint is loose in the socket, this vibration can occur. The vibration will usually only come from one side of the vehicle and can often be sensed in the steering wheel.

Clunking Noises:  As a ball joint wears, it becomes loose in its socket. When driving on rough roads or making turns, the loose ball joint can make clunking noises. This is the most common sign of a failing ball joint.

Loose Steering Wheel:  A wandering steering wheel can be caused by a worn-out ball joint. If the car is properly aligned, it shouldn’t wander back and forth on its own. This can be dangerous since it is hard to keep the vehicle heading straight.

Call us Today

Here at Euro Automotive, we can access the ball joint failure in your BMW. Our mechanics specialize in luxury European auto and repair services. Whether you are experiencing ball joint failure or just need to have your car serviced, we are here to help. There’s no need for your take your BMW to a dealer and pay their high prices. We can do everything that they can do, and we can do it cheaper.

Call us today to schedule your appointment. You can reach us on 214-956-7744. You can visit us at 3421 W. Northwest Hwy. We proudly service the areas of Dallas, Garland, Arlington and Fort Worth, TX.