When Your Car Needs a Software Update

Posted on | 4 Oct 2017 By Anita Gaal

The ever-advancing world of technology has afforded us luxuries that were unforeseen just decades ago. Now we can have built-in navigation systems in our cars, televisions installed, Bluetooth with voice-operated technology, and other benefits of the IT era that have kept the automotive industry on its toes in new engineering and innovative designs that integrate such advances into the driving experience. This is only the beginning of the technological side of automotive integration, and consequently it is important to know how and when your car needs an update. Just like our computers on our desktops, our phones, tablets, and other technological devices need software updates, so do the computers in our cars. Luxury, high-performance vehicles in particular rely on software updates because they employ some of the most high-tech features and integrations out of all the vehicles on the market. Whether you own an Audi, BMW, Porsche, or Volkswagen, it won’t run optimally without continuous software updates. In Dallas, Garland, Arlington, Fort Worth, TX and the surrounding areas it is essential to have a reliable, efficient mode of transportation—don’t let your vehicle get stuck in the technological past.

In case of performance degradation

Usually software updates address specific issues which drivers encounter over the course of the driving experience. It is also common for auto technicians and dealerships to relay difficulties to manufacturers, which are generally taken seriously by most vehicle brands. Sometimes these software updates target problems that affect the drivability and performance of the vehicle such as safety updates, while other times the updates entail fixes to more trivial issues such as radio function and climate control. Generally drivers are notified that a software update is available for their vehicle under the circumstances of a mass recall, but not always. As time goes on, a driver’s decision to update software becomes more relevant, making it much like updating your phone or computer.

Sometimes software updates can be costly in labor, and manufacturers will typically cover the cost if the update is related to a manufacturer-induced recall. However, the cost of software updates is sometimes not included under manufacturer warranty, giving them an out of having to pay for even necessary updates. It can be a scary feeling to be unsure of the safety of yourself and your passengers in your vehicle, so it’s always best to check with the manufacturer regarding the rights you have as a consumer of their product and their policies on software updating.

Availability of newer versions

Additionally, just like the computer on your desktop or the phone in your hand, there is now a serious potential for your system to be compromised. Hackers too have evolved with automotive technology, particularly in ways that permit your vehicle’s security to be disabled temporarily, with enough opportunity to steal the belongings in your car, or even the car itself. Newer technology in the automotive industry is focusing on fixing these issues, and you will want to stay tuned for newer software updates that address the security of your vehicle. In the meantime, it is essential to find an trained automotive specialist who can address your specific vehicle’s software needs, and they should have in-depth training in the most current automotive technology trends.

Fix your software issues at ‘Euro Automotive’

If you live in Dallas, Garland, Arlington, Fort Worth, TX or a nearby area, the experts here at Euro Automotive can help you with all of your vehicle software needs. They are used to communicating with manufacturers directly, eliminating the need to involve expensive dealerships. Specializing in European imports like Audi, Porsche, Mercedes, and BMW, Euro Automotive technicians have an extensive background in diagnosing the most up-to-date and current technological issues related to the high-end market and offer cost-effective solutions that won’t drain your wallet. We believe that owning a high-performance vehicle should not limit our clients to what they can afford repair and maintenance-wise; in addition to offering a 90-day guarantee on all labor performed, we also extend that guarantee for 12 months on all parts installed. If you are unsure of whether or not your vehicle needs its software updated, contact Euro Automotive for answers—it is our pleasure to restore your vehicle’s performance to its optimal level; we value our customers, their safety, and their driving experience.

After Summer Maintenance Checklist for Your Audi

Posted on | 16 Sep 2017 By Anita Gaal

If you are the privileged owner of an Audi, then you know how important ongoing vehicle maintenance is. Vehicles such as Audi, BMW, Porsche, and other European imports require consistent care in order to enjoy the high-performance benefits that these cars offer their drivers. This is especially true with season changes, particularly before and after the summer months where temperatures can reach triple digits quite easily. In Arlington, Fort Worth, Garland, Dallas, TX and the surrounding areas, reliable transportation is essential to everyday life, and the condensed traffic conditions can take a toll on our vehicles. Your Audi is likely in need of an after-summer maintenance visit, and it is helpful to know what that generally entails so you can know what to expect. In transitioning from summer to fall, the temperature change is noticeable as well as the potential for rain and harsh weather conditions; it is important to get your Audi ready for the upcoming season, and to replenish its exhausted resources before it costs you more money in repairs than anticipated. Here is a short, non-inclusive after-summer maintenance checklist for your Audi:

Engine cooling system

All summer long you have enjoyed your air conditioned Audi, and hopefully haven’t experienced any breakdowns in the cooling system. Your car has two main cooling systems that you should be concerned with after summer: the cooling system for the engine and the AC system for the interior cabin of your vehicle. The engine’s cooling system is complex, made up of hoses, tubes, pumps, the radiator, and of course many other intricate components; in other words, there are a lot of opportunities for things to go wrong or wear out. Having your cooling system inspected after summer is generally a good idea; it has likely worked really hard over the summer to keep your engine running at the proper temperature.

Air conditioner

The AC unit is another story—if you notice that the air blowing out of the vents isn’t as cool as it usually is, you may already have an issue on your hands. Before your compressor, or other components, wear out, preventive AC care is critical. You may need to change air filters, belts, hoses, and inspect or top off radiator fluids and refrigerants to restore your cooling systems after an exhausting summer.

Tires

Another key procedure for after-summer Audi care is to have a thorough inspection performed on your tires. Keeping an eye out for uneven wear patterns will help you gauge any other potential issues that are related to your tire health. Your Audi may need a wheel alignment, or a tire rotation at the very least to keep your tires in optimal condition. Furthermore, it is especially important to keep the pressure in your tires filled to the proper level—this can affect gas mileage among other things.

Windshield wipers

Lastly, and perhaps most simply, you should check your windshield wipers for efficiency after the summer months; they have likely gone a long time without use, allowing them to dry and crack, rendering them ineffective for rainy weather conditions. By simply keeping your windshield wipers new and in working condition, you could prevent a dangerous situation from occurring. Along the same lines, make sure your defrosters are in good condition as well.

Maintain it at specialized Audi service shop

If you are concerned about your Audi’s condition after a brutal summer, stop by Euro Automotive; serving Arlington, Garland, Dallas, Fort Worth and the nearby areas in Texas, we specialize in luxury European repair services as an affordable alternative to expensive dealerships. We value our customers’ driving experience, and we don’t think that quality should depend upon the affordability of car maintenance and repair, no matter what type of high-performance vehicle you drive. European imports like BMW, Porsche, Jaguar, Mercedes, and of course, Audi, are our area of expertise, and we outshine the dealerships on all fronts. We offer a 90-day guarantee on all labor, and a one-year guarantee on parts installed, making it easy for even the most luxurious vehicles to be serviced at an affordable rate. Furthermore, our certified technicians are honest, respectable, and make it their mission to perform every task to their fullest—we may offer lower prices, but we don’t skimp on quality work. Contact us for a consultation, or for an after-summer tune-up for your Audi.

Audi at service center image credit goes to: tomeng

What Should You Do for a Car Title Transfer in Texas?

Posted on | 29 Aug 2017 By Anita Gaal

A vehicle title transfer involves switching the title from one owner to the next. This is not strictly in buying/selling situations, but also when a car is given to someone, donated, or part of an inheritance. Car title transfers can be tricky, and the procedure varies from state to state. Furthermore, depending on whether you are a buyer or a seller, giver or receiver, you have differing responsibilities. Dallas, Garland, Arlington, and Fort Worth, TX areas have the same guidelines to follow in title transfers, but without the help of a professional it can get confusing—there are a lot of steps to follow and prepare for. Generally if a car dealership is involved then they take care of the title transfer process for you; however, if a dealership is not involved in the process, then you will need to follow a series of steps to make sure your title transfer goes smoothly. Here are some guidelines to follow when attempting to transfer a car title in Texas.

Basic knowledge in car buying

Buying a car from a non-dealership party doesn’t have to be stressful, but without the proper knowledge it can seem overwhelming. First, if you are buying the car, then you will need to make sure that the seller fills out the information on the back side of the title paper—this includes their signature, binding them to the sale. These are relatively simple questions that shouldn’t take longer than a few moments to fill out. While Texas guidelines state that both the buyer and seller should meet at the DMV to go through the process at the same time, it is not necessary or binding.

Complete the application process

Next, you must complete the Texas application for a car title; both the buyer and the seller must provide their signature on the application, and it is the seller’s responsibility to notify the DMV that the car was sold (usually this can be done easily online). Each state’s application varies slightly, but the information is relatively the same. You must have insurance for the new vehicle and have proof of that insurance before you hit the open road—this is standard for any state’s guidelines. The title transfer generally costs a minimal fee of around 30 bucks, but the entire process may be slightly more costly if you need to have multiple inspections performed on the vehicle. Usually the extra cost is well worth it; although a car may look good on the outside, you could end up saving yourself from buying a total lemon. Whenever you feel unsure of your ability to check out what’s under the hood of a car, you should enlist the help of professionals with more automotive expertise.

Check the documents

It is a good idea to have the car inspected by a professional, but you can ask that the seller give you copies of the most recent automotive work done and/or have a full inspection performed before signing the title over to you. If you feel like having your own inspection performed, generally it’s a good idea to have this done before the title transfer is complete, in case there are significant issues with the vehicle after all, and you do not wish to buy it anymore. Dealerships and automotive professionals alike usually recommend a pre-purchase inspection; it is a good way to know what you are getting into. Finding a trustworthy automotive shop to perform a pre-purchase inspection that can also help you with the title transfer is a great way to go—they can help you every step of the way, and make recommendations on the smoothest way to transfer the title.

Pre-purchase inspection with ‘Euro Automotive’

If you need help transferring the title of a vehicle, or would like to have a pre-purchase inspection performed, stop by Euro Automotive to meet their staff; they exceed dealership expectations in customer service as well as price. The Garland, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington areas have given Euro Automotive an outstanding reputation in the community for their low prices and excellent quality work. Stop by Euro Automotive to learn more about their expertise and approach to automotive education; they take pride in their relationship with their customers and want to make sure you leave their shop feeling informed about title transfers and the importance of pre-purchase inspections.

Car Pulls in One Direction? 3 Things You Shouldn’t Ignore

Posted on | 12 Aug 2017 By Anita Gaal

In Dallas, Garland, Arlington, and Fort Worth, TX, areas the need for reliable transportation is apparent in our daily lives. The first signs of car trouble can be daunting, making it awfully appealing to simply ignore them or try to forget they exist. Staying on top of maintenance schedules and paying for repairs can become costly and time consuming; however, when things go wrong with your car it can only increase the need for maintenance and repairs, costing you more money in the long run when you don’t partake in preventive maintenance for your vehicle. One of the most common symptoms of inadequate maintenance is uneven wheel alignment. Off-center alignment can also be due to an impact or as the result of an issue with the suspension. More importantly, wheel alignment affects the other parts of your vehicle like tire wear and gas mileage. If you are having issues with the alignment, there are several signs that you should not ignore. Here are 3 of the most apparent symptoms of poor wheel alignment that should never go overlooked:

It can be fixed with a wheel alignment

If you notice that your steering wheel is noticeably pulling oddly in one direction, you may have issues with the alignment. It is important to test this out on a flat, open road; streets generally are not flat or straight inherently, but they are cambered and rounded so that water can run off the sides into drains and keep from pooling in the middle of the streets. It may be normal for your car to slightly pull in one direction, depending on the road—so make sure you pay attention to how noticeable the wheel pull is and in what conditions it is most apparent. This can usually be fixed with a wheel alignment, unless there are other issues with the suspension.

Off-center steering wheel

Another symptom of failing alignment is an off-center steering wheel. As previously mentioned, most streets are not perfectly level; you should take this into account when examining the centeredness of your steering wheel. Ideally, when the car is parked the symbol in the middle of the steering wheel should be mostly even and level. If you notice that the steering wheel is not returning to center after a turn, or one hand seems slightly higher on one side even though they’re in the same position on both sides of the wheel, then you should bring your car in to a trusted automotive shop for an inspection—it might be time for an alignment.

Uneven wear in tires

Lastly, but certainly not least, if your car is in need of an alignment you may notice uneven wear in your tires. The tires on your car say a lot about where you have been, but mostly about what is going on with your car. Uneven tire wear is troubling for a number of reasons, and can point toward any combination of issues. For instance, the issue could be related to inadequate tire pressure or suspension impairment. However, if the uneven wear is due to alignment issues, you may notice specific wear patterns on the outer or inner rim of the tire—this usually indicates that the tires are being worn oddly because the wheels are not aligned properly. Unfortunately, wheel alignment has a chain effect on the other parts of our car—when tires become affected by poor alignment, it can wind up costing you exceedingly higher amounts in tire replacements and repair bills.

Take help from a trustworthy mechanic

Preventive maintenance is critical for the everyday driver; keeping your car at its best performance level will help you to not only enjoy your car more, but it will put your mind at ease. When your car is kept in good condition, you can feel comfortable relying on it. If you have concerns about your alignment or tire wear patterns, stop by Euro Automotive; their reputation in the areas of Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, and Garland Texas is outstanding for their excellent customer service and automotive expertise. They specialize in European import vehicles such as BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche, making their knowledge and skill set at the highest standards possible in automotive communities. Check out their website, or stop by their facility to meet their friendly staff and schedule an appointment.

How Safe and Secure is Your Mercedes?

Posted on | 14 Jul 2017 By Anita Gaal

When it comes to luxury vehicles, most people assume that they are safer, and more secure than the average car. However, when you own a luxury vehicle, such as a Mercedes, it is important to ensure the vehicles safety and security, even when you’re not driving it. Protecting your car from harsh weather conditions is not the only form of protection your car needs; it also needs to be kept safe from theft and carjacking. Just as your home may have a security system built in to keep thieves out, you should look into your Mercedes’s safety precaution systems. It is not safe to assume that because you own a luxury car, it is more secure and safe—car thieves may not care if your car is a Mercedes or a 1980 Honda, they usually just want what is inside of it. Whether a thief is planning on stealing the car itself or just the contents of the vehicle, no one wants their personal belongings to be violated. This is why it is especially important to secure your vehicle at all times.

Mercedes is designed to offer extreme safety

Mercedes is actually one of the primary luxury vehicles that offer extreme safety options. For instance, their E-Guard is an external method of reinforcement that keeps occupants safe from even the most intense scenarios, such as whizzing bullets. Prominent figures such as celebrities and politicians have looked to Mercedes as their go-to security vehicles for years. Because of their stellar reputation in safety measures, Mercedes offers such specialties for securing passengers. While these measures are impressive and innovative, you may be wondering what measures can be taken to address the security of the contents of your vehicle. An armored car might just not be in the cards for you, or in the budget.

Delivers unmatched luxurious security systems

Along with the technological advancements in the modern era, Mercedes has kept up with technical design and engineering. Now, Mercedes has an app that allows you to connect to the locking mechanisms in your vehicle without a key. Some people may be weary of putting their vehicle security in the hands of a technological device, but the brilliant engineering of the Mercedes brand might be taking one of the biggest steps toward luxurious security systems. Luckily, it is expensive to obtain such technology, and car thieves will have to keep up with these advancements in order to successfully breach a car secured in this technologically advanced way. It is unlikely that crooks will be able to meet this match for years to come.

Talk to professionals for custom security options

While we highly doubt it, you may still be uncertain or dissatisfied with the stock security system that your Mercedes comes with. There are many options when it comes to custom security for your Mercedes. If you wish to look into other ways to secure your car and ensure its safety, you will want to find a knowledgeable automotive professional or, even better, a Mercedes specialist who can provide you with the level of care and quality of work that every Mercedes owner expects. The level of security you wish to implement may depend upon the type of Mercedes you have; for instance, older models might require more work in order to integrate advanced technological systems into the design, but with adequate time, money, and expertise it’s possible.

Conclusion

Mercedes has incorporated automatic alarm notifications and personal security systems for years. They are well versed in security technology and continue to evolve their approach to safety and security measures. Air bags and reinforced designs address the safety of passengers, but the security of the vehicle itself is heavily reliant upon lock and alarm systems. Anti-theft protection has remained a constant focus of their designs, making Mercedes-Benz one of the safest and most secure vehicles of all time. If you want to fix an existing security system on your Mercedes or install a new security system, there are many options available. In order to preserve the integrity of such fine engineering, do yourself a favor and contact a reputed automobile service center. Not all auto mechanics are qualified to work on such complex designs; it is important that you leave your Mercedes only in the hands of professionals who know how important the security of your luxury vehicle is to you.

What Does an SRS Light Mean?

Posted on | 30 Jun 2017 By Anita Gaal

Car lingo can be frustrating to understand for anyone who has not had any formal education in auto mechanics. The jargon is confusing, and like many mathematical formulas, all the car parts are important to know in order to understand the entire process of “how it works.” One of the most frightening occurrences for the average car owner is getting in the car for work, turning the key, and seeing an unfamiliar light on your dashboard. The dreaded “check engine” light is not on, but instead you see the ominous letters: SRS. Your immediate thoughts might include “how big of a problem is this?” or “how much is this going to cost?” SRS stands for supplemental restraint system, or in laymen’s terms, the airbags. The good news is it may be nothing to worry about. The bad news is, it may be more serious and in need of immediate repair to ensure your safety. Whatever the case, it is important that you bring your car into a mechanic shop to be inspected; better to be safe than sorry. Before you freak out, here are a couple things that might be going on if you see the SRS light on your dash.

SRS system is critical in the event of accident

When looking for potential vehicles to purchase, it is likely that one of the criteria included that the vehicle have adequate safety features. The SRS system is critical in the event of an accident because it has proven in many crash tests to prevent damage to the vital parts of the passengers involved. You can imagine how terrifying it might be to experience a car accident where your airbags did not deploy—in this case, you may have been lucky to walk away. Often when you first start your car, you hear a series of beeps, dings, and chimes. Included in the startup of your car is your vehicle’s own assessment of all the functioning parts. The airbag control unit is basically trying to figure out whether or not the airbags will properly function in the event of an accident and to warn the driver of any detected issues. Today, seatbelts are of incredible importance in minimizing the potential injuries that an individual may sustain in a car crash; however, seatbelts can only do so much.

SRS light can mean a number of different things

The complexities of the SRS system are better left to the professional mechanics—the ramifications could be detrimental if you attempt to fix the issue yourself, or bring your car to someone other than an expert in the automotive field. If the light simply flashes upon starting your vehicle, then you can assume the SRS system is working fine and no issues have been detected. However, if the SRS stays illuminated on your dash, then the issue is more serious; the airbag system has been temporarily disabled until the malfunction has been fixed. The SRS light can mean a number of different things. It could be that the car’s battery is drained, or that the airbag system has sustained damage. The SRS light may also come on when the sensors do not detect a passenger in the car with you; weight sensors in the passenger seat usually determine this. In some cases, it is also possible that there may be something wrong with the sensor that detects whether your seatbelt is fastened or not.

Take help from an auto specialist

The best way to avoid a potentially life-threatening scenario is to take any questionable dash lights to be inspected by an auto specialist. It may be that substantial repair work needs to be done. It could also be that the sensor is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced. Or, the SRS light may simply need to be reset on your dash. It may be an attractive notion to simply skip over this issue and let time pass before you finally decide to get it checked out, however, this issue could be relatively inexpensive to fix, and it is important to not leave your safety, or the safety of your passengers, to chance. The first step you need to take toward ensuring your safety is to call your local trusted mechanic shop to make an appointment for a diagnostic service. It is important that you find professionals who you can trust to assess the issue.

Useful Tips to Follow While Buying a Used Car

Posted on | 16 Jun 2017 By Anita Gaal

When you decide that you are ready for a new car, by necessity or sheer free will, then you will likely encounter issues along the way. In order to avoid these issues, it is important that you are informed about things to look for and how to best prepare yourself for buying a car. This is particularly important when you are considering buying a used car. Buying a used car has its obvious advantages: they are generally cheaper, and you can find great deals are cars that have barely been driven. If you decide that buying a used car is a better, more economical option for you, then it is best if you know how to go about looking through your choices. Dealerships have a bad reputation for fibbing on car specs, especially if the car is used, because they tend to not do thorough inspections before they purchase a used car from a seller. Certified pre-owned cars are sometimes a great option if you decide to buy a used car because they have been certified by the dealer to meet the basic conditions for sale. This does not mean you are out of the weeds, so here are some tips to follow while buying a used car.

Figure out how much money you want to invest

First and foremost, it is important to figure out how much money you are willing and able to spend on a car. While used cars are generally cheaper than new cars, this is highly dependent upon what type of car you are looking into buying, as well as a few other specifics. For instance, the price is generally calculated by the age of the vehicle, the mileage on the vehicle, and the shape that the vehicle is in when it arrives at the dealer. You may be wondering how this works for sellers who are not dealership-affiliated—or “private sellers.” Generally the process works the same way, although private sellers can come with their own areas of deceitfulness. For instance, dealerships must disclose information to buyers about the history of the vehicle, while private sellers sometimes do not divulge all the pertinent information; for example, whether or not the vehicle has been involved in a car accident before. Regardless, sticking to a budget is a good way of looking for only the cars that will fit into your price range.

Go through a pre-purchase inspection

Whether you are buying a new or used vehicle, it is crucial that you always test drive it. Just because a car is pretty and shiny does not mean that under the hood everything is kosher. In addition to test-driving the car, it is always a good idea to go through a pre-purchase inspection. If you can have a trusted mechanic first look at the vehicle, it is likely that they will come across a few things that need to be repaired. Keep in mind that used cars are not new; in case we didn’t have to tell you this, used cars have been driven before, have run over things, have accrued usage and mileage that you were not involved in. It is unrealistic to expect a used car to be in tip-top shape, and that is precisely why they come at a discounted price. Pre-purchase inspections are critical when buying used cars especially, because then you can have a better idea of what you’re really getting into.
 

Take help from a knowledgeable mechanic

Buying a used car is economically usually a great idea, but the success of your purchase will likely depend greatly on what steps you take leading up to the sale. Before you make any purchase, it is important to do your research on the fuel economy, the typical resale value, and the general issues that one may encounter with any given car model. Being an informed consumer is not just about trusting an expert’s opinion, although it can be of great value when you are only somewhat knowledgeable about the details of a particular vehicle—a knowledgeable automotive specialist will be able to help you fill in the blanks by performing a pre-purchase inspection, or giving you any particular advice in regard to the dealership you choose to buy from. Buying a used car can be tricky—so don’t fall into the shiny object trap.

BMW Maintenance Tips for Safe Traveling

Posted on | 31 May 2017 By Anita Gaal

Owning a luxury car usually comes at a cost—and we don’t mean just money. Time and effort must be put into your car if you are to invest in such a purchase, and respecting the integrity of the vehicle you choose is of the utmost importance if you hope the car will live for any extended period of time. German engineering in particular is known for it’s incredible performance and impeccable designs; and BMWs are no exception. When you own a BMW, it is likely that you know how magnificent these machines can be. With the proper maintenance, BMWs can out-perform most vehicles on the road. Respecting the engineering and design that BMWs entail is part of the benefit of owning one, especially because they so rarely encounter issues. There are general maintenance suggestions that one should follow with any car, but especially with BMWs because they are particularly deserving of proper care. BMWs are rated as one of the safest vehicles out there, and this is partly due to the customer following that invests in them. If you own a BMW, or any other German vehicle such as a Mini, or a Volkswagen, here are some maintenance tips for safe traveling.

Scheduled service & maintenance is the key

Your BMW comes with a service and maintenance schedule that should be followed routinely, but there are general procedures that you should be sure to stay on top of regularly. Especially for safety purposes, there are numerous ways you can be sure to stay safely on the road, and not on the side of it. Firstly, before you take your BMW on any lengthy drive you should bring it to your favorite, trusted auto mechanic for a lookover. They can top off any of your fluids that you may be lower on such as motor oil, windshield wiper fluid, radiator fluid, and brake fluid. These are all critical to be sure are full and clean before you embark on any trip, and are generally important for daily usage of your vehicle. Keeping fluids full and clean (with the exception of windshield fluid) is critical to keep your car running smoothly and without any hiccups. For instance, if your brake fluid is low, it can cause severe issues if you are driving in an area with a lot of declines—in these areas in particular you use your brakes more often and for longer periods of time.

Be vigilant to tire pressure and wear

Another important BMW safety tip is to be vigilant of your tire pressure and wear. You can do this by checking the pressure with a pressure gauge regularly. The desired pressure level for your particular vehicle can be found either in the owner’s manual or on the inside of the driver’s side door. Be careful not to overfill your tires, because this can cause distortion and bubbling rendering your tire unusable and unsafe to drive on. If you are not familiar with how to fill your tire with air or don’t trust yourself to do it properly, then do not hesitate to bring it to a professional—they can also inspect your tires while you are there. However, if you want to check your tire wear yourself, the most important thing to look for is evenness amongst all four of the tires. If you notice any areas that are particularly worn on any one tire, then it might be time for an inspection. Tires can tell you a lot about your BMW and indicate any issues there might be.

Look for a qualified mechanic

Before you bring your BMW to any auto mechanic, it is imperative that you think about their qualifications and credentials. General automotive shops may do an adequate job on repairs and maintenance, however, if you are serious about the health of your BMW and want to preserve the integrity of the engineering, then you should consider going to a European automotive specialist; they are especially well-versed in German engineering and will be more thorough than any average mechanic shop. Furthermore, they are skilled in performing repairs on these vehicles because they have the proper training to do so. Having regular maintenance performed on your BMW is essential to keeping your car running for many decades to come, and will allow you to forever enjoy your beloved Bimmer.

Signs of a Porsche Intermediate Shaft Bearing Failure

Posted on | 15 May 2017 By Anita Gaal

Porsche is one of the most highly sought-after manufacturers in luxury brands worldwide. It should come as no surprise that these vehicles are well known for their engineering, design, and expert performance. Like any vehicle, however, Porsche must be serviced regularly and properly maintained in order to function at their best. When you own a Porsche, why would you settle for any less than perfection? Also like all other vehicles, Porsches come with their own set of unique challenges. For instance, it is not uncommon for slightly older models to undergo issues with the intermediate shaft bearings. Intermediate shaft bearings are an integral part of the vehicle that is critical to its overall function.

Find a Porsche expert

For the average car owner, this term may sound dauntingly complicated. All you need to know is the basic function of the part and signs and symptoms to look for when there is a suspected issue. Staying on top of these maintenance and repair issues is what will keep the integrity of your Porsche intact for many years to come. However, just as important is finding the right mechanic to service your Porsche. In order to uphold the time and money you spent on your Porsche in the first place, it is crucial to find experts that will help you keep your Porsche running at its finest, and when it comes to shaft bearing failure, you shouldn’t trust anyone but an auto specialist to address the issue.

Fix the issue fast

If you own a Porsche Boxster or 911 years 97-05, you may want to look into what kind of shape your intermediate shaft bearing is in; these are the models that typically have higher rates of issues with this particular part. Luckily, Porsche automotive experts are trained to be aware of the common issues that are associated with various manufacturers. Do not worry—this is no indication that your Porsche is defective or worth less, it simply means that there is something to look out for. If the problem is left to advance without being addressed, it can lead to significant engine damage that will end up becoming very costly, very quickly. So it is important to look for any of the common signs and symptoms of this part becoming damaged or malfunctioning.

Routine maintenance is highly needed

First and foremost, when you stay on top of the routine maintenance for your Porsche and have it inspected regularly, there are more opportunities for issues to be found that can prevent further issues along the road, literally. Routine oil changes, believe it or not, are one way to detect an issue with the intermediate shaft bearing. Usually when there is debris found in your oil after an oil change, this is a sign that something is off—usually with the shaft bearing. This could likely involve a problem with the bearing seal or flange seal. Even though oil changes are not recommended as frequently on Porsche and other luxury cars, it should be noted that the more frequently the oil is checked, the more you increase the chance of catching a problem with the shaft bearing early. You probably have heard a million times over that oil changes are one of the number one preventive maintenance services—and when you catch a problem such as this early on, it will emphasize exactly why that is.

Final words

If you think the intermediate shaft bearing could potentially be failing on your Porsche, it is critical that it not be driven anywhere, for any reason, at any time. Your best bet is to get a loaner car and have your Porsche towed to the nearest trusted Porsche service center. Because the shaft bearing is such an integral part of the vehicle, and not as well known as say a motor mount, the symptoms tend to go overlooked and eventually cause irreparable damage to your Porsche. Anyone who owns a Porsche knows just how devastating it can be to see your car incapacitated, so take the necessary steps to continue your regular preventive maintenance with only the most qualified professionals. Luckily, Porsche has addressed the issue of the intermediate shaft bearing failure in some of their models, and may offer compensation for the part to be replaced. You should look into the specifics on this if you suspect an issue with this part.

Porsche Carerra 2002 image credit goes to: contrastaddict

Simple Steps to Sell Your Car

Posted on | 26 Apr 2017 By Anita Gaal

Selling your car sounds like a simple concept when you finally decide to take the plunge; however, selling a vehicle the right way involves research and investment of time and energy in order to be sure that you get the highest value, among other things. Selling your car for quick cash may seem appealing to many people, yet they don’t always take the time to be sure the process is done in the most beneficial fashion. Getting top dollar for your vehicle should be the priority in a car sale, and this requires a little bit of research on your part. Here are some helpful tips and ideas that will help you once you have decided to begin the process of selling a vehicle.

Refer Blue Book value

The first thing you should do is look up the Blue Book value of your vehicle. You will be required to enter some basic information about your car including mileage, model, make, year, etc. that will give a general calculation of what other cars similar to yours sell for these days. While this is a helpful guide of how to set the price of your car, it is also important to take into consideration the condition and wear of your vehicle—for instance, if you know that your car has had upgrades or recent engine work done, this could increase the price of your vehicle. However, if your car has been in several accidents, has worn parts, and the interior is torn up, you may end up lowering the price you set.

Know your car’s sell ability

Another factor that may influence the price of your car is the sell ability of the vehicle itself; for instance, if the vehicle is not very popular, or if it is notorious for spontaneous combustion, it may take longer to sell—in this case, the seller usually will lower the cost of the car if they wish to sell it in a timely manner. The current demand of the vehicle you wish to sell plays a role in the price that it will go for, but keep in mind that the lower the cost, the more likely it will sell quicker. Depending on the urgency of your situation, this may be something to consider. It is not uncommon for people to sell their vehicles in order to extinguish credit card debt or lower a monthly payment. In any case, taking the time to research the value of your vehicle is crucial.

Get your car cleaned

Take pride in your car! These are the last few moments you may have with it, so get it looking its best; give it a bath and clean it out of dirt and debris, at the very least. Especially if you are listing your car online, you should take pictures of the car once it’s cleaned up—it should look in as good of condition as possible for the photographs, or in person. Maintaining honesty and credibility is an important moral quality; get your engine inspected and perform any low-cost maintenance or repairs that you can afford. If a car comes across as well-taken-care-of, it will likely sell quicker. If you are selling your car at the dealership, it usually is not necessary to wash the car or vacuum it out; dealerships will usually wash the car anyway, and a dirty car is not unfamiliar to them, nor will it factor psychologically into the price of the vehicle.

Make arrangement for title transfer

After your car is cleaned up and ready to go, the next thing you will need to do is dig out the title of your vehicle. After the money transaction is finalized, you will need to sign over the title to the new recipient and be sure to include the current mileage of the vehicle. This step is important, because it releases liability to the new owner of the vehicle. You can then go online through your state DMV and communicate to them that you have sold your vehicle, which, again, legally transfers the liability associated with the vehicle to the new owner. In other words, you are to notify the DMV that anything that happens to or with the car is now the responsibility of the person you sold it to. Overall, selling your car can be a simple process, as long as you are an informed seller!