Tips to Maintain the Electronic Throttle Unit in Your Car

Posted on | 19 Jan 2019 By Anita Gaal

Servicing the throttle unit is not a part of most maintenance routines, so it’s important to take steps to maintain the electronic throttle unit in your car. In this article, we will go over the function and importance of the electronic throttle unit, and tips to help maintain the electronic throttle unit in your car.

What is an electronic throttle unit and why does it need to be serviced?

A throttle body, or throttle unit, is an electronic device that operates the throttle valve. Modern cars have a drive-by-wire system that operates by pressing the accelerator pedal, which then sends a signal to the computer that controls and activates the throttle valve.

Making sure your electronic throttle unit is working well is extremely important because the throttle valve regulates air flow to the engine, and this process controls the engine RPMs. An electric motor inside the throttle unit serves to open and close the throttle valve. The throttle unit helps to maintain the speed of an idle engine, so making sure your electric throttle unit is in good shape is important for the performance and health of your engine.

In order to make sure your electronic throttle unit is well maintained, try to follow some of the tips below.

Keep An Eye on Idle Engine RPMs

Since the main function of the electronic throttle unit is to regulate the idle engine RPMs, it’s a good practice to make sure that the RPMs stay within a normal range. Usually, your engine should stay between 550 and 750 RPMs while idling. If your engine is running significantly above or below this range while you’re stopped, it might be a good idea to check your electronic throttle unit.

Check for Carbon Buildup

Most electronic throttle unit problems are related to the buildup of carbon around the unit and under the hood, so it’s always a good idea to check under the hood. You want to make sure that the electronic throttle unit isn’t being impeded because of carbon buildup, so being conscious of this problem will help you to maintain your electric throttle unit.

Make Sure the Electronic Throttle Unit is Cleaned During Service

Because the electronic throttle unit can fail due to a buildup of carbon or other solids, it’s important to make sure your electronic throttle unit is being cleaned during general service visits. Although many people avoid taking their car in for a tune-up, it’s important to make sure everything is clean and running smoothly. When you take your car in for a regular service or tune-up, ask your auto technician to check on the electronic throttle unit. If the electronic throttle unit is cleaned regularly, there is a less likely chance that it will need to be replaced.

Can I clean the electronic throttle unit myself?

Although the internet suggests you can clean the throttle unit yourself, it might not be a great idea. Some car manufacturers require a very specific procedure for cleaning the throttle unit, so it’s best to leave this job to a professional. If you don’t clean the throttle unit properly it could damage the unit, and it would be very expensive to replace the part completely. Because of this, we strongly suggest having any service to the throttle unit performed by a trusted and qualified technician.

Trust the Pros With Your Throttle

If your car is showing any signs of trouble with your electronic throttle unit, Euro Automotive can take care of it. In order to keep our clients safe, we clean and service electronic throttle units regularly. We take all of our client’s concerns very seriously and want to make sure that your engine is running without issue.

The team at Euro Automotive has years of experience with all European makes, and we can ensure that your electronic throttle unit will be inspected and cleaned. We understand the importance of having a car that runs well, which is why we pride ourselves on our attention to detail and honesty with all of our clients.

Our commitment to stellar customer service has impressed European car owners all over Texas, with many of our respected clients coming from Dallas, Garland, Arlington, and Fort Worth. We believe in providing the highest quality of service and repair to all of our clients, and we do everything we can to ensure your vehicle is running smoothly.

Symptoms Your Car’s Transaxle is Malfunctioning

Posted on | 2 Jan 2019 By Anita Gaal

Transaxles are used by both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive vehicles. Transaxles combine the transmission and differential into one inclusive assembly.

Transaxles are linked directly to the transmission system of a vehicle. Because the transaxle is a combination of both the transmission and the differential, it is important to make sure the transaxle is functioning properly. One of many good reasons to keep your eye out for symptoms of a malfunctioning transaxle is that the longer a problem goes unchecked, the more expensive it will be to fix. It is also good to keep an eye on the transaxle in order to ensure your car is performing properly. There are several problems that can point to a damaged or malfunctioning transaxle. In this article, we’ll go over some of the symptoms of a malfunctioning transaxle assembly.

Bumpy or Rough Shifting

If there is a rough shift between gears or if you have difficulty shifting from one gear to another, this may be a sign of transaxle malfunction. If you have this problem in addition to a bumpy or jerky feeling while shifting, it might be time to take your car to a skilled, trusted mechanic to make sure the transaxle is functioning properly.

Problems Shifting Gears

Experiencing slipped or missed gears can also indicate that the transaxle in your car is malfunctioning. This problem is more common in cars with a manual transmission than in cars with automatic transmissions, but if you experience this problem it is one of the symptoms associated with transaxle malfunction and failure.

Loud or Noisy Transmission

Another potential symptom of transaxle malfunctioning or failure is a loud or noisy transmission. This is characterized by a high-pitched whining noise, a combination of whining and grinding noises, or a strange gurgling noise. Some of these sounds are worse than others, but all are an indication that your transaxle is malfunctioning.

Unusual Burning Smell

A burning smell coming from your car should be alarming, no matter what the cause. If you notice a strong burning odor, it might be a warning sign that the transaxle in your car is malfunctioning or failing. In some cases, a burning smell occurs when a transmission overheats due to issues with the transmission fluid. Sometimes, the cause of a burning smell associated with the transmission or transaxle is simply due to an insufficient amount of transmission fluid.

Preventive Measures

If you are experiencing any of these issues, your transaxle might be in trouble. Since the transaxle assembly is an essential part of your car, it’s important to address any issues that might indicate a problem with the transaxle assembly. One way to ensure your that your transaxle isn’t at risk of malfunctioning is to change the transmission fluid every 6,000 miles. Doing so will reduce the possibility of a transaxle failure due to an insufficient amount of transmission fluid. Unfortunately, if you experience any other symptoms of your transaxle malfunctioning you should stop driving immediately, and bring your car in for service.

Euro Automotive

If your car is showing any symptoms of a malfunctioning transaxle, bring your car into Euro Automotive. In order to keep our client’s vehicles running smoothly, we diligently address any issues arising from a malfunctioning transaxle assembly.

The team at Euro Automotive has years of experience with all European vehicles, and we can ensure that your transaxle assembly is in great condition. We understand the importance of having a car that runs well, which is why we pride ourselves on keeping your vehicle running well. Our commitment to stellar customer service has earned us the loyalty of European car owners all over Texas, with many of our clients coming from Dallas, Garland, Arlington, and Fort Worth.

We believe in providing the highest quality of service and repair to all of our clients, and we do everything we can to ensure your vehicle is running smoothly, whether you need a major repair or basic maintenance. If you’re concerned about your transaxle assembly, or if you’ve experienced any of the symptoms explained above, contact us as soon as possible. Call or stop by to schedule an appointment so we can get your car running the way it should be.

Signs Your Car’s Turbo Hose May be Failing

Posted on | 16 Dec 2018 By Anita Gaal

Turbochargers recycle waste exhaust gas to boost the power of the engine, and in order to perform properly the turbo hose must be intact. If the turbo hose is damaged or failing, you will experience a number of problems that will impact the overall performance of your vehicle. In this article, we’ll explore some of the signs of a failing turbo hose.

Over time, car parts wear down. Some things usually require a simple fix to get everything running smoothly. If you drive a car with turbo, it’s good to keep an eye on the turbocharger and turbo hose, because if either is faulty or damaged it can produce a slew of problems. Here are some of the warning signs that your turbo hose or turbocharger might be failing:

Service or Check Engine Light

The engine sensor will trigger the check engine light on the dashboard if there are problems with the turbocharger because of a failing turbo hose. If the check engine or service lights turn on, it might be an indication that the turbo hose has failed, or that the turbocharger requires a repair because of it. If the check engine light appears in addition to any other signs of turbo-related failure, you should take your car in for service immediately.

Poor Acceleration

A common sign of a failing turbo is poor acceleration and a lack of power. Your car may have trouble accelerating or producing the amount of power you’re used to due to a failing turbocharger or turbo hose. When you’re driving a car with a failing turbocharger or turbo hose, your car might take longer than usual to respond to the acceleration pedal, and it might not be able to produce the same amount of acceleration.

Change in Boost Power

Some turbochargers have a boost gauge, which displays the amount of boost that the turbo is producing. If your car has a boost gauge, you can determine if the turbo is creating the right amount of boost by observing the gauge. If the boost is not working as it normally does, or if it’s taking a long time to get up to a boost rate that you’re used to, there might be a problem with the turbo hose or the turbocharger itself.

Excessive Exhaust or Smoke

If there’s an unusual increase in exhaust fumes expelled from the exhaust pipe, it may be a sign that the turbo hose is failing and in turn, is hindering the performance of the turbocharger. In addition to an increase in exhaust fumes, the presence of grey smoke being expelled from the exhaust pipe could be an indication that the turbo hose in your car is failing.

Shrieking Noise Coming From the Engine

If a turbocharger is failing, possibly due to a failing turbo hose, it may produce a shrieking noise when the boost is engaged. The noise sounds like a shriek or a siren and comes directly from the engine. The noise will become louder over time as the problem worsens, so it’s very important to figure out the source of the problem with a trusted mechanic. However, if you hear this noise and experience other signs of turbo failure. you may have an idea of what the problem is when you bring in your car.

Let Euro Automotive Help

If your car is showing any signs of turbo hose failure, Euro Automotive can get your car back into perfect running condition. We understand the importance of performance, and we take all of our clients’ concerns very seriously.

The team at Euro Automotive has years of experience with turbo models on all European makes. We understand the importance of having a car that performs well, which is why we pride ourselves on our attention to detail and honesty. Our commitment to stellar customer service has impressed European car owners all over Texas, with many of our clients coming from Dallas, Garland, Arlington, and Fort Worth. We believe in providing the highest quality of service and repair to all of our clients, and we do everything we can to ensure your vehicle is running smoothly. Our specialists are the most qualified in the area, so if you’d like to build a business relationship with our experts please call us. If your car is exhibiting any signs of turbo hose failure, contact us right away.

How to Deal with a Loose Front-End Steering in Mercedes

Posted on | 29 Nov 2018 By Anita Gaal

It can be scary when your steering wheel feels loose. It won’t turn quite right, and whether your steering wheel simply won’t respond—requiring you to turn too much and overcompensate— or turns too freely, either way, it’s an unsettling experience. Without a way to reliably gauge the position of your wheels, you may feel hesitant about driving.

You’re exactly right to be concerned. Loose front-end steering can be a dangerous issue for any driver, but especially in a delicately engineered vehicle like a Mercedes. So, if you’re concerned about your safety—and that of your car—how should you deal with loose front-end steering?

Identify the Problem

The first step is to identify the possible causes of your issues. For example, one of the most common reasons for loose front-end steering to occur is wear and tear on the tie rods.

Worn Tie Rods

The tie rods are basically your bridge from the steering wheel to the steering box (and in turn, your tires). Basically, when you turn your steering wheel, your tie rods tell the wheels to turn in response.

However, your tie rods will experience some normal wear and tear over time, and this will eventually make them less responsive. This, in turn, can cause your front-end steering to become less responsive.

Worn Ball Joint

Another problem might be wear and tear on your car’s ball joint. Similar to the tie rods, a ball joint connects your Mercedes’ wheel hubs to the suspension components which help your tires to turn. It’s common to have one or two ball joints per wheel and if one of the ball joints is damaged, it might not be appropriately equipped to hold your tire. If that’s the case, you would definitely experience some looseness in your front-end steering, and you might also hear an alarming banging noise when you try to steer.

How to Fix It

Once you’ve identified the problem, you’ll want to take appropriate action, and in the case of a loose front-end steering, the next important step is to acknowledge that you can’t fix it yourself. Because this is a fairly serious issue with multiple interconnected parts, you wouldn’t want to practically attempt surgery on your car yourself. Instead, you should bring your Mercedes to a trusted, reliable mechanic. And that’s where we come in!

How We Can Help

At Euro Automotive, we understand the value of your car and your investment in it. Your Mercedes isn’t like every other car on the road; it’s a skillfully crafted, beautiful machine that was designed with precision and the finest technology. That’s why your car needs more than your average mechanic can give it. Your Mercedes needs someone who understands its quirks and delicacies, someone who will treat it with the care it deserves.

At Euro Automotive, we understand the value of an informed customer, and we appreciate the care and attention you put into understanding your car. That’s why we’re happy to discuss your assessment of the problem and work with you to share our experience and insight in return.

We also understand that the quality and durability of your car is a direct reflection of the quality of care it receives. That’s why we make caring for your car our top priority. Each of our mechanics are certified experts who specialize in the care and maintenance of European cars. Our mechanics have years of training backed by years of experience in working with the finest European automotives, and they’re guaranteed to provide your car with top-notch care.

But we don’t just offer the best combination of skills and experience—we also believe that top-notch care doesn’t have to come with a top-notch price. You’ve already made a significant investment in the purchase of your car; why invest even more on maintenance? Why not make the smart choice and bring your Mercedes to Euro Automotive? Here, we can show you the difference that quality care and affordable pricing can make.

We’re proud to offer the best—and most accessible—care for your European car. Whether you’re in Dallas, Garland, Arlington, or Ft. Worth, we’re here to meet your needs. Don’t drive around with a loose front-end steering! Just bring it to us and let us help.

* Mercedes AMG SLS image credit goes to: Mauvries.

* Mercedes Logo image credit goes to: vesilvio.

Top 5 Maintenance Tips for Your Car

Posted on | 12 Nov 2018 By Anita Gaal

Automotive maintenance is not something that’s at the forefront of most people’s minds, often for understandable reasons. Either auto maintenance is too expensive, time-consuming, or inconvenient (or a combination of all three!). Though it seems like a hassle, if you stay on top of auto maintenance routines you’ll benefit greatly in the end. Here are some of the reasons why it’s important to stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance:

• Increases your car’s reliability
• Extends your car’s longevity
• Retains your car’s value
• Enhances your car’s performance
• Increases and maintains your safety (as well as other’s on the road)
• Saves you money in expensive repair bills
• Reduces the number of times you’ll encounter performance problems

Those are just some of the more salient reasons for remaining diligent with your car’s specified maintenance schedule, which can be found in your owner’s manual. It is also especially important to make sure you find an automotive shop that specializes in the specific type of car you drive, so that you can ensure you receive the highest quality of care and replacement parts.

In this article, we’ll go over five basic areas of your car that should be maintained consistently. This list is nowhere near exhaustive or conclusive, so it’s important to collaborate with an automotive professional and stick to a strict maintenance routine.

1. Engine Oil Maintenance

Most drivers underestimate the importance of their engine oil, which can be a grave mistake. Engine oil is the most essential fluid for your car’s ongoing performance, reliability, and longevity. Here are a few things you should do routinely:

• Inspect the oil
• Flush and change the oil
• Replace the oil filter

2. Air Filter Replacements

Your car’s air filter is what “filters” the air from the outside. This means that it’s removing toxins, debris, contaminants, pollen, and dust from the air entering the engine, which can build up over time. When the air filter becomes clogged, it can take a serious toll on your engine health and performance, and will eventually lead to significant issues. It is usually recommended that the air filter be at least inspected each time you have your engine oil changed, making it an easy, one-stop-shop deal.

3. Brake Servicing

Needless to say, your brakes are one of the most important aspects of your vehicle to maintain consistently, as they play a huge part in your ongoing safety on the road. Brake systems vary depending on the type of car you drive, so it’s important to consult with a specialist near you. Here are some components that may need servicing as time passes:

• Brake rotors
• Brake wheel cylinders
• Brake drums
• Brake calipers
• Brake pads
• Brake lines
• Brake hoses

4. Tire Health Servicing

Your car’s tires are what see the most road contact, and this causes them to wear rather quickly. Here are just a few elements that will affect how your tires wear over time:

• The weather where you live
• Frequent driving conditions (like heavy traffic, gravel areas, road imperfections, or dirt roads)
• Driving habits, such as frequent, sudden braking, burning out, or taking turns quickly
• The time of year – in the summer the tire material expands and can wear quicker
• Quality of the suspension system – issues with suspension components can lead to uneven tire wear

It’s best to stay on top of routine maintenance tasks such as:

• Wheel balancing
• Wheel alignments
• Tire rotations
• Tire replacements
• Tire repair (when damaged)
• Maintaining the tire pressure to desired level (recommended by manufacturer in owner’s manual)

5. Cooling System Checks and Maintenance

Your car’s cooling system is essential to keeping the engine temperature at the appropriate level, despite the temperature outside. There are many different cooling system components, but the core features are most important:

• The radiator
• Radiator cooling fans
• Water pump
• Head gaskets
• Intake manifold gaskets
• Bypass system components
• Thermostat
• Cooling fluid (antifreeze)

How We Can Help You

The European import experts here at Euro Automotive provide ongoing, routine servicing and maintenance for a number of different vehicle brands, such as: Volvo, Volkswagen, Porsche, BMW, Audi, Jaguar, and Mercedes-Benz. Rated the #1 European car service shop in the areas of Dallas, Garland, Arlington, and Fort Worth, TX, we take pride in our work. If you’d like some help staying on top of your car’s maintenance schedule, please get in touch with one of our automotive experts to schedule an appointment today.

Reasons Behind Engine Misfire in Audi

Posted on | 27 Oct 2018 By Anita Gaal

Driving an Audi is a privilege that not everyone gets to experience. Therefore, those of us who do have the luxury of driving such a car have a duty and responsibility to keep them well maintained and running optimally. It is difficult to stay on top of maintenance, which is why many drivers only bring their car to the automotive shop when they notice a problem with their vehicle’s functioning or performance. Unfortunately, by this point there is usually substantial damage that requires repair, not simply maintenance.

Engine misfiring is one performance issue that is often a symptom of a larger problem. It is essential to have your Audi diagnosed and treated if you experience engine misfiring, as it could be causing significant damage to your engine – not to mention it is rather inconvenient, jarring, and a safety concern. In this article, we’ll go over some of the potential reasons why your Audi could be misfiring and what you can do to address the problem effectively.

Potential Causes of Engine Misfiring

There are many possible causes of engine misfiring, which is why it is crucial to involve the help of a professional automotive shop that specializes in Audi vehicles specifically. However, there are usually other certain symptoms associated with the different causes of engine misfiring that can lead to a more accurate diagnosis, or at least a general understanding of where the problem originated. Here is a non-inclusive list of some of the components in your Audi that can lead to engine misfiring if damaged, worn, failing, or malfunctioning:

Ignition System Problems

The ignition system in your Audi is responsible for ignition and combustion processes, which help the engine fire. When problems exist in the ignition system, it often leads to an imbalance in the fuel/air ratio your engine needs for optimal firing. This issue is usually a gradual one that occurs over time. Here are the main sources of engine misfiring when the problem is related to the ignition system:

o Ignition coil failure or wear
o Spark plug failure or wear
o Ignition cable failure or wear
o Faulty distributor caps

Fuel-to-Air Ratio is Off

Besides the ignition system causing an improper fuel/air mixture in your combustion chamber, there are a few other parts that can lead to an imbalance. It’s important to have your fuel system and various sensors examined if your engine begins to misfire. Here are just a few parts to consider:

o Fuel pump failure
o Fuel filter is clogged or dirty
o Oxygen sensor damage or failure

Problems with the Transmission

Transmission problems are often at the heart of many different automotive performance problems in Audi vehicles – engine misfiring is one of them. If you begin to notice that your Audi experiences shifting problems in addition to misfiring, then it is likely that the transmission is the source of the problem, or at least collateral damage of the symptom. It is essential to have all the components affected by misfiring addressed as well.

Other Components that Require Attention

Your Audi is intricately designed, and there are many different, random components that can malfunction and as a byproduct cause engine misfiring. Here are a few components that your automotive specialist may want to look into as well:

o Valves
o Cylinder walls and heads
o Piston rings
o Camshaft lobes
o Leaking manifold gaskets
o Leaking head gaskets
o Fuel injector failure
o Failing timing belt

Failing Engine Control Module

Cars these days are “smart,” in that they have an on-board computer that helps regulate and control each of the various systems by communicating with other control modules. The ECM is the main control module that controls engine functioning, and since technical issues are common in modern vehicles, this is another likely source of engine misfiring.

The Audi specialists here at Euro Automotive are highly skilled and experienced in performing accurate diagnoses for Audi vehicles. For years, the residents of Dallas, Garland, Arlington, and Fort Worth, TX, have entrusted us to care for their Audi vehicles, which we share a great passion for. If you’ve recently experienced engine misfiring in your Audi, please call one of our specialists right away – your safety is important to us, and we are confident that we can find the source of the issue and treat it quickly and efficiently.

* Audi 6 Series 10 image credit goes to: stonena7.

Why Does Your Volvo Knock Over Bumps On the Road?

Posted on | 10 Oct 2018 By Anita Gaal

The Volvo is known for its class, optimal performance, and sleek style. Many drivers express how smooth and effective the overall drive is. This, along with their reputation for luxury, are primary reasons why consumers purchase a Volvo. However, when a driver experiences an unpleasant drive that consists of feeling every single bump on the road, this can prove to be both frustrating and concerning. Below are some reasons you might be experiencing a loud or bumpy ride.

Suspension Issues

Your engine communicates directly with your steering wheel, which then tells the tires where to go. When there is an issue with any part of the vehicle, especially the suspension system, there are bound to be issues with roughness. When problems occur with how the car is moving over the road, suspension is the primary cause of concern. However, there are a few underlying issues that could be contributing to the unpleasantness of your drive.

Inspect Your Tires

When your tires are old, worn, or need air, they can make driving a headache. They can impact the motion of your vehicle, thus making it easy to feel every bump in the road. If the tire is not firmly secured into your wheel disk, it may result in vibrations or even shakes. This, in turn, could make your car feel every bump and hole in the road. In addition, your wheel alignment could also be to blame. If one of your wheels begins to veer off in a opposite direction, have your alignment checked out to make sure the problem doesn’t get bigger. It is also important to have your tires rotated every 4 to 6 months.

Another thing it is important to keep your eye on is tire air pressure. If your tires are low on air, they will not be able to provide the smoothest ride. Sometimes, a simple trip to the air pump may make a huge difference in how your car drives. In addition, too much air can also play a major role in the smoothness of your drive. It is key to understand the parameters surrounding your personal car’s pressure and stay within those limits. This will be the difference between a smooth ride and a bumpy one.

Brake Issues

When you experience a delay in your breaking or even strange smells coming from your transmission, it may be wise to get your brakes properly inspected. When they are not working in the expected manner, they may impact how smoothly your car drives. One way to fix this problem is to simply clean your brakes from contamination. A simple whisk away of dust, dirt, or debris can make a major difference in the performance of your car.

Transmission Issues

Although the thought of having transmission issues can bring about major anxiety, it is still important to make sure it is healthy and up-to-date. If the source of your Volvo’s trouble is the transmission, a thump in the road or even a slight vibration being picked up from the road can indicate a larger issue. Leaking, dirty, or contaminated fluids that come from the car’s interior are also signs to look for. If you are experiencing a sudden change in the way your car drives, have a trusted auto repair shop take a look at your transmission to make sure it is working properly.

How We Can Help

The beauty of the Volvo is timeless. Since this car represents class and style, it is important to keep it healthy in order to increase its longevity. Routine maintenance is the primary way to avoid hefty damages done to your vehicle. Therefore, having a reliable and trustworthy group of specialists to work on your car is ideal.

Our professionals at Euro Automotive, have been serving the car owners of Dallas, Garland, Arlington, Fort Worth, TX for over 18 years. Known as the number one shop for European cars, Euro Automotive can provide reliable and cost effective solutions to your vehicle issues. We are dedicated to solving your car crisis and making you feel taken care of. To get started on the road to a smoother ride in your Volvo, call to schedule an appointment or stop by today.

* Man Driving Volvo image credit goes to: huettenhoelscher.

* Volvo XC40 image credit goes to: y_carfan.

What Does the Brake Booster Do For Your Car?

Posted on | 23 Sep 2018 By Anita Gaal

The brakes are essential pieces of your car’s overall performance. Not to mention, they are also reliable sources of safety during times of potential risk. Because of their important function, companies are constantly striving to improve how the brakes work to encourage safety. The brake booster is one of the innovative inventions that help to enhance performance, safety the accessibility of the braking system.

What Does the Brake Booster Accomplish?

Brake systems were previously hard to power on their own. They needed a lot of attention and assistance in order to perform. In addition, they used high fluid pressures that made pressing down on the brake pedal difficult. Therefore, braking relied heavily on the strength of the driver. As the popularity of the automatic gear system grew, drivers sought comfort and convenience as a part of their driving experience.

The brake booster was developed to be an overall aid in your car’s convenience. It is shaped like a round disk, with a pump settled on two cylinders. The brake booster works to promote airflow into the booster. After pressing the brake pedal, this pressure moves your cylinder forward. As a result, your car is able to stop easier and more efficiently.

Thanks to the brake booster, the force needed for the brake pedal to work accurately is decreased. Without it, slowing your acceleration would take a lot of personal effort and work on your part. Therefore, the brake booster makes stopping and slowing down a much easier process, and as a result, much safer.

Symptoms Of A Bad Brake Booster

Since the brake booster plays a vital role in your car’s ability to perform, it is important to keep an eye on even the slightest of changes in your car’s behavior. Faulty or broken brake boosters can result in costly mechanical bills, or even compromise the longevity of your vehicle. Here are a few signs to look for when examining your brake booster:

1. Stalled Brake Pedal

If your brake pedal is stiff or seems stuck, likely you are likely experiencing underlying issues with your brake booster. If this happens, trying to stop or halt your car could become increasingly difficult, so try to get your vehicle to a trusted auto shop as soon as possible.

2. Spaced Apart Power Brakes

Electrical malfunctions can greatly impact the health of your brake booster. If you are experience intermittent braking periods, the pump that is connected to your brakes may stop working. In addition, braking may seem like more of a challenge with greater pressure being placed underneath the pedal. If this is the case, have your mechanic check out your booster vacuum pump as this may be a primary sign of a faulty brake booster.

3. Strange Car Stopping

Air bubbles found within the cylinder of your car can greatly impact the brake booster. In turn, it reduces the amount of pressure being applied to the brake. Therefore, the vehicle may begin taking longer distances to come to a complete stop. This could also be due to electrical or internal blockages stopping the brakes.

4. When More Force is Needed

When you notice that it takes you more physical force to press in the brake pedal to actually stop your car, you may be experiencing an issue with your brake boosters. Your car should not need aggressive or even weighty stomps to make it come to a complete stop. If you notice this extended amount of pressure, it may be time to get your brake system checked out.

How We Can Help

Routine maintenance is the primary way to avoid hefty damages done to your vehicle. Therefore, having a reliable and trustworthy group of auto specialists to work on your car is ideal. Our skilled service technicians at Euro Automotive have been serving the people of Dallas, Garland, Arlington, Fort Worth, TX for over 18 years.

Known as the number one shop for European cars, Euro Automotive can provide honest, reliable, and cost effective solutions to your vehicle issues. We understand how important the brake boosters of every vehicle are. We are dedicated to solving your car crisis and making you feel taken care of. If you are experiencing issues with your vehicle, don’t hesitate: schedule your consultation today!

Reasons for Chassis Flex Disc Failure in Mercedes

Posted on | 6 Sep 2018 By Anita Gaal

Mercedes are beautiful luxury cars. This is something that can be said whether it is a newer or older model. They are reliable cars that will last a very long time and will keep their value as time goes on. Of course, the ability to keep your Mercedes reliable requires staying up to date with maintenance and repairs. As your Mercedes gets older, listen for new and uncommon noises and vibrations, as these will be your car trying to tell you if there is something wrong. A common problem that can arise in older Mercedes that have automatic transmissions is the failure of the chassis flex disc.

What is a Chassis Flex Disc?

The chassis flex discs are small parts that will play a very large role in making sure your Mercedes continues to run properly. The flex discs help ensure that the overall performance of your car stays up to the quality it should be. The flex discs join the driveshaft, transmission, and differential together so that power can be sent to the wheels. You can think of the flex discs being in place so they can tell the car to go.

The chassis flex discs are made of rubber so due to the outside elements, they are eventually going to have some wear and tear. They take a good amount of the pressure that the suspension produces when you are driving your Mercedes on uneven roads. Any type of bump or hole can wear down the flex discs. They will also be worn down in extreme heat and also extreme cold. Going from one extreme to the other quickly will have a negative effect on the chassis flex discs as well.

Reasons for Chassis Flex Disc Failure

If your Mercedes is experiencing chassis flex disc failure, this can be very dangerous for both the driver and the passenger. It is important to know what signs to look for so you will be able to take it into a Euro Automotive specialist if and when you notice them.

Car Vibrations

As your Mercedes starts to get older and the parts begin to slowly deteriorate, vibrations are unfortunately going to happen one way or another. If one of the pieces that the flex discs are connected to is wearing down, then the car will begin to vibrate unnaturally. When the transmission and/or the driveshaft become damaged, this will in turn damage the flex discs. This is why the vibrations will occur because the flex discs become cracked or damaged. The vibrations will mainly occur when the car is accelerating and decelerating. This is when the vibrations will be the loudest and most noticable.

Trouble Shifting Gears

A Mercedes with an automatic transmission can experience trouble when shifting into reverse or into drive. It may feel like you are fighting with your Mercedes to get it to shift into one of these gears. The chassis flex discs allow for smooth transitions and if they are damaged, the transitions will be rough and unnatural. Due to the any damage the flex discs may have, the parts connected to it will be affected as well. A damaged flex disc can lead to trouble with the driveshaft, which will then lead to the difficulty in shifting.

Time to Take Your Mercedes In

Located in Dallas, TX, Euro Automotive has been in operation for 18 years and is the best shop to take your Mercedes to if you suspect there may be chassis flex disc failure. All of our technicians have the certifications necessary to work on your Mercedes and provide it with the best care.

When you bring in your Mercedes, we will run a complete diagnostic to pinpoint where the exact problem is located. Once we discover that a flex disc needs to be repaired, our service technicians will order an original equipment manufactured part to ensure that the new piece lasts for a very long time. The flex disc that is causing the problem will be replaced and the technicians will also take the time to check the other pieces that connect to it to make sure that there are no additional problems. If you are in the surrounding areas, including Garland, Arlington, and Fort Worth, Euro Automotive can be easily accessed and will always take proper care of your Mercedes.

* Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG image credit goes to: kurmyshov.

* Mercedes Logo image credit goes to: franz12.

Reasons Behind Automatic Transmission Jerking in Jaguar

Posted on | 22 Aug 2018 By Anita Gaal

Owning any type of Jaguar can be fun and thrilling no matter how new or old it is. They are luxurious and made to keep you safe and comfortable. Your Jaguar is made up of many parts and components that have to all work together to provide this smooth and safe ride that you and your passengers are used to. However, as your Jaguar gets older and is used more frequently, a common issue that can show its ugly head is automatic transmission jerking.

There are a few reasons that you should be aware of that will point to why your automatic transmission is jerking. Being able to identify these signs will allow you to quickly bring your Jaguar to us at Euro Automotive for a servicing that is reliable and knowledgeable about European vehicles, including Jags. If you are able to bring in your Jaguar quickly for the automatic transmission jerking, it can often be fixed relatively quickly for a low price. It is important to note that the longer you wait to bring your Jaguar in, the more costly the damage could be.

Low Transmission Fluid

Having low transmission fluid can lead to very severe jerking. The jerking can occur because there is not enough fluid to help create the hydraulic pressure that is needed to engage with the gears as they shift. As your Jaguar attempts to automatically shift gears without enough pressure, then the transmission will begin to jerk.

Checking the transmission fluid level in your Jaguar is something that you are able to do quickly at your home. The fluid will first need to be warm so start your car and let it run for a few minutes. Then open the hood and take out the transmission dipstick. Check that the fluid is in between the two notches that will generally read “full” and “add.” If the fluid is lower than the add notch, then you can simply add more transmission fluid using a funnel. If the fluid is at the appropriate level and the transmission continues to jerk, then the reason for it could be from another issue occuring in the transmission.

Worn Out Transmission Parts

The first reason that you may be experiencing automatic transmission jerking is because one or more of the parts has worn down. In an automatic transmission there are multiple sets of gears, clutches, and bands that will allow for smooth gear shifting. If one of these bands is worn down, then the shifting will become jerky. With this jerking happening, you may also experience a moment where the engine revs up after it was supposed to have changed gears.

Another thing that will come along with the jerking due to a worn out band is the feeling of the car slipping as it slows down. This would suggest that the band is not securing the parts as it is supposed to.

If one of the multiple clutches is worn down, then your Jaguar will experience transmission jerking as well. In an automatic transmission, the clutches are all throughout and if there is not enough fluid reaching the plates then they will wear down. If worn down enough, then they could end up broken or burnt. The heat that the car is producing will quickly burn the clutches if not enough transmission fluid is present. With broken and burnt pieces rattling around in the transmission, you are sure to experience a jerking motion as the transmission attempts to change gears.

We Can Help

At Euro Automative, we know that automatic transmission jerking is a common problem, so our service technicians are trained extensively in how to deal with the problem. Located in Dallas, TX, we are easily accessible from all surrounding areas such as Garland, Arlington, and Fort Worth.

We have technicians that have specializations in luxury cars such as the Jaguar. We will go into and under your car to find what is causing the automatic transmission jerking and fix it in a timely manner. But we will not stop there! We will also take the time to check other parts surrounding the issue to ensure that nothing else was affected. If we find any other problems, we will always discuss them with you immediately. We know that your car and your time is equally valuable and we will work to make sure that neither one is wasted so that you can be back on the road as soon as possible.

* Jaguar Car Logo image credit goes to: Streager.