Reasons Your Throttle Control Warning Light Illuminates in Dallas

Posted on | 24 Jul 2019 By Anita Gaal

With most vehicles today, everything is electronic. This means if you experience an issue, you will probably have a warning light on your dashboard that is illuminated. Whether it is a low tire, failing oxygen sensor, or your throttle control, everything operates independently and alerts the driver if there is a problem.

What is the Throttle Control System?

In the 1980s, emissions control and fuel economy regulations came into the spotlight. The laws regarding them became stricter. Before then, when you pushed down on the accelerator pedal, the throttle opened. This allowed air to flow to the engine where it mixed with the gas, allowing it to burn.

Once regulations were put into place, vehicle manufacturers began to use the electronic throttle control system. This system uses electronic signals instead of mechanical signals. When you push down on the accelerator, you are activating a module instead of opening the throttle. This signal is sent to a control unit that takes variables into account, which then opens the throttle. This allows for better efficiency as well as performance.

Why is the light on?

There are several issues that might have triggered the light illumination. By taking your vehicle to a certified mechanic, they will be able to diagnose the issue and get it fixed for you.

Symptoms of a Failing or Bad Throttle Control

Most issues are due to a damaged sensor or an electrical relay. The throttle control doesn’t usually go bad, but there are instances when it can fail and will need to be replaced. Below are a few symptoms of a failing or bad throttle control.

Intermittent Acceleration Issues

Since the throttle is controlled by an electrical signal, any disruption can lead to acceleration issues. This can be an inconvenience and can also be dangerous. If you are experiencing acceleration issues, your car could stall or you may not be able to get out of harm’s way fast enough. These issues can be deadly.

We do not recommend that you drive your car if you are having acceleration issues. You should have it towed to our shop to run diagnostics and get it fixed where it is safe to drive.

Hesitation

If you try to accelerate and your vehicle doesn’t respond right away, you could have a failing throttle control. There are other issues that can cause this problem so have it checked out right away.

Just as with intermittent acceleration issues, hesitation can be very serious. Don’t get yourself in a bind by driving it and having an accident. Have it towed to a trusted shop to be fixed properly.

Cannot Pick Up Speed

If you are pressing down on the throttle pedal and you cannot accelerate faster than a slow crawl, this can indicate that the electronic throttle control has failed. This is a feature that has been put in place to help protect your engine.

Changes in Your Fuel Economy

Since the throttle control regulates the air to fuel ratio, if there is a problem, it will not function properly. This can cause you to burn more gas. By keeping track of your fuel mileage, you can keep an eye out for issues.

Should You Continue to Drive Your Car

We do not recommend that you continue to drive your car if you have any of the above issues. If your throttle control is failing or has failed, there is a chance that you won’t be able to accelerate or you won’t be able to stop accelerating. Both can have deadly consequences.

Bring your car into our BBB Accredited Business and Bosch certified service center. Let our knowledgeable mechanics take a look at your issue and get it fixed right the first time.

Call Us Today

Here at Euro Automotive, we specialize in luxury European auto and repair services. Whether you are experiencing throttle control issues or are in need of repairs or routine service, we are here to help you. Many people believe that they have to take their car to a dealer to have work performed, but that is not the case. We can do it for you properly, 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.

Signs of a Failing Air Conditioning Compressor in Your Car in Dallas

Posted on | 8 Jul 2019 By Anita Gaal

Having the perfect driving experience is dependent on many different aspects. One of these variables is comfort. Many vehicles have been designed to ensure that they offer nothing short of the perfect driving experience. This comfort is assured through a smooth running engine, a perfect suspension system, and a fully functioning air conditioning compressor.

What is the air conditioning compressor?

The air conditioning compressor is directly responsible for ensuring that there is constant circulation of fresh air within the car. It does this by pumping refrigerant throughout the air conditioning system of the car. The refrigerant, as the name suggests, is a fluid that is tasked with absorbing heat in the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning. The refrigerant works by absorbing heat from the air flowing into the cabin of the car before it is turned into vapor by the heat and transported back into evaporator to start the process all over again.

Causes of Air Conditioning Compressor Failure

The air conditioning compressor unit in the car can fail due to a number of reasons. Some of these reasons include:

• Deterioration of the compressor unit due to the lack of proper care and servicing is a major cause of failure. The unit will deteriorate much faster if it is not cleaned out regularly and the parts replaced periodically.
• Use of poor quality refrigerant can also cause damages and failure of the compressor in turn. In order for the compressor to function properly, the refrigerant has to be of a gaseous If the fluid cannot be compressed into a gaseous form to be passed through the compressor, and somehow fluid finds its way into the compressor, it will cause damage to the parts, such as the valves.
• Lack of proper lubrication of the air conditioning compressor can also cause the unit to fail. This is because the increased friction can easily wear down the parts and create leaks of the refrigerant. This causes the compressor to be overworked in an attempt to pump enough refrigerant through the system. When this happens over a long duration, the compressor can easily burn out.

Signs of Air Conditioning Compressor Failure

Because of the important role that the air conditioning compressor plays in ensuring that you have a constant supply of fresh air within the cabin of your car, you will most likely notice rather quickly if it develops a problem.

One of the immediate signs that you will notice is excessive hot air within the cabin of the car, even when the air conditioning unit is cranked all the way up. You may also notice that the compressor will produce loud whirring noises while it runs. These noises are as a result of breakage of the engine belt that drives the compressor.

Seizing is also likely to happen because of the compromised components within the compressor. A seized compressor will not be able to engage or disengage. Therefore, the compressor will not function.

What To Do

The only way that you can ensure that the air conditioning compressor in your car remains in perfect working condition is by sticking to a regular maintenance schedule. Through this maintenance, it will be easy to monitor the condition of the compressor and prevent any build-up of substances that may compromise the integrity of the compressor. It will also be easy to notice any faults within the compressor before they cause any extensive damage and leave the cabin of your car hot and uncomfortable.

You can also minimize the chances of compressor failure in your car by cleaning out the air filters and the coils regularly to flush out any unwanted substances that may have found their way into them. Ensuring that your compressor gets proper lubrication will also ensure that the components last longer.

If you suspect a leak in the compressor, you can seek the assistance of an experienced technician to investigate and replace parts, if necessary. They can also help you to restore the compressor in your car and ensure that you enjoy your time on the road again.

At Euro Automotive, we have helped many drivers in Dallas, Arlington, Garland, and Fort Worth, TX to get their cars back on the road in tip-top shape. We are available to serve at your convenience. Give us a call to make an appointment, and we’ll be happy to help.

A Faulty ABS System Can be Diagnosed at European Car Service Center of Dallas

Posted on | 21 Jun 2019 By Anita Gaal

Anti-lock brakes have quickly become a staple of modern automobiles. They are crucial in preventing skidding during braking and hydroplaning in situations where there is heavy precipitation.

With more cars on the road than ever, it is important to be able to brake quickly at high speeds in anticipation of the actions of other cars. With that being said, having problems with your anti-lock brakes can be extremely dangerous when cruising at high speeds on the highway. Your car may not be able to stop in time, causing excessive skidding and sliding and making deadly impacts with other cars or objects more likely.

It is important to be attentive to potential problems with your brakes while driving and figure out the best way to rectify the situation when these problems arise. A trusted mechanic with years of relevant experience working on European automobiles will be your best bet in any case. Let’s take a look at the ABS system and where to go for help.

Symptoms of a Failing ABS System

There are a few different symptoms that a failing ABS system may exhibit. The brake pedal may become unresponsive, causing the automobile to stop much slower than usual. The inability to stop your automobile in an adequate amount of time is an obvious problem, one that you will notice immediately and one that will require immediate attention from a trained mechanic. The brake pedal will only get more unresponsive with time if not attended to.

Another common sign that your ABS may be malfunctioning is the ABS light illuminating. This could be the check engine light, if the car is an older model. The ABS system might also need to be replaced if the brakes are exhibiting any locking up when driving at lower to moderate speeds. The ABS is only supposed to engage when traveling at high speeds or other heavy braking activity.

Additionally, an indication of an ABS problem is a wheel speed sensor fault, which monitors the speed of the wheel and relays this information to the ECU. If your ABS light is on, this could be a potential cause. A wheel speed sensor fault can affect other functions of the automobile, especially the ABS system. This will require a replacement.

What to Do In Case of an ABS Malfunction

In some cases, your car may still be safe to drive in the short term. If your ABS light is on, but you do not notice any other symptoms of ABS failure while driving the car, it is most likely safe to drive. However, if it stays on, or if the brake warning light comes on in addition to the ABS/check engine light, you should stop driving your automobile immediately and get it looked at.

You obviously cannot afford to take any chances on the open road with faulty brakes that may or may not work correctly. Your car may have negligible problems in the short term, but ideally you will want to prevent these problems before they get to be more costly or even life threatening.

Some drivers are under the illusion that ABS problems do not need to be fixed immediately, hoping to save their money until the problem gets significant enough that they cannot ignore it anymore. This perception is fed by the fact that many state vehicle inspections do not adequately test the ABS system or do not require the ABS to be in perfect working order to pass the examination.

Finding an Alternative to Your Dealership Garage

Many of us have had negative experiences taking our automobiles to the dealership for repair. Often times, the dealership experience feels rushed and impersonal and sometimes results in a more expensive bill as well.

Luckily for those who live in the greater Dallas area, Euro Automotive is just around the corner. Euro Automotive specializes in luxury European import makes and models, such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Porsche, Jaguar, and many more. If your ABS system is experiencing any of the problems described above, and you live in the vicinity of Dallas, Garland, Arlington, or Fort Worth, you owe it to yourself and your automobile to come into Euro Automotive today.

We are conveniently located in North Dallas, easily accessible from the entire Metroplex. Don’t take a chance on a potentially serious problem with the brake system of your luxury automobile. Put your trust into the skilled technicians at Euro Automotive and drive away with peace of mind and a safe vehicle.

How to Identify a Bad Air Filter in Your Car in Dallas

Posted on | 18 May 2019 By Anita Gaal

There can be times when owning a car can be a bit overwhelming. With a whole host of parts to keep tabs on, knowing when your vehicle is signaling an issue to you can be difficult to identify. This is partly the reason why regularly scheduled maintenance by a mechanic is important, as they have the necessary qualifications to identify thousands of potential issues a vehicle can face.

However, vehicle trouble rarely waits for scheduled maintenance checks, and as a driver it is essential to know some of the more major signs of a part failure with your vehicle. With that in mind, in this article we’ll be taking a closer look at your car’s air filter, exploring the signs and signals of a subpar performance.

What Does the Air Filter Do?

To successfully run, your engine requires both fuel and a steady air flow. However, as it passes through the car, the air supplied to the engine can often become laced with contaminants that could clog up or damage the engine if not intercepted. This interception is achieved via the car’s air filter, which traps undesirable particles, allowing only clean air to pass through to the engine.

What Will Happen if I Don’t Change a Faulty Air Filter?

If your air filter is no longer working because it is either too dirty or too clogged, then it will effectively block the correct amount of air from entering the engine. This will cause the ratio of air to fuel to misalign, and will result in a hard drive, as well as loss of power, and sometimes the illumination of the ‘check engine’ light. If kept this way long term, your engine could become severely and irrevocably damaged.

Signs of an Air Filter That Needs Replacing

There are many signs which may indicate your air filter is in need of replacement, and below are listed the most common. Even without any of these signs however, an air filter should be changed out every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, and maybe more frequently if you regularly drive on dirt roads or dusty roads. On the flipside, if you use your car more infrequently, you should replace your filter every 3 years, as with reduced use and time, it will become brittle.

1. Visual Dirt Build Up

When performing your regular under the hood maintenance, check the air filter under adequate light. If you can visibly see dust or dirt build up, then it may be time to seek a replacement.

2. Poor Miles per Gallon

If you notice your car displays a marked reduction in fuel economy, your air filter could be at fault. This is because when the level of oxygen in the engine is low, the car’s onboard computer will try to compensate by sending more fuel to the engine for it to burn through.

3. Low Horsepower

When an air filter is underperforming, it is common to notice a reduction in acceleration speed, or horsepower. This is because the amount of horsepower your car can achieve is a direct reflection upon the wellbeing of your engine. If your engine is underperforming due to oxygen deprivation, then so will your horsepower.

4. Check Engine Light is Illuminated

There are a whole host of reasons as to why your car’s onboard diagnostic system (OBD) will illuminate the check engine light. One of the main causes for this is poor engine performance caused by impurities having entered the engine through a faulty or worn out filter. If this is the cause of your light coming on, then you should respond to this issue immediately to prevent any more grime from clogging and potentially damaging your engine.

Seeking Diagnosis or Repair

There’s no need to worry if when you pop the hood you’re at a loss as to how to fix your air filter, as any qualified mechanic will be able to correctly diagnose your issue and remedy it for you. If you think your air filter may be at the root of your problems, and you live in the Dallas, Garland, Arlington, Fort Worth, or other surrounding areas of Texas, then there’s no better place to go than Euro Automotive. With over 70 years of experience, and a team of dedicated staff, you’re sure to be satisfied by the high maintenance and repair standards offered by Euro Automotive.

Camshaft Seal Replacement in Your Car

Posted on | 14 Apr 2019 By Anita Gaal

The purpose of the camshaft seal is to seal the end of the camshaft. Seals are round and made from durable rubber. This rubber can harden over time and cause the camshaft to leak oil. The seals can also fail from excess pressure from the crankcase. If your seal has failed, you will experience oil loss and this oil can contaminate the timing belt. causing even more damage. If your camshaft seal has failed it is important to have it replaced to prevent any further damage.

Common Symptoms That Your Camshaft Seal Needs To Be Replaced

• There is oil leaking behind the timing cover
• The engine runs rough
• You have a loss of power
• The engine overheats
• Your car stalls
• You experience backfiring which can damage other components
• There is smoke coming out of the exhaust

What is the Camshaft?

The camshaft is an essential part of your car. It is responsible for activating the valve movement that regulates the air to fuel mixture. The camshaft works directly with the timing belt, so if the belt breaks, the camshaft stops spinning. This, in turn, can cause the pistons to hit a valve, resulting in engine damage.

To work properly, the camshaft needs to be well lubricated. Without the camshaft seal, the oil would leak out. The seal also keeps dirt and other contaminants from entering.

Things to Consider

It is important to note that seals don’t usually fail and typically only need to be replaced when other components are replaced, such as the camshaft. If you are replacing the camshaft or the timing belt you should always replace the seal too.

If you think that your seal is leaking it could also be the valve cover gasket leaking. This gasket is in the same area as the camshaft seal.

We Can Replace Your Seal

Your camshaft seal was designed to withstand pressure and extreme temperatures. It is made from a durable material that was made to last for a long time. If the camshaft seal in your car would happen to fail it must be replaced promptly. Replacing the seal is a labor-intensive process, but the seal is inexpensive.

Our mechanics are experts at what they do, and they are more than capable of taking care of this time-consuming job. We recommend that you let a professional handle your camshaft seal replacement. It takes a lot of time and patience to replace the seal. If it isn’t done correctly, the timing belt or cam gear could get damaged in the process.

Steps that need to be taken to replace the camshaft seal

• Disconnect the battery
• Remove the timing belt and the camshaft gear
• Replace the camshaft seal
• Reinstall the camshaft gear and the timing belt
• Reconnect the battery
• Check for any leaks

Let Us Help You

If your camshaft seal is leaking oil, you need to get it replaced right away. The leak can lead to a fire, and your engine could seize up. It can also damage your timing belt which can cause bent valves, cylinder head damage or camshaft damage. Leaving this issue go unfixed can lead to major damage and higher service bills.

You don’t have to take your European auto to a dealership to have maintenance performed. We can offer you that dealership quality service without the high prices. We are family owned and we do not have the immense overhead that these large commercial companies have. We strive to provide you with the best service around and our diagnosis is free. You only have to pay for the repair.

Here at Euro Automotive, we are certified experts that can take care of all of your European auto needs. We know that you take pride in your car, and we will treat it as if it was our own. We want you to be happy with the way your car runs and we want you to be able to drive it for a lifetime.

Call Us Today

We service the Dallas, Garland, Arlington and Fort Worth, TX areas. Give our Euro Automotive office a call to schedule your appointment. You can reach us on 214-935-5634. Or, come see us at 3421 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75220.

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.

Why It Is Important to Service Your Car’s Timing Belt

Posted on | 24 Jun 2018 By Anita Gaal

Your car is made up of thousands of intricate parts and pieces, all of which affect your car’s performance to one extent or another. Some parts are more significant to your vehicle’s functioning over others, and this is certainly true in the case of the timing belt. Your timing belt performs a critical function for your car, and without it your car would be rendered useless. Furthermore, it’s important to know just what could happen if your timing belt fails—as this might motivate you to stay on top of maintenance. This article will discuss the important role your timing belt plays in your car’s performance, what can go wrong with it, and how you can avoid timing belt issues over the life of your car.

What Does the Timing Belt Do for Your Car?

The timing belt, also referred to as the cambelt or timing chain, is responsible for “timing” your engine appropriately. The precision timing that your engine relies on for various valves to open and close at the exact right interval must be maintained by the timing belt. This ensures that the different cylinders are firing at the right time. Your timing belt is exposed to high temperatures and severe engine conditions, which can cause the belt to wear over time and require replacement. If the timing belt isn’t working properly, your engine will experience concerning symptoms, such as: starting issues, ticking noises, oil leaks, and engine misfiring.

The Quality of the Belt Itself

Since the timing belt is made up of a rubber material reinforced with other materials like nylon, it is inevitable for the belt to eventually wear. Usually your automotive specialist will be able to tell if the timing belt needs to be replaced simply by looking at it. If the belt is losing material, cracking, or beginning to stretch, then it’s time for it to be replaced.

Misalignment

Another issue that can occur with the timing belt, especially if it is undergoing material damage or structural changes, is misalignment. When the timing belt isn’t properly aligned, it usually leads to other concerning symptoms such as intense vibration throughout the car, higher than average engine temperatures, and concerning noises coming from the engine or timing belt itself.

The Effects of a Damaged or Broken Timing Belt

If you have a damaged timing belt, it’s only a matter of time before it snaps under the hood. While the timing cover usually shields your engine from this somewhat, timing belt failure can cause catastrophic damages to your engine—especially if you’re traveling at higher speeds. This is why it’s most important to service and replace a defective timing belt before it fails completely.

Ongoing Inspections and Other Routine Maintenance

As we said before, your automotive specialist will likely be able to tell if your timing belt needs to be replaced simply by looking at it. Therefore, ongoing inspections are a huge factor in preventing timing belt failure and serious engine damage. Other routine maintenance, such as consistent oil changes, can help regulate the other conditions under the hood, such as managing excess friction and heat that the belt becomes exposed to. Acting preventively with all of your automotive maintenance procedures is critical for your vehicle’s overall health and performance, but it can spare you significant repair costs in the long run. While the cost of a timing belt replacement can be costly, the ramifications of a broken timing belt might be irreparable—and if they can be repaired, you’ll be looking at a hefty automotive repair bill!

What We Can Do to Help You

The automotive repair and maintenance experts here at Euro Automotive have helped countless clients from all over the areas of Dallas, Garland, Arlington, and Fort Worth, TX, address timing belt issues. Since timing belt failure can be such a damaging occurrence, and the part plays such a huge role in your engine’s functioning, we act preventively to ensure that the timing belt doesn’t fail before it’s recommended servicing. As the local dealership alternative for specialty European automotive maintenance and repair, we help our clients follow their manufacturer maintenance plan for up to 25% less than nearby dealerships. If you’d like to have your timing belt inspected, please call us right away—your vehicle’s safety is of the utmost importance to us.

Common Symptoms of Engine Failure You Shouldn’t Ignore

Posted on | 7 Apr 2018 By Anita Gaal

Our cars must remain reliable and consistent so that we can depend on them for daily travel. Unfortunately, there are many things that can go wrong with our car’s engines over time—especially if they’re not properly cared-for and maintained. Preventing engine failure is perhaps the number one reason why we perform maintenance tasks at all, but the costs associated with fixing engine failure aren’t pretty, so the alternative sounds pretty nice!

Engine failure comes with a laundry list of symptoms, often that build up over time. It’s important to be able to recognize these symptoms so that we can take the necessary measures to prevent the issue from worsening, or even to reverse any damages that might have previously been sustained. In this article, we’ll talk about the most common symptoms of engine failure that you absolutely shouldn’t ignore, as well as what steps you can take to remedy the issue and ensure your car’s reliability for the foreseeable future.

Decrease in Power

Depending on what kind of car you drive, you might not notice a huge shift in engine difference in power capability alone. In fact, you might just notice that in certain circumstances your car performs differently. For instance, if you travel up the same hill every day, but have recently noticed your car struggling to get up the same hill, it couldn’t hurt to bring it in for an inspection. Slight shifts in performance can indicate the beginnings of early engine failure that can worsen over time.

Changes in Fuel Efficiency

The rate at which your car burns fuel is a very telling symptom of how your engine is running. The projected fuel efficiency in most cars is simply an estimate based on average driving conditions and driving habits; however, it is also a guideline for what to expect out of your car. If you notice that your car’s fuel efficiency is significantly lower than projected, or it recently began requiring fill-ups more often, it’s a good idea to begin monitoring this activity more closely.

Rough Running, Stalling, or Misfiring

These are perhaps the most severe signs of engine failure, and might be indicators that your engine is in serious danger of being rendered irreparable. However, that’s not to say that they’re not reversible or fixable with skilled automotive repair. Rough running, stalling, or engine misfiring should be taken to an automotive specialize who has specific knowledge in working with your particular type of vehicle.

Concerning Smells

Noticing the smells that your car emits might be challenging depending on how severe an issue is, but never underestimate the power of the nose—after all, it “knows.” If you can detect the smell of fuel or a burning smell inside your cabin or coming from your exhaust, the next step is to follow up on the issue. Your engine could be running rich or running lean, or it could be leaking a fluid.

Concerning Noises

Besides performance-related symptoms and changes in power, concerning noises are one of the number one symptoms that drivers report to automotive shops. Engine failure doesn’t necessarily coincide with specific noises, as there are many different avenues for engine failure. The critical takeaway is to pay attention to any different sounds you notice while driving your car—they could indicate that there’s a problem with one or more of the systems.

Check-Engine Light Is On

The check-engine light can be extremely helpful for automotive professionals to properly diagnose your car’s performance problems. Engine failure issues are usually detected by your car’s computer, and then relayed to the driver via an alert symbol that illuminates in the dashboard. The computer code that is assigned to the specific issue can then be read by a professional auto technician with the right equipment and properly treated.

How We Can Help

The automotive specialists here at Euro Automotive service European import cars for residents of Dallas, Garland, Arlington, and Fort Worth, TX. It is our mission to provide dealership-alternative services at affordable rates to our community, as we believe that every driver deserves to save money while still keeping their cars in reliable condition. Engine failure is preventable. if you’re experiencing any of the aforementioned, concerning symptoms in your European import, please contact us right away to check it out.