How to Deal With Volkswagen Engine Oil Leaks

Posted on | 23 Dec 2019 By Anita Gaal

It’s no wonder Volkswagens have become one of the most popular vehicles. Owners love the quality of performance, reliability, and comfort each model offers. However, like most vehicles, VW’s can experience the ill effects of oil spills. Motor oil’s main function is to reduce friction and wear and tear on parts and to clean the engine from sludge. After some time, the wear can make parts fall flat and oil to spill. Volkswagen’s aren’t especially inclined to oil leaks more than other vehicles, yet getting them fixed requires the skill of a VW master to keep a break from happening once more. Let’s review the main causes of oil spills, how to recognize them, and how to manage them for your Volkswagen.

Main Causes of Oil Leaks

The fundamental driver of oil spills frequently boils down to worn out parts inside the motor. Harm after some time is unavoidable, as most vehicle parts fail sooner or later. Obviously, the rate at which parts decay can be expected by outside elements that may make them flop rashly. Irregular oil changes, extreme climates, or a lot of stop-and-go driving can all increase the possibility of a leak happening.

Ensure It’s Engine Oil

Before panicking and searching for the source of your oil leak, let’s be certain that the leak really is motor oil. Engine oil is amber in color, differentiating it from other fluids such as coolant, which is pink or bright green, or transmission fluid, which is a reddish brown. If you can’t tell if what’s leaking from your car is engine oil, you should schedule a visit with an expert technician. Below are the areas to inspect.

Drain Plug

A loose drain plug while having your oil serviced can cause a leak, as will a worn plug or one that hasn’t been tightened properly. A worn out drain plug should replaced to avoid leaks. You may see the leak underneath your car, which is a great visual indicator that your VW needs further inspection.

Errors with the Filler Cap

A common error when replacing oil is neglecting to properly tighten the filler top. A loose filler cap often leads to nasty oil leaks. Not only is this messy, but it can cause worse damage down the line. The leaking oil may drip into your engine compartment.

Valve Gasket Seal

This is responsible for circulating the engine oil properly. However, gasket seals age begin to wear from high heat conditions of the engine. The first gaskets to check are the rear main seal, the timing case gasket, camshaft seals, the valve cover gasket and the head gasket.

Oil filter

Oil filters naturally wear out over time and will need replacement at recommended intervals. Their purpose is to accumulate the debris which can cause deposits and buildup. If it cannot filter oil through the accumulated buildup fast enough, this can cause a buildup and leak.

How To Prevent Oil Leaks

The best way to prevent oil leaks in your Volkswagen is proper maintenance at the recommended scheduled intervals. It is common to follow your Volkswagen’s manufacturer maintenance plan. If you drive in rural areas or during rush hour with many stop-and-go traffic jams, it is recommended that you change the oil and filter more frequently.

Hire a Specialist to Save Money in the Long Haul

Employing the services of a reputable service provider ought to be top on your priority list. Repairing an engine oil leak is not difficult but it can require more comprehensive repair work for damages that have resulted from oil leaks. Ensuring they are fixed properly requires the expertise of a trained VW specialist to prevent a leak from happening again. They will also recognize smaller problems before they become major.

The German automotive specialists here at Euro Automotive will use the latest diagnostic equipment to inspect and repair your oil leak in your VW. We service customers from all over the area, including Dallas, Garland, Arlington, and Fort Worth, TX. Call us today if you have questions about our pricing or appointment availability. You can also stop by for a consultation. We look forward to earning your trust and support for all your future Volkswagen maintenance and service needs.

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

Posted on | 26 Aug 2019 By Anita Gaal

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

The Belt that Offers the Works – The Accessory Drive Belt

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

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

Cracks, Squeaking, Thumping

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

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

Your Car is an Investment – Maintain It Like One

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

Where to Go for Trusted Repairs

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

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

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

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

How Do You Detect O2 Sensor Failure in Volkswagen

Posted on | 23 Jul 2018 By Anita Gaal

The Volkswagen has always been and will always be a reliable car. Whether you are driving a new or older model, that statement is still true. Keeping up with the proper maintenance and care for your Volkswagen will have it running to its fullest capability at all times.

However, with that being said, there may still come times when you feel as if your Volkswagen is trying to tell you something and that something is not good. This is definitely true when the O2 sensor starts to fail. Knowing what the O2 sensor is in your Volkswagen and the signs of failure will allow you to promptly bring it in to Euro Automotive for a proper repair.

What is the O2 Sensor?

The oxygen (O2) sensor is located in the exhaust system. The purpose of the O2 sensor is to measure the oxygen levels that are in the exhaust gases as they are leaving the engine. Once the O2 sensor has a read of the levels, it sends this information to the Powertrain Control Module. The Powertrain Control Module then is able to determine what the correct air to fuel ratio is best for the engine at its current state.

The O2 sensor is also in charge of keeping the fuel injector and engine timing working efficiently. When all these functions are working together as they should, the emissions will also be properly controlled. So if there is a failure in the O2 sensor then the engine performance will be affected as well as the emissions that are going out into the environment.

Signs of O2 Sensor Failure in Your Volkswagen

Knowing the signs of O2 sensor failure is beneficial both to you and your Volkswagen. You want to feel safe as you are driving and want your car to last as long as it can. These things are obtainable when you know the signs of O2 sensor failure and act on them immediately.

Check Engine Light Comes On

The check engine light is going to be the first indicator that you could be having O2 sensor failure. This is because the O2 sensor is directly related to the performance of the engine. If the O2 sensor is failing, that means that there could be an improper ratio of air and fuel going into the engine. Although there could be other reasons for the check engine light to come on, bringing your car in immediately once the light comes on can help prevent any further damage of any other part in the engine.

Reduced Gas Mileage

Due to the fact that the O2 sensor is related to the air to fuel ratio required for optimal engine performance, any failure in the sensor will throw this ratio off. A failure in the O2 sensor will also affect the fuel-delivery and the fuel-combustion systems. Both of these systems should be working properly in order for the gas mileage to be maintained at the level that you are used to.

You will be able to tell if your gas mileage is being affected in your Volkswagen is you find yourself making more and more trips to the gas station. Once you realize this, you might consider start keeping a log so you will know for sure that your gas mileage is being negatively affected.

Engine Misfires or Rough Idles

The O2 sensor is connected to the proper functioning of the engine. So if the sensor has failed, then the air to fuel ratio is no longer being controlled. The engine will then no longer be able to run in a capacity that is most efficient. You may notice that the engine is misfiring due to the fact that the O2 sensor is no longer able to help regulate the timing of the engine. The O2 sensor failure will also cause your engine to run very rough when the engine is idling.

Take Your Volkswagen to a Trusted Company

Euro Automotive is located in Dallas, TX and is easily accessible from the surrounding areas of Garland, Arlington, and Fort Worth. Euro Automotive has been in the car service and repair industry for over 18 years. We have properly trained and certified service technicians that will run a careful diagnostic that will reveal the exact issues your Volkswagen is experiencing. This information will always be properly communicated with you to ensure the trust is always in place. Once the O2 sensor failure is diagnosed, our technicians will provide quick, accurate repairs to keep you moving in your busy life.