We all know that smoke and ash in the air can make it harder to breathe. But did you know it can negatively affect your vehicle the same way? The ash we’re experiencing right now is plugging up our vehicle’s engine air filters. Best case scenario, this is only causing worse fuel economy. Worst case scenario, if the ash makes it through the filter it will cause engine damage. Along with engine air filters, ash affects the cabin air filter in your vehicle as well. You can compare the cabin air filter to the air filters in your home - periodically they need changing. However, this season it is especially important to have them inspected (and likely replaced) due to the fires. Experience cleaner, healthier air by replacing these filters at your earliest convenience.
The end of summer is nearing, which means cool weather will be here before you know it. You likely haven’t had the need to fire up the heater system in your car in a while but on your next drive, we recommend testing it. Fall is very common for heater issues, but it's not because heaters fail in the fall. The real reason is the lack of using the heater in the summer. Since you do not use your heater as often (if at all) this means you might not realize your heater is not working properly. If your heater is giving you troubles, let’s fix it for you before you need it to keep warm in the chilly months ahead.
Autumn is almost officially here, which means this is the perfect time to think about preparing your car for winter-weather driving. Here are a few items we suggest getting checked out before wintertime hits:
-Heater and defroster
-Cooling system
-Snow Wiper Blades
-Tires
-Oil change
-Brakes
Whether you’re driving through the Rocky Mountains or the Cascades, we’ve got you covered.
If you have any questions about your car’s maintenance needs this fall, give us a call at 206-527-8828 and we’d be happy to make personalized suggestions!
When was the last time you had your timing chain inspected? If your vehicle is equipped with a timing chain, here are some symptoms to look out for with a bad timing chain:
-Engine misfires
-Engine rattles while idling
-Metal shavings in the oil
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it is critical to bring your vehicle in for an appointment at your earliest convenience. A bad timing chain leads to engine failure.
There are just a few more weeks of summer until it's officially fall! Now is the perfect time to protect your car from the late summer heat, as well as prepare its paint for the winter weather ahead. We recommend applying a coat of wax to your vehicle. Not only will it make your vehicle sparkle and shine, but it’ll prevent fading, discoloring, and oxidation. Wax essentially creates a barrier between the body of the car and winter snow, ice, salt, and gravel. We recommend waxing in the garage, or out of the direct sunlight.
Did you know that your air conditioning system is beneficial to your vehicle year-round, not just in the summer heat? European cars use their air conditioner to defrost the windows in the wintertime. The air conditioner works as a dehumidifier to condense the moisture out of the air into water. The condensation is vented through a drain hose that runs out the bottom of the car. When you turn on the defroster it pumps dry air up toward the windshield. This helps to evaporate the moisture. The more you know!
At EuroCar Service, we’re all about communication. We want you to understand not only what’s being done to your car, but why. So, needless to say, we’re always happy to answer questions! If there’s anything you don’t understand - whether it’s why we’re recommending a certain service or how something is factored into your invoice, don’t feel shy about asking. If you have budget concerns, let us know so your service advisor can prioritize the most essential services or arrange an affordable payment plan. We’re here to help!
When was the last time that you inspected your lights to ensure they’re functioning as they should? Many times your vehicle will tell you that you have a light malfunction, but not always. For example, we’ve seen a BMW headlight that would flash at freeway speeds, yet never triggered the “headlight malfunction” warning light. If you have a few extra minutes, have someone help you check to make sure your headlights and tail lights are working as they should. Or stop by for a courtesy inspection - we’d be happy to help!
We all know that ice is slippery and hazardous to drive on, but here’s one thing you may not have thought about: so are wet leaves. The surface of leaves can be slick, even when they’re dry, which means they can affect your stopping distance. In fact, one study showed that stopping distance can more than double with wet leaves when compared to a dry, leafless road!
With wet winter weather on the way, it’s important to make sure your tires have the tread they need to give you that extra traction and stopping power. One easy way to do that? Schedule an appointment with us! We can evaluate your tire tread, the condition of the rubber, and make recommendations on the best tires for winter weather, your vehicle, and your driving conditions.
Did you know that there was a 1976 Mercedes in Greece that went 2.8 MILLION miles before it was finally retired in a Mercedes-Benz museum?! Needless to say, Mercedes are incredibly reliable. It’s not uncommon to see them surpass 200,000 miles and still be going strong. But, like all vehicles, they need regular maintenance to make it to that point.
Whether you have an older model or one fresh off the lot, we have the knowledge and the tools to keep your Mercedes on the road for years to come. We use manufacturer designed service procedures and genuine parts, so your vehicle gets the same care as it would at the dealership. Give us a call today at 206-527-8828 to schedule your appointment!
Working from home? You might’ve noticed you’re putting fewer miles on your vehicle than you typically would. Here are some tips to keep your car in shape:
1.) Take your vehicle for a 30-minute drive, preferably at freeway speeds once per week to help keep the battery charged. Not only does it keep the battery charged, but also keeps the car from smelling due to excess moisture, fluids moving around, prevents brake rust, and more!
2.) If your vehicle has been sitting for a while, measure your tire pressure before you drive off to ensure there are no surprise tire leaks.
3.) Wash your vehicle a couple of times per month at least. It’ll help protect your paint.
4.) As always, our top recommendation is to keep up with scheduled maintenance. It not only keeps your vehicle’s value at top dollar, but keeps it on the road longer.
Happy Halloween! Watching out for trick or treaters can make even the most cautious drivers nervous. Clear visibility of your surroundings is crucial when participating in these fun fall activities. Take five minutes today to check windshield wiper fluids of both the front and back windshields. Making sure you have sufficient levels of wiper fluid, and that your wiper blades function properly are two easy tasks to help prepare for a safe evening ahead. Have a vehicle with optional brake assist? If you have turned the option “off” on your vehicle, consider turning it on today. Have a fun holiday!
Have you ever had car troubles only to realize critters chewed on your vehicle’s electrical wiring? It’s the worst! We’ll always check for any sign of rodents upon inspection of your vehicle. In the meantime, here are some tips to reduce the chances of critters setting up camp in your vehicle, and instead, doing so outside like this hedgehog (photo by boredpanda.com).
1.) If you park in a garage, leave the hood up. Rodents aren’t attracted to open spaces.
2.) Drive your vehicle regularly, so rodents don’t have the opportunity to move in.
3.) Don’t keep open pet food near your vehicle.
4.) Use taste and smell deterrents.
Did you make a new year’s resolution for 2021? Exercise and eating better are often at the top of many people’s lists, but here’s an additional suggestion: keeping up with your routine maintenance! It’s the best way to extend the life and resale value of your vehicle and ensure you have safe, reliable transportation all year long. And, it’s much easier than starting a new workout routine! Contact us today at (206) 527-8829 to schedule your appointment.
Does your car have between 60,000 and 90,000 miles on it? Have you replaced the timing belt or water pump yet? If the answer is no, we have a maintenance tip that'll save you money! Timing belts and water pumps typically need replacing around the same time mileage wise. The labor for replacing a timing belt is about 90% the same for replacing a water pump, so it's cost effective to take care of them both at the same time. If your water pump is powered by the timing belt, and develops a leak, you'll need to replace both anyway because contamination from coolant fluid damages the timing belt. Save time and money by replacing both when one or the other is due.
When was the last time you had your belts and hoses inspected? Hoses can become brittle and fail, or begin leaking. Belts can crack, especially in cooler weather. Ask your service advisor about a belt and hose inspection at your next service or repair appointment.
Running low on wiper fluid? It can be very tempting to just fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with water and just move on. But wait! Don’t do it! Water can freeze in the washer lines. Furthermore, using a proper windshield washer fluid will break down dirt, debris, dust, and bugs for an easy clean the next time you pull into a gas station or car wash. Keep visibility high and your wipers running properly with a quality washer fluid.
Have you been driving your car less this year? With more people staying at home, many of our cars are also sitting for longer. This might have you wondering whether you need to stay on your current oil change schedule. One of the biggest issues is that when your engine doesn’t operate, the oil can’t keep some of the mechanisms lubricated. There’s also the issue that sitting oil breaks down over time. So while it might seem like you could go longer between oil changes, it’s generally recommended you stay on your regular schedule – or even have your oil changed a little sooner.
We can work with you to determine a new schedule for your car based on its age, how often you drive it, and how many miles you’re typically traveling now. Give us a call at (206) 527-8828 to schedule your appointment or contact us online: https://www.eurocarservice.com/appointment/
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Looking for a great gift idea for the holidays? Consider vehicle floor mats. They come in a wide variety of price ranges, and even the inexpensive ones protect your vehicle’s carpet from stains, snow, water, and mud. For maximum protection, purchase a set of rubber all-weather floor mats. These are the easiest to clean, and have become so advanced you can order ones custom fit to your vehicle’s year, make, and model.