If you smell burning plastic coming from the engine when it is running, it may only be minor problem. It could be the covering of wires touching the hot engine, or it could be a problem with the battery cable. While not serious problems, they do need to be corrected.
What visual signs can indicate that a vehicle’s shocks may need to be replaced? Visible damage or dents on the shock tubes and noticeable oil leaks around the shocks. If you need assistance identifying where your vehicle’s shocks are, our technicians are happy to help too.
Are you looking to reduce the number of repairs that are needed for your Lexus? One tip is to always have a mechanic check out your vehicle before any lengthy drive. Regular checkups will not only reveal problems before they become too serious, but they will also help you avoid breakdowns while on vacation.
If your BMW cranks up slowly and with difficulty, don't automatically assume the problem is with your battery. We will also check your starter, which is the most significant power user in your BMW.
If it has become difficult to turn the steering wheel, or you hear a squealing when turning, check the level of the power steering fluid. The owner’s manual will show you where to find the reservoir, how to open it, the proper fluid, and how to fill it. However, there is probably a reason it is low; bring it to us to find out why.
Difficulty in starting your Scion can be from a number of problems, all of them exhibiting the same symptoms. Worn battery cables, a faulty starter, defective ignition switch, or a weak or dead battery can all be the source.
BMW is a respected German car manufacturer, so if you own one of BMW's cars, you probably want the best type of service for your car. You can get this type of service at a European car repair shop.
Carbon and gum can build up on the cylinder heads (and the carburetor in an older model Subaru) and reduce power. To correct this, the cylinder heads, valves, valve seats, and ports need to be inspected and cleaned of deposits.
The transmission fluid filter is important to your automatic transmission. In the typical Subaru, it should be routinely replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or whenever you notice the transmission tends to slip, hesitate, or not engage.
For decades, Porsche was known for just sports cars, but that all changed with the introduction of the Cayenne in 2002. Currently in the second generation (since 2011), the crossover SUV was a quick success and an important addition to the Porsche lineup.
The compressor belt is the trigger for many air-conditioning repairs. An air-conditioning expert can check that belt to make sure it's tight and has no unusual signs of wear and tear.
In your Japanese import, the oil filter is designed to remove solid contaminants like soot and rust. Oil filters prevent unnecessary engine wear, so both the oil and filter should be replaced every 3000 miles.
Do you know that the European car manufacturer Volvo was first to introduce the three-point seatbelt? We care about your safety just as much as Volvo, and we encourage you to have your car regularly serviced to detect potential problems.
Are you hearing a strange sound from the engine of your Saab that you can’t put your finger on? You don’t have to worry. A Saab expert will be able to track down the source of the sound and fix it.
The main components of your car’s electrical system are the battery, starter, and alternator. Making sure all of the cables that connect these components are stable and in good condition will help your car run smoothly.
If the lights on your Porsche are not working properly, the problem may be with the bulbs, the fuses, or the switches. Determining what is needed is progressive – first the bulbs are checked, then the fuses (or vice-versa). If neither of these is the source of the problem, that means the switches need to be replaced
If you’re driving a front wheel drive VW, you may experience a clunking noise when turning the steering wheel. This is probably a deteriorated bushing, which can be easily replaced.
Did your check engine light come on before expected? Try tightening down your gas cap. If this does not work, it may still be only a minor issue. Bring it in and let us check it for you.
When you have your Volvo turned off, always remember to unplug any electronic devices that are hooked up through the dash. The charge of the battery could be leeched and cause problems when trying to start your car.
Thinking of buying a high-mileage vehicle? Ideally, a transmission should be able to outlast the rest of the car, unless it's poorly maintained. An auto diagnostics will include checking to make sure the transmission will not need to be replaced soon.
Check fluids before heading out on a road trip and make sure to pack an emergency kit with a backup flashlight, cell battery and water.
Modern radiators can be built either of aluminum or copper. Copper was traditionally used up through the 1970s, and is an incredible heat conductor. Aluminum, however, is lightweight, which can help when trying to reduce weight to increase speed.
Do not panic if you notice flashing turn signals when locking your Smart Car, but it does indicate a problem. The vehicle is programmed for them to flash nine times when the battery in the key fob has begun to run low on juice.
Volkswagen is a well-known and iconic car brand. Their vehicles have undergone many makeovers, with the quality and uniqueness of the brand remaining all the way through. Most car enthusiasts see the Beetle as the quintessential Volkswagen model.
There are three key terms used when discussing wheel alignment and the adjustments that are made: toe, camber, and caster. Toe is the inward slant to wheels; Camber is the outward tilt, or the angle of the wheel in relation to vertical; and caster refers to how the wheels are aligned with each other. All three must be precisely measured and adjusted.
Do you find a puddle of coolant and/or water under your car after you have driven it, even if it’s only been for a short distance? This can be an indication that your car's radiator is leaking and needs to be repaired.
We have access to the full line of genuine BMW parts. When your BMW needs a repair, you should only rely on genuine BMW parts, as opposed to generic parts that weren't specifically manufactured for your vehicle.
Interestingly, Saab 900 models tend to develop rust in predictable areas. If you own an older Saab, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for rust formation in such areas as the wheel arches, gas cap, and bottom inside of doors.
Your car's mass can be basically broken down into two separate parts: The sprung mass and the unsprung mass. The sprung mass is the part of the car that's supported by the springs, while the unsprung mass is the section between the road and the suspension springs.
Do you ever notice a grinding sound when your car just won’t start? In many cases, this is a sign your alternator is in need of repair or replacement. A clicking sound, on the other hand, indicates a battery problem.
Are you experiencing a burning smell in your car? This can be due to several reasons, such as lack of transmission fluid. Hence, you should look for the signs of oil leakage if you notice a weird, burning smell.
If you notice an oil leak in your Porsche, get it checked out as soon as you can. Leaks don’t resolve and instead always get worse, and if allowed to get too out of hand, they can severely damage your engine.
If your tailpipe is belching blue-gray smoke, it’s a clear indication there’s a problem. Common causes include oil leaking into the combustion chamber because the PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve is stuck or the valve seals are leaking.
Did you know that mobile auto repair technicians are able to perform a thorough and accurate engine analysis right at your home or place of business? They are also able to complete a wide range of repairs, eliminating the need for a tow or waiting at the repair shop.
If your Lexus is struggling at high speeds, difficult to start or tends to stall, it’s time for a checkup and filter change. It’s likely contaminants in the fuel have made the filter so dirty, the filter is restricting fuel flow to the engine.
If you drive a car with an automatic transmission and you notice delays in shifting, bring it in to have the transmission fluid level checked or the bands tightened.
Do you look at a suspension system and only look at the shocks and springs? You're missing a key part in the equation, which is the tires and wheels. For braking, turning, and acceleration to work, these have to be in contact with the road, so how they work with the suspension is a big part of it.
If you are looking under the hood of your car, and you notice the battery has a swollen look to it, it needs to be replaced immediately. Trying to start your vehicle may cause it to explode, so let us come to you and replace it.
When you know that your car isn’t quite right, you want the best “car doctor” you can find, and that means someone experienced with the type of car you own. An import specialist may be the best option for you at the best price.
Few people realize “Volvo” means “I roll” in Latin. The name was adopted because in 1915, the company was established as a ball bearing manufacturer. Ball bearings remained the primary business until 1927 when the company produced its first passenger car.
Did you know that from the 1960s to the 1980s most Volvo vehicles were identified by a three-digit code and the year they were released? In this code, the first number reflected the overall model, the second the type of engine, and the third the total number of doors.
If you’re a fan of the 1989 movie “Field of Dreams,” you may remember that Ray Kinsella, played by actor Kevin Costner, drives from his farm in Iowa to Boston, to a side trip in Minnesota, and back to Iowa in a Volkswagen Bus. The vehicle was chosen because Kinsella and his wife are depicted as former hippies from the 1960s, a time when the VW Bus first became popular in the U.S.
Do you know how a dependent front suspension works? This type of suspension has a rigid front axle that connects to your front tires on your vehicle. It looks like a solid bar under your vehicle, but it is kept in place by leaf springs and shock absorbers. This type of suspension is seen more on trucks than cars.
To minimize the consequences of normal aging, it’s actually recommended that you have your Saab’s oxygen sensor replaced as part of normal preventative maintenance. The time frame of recommended replacement will depend primarily on the age of your vehicle.
In 1907, the gas-powered Takuri Type 3 featured a two-cylinder, 12-hp, water-cooled engine manufactured in Japan. Only 12 were produced, and according to one automobile historian, “a deeply skeptical public considered that to be a dozen too many.”
Volvo uses what is known as an in-line engine or a straight engine. Since 1993 Volvo has used its in-line 5 cylinder engine as a standard for production vehicles which it first introduced in the Volvo 850.
Do you have a missing or broken gas cap? This may seem like a minor problem, but car experts say the gas cap prevents evaporation of gasoline. On a yearly basis, U.S. cars lose about 147 million gallons of gasoline because of faulty gas caps.
In early 20th century America, the public was passionate about passenger vehicles. In Japan, the emphasis was on vehicles with utilitarian and military applications, and as a result, between 1901 and 1911, only 50 passenger vehicles were produced nationwide.
Audi, along with Volvo, was considered a champion of the inline-five cylinder, 2.1/2.2 L engine in the 1980s. This engine was considered a longer-lasting alternative to more traditional six-cylinder engines. It was used not only in production cars, but also in their racecars.
Has your car recently failed an emissions test when it’s otherwise been running fine? If your spark plugs are in need of replacement, they can have negative effects on emissions and overall engine performance.
German cars are known for their exceptional engineering and luxury, and with good reason. The top three luxury cars in the world are Mercedes Benz, BMW, and, of course, Audi. All three of them are headquartered in Germany (Audi is located in Bavaria).
It’s important to remember that a time will come when the cost of repairing problems with an old radiator will outweigh the cost of replacement. If we think replacement is the more affordable option, we’ll be sure to let you know.
It’s a simple thing, but it’s true. A clean engine tends to run more efficiently and last longer than a dirty one. While accumulated dirt, grime and grease can encourage heat buildup, clean engines tend to run cooler.
German cars are known for their exceptional engineering and luxury, and with good reason. The top three luxury cars in the world are Mercedes Benz, BMW, and, of course, Audi. All three of them are headquartered in Germany (Audi is located in Bavaria).
It’s important to remember that a time will come when the cost of repairing problems with an old radiator will outweigh the cost of replacement. If we think replacement is the more affordable option, we’ll be sure to let you know.
When does tire wear indicate a problem with a vehicle’s alignment? While tires can experience uneven wear due to over or under inflation, tire wear associated with alignment issues generally occurs only on one side of the tire.
As the coolant moves through the engine, it takes heat away from the various parts. From there, it goes to the radiator inlet, which connects the engine to the radiator. From there, it goes into the top tank, which dispenses it to the radiator.
It’s a simple thing, but it’s true. A clean engine tends to run more efficiently and last longer than a dirty one. While accumulated dirt, grime and grease can encourage heat buildup, clean engines tend to run cooler.
German cars are known for their exceptional engineering and luxury, and with good reason. The top three luxury cars in the world are Mercedes Benz, BMW, and, of course, Audi. All three of them are headquartered in Germany (Audi is located in Bavaria).
