Do you hear a shrieking noise when you press on the gas pedal? Have your belts checked out, as they may be too loose and need to be tightened. It’s good to catch this early, as broken belts can be expensive to replace.
Always make sure your Saab service history is up-to-date. Not only does it keep everything current, but it also enhances the resale value and makes it more attractive to buyers if you have it available when the time comes to sell.
Do you know that the modern three-point seatbelt was invented by Volvo 50 years ago? At that time, they made the patent open and free to all car manufacturers. Seat belts now save over 13,000 lives in the United States every year.
The size of any pools or puddles of liquid under your car can be used to determine the severity and urgency of making repairs. If the size is two inches or less, it is considered seepage and needs to be checked when possible, but is not usually considered serious unless it is brake fluid. Pools greater than three inches require immediate diagnosis and repair.
If you use your Toyota to haul heavy loads or for towing a trailer regularly, the maintenance schedule for the differential may need to be accelerated. For the most part, changing the lubricant and an inspection will keep everything in good condition.
When you hear a knock, knock, knocking coming from the rear axle area when you drive, don't knock on wood and hope it will go away. Have it taken care of immediately because the driveshaft is loose, bent, or unbalanced.
Unless you’re a mechanic yourself, you’re putting a lot of trust in your mechanic to find what’s wrong. Going to a Smart Car specialist not only gives you repairs you can count on, but his or her specialized knowledge also gives you peace of mind.
When a car is overheating may provide helpful clues towards the cause. For example, if a car overheats when stopped or idling, the problem could be related to a worn fan or belt – a car overheating at high speeds could be due to radiator, thermostat or hose issues.
Can Lexus hybrid vehicles really make a difference for the environment? Studies show that hybrid vehicles put out 66 percent fewer emissions. These, along with greenhouse gases, have been shown to be dangerous to the protective ozone layer of the atmosphere.
Before the Volvo’s introduction of Geartronic the automatic transmissions were made by the ZF Friedrichshafen company. As the transmissions switched to manumatic technologies Volvo teamed up with Japanese developers Aisin.
In the back of your Smart Car Owner’s Manual are several blank pages. We recommend you use these to write down any questions that you may have before you bring your vehicle in for service or repairs. Put the date next to each question, and check it off once it is answered or addressed.
If we have to keep your vehicle overnight or longer, we will work with your insurance company to provide you with a rental vehicle until your car is repaired. If you have questions about this, please give us a call.
Did you know that engine temperatures can reach an astounding 4,500 degrees Fahrenheit? In fact, if it weren't for the radiator and the cooling system, the engine would quickly overheat and in most cases become critically damaged.
In auto electrical systems, a blown fuse can often be indicative of other larger issues. If a fuse has blown, it is likely that the problem is a short or an overload in the circuit or component the fuse is protecting. In this case, replacing the fuse will only fix the problem temporarily.
If contaminants find their way into your fuel system, they can clog the injector if they’re not filtered out. A dirty fuel filter restricts fuel flow to the engine, which reduces engine power at high speeds, causes the engine to stall or makes it difficult to start.
Has it been getting harder for your car to cool off every time you engage the A/C? You don’t have to just live with it. A Saab expert will be able to get your A/C working again and keeping you cool in no time.
Planning a long road trip? The last thing you want is to run into a serious problem while you're far away from home. Getting an auto diagnostic beforehand will allow you to make any necessary repairs before you hit the road.
Wouldn't it be great if the weekend was for fun as opposed to errands that couldn't be completed during the week, such as a trip to the auto shop? We'll come out to your business during the week so your car will be ready for a weekend of fun.
We are able to help service commercial vehicle fleets too! We offer a collection and delivery service to ensure your fleet is back up and running as soon as possible with the minimum of effort. There is no reason not to get everything done correctly and efficiently in one place.
Did you know that in the early 1990s, the Volvo company split into 2 different units. One, Volvo Group, continues to make larger commercial vehicles, while the other, Volvo Cars, makes smaller passenger vehicles.
When Mercedes-Benz engines are built, they undergo several tests before the engines are even installed. They are also checked for noises and any friction to ensure that they run smoothly before they leave the factory.
Most European vehicles on the road in the U.S. are precision automobiles whose engines require a different kind of care than most American, Japanese, or Korean automobiles. Seeking the services of a dedicated professional ensures proper care.
In order to keep your Saab running well, it needs to be maintained properly, even when it comes to basic oil changes. The best way to make sure all of your maintenance is done well is to make sure it’s done by an expert in Saabs.
When it sounds like there is a flapping noise coming from under hood, take a look (when you are parked and the engine is off). Check the belts for signs of wear and degradation. If they are fine, it could be the fan blades are striking something as they turn.
Mobile oil changes are a key service to mobile auto repair service. We can add as many as five quarts of oil to most cars, in addition to removing or replacing oil and your filters.
It’s generally recommended that you have scheduled maintenance performed on your Mercedes at 20,000 miles or 24 months, depending on which comes first. Here, we will check the oil and all fuel levels, as well as the poly-V belt, braking system, and audible warning system.
Most radiators and the associated cooling system components fail as a result of age rather than overuse or abuse. Hose materials naturally degrade over time and constant contact with coolant can contribute to this deterioration.
Did you know that you should check every Mercedes-Benz’s audible warning system, tire inflation pressure, and brake-pad thickness at 10,000 miles?
Leaf springs are one of the oldest forms of suspension. In fact, the Egyptians would use them on their war chariots. They've been built of a large variety of materials, including wood, but metal is the best material. Leaf springs are still seen today on some larger trucks.
If you happen to own an older Japanese import, it is well-advised that you get to know your vehicle thoroughly. Doing so allows you to be aware of any faults that may eventually end up stranding you far from home.
It’s smart to have your plugs checked every 30,000 miles or so, and they should be replaced at 100,000 miles. Why? They’re vital to engine performance, and properly functioning plugs help it operate at optimum levels.
The “Hofmeister kink” is the name of the distinctive low-forward bend of the rear window featured most notably on BMW’s. First seen on the BMW 1500, it can also be seen used by other automobile manufacturers, such as Chevrolet. Despite this, BMW claims that the “Hofmeister kink” is meant to signify that all BMW models have rear-wheel drive.
Oil changes are the most common maintenance performed on a car, but even these should be done at an import specialist since they will have the training and appropriate oils for your car.
Have you ever had a friend who had trouble finding repair parts for his vehicle? As one of the biggest automakers in the world, it’s easy to find used or new parts for even the oldest Volkswagen vehicles still on the road.
Did you know that unaligned wheels can cause the brake shaft on your car not to work to its fullest extent, putting a strain on the system? The steering system can also be compromised if it is consistently pulling to one side or another.
The Porsche company logo derives from the company's roots in Stuttgart, Germany. The gold shield with a black horse is a symbol of the city of Stuttgart, while the surrounding coat of arms comes from the historic Weimar-era state of Württemberg, which had Stuttgart as its capital.
One aspect of preventative Mercedes maintenance includes allowing our professionals to perform a visual inspection of the windshield wiper blades, headlights, taillights, and tires every 5,000 miles.
If you own a 1952 Jaguar C-Type sports car, you own a piece of history. After the car’s record-breaking win at the 24-hour LeMans in 1951, Jaguar turned the C-Type sports car into a limited run production vehicle sold only to private owners.
The camber setting under your vehicle influences the directional control and tire wear. Too much positive camber, when your wheels are tilted outward from the top, can result in premature wear on the outside of the tire. Too much negative camber, when your wheels are tilted inward at the top, can result in premature wear on the inside of the tire. Both can cause your suspension to wear down faster, so getting this fixed is crucial for your safety.
Toyota rolled out their very first prototype car way back in 1935. The name they gave that vehicle, which never made its way to the production line, was the Model A1.
We recommend all of our customers practice basic car care to maintain their vehicles between visits to us. Be sure that you're keeping your tires aired up at the right pressure, keeping your windows clean, and your blinker and other light bulbs changed when needed.
The good news? Improved materials and designs mean the spark plug wires on your Toyota no longer need to be routinely replaced along with the plugs. The better news? During routine maintenance, we test the wires, because they’re vital to engine efficiency.
If your car does not have rack and pinion steering (conventional steering), have the suspension lubricated when you have the tires rotated. This prevents metal from rubbing on metal, extending the life of the springs and struts and other moving parts.
Bushings are rubber or nylon grommets that separate the metal parts of a suspension system from each other, like the disks in the spine separate the vertebrae. Bushings do wear out, and must be replaced to prevent metal-on-metal contact.
Keeping your wheels properly aligned and in balance is one way to maximize your vehicle's fuel mileage. We can offer a number of tips that will help you get a few more miles from every gallon of gas.
Smart Cars are among the most fuel-efficient cars on the planet. Their upkeep is fairly straightforward, and one of the most important troubleshooting tips for Smart Car owners to remember is to check the battery. In fact, any mechanical issues with regards to this car are usually battery associated. Just remember to have your battery checked every 20,000 miles or so.
Batteries are adversely affected by heat as cold. If your battery dies, bring it in to us and we will have it all sorted out before you know it. It’s best to think twice before doing it yourself as a mistake with the battery could cost you some major bucks!
All 1993 to 1997 Volvo 850 models use a small plastic gear to drive odometer and trip meter functions, which are prone to cracking, resulting in intermittent or complete loss of odometer function. An updated gear kit can be used to repair this issue.
Proper maintenance of your vehicle is not a case of fixing what isn’t broken. It is a matter of making sure everything is working properly, anticipating problems before they happen, and making sure all the fluids are fresh and protecting your vehicle.
The history of the Porsche began around the year 1931 when a man named Ferdinand Porsche founded his own company in Stuttgart, Germany. Interestingly, Porsche's first company did not build any cars of their own at this time but instead worked with other companies, helping with design and consultation.
Poor road conditions can wreak havoc on your Audis shocks, struts, and suspension system. If you have been driving on roads that are exceptionally rough or full of potholes, let us inspect the suspension system to make sure your ride stays smooth.
It's more common to see diesel engines on European cars than American cars. Part of that is because the diesel engine was invented in Europe. Rudolf Diesel introduced the engine in 1893, and it was first introduced in vehicles by Mercedes-Benz in the 1920s.
Part of the reason your Smart Car works so efficiently and well is the fact that it has a variety of electronic systems that help make everything work smoothly. So if there’s something that’s not working that smoothly, you should get a Smart Car repair expert to check it.
The anti-freeze in your Mini serves two purposes: keeping the engine cool and keeping it from freezing up when the temps drop. If the “low coolant” light comes on, bring it to us not just for coolant, but to also check for, and repair, leaks.
Poor road conditions can wreak havoc on your Audis shocks, struts, and suspension system. If you have been driving on roads that are exceptionally rough or full of potholes, let us inspect the suspension system to make sure your ride stays smooth.
It's more common to see diesel engines on European cars than American cars. Part of that is because the diesel engine was invented in Europe. Rudolf Diesel introduced the engine in 1893, and it was first introduced in vehicles by Mercedes-Benz in the 1920s.
As the weather turns cooler, your coolant needs to be checked - if not changed. If the coolant-to-water ratio is less than the recommended 50/50, you run the risk of the liquid freezing and causing extensive damage.
Part of the reason your Smart Car works so efficiently and well is the fact that it has a variety of electronic systems that help make everything work smoothly. So if there’s something that’s not working that smoothly, you should get a Smart Car repair expert to check it.
The anti-freeze in your Mini serves two purposes: keeping the engine cool and keeping it from freezing up when the temps drop. If the “low coolant” light comes on, bring it to us not just for coolant, but to also check for, and repair, leaks.
Poor road conditions can wreak havoc on your Audis shocks, struts, and suspension system. If you have been driving on roads that are exceptionally rough or full of potholes, let us inspect the suspension system to make sure your ride stays smooth.
It's more common to see diesel engines on European cars than American cars. Part of that is because the diesel engine was invented in Europe. Rudolf Diesel introduced the engine in 1893, and it was first introduced in vehicles by Mercedes-Benz in the 1920s.
