Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Staying On Top of Problems to Avoid Transmission Repair


Transmission repair can run the gamut from minor to extensive and from relatively cheap to exorbitantly expensive. While there's nothing even the most vigilant car owner can do to prevent things from going wrong, there are usually things you can do to make sure you stay on the former end of the spectrum. Proper car maintenance goes a long way, but simply making sure you pay attention to troubling signs can often save you a great deal of money in the long run. People like to pretend that ignoring problems will make them go away, but this just doesn't work. Here are some of the problems you might find. When you do, pay attention and get it addressed early.

Gear Shifting

If you're driving a vehicle with a stick shift, it's very important to stay on top of transmission repair and the problems that can arise during the operation of your vehicle. To drive a standard, you need precise timing in shifting gears. If you start to notice this timing slip, or if you simply can't get the shifter to go into the next gear, it's time to have it looked at by a professional. Manual parts are often a bit cheaper than their automatic counterparts, but they can get expensive if you need a rebuild. Check your fluid levels and get your car checked out to make sure the cables don't need adjustment.

Smells

Never ignore strange smells coming from your vehicle. The burning of fluids could definitely be a sign that something is wrong. You may have a leak or something could be overheating under the hood. You need your fluids to keep everything running smoothly and to keep those precision instruments from burning up and burning out. If you smell something burning, it could be your fluid. Take it in to a transmission repair and find out what the problem is. If you can catch a problem like this early on, it could save you hundreds of dollars in shop bills.

Check Engine Light

Car owners get endlessly frustrated with the check engine light. It means almost nothing, and yet it means everything. It can indicate anything from impending engine failure to the fact that you didn't screw your gas cap on tight enough. In the future, we may have computer banks in our dashboards that will tell us exactly what's wrong with our cars, but for now we have to take them in and have them diagnosed. The check engine light can mean you need transmission repair work, so take it in immediately when it comes on. Well, maybe check the gas cap first.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7068782

Sunday, May 27, 2012

New 2012 Jaguar XKR: What Lamborghini Wanted to Be


Most don't realize that the hypercars from Lamborghini weren't intended to happen. Ferruccio Lamborghini wanted a powerful Grand Tourer, not a streetable racing car. Jaguar's 2012 XKR now fits that category in Grand Style.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Mercedes Benz - How to Keep It Running Well and Looking Like New


There are many things you can do to extend the life of your Mercedes Benz. For example, sometimes it's the little things that can make the biggest impact, such as using premium gasoline or driving less aggressively. On the other hand, there are a number of maintenance and cosmetic issues that can also keep your car operating in top condition. Explore some of these things below.

Get premium gasoline

You may be someone that thinks getting quality gas is not a necessity, but if you drive a Mercedes Benz, good gas is critical for a nice-running vehicle. Your car's owner manual will tell you what type of gasoline to purchase and if you cut corners, you could be in for some negative results. For example, when you use cheaper gas, you may notice strange knocking sounds, which could damage your engine. If you continue to use cheaper gas, you'll eventually run-down your vehicle faster than necessary.

Drive gentler

Another way to help make your Mercedes Benz last longer is by being more patient when driving. Being really aggressive, speeding, abruptly stopping and more can put lots of wear and tear on your vehicle. By taking your time and exercising patience, you can enjoy your vehicle for many more years to come.

Regular maintenance

Every vehicle needs to be properly cared for on a consistent basis. Whether it's the standard oil change and tune up or changing brake pads, there are some things that have to be done on a regular basis. By simply taking your vehicle to the dealer's service department, you can rest easy that your vehicle will perform as expected. In addition, keeping up with maintenance will not only help your car run better, but it will also help it help it ride smoother.

Getting new paint job

Over time, you Mercedes Benz may lose some of its color and shine. And if you want to really make your vehicle look like it's new, a nice, shiny coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to give you vehicle a facelift. Depending on what kind of effect you're going for, you can get the same color or a totally different color. Regardless, of what you choose, fresh paint can make a significant difference in how your vehicle looks.

Properly inflate tires

When you tires aren't inflated properly, they can make your car work harder and burn more gas. To help eliminate this issue, make sure your Mercedes Benz tires have the proper air. Use a tire gage to check it or have a professional check it for you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6997826



Star Tech European in Vacaville specializes in Mercedes-Benz service and repairs. The auto repair business doesn't have the best reputation, so we go the extra mile to build trust. That includes taking extra time to really explain what your car needs and why. Our goal is to give professional, friendly, honest service without the stress and hassle of going to the dealer. We will never sell you something you don't need.
707-455-8870

Monday, May 21, 2012

What Happens When You Don't Change Your Oil Part 2


This is part 2 of what happens when you do not change your oil. This car is only 3 years old and has 135k miles on it.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Beijing: Stunning New Mercedes Concept, New Images (Video)


The stunning new Mercedes, the Concept Style, debuts officially at the Beijing Auto Show next week. Images leaked out on the Internet prior to that and they've released new images and video. Mercedes has set the bar very high with this design as it could deliver a challenger to BMW.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

What Happens When You Don't Change Your Oil Part 1


This is part 1 of what happens when you do not change your oil. This car is only 3 years old and has 135k miles on it.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

3 Ways to Look After Your Car's Air Conditioner


Regular car maintenance may not always include a check of your air-conditioner. Your mechanic will be responsible for the major servicing activity that your car requires, but your air-conditioner may need a little personal attention.
These days we have all become used to the comfort that air-conditioning provides, especially in our cars. Which of us have not had to jump into a hot car only to burn the backs of our thighs after the vehicle has been parked in the blazing sun? It's at times like these that we really come to value and effective air-conditioning system.
Imagine how distraught you would feel when you discover that your air-conditioning has failed and you are destined to travel on the vehicle with temperatures approaching 40°C. That's why it is worthwhile looking after your car air-conditioner properly.
Here are three super tips for keeping your air-conditioner in tiptop condition so you can enjoy cool driving conditions.
  • Refer to the manual that came with your car and read the specifications of your air-conditioning system. Here you will generally find parts which require regular maintenance and occasional replacement. This will include the compressor, the evaporator, hoses and belts and the troubleshooting guide will indicate tell-tale signs that your system needs servicing. Forewarned is forearmed in this regard, so reading the manual makes sense.
  • Irrespective of how your system is running, make sure you have it serviced at least once a year, usually in spring. A quick check will highlight any pending problems and a repair job before summer will be the most important factor in keeping your cool.
  • In the cooler months where your air-conditioner is not generally used, turn it on for at least 10 minutes once a month to keep the hoses from hardening. Make sure you turn the thermostat to the coldest temperature and that you run it at the highest fan speed.
  • Run your car's defrost for 5 to 10 minutes after you have been using your air-conditioner for an extended period. This will dry out the evaporator core which is a good maintenance step for your air-conditioner.
The older your vehicle is the more likely you are to experience a slow leakage of refrigerant. You need to have your system checked by a specialist because leakages can be extremely difficult to detect. Make sure you take your vehicle to a reputable servicing agent because this specialist attention can become quite expensive.
Get at least three quotes before you decide to do anything.
Using the air-conditioner during winter, especially to defog your windscreen, is a useful way of keeping your system in tiptop condition.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4923160

Sunday, May 6, 2012

New York International Auto Show: VW Jetta Hybrid


Kevin Joostema, General Manager of Product Marketing & Strategy, gives us a closer look at the Jetta Hybrid from the New York Auto Show. The Jetta Hybrid is part of Volkswagen's commitment to achieving sustainable mobility through technology and cars that don't compromise performance.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Is Your Check Engine Light On?


Is your check engine light on? Here are some tips to help determine the possible cause. It is possible that the emission system could have an issue. The emission system includes oxygen sensors, three way catalyst and catalytic convertor. If there is a problem with one of the above mentioned systems, is could result in increased fuel consumption, higher vehicle emissions and cause you to fail a state or local vehicle emissions testing. Check to make sure the gas cap is secure or for loose or damaged wires connecting to the oxygen sensor. A professional diagnostic scan may be required, which could result in needing a new oxygen sensor.