Friday, August 31, 2012

Mercedes-Benz TV: The Car Crash Profilers at Mercedes-Benz


Surviving a car accident without incident cannot be taken for granted. At Mercedes-Benz, numerous employees work to prevent accidents in advance. However, if an accident does occur then the aim is to learn from it.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Engine Repairs You Can Prevent


Did you know that you can prevent some types of engine repairs? This one component of the vehicle s system is incredibly important, yet it is one of the least commonly cared for components. You may pull in to the oil change location, get the fluids topped off, and head out without really knowing the condition of your car s engine. That is the biggest mistake you can make. If you put time into keeping the system running well, you will decrease the risk big, expensive repairs becoming a necessity.

The Misfire

One of the first signs of trouble is called a misfire. This is due to a spark plug. It is electrically timed to fire at just the right time to ensure the right amount of power is present. If it fails to fire or does so at the wrong time, this is a misfire. This can happen for many reasons, including carbon- and oil-fouled sparkplugs, vacuum leaks, bad fuel delivery, or poor wires. In all cases, getting this fixed right away will help to prevent more complicated engine repairs.

Regular Maintenance

You have heard it before, but it is so important, you should hear it again. If you do not get maintenance for your vehicle on a regular basis, you will damage various systems in the car. Engines are often susceptible to larger problems because of poor lubrication. For example, when you have the oil changed, it removes all of the debris that flies into the car as you operate it. If the oil is already saturated with debris or there is not enough of it present, this allows the engine components to rub together. This metal-on-metal situation is very bad and can cause significant damage. Just get your oil changed when the manufacturer tells you to do so.

Ask the Questions

You may be in a hurry to get in and out of your oil changes and inspections, but do not be. The final thing you can do to reduce these concerns is simply to know the condition of the system. Does your transmission need to be flushed? Is there a sensor that is not working properly? Did your technician tell you that you need a tune-up in the next few thousand miles? All of these are things your technician likely can spot while performing basic services on your car.

Do not put off getting a professional to handle any engine repairs you need. The longer you go without the proper repairs, the more likely it will be that you struggle with expensive bills for major fixes. You can avoid this and avoid having to buy a new car too soon by paying attention to your vehicle.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7255453

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Auto Repair for Check Engine Lights


If the check engine light comes on in your vehicle that is a clear sign that you need auto repair. This is one of the most important indicators of the health of the engine and working components of the vehicle. Ignoring it could put your vehicle at risk for a wide range of problems. The key thing to remember is that this indicator is important to service as soon as possible. Find out what why the car's computer sensed a problem and then get it fixed to ensure you can maintain the car long-term.

Why Does It Come On?

When you get auto repair, you will quickly learn why the vehicle's light came on. Most often, the technician can plug the car into a computer and run a diagnostic scan on it to determine what the problem is. This can help to provide a wealth of information about the function of your vehicle. In general, numerous things can trigger the light to come on. There is no way to really know what it is until you have this type of scan done to uncover the problems.

Some of the most common reasons for the engine light coming on include the following. Keep in mind that this is only a small number of the potential concerns you should have.

• The engine has gotten wet and this is causing it not to function properly.

• The head gasket is blown, which is often evident from smoke as well.

• An oxygen sensor located within the system is not working or is faulty, which could mean a problem or may not.

• The spark plugs or the wires connecting them are worn out or not working properly.

• The fuel injector o-rings are deteriorating or they are pinched and need replacement.

• The exhaust gas recirculation valves are sticky and not functioning, as they should.

• There are hoses or manifolds that are cracked or loose and need attention.

In these situations, dealing with the underlying problem and resetting the system is all it will take. However, if you are dealing with a bigger problem, such as the vehicle smoking significantly or the engine running loud, this could indicate a more significant failure. Stop using the vehicle right away and get it into a technician as soon as possible.

Auto repair technicians can help you to determine what the cause of that check engine light is. Then, you can decide if you want to make the repairs or not. In most cases, doing so is essential and should not be put off. However, it is a good idea to invest in a company that you trust to do a good job. The engine is not a component of the vehicle to be careless with.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7219866

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

The Versatility of the XF Sportbrake


The Sportbrake is our most versatile model yet. You can explore how you could put it to full use here. 

Sunday, August 19, 2012

An Overheating Transmission Is One Of The Most Common Problems In Transmission Repair


In the mechanic world, there are a few things that everyone can understand. Transmission repair is one of them. Whenever many people think of this, the first thing that comes to mind is the dollar signs that come along with replacing or rebuilding the system. However, there are several reasons that someone would find his or herself seeking this type of maintenance on their automobile, and most of them do not involve replacing the entire system. One of the most common problems is that the vehicle's transmission system is overheating. There are several different causes for this problem and each one is treated in its own unique way.

One simple cause for this problem is a heavy load. Whenever someone tows a load, it is important to know if the car or truck is capable of handling it. If it is not, this causes a tremendous strain on the automobile. The vehicle has to work harder to keep the miles per hour up and the car in the specified gear. This can equal big problems for the transmission. It will either begin to overheat or the gears will begin to "slip."

Old or dirty transmission fluid is also a common reason for a transmission to overheat. There are several different parts that make up the transmission of a vehicle. These parts must all move in unison with each other at the right pace in order for the system to work correctly. The fluid is essential in making sure that all of the parts are lubricated. If the fluid is low, the moving parts begin to grind together, causing an atrocious noise. The parts grinding together also create friction between them. The friction, in turn, creates heat in the system, meaning that the person operating the vehicle is stuck on the side of the road waiting on a tow truck, a situation that no one wants to find himself in.

Lastly, are clogged cooler lines. Over time the fluid in the system can become littered with dirt, dust, and other types of debris particles. When this happens, it can be transferred to the moving parts of the system and begin to corrode them. Whenever it moves into the cooler lines, it causes a clog. This clog, if not addressed right away can be detrimental to the system. The debris itself may not only cause damage to the lines, but the heat can damage the integrity of the other parts of the system as well. A transmission repair technician always cleans or replaces the filter when a car is brought in for maintenance to ensure this does not happen.

Transmission repair for many can seem like an absolute nightmare. Overheating equipment, without a doubt, is one of the most widely diagnosed problems in the transmission system. With a little maintenance work from the repair technician, however, many of the problems can be avoided altogether. Also, if the problem is addressed quickly, the repair process is not as long and difficult as it is thought by many to be.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7221979

Thursday, August 16, 2012

F-TYPE - Fast


Capture a glimpse of the performance, responsiveness and power of the F-TYPE here. 

Monday, August 13, 2012

Why Tires Need To Be Rotated


In today's economy, the price of automobile parts are constantly increasing in heaps and bounds, and tires are one of these products. For the economically sound car owner, replacing tires on a regular basis can be an unwanted financial pressure, whereas on the other hand, having sub-par tires is one of the most hazardous automotive health factors possible. Surprisingly however, there exists a solution to both these extremes, presented by the quick and easy method called Tire Rotation. Performed at regular intervals, tire rotation substantially increases tread life and saves money over the life span of a given set of tires.

Basics

One of the most crucial vehicle maintenance procedures is regular tire rotation. Due to the mechanics of the automobile, the front set show very different tread wear patterns, as the front of the vehicle is substantially heavier than the back due to the heavy machinery under the hood. As a result, the front set wear out much quicker than the back, and since most purchase all four as a set, the maximum life of all tires are not prolonged, leading to inefficiency and wasted dollars. In addition, by driving around with the added pressure on the wearing front tires, the passengers unwillingly place avoidable risks on their health. As a general rule of thumb, the front set should be switched with the back set after every 12,000 kilometers, or about 5,500 miles.

Different tire types

The easiest alternative to personally switching the tires is to visit a service center for a cheap, quick and reliable rotation service. However, the task of rotation is relatively simple and physically undemanding. As such, it is crucial to know the types of one's tire to achieve the best rotation results and prolonged tire life.

Multi-weather tires are usually switched depending on their alternating wear patterns. Specifically, the front two are simply removed, then switched with the back tires, and vice versa. For vehicles with front wheel drive, the rear tires are first switched between themselves, then moved forward, whilst the fronts are switched between themselves, and moved backward. With directional tires, the same method as multi-weathered tires is covered.

Additional information

Some crucial factors come into play when manually changing tires. Depending on the manufacturer, it is best to check the manufacturer's manual for ideal inflation levels, and depending on the recommendation, these levels need to be checked to ensure consistency. By doing this small but extremely important task, not only are the tires lives increased substantially, but the safety factors of the tires are kept intact as well.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7222297

Friday, August 10, 2012

BMW History. Comfort (Milestones).


From the fifties until now, BMW has been setting standards in comfort solutions for cars. BMW Engineers work continuously to make driving a BMW more comfortable. Watch the evolution of comfort in BMW automobiles.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Auto Repairs Should Be Done by Professionals


Most people, at some point in time have car trouble. It is a reality that many people dread having to deal with. They don't just dread this circumstance because of the inconvenience it causes, but this feeling is also the result of their seemingly limited financial supply. The last thing they want to do is spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars at an auto mechanic shop. Therefore, they try to go at it alone.

After attempting to fix the problem using their limited amount of expertise, they soon find themselves in worse shape then when they started out. They end up messing things up and creating even more issues. Besides the fact that they don't have the necessary skills, the average person also doesn't have the right tools to conduct auto repairs. On the other hand, professionals have everything they need at their disposal. Anything that they don't have readily available, they usually have the ability to get it.

There are also those who wouldn't think to try to fix their vehicle on their own. Instead, they go around shopping for the best deal they can find. They don't care if they use a professional mechanic or not. In their eyes, they are saving money. Little do they know, they may actually be putting themselves in a greater financial bind. Just because something costs less, doesn't mean it's always the better deal.

What if someone were to bring their car to the unlicensed neighborhood mechanic? They bring their car home and for about a week it seems to be working perfectly. However, they soon find that the work was done improperly and their car no longer runs the way it's supposed to. Unlike a professional shop, the unlicensed mechanic didn't offer them a warranty. Therefore, they are just out of luck and their money has basically been thrown down the drain. So, they are forced to go somewhere else and spend even more money. If they would have gone to a professional in the first place, they could have actually saved money.

Auto repairs should be done by specialists because it gives the customer a better chance of getting the quality results that they desire. Auto services usually have high quality workers, with years of background knowledge and experience. They have a proven track record, which allows the potential customer to know that they will be in good hands.

So, just because someone is offering a seemingly better deal, doesn't always mean they are the best option. Paying the price upfront for auto repairs is oftentimes the way to go. You may be concerned about the money that will be leaving your hands. However, those concerns will soon fade away as you realize that you came away with the results you were searching for.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7195248

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Audi Electric Life: Getting Charged Up


The Electric Life series takes a look at Audi's new e-tron electric vehicle technology now hitting American roads with Audi's "e-Pilots." These are people who have each been given an Audi A3 e-tron to live with for several months. Each film takes an up-close look at their first-hand experiences having an Audi plug-in vehicle to use every day.

In our first film we visit e-Pilot Ti Chan as she waves goodbye to the gas station when electricians install a home charger in her garage. Then she shows off her "new ride" to her mom.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Preventive Maintenance, Tune-Up and Repairs for Your Car's Exterior and Interior




In today's environment, it is very important to keep a vehicle away from environmental elements such as exposure to the sun, heavy winds, rain, etc. Additionally, the pollution in our city's air consists of harsh and disruptive chemicals. These cause substantial damage to our vehicles on a regular basis. You will want to keep your car away from all of these harmful elements.

The truth is though, it is almost impossible to avoid these harmful elements completely. The best you can do is to maintain your vehicle regularly and keep it well protected in a garage when not in use. Other than that, you will need to get some professional assistance from time to time, to make sure that your car is in good condition.

It is also important to have preventive care, general automotive maintenance and regular scheduled maintenance. General maintenance is an important aspect of the well-being and lifetime of a car. It is the basic necessity for the survival of a vehicle. Preventive care and scheduled maintenance are equally as important and are performed for a number of reasons.

First, preventive and scheduled maintenance help hold the value of the car. This is necessary if you are planning to resell your vehicle in the future. The less problems your car has, the higher the amount you will be able to sell it for. Scheduled maintenance helps ensure that any problems, whether current or future, are handled before they get worse or arise.

Car maintenance, tune up and repairs comprise of a vast variety of topics, which are different for the exterior and interior of cars. For the exterior, maintenance and tune up services include protecting the paint, cleaning and waxing the car surface. It also comprises of maintenance of the tires, which is done by checking whether they are well inflated and whether their pressure is correct. All these fall under the category of general car maintenance.

You don't have to be a car enthusiast to know the importance of regular and scheduled car maintenance, tune up and repairs. A well-cared vehicle is safer on the roads. It breaks down less frequently and fetches an impressive re-sale value.

Regardless of whether you are strictly following the maintenance plan suggested by the car manufacturer or are going by the do-it-yourself maintenance plan, making sure that your vehicle is well maintained and runs smoothly is a smart approach.

Use an automotive repair facility that is known for its quality services. By paying close attention to details, using high-tech equipment and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, and by providing exceptional customer care services, the company knows exactly what clients require. No matter what problem your car is having, rest assured that they can identify and tackle it.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7128801



Star Tech European in Vacaville specializes in European Automotive 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