Category: Auto Repair & Services

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6 Things That Make A Car Engine Less Effective

Every car owner wants to get the most out of their car, and it’s engine. When it is performing as it should, you won’t have any warning signs, and it will drive like it’s brand new. However, if you have noticed a loss in power or are hearing unusual sounds, this could mean that your engine has become less efficient. Let’s take a look at some of the signs that could be causing your car’s engine not to be operating at its full potential.

Vacuum Leaks

Pesky vacuum leaks can rob your engine of power. It can also create weird sounds from the engine bay. Some of the most notable signs can be a hesitation from your engine or even a sputter. The result will be a loss of power and poor fuel economy. At times, these are easy fixes; the hardest part is locating the leak.

Dirty Air Filter

An overly dirty air filter will restrict the amount of air that enters the intake of your engine. It is one of the primary actions that need to happen for your engine to run. Air mixed with fuel plus spark is the essential break down. If your air filter hasn’t been changed in a while, taking a quick look might help to identify if this is the issue. An air filter starts out white, if it is black, and filled with debris it is time for a change.

Exhaust Leaks

Just like a vacuum leak, exhaust leaks will steal power from your engine as well. They will have a slightly loud sound associated with the hole. Most everything in your engine works off of pressure. If there is an exhaust leak, it can cause gases to move back into the combustion chambers and not out of the car.

Clogged Fuel Injectors

A clogged fuel injector can cause a multitude of problems. You will have poor fuel economy for starters, and then a rough idle on top of that. If an engine is running to rich (using more fuel) or running lean (not using enough), it will result in a performance issue. You may also get a test engine light for this because often a misfire will happen. In more severe cases, a clogged injector may cause your engine to stall.

Loss of Oil between Oil Changes

In between oil changes, it isn’t uncommon for a car to have a minor loss in oil, more so in older vehicles. Newer vehicles don’t typically experience this. If you are losing oil, it could be from piston rings being worn out or even a leaking oil pan gasket. The only way to know for sure is to have an engine service done by an automotive shop.

Check Engine Light is Illuminated

The onboard diagnostics (OBD) can provide you clues as to what is going on with your vehicle. Engine diagnostics testing will allow a technician to gain insight into the problem. If a problem is found, fixing it should clear up any issue you might be having. Doing so will also turn the check engine light off, and no one likes seeing this on.

Conclusion

As you notice, there are a few issues that can happen with your engine and it’s components that will lead it not to perform the way it should. If you have a check engine light on, or it is running different bring it to a professional that can run a diagnostic test on it.

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4 Things To Do Before You Get A Brake Repair Service

The braking system of your car is one of the most used methods. It is the system that prevents accidents and will keep you safe. If any part of your braking system isn’t performing the way it should, you will have complications in slowing down or coming to a stop or even holding a halt. If you are noticing that your brakes aren’t working the way they should, it might be time to have brake repair and service performed. But, before you head out to your automotive shop, there are a few things that you can do before taking your vehicle in. If you narrow down what is wrong, you might be able to fix some of the smaller problems.

Check The Brake Fluid

It is a prevalent problem for car owners in regards to the braking system. When the pressure on the brake becomes more spongy and is softer to push in, you might be low on brake fluid. The simple way to check if this is your problem is by looking at the brake fluid reservoir. The reservoir lies on top of the master cylinder. You can usually spot the tank by the cap on them labeled DOT 3 or DOT 4. If it is under the full mark, add just enough to get it at the line. Remember only to add what is recommended and used in your vehicle.

Check For leaks In The Brake Lines

It will require a little bit of maneuvering, and go under the car. If you follow your brake lines all the way to the rear, look for possible damage to the line. Another area to check that is much easier is the connection to the master cylinder. Sometimes the rings inside the master cylinder can become worn and allow for tiny leaks. If you notice fluid here, it could be the potential cause of your car not braking correctly.

Are Your Brake Pads Worn Down

In a disc brake system, the brake pads are what press against the rotors that make your care come to a stop. If your brake pads are overused, they will start to make that annoying grinding sound. The production of sound is from a metal shim within the brake pad. It is your first indication that you will need brake service. If your calipers are not opening and closing the way they should, it can cause your brake pads to be continually contacting the rotor. If this happens, you will need to have brake repair work done on the calipers to get them to open correctly.

Investigate Your Rotors For Warpage

As mentioned your rotors will be what your brake pads clamp to initiate braking. If you were to look at the rotor, you might notice that they might be worn down. Depending on how long you have gone from your last brake pad change, you might have to have these replaced. Uneven wear or warpage will result in a vibration when at speeds over 30mph and coming to a stop.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a few items you can look for before taking your car into to get serviced for the braking system. Knowing them will help you to understand what exactly is wrong, and what it will take to fix the problem.

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When It Pays To Have An Oil Change

The engine of your car is the heart of the vehicle. It would make sense that you should have maintenance done on it, to keep it running at its best. One of the most honest services you can have done routinely is to have an oil change. An oil change service can be performed for many different reasons. The oil change will consist of draining all the old oil out from the pan and substituting the oil filter with a new one. Aside from having this routine maintenance done, what are some other signs that it would be beneficial to have an oil change?

The Oil Is Black

When you put fresh oil into a vehicle, it will be a light brownish color. The longer you go between oil changes the engine oil will start to darken. When oil gets to the black state, it is not benefiting your vehicle’s engine at that point. You will be able to tell the color of your oil just by checking the end of the dipstick.

The Oil Filter Will Become Full

The reason an oil change will be necessary is to change the oil filter out. The job of the screen is to stop any particles that are not healthy for your engine from being circulated. Over time the filer can fill or possibly become clogged. It will allow for those particles to escape. Once this happens, you could be putting your motor at risk.

Engine Becomes Loud

If you are used to having a quiet motor, then this one will be an easy sign to spot. Over time, and the longer between oil changes, the engine will develop a sound that is much louder as it is running. A lack of lubrication mostly causes it. If you were to think about what metal on metal was to sound like, that is what is going on under your hood. It is important to have oil put in as soon as you notice your engine making a different sound.

A Check Engine Light Appears

Sure it’s one thing to a few miles over when you are due for an oil change, but ultimately forgetting to have the service done for thousands of miles can hurt your engine badly. If you go too long, a check engine light will appear, and this spells issues, especially in a variable valve timing car. The bonus to getting an oil change, the light will be gone.

Oil Changes Can Spot Larger Problems

Going back to the engine gets the louder problem, one of the reasons an oil change can be beneficial at that time is to spot any possible damage that may have happened. When metal on metal happens in an issue, metal flakes will become present in the oil. An oil change will be able to determine if you have large particles present. If there are significant chunks of metal found, it could spell disaster, but the cost of a rebuild would be cheaper than a whole engine replacement.

Conclusion

Oil changes are the most critical maintenance item you should not put off. Cars now are built to go 5,000 miles or more between them. Oil changes can solve many of these indicated problems and will help your engine last much longer.

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How To Jumpstart A Car?

At one point or another, you have probably had the misfortune to start a car, and won’t work. More than likely the problem is the battery has gone dead. If your alternator is functioning properly, and your battery has only run down, then the easiest solution is jumping the car. Jumpstarting a car is one of the most useful car tips you will ever learn, and will surely come in handy. The only things you will need to perform a jump are:

• The vehicle that needs a jump
• Jumper cables
• A car that is running and has a good battery

Below is an easy to follow guide on how to jumpstart a car:

** It is important to remember that when it comes to a battery that the negative terminals are black and the positive terminals are red. It is typically the standard when it comes to batteries. Also, a great tip is to have the jumper cables separated before you start connecting.

  1. You are going to want to position the vehicle that can give the not starting vehicle so that the jumper cables can reach. Both vehicles should be in the park and shut off when you initiate.
  2. Next, you are going to want to open the hoods of both vehicles. So you can have access to the battery and can connect the jumper cables.
  3. To begin connecting with the jumper cables, you will want to first clamp the positive (red) cable to the red terminal of the battery that has died. Once you begin connection, don’t allow the jumper cables to touch each other.
  4. Then you will want to connect the other side of the jumper cables, positive (red) to the other car with a good battery. 5. You will then need to connect the negative (black) cable to the other vehicle’s negative battery terminal.
  5. For the last jumper cable, you will want to clamp on a piece of unpainted metal on the car requiring the jump, and not use the actual negative terminal on its battery. You should choose a location that isn’t near the battery. It can be the hood hinges (if applicable) or possibly a hood latch.
  6. Now it is time to start the vehicle that is giving the jump. You will want to let it run for a few minutes. Sometimes it can help if you give it a few revs. Keep the cables connected for about 5 minutes to give the battery time to charge.

Start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it starts, that’s great! Don’t shut it off! Disconnect the cables following the steps backward from attaching. You will want to drive your vehicle for 10 to 15 minutes to get your battery recharged.

Conclusion

That’s it! This simple guide will help anyone that needs to jump start a vehicle. If after the jump, your car runs, but you shut it off and won’t start again, it is more than likely that your battery is too far gone and you will need to replace it.

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How To Properly Clean Battery Terminals?

Your car’s battery is one of the most important parts of your vehicle; it is the driving force as to how your vehicle starts. Having clean, non-corroded battery terminals and cables can make all the difference in how it functions. Can battery corrosion keep a car from starting? If your battery is displaying signs of corrosion, i.e. the gunky white build up surrounding the posts, then yes, it can, in fact, cause your car not to start. The reason being is your battery cables won’t be able to make a significant connection to the terminals to supply power. When you start to notice signs of corrosion, it is best to clean the battery terminals as well as the cables thoroughly. There are some unique, inexpensive tools you can purchase that will make the job go very quickly. If you don’t desire to go out and buy these handy tools you can also use some common household materials to get the job done. How to clean battery terminals with a few tips along the way is very simple.

Things you might need, using household items:

• Wire brush
• Baking soda
• Water
• *Optional petroleum jelly

If you choose the method of buying additional tools, there are special wire brushes designed to clean battery terminals as well as sprays that will loosen the corrosion gunk. Let’s get started!

First, you are going to want to disconnect both the positive and negative cables from the battery terminals. You can utilize either a socket or wrench to loosen the nuts holding the wires. The next part will vary depending on what method you choose, so we’ll start with the household.

Using the baking soda, liberally sprinkle on the terminal and cables. You’ll want to let that sit for a few minutes to start dissolving the corrosion after you will pour water directly on the baking soda that will neutralize the corrosion, and cause a bubbly reaction. It will be now safe to handle. Then you’ll use a wire brush to remove the caked on debris. Make sure you are cleaning the battery terminals and the cables, or anywhere you see corrosion build up. After it is clean, you’ll want to use a cloth to clean the surface. *Tip* If you coat the battery terminals with petroleum jelly, it will still conduct current and help keep corrosion at bay. Then you will just need to reconnect the battery, and you are all done!

If you use the store bought tools, you will do the same as above, except using the manufacturer’s instructions on the spray, and the unique wire brush for the terminals. You will want to spin the terminal brush about five times or more depending on how much corrosion is present.

Conclusion

Keep your car starting every time, by keeping your battery terminals and cables clean and free of corrosion. It should be done periodically, or anytime you notice a build-up occurring.

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What Does An Illuminated Check Engine Light Mean?

You are probably familiar with some of the natural lights your car displays, but one light has many different meanings, and that is a check engine light or CEL for short. This light can be displayed in many formats or symbols depending on the car’s make, and can look similar to one of these:

Formally known as a MIL, or Malfunction Indicator Lamp, the check engine light has been in use for a very long time in vehicles. So, what does a check engine light mean? The check engine lights function is to notify a driver that there is something wrong with one of the many systems your vehicle has. An illuminated check engine light doesn’t necessarily mean that there is something wrong with the engine. Lit up CEL can be either in the electrical, emissions, engine, or transmission.

When most people see a check engine light on, they immediately will think the worse, and a feeling of dread will wash over them, and they will begin wondering what is wrong or what it could mean. It is because no one likes the engine light, and in most people’s eyes it symbolizes costly repairs, or that the car is just going to stop working soon. What should you do when you see this little light lit up like a Christmas tree on your dash? The best thing you can do is take your car in to get a code reading done.

All cars from 1996 and up are outfitted with the standardized OBD-2 plug in, and it allows scanners or computers to talk to your vehicle’s computer. Getting your car’s trouble code is as easy as bringing it into a shop or scanning it yourself if you have a scanner. The most important thing about the checking the engine light is that you do not have to wait to have it looked. In some cases, driving on a car that has a problem can become an even bigger problem if not corrected. It is not recommended just to shut off the light and not fix the problem. While you may be tempted just to shut off the light, it won’t fix the underlying problem.

It is necessary to note that just because you see this “warning light” It doesn’t mean you need to stop driving. Commonly, the CEL is related to an emission problem, for instance, a BMW will have a normal check engine light on for the oxygen sensor. This emission item is an important one to correct because if you drive too long, it can break the catalytic converter, and that is a much more expensive repair than an O2 sensor.

Conclusion

Whenever you see an illuminated check engine light, get your code read, and correct the problem. It will help extend your car’s life and keep it functioning properly.

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BMW Maintenance Tips

When you own a BMW, there are a few things you will want to do over the course of your ownership to ensure that it is running at peak performance as well as being a safe driver for you and your family. A reputable BMW shop will be able to assist you with all of the maintenance your car will need. Below are some of the best maintenance items that should be done routinely as part of owning a BMW that will last for years to come.

Have Regular Oil Changes Done

It will be the hands down best service tip you will ever do for your vehicle’s engine life. The engine is the heart of the car and one of the most expensive repairs you would ever have to do. To avoid major issues, giving your BMW regular oil changes will extend the engine’s life while giving you added performance as well as better fuel economy.

Replace or Clean your Air Filter

Your engine runs with a combination of air and fuel, and a dirty air filter will give you less performance and fuel economy. Periodically changing or cleaning your air filter will give you many benefits as well as allowing your engine to breathe easier. If you have replaced your stock air filter with an aftermarket one, like a K&N air filter, it will need to be cleaned, not replaced. A stock air filter will need to be changed out for a new one. It is one of the easiest maintenance items you can do to increase your horsepower as well.

Check the Status of your Tires

Tires play an intricate part in how your car will drive. If your tires are too worn or are wearing unevenly, you will feel it in the way your vehicle drives. It is best to replace your tires when they have worn down, and periodically rotate and balance them for an even wear on all four corners. One other aspect you shouldn’t overlook is your tire pressure. It is best to check your tire pressure somewhat frequently to make sure all tires are the same pressure and meet manufacturer specifications.

Check and Double Check your Fluid Levels

You may be accustomed to only checking fluids if something isn’t running right. It is an excellent idea to regularly stop and check the levels at least every three months. You should check your oil, transmission, coolant, power steering, and brake fluid levels. If you do it all at the same time, it will make it easier to monitor their levels.

Conclusion

Owning a BMW is a great adventure, and if you are good at it, it will be good to you. So check, replace, refill these items when needed. The best possible tip doesn’t put off repairs. If your BMW is making noises, take it to a reputable BMW auto repair shop to have it looked. These tips will help prevent large issues as well as help your BMW last longer.

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5 Things To Look For In A Service Center

When looking for a German Auto Repair near me service center, what are some things you should consider before choosing the right one for you? For the best automotive service center for your BMW, Audi, Mini Cooper, or Mercedes, Ryan GMW is the top choice. Here are the top 5 essential features a service center should have or do, to give you the best overall experience and automotive repair:

  1. Highest Quality Work Performance

    Your car deserves the very best when it needs repairs or routine maintenance done. Are repairs made by the book, and no short cuts are taken? Is the work being done up to the standards set by the manufacturer? Typically usual shops aren’t as equipped to handle German auto repair, but at Ryan GMW they specialize in German makes and don’t take any shortcuts, to ensure you receive the highest quality of service each visit.

  2. Comfortable Waiting Room

    Considering waiting for your vehicle when it needs repairs done? Then you’ll want to know if the waiting room will be accommodating and comfortable. One way a waiting room can be accommodating is by providing free WiFi to customers that choose to wait. Another great feature is comfortable chairs. There is nothing worse than having to sit and wait in tiny, uncomfortable chairs. What about refreshments? There should be both water and coffee available at no charge to customers allowing for a more relaxing atmosphere while you wait.

  3. Reasonable Pricing

    Possibly, one of the greatest concerns for customers looking for auto repair is the cost. Having repair work and maintenance done at a price you can afford and that is reasonable is very important. Ryan GMW offers reasonable pricing on all work performed and rivals many in the area.

  4. Knowledgeable and Certified Technicians

    When choosing an automotive shop for your German vehicle, such as a BMW, you’ll want to know if the technicians are certified to handle the complexities that BMW’s are known to have. At Ryan GMW the owner is a Certified BMW Master Technician, as well as ASE certified. It means that you are getting the very best regarding knowledge and service for your vehicle.

  5. A Shop that is Both Large and Cleanly

    An automotive service center should be large to accommodate for many vehicles to be worked on simultaneously. It will allow for your service time and wait time to be significantly cut down. Size isn’t the only things that will create a more productive automotive shop, a clean and well-organized store will be one that will get the work done faster, especially when a technician doesn’t have to search through things to find the right tools for the job.

Conclusion

When looking for the very best for German auto repair, find a service center that has these great qualities, and you won’t be disappointed.

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BMW Fuel Pressure Regulator: How To Know If It Needs Repair?

If you have been experiencing poor performance in your BMW, the culprit might be the fuel pressure regulator. How can you tell if a fuel regulator needs some repair? Is there any test that you can perform to see if it will need replacements? To know if it is a problem, you must first understand how a fuel pressure regulator works, what symptoms it will display. After this then you can see what BMW Fuel Pressure Regulator Repair that may be done to solve the problem and if repair is needed.

What Does a BMW Fuel Pressure Regulator Do?

The job of the regulator is to do exactly that. While the fuel pump itself supplies pressure to the fuel rail, the regulator is what keeps the pressure consistent and maintains that level of pressure. It is an intricate part of the fuel system, and if it is not functioning properly, it can result in sputtering as well as a loss in performance with a vehicle running either too lean or too rich. It will also aid in the starting of your vehicle, by allowing pressure to remain in the system.

What are the symptoms of a failing pressure regulator?

Some of the more common symptoms associated with a weak regulator that may need a BMW fuel pressure regulator repair would be:

  • Running rich, or an increase in fuel consumption, which would translate into reduced fuel economy
  • Little to no pressure after a car is shut off. Which will lead to troubles starting your vehicle
  • Black smoke coming from your exhaust
  • Possible fuel leaks, which is a fire and safety concern
  • The oil dipstick may smell like gasoline

When should you take your wheels in for a BMW fuel pressure regulator?

When considering taking your car in to be serviced, you may be tempted to doing an at home diagnostic job first. Do not do this because there are special tools needed as well as you should be an ASE certified technician. The injury may occur because the fuel lines are under lots of pressure. It is best to seek a shop that is knowledgeable on BMW fuel pressure regulator repair, instead of striving to do the work yourself at home. If you have been having any of the symptoms above, or your car is not running as it should, it is a good idea to bring your car in to be looking for the possible fuel pressure regulator repair. Often the fix is just replacing the old part with a new one, and this will solve many of the issues associated with vehicles that are running poorly due to a strict regulation of fuel.

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6 Tips In Choosing The Right BMW Repair Shop

When choosing the right BMW repair shop, there are a few things to consider. Your car can be a valuable lifeline for you getting from point “A” to point “B”, and getting it serviced by the very best is a decision you shouldn’t take lightly. Here are the six tips to picking the right repair shop for your BMW:

Is there a specialized BMW technician available on staff?

Possibly one of the reasons a BMW repair shop stands out above other repair shops is having a BMW master technician available to service your vehicle. To gain this achievement, it requires a minimum of 5 years of training exclusively with BMW’s. While it isn’t always needed to have a BMW master technician to work on your vehicle, you will want to have at the very least a dealership level of experience. It will ensure the highest level of care and quality of the work done.

Does the shop have the right tools for the job?

There is much to be said about having the right tools for the job. It can make a difference in how long a job takes, as well as the craft that goes into certain repairs. If a shop doesn’t have the necessary tools for proper fixes, they may take shortcuts to avoid doing certain things if they don’t have the correct tool. If you go to a BMW repair shop, you are most certainly guarantee they will have the right tools for any job. You’ll want to make sure that the shop you choose also uses the correct diagnostic tools. While most cars use the standard OBD2 systems, BMW uses specific computers to diagnose further into any issues your vehicle may be experiencing. It is best to choose a shop that can do more than just a simple OBD2 check.

Does the repair shop have any professional affiliations?

Another great way to decide if the repair shop you are interested in has any affiliations. It can be ASE or ASA. The standards set to obtain these certifications is great, and not just every technician can have these. It shows a higher standard and one that should take into consideration for your vehicle service.

What is your first reaction from the repair shop?

Possibly one of the biggest parts of picking the right BMW repair shop is just to trust your instincts about the shop itself. If you, off the bat, aren’t having a great feeling, then it is wise not to trust your car there and to seek out a different repair shop.

Conclusion

Finding the right BMW repair shop doesn’t have to be as challenging as you might think. Follow these easy tips, and you will most certainly find a shop that will take care of both you and your BMW.