San Antonio European Auto Repair

To keep your BMW running at top quality, it is important to stay on top of regular maintenance. There are a number of easy things that you or your mechanic are able to check and maintain regularly to avoid any surprise fixes. Making sure that your BMW engine does not overheat is one way to ensure that you continue to have enjoyable driving experiences. The temperature gauge located on the gauge cluster that will notify you if you are in danger of overheating your BMW’s engine, and you will want to stop driving as soon as possible if you suspect your engine may be reaching a high temperature. POSSIBLE REASONS FOR HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURES Although there are a number of very specific reasons your engine could be experiencing high temperatures, there are four very common culprits. The engine has a cooling system in place to regulate temperatures, so if ... read more

Catastrophic engine failure is the outcome of a timing chain tensioner failure in any vehicle. However, it has become an increasingly common issue amongst the owners of an Audi or a Volkswagen, specifically with a 2.0TSI engine. This is due to a design flaw, and the manufacturer should notify you of a recall when the design flaw is as severe as a timing chain tensioner failure. Usually, the timing chain tensioner in any vehicle will not require any maintenance, but the timing belt often needs to be replaced after about 100,000 miles. If you experience a timing chain tensioner failure, it will likely require a minimum of an expensive fix, but depending on the severity, it may require an engine replacement. WHAT IS THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER? The timing chain tensioner is located under the timing chain cover ... read more

Your car’s exhaust system is one of the largest systems in your vehicle, stretching from the engine all the way to the back of the car, although we typically only see the exhaust pipe sticking out from the back. That exhaust system clues us into the condition of our vehicle: a rumbling tailpipe could signify problems in your muffler and odorous exhaust fumes could signify a number of issues in your car’s engine or exhaust system. A healthy exhaust system is credited with keeping your car running quietly, maintaining fuel efficiency and lessening the toxic output of fumes from your vehicle’s engine. In addition to increasing the amount you spend on gasoline, you could potentially be faced with fines for excessively loud exhaust noises or failing to pass emission tests in states where they are required, so knowing the signs of an exhaus ... read more

Mercedes Benz has a reputation as a quality, well-made luxury vehicle. Its sturdy build and dynamic handling make it a fun car to drive. However, years of rough handling or hard shifting can lead to transmission issues, often times showing up as problems with the gear selector. The gear selector is the most visible component of your car’s transmission. It is the only way you, the driver, can move your car out of park into drive or reverse. Problems with the gear selector could make it impossible to even drive your vehicle, and since gear selector failure is one of the more highly reported issues for Mercedes Benz owners, it’s important to be aware of the warning signs of this problem. Transmission repairs in any vehicle are notoriously expensive. Gear selector issues can share some symptoms caus ... read more

With the seemingly hundreds of automotive maintenance tasks drivers need to stay on top of, power steering fluid maintenance can sometimes be left to the wayside. This is unfortunate, as improper power steering fluid maintenance is one of the top reasons for power steering failure or malfunction in vehicles – particularly in high performance vehicles like MINI. Oil changes, transmission flushes, and coolant leaks often take precedence over power steering fluid maintenance, and often for a good reason; however, staying on top of your power steering fluid care can make all the difference in your MINI’s performance. THE EFFECTS OF INADEQUATE POWER STEERING FLUID CARE There are several different components in your power steering system that rely on the power steering fluid for optimal performance: • Pistons• Hoses• Valves• Seals• O-Rings• Power steering pump These are ju ... read more