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7107 Canoga Ave Canoga Park, CA 91303
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The evolution of car design has impressed us all—especially with how quickly vehicles have become technologically advanced. Perhaps one of the most notable shifts in interior design was the switch from manual, hand-rolling windows to automated window design. Power windows are no longer for the extravagant car owner, but for the majority of drivers. Most vehicles these days come stock with power windows, and a grateful nation has never looked back. However, just as hand-rolled windows faced their fair share of problems, as too do power windows.
Power windows might be more susceptible to malfunction than hand-rolled windows in some cases; however, they’re well worth the convenience they offer. Depending on the type of car you drive, your particular vehicle might be more prone to power window failure, and usually the window regulator has something to do with the cause of the issue. The window regulator is what controls the window’s ability to roll up or down. Since the regulator houses a lot of other smaller pieces, it usually requires replacement when it shows signs of malfunction. It helps to know what to look for when the window regulator begins to show signs of premature wear so you can avoid the hassle of a window that won’t roll up or down at all. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for:
The window regulator, or motor, is located in the door of your car. It is common for drivers to hear a grinding or clicking noise when they attempt to roll the window up or down. With enough force, the window can come off of its “track,” which can cause it to get stuck in the door or in its current position. This might be due to dirt or debris buildup, or sometimes a small toy being lodged in the space between the window or motor—a common finding in family cars.
If the window falls back down into the car door, won’t stay rolled up, or seems crooked or off-centered, then your window regulator is likely in need of replacement. This can be dangerous and inconvenient, to say the least, as you’ll need a temporary fix to keep your window up or to at least protect your car from being broken into. When your car window can’t be rolled up, the problem should be addressed with immediacy to protect your belongings from being stolen and your interior from weather damage.
When functioning optimally, the window’s response to the button should be relatively immediate. If you notice that your window regulator is having a delayed response when the button is pushed, this can be one of the earlier signs of window regulator failure. It’s also important not to mistake this symptom as a window regulator issue instead of simply a problem with the button itself. This is where the help of a professional automotive specialist comes in handy.
One of the things your window regulator/motor controls is the speed of the window. A malfunctioning window motor can display issues with speed—usually it will roll up or down much slower than normal. This indicates that the motor is dying. Furthermore, the power windows are designed to roll up at a specific speed so that the window remains intact; if the window goes to fast due to electrical damage, it can negatively affect the window and its components.
In our 30 years here at Euro Plus Automotive, we have helped maintain and repair a diverse collection of European import vehicles from all over the areas of the San Fernando Valley, including Canoga Park, Woodland Hills and the greater Los Angeles County of Southern CA. In the grand scheme of automotive repair, power window issues are relatively simple to diagnose and address; however, that in no way indicates that it should be glossed over. We ensure accuracy with every diagnosis and repair that our clients receive so we can save them time and money in costly labor. If you’re experiencing power window issues, please call our shop to schedule an appointment. We look forward to restoring your automobile and improving your driving experience.
Engine functioning and vehicle performance hinge upon several factors. As you might have guessed, your car is complex and can be affected by any number of issues that come up with the various symptoms involved in optimal functioning. Your car can be broken down into parts and systems that work together in harmony to produce appropriate running conditions that are associated with the particular brand and type of vehicle you drive. When one, or more, of these parts begins to malfunction, it can take a toll on your vehicle’s performance and overall function. The best way to prevent issues from occurring is to stay on top of maintenance and repair procedures.
While all of your vehicle’s parts and systems are critical to its overall performance, one of the most elemental pieces of your car’s functioning is the O2 sensor. We’ll get more into what the O2 sensor does and how to detect issues with it, and it’s essential to understand the system that the O2 sensor is a part of. Involved in the exhaust system, the O2 sensor plays several important roles for your car, and it works in tandem with the control module of the car to regulate the air-to-fuel ratio needed for combustion. Here’s a little bit more on the O2 sensor and why it’s important for your car:
As we mentioned, the O2 sensor plays a large role in the combustion process. It is responsible for detecting the amount of oxygen in the air released through your exhaust system and uses the information to adjust the proper amount of air that’s needed for adequate combustion. Communicating with your car’s control module, it has a significant impact on the efficiency of your engine, the gasses that your car releases into the atmosphere, and your car’s ability to function at any given moment. As you might have guessed, this part is needed in order for your vehicle to start and run, and can directly affect your car’s level of reliability.
A failing O2 sensor is no picnic—you’ll notice the symptoms right away. Since these signs and symptoms are especially concerning to the modern driver, O2 sensor issues typically get resolved with immediacy. However, the longer the problem is not fixed, the more impact you’ll notice on your vehicle’s reliability and performance. Here are a few of the typical signs that your O2 sensor may be failing and how to know when it needs to be replaced:
Rough idling is usually noticed while you’re sitting in the driveway parked, waiting to leave for work in the morning or to run daily errands. You might not notice it right away, but when you do, it can be jarring. Rough idling is one thing, but engine misfiring is quite another. If your engine misfires, you might consider getting a rental car and bringing yours immediately to a trusted automotive shop.
Perhaps one of the most upsetting symptoms to drivers who experience O2 sensor failure is reduced fuel economy. It is relatively easy to keep an eye on gas mileage these days, especially because most modern cars detect it for you. However, paying close attention to shifts or sudden changes in fuel efficiency can be a warning for various different problems, so it’s important to have a differential diagnosis performed to isolate the source of the issue as the O2 sensor.
The dreaded check-engine light is daunting for any driver, but it’s especially important to bring your car in when it’s illuminated. The reason for this is because when your reliable automotive specialist reads the code reported by the car’s computer, it may clearly indicate that the O2 sensor is the culprit, cutting out the middle man.
The routine maintenance plan for your vehicle designates when is appropriate or should be expected to replace the O2 sensor. Usually these parts need to be replaced before the 100,000-mile mark. At Euro Plus Automotive, we service a range of vehicles in LA County from Canoga Park and Woodland Hills to other San Fernando Valley areas in Southern California. Since the O2 sensor is a critical component of every vehicle, we are experts in the diagnosis and repair work associated with failure of such parts. If you suspect that your O2 sensor in your German or Japanese-engineered vehicle is beginning to malfunction or fail, please contact us directly to schedule an inspection as soon as possible.
Euro Plus Automotive specializes in maintenance, services, & repairs with certified technicians and cutting-edge tools & equipment for European vehicles including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, & more as well as Japanese cars like Honda, Nissan, Toyota, & more.
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