Month: June 2021

Recognizable Symptoms of a Clogged Fuel Tank Screen Filter in Your Mercedes

One important issue not to be overlooked in your Mercedes is the fuel tank screen filter. Mercedes designed the engine very intentionally to avoid getting damaging debris in the engine, but this safety precaution still needs to be properly maintained or can lead to greater issues.

The screen filter is a first line of defense grabbing large debris that would damage the smaller and more refined filters down the line. It is not uncommon to have some build up as that is what the filter is designed to do, but if it remains this way performance will drop.

This is important to know as a Mercedes owner because it is a specialized part that could need attention before your next regularly-scheduled maintenance. This may require extra vigilance on the part of the owner to be able to recognize a problem and know when to bring your Mercedes to a service center.

Although this is a difficult problem to fix yourself, there are some signs that it is time to have your Mercedes looked at by a professional. With any luxury vehicle, your car will take care of you as long as you take care of your car. At the first notice of any of these problems, it is worth bringing your car in for an inspection.

Common Signs of a Clogged Fuel Tank Screen Filter

The first stops in line from the gas tank are the ignition and spark plugs. A couple of common signs can be clear indications that your filter is clogged and causing a decrease in performance:

• Check engine light: This may sound silly, but all too often drivers ignore this warning light, thinking a tire is just a little low on air or they can get by until the next scheduled maintenance. Remember, the fuel screen filter is intended to catch large pieces of debris floating through, so it is not a problem when the filter has become a little clogged, as that means it’s functioning properly. The problems arise if a clogged filter is not changed or cleaned. So paying attention to a check engine warning is an easy way to catch this issue in its early stages.
• Misfiring or difficulty starting: As mentioned above, the removal of debris in fuel maintains proper operation of the remainder of the fuel system. That means if the filter is becoming clogged and overall flow is impeded, the ignition or spark plugs may be the first parts to suffer. This will not initially damage the vehicle but if the filter is not cleaned or replaced right away damage to the rest of the system will be sustained.
• A failing fuel pump: More serious, and probably a sign that the filter has been dirty for some time, is damage to the fuel pump. When the fuel flow is impeded more burden is placed on the fuel pump to maintain the same power and performance. Preventative maintenance, such as keeping the filters clean, will result in other parts like the fuel pump itself operating optimally and not having to be replaced prematurely.

Euro Plus Automotive for Your Mercedes

Ideally, during routine maintenance and inspection, issues will be found far before it is a problem. With a drop in performance being the first sign of a potential problem, the good news is that this regular maintenance can easily stem the issue by spotting these small warning signs before they become big ones.

Bringing your Mercedes to a certified mechanic will ensure your fuel tank screen filter is clean and operating smoothly and there is no debris damaging your vehicle. At Euro Plus Automotive, we will ensure your Mercedes continues to function as designed by the manufacturer.

Euro Plus Automotive specializes in European makes and models. We are focused on the specific and unique needs of these import brands. You can be confident that our work will be done properly, quickly, and with the utmost care to ensure your satisfaction each time you visit our service center. Give us a call or stop by our convenient Canoga Park, CA location to speak with our friendly, certified technicians. We look forward to providing your future car care needs.

Where Should You Replace a Cracked Alloy Wheel of your BMW in Canoga?

BMWs are luxury performance cars that are well known for speed, safety and comfort. These vehicles are manufactured with cutting edge technology that give them exciting features tailored to maximize the comfort of drivers.

A big part of ensuring that BMW drivers enjoy the comfort of their cars goes into designing the alloy wheels that are used in BMWs. While these alloy wheels are designed with durability in mind, this is not always the case. Let’s discuss why.

Advantages of BMW Alloy Wheels

BMW alloy wheels are manufactured with a keen focus on details that not only optimize the car for performance, but also account for a trademark and distinct appearance of most BMW models. The aesthetics of the end product matters in the manufacturing of BMWs. This is one of the reasons why alloy wheels are preferred over other metal wheels.

BMW alloy wheels are forged from aluminium because then they are durable. These alloy wheels are designed to withstand external effects of weather that would normally wear out metal tires fast.

Some of the key factors that are calculated during the manufacture of these alloy wheels include a high level of thermal conductivity, optimum ventilation of the braking systems, and reduced weight. While all these features are designed for the near-perfect wheel, most BMW drivers can’t seem to enjoy the durability of their expensive wheels. This is because over time these wheels have been known to develop cracks.

These cracks put a wrinkle in BMW’s brilliant plan to help drivers continue driving in case they get a flat while driving at a high speed without losing control of the vehicle. This ensures driver safety. So let’s take a closer look at what causes the cracks in BMWs alloy wheels.

Causes of Cracked Alloy Wheels in BMW

The main cause of cracks in BMW alloy wheels is driving on rough roads. This is not about rough terrain. Uneven roads with the smallest potholes or low curbs can cause cracks to develop in the BMW alloy wheels. Worse still, it’s not a question of if you get cracks in your wheels, because sooner or later it will happen.

The most careful drivers who avoid hitting potholes and maneuver curbs and bumps as gently as possible are still likely to get cracks in their alloy wheels. This can be disappointing, especially if you consider the cost of these alloy wheels.

What to Do When Your Alloy Wheels Crack

As soon as you notice a crack in your BMW wheels, it’s advisable that you find a reputable mechanic to fix the issue. This is especially so that the mechanic can help minimize the amount of damage to the wheel. Small cracks that are not fixed immediately can grow into big fissures that would necessitate replacing the entire wheel. This by itself is an expensive venture that you might want to avoid by all means.

You also need to be very careful while taking your BMW to an auto repair shop. This is mainly because BMWs need highly specialized servicing and repairs that can only be performed by mechanics who are well-versed with the model. Whatever the case, you should resist the urge to drive your BMW when a wheel is cracked because if you do, the wheel can suffer sudden tire blowout.

You should also stay vigilant while driving your car. This way you’ll be able to catch any cracks as soon as they begin to appear. Going to a reliable BMW specialist also prevents the cracks from reaching the lug nut holes, as this would mean definite wheel replacement.

Where to Take Your BMW for Cracked Alloy Wheel Repair

Finding a reputable auto repair shop can itself be an uphill task. Lucky for you, Euro Plus Automotive is available for all your BMW repairs in Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County, CA.

We recognize that you need only the best services and repairs for your BMW, which is why our team of mechanics are dedicated to serving you. We provide quality repairs and replacements to all BMW related problems. Give us a call today and we’ll help you get the best services as intended by the manufacturer for your BMW.

* BMW Alloy Sports Wheel image credit goes to: Nickbeer.