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* The Blog Post is originally written by David Gersh in German Repair Shop Marketing.
Right now, many find themselves at home for long periods of time in quarantine, either self-imposed or mandated. Concerns of the spread of the novel coronavirus have risen and become such a central focus of our lives and thoughts that some things may understandably get overlooked — like the condition of our cars.
In times of crisis such as these, while driving is minimal, having a reliable car is perhaps more essential than ever. Drivers need to know that their car will be able to take them where they need to go in situations of urgency. If you or a loved one experiences a medical emergency, a faulty car could result in a breakdown that could — without wanting to sound too alarmist — prove to be disastrous in the end.
Drivers depend on auto repair shops and the mechanics and staff that work at them. The public has a vested interest in and depends on the work of repair shops to make it through this pandemic without any additional problems that could be avoided. Repair shops are essential businesses, and consumers need them now, perhaps more than ever.
This is said not to create unnecessary worry or panic in this stressful time, but because, in the end, ensuring you have a safe, reliable means of transportation is not only in your best interest. It’s in everyone’s.
It can be easy to not think about cars at this time, especially if you are one of the millions of Americans that are out of work or working from home. Errands and duties that require a car are scarce for those who do not hold an essential job.
While there is no way to measure how much time Americans are currently spending in their car, auto sales have certainly plummeted. That nosedive is expected to continue in the following months: Eric Lyman, chief industry analyst at car-shopping website TrueCar.com, expects auto sales to dip by 50–60% in April.
As cars sit idle, their batteries begin to lose charge. So, while many of us are practicing social distancing, our batteries may be slowly losing their ability to get started. Sitting for a week or so is fine, but if your car sits for a month, there’s a chance it won’t start when needed.
In addition, tires begin to lose their pressure over time when not driven, as air leaks out of them. When this occurs, you are putting your vehicle at risk for developing other problems.
As the importance of social distancing becomes more realized by the public, some may begin putting off necessary tasks. Social distancing is absolutely crucial to ensuring that COVID-19 is overcome and managed, but if you rely on your vehicle to take you to the hospital if needed and it is not in adequate condition, you should consider getting your car repaired. A trip to an auto shop requires little interpersonal contact, and most mechanic shops are taking the necessary precautions to keep their customers safe.
A reliable car is part of emergency preparedness, and this pandemic is no exception.
If you need your vehicle to transport you or a loved one to a doctor’s office, hospital, or testing center in a time of emergency, a breakdown could lose you crucial minutes in care. Engine problems such as overheating or transmission problems could cause your vehicle to stall out. Stalling out is dangerous enough when it comes to the problems it can create in traffic, but in times when a person’s physical health is in jeopardy, an extra level of danger is created.
If your car is stalled, extra time will have to be taken. Whether a loved one, taxi, ambulance or ride-hailing service picks you up from where you are, each minute spent waiting is a minute out of the care of a medical professional. The symptoms of COVID-19 are prone to show up quickly or unexpectedly, so time is of the essence if someone is experiencing an emergency related to the virus.
This will likely hit hardest those who live in rural areas, as they will have to drive a further distance to get to the hospital. As a business whose purpose revolves around vehicles and those who drive them, we want to make sure that drivers are able to properly transport themselves or their loved ones to get the help they need.
Auto shops are needed during this pandemic so that drivers are safeguarded against car problems that a trusted mechanic can help to identify, repair and prevent.
Commuters who own a car but have become accustomed to arriving to work via other means may soon be unable to do so as cities are cutting public transit routes to arrest the spread of COVID-19. Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington D.C., as well as many other cities have reduced the number of trains or buses operating. For those who still have no choice but to use public transportation, there is a significant risk of infection while aboard.
Riding in a car is preferable and poses little to no more threat to yourself or others than sitting in your home — unless you are carpooling, which is currently discouraged. If your car needs servicing in order to run, doing it now is imperative. By repairing your vehicle and driving rather than taking public transportation, you not only reduce your odds of contracting the virus, you eliminate the chance of unknowingly spreading the disease on public transit yourself.
For those who are unable to drive due to financial reasons, declining ridership on public buses and trains will help them better protect themselves by making social distancing easier.
Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft have suspended their carpooling service, but typical programs are still available. Those who can drive their own personal vehicle should do so rather than take Uber and Lyft for their own safety, as any and all personal contact should be avoided if possible.
This means that the auto shops drivers depend on to keep their cars running reliably need to remain open, as they provide a critical service the public depends on.
Unfortunately, the number of ambulances and first responders that the world has is limited. Right now, the number of response vehicles needed are not enough in some places. New York City is receiving an extra 250–500 ambulances to help them cover the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has at the time of writing hit around 40,000 residents in the city. While New York City is maybe a special case and the situation varies from community to community, the fact remains that emergency infrastructure is under strain.
A properly maintained car can help reduce the amount of pressure placed on our emergency infrastructure in the midst of this virus outbreak. Being able to reliably count on your vehicle and drive to the hospital yourself or with the help of a loved one — except for extreme cases of emergency in which an ambulance is necessary — can save your life by arriving in a timely manner and save the lives of others by freeing up ambulances for those in dire circumstances.
There are other risks of ambulance rides, such as infecting the first responders and EMTs that brave the ride to help others. If it is possible and it would not do harm to yourself, driving yourself is preferable as it reduces the chance of further spreading any contagion by reducing the number of people with whom you come into contact.
It’s advised to drive your car at least two times a month for at least 10 miles to prevent a substantial loss in battery power. If you only crank your vehicle, you further drain the battery, so it is important to drive it for at least 10 miles to allow it to recharge. This is also a good chance to pay attention to any problems that could exacerbate themselves in an emergency situation.
Check your car’s oil and coolant levels and make sure that you have at least enough gas in the tank to carry yourself to an emergency care facility and back in case of emergency.
A charged battery, an engine that can reliably 
run without overheating or stalling, and a transmission free of major problems is critical in this time. This virus does not discriminate in who it infects, and every individual should have a plan in place to respond to this crisis, and that includes a well-maintained car. Any questions that you have about your vehicle should be directed to a certified mechanic through the appropriate channels that allow for adequate social distancing measures, such as via telephone or email.
Auto shops provide an essential service in our society and, without them, additional strain would be placed on top of the industries which must respond to this pandemic. If you need work done on your primary vehicle that is indispensable for its operation, please visit an auto shop. It is in your best interest and the best interest of those around you.
If the oil change light in your car has come on, you may assume that it only means that your oil level is low. While it could be as simple as that, there are several reasons why the light may come on. We will explain what those reasons are and why they are happening, how to fix these issues, and where to go to have them addressed.
There are 5 typical reasons why your oil change light has come on.
You can be proactive about the issues you are facing in a few different ways:
If the problem is a simple fix, you can change your oil yourself. Follow these steps, and you should avoid any further issues.
If this seems too complicated, it is best to take your vehicle to a professional.
Euro Plus Automotive is here to expertly diagnose and repair 
any problems you may be having with your oil light and any underlying causes of it. We primarily service brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Volkswagen, Acura, Lexus, Honda, Nissan, Infiniti, and Toyota. If you have any of these makes of automobiles, we guarantee we can fix your car and get you back on the road quickly.
We are located in the Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles County areas of California. If you are nearby, give us a chance to prove our quality and expertise. You will have a trusted mechanic for all of your future automotive needs.
Over 41 million Americans live in flood zones, with coastal states typically being the most affected. However, just about anywhere can become flooded if the weather becomes extreme enough. Flooding can occur suddenly and with very little warning, and for most of us, the focus becomes our family and our homes. But what about our cars?
In this article we’ll be taking a closer look at how flooding can affect cars. We’ll be exploring simple preventative measures as well as how to deal with damage caused, should the worst happen.
Of course, the best thing you can do is try to keep your car safe from flooding before the bad weather strikes, and while nothing is foolproof when it comes to mother nature, by adhering to these simple preparatory methods, you might significantly reduce any prospective flood damage to your vehicle.
1. High Ground
Just as when preparing your home for a flood, you move prized possessions to higher ground. If you live near a hill or have access to elevated ground or garage, try to park your car as close to the top as possible where it will hopefully be safer from rising waters.
2. Close Everything
This tip is also generally advisable for theft prevention, but in regards to flood safety, make sure all the windows, doors, and sun roofs are tightly closed. The more areas you can prevent water from entering the better.
3. Disconnect the Battery
If you live in a flatter area where finding high ground is unlikely, prepare for the worst by disconnecting your battery. This will help prevent water damaging the sensitive electronic components as well as the car’s onboard computer, since the source of power will be disconnected.
4. Cease and Desist
Finally, if you’re caught out driving when water levels start to rise, turn off your car immediately. Do not stay in your car. Water can rise faster than you realise, leaving you trapped, or worse, swept away while trapped inside your vehicle. Never try to drive through flood waters. Not only is it difficult to assess the depth of water, but you also do not want water to be sucked into your car by the various pumps and valves connected to your vehicle, ruining your engine and more.
Once the adverse weather has ceased, it’s time to assess the damage. Hopefully, your prior preparedness has minimized the worst of the damage. Unfortunately, for flood damaged cars, the prognosis usually isn’t good. Depending on the age or condition of your car, seeking a replacement may be a more advisable solution. If the flooding involved salt water, salvaging the car becomes 50% less likely.
However, if you want to maximise the chance of saving your prized motor, then acting fast is important. As soon as it is safe to do so, inspect your car and note the mark left by the waterline. If it was as high as the dashboard, it is unlikely your vehicle will be worth saving. However, lower level flooding should be cleaned out and dried as soon as possible to prevent mould and rust.
If you were not able to remove the battery before the flooding, now is the time to do so, this will help prevent any damage from lingering water. Most importantly, even if the flooding was quite minor, it is essential that you do not start up your car, as this can introduce residual flood water into engine, only adding to your problems.
Your best solution is to either call a tow truck or have your local mechanic come out to your car in person to assess the damage before any more can be done. They will be able to advise you on the best ways to proceed and also give you a clear vision of the future costs as well as the types of work you may be able to claim back on your insurance.
If you’ve been a victim of flooding and have decided that your car is 
worth saving, then finding an understanding service center who will guide you through the potentially lengthy recovery process is essential. If you’re in the Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles County, or other surrounding areas of California, Euro Plus Automotive should be your first call. With a 2 year/24,000 mile guarantee on all parts and repairs, once your car is fixed, you can get back on the road and put all the stress of flooding behind you.
Are you experiencing resistance, a clunking sound, or vibrations through the steering column? If so, your steering shaft might be in need of lubrication. Proper lubrication is required so that your steering and suspension system can work together properly and give you a smooth ride.
Your steering system is made up of several moving parts that rub together. If they are not properly lubricated, they will experience friction and end up failing. This failure can be disastrous and quite costly.
There are some common symptoms that that will give you a warning that your steering shaft needs to be lubricated.
The steering shaft is also known as the steering column. This part allows you to turn your car when you move your steering wheel. The steering shaft is an essential component and needs to be taken care of. Its function is to keep the steering wheel and the steering gearbox or rack connected. The shaft must be properly lubed for your car to steer smoothly.
To avoid costly repairs, it is important to keep up with regular maintenance according to your owner’s manual. It’s important to read your service manual when you purchase a vehicle. The manual will give you a maintenance schedule and service guidelines that help to ensure the longevity and reliability of your vehicle if followed.
Proper maintenance is very important in keeping your vehicle running safely for many years to come. Keeping your steering shaft properly lubricated will save you time and money. Having a steering shaft that isn’t properly lubricated can lead to failure, resulting in costly repairs or even an accident.
It’s important to note that having your shaft lubricated will not fix any components that have already experienced damage. Your ride might be smoother, but these components are damaged and their lifespan has been greatly shortened.
Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, you may or may not be able to lube all of the parts. Some vehicles have parts that are permanently sealed. These parts cannot be lubricated. If they are experiencing friction and are failing, they will need to be serviced or replaced.
If you are experiencing issues with your steering give us a call. Steering components that are experiencing friction and excessive wear could lead to a catastrophic failure. It is important that the steering components in your car are frequently monitored so that they do not break.
We will find your problem and get it fixed safely. Having a properly working steering shaft that is lubricated will allow you to have smooth steering and will increase the longevity of the steering systems other components helping you to avoid future costly repairs.
If you are seeking a mechanic that you can trust with your steering issues or any type of maintenance give us a call. We will provide you with 
exceptional service and make sure that your car receives the treatment that it deserves.
Our specialist technicians will always treat you right. We offer dealership-quality service without the dealership prices. From the very moment that we opened our doors in 1984, we have focused on providing our customers with high quality service. There is no need for you to take your car to a dealership. We’ve got you covered and we even back up our work with a 2 year/24,000 mile service warranty. You can leave our shop with the peace of mind knowing that you have received the best service around.
Here at Euro Plus Automotive, we service the Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles County, CA areas. You can come see us at 7107 Canoga Ave., Canoga Park, CA 91303, or call our office on 818-710-8244 to schedule an appointment.
In the age of wireless keys and newfangled fobs, it can be hard to imagine a time when we actually put a key in the ignition of our cars.
Some older models use a specialized ignition lock cylinder that helps the car power on. It resembles a traditional cigarette holder and keeps your keys secure. Working as a portable “ignition” this unique tool is commonly found in trucks and SUV cars.
The primary function of the ignition lock is to help you start your vehicle. It plays 4 major roles that work together seamlessly. They include:
Like a methodic pattern, this tiny tool accomplishes so much with a simple turn.
Investing in a lock cylinder gives your car added protection should your ignition fail. It’s a handy tool to have on those days when you don’t have time to take your car to the shop.
In addition, finding the right lock cylinder for your car provides an extra layer of protection. It makes it increasingly difficult for robbers to access your belongings.
Getting a lock cylinder is great for older cars that have trouble powering on their accessories. A quality lock cylinder is responsible for powering your:
Anything that your key could do on its own, this tool provides additional cushion.
Since this tool is individualized to fit your specific vehicle, you need to choose a lock cylinder that complements it. Within your owners manual, you’ll find the type of lock you should choose based on an individualized number. This will help you make the best decision for your car. If you have trouble locating this information, a skilled mechanic or brand representative can help you find the appropriate tool.
A lock cylinder wears many hats when it comes to ignition management. Prior to selecting the best tool for your car, it’s best to outline your goals. If safety is your main concern, specifically look for brands that showcase this feature. Learn what makes their product different than the rest and conduct your own research. This will help you narrow down the best brands for your budget.
Being able to adequately lock your steering wheel to prevent theft is an integral part of choosing the best tool. Make sure the piece you choose is made of durable and long-lasting materials. You would hate to purchase something that isn’t compatible with your car or fails to meet your security standards. Do your personal research by looking at customer reviews before making financial decisions.
There are 2 materials to choose from when it comes to selecting the best lock cylinder. Understanding the differences between the two will help you make the best decision for your specific vehicle. Die-cast is used for optimal durability and strength. Stainless Steel is the secondary material that’s an inexpensive option. When it comes to optimal durability, die-cast is the best choice.
We know how challenging it is determining the best additions for your car. Especially when it’s a tool that’s out of the ordinary. Instead of going on this journey alone, enlist professional help. 
A trained mechanic or sales representative can help you choose the best lock cylinder for your car. Be sure to discuss your goals and reasons for investing in this piece. Then, they’ll be able to match you with the tool that’s perfect for you.
Euro Plus Automotive services the Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles County, CA areas. Our team is trained to direct customers just like you on how to make the best purchases for their vehicle. If you’re interested in investing in an ignition lock cylinder for your car, drop by today to discuss your options. With our quality services, there are never hidden fees, surprise fixes, or sales tactics. We’re simply here to help you have a safe and productive driving experience. Call or stop by today to learn more about ignition locks and whether one might be a good choice for you and your car.
At some point in your car’s life you will likely have to purchase a new battery. Your vehicle’s battery can die from a variety of reasons. It could be that the battery was getting older, or it could simply be leaving a light on in your vehicle.
Either way, if your battery is dead, you will likely have to purchase a new one and install it. However, if there is an electrical issue that needs to be addressed it is recommended that you take your car in for a checkup to determine the cause of the drained battery. If not addressed, you may have to replace your vehicle’s battery again, which can be annoying and can get pricey.
Generally the process for getting and installing a new battery is an easy one. You just take out the old battery and install the new one and that is that. Other times, however, you may experience a stalling problem. Different vehicles may have different reactions when it comes to installing a new battery. Once such reaction may include stalling. Another thing you may experience are electrical issues. It is important to understand why this issue may occur and what you should do in order to prevent this.
As cars have developed and improved on their technology, their electrical systems have also improved. Obviously having more sophisticated systems is good, but sometimes there can be problems as a result of relying on software. Your car has a computer in it that helps it perform properly. These systems are usually adaptive and as your car ages, they begin to compensate for the slowness of your vehicle. This adaptive memory is stored in your vehicle’s volatile random access memory, also referred to as the VRAM.
When you go to change your battery, and your car’s computer software is disconnected from the power, there is a chance that you may reset your car’s memory to the original default settings. Even if you have only disconnected the battery for a short amount of time, they can potentially lose the memory that was stored in their VRAM. This also could include the settings for the engine’s idle, which would cause your car to stall.
When the VRAM has been reset it also means that your car will have to relearn all of the settings it has to compensate for the age of your car. It is possible for your car to relearn them though, so even if you do lose all of your settings, hope is not entirely lost!
While your car can relearn your settings for the vehicle’s optimal performance, a far better solution is to avoid that issue altogether. There is a simple tool that you can use to save your memory. The memory saver is a device that is plugged into a source and provides enough energy to your system that it will be able to retain all of the settings that your vehicle had.
If you need help deciding which battery is right for you and installing it without 
wiping your VRAM, our technicians at Euro Plus Automotive would be more than happy to help. When it comes to getting and installing a battery we understand that people may not always know what to get or simply don’t have the time to do it. Our team of experts is committed to providing excellent customer service and care. We work with our clients to determine the cause of their issues and find a solution that works best for them.
We are convenient to residents of Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles County, CA, and are able to help resolve any issues you may be experiencing with your vehicle, from regular maintenance to intensive repairs. Our technicians are trained in the latest methods and technologies for car repair and maintenance. Our goal is to ensure your vehicle has a long life. If you would like to learn more about the services we offer, or would like to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call our office where a representative will be more than happy to assist you.
Understanding the various components in your car and how they function is important. It is good to know why certain things are needed and what their purpose is. By having a clear understanding of how your vehicle works, you will be able to properly maintain it and to know what to do when something goes wrong. Even just basic understanding of how your vehicle works can help a tremendous amount, even if it just helps you know when you should go to the mechanic.
It is recommended by most mechanics that you get regular service checkups as a preventative measure for larger, more expensive issues. Having a trusted mechanic who is familiar with working on your type of car is extremely helpful, because they will be familiar with common issues relating to your vehicle and will also know what problems to look out for.
An important part to keep an eye on is your head gasket. The head gasket is a vital seal to your vehicle’s engine, so if this part should fail, it is something you will want to get replaced quickly. Gasket sealer can help your gasket last longer if you end up needing to have it replaced.
Depending on the age of your vehicle, a head gasket replacement is something you may want to prepare for. As cars age, the head gasket seal is something that is bound to wear out and need replacing. Since the material is made of steel, or even sometimes cork, they can wear out over time. Like with most issues, there will be signs you may start to notice that would indicate a faulty head gasket. The head gasket is located between the car’s engine block and cylinder head and acts as the seal between the two.
If your car starts to overheat, this could cause your gasket to wear out and need replacing. It may also mean that fluids could get inside your engine. If that occurs, it could cause a number of issues, like your cylinder head warping. Through having consistent and regular checkups your trusted auto repair shop will be able to tell you if your car’s gasket needs to be replaced. When you need to have your gasket replaced, it is a much simpler problem (and much cheaper, too) to deal with than fixing a warped cylinder.
Gasket sealant is a glue-like substance that is added to the new gasket when it is installed. It helps the gasket adhere to the seal, preventing even the tiniest of leaks. It is not necessary on every head gasket, but many mechanics like the additional security it provides.
There are signs you can look out for that will likely be an indicator that your gasket needs to be replaced. One common issue is that you may start to notice a white or yellow substance inside the cap of the oil filler.
Another issue that you may experience is blue or white smoke being emitted from your car’s exhaust. White smoke could indicate that your coolant may be leaking into your combustion chamber. If blue smoke it could indicate that oil may be leaking into the combustion chamber and burning. If either are the case, you should visit a professional auto repair shop to have your vehicle inspected.
If your auto repair shop recommends a head gasket replacement, ask about whether gasket sealer would be a good addition to your engine. It may raise the cost a bit, but can help prevent a repeat of the gasket failure.
At Euro Plus Automotive, we are committed 
to helping our clients with their vehicles by having our skilled technicians diagnose and repair your car, using the latest methods in automotive repair technology. We are located conveniently to Canoga Park, Woodland Hill, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles County, CA, so if you need to have your car inspected for a faulty gasket, we would be glad to help. We can also talk about the benefits of gasket sealer with you, so you can decide if it is the best choice for your car.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about other services we provide, please visit our website or call our office where a representative will be able to help you.
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.
Routine auto maintenance sometimes escapes us—it could be a matter of money, or not having enough free time. However, oil maintenance and care is perhaps one of the most important, routine auto care tasks that shouldn’t go overlooked. The oil in your engine is critical to the overall health of your vehicle. When our motor oil isn’t clean and free-flowing through the engine, it can cause other serious problems, creating expensive and detrimental issues that can keep our car from running all together. Oil leaks are one of the more troubling symptoms of oil trouble, and it helps to have a basic understanding of how to recognize and address these issues. Here are some of the possible reasons for an oil leak and how to fix them.
The oil pan keeps oil from leaking with multiple parts, such as the oil gasket. The valve cover gasket and oil seals keep oil contained in the engine and keep it flowing through the necessary parts. When the oil gasket or seals are damaged or corroded, it can spring a leak. These issues are relatively easy to fix, given that you bring your car to the right automotive shop who won’t gouge you on pricing.
Oil pans can become damaged in a number of ways. Perhaps one of the most common instances of oil pan damage is when we accidentally run over a piece of debris in the road that can puncture it, causing a leak. When the oil pan becomes punctured, the gasket that seals the oil in becomes useless. This often results in the need for a new oil pan, depending on the level of damage that is caused.
Regular oil changes are great, but sometimes when oil is changed it can be filled improperly. When your oil is over-filled, it can cause spills or leaks quite easily. The recommended oil level should be clearly marked, and you should always be sure to consult a professional if attempting to change your oil yourself. Over-filled oil can leak, causing concerning smoke while driving or stains in your driveway.
One of the best ways to prevent oil leaks is to have the oil routinely changed, along with the oil filter. Having clean oil is essential to your engine’s health and functioning, and routine oil and filter changes give your automotive specialist an opportunity to inspect the quality of your oil and replace it with clean oil before dirt and debris causes harmful effects on your engine.
It is essential to make sure you’re using the right type of oil for your car’s engine. You can find this information in your owner’s manual—it will give manufacturer-recommended types of oil to use that are the proper viscosity for your vehicle’s particular engine. If you have your oil changed by an automotive professional, you should also check with them first to make sure they use the correct type of oil.
The symptoms of oil leaks can leave effects on other parts of your car, and signs of an oil leak may be evident in other areas first, before it may be time for an oil change. Routine inspections and tune-ups are a great way for automotive technicians to keep an eye on your car’s overall functioning.
Here at Euro Plus Automotive, we provide specialized automotive care for 
German and Japanese import vehicles in the areas of Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, and the greater Los Angeles County, in California. We know that routine automotive care is not something that most people think of throughout the course of their daily lives, so we simplify the process the best we can for our clients. For over 30 years, we have continued to offer special financing, warrantees, and competitive pricing that make specialized automotive care available to everyone in the area. Our ASE certified automotive technicians are highly knowledgeable about the common issues that affect German and Japanese imports, and are skilled at accurately diagnosing and fixing issues—no problem is too simple or too difficult. If you would like to schedule an oil change, an inspection, or a consultation with our team of experts, contact us today.
Many drivers don’t realize how important their tires are for the overall health of their vehicle. Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, you may have noticed that tires can be expensive to replace—especially when they aren’t properly cared for. There are many factors that contribute to how often we need to replace or service our tires, and it is important to keep these factors in mind while going about your daily life. In fact, most drivers may not realize what a huge impact daily driving conditions and driving habits can have on their car’s tires, and therefore your car’s overall performance levels. Owning a luxury import vehicle comes with the responsibility of ongoing vehicle care; regular maintenance is important in order to uphold the brand’s integrity, retain its value, and increase performance and endurance. Since your tires are your main connection to the road, they can tell us a lot about what kind of condition your vehicle is in and how well it is performing. Additionally, the healthier your tires are, the longer they will last. Here are some tips to increase the longevity of your car tires and improve your vehicle’s performance:
How often you rotate your tires will likely depend on how frequently you drive your car, the typical distance you drive, and the common condition of the roads that you drive on. A good rule of thumb is to have your tires checked for rotation every time you get your oil changed. It is also important to have your tires rotated before a long road trip—this will reduce the risk of a blowout or a flat tire while traveling at high speeds for extended periods of time. Rotating your tires spreads the wear around evenly amongst all four tires so that the front and back and right and left side tires don’t wear out any sooner than the others.
Wheel alignments can greatly improve the longevity and reduce the wear of your tires. It is important to pay attention to any small differences in alignment by looking at your tires wear patterns in addition to looking out for a few other telltale signs of misalignment. For instance, if you notice your steering pulling in a specific direction other than straight on a flat bit of road, you likely need an alignment. Or, if the emblem of your steering wheel is off-center while facing in a straight forward direction, you should have your alignment checked.
Keeping a tire pressure gauge in your center console is a good way to remind yourself to check your tire pressure routinely. Many modern vehicles will alert the driver if tire pressure becomes too low on any of the four tires; however, in order to avoid uneven wear patterns, blowouts, frequent tire replacement, or dangerous flats while driving at higher speeds, you should always keep your tire pressure at the specified level recommended by the manufacturer. You can find this specific pressure level in your owner’s manual or on the inside of the driver’s side door.
Because your wheels and tires are directly connected to suspension components, if something goes wrong with a suspension part it can express itself in your tire health. For instance, one of your front tires may show uneven wear patterns if a suspension component begins to prematurely wear or fail completely. By routinely checking your various suspension components through ongoing maintenance appointments you can keep an eye on the different parts of your vehicle that affect your tire health.
At Euro Plus Automotive, we take a holistic approach to vehicle care. Serving Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, and other areas of Los Angeles County, CA, we see a wide range of vehicle issues daily. After years of experience and automotive knowledge, our approach to repair and maintenance tasks is to treat the vehicle like an integrated system—in other words, we know that if your tires are showing signs of uneven wear that there are likely other issues causing it. While we never advise our clients to spend more money than is necessary on repairs, we take great pride in our philosophy on educating and informing our clients on how they can best care for their vehicles. For more information about our expertise in European import vehicles, call us today. We look forward to helping keep your car, and your tires, performing at their best.
7107 CANOGA AVE.
CANOGA PARK, CA 91303
MON-FRI 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
SAT & SUN CLOSED
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