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7107 Canoga Ave Canoga Park, CA 91303
818-710-8244
While Audi is known for high-end luxury and performance vehicles, they are also known to be expensive to repair when things go wrong. This can be a major concern for Audi owners who wonder what they can do to mitigate the possibility of high repair bills in the future.
While adhering to your owner’s manual on service intervals is a good start, it can also be beneficial to learn more about how variations in driving style and environment can change when maintenance ought to be performed so you’re ahead of the curve in keeping your Audi in good shape. So what should you be thinking about when trying to maintain your Audi under budget?
There are several aspects of routine vehicle maintenance that can help extend a vehicle’s life in the long run.
Monitoring the fluids, timing, and ignition components regularly help ensure your Audi is in good shape and can warn of impending trouble. These are aspects of a regular maintenance schedule that when attended to prevent catastrophic damages and high repair bills in many cases.
At Euro Plus Automotive, we have been 
providing service to German and Japanese vehicles for over 30 years. We only hire individuals with expertise in specific makes and models, so you can be confident your vehicle is being attended to by an expert.
We provide year-round maintenance services from ASE certified technicians and do so at a fraction of the usual costs. Euro Plus Automotive can be found at 7107 Canoga Ave in Canoga Park, California 91303. We also serve the nearby areas of Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles County, CA. Our hours are 8:00AM-5:30PM, Monday-Friday. Call us at 818-710-8244 to schedule a convenient appointment!
* Audi Car image credit goes to: vesilvio.
Today’s drivers are demanding easier, more convenient options in their cars without sacrificing in vehicle performance, and manufacturers are listening. Recent developments in automotive technology have seriously changed the available options to luxury car drivers, including Audi. One of the more recent automotive advancements is the development of the Tiptronic transmission. Although the name is trademarked by Porsche, a Tiptronic transmission is available in many road-going vehicles these days—it’s just called something else. In this article we’ll go over what a Tiptronic transmission is, the benefits of this type of transmission, and what you can do to maintain it in your Audi.
In the past, most traditional, standard cars came equipped with either an automatic or manual transmission. Both types of transmissions had their benefits and drawbacks, and drivers equally favored both at one time. However, times have changed, and with that come new advancements in technology and automotive design.
A Tiptronic transmission has all the essential features of an automatic transmission, but with one huge difference—you are able to shift gears manually yourself when you choose to. Depending on what type of car you drive and the manufacturer’s design, you’ll use either the traditional gear lever or gear shifting paddles located near the steering wheel to shift up or down a gear.
There are several main differences between a Tiptronic and a standard manual or automatic transmission. The obvious point is the option to shift from a quasi-manual to a quasi-automatic at the driver’s leisure and choice. All manufacturers’ versions of this system work slightly differently, but ultimately the idea is still the same—enhance the driver’s control over the vehicle and the overall driving experience. Tiptronic transmissions offer the following benefits to drivers:
The most vital element and benefit of a Tiptronic transmission is the safeguards that are in place that protect the driver and the car from error. This is a basic programming and design feature implemented to ensure the integrity of the car despite the driver’s habits. For instance, when the car is being controlled manually and the driver doesn’t shift gears properly, the technology will take back over and shift gears as needed.
For all the reasons just mentioned, Audi drivers and other luxury car owners are drawn to Tiptronic transmissions. As the new and exciting option available to drivers, it has become rapidly popular in recent years. Manufacturers cater to their customers’ desires to be able to have the leisure and reassurance of an automatic transmission but with all the power, fun, and engagement that a manual transmission offers. Furthermore, since the technology and software is sound and efficient, Tiptronic systems don’t affect the car’s fuel efficiency or gas mileage significantly—another huge plus for drivers of today.
Though they are the wave of now and the future, Tiptronic transmissions require care and maintenance just like every other transmission. Here are a few things to keep in mind to best care for your Audi’s transmission going forward:
Here at Euro Plus Automotive, we are trained, educated, and experienced to cater to the needs of various Tiptronic-like systems. For Audi drivers in Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, the greater San Fernando Valley, and all of Los Angeles County, CA, we offer specialized automotive care for Tiptronic transmissions, as no two are exactly alike. After nearly 3 decades of service to our community, our passion for European imports still holds true today, and we treat every client as if they were a part of our own family. If you’d like to learn more about your Tiptronic transmission, or would like to set up a maintenance schedule with us, please contact one of our helpful professionals today.
* Audi A3 e-tron image credit goes to: SteveLagreca.
Luxury European imports, such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche are all known for their excellent performance standards; however, before we get a peek at what’s under the hood, we can only see the exterior of such cars—which tends to be equally impressive. One thing that adds to the wow-factor of a car is its paint job. The shiny, delicious quality of a good paint job can set apart two cars that are virtually the same in every way, which is why so many luxury car owners put such care and effort into the exterior of their vehicles.
Of course fresh paint, regular washing, polishing, and waxing will help your car stand out from a crowd; however, there is another way to accomplish an incredible shine on your car that you won’t see on many other vehicles. Glaze coating is a way to enhance your car’s paint job that is often overlooked by drivers. Glaze coating has its benefits, and it’s worth looking into—especially if you have the privilege of driving a luxury European import like the ones listed above. In this article, we’ll talk about what glaze coating is, what it can do for your car’s exterior, and other important factors to consider with glaze coating.
Glaze coating is a product, as well as a process, that many luxury car drivers utilize. If you’ve ever watched a professional car auction, many of the cars sold utilize glaze coating as a way of making the cars stand out more so than usual to heighten the potential for selling them. The process of glaze coating can be done by any car owner themselves with the right tools and experience; however, for the maximum benefit it’s best to leave it to the pros.
Glaze coating has many benefits, especially for the avid car enthusiast who notices every little detail in paintwork. Here are some of the most notable advantages and benefits of glaze coating your vehicle’s exterior:
Of course, the number one attraction to glaze coating is the shine it adds to your car’s exterior. Drivers of the finest, most luxurious cars in the world utilize glaze coating to really help their cars stand out from a crowd, and believe us it works!
After the car is polished, glaze coating can be applied to fill in any of the leftover, nagging imperfections you might notice. For the car enthusiast, these tiny imperfections are far from imperceptible, and a glaze coating can help diminish their appearance.
Glaze coating can enhance an average, stock paint job to make it look like an expert, custom paint job. Glaze is also great for applying to those custom paint jobs that were conceptualized and slaved over in order to maximize the shine and effect.
If you decide that a glaze coating might be great for your car, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, glaze is a coating, and specifically not a wax or a polish product. Polishing and waxing should be performed in addition to a glaze coating for the best effect. Furthermore, the glaze must be applied after the car has been polished, removing any of the exterior imperfections first. Then, after it has been polished and the glaze has been applied, you should wax it. Following these steps will give you the best result—after all, that’s what we’re after!
For over 30 years, the automotive experts at Euro Plus Automotive have provided the community with exterior paint and bodywork—that’s 3 decades of excellent, quality service to the residents of Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, the greater San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County, CA. Achieving the maximum shine on a luxury car is one way to make your ride stand out from the rest, but a glaze coating can also be applied to any other vehicle, like a Toyota or Acura, to show the level of care that you’ve put into them. If you’d like to know more about our automotive exterior care techniques and processes, please call one of our helpful professionals today. We look forward to hearing from you!
Luxury cars such as BMWs have specific performance expectations. It’s important to monitor your BMW’s performance on a regular basis to be able to detect when you’re experiencing significant changes. However, there are other things you can do to help ensure that your BMW performs as it should consistently.
BMW recommends certain service intervals to drivers of various models, as well as ongoing care tips and suggestions for optimal performance. One of the most controversial, yet important, factors of BMW performance is what kind of gasoline you typically use. The BMW manufacturer recommends that drivers of most BMW cars fill their tank with higher-octane fuel—91 or more to be exact. Many drivers dispute this suggestion, but the overall difference in cost could be worth the benefits. In this article, we’ll talk more about why 91+ octane fuel is best for your BMW and what might happen if you don’t follow this manufacturer suggestion.
It’s safe to assume that BMW requires higher octane fuel for their engines because it serves an important purpose. Since this is ultimately up to us as drivers who are responsible for filling our own tanks, it can be awfully tempting to skip the higher octane/higher cost and use regular, unleaded fuel. However, it’s important to note what this can do to your BMW’s engine, and therefore your vehicle’s performance.
Your BMW has a high-compression engine that requires high octane fuel for a specific reason. When you use a lower octane fuel in your BMW, it causes the temperature in your engine to rise, whereas higher octane fuel keeps your engine temperature at the perfect homeostasis for optimal performance. High-octane fuel stops ignition from occurring prematurely and can prevent engine damage.
There certainly are drawbacks to having to fill your tank with 91+ octane fuel—the number one drawback being higher cost each time you fill up. However, depending on how often you drive your BMW, the difference may be negligible. There are more benefits to utilizing the proper, required gasoline type for your BMW than there are drawbacks. Here are a few:
Using higher octane fuel keeps your engine running in its optimal range. Using the right fuel source will help your engine to use the proper amount of pressure and power efficiently when it needs it, without wasting power.
BMWs are known for their exceptional performance standards. Higher octane fuel supports the power and speed that BMWs can achieve, and without the higher octane fuel your engine has to work harder at a higher temperature to achieve similar performance results.
Especially when you’re going on long-winded trips, through hilly terrain, or if the car has a lot of added weight, using the right type of gas is critical. This allows your BMW engine to endure the added strain without damaging the engine in any way.
You might be surprised to learn that gasoline is responsible for maintaining a degree of “engine cleanliness.” Higher octane fuel has a higher, yet different, chemical makeup that removes carbon buildup much more efficiently in high-compression engines.
Besides the general benefits of using the right type of fuel for your BMW, it’s important to pair this with providing your BMW with the right maintenance procedures at the recommended interval. The suggestions made by your BMW manufacturer were developed based on statistics and testing that found the optimal method of care for the best results for BMW cars. By sticking to your recommended maintenance plan and using the right type of gasoline, you’ll be able to enjoy your BMW more consistently and for a longer period of time.
The BMW experts here at Euro Plus Automotive serve clients from all over the areas of Los Angeles County and San Fernando Valley, including Canoga Park and Woodland Hills, CA. Our level of knowledge in German-engineering and specialized care is what sets us apart from nearby dealerships—not only do we offer better quality care, but at more affordable prices. If you would like to know more about your gasoline requirements for your BMW, please contact one of our helpful professionals, or call to schedule a tune-up to inspect your BMW’s condition.
* BMW 328i image credit goes to: servickuz.
Keeping up with ongoing maintenance can be a pain for any driver, but it can greatly improve your driving experience and keep money in your wallet over the life of your vehicle. Tune-ups often involve routine inspections and maintenance procedures that all vehicle manufacturers recommend in order to increase performance and extend longevity, among other benefits. Restoring your engine’s performance is critical, particularly for those of us who drive luxury, performance vehicles. Any way you look at it, cars are an investment—sometimes an unwanted one. But, in order to get the most out of our investments, it is in our best interest to stay on top of maintenance and ongoing tune-ups that our cars require to properly function. If you’re on the fence about getting regular maintenance and tune-ups from your automotive shop, here are some of the benefits of investing in your vehicle:
Many luxury vehicles are known for their performance and endurance. Unfortunately, when ongoing maintenance is overlooked and our cars do not receive the adequate care and regular tune-ups they require to function adequately, the performance and endurance are the first things to suffer. Quick braking, acceleration, and safely performing quick turns aren’t the only aspects of performance that our vehicles offer, but they’re the most recognized. Your brakes need to be regularly inspected and serviced to perform at their best, among other safety features that may not be properly working.
Many drivers believe that they’re saving money by not bringing their car in for recommended services; unfortunately, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. When maintenance procedures such as oil changes go overlooked, our engines suffer greatly, and over time the various parts of the engine begin to deteriorate, eventually they cannot function without undergoing significant repairs. The cost of repairs over routine maintenance is increasingly higher, and can be detrimental to your wallet. Do yourself a favor and take care of your car routinely—you’ll be glad you dodged that multi-thousand dollar repair bill!
Perhaps the number one reason for car buyers these days to look for a new vehicle, fuel efficiency is one of the most important aspects of vehicle functioning. Fuel efficiency can be greatly improved upon with regular maintenance and tune-ups. In fact, your fuel efficiency can be directly affected by poorly functioning engine parts like fuel pumps or sensors, and many of which are inspected in routine tune-up procedures. Talk to your automotive professional about ways you can increase your fuel efficiency on a budget.
Ever been trapped on the roadside with an overheated engine? It’s not a good look, nor is it convenient for any driver. Long road trips, daily commutes, and running errands all require a reliable mode of transportation. When you have regular tune-ups performed, your automotive specialist will be able to perform preventive maintenance procedures that will address issues early-on before they affect other engine parts. Increasing your vehicle’s reliability is yet another reason to have your car maintained routinely.
When we look for a car to buy, we generally factor in the typical life expectancy of the vehicle—in other words, we want to purchase cars that will last long and are relatively durable across time. Cars that retain value and function well-past the 100,000 mile mark are rarities, because ongoing maintenance is rarely adhered to. When you stick to maintenance schedules and get regular tune-ups, your car will last longer and perform better for the entire duration of its life.
Here at Euro Plus Automotive, we make it our mission to enhance our clients’ driving experience in every way we can. Regular tune-ups are the best way to maintain your vehicle’s performance because they address the many aspects of your car that keep it running at the most optimal level at all times. At Euro Plus Automotive, we specialize in German and Japanese-manufactured vehicles in the areas of Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, the greater San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County, California, and for nearly four decades, we have been providing these clients with expert, tailored services. For more information about the services we provide and the vehicles we specialize in, contact us directly today. We look forward to hearing from you!
Auto maintenance is usually not one of the top priorities for the average Audi driver. This is concerning, because the Audi brand needs proper care and maintenance in order for the driver to get the full benefit of a high-performance vehicle experience. However, it is certainly understandable that we put off auto maintenance tasks because they take time, effort, and money away from us that we’d rather spend on other things. The good news is that if you keep up on your regular auto maintenance tasks, then your Audi can last significantly longer, running its best the whole way through. The bad news is, if you don’t stay on top of your auto maintenance, it could cost you a whole lot of time, money, and effort in inconvenient repair work along the way. Finding the right automotive shop is the first step toward reaping the full benefits of your Audi, but there are some other basic auto maintenance ideas you can adhere to that will help keep your Audi in the best condition possible.
One of the most highly underrated automotive maintenance procedures is having your oil regularly serviced. Just like all other vehicles, Audi’s run best when they are filled with the proper level and type of motor oil. Usually Audi drivers utilize synthetic oil, but you should always refer to your owner’s manual before an oil change to make sure you are using the right kind. If you use the incorrect type of oil, it could have detrimental effects. Furthermore, you should have your oil filter changed regularly. Both of these procedures must be performed routinely for optimal performance, but the exact interval will depend on what the Audi manufacturer recommends.
Vehicle inspections are meant to help Audi automotive specialists catch any potential issues early on before they become serious concerns. Getting regular tune-ups for your Audi can also help with this, as it is simply another opportunity for technicians to take a look at the vital elements of your vehicle. They should check fluid levels and clarity, tire health, fuel and air filters, and other important general aspects of vehicle health. Check with your automotive shop for what their Audi tune-ups generally entail. A good automotive shop should include a comprehensive checklist of procedures that are involved in their general tune-ups. Additionally, make sure you ask them to address any areas of particular concern.
Just like dentists say that our teeth can tell us a lot about our overall health, tires can tell you a lot about how your Audi is running on a daily basis. Tire wear patterns are indicative of other issues that could be occurring in your vehicle, such as a damaged suspension. For instance, issues like tire cupping are abnormal wear patterns that point toward the need for suspension-related repairs.
You can upkeep your tires with basic procedures like routinely checking tire pressure levels and keeping them optimal, having scheduled tire rotations, paying attention to symptoms like off-centered wheel alignment to address issues before they get out of hand, and regularly looking at your tire tread wear patterns.
Audi’s are known for their performance, speed, and luxury, therefore it can be difficult to keep that right foot off of the pedal sometimes. Frequent, quick acceleration is what Audi’s are designed to do often, but that style of driving can lead to an increased need in frequency for automotive maintenance tasks to be performed, and it can drain your gas tank.
Euro Plus Automotive, located in Canoga Park, CA, has been serving the nearby areas of Woodland Hills and other San Fernando Valley locations for over 30 years. Our expertise is in Japanese and German engineering, including all Audi models, but we are qualified, exceptionally proficient, and passionate about repairing and maintaining all brands of vehicles. We offer financing options and competitive pricing set lower than nearby dealerships because we believe in making auto care affordable to the masses. If you would like more information and tips on how to best maintain your Audi, or would like to schedule a tune-up, inspection, or oil change, contact us today. We look forward to earning your trust and improving your Audi’s performance.
BMWs are some of the finest engineered vehicles on the market, and they consistently beat out the competition in performance. However, high-performance autos require an equal level of maintenance by specialists in the field. Furthermore, condensed areas like Canoga Park, CA can create conditions that require even more rigorous vehicle maintenance. There are several reasons why vehicle maintenance should be a part of every driver’s regimen, such as: lowered repair costs, extended longevity, and improved gas mileage and performance; but none of the aforementioned motivating factors should outweigh safety concerns in level of importance. In order to foster a safe ride in your BMW, here are some tips on how to maintain your vehicle:
Thousands of vehicular accidents that occur annually could have been prevented by a degree of auto maintenance. Therefore, it is critical to assess the condition of your vehicle before driving it. BMWs have an outstanding track record as one of the safest automobiles year after year; however, that does not mean they are immune to wear and tear or the occasional road hazard. Following your recommended schedule of maintenance alone can diminish the possibility of a repair-related accident. For instance, by checking your tires daily you can spot a leak before driving on the freeway and suffering a blowout—potentially causing an accident.
Automotive professionals recommend checking your tire pressure regularly, whether you are a frequent driver or your car sits in the garage for a week at a time. In order to check your tire pressure, you can purchase a small pressure gauge and keep it in your center console. If you need to fill your tires with more air, most gas stations provide an air pump. Low or high tire pressure is the number one culprit of tire blowouts at high speeds. Some important procedures related to tire health include: tire rotations, wheel alignments, and regular tread wear inspections. Furthermore, by simply having your trusted automotive shop take a look at your tires regularly you can save a ton of money in replacement tires down the line.
There are many conflicting opinions about oil changing, but what we have discovered over years of automotive business is that it is always best to err on the side of caution. When it comes to vehicle safety, oil changes might not be the first thing that comes to mind; however, car fires and significant engine problems can result from low oil-pressure or inadequate engine lubrication. BMWs and other high-performance vehicles usually require synthetic grade oil, but it is best to consult your owner’s manual for the proper type of oil to use. Usually it is recommended that oil changes occur every 3 months or 3,000 miles; although this will depend upon several factors, including your average driving habits.
When you bring your BMW in for a tune-up, it is an opportunity for experts to inspect various aspects of your engine and vehicle components. Checking spark plugs, air filters, hoses, and belts is critical to the overall health of your engine, and therefore your safety. In addition to engine components, technicians inspect the quality and fullness of different fluids including: brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant. Tune-ups are an important aspect of vehicle maintenance, and can directly affect your safety while driving. For example, if your coolant level is low or leaking, your car could overheat and cause other significant damage to your engine, leaving you stranded on the side of the road.
Of course, vehicle maintenance entails significantly more than just staying on 
top of oil changes and tire health; however, the most important aspect of vehicle care is the extra set of eyes from a professional. Having multiple opinions from professionally trained automotive technicians who will inspect, diagnose, maintain, and repair your BMW regularly is a way to reinforce you and your passenger’s safety. Some of the seasoned technicians here at Euro Plus Automotive, located in Canoga Park, CA, have been working in the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas for decades—we have specialized knowledge and expertise in European import vehicles including BMWs, and a genuine interest in the safety of our clients. To schedule a tune-up or find out more about our shop, contact us directly—we look forward to improving your vehicle’s safety.
Images credit go to: DarthArt & typhoonski.
Many people would say that a car is a terrible investment, and most of the time they’re right. Some vehicles tend to yield a higher return value than others, and more often luxury brands are your best bet. Vehicles like Mercedes have a noticeably enhanced quality in engineering and design along with a timelessness that makes them more desirable on the market than their high-performance counterparts. If you take good care of your Mercedes, you will be surprised at how much value it can retain over time. It takes dedication, time out of your busy schedule, and occasional automotive bills in order to maintain the value of your Mercedes, but it will all be worth it when you decide to upgrade to a newer model. Here are a few simple maintenance tips to maintain the value of your Mercedes:
Much like a house that has excellent curb appeal, the exterior of your car is the first impression buyers will have. Therefore, it is important that you keep your Mercedes protected from the outside elements—especially if you live in areas with typically harsh weather conditions. It is ideal to keep your Mercedes parked in a garage or covered area. To keep paint from chipping and pealing, you should use car-care products that are highly rated and recommended for automotive paint maintenance. If you love going to those quick car washes, you might want to inquire about what products they use on their clients’ vehicles; they may not be the best quality. Additionally, many machine car washes contain loads of dirt and debris that gets grinded into your paint, causing fine etching and scratches even in a single wash cycle. You might be better off doing some research and washing your own car.
Many Mercedes owners underestimate the value of simple, routine checkups. It is critical to have professional eyes and ears inspect your car on a regular basis to catch any issues early on. During regular tune-ups and oil changes, your trusted automotive specialist has an opportunity to take a look at hoses, belts, fluid clarity and fullness, and other critical engine parts that may need to be replaced from time to time in order to prevent other more serious damage to your engine. Oil changes alone are essential to maintain performance and gas mileage, and can cause detrimental chain reactions if your Mercedes is not regularly serviced. It is typically recommended that you bring your Mercedes in for an oil change every 3 months, or every 3,000 miles, depending on your driving habits. You should refer to your owners’ manual for more details on tune-up intervals or specifics about what type of oil your Mercedes runs best on.
Many Mercedes have leather interior, which can sometimes become a nuisance 
to maintain. It is quite easy to scratch and damage leather interior, especially if it is not properly cared for on a regular basis. Each time you wash your car, you should pay special attention to the interior components—dashboard, windows, seats, flooring, etc. are all part of the initial impression that a buyer will take into consideration. Again, it is critical to use only the most highly recommended, highly rated materials to care for your Mercedes; as some products may even cause further damage. It is not recommended to smoke in your car; much like a house, it can be difficult to get the smell and stain out of your vehicle due to prolonged cigarette smoking. Furthermore, the chances of dropping burning ash onto your leather seat are pretty high. If you do encounter any gashes, burns, tears, rips, or cracking in your upholstery, you should have it addressed immediately.
Our automotive technicians here at Euro Plus Automotive, located in Canoga Park, CA, have an extensive background and specified training to help maintain European import vehicles like Mercedes. We know what makes a Mercedes remain valuable, and it is our goal to help our clients learn the best vehicle maintenance methods to retain that value. For tune-ups, oil changes, or information about any automotive concerns, contact us to schedule an appointment. We even offer discounts for first-time customers!
Images credit goes to: ManuelGonzalezOlaecheaFranco
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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