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Category: Car Repair

Car Oil Change Light

What Does the Illumination of Your Car’s Oil Change Light Mean in Canoga Park?

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.

Why the Oil Change Light May Be On

There are 5 typical reasons why your oil change light has come on.

  • Your oil level is low and needs to be changed. The more you drive, the more your fuel, oil, and coolant levels burn up. This is normal, and you may just need to top off your oil tank or have it changed.
  • Your oil is leaking somewhere and causes your levels to be low prematurely. This indicates that there is a larger problem in the works. Pipes may have burst and need to be repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
  • The sensor that reads the oil levels may be malfunctioning, and it is time to have it replaced. This is usually due to typical wear over time, and it is nothing to worry about as long as you replace it when you notice the malfunction.
  • Your oil pump may be malfunctioning or failing. This is due to wear, debris clogging the pump, or abnormal breaks in the system. This can be dangerous if you do not have it repaired soon after you notice problems. A lack of oil can seriously damage the engine and leave you without a set of wheels.
  • Your oil pressure may be low. Check and make sure that your levels are still fine.

Ways to Fix the Issues

You can be proactive about the issues you are facing in a few different ways:

  • Refer to your driver manual and get your oil changed at the recommendation of the manufacturer. If you can’t find it, a good rule of thumb is to have your oil changed at least every 6 months.
  • Keep the oil pump clear of debris and gunk as often as you can. This causes several issues that can lead to a total breakdown of your engine.
  • Go see a qualified professional to have preventative maintenance done and to have any repairs or replacements done when you need them. They will be able to properly diagnose the issues your car is facing.

How to Change Your Oil

If the problem is a simple fix, you can change your oil yourself. Follow these steps, and you should avoid any further issues.

  • Look underneath the engine of your car and locate the oil drain plug.
  • Put a container underneath the plug to avoid a mess.
  • Unscrew the plug and let the oil drain into the container.
  • Unscrew the oil filter and replace it with a new one.
  • Open up a new bottle of oil and use a finger to moisten the gasket of your new filter with some of the oil.
  • Wipe the drain plug clean.
  • Replace the drain plug and tighten it so that none of the new oil escapes.
  • Refill the oil.
  • Replace the oil filler cap and run your engine for about a minute.
  • Check the oil level again after letting the engine cool down and top off the oil levels.
  • Remove the drain pan from under the engine.

If this seems too complicated, it is best to take your vehicle to a professional.

Car Oil Change Light Meaning

Where to Go to Fix Oil Change Light and Issues

Euro Plus Automotive is here to expertly diagnose and repair Car Oil Changeany 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.

Car Oil Leak

How to Deal With Oil Leaks From the Lower Engine Area of Cars in Canoga Park

Driving a luxury car is a privilege, and when you notice a leak under your car it can be very frustrating. Some fluid under your car can be normal, such as condensation from running your air conditioner. However, if the fluid is oil you could have a serious problem.

Knowing Whether It is Oil or Another Fluid

Fluids are essential and are required for your car to run properly. Knowing if the spot under your car is oil or other fluid can easily be determined. Each fluid that your car uses to run is distinct in its own way. Transmission fluid will be a dark reddish-brown color, while coolant will be a vibrant pink or green. Engine oil, on the other hand, is thick and dark yellow in color.

What Can Cause an Oil Leak

There are several causes of oil leaks. All of these can usually be prevented with regular maintenance. If you notice an oil leak you should have it checked out right away. Leaving it go unattended can lead to more serious problems and can end up damaging your engine.

Here are a few common oil leak locations:

Oil Filter: Having your oil filter changed regularly is important. Filters wear out over time and get clogged from dirt and debris. Once it is dirty and worn out it can no longer filter the oil, this can cause an oil leak.

Drain Plug: If your drain plug is damaged or incorrectly tightened it can leak oil. This type of issue is more common after an oil change.

Filler Cap: Another issue that can cause an oil leak after an oil change is due to the filler cap not being tightened correctly. Technicians can easily forget to tighten the cap and the oil will spill out and run down the sides of the engine.

Oil Pan Gasket: The oil pan gasket is located between your engine block and the oil pan. This gasket sees a lot of wear due to heat.

Valve Gasket Seal: The valve gasket seal can wear out due to heat and age. This seal is responsible for keeping the oil in the system. Cars that have high mileage are more likely to have issues with their valve gasket seal.

Rear Main Seal: The rear main seal is a very common area that leaks in cars that don’t get driven often or don’t have regular oil changes. This seal is used to seal the area where the crankshaft attaches to the flywheel.

Timing Cover Gasket: If your car has a timing chain, then it has a timing cover gasket. Leaks in this area are usually slow but cause a mess as the oil builds up on the drive belt and accessories.

Fixing the Problem

There isn’t one simple solution to fixing all oil leaks. The area and the cause of the problem will determine what needs to be done. There are some products that can help to stop leaks but they are just temporary solutions. Eventually, you will have to fix the problem. Putting it off can lead to more issues and higher service bills.

Here at Euro Plus Automotive, we can take care of any oil leak that you may have. Our expert team is highly knowledgeable are we are certain that they will get your car fixed as quickly and safely as they possibly can.

Preventing Oil Leaks

It is always important to practice proper maintenance. By doing so you can help to prevent oil leaks as well as other issues. Your vehicle has a recommended servicing schedule that was developed using statistical evidence from drivers as well as typical wear and tear. Using this schedule can keep your car running for many years to come.

Deal With Oil Leaks From the Lower Engine Area

We Can Help

Here at Euro Plus Automotive, Car Oil Level Check we can help you with all of your luxury German and Japanese import needs. We service the Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County, CA areas. If you have any questions or to schedule an appointment call us on 818-710-8244, or come see us at 7107 Canoga Ave, Canoga Park.

Car Break Down

First Steps When Your Car Breaks Down in Canoga Park

One of the worst fears of many individuals is breaking down on the road and being stranded. To capitalize on those fears, many are deathly afraid of breaking down in the middle of the night or even on the busy highway. With good reason, these situations are the perfect storm for an anxiety attack.

Often times, one of the most common reasons for sudden breakdowns is running out of gas. We’ve all been in this situation, where the fuel tank light illuminates and there isn’t a gas station in sight. It’s so easy to misjudge that pesky meter.

However, when you break down, even with a full tank, it causes a real concern. There could be an internal issue that’s causing your car to immediately stop running. Whatever the case may be, accidents happen and many people experience breakdowns on the road. In order to fully prepare for these situations, it’s best to go over a few best practices that’ll help to alleviate anxiety should this situation happen to you. In addition, taking into account these helpful tips will also preserve your safety and avoid further damage.

Pull Away From the Road or Traffic

One of the first things you need to do is remove your car from traffic. This is so important to your health and the safety of those around you. However, sometimes you can’t pull off of the road. Therefore, put your hazard lights on immediately. This will give those on the road a clear sign that you are having car trouble. They’ll know to go around you and give you the space needed to hopefully prevent a collision.

Next, pay attention to where you are. This is key to giving directions to either a friend, roadside assistance worker, or a towing company. Take note of the street name, possible landmarks, or highway mile marker signs.

While you’re paying attention to where you are, take note of what’s going on with your car. Are there any physical damages, strange noises, smoke coming from your engine? Although it’s not recommended, if you can safely get out of your car, try to quickly assess any possible physical damage and then move safely away from the other motorists. It is recommended to wait for assistance in the grass or shoulder a good distance away from traffic if you feel safe to do so; otherwise, wait inside your vehicle with your doors locked.

If you have roadside assistance, give them a call. If a friend or family member can’t get to you for help, a roadside assistant will. They can also send a tow truck out to remove your car from the scene. If you feel in danger, you can call 911 to let them know what’s going on. If the situation requires it, they’ll send a police officer to assist you and wait until roadside assistance can come to your vehicle’s rescue.

After you’ve made your calls for immediate help, you may want to give your insurance agency a call if there has been any type of collision with your vehicle. If you’re covered for the said damage, it’s best to let them know as soon as possible so they can get started on your claim.

Always Stay Safe

When your car is broken down, you are especially vulnerable to potential threats. That’s why it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Keep your doors locked and windows up. Although individuals may try and offer assistance, it may be best not to accept help from those you don’t know. Wait for the police or trusted roadside assistance to come to the scene and get you and your car safety off the road and to a professional repair shop.

Once you and your car are in a safe place, it’s time to get to the root of the problem. Call your trusted mechanic and let them know where your car has been towed to and schedule an appointment for them to help. If your car broke down for reasons other than running out of gas, it’s imperative to get a professional’s opinion on this matter to get to the root of the problem. Some shops will send out a towing service to bring your car to their shop. This will lower your anxiety, since you will know and trust the mechanics working diligently on your vehicle.

Car Break Down Tips

How We Can Help

The folks at Euro Plus Automotive have been servicing Car Repair the Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles County, CA areas for years. We understand how to properly care for your unforeseen breakdown without causing unnecessary damage or requiring expensive parts. When you bring your car in for any issue you’re experiencing, you can feel confident knowing that our team has the knowledge and experience to complete your service with care. In addition to providing exceptional customer services, we promise to never offer you services that you don’t need in an effort to boost our profits. When you trust us with your vehicle, you can rest easy knowing that we have your best interests in mind.

Car Ignition Lock with Key

What is the Function of the Ignition Lock in a Car?

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:

  • Unlocking the steering wheel
  • Start the vehicle’s additions
  • Ignite the fuel
  • Start the engine of your vehicle

Like a methodic pattern, this tiny tool accomplishes so much with a simple turn.

Why Should You Get a Lock Cylinder?

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:

  • Windshield Wipers
  • Cigarette Lighter
  • Radio
  • Windows
  • Trunk

Anything that your key could do on its own, this tool provides additional cushion.

How to Determine the Best Lock Cylinder?

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.

Determine Your Needs

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.

Narrow Down Your Material of Choice

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.

Car Ignition Lock Functions

How We Can Help

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 helpCar Engine Start 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.

Car Engine Stalling Issue

Why Does the Engine Stall After Installing a New Battery?

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.

What Causes Stalling?

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.

Car Engine Stalling After Battery Installation

How We Can Help

If you need help deciding which battery is right for you and installing it without New Car Battery Installation 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.

Car Throttle Body

Reasons Behind High Idle After Cleaning the Throttle Body

Cars are a necessary, helpful, and excellent resource. They provide us with the required transportation to go to work, school, shop for groceries and clothes, and take us on trips to exciting destinations. However, they can also be costly, difficult, and inconvenient. This occurs when a part of the car breaks and requires expensive mechanical attention–which generally takes up a lot of time and necessitates missing work or other chores.

That’s why it’s always important to pay attention to your car and take it to a professional mechanic whenever you suspect that there could be a problem. This prevents long-term wear and tear from building into something more serious and detrimental.

What to Know

The throttle body is one of the most common areas of a car that needs constant maintenance. Especially if you car has hit more than 75,000 miles, it’s important to pay attention to the fuel-injection system, as it may need some gentle work over time. The fuel-injector and throttle-body are the most common items requiring consistent maintenance. While the fuel-injector section is rarely do-it-yourself, many people will try and clean their throttle body.

While easy enough to do, in theory, it can often be done incorrectly and result in an erratic or high idle in your car. While not dangerous, it can lead to long-term issues that are expensive and frustrating to fix.

What is the Throttle Body?

The throttle body is a tube that controls the levels of air that enter the engine at any given time. The throttle position sensor combined with the air flow sensor communicate with the computer of the car and tells the car how much fuel is required. However, if dirt builds up in the air intake area it can prevent the car from pulling in enough fuel and therefore prevents your car from running smoothly and correctly. That’s why it’s necessary to clean the throttle body routinely.

The throttle position sensor (TPS) is often located on this body, however, and can be damaged when an untrained person attempts to clean it, resulting in a necessary recalibration after the fact–which can also be inconvenient and requires a trip to the mechanic or dealership.

Why is there a high idle?

When a person chooses to clean the throttle body of their vehicle on their own, everything may go totally fine. Often, it’s a quick, easy process that produces better results. However, many times, the person can make a simple mistake that results in negative consequences. The most common result of this is the “high idle” or the erratic and aggressive noise that you hear when the car is idling.

The loud idling sound is most often the result of a vacuum leak. Another possibility is that an intake hose has been torn. Even when being very careful, it’s easy to create a vacuum leak completely by accident.

Don’t worry too much: oftentimes a rough idle is overcome simply over time. A couple of days of turning the car off and on again will fix the problem. However, if the problem doesn’t dissipate, it’s likely that you’ve done something wrong in your effort to clean the interior components of the car. At this point, you should take it to the dealer or a local mechanic and have the problem looked at. Over time, the damage can add up and cause costly replacements.

High Idling Reasons After Throttle Body Cleaning

What to Do

No matter what the problem is, Euro Plus Automotive is here to provide our dealership quality services at a reasonable price. After 3 decades in service, we’re ready to help with any problems that occur with your Japanese or German vehicles. With a 2 year/24,000 mile warranty–for both parts and labor–we’re ready to fix any needs that you could possibly have.

Professional Car MechanicOur expert, certified technicians at Euro Plus will service Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Volkswagen, Acura, Lexus, Honda, Nissan, Infiniti, and Toyota vehicles as well as many others. Our specialists service Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles County, CA.

Regardless of the problem, we here at Euro Plus Automotive are ready and willing to help solve all your issues, quickly, confidently, and with the service and quality that you deserve.

Driving Car

How Does a Bad Steering Shaft Affect Your Driving Experience?

Your car’s steering is probably one of the aspects that drew you to it in the first place – maybe you liked the sporty handling, the comfortable feel of the steering wheel grip, or the car’s accuracy as it cleanly took a turn when you test drove it. All of those elements are strongly determined by the quality and consistency of the steering shaft, as a part of the general steering system in your vehicle. If the steering shaft encounters performance issues or premature wear, it is certain that you’ll notice differences in your driving experience. In this article, we’ll discuss in more detail what it looks like when the steering shaft begins to fail or malfunction and what can be done about it.

Steering shaft importance and function

Your steering system is made up of a series of interconnected parts that function together to create a seamless steering performance. Your steering system is made up of the steering shaft or column, wheel, and rack, all of which work together to allow your car to turn and move smoothly around corners, turns, and maneuver successfully with precision.

If the steering shaft cannot properly connect to the steering gear, turning will become a serious issue. Furthermore, the steering shaft also helps to stabilize and secure the steering column lock and wiring – critical components that perfect the steering action in your car. Not all steering systems are alike, so it’s important to hire an automotive shop that specializes in your particular type of vehicle.

Symptoms of failure to be aware of

Picking up on the nuanced symptoms that accompany steering shaft or column failure is essential for diagnosing and treating the issue with accuracy and immediacy. There are certainly specific symptoms you may notice in your car’s performance that indicate there’s an issue with the steering shaft, but it’s important to find a specialist who can find the isolated source of the problem and not confuse the symptoms with another specific steering system component. Here’s what to look for when you suspect the steering shaft is failing:

Turning precision and smoothness
Once again, that clean, smooth turning capacity you once noticed in your car when you first bought it will most definitely be affected by a failing or damaged steering shaft. If you find that your car is no longer turning with a smooth precision, have the steering shaft looked at right away.

Premature shaft bearing wear
Since your steering system sees a lot of action, it encounters plenty of wear and tear. Therefore, it’s to be expected that you’ll need to attend to certain steering components as time goes on. Shaft bearings take on a lot of the stress of the steering system and are usually the first to go.

Feel of the steering wheel
Most luxury high-end performance vehicles are designed to have tight, precise steering efficiency that is evident in the feel of the steering wheel. If you begin to notice that the steering wheel grip isn’t feeling as firm as it once did, the shaft may be gaining unwanted elasticity.

Concerning sounds while steering
Noises while steering aren’t unusual, but they’re certainly a cause for concern. If you notice any grinding or clicking sounds while turning, this is beyond what’s considered to be normal and you should have the steering shaft inspected.

Steering wheel misalignment
The steering wheel should always automatically go back to its natural position – with the brand emblem at dead center. If while driving straight on a flat road you begin noticing your steering wheel isn’t returning to the center position, the steering shaft could be damaged.

Bad Steering Shaft Impact on Driving

Attending to steering shaft failure

Car Steering Shaft Your first priority when dealing with steering shaft malfunction or failure is to bring it to a trusted automotive specialist with specific experience diagnosing and servicing your particular type of vehicle. Here at Euro Plus Automotive, we specialize in a range of luxury German and Japanese imports, such as: Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Volkswagen, Infiniti, Acura, and Lexus. For over 3 decades the residents of Canoga Park, Calabasas, Chatsworth, West Hills, Woodland Hills, CA, have entrusted us with their ongoing auto care, and we have successfully diagnosed and treated countless cases of steering shaft failure – we are confident that we can help you through your automotive issues as well. Please call us to learn more about our expertise or to schedule a diagnostic procedure.

Driving with Windows Down

Symptoms and Remedies to Window Regulator Failure in Your Car

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:

Grinding or Clicking Noises While Rolling Up the Window

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.

Window Won’t Stay Rolled Up or is Off-Center

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.

The Button Doesn’t Work the First Time

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.

Window Seems Sluggish or Too Quick

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.

How We Can Help

Toddler Inside Car 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.

Car Air Suspension Repair

How to Deal with Air Suspension Failure

The various parts and systems that make cars run optimally require consistent care and attention in order to function well. Even though we may attend to our vehicle regularly, things can still go wrong. There are many reasons why car parts fail or begin to malfunction, and many of those reasons may be out of our control. However, if you can’t control all of the issues that your car may encounter, then it might be worthwhile to know a little bit about detecting symptoms of failure of the various parts in your car. Whether it be the exhaust, the oil system, or the transmission, different symptoms can tell you where to begin when dealing with part failure.

One of the systems that is especially important to pay attention to in a car is the suspension. Suspensions in various cars and models look different depending on the manufacturer, the year it was built, and the performance standards associated with the brand. For instance, the suspension on a four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle will look and act very differently from that of a luxury sedan. Air suspension is a relatively new development in the auto industry that relies on specialized air bags and an air compressor for optimal functioning. If you own or drive a car with an air suspension, it’s important to be aware of the various issues that are unique to an air suspension and how to deal with them. If your air suspension fails, it can have serious, lasting effects on your vehicle, not to mention short-term significantly reduced reliability and performance. Here is a bit more information about air suspension systems and how to detect and deal with the common issues they experience.

What does an air suspension do?

Air suspension is an alternative to typical suspension in a wide variety of vehicles on the road today. Air suspensions serve the same general purpose as other types of suspension: they are designed to support the vehicle and shield it from the imperfections in the road. Furthermore, it aids the car in turning and staying stabilized on uneven terrain. The air bags in the suspension fill with air via an air compressor rather than relying on fluid-filled shocks and springs for support as you may seen in a normal suspension.

Common issues associated with air suspension

The issues that air suspension typically encounters are unique to the parts that are associated with such a design. Not all cars have air suspensions, and it’s important to know what type of suspension your car has so you can recognize the signs of failure. Here are some of the common issues associated with air suspensions in particular:

Leaking air

Since air suspensions run off of air, it is relatively typical for air leaks to occur when there’s an issue. The various parts of the suspension offer different avenues for air to escape, which include the rubber seals that are susceptible to holes and punctures. Since there are several components of your air suspension that can be the culprit of leaking air, it’s essential to consult with a professional automotive technician who is familiar with the various parts involved in air suspension—especially with your specific brand of car.

Compressor malfunctioning

As we mentioned before, the air bags that support the car are filled with air by way of an air compressor. If the air compressor begins to fail or malfunction, then the bags won’t fill with air, allowing the car to slam down onto other critical parts on impact. The compressor relies on a motor to generate air to fill the bags with, and this is generally where issues come up. If the compressor is beginning to fail in your air suspension, you might encounter strange noises related to the compressor motor dying. You might also experience the vehicle sitting lower than it normally does on any given day. These signs are concerning, and should be addressed immediately.

Why an initially accurate diagnosis is critical to air suspension repair

Proper air suspension repair begins with an accurate diagnosis. Because air suspension Car Repair at Service Center problems can arise due to a number of issues with the suspension system, it’s important that your trusted automotive shop performs a diagnosis which isolates the problem accurately. Additionally, after the problem has been diagnosed properly, the repair protocol for that specific vehicle should be followed. Whether the problem arises from the compressor or a damaged seal somewhere, suspension parts must be inspected with attention to detail to avoid overlooking the actual problem and prevent unnecessary, expensive repair work. The experts here at Euro Plus Automotive have served clients from all over Los Angeles County, including: Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, and other areas of the San Fernando Valley. Paying special attention to the diagnostic process, we provide our clients with accurate, affordable repair work for various German and Japanese imports. For more information about our services, please call us directly to speak to a professional or schedule an appointment. We look forward to tackling all your air suspension needs!

Porsche Cayman Headlamps

The Symptoms of Fuel Pump Failure in Your Porsche

Fuel is one of the largest driving factors in buyers’ choice to buy a car or not, no pun intended. Picking the right car these days has a great deal to do with what kind of gas mileage it gets. Performance vehicles tend to have a notorious reputation for low gas mileage; however, in recent years, developers of cars such as Porsche have turned that fact around. The most current Porsche models rival the gas mileage of some of the more fuel-efficient vehicles on the market today. Although, that assumes that the Porsche in question is being cared for properly. Ongoing vehicle care should always include fuel system maintenance in order to keep your fuel efficiency at top-notch. If you own or drive a Porsche, you’ve likely invested a great deal of effort in caring for it, since most Porsche owners take a great deal of pride in their automobile, rightfully so. It’s important to stay on top of routine maintenance and care when it comes to your fuel system, and failure to do so could lead to problems like fuel pump failure. Because fuel pump issues are most common in certain Porsche models, it is essential to be able to recognize the symptoms of fuel pump failure in your own Porsche. Here are some of the signs that your Porsche might display when the fuel pump isn’t functioning properly:

Engine is Running Hot

The dashboard in your Porsche is the central hub for alerting the driver of the functionality of various components in the vehicle. The dashboard will let you know when you’re running out of windshield wiper fluid, when your tire is losing air, or when there is a problem with the engine. Of course, it also tells you the temperature that your engine is running at. Like all other vehicles, your Porsche should maintain a steady temperature that runs generally right between hot and cold. If you notice that your temperature gauge is on the warm side, or even hot, then there could be an issue with the fuel pump. If the engine temperature is off at all, you should bring your Porsche into a trusted automotive specialist for an inspection.

Lowered Fuel Economy

This may go without saying, but if your fuel pump is failing, you will experience a noticeable difference in the fuel economy of your Porsche. Usually this symptom is due to the ineffective ratio of air and fuel being produced, which causes a decrease in performance overall. Lowered fuel economy is simply one of the many performance-related problems that your Porsche may encounter, but it is certainly one of the most noticeable to drivers for the aforementioned reasons. Keeping track of your gas mileage can help alert you to issues with your fuel system, namely your fuel pump.

Starting Issues

One of the most detrimental signs of fuel pump failure is difficulty starting the engine. The fuel pump supplies the engine with fuel which is combined with air to ignite the engine. Unfortunately, a Porsche that won’t start could be experiencing any number of other problems that are the root cause of the issue. Since fuel pump repair and replacement can be expensive, an accurate differential diagnosis should be performed by a professional Porsche automotive specialist to eliminate other less-expensive problems as the possible source of the starting trouble.

Decrease in Power

Perhaps second on the list of most disturbing symptoms of a failing fuel pump is a decrease in engine power. Those who drive a Porsche will certainly notice a difference in performance, as this is one of the hallmarks of the brand. A Porsche may experience a decrease in engine power if it isn’t receiving enough fuel. This could be due to a few different fuel system issues, so it’s important that your repair technician is thorough and concise with his work.

Porsche Fuel Pump Since 1984, the Porsche experts at Euro Plus Automotive have been providing the areas of Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, the San Fernando Valley, and greater Los Angeles County, CA, with dealership-quality repair and maintenance work. While Porsche is certainly a luxury brand vehicle, we believe that all drivers should be able to provide the same quality care for their cars, which is why we offer special financing and warranty options for our clients. If you think your Porsche may have an issue with the fuel system or fuel pump, please contact us to schedule a diagnostic procedure. We look forward to restoring your car back to its optimal performance level.

Porsche Cayman image credit goes to: SusanaValera.

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