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Symptoms of a Slipping Transmission
A slipping transmission is a serious issue for any car owner. Typically, automatic transmissions are more likely to slip than manual transmissions. In the event that the clutch bands slip or become loose, you may notice some unusual symptoms when you drive. One of the symptoms of a transmission slipping in a German car is failure to accelerate when you step on the gas. Additionally, you may also find that your engine revs unexpectedly as you drive. An auto mechanic offering transmission repair in Sacramento can help you diagnose and fix any problems that may be happening in your transmission. To help you determine when it is time to schedule transmission maintenance and repairs, check out this short video.
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How Do Anti-Lock Brakes Work?
German cars are renowned for their fantastic performance and safety. One of the most important auto care procedures that you can schedule for your European vehicle is brake repair. Over the miles of driving, your car’s brake pads and rotors will experience natural wear and tear. If you do not have your brake pads serviced by a technician that specializes in brake repair in Sacramento , your brakes could fail to stop or slow your vehicle adequately. To highlight the importance of brake repair, here is a closer look at how anti-lock brakes work.
Principles of Anti-Lock Brakes
Understanding the principles behind anti-lock brakes is integral to learning about how they function. Anti-lock brakes are designed around the principles of traction. When a car’s wheel skids as it is travelling down the road, the driver can quickly lose control of the vehicle. Anti-lock brakes are designed to prevent skidding, thereby allowing the driver to remain in complete control. Additionally, by preventing skidding, anti-lock brakes allow the car’s braking system to work more effectively without needing to pump the brake pedal.
Types of Anti-Lock Brakes
There are three main types of anti-lock brakes that can be installed in your vehicle. The most common type of anti-lock braking system is the four-channel, four-sensor ABS. With four channels, the anti-lock braking system has a separate speed sensor on each wheel. The sensors tell the anti-lock brakes when the wheels are locking up. A car can also be equipped with a three-channel, three-sensor system or a one-channel, one-sensor system.
Functions of Anti-Lock Brakes
The anti-lock braking system in a car is designed to help drivers maintain full stopping power at all times as they travel down the road. If the anti-lock brake system’s sensors determine that one or more of the wheels are skidding or seizing up, the system will gently unlock the brakes. With a properly maintained anti-lock braking system, you can ensure that your car is in peak driving condition for every mile that you travel down the road.
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Knowing the Signs of Engine Trouble
When you’re sick, you go to the doctor; but what about when your car is sick? You would obviously take it to a mechanic, but the problem is knowing when your car needs to be seen in the first place. The longer engine trouble goes undiagnosed, the worse off your car will be and the more you will probably end up spending in the long run on repairs. To save time and money, and to keep your car in the best shape possible, visit an auto repair shop in Sacramento if you recognize any of these telling signs of engine trouble:
- Check engine light, oil pressure light, transmission light, and other dashboard warning lights are illuminated
- You feel a jerking, surging, or stalling sensation while driving
- Unusual engine noises (popping, grinding, squealing, banging, etc.)
- Burnt rubber or gasoline smells inside the cabin
- Blue or white exhaust smoke
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Reasons Your “Check Engine” Light Is On
One of the great things about modern cars is how they keep drivers informed about problems that are developing. A quick glance at the dashboard can tell you if your tires are low, if you need an oil change, or if your car’s battery is drained. Unfortunately, not all dashboard warnings are that clear or easy to understand. One of the reasons why the “check engine” light is so worrisome for drivers is because of the large number of mechanical and electrical problems that can cause the light to come on. The only way to know for sure is to visit an auto repair shop in Sacramento that specializes in check engine light diagnostics . In the meantime, here’s a look at some the reasons your car’s check engine light might be on.
Loose Gas Cap
Believe it or not, that check engine light might be as easy to fix as tightening your gas cap. Various engine sensors can tell when the gas cap is loose (or cracked and not fitting properly), causing the check engine light to illuminate. If your gas cap seems to be cracked, replace it and see if that fixes the problem before you bring your car to an auto repair shop for electronic diagnostic services.Faulty Oxygen Sensor
One of the most common check engine light causes in a faulty oxygen sensor. There are a number of reasons why the O2 sensor can fail, including corrosion due to internal engine leaks and using gas with a higher ethanol concentration than the engine is designed to handle. If the O2 sensor is to blame, it’s in your best interest to have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible as a faulty oxygen sensor can cause a significant drop in fuel economy.
Broken Thermostat
A car’s thermostat regulates engine temperature by opening and closing to regulate the flow of coolant. Over time, the thermometer can become corroded and fail to properly regulate the engine’s temperature. If this happens, the check engine light can come on so you seek auto repair and fix the broken thermostat to keep the engine from overheating.
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Signs of Transmission Problems
Knowing the signs of transmission problems can save you a lot of time, headache, and money. The sooner you recognize that your transmission is going out, the easier and generally less expensive it is to fix as opposed to waiting until the transmission goes out completely and you have to tow your car in for major transmission repair or replacement. Watch this video to learn about some of the signs that your transmission needs to be looked at by a professional.
If you recognize any of these signs discussed in this video, or suspect a problem with your transmission for any reason at all, visit an auto repair shop in Sacramento as soon as possible to avoid a bigger repair bill later on. And if you drive an Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, or Volo, visit a shop that specializes in German auto repair to ensure that your car receives the right services from technicians trained to work exclusively on German automobiles.
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What Do Different Brake Sounds Mean?
You don’t have to be a mechanic to know when something is wrong with your car. You drive it every day, which means you’ll notice when something is wrong based on how it feels or sounds. For instance, you may notice unusual sounds when you apply the brakes. There are a number of issues that can cause unusual brake noises, and depending on the type of noise you are hearing you might be able to troubleshoot or diagnose the problem before it gets any worse. If you hear any of these noises, visit a brake repair shop in Sacramento .
Screeching
High-pitched noises, usually of the screeching or squealing variety, usually indicate that your brake pads are worn down and need to be replaced. Modern brake pads are equipped with wear indicators that emit a high-pitched squeal when the pad has worn down to the point where it needs to be changed. In rare cases, these noises can also indicate broken anti-rattle clips or worn-out brake pad insulation. In any case, have your brakes looked at as soon as you hear this noise.
Rattling
Brake rattle is most often heard when you let up off the pedal, and it usually sounds like someone shaking a can of spray paint. Although brake rattle can happen because of expansion of the brake pads due to heat, this rattle should not be consistent and should never occur while you have your foot on the brake pedal. Under either of these conditions, bring your car to a brake repair shop to make sure it’s not a more serious problem.
Grinding
You know that screeching sound you’ve been ignoring for the past three months? By now it’s probably a grinding sound, and that’s bad news for your brakes and your wallet. In most cases, this noise is heard when brake pads wear out completely and cause the steel backing of the worn-out pad to grind against the brake rotor. If you hear a grinding noise, get your car to an auto repair shop in Sacramento ASAP to avoid expensive repair costs.
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Spotlight on Bluechem Premium Oil Service
When you purchase a luxurious European car, it is important to maintain your investment by bringing your vehicle to a top rated German auto repair facility in Sacramento. From a radiator flush to an oil change and more , your German car maintenance professional can provide you with a full range of services.
One of the car repair procedures that you may want to consider for your German car is the Bluechem premium oil change service. Unlike a conventional oil change, the Bluechem procedure is designed to fully clean, protect, and lubricate the sophisticated components in your engine. During the Bluechem premium oil service, your technician will take the time to fully clean out any gunk and grime that may have built up in your engine. Additionally, the unique Bluechem formula will also help to reduce your exhaust emissions by as much as 96%. If you are concerned about protecting your beautiful new European car, you should be sure to ask your mechanic about the advantages of Bluechem.
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Warning Symptoms of Brake Problems
Your car’s brakes are among its most important safety features. Without properly working brakes, you would not be able to properly slow or stop your vehicle. Over time, the different components in your car’s braking system will naturally experience wear and tear. To prevent a car repair emergency, you should be sure to visit a top rated auto mechanic in Sacramento at the first sign that your brakes are going out. By staying on the lookout for the signs of brake problems, you can help prevent serious damage to your vehicle. Read on for a closer look at some of the top warning signs that your car is in need of brake repair.
Unusual Sounds
One of the top signs that your brakes need attention from an auto repair professional is when you start to hear unusual sounds as you step on the brake pedal. Your car’s brakes are equipped with brake wear indicators, which are designed to make a distinctive squealing sound when your pads have worn down too far. Ignoring these sounds could result in severe damage to your braking system.
Reduced Responsiveness
When your brakes are working properly, you should feel as though your brake pedal is responsive to all of your braking cues. In a malfunctioning braking system, however, it may begin to feel like your brake pedal is losing responsiveness. Your auto mechanic will be able to pinpoint the cause of your sinking brake pedal and restore your brakes to proper condition.
Grinding or Shaking
Finally, you will also want to be on the lookout for any grinding or shaking sensations coming from your braking system. In the event that your brake pads or rotors become warped or worn, you may find that your brakes start to feel strange when you apply pressure to the brake pedal. With the help of an auto shop that specializes in brake repair, you can get your car back on the road in no time.
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Improving Your Engine’s Performance
When you set up auto repair in Sacramento, you may want to ask your mechanic about the possibility of performing engine enhancements on your vehicle. A shop that specializes in German automotive repair will have the tools and experience needed to provide you with top quality engine repair, and may also be able to install features that will help to boost the speed and power that is offered by your German car’s engine In addition, your auto mechanic may be able to install aftermarket accessories that will enhance your car’s performance ratings. With custom engine tuning from a German car maintenance professional, you will be amazed at the driving dynamics that your car has to offer you. For a closer look at how to improve your engine’s performance, watch this video from Mobil 1.
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The Importance of Transmission Maintenance
Whether you drive a car with an automatic or manual transmission, there will eventually come a point in the lifespan of your vehicle when you need to schedule transmission repair. Since your transmission is responsible for delivering power from your engine to your wheels, a transmission repair problem can be a serious issue for your car. Fortunately, with the help of an auto shop offering German transmission repair in Sacramento, you can restore your car’s transmission to peak working condition. Let’s take a look at why transmission maintenance is so important for your vehicle.
Prevent Overheating
One of the primary reasons to schedule transmission maintenance at the first sign of an issue is that proper transmission repair can help prevent overheating in your vehicle. Like many other components in your car, your transmission requires fluid in order to remain cooled and lubricated. By maintaining your transmission, you can make sure that your transmission fluid is always at the proper level.
Avoid Low Transmission Fluid
To prevent serious problems from occurring in your transmission, it is important to avoid letting your transmission fluid get too low. When your transmission fluid is running low, the many moving components of your transmission could experience extreme wear and strain. During a transmission service, your technician will take the time to check the levels of your transmission fluid. If a fluid leak is detected, this problem can be solved before it becomes a more serious mechanical issue.
Extend Overall Lifespan
Finally, one of the most important reasons to schedule regular transmission maintenance is that caring for your transmission can help to extend the overall lifespan of your car. When your vehicle’s transmission wears out, the driving performance of your car could become severely compromised. By taking the time to set up transmission repair at key intervals in the life of your car, you can help keep your luxurious German auto on the road for as long as possible. Your mechanic can provide you with more information about the benefits of routine transmission maintenance.
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