All machines with multiple modules and moving parts experience natural wear and tear and a complex machine such as a BMW vehicle will need regular service and maintenance performed by BMW repair shops. This is why visits to the BMW repair shops is imperative for every owner of a BMW vehicle if they desire smooth operations from their vehicles and avoid lots of unexpected BMW service.

Through regular service and maintenance, the BMW service systems are checked for current and potential problems to make the car safe, reliable and more efficient. It is the surest way to avoid inconveniences caused by unnecessary breakdowns in the future.

Other than this, quite a number of reasons abound as to why a BMW owner should adhere to regular BMW service by BMW repair shops. They include but are not limited to the following-:

Oil changes

One of the things and most essential is usually done during regular BMW service visits to the BMW repair shops is to change the car’s oil. The purpose of the oil is to ensure that the car’s engine is properly lubricated and in a position to function smoothly at all times. Oil change is necessary because, with time, the effectiveness of the oil reduces due to contamination by small bits of the metal from the car’s engine. The heat generated by the engine also decomposes the oil to make it thinner and less effective. When that happens, the oil can no longer lubricate efficiently hence the need for change.

Air Filter Change

Changing the air filters is another reason why a BMW car requires regular BMW service visits to the BMW repair shops. Continued usage of the car leads to dirt and dust clogging the air filters. When the filters are clogged, there is a significant reduction in the horsepower generated by the vehicle and this will eventually affect the overall performance of a BMW engine.

How frequently the filters are changed, however, depends on the number of miles driven and the prevailing atmospheric conditions. For BMW cars, it is recommended that the filters should be changed after every 5,000 miles, but when regularly driving in severe conditions such as very dusty roads, then the filters should be changed more frequently.

Brake repair and maintenance

Though modern BMW cars have very advanced braking systems, it is still vital to visit the BMW repair shops to have the brakes checked on regular basis. This will not just ensure the brakes are kept in good condition at all times, but also will help you avoid expensive repairs due to massive brake failures in the future. The frequency of checking on the brakes is hugely dependent on your driving styles. If you are very aggressive behind the wheels, then you will make more frequent visits compared to a less aggressive driver.

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Observing regular car tune up is vital for getting the best performance from the car and also for increasing the lifespan of the vehicle. Car tune up may be as simple as a basic inspection or may sometimes involve a complete overhaul of the car.

Car owners with tight budgets are in the habit of neglecting regular car tune up, but unknown to them, poorly maintained cars are responsible for thousands of collisions every year. A study conducted by Care Car Council – an advocacy group, revealed that the cost of injuries resulting from poorly maintained cars stands at $2 per year.

In 2012, the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association discovered that underperformed car tune up grossed to about $62 billion. From these findings, there is no doubt that consumers need to take regular car tune up seriously.

To keep your car performing optimally and to enhance its lifespan, there are specific routine maintenance practices worth observing. Therefore, always refer to the owner’s manual and make a habit of taking your car to the auto maintenance shop at the suggested intervals because this is the most appropriate way to keep your vehicle in top shape and avoid constant problems with the vehicle’s engine.

Oil and Filter Change

Oil and filter change is one of the most common car tune up practices you should do to your car. The oil is vital in lubricating the entire engine thus reducing friction and wear, as well as carrying heat away from the critical parts to ensure optimum temperature are maintained within the engine. A regular change of the engine oil will reduce the instances of rust and corrosion and also reduce the noise generated by the engine. In conjunction with the oil filter, impurities and contaminants will be eliminated from the engine.

Tire Check

The entire weight of the car rests on the tires. Hence the tires are vital for the overall performance of the vehicle. With regular tire checks, the auto maintenance shop can look for and identify potential problems such as under-inflated tires which can be a danger to the safe stopping of the car. Underinflated tires may also change the shape of the tires since they become flattered to the ground and make the shoulder of the tires to wear out quicker.

Overinflated tires, on the other hand, also have their major shortcomings. For instance, they will make the tires stiff and rigid, and this will compromise the vehicle’s contact with the ground. This will ultimately lead to uneven tire wear. It is therefore essential to maintain optimum tire pressure for the car to keep stability, enhance fuel economy and improved performance.

Brakes

The brakes are one of the most critical components of the car. The braking system in most cars today are very advanced and come along with lots of impressive features. Nonetheless, it still is imperative to ensure regular car tune up to ascertain that they are working in excellent condition and to avoid any potential problems they may develop. In case you notice any operational issues on the brakes, you should always seek help in the nearest auto maintenance shop.

It is recommended that the brake is inspected at least twice a year to check the hydraulic system as well as the operating hardware. Friction materials such as rotors, drums, shoes and pads should constantly be monitored since they experience a lot of wear every time the braking system is in use.

Other Car Tune Up Services

The other additional car tune up services worth observing include-:

• Checking the coolant liquids to ensure they are filled up to the correct levels
• Checking wiper blades and replacing any that is worn out
• Checking the batteries
• Checking the hoses and belts regularly for leaks or cracks respectively
• Checking replacing old spark plugs

Save time and money

To have a safe car and reduce the chances of making costly repairs, observe regular car inspection and car tune up from a reputable auto maintenance shop. This will save you a lot of time and money.

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With regards to the car mechanic repair costs varying due to the costs of parts, it is essential to understand that there are three primary levels of parts quality, and since these don’t sell at the same rate, the overall costs of the repairs must also vary.

• Original manufacturer parts

At the very top of the parts hierarchy, are the original manufacturer parts or the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. These refer to parts made originally by the car manufacturer and not any third party. They are designed to fit the specifications of a particular make and model, and they will always fit perfectly fit for your vehicle. Due to this, you can expect their cost to be slightly higher than the rest.

• Generic parts

The second category features generic parts, also known as After Market Parts. These parts are manufactured by a company other than the original manufacturer of the car, produced in mass and designed to fit different types of vehicles and not just one particular make and model. They may be similar to original parts kind, quality and like only that they may not be the perfect match. They will also cost cheaper than the original parts because you are technically getting something that is slightly less quality.

• Unregulated Chinese Parts

At the bottom of the category, you find the unregulated Chinese parts. Just like with the generic parts, Chinese parts are also manufactured by third parties in China and exported to the United States. They bear all the similarities of generic parts, except that since they are not regulated, they are never of the best quality. They are also very cheap and though installing them in your car may provide a temporary solution, they won’t last long, and you will sooner or later find yourself back at your car mechanic for more repairs.

Nature and Extent of the Service Needed

The other reason why the car mechanic repair prices may vary the various car repair shops are the extent of the car mechanic repair or replacement needed. For instance, replacing disk brakes and brake parts can be done within a short time compared with detailed works such as repairing a broken radiator.

Presence of Warranties on the Available Parts

Finally, the presence of warranties on the parts and services offered by the car mechanic shop may also cause the prices to vary. With warranties, you can expect the rates to be slightly higher as opposed to when no warranties are given.

You can trust that Sonoma Auto Tech only uses bests OEM parts unless specifically requested by the customers to do otherwise.  Sonoma Auto Tech only recommend OEM parts to make sure the job is done right.

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A regular Mercedes Benz transmission service is important to keep your car performing at it’s best.  If ignored then a costly transmission service or even replacement will be required and this is a place where you do not want to be without knowing your best options. It is worth pointing out that there are many transmission service and replacement options available and the choice of which will be determined by your car’s age, model and whether it features a manual or automatic transmission system. You will also have to take into account, factors such as cost, quality and time to do a transmission service. With that said, here are the various transmission service and replacement options available:

New Transmission

Contrary to the belief held by many, when you buy a new transmission, you are not getting a brand new one from the factory. Brand new transmissions are never available from anywhere, and they are only used for the production of new cars and trucks. Therefore, every time you buy a “new transmission,” what you will be getting is a transmission that has been remanufactured.

Rebuilt Transmission Service

A rebuilt transmission may also be called overhauled, refurbished or reconditioned transmission. It is one that has been disassembled and inspected, with all the worn, damaged or old parts replaced before it is reassembled according to factory specifications. Some of the components that may be replaced during the reassembly include friction clutches, bands, seals, clutch plates, and gaskets.

When you go for this option, your current transmission will be removed, rebuilt and reinstalled. It is a process usually undertaken by an experienced and tech-savvy mechanic. The main benefit of going this route is that it allows for the installation of new components that will address the common weak points of the previous transmission to avoid failures in the future.

Remanufactured Transmission Service

A remanufactured transmission service is almost similar to the rebuilt transmission with the only difference being that the former is done in the factory while the latter is done in an auto repair shop.

There are principally two approaches that may be employed in remanufacturing. The first approach features a team of skilled experts dealing with specific areas of the repair. For instance, one technician may tear down and inspect the components; another one does the cleaning while the rest do the assembly and restoration. Or, the entire work may be done by a single technician who is experienced in dealing with a specific model of transmission. In the case of Mercedes Benz for example, the entire task would be handled by a Mercedes Benz transmission specialist.

Repaired Transmission Service

For this option, only specific components of the transmission service is either fixed, repaired or replaced. For instance, if there was a failure in the input shaft, it is the only component that will be targeted.  Unfortunately, a transmission is a very complicated module so disassembling it and reassembling transmission service could result in more complications. This is an option we would not recommend especially for Mercedes Benz transmission service because they are high-performance cars and a misassembled transmission could result in an accumulated

Used Transmission Service

A used transmission is another available option for those who need Mercedes Benz transmission service. It is relatively affordable compared to a rebuilt transmission, only that they usually come with limited warranty. However, before going for this option, you should know that it can sometimes be a major gamble since you never know what you are purchasing when you buy a used transmission from a junkyard. It might be tempting to save a few dollars, but the long-term implications may turn out to be very costly.

Please visit Sonoma Auto Tech for your next Mercedes Benz transmission service needs and let one of our professionals give you your best options.  Make sure to get a $200 Off for a Mercedes Benz transmission replacement service coupon from our website, www.sonomaautotech.com.

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1. Squealing sounds when you step on the brake pedal
2. When the pedal seems spongy or presses further to the flow than normal
3. The vehicle tends to pull to the left or right when you step on the pedal
4. Presence of vibrations during braking.

Factors affecting brake wear

Various factors may be responsible for brake wear, including defects by the manufacturer. However, for most of the cases, the wear is usually caused by-:

1. Your driving habits – are you the kind of driver who loves instant braking or you are the patient type that leaves a reasonable distance between you and the car in front, such that your braking is never instant? The braking system will wear out faster for the former compared to the latter, thus necessitating frequent brake repairs.
2. Where you drive – driving on smooth city roads will be more forgiving to your braking parts compared to driving in off-road environments.
3. The quality of repair and maintenance – where you go for auto brake repair services also matters when it comes to the frequency of the services. If you go to quack mechanics, the quality of the services may never be guaranteed, and you may find yourself back at the repair shop after a short while. This may not be the case when your brakes are serviced by skilled and experienced auto mechanics.

How to choose the right auto brake repair shop

A lot of vigilance is necessary when choosing an auto repair shop for your brake repair needs. Though most of the mechanics will have some experience in repairing auto brakes, you don’t want your car brakes to be handled by just anyone. You ideal mechanic should have extensive experience in installing, repairing and maintaining brake systems of your car’s type or model. They should be trustworthy, and upfront about the condition of brakes and tell you exactly what the problem is and how they intend to solve it. If replacement parts are necessary, such should be of good quality and must have a warranty should something go wrong after you leave the shop. Finally, their rates should not be exorbitant, and they should be able to do the job within a reasonable time to not cause you any inconveniences.

Bring your car into Sonoma Auto Tech for a Free Brake Inspection with a Coupon from our website:  Sonoma Auto Tech Coupons

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Checking your owner’s manual is an excellent 1st step to take, but there’s a bit more an oil change service than that.

Viscosity

Viscosity could be described as a measure of thickness, but it is actually a measure of how resistant a fluid is to flowing. It’s rated at 0^o F (shown by the number preceding the W [for winter]) and at 212^o F. (shown by the designation’s second number). As an example, 10W-30 has a lower viscosity rating when cold and hot than a 20W-50 oil.

If you’re wondering why this matters, oil is designed to thin out as it heats while thicken as it cools down. Additives are used to help control viscosity so you have options when it comes to the type of oil that best fits your local climate. The more resistant an oil is to thinning, the higher the second number in the designation will be. Thicker oil generally seals better and provides better lubrication between moving parts.

In colder temperatures, however, the oil you pick has to be more resistant to thickening so it can flow more easily during winter. Too thick oil and you’ll have trouble starting up your car.   So as you can see there are a number of variables to consider in addition to manufacturer requirements and this is specifically important for BMW oil change and Mercedes oil change.

Types of Oils

There are plenty of different types of oils, so here’s a review of each kind:

• The standard oil for new cars is Premium Conventional Oil. Lower temps usually call for 5W-20 or 5W-30. 10W-30 is suggested for oil change service in higher temperatures areas.
• Full synthetic oil is made for high-tech engines, such as BMW oil change, Mercedes oil change and European car oil change in general. These oils must pass stringent special tests to work in a wide range of temperatures.
• Synthetic blend oils have a mix of synthetic and organic oil. This is popular for large SUVs and pickup trucks oil change services since it helps increase fuel economy.
• Higher mileage oil is (quite obviously) designed for oil change services on cars with a higher amount of miles on them.

While this may seem like a complex decision, you can reference your owner’s manual and ask local mechanics for their recommendation. When it comes down to it, viscosity is the most important factor when choosing a car oil. And, while there are plenty of brands, just make sure to look for one with the API seal.

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What Do You Do When The Light Comes On?

The check engine light does not simply come on for no reason and you need an automotive repair shop to help you understand it. If the light comes on, it’s because something triggered it and, as the light suggests, the engine needs to be checked by an auto mechanic. Ignoring the light can lead a rather simple fix to become a big automotive repair job, and oftentimes, dangerous that can cost $100’s or even $1,000’s to repair. You can purchase a home reader for about $125 but they will not be as accurate as a professional auto mechanic diagnosis.

Being able to figure out the problem yourself is great, but once you find out what the problem is, you also need to get it repaired. The most common causes of a check engine light coming on are the O2 sensor, which is part of the emissions system, a loose gas cap, the Catalytic converter, the mass air flow sensor (which measures how much air is in the fuel injection system), and the spark plug wires all requiring an automotive repair professional. If you choose to do a self-diagnosis and decide one of these is the cause, some of them are simple and affordable fixes, like tightening your gas cap or buying new spark plugs, but if you find the issue is out of your range of expertise, you should take your car to your automotive repair specialist as soon as possible.

What Happens If I Ignore It?

Ignoring your check engine light can lead to a multitude of bigger issues, but what those issues will depend on what the problem is to begin with and how long you leave the check engine light unattended. The best solution is to bring your car in for a checkup by an auto mechanic as soon as you see the engine light come on. The sooner you address the automotive repair issue, the less likely you’ll be to make the problem worse. You’ll also have the peace of mind knowing what the problem is and how to fix it.

Get A FREE Check Engine Light Scan from Your Auto Repair Shop

Are you worried about your check engine light?

There are do-it-yourself code readers that you can buy for under $200 and some could even turn the light off if the issue is minor, however, this won’t fix the problem and the light will likely come back on soon after.

A better option is to contact your local auto mechanic shop and ask if they offer FREE scans, some do offer the service for free to encourage you to visit their business in hope to gain you as a customer and if they do not then suggest to them that you might consider doing the automotive repair job with them if you like what they offer you, with no obligations.  Finding an auto mechanic shop in your area that offers a free check engine light scan and getting the job done by a professional auto mechanic, who will give you definite answers without delay is the best option.  Come to Sonoma Auto Tech for a FREE check engine light scan. Find a FREE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SCAN coupon on our website at www.sonomaautotech.com to help prevent a small problem from turning into $1,000’s in automotive repair work!

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