europeanplus

The Impact of Ethanol Blended Fuels on Older Fuel Systems

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:10:12 GMT

If you are the proud owner of a classic or vintage car, you probably spend more time than the average driver thinking about what goes into your tank. Over the last several years, the landscape at the gas station has changed significantly. In early 2026, we have seen a major push by the EPA to allow higher blends of ethanol, like E15, to be sold nationwide even through the summer months. While this is great for lowering prices at the pump, it presents a unique set of challenges for those of us keeping older steel on the road.

At our shop, we have noticed an uptick in fuel system issues that are directly linked to these high-alcohol blends. Ethanol is a renewable fuel derived from corn, but it acts very differently than pure gasoline once it enters your vehicle's plumbing. If your car was built before 2001, its fuel system was likely designed in an era where ethanol was either non-existent or a very small part of the equation. Here is a breakdown of why your older vehicle might be struggling with the menu at the gas station.

The Problem with Rubber and Plastic

The most immediate threat that ethanol poses to an older vehicle is its aggressive solvent properties. Ethanol is essentially a high-strength alcohol, and it is incredibly good at breaking down materials that gasoline usually leaves alone.

In cars built thirty or forty years ago, fuel lines, gaskets, and carburetor seals were made from natural rubber or certain plastics that simply cannot withstand the chemical attack of ethanol. Over time, the alcohol causes these parts to become brittle, crack, or even turn into a soft, gummy mush. This leads to persistent fuel leaks, which are not just bad for your driveway but are a massive fire hazard in a hot engine bay.

Moisture and the Storage Struggle

Perhaps the most frustrating characteristic of ethanol-blended fuel is that it is hygroscopic. This is a fancy way of saying it loves to soak up water directly from the air.

Phase Separation: If your older car sits in the garage for a few months, the ethanol in the tank will eventually absorb enough moisture that it separates from the gasoline and sinks to the bottom. This creates a layer of water and alcohol that your fuel pump will suck up first, leading to a car that won't start or run terribly.

Internal Corrosion: When that water-ethanol mix sits in a steel gas tank or a metal carburetor bowl, it creates a perfect environment for rust. We often see older tanks that are perfectly clean on the outside but are full of rust flakes on the inside because of ethanol-induced moisture.

Clogged Filters: Ethanol is a powerful cleaner. When you first start using higher blends in an old car, the alcohol will scrub away years of gunk and varnish that were sitting harmlessly on the bottom of the tank. All that debris then gets sucked into your fuel filter or the tiny jets of your carburetor, causing the engine to stumble and die.

Vapor Lock and Tuning Woes

Older engines with carburetors are especially sensitive to the way ethanol changes the boiling point of fuel. Ethanol-blended gas evaporates more easily than pure gasoline. On a hot afternoon, the fuel can actually turn into a gas while it is still in the lines or the carburetor, a phenomenon known as vapor lock. This leaves you stranded on the side of the road waiting for the engine to cool down so the fuel can turn back into a liquid.

Furthermore, ethanol contains less energy than gasoline. If your old engine is tuned for pure gas, it might run lean on E10 or E15, meaning it is getting too much air and not enough fuel. This can cause the engine to run hotter than usual, which puts extra stress on your valves and head gaskets.

How to Protect Your Vintage Ride

You do not have to park your classic forever, but you do need to be proactive. If you can find it, running ethanol-free gasoline is always the best choice for anything built before the turn of the millennium. It might cost a bit more, but it saves you hundreds in repair bills.

If ethanol-free gas is not available, we recommend using a high-quality fuel stabilizer that is specifically formulated to combat ethanol. These additives help prevent phase separation and protect your metal parts from corrosion. Additionally, consider upgrading your fuel lines and seals to modern, ethanol-compatible materials like Viton or high-grade synthetics.

Let European Plus Help You Stay Roadworthy

If you are worried about what the latest fuel blends are doing to your classic car or if you have noticed a new smell of gas in your garage, do not wait for a major failure. We can replace those old rubber lines, clean out your rusted tank, and retune your engine to handle today’s fuel safely.

We welcome you to bring your vehicle by European Plus in Pennington, NJ today for a full fuel system check.

Why Won’t My Car Start? 5 Most Common Problems Drivers Face

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:09:52 GMT

A car that won't start when you most need it quickly becomes the biggest issue you have with your vehicle. You turn the key or push the button, expect the engine to fire, and get silence, clicking, slow cranking, or a car that tries but never fully comes to life. At that point, most drivers want a quick answer.

These are the five most common reasons for this frustrating outcome.

1. Weak Battery Or Dead Battery

The battery is still the most common reason a car will not start. If the engine cranks slowly, the dash lights look dim, or you hear rapid clicking instead of a strong turnover, a low battery is high on the list. Heat, cold, short trips, age, and long periods of sitting can all wear a battery down faster than drivers expect.

A battery issue can feel sudden, but there is usually a lead-up. Slow cranking in the morning, dim lights during startup, or needing a recent jump start are all clues that the battery has been losing strength for a while.

2. Bad Starter

A bad starter creates a different kind of trouble. In many cases, the battery has enough power, the dash lights come on normally, but the engine still does not crank the way it should. You may hear one click, no click at all, or a starter that sounds weak and inconsistent.

That is where drivers get mixed up, because battery and starter problems can feel similar at first. A proper inspection helps separate low voltage from a starter that is no longer able to turn the engine over reliably.

3. Alternator Trouble That Drained The Battery

Many starting issues start with the battery, but the real cause is the alternator. The battery starts the car, and the alternator is supposed to recharge it while you drive. If that charging system falls behind, the battery slowly gets drained until one day the car will not start.

The frustrating issue is that when drivers replace the battery, the car may start again, but the same problem often returns because of an ongoing charging issue that drains the new battery. If the car has required multiple jump-starts or the battery warning light has previously illuminated, it's important to check the alternator.

4. Fuel Delivery Problems

A car needs fuel, spark, and compression to start. If the engine cranks normally but never catches, the fuel system moves much higher on the list. A weak fuel pump, low fuel pressure, injector issues, or an empty tank that the gauge did not report correctly can all leave the engine turning over without starting.

Fuel-related issues feel different from battery problems because the engine usually sounds willing to crank. It just never fires. In some cases, the car may have stumbled, hesitated, or taken longer to start in the days before it quit completely.

5. Ignition Or Sensor Failure

Modern vehicles depend on sensors and ignition components to start cleanly. A failed crankshaft sensor, worn ignition parts, damaged wiring, or another engine-management fault can stop the car from starting even when the battery and starter seem fine. The same goes for problems with spark plugs or ignition coils on some vehicles.

These faults can be harder for drivers to guess correctly because the car may crank strongly and still refuse to run. That is where computer diagnostics become especially useful. The car may already know what it lost, even if the driver only sees the biggest inconvenience of a car that won't start.

What The Car Is Telling You Before It Quits

Many problems leave a trail. The engine may crank more slowly for a week. The dash may flicker. The car may need two tries to start in the morning. It may stall once, hesitate, or show a warning light that came and went. Those details help narrow the cause much faster than a simple statement that the car just died.

A few common clues include slower cranking, clicking sounds, repeated jump starts, warning lights, or an engine that turns over but will not catch. Those signs are worth mentioning during an inspection because they point the repair in the right direction .

Why Repeated No-Start Problems Get Expensive

Drivers lose the most money when they guess wrong and keep replacing the part that seems most obvious. A battery gets replaced when the alternator is failing. A starter gets blamed when the voltage is low. Fuel gets suspected when the real issue is sensor-related. Once that cycle starts, time and money quickly go in the wrong direction.

Regular maintenance helps reduce that guesswork because weak batteries, charging problems, and ignition faults are easier to catch before the car reaches the point of not starting at all.

Get an Engine Diagnostic In Pennington, NJ, With European Plus

If your car will not start, European Plus in Pennington, NJ, can perform an inspection, test the battery and charging system, and pinpoint whether the problem is in the starter, fuel system, ignition, or somewhere else in the starting process.

Bring it in before your car not starting turns into repeated guessing and a longer repair bill.

Pre-Purchase Inspections: What You Want To Know Before Buying A Used Car

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:33:56 GMT

Buying a used car can feel straightforward until you realize how much of the story is hidden. A clean interior and a quiet idle are nice, but they do not tell you whether the car has been maintained consistently, repaired correctly, or simply cleaned up for a quick sale. The goal of a pre-purchase check is to reduce surprises, not to chase perfection in a vehicle that already has miles on it.

What you want is clarity before you commit.

What A Pre-Purchase Check Focuses On

This is the kind of inspection that maps risk instead of hunting for one dramatic failure. We look for evidence of neglect, shortcuts, and repeat problems that tend to come back. It helps confirm whether the asking price matches the condition, especially when wear items are close to the end of their life.

Most evaluations follow a similar logic: verify safety first, then confirm mechanical health, then look for expensive patterns. That means reviewing fluids, leaks, tires, brakes, steering, suspension, and warning lights, along with a scan for fault codes. A good report answers the practical question: what will this car likely need soon?

Engine oil level and condition, plus signs of active seepage
Coolant and other fluids for level, color, and contamination clues
Brake pad thickness, rotor condition, and any uneven wear patterns
Tires for tread depth, age, and sidewall damage from pothole impacts
Steering and suspension joints for looseness, torn boots, or leaks

Service History And Ownership Clues

Paperwork will not tell you everything, but it can reveal habits. Consistent records often show timely oil services, fluid changes, and addressed issues rather than ignored ones. Gaps are not an automatic deal-breaker, yet they raise the odds that some maintenance was skipped.

Look for notes that mention repeat repairs, like the same warning light returning, or the same component replaced more than once. Also pay attention to whether the services match the mileage and time on the car, since some items are time-sensitive even when miles are low. One mention of regular maintenance at sensible intervals usually reads very differently from a pile of random receipts.

Engine, Fluids, And Leak Checks

Under the hood, we look for fresh wetness, not just old grime. Oil can travel along surfaces and drip from a different edge than where it started, so the source matters more than the puddle. We check common leak areas like valve cover seams, filter housings, oil pan edges, and front and rear seal regions.

Fluids also tell a story about overheating, contamination, and neglect. Coolant that is low or discolored can hint at leaks, poor service intervals, or internal issues that deserve a closer look. If any fluid smells burnt or looks unusually dirty for the mileage, it may point to heat stress or delayed service.

Suspension, Tires, And Brakes Under Load

A vehicle can feel decent on a smooth road and still have worn joints that show up on bumps and quick direction changes. We check for play in tie rods and ball joints, signs of leaking struts or shocks, and bushing wear that can make the car feel loose at speed. Uneven tire wear is a big clue here because it often points to alignment problems or worn suspension parts.

Brakes get checked for remaining pad thickness, rotor surface condition, and caliper operation. Noises are helpful, but they are not required for a brake issue to exist . If the pads are near their limit or the rotors are heavily grooved, that cost should be part of the buying decision, not a surprise after you sign.

Test Drive Details That Reveal More

The test drive is where small issues show themselves in real time. We pay attention to how the transmission shifts , how the engine responds under light and moderate throttle, and whether the steering tracks straight without constant correction. A steady vibration at a certain speed can suggest a tire issue, a bent wheel, or driveline wear.

We also listen for clunks over bumps, growling noises that change with speed, and brake feel during gentle and firm stops. If warning lights are on, a scan helps confirm whether the issue is current or a stored problem that keeps returning. The point is not to make the car look bad, but to understand what you are buying.

Get Pre-Purchase Check In Pennington, NJ With European Plus

If you want a clear picture before you buy, European Plus can evaluate the vehicle’s condition and flag likely costs in the near future. We will explain what matters now and what can wait.

Schedule your visit and bring the listing details so we can focus the evaluation where it matters most.

Can Damaged Rims be Repaired?

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 12:42:50 GMT

Wheel Maintenance and Repair: Your Comprehensive Guide

Proper wheel maintenance and repair are crucial for the safety and performance of your vehicle. Whether you’ve hit a pothole, encountered curb damage, or experienced general wear and tear, understanding how to manage rim damage can save you money and ensure your vehicle remains safe on the road. In this blog post, we’ll answer key questions about wheel maintenance and repair, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions.

Can Damaged Rims Be Repaired?

Yes, damaged rims can often be repaired , depending on the type and extent of the damage. Common types of damage that can be repaired include:

Curb Rash: Scratches and scrapes from hitting curbs can be smoothed out and repainted.
Bent Rims: Rims that are bent from potholes or other impacts can often be straightened using specialized equipment.
Corrosion: Surface corrosion can be cleaned and treated to restore the rim’s appearance and function.
Cracks: Small cracks can sometimes be welded and smoothed out, though this depends on the location and severity of the crack.

Professional repair services can assess the damage and determine the best course of action, often restoring the rim to near-new condition. However, it’s important to seek a reputable repair shop to ensure the job is done correctly.

What Wheel Damage Cannot Be Repaired?

While many types of rim damage can be fixed, some cannot be safely or effectively repaired. These include:

Severe Structural Damage: If the rim is significantly warped or has extensive cracks, it may be beyond repair. Attempting to fix such damage can compromise the structural integrity of the wheel.
Extensive Corrosion: Rims with deep corrosion or rust that affects the metal’s integrity may need to be replaced.
Cracks in Critical Areas: Cracks located in load-bearing areas or along the rim’s spokes are often deemed unsafe to repair, as the welding process may not restore the original strength.

In these cases, replacing the rim is the best option to ensure your safety and the performance of your vehicle.

Is It OK to Drive with a Broken Rim?

Driving with a broken rim is highly discouraged. A broken rim can lead to several serious issues, including:

Loss of Tire Pressure: A broken rim can cause the tire to lose air, leading to a flat tire or blowout.
Impaired Handling: Damaged rims can affect your vehicle’s handling, making it difficult to steer and control, especially at higher speeds.
Increased Risk of Accidents: Driving on a compromised rim increases the likelihood of accidents due to the loss of stability and control.

If you suspect your rim is broken or severely damaged, it’s crucial to have it inspected and repaired or replaced immediately. Continuing to drive on a broken rim puts you and other road users at risk.

Are Repaired Rims Safe?

Repaired rims can be safe if the repair is done correctly and by a professional. Here are a few considerations to ensure the safety of repaired rims:

Quality of Repair: The safety of a repaired rim depends on the quality of the repair work. Always choose a reputable repair shop with experienced technicians and proper equipment.
Type of Damage: Minor damage such as curb rash and small bends are generally safe to repair. More severe damage requires careful assessment to ensure the rim’s structural integrity is not compromised.
Inspection and Testing: After repair, the rim should be thoroughly inspected and tested to ensure it meets safety standards. This includes checking for balance, structural integrity, and proper fitment.

When done correctly, repaired rims can provide the same level of performance and safety as new rims. However, it’s essential to regularly inspect your wheels and maintain them to prevent future issues.

Tips for Wheel Maintenance

Regular wheel maintenance can prevent damage and extend the lifespan of your rims. Here are some tips to keep your wheels in top condition:

Check Tire Pressure: Maintain proper tire pressure to reduce stress on your rims and improve fuel efficiency.
Avoid Potholes and Curbs: Whenever possible, steer clear of potholes and avoid hitting curbs, which can cause damage to your rims.
Clean Regularly: Clean your rims regularly to remove dirt, brake dust, and road salt, which can cause corrosion.
Inspect for Damage: Periodically inspect your rims for signs of damage such as bends, cracks, or corrosion. Early detection can prevent further damage and costly repairs.

Conclusion

Understanding wheel maintenance and repair is crucial for maintaining the safety and performance of your vehicle. While many types of rim damage can be repaired, some require replacement to ensure your safety. Never drive on a broken rim, and always seek professional repairs to guarantee the integrity of your wheels.

If you have damaged rims or need expert advice on wheel maintenance and repair, contact us today. Our experienced technicians are here to help you get back on the road safely. Call European Plus at 609-737-7226 now to schedule an inspection and ensure your wheels are in top condition.

What is Oil and Filter Service?

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 12:48:21 GMT

The Importance of Car Oil Maintenance

Not all car owners are aware of the importance of maintenance and upkeep of their cars. With the numerous oil and lube shops around the Hopewell, New Jersey area, and around the country, there are still many car owners who ask, “Where can I get oil and fuel services for my car ?”.

There are many components and parts to a car, and all of them work together to make a car run. But they can’t work without oil and fuel. Service for my car, or anyone’s car is important when it comes to the oil and fuel. The oil keeps the metal components and parts lubricated which keeps them operating smoothly.

In order for your car to run, it needs both oil and fuel. Oil is the black and slimy fluid that lubricates the car parts to keep them running smoothly and the fuel is what powers the engine. Most of the time, you can do your own oil and fuel services. For my car sometimes though, just as with the person reading this and thousands of others, professional services are needed.

Where can I get oil and fuel services for my car?

For anyone who hasn’t had any of these services done, we are going to review some common questions and provide answers to “Where can I get oil and fuel services for my car?” in this post, like just what is included in a fuel system service.

First, let’s remember that while both fuel and oil are needed for every car, they aren’t always serviced together. Even though the fuel system of cars today isn’t as complicated as it is in older carbureted systems, you still need oil and fuel services performed. Your next question is probably, “How often do I need to get oil and fuel services for my car done?”, and the answer is it depends on the age of the car and the amount of mileage on the engine. For the fuel services, most need this service when it has gone through 10,000 gallons or more of gasoline.

A full professional fuel service will include chemical cleaning and replacing certain components that are worn. Those components include:

The fuel pump
The fuel filter
Fuel injectors

In most cars, the fuel filter is changed every 30,000 miles, but some car manufacturers may have different recommended intervals. The fuel pump and fuel injectors are typically only replaced when they are exhibiting problems.

Is a fuel system service necessary?

Your car will drive without getting the fuel portion of the oil and fuel services. But over time, it can start causing problems. The chemical cleaning process of the fuel system will remove any deposits settled and built up in the fuel system. These deposits can get into the fuel pump inlet, fuel filter, fuel lines, or fuel injectors and affect the fuel flow. This puts additional stress on the fuel pumps and keeps the fuel injectors from delivering the proper amount of fuel needed for the car to run.

What in included in an oil service?

If you’re asking, “Where to get oil and fuel services for my car.”, you probably don’t know what should be included in the oil service portion. This can be different between garages that do oil services, but most of them include the following:

Five quarts of oil
A new oil filter
Lubrication of the chassis components
Check and top off assorted fluids including:

Transmission
Power Steering
Washer fluid
Antifreeze/coolant

Most oil and lube shops or garages will also include in the oil service portion of the oil and fuel service for my car the following:

Check the tire pressure, add if needed.
Check and change if needed and approved by the customer:
Air filter
Serpentine belt
Wiper blades
Vehicle exterior light
Battery, cables, and posts

Another common question includes: How much do oil and fuel services for my car cost?

Just like what is included in the oil and fuel services for my car can vary, so will the costs. And whether you have them done all at once or separately can have an impact on the costs. The typical cost of an oil and filter change service that includes a new oil filter and using conventional oil can start around $100 and go upwards. The make, model, manufacturer’s recommendation, or customer’s request can affect the cost.

How often should I get oil and fuel services for my car?

Thanks to the modern lubricants on the market today, and the technology of car engines has improved, you can go longer intervals between oil change services. The standard recommendation is every 5,000 to 7,500 miles and some cars that use a full-synthetic motor oil can go up to 15,000 miles.

In Closing

Are oil and fuel services for my car worth the expense and time? Absolutely! Both of these services are considered basic car maintenance and upkeep, and both will keep your car running smoothly for many years. If you need oil and fuel services in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ, please give our team a call at 609-737-7226 !

Can Car Suspension Be Repaired?

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:53:56 GMT

The Importance of Suspension Repair

Many of us think that ‘a car is a car’, but that isn’t always the case. When you own a European car, suspension repair is one area that needs the experience and training of a European auto mechanic. What makes the suspension system on European cars different from American cars? The first thing is a radical difference between the manufacturing of American and European cars, starting with the emission and safety standards.

European cars have different designs in other areas too with distinct parts and a higher level of engineering and technology such as:

The transmission – Most European cars have manual transmissions whereas most American cars have automatic transmissions.
The steering and suspension – With crowded and narrow streets all through Europe, the steering and suspension must be high-performing for better control and cornering.
The engine – European cars are powered by diesel fuel and American cars are gasoline-powered because fuel is less expensive in the United States. This requires the engines to be more efficient and smaller, and yes, European engines are built to last longer.

With each of these functions of a European car, suspension repairs, as with the engine and transmission are best done by a mechanic who has specific training and the required tools. For the sake of this blog, we’re going to answer questions and focus on European car suspension repairs.

How do I know if suspension repairs are needed for my European car?

There aren’t any warning lights on the dashboard to tell you that your European car needs car suspension repairs. Some indications that will tell you include:

The car nose dives when you go over a bump

Thera re clunking sounds in the front as you drive

The steering wheel shakes or vibrates as you drive

The car goes to one side as you brake or while driving

The tires have excessive or uneven wear

Can car suspension be repaired?

In most cases yes, car suspension repairs are possible. An exception to this would be if the car has been wrecked in the front end.

How much do car suspension repairs cost?

The cost of car suspension repairs can vary between the year, make, and model of the car. Other factors that can affect the cost are whether the suspension parts can be repaired or if replacement is the only option. Car suspension repairs can cost between $300 and $5,000. Some of the possible car suspension repairs or replacement parts include:

Shock or struts: Shocks are hydraulic, oil-filled cylinders that work with springs. Struts are a combination of coil and cylinder in a single piece. Both shocks and struts keep the tires on the road in contact with the road and minimize bouncing upon the impact of bumps.
Coil springs: There is one spring on each wheel and they hold the car’s body weight up and connect it with the suspension system.
Control arm bushings: These connect the front tires to the car body and allow the tires to move up and down as you drive over bumps. There is a lower and upper control arm on each front wheel for most cars.
Ball joints: These are a critical part of the suspension system because they connect the car to the suspension and hold the front suspension together.
Bushings, and sway bar end links: This is also referred to as the stabilization bar. When you turn the car, it minimizes the car’s body roll by distributing the car’s weight evenly to all four wheels and keeps the car from rolling over.
Tie rods: These connect the car’s cabin to the steering components and control the steering and wheels.

Is it worth replacing the car suspension?

This is a decision made by the car owner and the advice of the mechanic. You’ll need to make the decision based on the cost your mechanic quotes and the age and condition of the car. If the car is older than 12 to 15 years, car suspension repairs or replacement parts of $5,000 may not be worthwhile.

What is the typical lifespan of a car’s suspension system?

Many factors can affect the suspension system of American or European-made cars. The road conditions are a key factor followed by driving style and maintenance routines. The typical lifespan is between 50,000 and 100,000 miles or between 7 and 8 years.

On The Road Again:

Once you have a quote for car suspension repair or replacement, you may wonder if you can keep driving the car. The answer is probably, but it isn’t recommended. As soon as you notice any of the issues with your car’s suspension, the sooner you can get it repaired, the better.

As we mentioned, the suspension is important in keeping your car on the road and making safe turns around corners. As a side note, bad suspension affects the fuel mileage too! If you need car suspension repair in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ, please give us a call at 609-737-7226 !

Common European Car Repair Issues and How to Address Them

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 13:01:36 GMT

What’s Going On With My Car?

European cars, renowned for their performance, luxury, and engineering, come with their unique set of common repair issues. Brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, and Volkswagen have distinct characteristics requiring specialized knowledge to maintain and repair. Understanding these common issues can help owners address them proactively:

1. Electrical Problems

European cars are equipped with sophisticated electrical systems that control everything from the engine management system to the entertainment and navigation systems. Over time, these complex systems can experience issues such as malfunctioning sensors, failing power windows, or erratic lights.

How to Address: Regular diagnostics checks can identify potential electrical issues early. Using a specialized diagnostic tool designed for your car’s make can help pinpoint problems, which should be addressed by a technician familiar with your vehicle’s electrical architecture.

2. Oil Leaks

Many European cars, especially as they age, are prone to oil leaks. These can be due to failing seals and gaskets, including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, or front and rear main seals.

How to Address: Regularly check your driveway or parking space for signs of oil leaks. Early detection and replacement of faulty seals and gaskets can prevent more significant engine issues. High-quality replacements are crucial for a lasting repair.

3. Turbocharger Failures

Vehicles equipped with turbochargers, particularly certain models of BMW, Audi, and Volkswagen, may face turbocharger failures. Causes include oil starvation, foreign objects damage, or wear and tear over time.

How to Address: Ensure timely oil changes with the correct grade of oil and regular maintenance checks. Any signs of reduced performance or unusual noise from the turbo area should prompt an immediate inspection.

4. Timing Belt and Chain Problems

Timing belts and chains are critical for keeping an engine’s moving parts synchronized. If a timing belt or chain fails, it can lead to catastrophic engine damage. Some European cars are known for premature timing chain wear, particularly certain BMW and Audi models.

How to Address: Adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended replacement intervals for timing belts. For timing chains, listen for any unusual noises from the engine and have a professional inspect it if you suspect issues.

5. Suspension Issues

European cars, especially those with sport-tuned suspensions, may experience quicker wear of shocks, struts, and other suspension components. This can lead to a less comfortable ride and decreased handling performance.

How to Address: Regular inspections can catch worn suspension parts early. Replacing worn components with quality parts is essential for maintaining the vehicle’s ride quality and handling characteristics.

6. Cooling System Failures

The cooling system in European cars, crucial for maintaining optimal engine temperatures, can experience failures. Common issues include leaking coolant hoses, water pump failures, and thermostat malfunctions.

How to Address: Regular checks of the coolant level and system can help identify leaks early. Any changes in engine temperature should be investigated promptly to prevent overheating.

Maintenance Tips

Follow the Manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule: This can prevent many common issues from occurring in the first place.
Use Quality Parts: When repairs are needed, using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or equivalent quality parts can ensure longevity and reliability.
Find a Specialized Mechanic: A mechanic specializing in European vehicles will have the knowledge and tools to address brand-specific issues effectively.

Protect Your Investment with Regular Inspections

Being proactive about maintenance and addressing issues early when they arise are key to enjoying the performance and luxury of European cars without unexpected downtime and costly repairs. In Hopewell and Pennington, NJ, European Plus is proud to be one of the most highly rated European auto repair shops in the area. Give us a call at 609-737-7226 to schedule your service today.

How Do I Know if My Suspension is Bad?

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 13:38:16 GMT

Do You Need Suspension Repair?

All across the country today, everyone is complaining about road conditions needing attention by cities, counties, and states. And the Hopewell, New Jersey area isn’t any different. And if you ask mechanic shops around the area, you’ll find that there has been an increase in suspension repair jobs.

What is considered a car’s suspension?

A car’s suspension system consists primarily of these components:

Tires and Wheels
Springs
Shock absorbers

The wheels are connected by linkages to the vehicle that lets the wheels have motion. The suspension system supports road handling and holding along with the ride quality.

Without the suspension team, these components would be fighting each other. This is exactly what happens when the components break or are worn out, leading to suspension repairs, which brings up our next question:

How do the roadways damage a car’s suspension?

The most common problem that leads to suspension repair is potholes. When a car is driven through a pothole, it rocks the suspension system, causing premature wear and tear to the components.

How do you know your car needs suspension repairs?

If you’re noticing any of the following, it may be easy to blame rough roads, and it may well be the cause of the bad road conditions in and around Hopewell, New Jersey. However, when most cars reach 50,000 miles, the suspension starts wearing out and deteriorating. When you consider the condition of the roadways, it is possible your car needs suspension repair.

Four indications that you should have your car’s suspension system inspected include:

Squeaking When Going Over Bumps

If you’ve noticed loud squeaking noises every time you drive over a speed bump, or go through dips or potholes, the shock absorbers or struts are worn out. The longer you drive without getting suspension repair done, it will become harder to control your car on the roadways.

Feeling Every Bump

When you can feel every bump as you drive down the road, this is a typical indicator that your car needs suspension repair or even replacement parts. A continuous bumpy, rough ride on smooth roads is never a good sign, and with a poor suspension system, driving over bumps and through potholes or other small furrows can make driving difficult to navigate.

Weight Distribution Uneven

When a car’s suspension system isn’t making any squeaky sounds, but your car seems to be leaning to one side, in most cases, this is broken springs on the leaning side, thus needing suspension repairs. This can make turning cornering difficult, not to mention the ride becomes uncomfortable.

Steering Difficulty

Another indication that your car needs suspension repair is when the steering has become difficult, especially at a low speed. Steering difficulty happens with the suspension system is lagging. The suspension repair may be nothing more than greasing the front end or replacing some parts.

How much does suspension repair cost?

The average cost for suspension repair can be under $100 and as much as $5,000. It will depend on the year, make, and model of the car, what the problem is, and if there are components that need replacing or simply greasing the front end.

Is suspension easy to fix?

Some suspension repairs are easy, while others are more complex and require specialized tools to complete the repair. And the complexity or simplicity of the suspension repairs will have an impact on the cost.

Can you drive with suspension damage?

You can, but it isn’t recommended. Driving when your car needs suspension repair can be difficult and dangerous for you, your passengers, and others on the road around you. For example, hitting a pothole when the suspension needs repair can ‘toss’ your car to the side, slamming you into another car or off the road. While you won’t necessarily need to quit driving your car, you should schedule an appointment sooner rather than later for a suspension repair service.

When your car needs suspension repairs, it can be a minor issue that will have a minimal cost. Or it may be a major problem that can be expensive. Whether or not it is worthwhile for you should include not just the safety issues, but the value of your car as well.

Will automotive insurance cover suspension repairs?

If it is normal wear and tear, no, the suspension repairs are not covered by insurance. If you can get a statement that provides exactly that the roadways may have caused the problem, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit, but this usually proves to be a hard case to win. If your suspension is damaged during an accident, it should be covered by auto insurance.

In Closing

If you don’t have a mechanic that you’re familiar with and can trust, before you have any suspension repairs done, you may get two or three inspections and estimates. You can check with family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors about who they use for mechanical work. Sometimes word-of-mouth is the best advertising. Please give us a call at 609-737-7226 for suspension repair in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ!

How Long Do Electric Cars Last?

Thu, 04 May 2023 13:29:15 GMT

Electric Car Basics

We may not be flying cars everywhere just yet (Remember the cartoon, “The Jetsons”?), but we certainly have come a long way in powering them. Today, electric vehicles are becoming one of the more common vehicles on the road, using electrical power instead of gasoline power.

Electric vehicles made up almost 6% of all new vehicle sales in this country in 2022. That is an increase of more than 3% from the year before. Experts are anticipating this number to increase as EVs become more mainstream.

What is an electric vehicle exactly?

All-electric vehicles are powered by an electric motor that is powered by a battery. Up until EVs were made available to the public, vehicles have always been powered by an internal combustion engine.

How does an electric vehicle work?

Electric vehicles use a large traction battery pack for power. This requires the car to be plugged into an electric wall outlet to charge the battery, versus going to the gas station and getting gas in a tank. This electrical power eliminates any exhaust being emitted from the fuel components typical of an internal combustible engine.

What components do electric vehicles have instead of fuel-associated components?

Instead of the traditional fuel lines, fuel pumps, or fuel tanks, electric vehicles have the following components that power them:

Battery: Electric vehicles have an auxiliary battery that provides electrical power to the vehicle.
Charging Port: The charging port is where electric vehicles are connected to an external power supply that charges the traction battery pack.
DC/DC Converter: Electric vehicles need this device to convert higher-voltage DC power from the traction battery pack to lower-voltage DC power that runs the accessories and recharges the auxiliary battery.
Electric Traction Motor: This motor drives the wheels on electric vehicles with the power from the traction battery.
Onboard Charger: Incoming AC electricity is needed to supply power via the charge port, converting it to DC power that charges the traction battery. This component also keeps communication between the charging equipment while it monitors the battery currents, temperature, voltage, and level of the charge. pack.
Power Electronics Controller: This component manages the electric energy flow the traction battery provides and controls the speed of the electric traction motor and torque produced.
The Cooling System: The cooling system needs to maintain a proper operating temperature range for the engine and electric motor as well as the power electronics, and components.
Traction Battery Pack: This stores the electricity that is built up during charging for the electric traction motor.
Transmission: The electric transmission transfers mechanical power from the electric traction motor to drive the wheels.

What are the benefits of electric vehicles?

If you’re considering trading your combustible engine vehicle for one of the electric vehicles on the market today, you can look forward to these benefits:

No more trips to the gas station! Instead of paying that ever-increasing amount per gallon, you’ll pay per kW, which is averaging 10 cents per kW for every dollar per gallon.
Friendlier to the environment because there aren’t any pollutants being emitted as you drive.
Less maintenance with an electric motor compared to a combustible engine. This equals less cost for operation!
Electric vehicles have been shown to have better performance and faster acceleration.

What is the range of electric vehicles?

We can’t provide exact numbers to the range expected from electric vehicles just like we can’t provide the exact number on the mileage of a combustible engine vehicle. These numbers can vary based on the driver’s driving habits mainly, but at the end of 2022, electric vehicles were getting a distance range of just over 200 miles.

What do electric vehicles cost?

Well, we don’t have exact dollar amounts because the cost of electric vehicles can vary on the upgrades you order with your car. The same is to be said of traditional gas-powered vehicles! We can tell you they do cost more upfront, but considering what it will save you from NOT having to fill the gas tank, the ROI is apparent! And the cost of electric vehicles is getting lower and lower every year as production ramps up.

How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle?

The electricity rates are subject to many factors, with the area where you live being the first factor. The time-of-day electric vehicles are charged, and the time of the year can be a factor in determining the cost of charging too. Most drivers of electric vehicles recommend charging your car at home during the night for the best rate!

What are the environmental benefits of electric vehicles?

The obvious is less pollution from no fuel emitting fumes! There is also the noise factor – electric vehicles operate quieter than gas-powered vehicles. Some say this can be a danger for pedestrians stepping off a curb when they don’t hear a car coming around the corner.

In Closing: Reliability and Safety

As a person who may have driven nothing but gas-powered cars, you may be concerned with the reliability and safety of electric vehicles. Just like gas-powered vehicles when they are first released, electric vehicles aren’t as reliable either. They have to work through their issues and problems, take those back to the drawing board, and improve on them. When it comes to safety, just like all vehicles, there are federal regulations to be met before they are released to the public.

What Is the Most Common Electric Vehicle Repair?

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 13:24:11 GMT

Electric Vehicle Repair Different Than Regular Cars

In the early 1960s, and again in the mid-1980s, there was a cartoon, “The Jetsons”. As you may remember in that cartoon, there are many that weren’t alive during those years, and they missed the possibility of flying cars! What they are familiar with or have heard about is the electric vehicle . Repairs of these newer types of cars are much different than what flying car repairs would have, and what the ‘old style’ combustion engine cars need.

Abbreviated as EVs today, electric vehicles made up almost 6% of all new car sales. When you consider that there were a collective 14 million new vehicles sold, six percent of that number is a lot of vehicles. As more EV models are introduced into the mainstream by manufacturers, we can expect to see more of them on the road. And we can expect more electric vehicle repair needs too.

What are the most common repairs needed by electric vehicles?

So, as electric cars become more popular on the roadways, so will the electric car repairs. They may be considered to be more sophisticated than traditional combustion engine cars, but that new technology can be complicated. This means today’s mechanics and technicians need to refresh their training.

But for now, with the EV-trained mechanics and technicians that are in the field today, the following are the most common issues they are seeing in regard to electric vehicle repairs today:

Brake Failure

This isn’t a good thing no matter how a car is powered. The brakes on an electric car are a regenerative brake system that uses kinetic energy. Regenerative brakes are more durable than traditional brake pads, but they fail too and become warped as the driver tends to solely rely on them. If they aren’t functioning right, as the driver decelerates instead of depending on the brake system, it places them and their passengers in danger. However, the battery can be the cause of the brakes on an EV not working properly too. Only a trained mechanic or engineer can determine the problem and make the proper electric vehicle repair.

Replacing the Electric Battery

The average lifespan of an EV car battery is between 10 and 15 years or up to 10,000 miles. Once an EV battery begins to wear out or become extensively overheated, it must be replaced. Because this is an electric vehicle, the battery must be in top-notch condition. Yes, they can be jumped, but that drains the ‘juice’ inside the batter, and repeated jump-starting will deplete the juice, requiring a new battery. The bad news about electric vehicle repairs, the battery is the most expensive repair you’ll have with your EV. This only strengthens the advice to have your EV regularly inspected by a trusted mechanic or technician for diagnosing the potential problem and making whatever electric car repair is needed.

This brings us to the question “How often should electric vehicle batteries be replaced?” While EV batteries are expensive, most EV batteries have a lifespan between 15 and 20 years before a replacement is needed.

Battery Cables

Just as the battery is essential to your EV, the battery cables are essential to the battery. They are vulnerable to the weather and can erode over time. Because of this, they need to be inspected on a regular schedule to check for wear and tear that can affect the EV vehicle’s overall performance.

If the battery cables in your EV have any of the following, schedule an appointment for authorized electric vehicle repair:

The lights are dim.
The engine is slow to crank.
The engine won’t stay running.
There is only a clicking sound and the car won’t start.

Your mechanic will make a close inspection, checking for brittle, decomposing insulation, and green or white powdery substance around the cables. This will lead them to check the overall battery health and determine if your electric car repair will require new cables and/or a new battery.

Fluid Refill

No more trips to the gas pumps don’t mean your EV doesn’t have other fluids to have checked. This includes brake fluid, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid. If you take your EV to your mechanic for any issue, it is recommended to request they check all the fluids. This can minimize the chances that you’ll be back for electric vehicle repairs later.

Operating System

Today’s new cars have computers on board and EVs rely a lot more on a computer which creates unique issues with their operating system. There are several types of issues, but the most common is unresponsiveness to the touch and dead pixels. Only qualified mechanics or technicians should attempt any electric vehicle repairs when it comes to the operating system.

How much does it cost to repair an electric vehicle?

The cost of electric vehicle repairs can’t be guessed because it is still a new industry. While owning an EV is said to be less expensive than owning a gas-fueled vehicle. But, they still have the basic wear-and-tear of lights, tires, and windshield wiper blades. ,

If an EV is damaged in a wreck, however, it typically requires the battery to be replaced, as well as the damaged body parts. As we stated earlier, the battery on an EV is one of the most expensive parts.

In Closing

If you purchase an EV, what should you do if you keep having issues? While it is under warranty with the dealership, return the car to the dealership with a list of issues. If having problems after the warranty has expired, take the car to a mechanic like those at European Plus that is trained in electric vehicle repair in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ. Schedule a service appointment today by calling 609-737-7226 .

Should I Invest In An Electric Vehicle?

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 13:18:37 GMT

About Electric Cars

There are many socially conscious people that believe we are all going to be driving an electric vehicle within the next 20 years. Then there are others that believe that is not going to happen, mainly because not “everyone” can go buy a new vehicle, electric or otherwise. And a handful of us is still waiting for flying cars.

But electric vehicles are here and aren’t going to disappear, so let’s address some common concerns and questions about this future way of life. Maybe we’ll find out it won’t be as bad as old-school car guys fear.

Do electric cars cost more?

As of May 2022, yes, an electric vehicle cost around $10,000 more than a gas-powered vehicle. Like anything new though, the more that are sold, the price will begin to drop. In the meantime, if you’re really wanting to go all-electric, there are tax incentives up to $7,500 that can ease the sticker price pain. You need to do some research on which electric vehicle will get you the most tax incentive.

Are electric cars worth the investment?

The electric vehicle market was cornered by Toyota first with the Prius, but then Tesla gave electric vehicles an appealing, sleek appearance that made them the popular “I gotta have one!” vehicles. Today, General Motors and other big car manufacturers have their own electric vehicles on the market.

If the current administration has their way, over half of us will own and drive one by 2030. So, yes, there are some benefits to owning an electric vehicle, but do these benefits make it worth the investment? Maybe for some, but not everyone. Of course, as it has been said, you can’t please everyone.

What are the benefits of an electric vehicle?

There are several benefits to owning an electric vehicle, with the most obvious one being, no more gas pump visits, if you get an all-electric version. With the price of gas today, this benefit may be pulling more buyers in than ever before. But there are other benefits to examine:

Convenience: No worry about leaving early in the morning to get gas. Simply plug your electric vehicle in when you get home and you’ll be powered up and ready in the morning!
Savings: Not only will not be paying that high cost at the pump, but the government will give you some money back for going green with an electric vehicle.
No Emissions: With an all-electric vehicle, no fossil fuel is emitting toxic fumes into the environment. Even if you go with a hybrid (combustion and electric powered), you’ll still be emitting less of those toxic fumes.
Popular: Back in the late 1970s, the popular kids drove a 442 by Oldsmobile. Today, the electric vehicle is taking that position in the school parking lot. Everyone will want to be ‘that cool dude’ sooner or later.
Safety: Vehicle manufacturers put their electric vehicles through the same rigorous testing that they do their fuel-powered vehicles. A key difference in safety is the low center of gravity of electric vehicles gives them more stability if they are involved in a wreck, i.e., less likely to roll over. And if the airbags are deployed, the electric power is automatically shut off from the battery, reducing the possibility of an explosion.
Cost-Effective: So, do electric cars cost more? Yes, but because they are becoming more commonplace and the technology of manufacturing electric vehicles has improved, the cost is coming down. The batteries that were once a hindrance to purchasing these cars are mass-produced now, and the government is offering tax incentives when you purchase an electric vehicle.
Minimal Maintenance: Electric vehicles do not need the same amount of maintenance as gas-powered cars because the engine doesn’t rely on being lubricated.
Noise Pollution Reduced: The noise pollution of electric vehicles is almost 100% nil and void. They offer a smooth drive and higher acceleration.
The Battery: Yes, the battery for an electric vehicle has been the ‘sore spot’ to keep these cars from being more popular, but they are integral for an electric vehicle. A good lithium-ion battery can last for 10 years, and with the improvements in technology every year, the cost of those will be coming down more.

How do electric vehicles work?

Electric vehicles are plugged into a charge point and use electricity from the power grid. The electricity pulled from the grid is stored in a rechargeable battery that powers an electric motor that makes the wheels turn. An electric vehicle will accelerate faster than a traditional fuel engine, making them feel lighter while driving. Electric vehicles can be charged at home or at a public charging station.

How long does an electric car have to charge?

It depends on the battery size and the charging point speed, but it can range between 30 minutes and 12 hours or longer. A typical 60kWh battery can charge in under 8 hours from a 7kW charging point when the battery is completely empty. Like adding gas when your car is at ¼ tank, most electric vehicle owners will charge up the battery before it is completely empty. For many electric vehicles, a rapid charger of 50kW can add approximately 100 miles of range in just over half an hour. The bigger the battery, the longer it takes to charge up from empty.

What are the different types of electric vehicles?

There are three primary types of electric vehicles. They are classified by the level of electricity used for their energy source. Those three types are:

Electric (BEV)

A Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is an all-electric vehicle, with electricity being its only power using a rechargeable battery.

Plug-In Hybrid

A Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) electric vehicle has a medium-sized electric battery that powers the engine, and it has a diesel or petrol engine as well, allowing the driver to switch between power sources based on needs.

Hybrid

A Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) has an electric battery where the power is selected by the engine and doesn’t have to be recharged with an external power supply station.

Are there any cons to owning an electric vehicle?

Yes, there are cons to the electric vehicle that you should consider before making this investment, some of which are:

1. Recharging points are few and far between, so if you live or traveling through a rural area, electric vehicles may not be right for you at this time.

2. The Initial cost of purchasing an electric vehicle is high, even with the tax incentive, the upfront cost is an issue for most.

3. Recharging isn’t free, meaning it will hit your electric bill.

4. The driving range and speed of an electric vehicle can hinder your driving style. You’ll go maybe 100 miles before you need to recharge.

5. Recharge time take longer than filling up the tank with gas. Instead of less than 10 minutes, you’re looking up to 6 hours.

6. The silence can be a disadvantage because nobody can hear you coming, and this has led to many accidents.

7. Two-seater only for electric vehicles, so may not be the vehicle you need for a family.

8. Replacing the battery is needed every three to ten years for all-electric vehicles.

How long will a electric car last?

Car manufacturers claim electric vehicles can last 8 years or longer, up to 100,000 miles. Since cell phones don’t last that long for most of us, it’s kind of hard to imagine this still, but time will tell!

In Closing – You Have To Wonder

With all this hype and push for going with all-electric vehicles, just how much money can an electric vehicle save you on gas? Because the price of gas fluctuates daily, especially right now, it is hard to quote dollars to answer this question.

In March, in the state of California, electric vehicle owners could save up to $1200 by not needing fuel, but in other states, electric vehicles saved car owners just under $1,000. Again, these aren’t numbers to take to the bank! Again, only time will tell you what you could save.

European Plus provides assistance with an electric vehicle in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ. Call 609-737-7226 for more information.

Are Electric Cars Easier to Repair?

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 13:12:55 GMT

The Electric Car Revolution

Well, we once thought we’d all be flying in small private jets like in the cartoon “The Jetsons”, but that hasn’t happened… yet. We are well ahead of the cartoon characters in “The Flintstones” running in bare feet singing “YaBaDaBaDo!” though. We’re kind of in between those two scenarios – we have electric cars now! And with that comes new worries about electric car repair .

There are a few different types of electric cars, and how an electric car works will vary depending on the type of car it is:

HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicles are motorized by both an internal combustion engine and used the battery-stored energy for an electric motor. This electric car can’t be charged with a battery charge, but instead requires regenerative braking and an internal combustion engine.
PHEV: Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles are motorized by batteries and either gasoline or diesel that powers an internal combustion engine. This type of electric car charges the batteries through both charging equipment and regenerative braking.
EV: All-Electric Vehicles are plugged into a charging point, using the same electricity we do for our homes and store the electricity in rechargeable batteries that make the car move.

Do electric cars need repairs often?

The EVs cars (all-electric) require less maintenance because the battery, motor, and all associated electronics require little to no maintenance. There are fewer fluids that need to be checked or have routine maintenance, like motor oil and with the regenerative braking, less maintenance is needed. Because there are fewer moving parts, electric car repairs are fewer too.

The maintenance needs HEVs (hybrid electric vehicles) and PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) are comparable to conventional vehicles. An EV (all-electric vehicle) requires fewer maintenance needs for all the same reasons, and they have fewer moving parts than a conventional gas-powered engine. In all types of electric-powered cars, the manufacturers have designed these vehicles with safety at the core and vehicle maintenance second.

Are electric cars expensive to repair?

Well, you know that purchasing an electric car will cost you more than purchasing a gas-powered car, But, in the long run, when it comes to electric car repair and maintenance, you’ll save money.

A study that was conducted found that with fewer moving parts, by the 3rd year of ownership, they were the more econo mical choice of vehicles. Here are some numbers to consider:

Fuel-powered car over 3 years ownership, $800 in service and repairs.
Electric-powered car over 3 years ownership, $500 in electric car repairs and services.

That is a saving of over 30% less, however, in the first year of electric car repairs, the diagnostic costs made them the more expensive choice.

Is charging an electric car cheaper than gas?

Like anything, when comparing costs of ownership, there are several factors to be considered, and that is true of electric cars. The following factors should be considered when answering this question:

The type of engine is a key factor role.
The size of the vehicle is a consideration too. The heavier the car, the more fuel to make it move.
Per vehicle fuel economy as to how far it can go on a certain amount of fuel.
Government regulation and the taxes you’re paying at the pump.
For the electric car, home charging versus public charging stations.
Energy prices versus EV charging.
Fast charging options costs.

What are the pros and cons between an electric vs hybrid car?

When it comes to making the purchase, it is a personal choice, however, we have do have some pros and cons for you to consider before purchasing a hybrid car:

The Pros:

Environmentally friendly
Saves money
Quiet
Less maintenance

The Cons:

Higher upfront to purchase
Electric car repair and maintenance is rare but can be expensive
Still produces fossil fuel emission

What is the most reliable electric car?

Each year, car manufacturers are coming out with more models, giving you the choice between the average car, luxury, or even a sports style. Here are seven of the most popular electric cars on the streets for 2022:

Kia Niro EV
Chevrolet Bolt EV
Honda Insight
Hyundai Kona Electric
Nissan LEAF
Toyota Prius Prime
Ford Mustang Mach-E

What is the lifespan of an electric car?

There have been Tesla owners reporting over 400,000 miles, but every driver will have a different experience, just as with gas-powered cars. The average lifespan of an electric car has been reported to be fifteen years with over 160,000 miles on the road.

In Closing

Just like with solar panels and wind generators, electric cars and electric car repair have created new industry needs, like how to repair electric cars. For students that a 4-year college degree isn’t the way to go, technical school to learn how to repair electric cars is starting to be noticed.

Can you repair a broken brake line?

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 13:06:33 GMT

Dealing With Brake Problems

You’ve got the car motor running, the transmission cranking, and the wheels turning. Things are going now, but then you hear a grinding sound, almost screeching when you press on the brakes. What does that mean? Most likely, it means you need to take your car to the mechanic for a car brake repair job.

What are the indications that it is time for brake repair?

While it is important for the engine, transmission, and wheels all to be in good working order, the brakes are just as important, maybe even more so. The average time between brake pads being replaced is every 25,000 miles to 65,000 miles, and brake rotors typically need to be replaced between 30,000 miles to 70,000 miles. The driving conditions and the driver’s style will cause a difference in these numbers.

A good thing about car brakes, is there are symptoms that will let you know it is time to schedule a car brake repair appointment. The key is for you to be aware of these five symptoms and not ignore them:

1. Squeaking or Squealing

As brake pads near the end of their life, they will begin executing a squeaking or squealing sound when you activate them. This is usually because the brake pads are worn down. You will hear a grinding noise eventually if you keep driving, which can cause more damage and it becomes more dangerous to be driving too. Scheduling a car brake repairs appointment sooner than later is recommended.

2. Grinding

As we just mentioned, ignore that squealing and squeaking sound, you will begin hearing a grinding sound when you press on the brakes. This noise means the brake pads are worn and your brakes are what is called “metal to metal”, meaning there is no brake bad left. You need a car brake repair now; waiting is no longer an option.

3. Vibration

If you feel a vibration from your brakes as you press on them, the brake rotors have warped after you’ve ignored the other signs, and a professional car brake repair is your only option.

4. Slow Stopping

As you apply your brakes, if they aren’t stopping right away, it may be because the brake fluid level is low. Take your car to the mechanic and have them check the fluid. If they add fluid and the brakes start having a slow response again, you may have a leak in the brake line, or the master cylinder may be going out. Can you repair a brake master cylinder?

Yes, the master cylinder is a common car brake repair. It is usually a matter of replacing the seals. Once that is done, the mechanic will “bleed” the brakes, which is getting all air out of the lines. Can you repair brake hoses? The brake line will need to be replaced. Again, once the line is replaced, the mechanic will “bleed” the air from the brake system.

5. Brake Light

Cars today come with a warning light when the brakes need attention. There is the ABS (anti lock braking system) light, the emergency brake light, and the main brake system light. When these lights won’t go off, you need to have your car’s brake system inspected for possible car brake repair.

Can you repair brake calipers?

Brake caliper kits are expensive car brake repairs that expand the lifespan of a car’s braking system. By 75,000 miles or a car that is 10 years old, it is time to have the entire braking system inspected and possibly rebuild or replace the brake calipers. By that time, the rubber seals have hardened with age, and the caliper could begin to leak or stick, becoming ineffective.

Can you repair a brake switch?

Yes, and it is one of the easiest car brake repairs possible. The brake switch is found near the tip of the brake pedal, easy to reach and the new brake switch simply snaps in. There aren’t any special tools needed and many car owners can do their own for under $20. Or if your mechanic does the job, it may cost $50.00 for labor and part.

How much is a full brake repair?

The make and model of a car will be a factor in car brake repair jobs, as well as the problem with the brake system. Some brake repair jobs can cost up to $1,000 with an average between $300 to $800.

How much is brake repair on a BMW?

Yes, BMW car brake repairs are common, and very likely will be one of those $1,000 or more brake jobs. A BMW front brake pads and rotors repair job can range between $500 and $900 while the rear brake pads and rotors can cost between $450 and $800.

How much does it cost to fix Mercedes brakes?

Yes, a Mercedes-Benz car brake repair job will average around $150 and $450 per axle. The make and year of the car and the type of brake pad installed can have an effect on this cost. The brake rotor replacement can cost between $300 and $750 for all four units for parts and labor.

Bring It All to A Stop Any driver that has to ask, “Why do brakes need to be replaced?”, should probably take a driver’s ed course. When brake issues and problems are ignored, the brake pads and brake rotors will wear out to the point of the car not stopping. All of the components in a brake system work together, and it is in the interest of safety that you have your brakes inspected and replaced as recommended by the car manufacturer or your mechanic.

Why is vehicle maintenance important?

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 12:23:59 GMT

Scheduling Your Vehicle Maintenance

Your vehicle is an important part of your life. It gets you to and from work, school, and helps you get your errands done. But did you know that it needs maintenance and upkeep too, like your HVAC system or your lawn and garden? Vehicle maintenance is necessary to keep your car running and to extend its lifespan.

What is the most important maintenance for a car?

Any part of basic vehicle maintenance is important. Fortunately, some of these maintenance tasks can be done by you in your garage. But some maintenance tasks should be done by a professional mechanic. A vehicle maintenance checklist should include:

Taking Care of the Tires

The tires are essential to your safety and for better handling on the road. Tires in poor condition can be dangerous for you and your passengers. Things in your tires that should be maintained include:

Tire pressure
Tire rotation
Tire condition
Uneven wear
Spare tire

Checking and Changing Fluids

The following fluids should be checked and/or changed by a professional every 5,000 miles and checked for a refill about once a week:

Motor oil
Brake fluid
Antifreeze or coolant
Transmission
Power Steering
Washer fluids

Checking the Battery

Having a dead battery when you need to get to work is not fun. Part of routine vehicle maintenance should include checking the battery to make sure it is in proper working order. This includes checking to be certain the cables are clean and firmly connected. A mechanic can check the amount of power output the battery has stored.

Checking the Lights

One easy vehicle maintenance task you can easily do on your own is checking the exterior and interior lights. Make sure that all headlights, brake lights, blinker lights, and fog lights are in working order. Get a new light immediately if you notice a problem.

The Annual Inspection

Most states require an annual inspection, making it one of the most important parts of your vehicle maintenance. This allows a trained mechanic to check that all components are in working condition. This can be a good time to get the spark plugs changed, radiator flushed, the timing belt checked, and the fuel filter changed.

What needs to be changed when servicing a car?

In a proper vehicle maintenance program, the first thing that should be changed is the motor oil following the car manufacturer’s recommendations. Other basic fluid changes during routine vehicle maintenance include the following:

Brake fluid
Engine coolant
Power steering fluid

Checking the radiator for anti-freeze concentration is also crucial in keeping a car well-maintained.

What is vehicle maintenance and repair?

The difference between vehicle maintenance vs repair is that vehicle maintenance will keep you from needing vehicle repair! By having the fluids checked, changed, or added, along with taking care of tasks such as checking the tires and the different filters in a car, you can avoid most vehicle repair needs.

If you have kept up with maintenance, vehicle repair is typically only needed when there is mechanical trouble, like the engine overheating or if you’ve noticed a knocking sound in the engine. With routine vehicle maintenance, those things are far less likely to happen.

How long can you go without servicing your car?

This can vary between different cars and how well they are built. Your driving habits and styles will also make a difference in how long a car will last, with or without vehicle maintenance. Most engines can tolerate skipping vehicle maintenance for up to 5,000 miles on average.

Does vehicle maintenance save you money?

Absolutely! With routinely scheduled vehicle maintenance, the engine will run better. ith By having the oil changed, your gas mileage will improve. With the right air pressure and a new air filter, you could see far greater fuel efficiency.

Can you service your car yourself?

A DIY car owner that is handy with automotive equipment and tools can do most of their own vehicle maintenance. Many “shade tree” mechanics prefer to do their own. If you own a brand new car, you’ll need to keep receipts of when you take care of tasks like the oil change and other basic vehicle maintenance jobs for warranty purposes.

In Closing – Do electric vehicles require less maintenance?

While electric vehicles still need maintenance, they typically don’t need it as frequently. Parts that will need vehicle maintenance include the battery, motor, and other associated electronics, though they still do not require the amount of regular maintenance that conventional vehicles require.

Because there are fewer moving parts, there is less to wear out, but there are still fluids, like motor oil, that need to be checked and changed – again, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

What does performance mean in a car?

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 12:42:19 GMT

Tuning up your performance

When somebody brags, or complains, about their car’s engine performance, they are talking about how well the engine runs, the fuel mileage it has, how little or how much it is affecting to the pollution level. When they speak of a car’s performance, they usually mean the handling of the car on the road. How well it steers, turns, “grabs” the road.

Just as we are all trying to find ways to be energy efficient with our homes, engine performance is a concern too. With the price of gas going up and no sign of it coming down, Getting Better Engine Performance From Your Vehicle is a topic of interest today. Before we can determine where to start for improving your car’s engine performance, you need an engine performance evaluation first.

If you’re a DIY kind of person, a “shade tree mechanic”, you can do your own engine performance evaluation. Or you may choose to take your car to a trusted mechanic. There are “big-box” engine analyzers with programmed test sequences programmed and there are hand-held analyzers with similar programmed testing built in them. Regardless of which way you go and which type of equipment that is used, the following checks should be done:

Under the Hood

Getting a visual on the following is your base starting point:

Battery
Belts
Vacuum hoses
Any obvious broken, frayed, loose, or missing bolts, nuts, studs, or wiring
Any signs of fuel, oil, or other liquid leaks
Check the oil
Check the coil, distributor, PVC valve, spark plugs and wires (if applicable)
Check the radiator for dirt, rust, etc.

Pretesting Procedures

There are some engine testing procedures that the ignition needs to be disabled. A mechanic will connect a remote starter before beginning the engine performance process.

Start the Engine

Sometimes, a lot can be determined about the engine performance just by hearing it start and run. Things you want to note are:

Uneven cranking sound
Rattling sounds
Squealing sounds
Rumbling sounds
Smoke from engine or tailpipe (note the color black, blue or white)
Hissing sounds

Alternator, Battery, and Starter Testing

Prior to starting the engine, a mechanic will perform some basic tests at the same time to get an accurate test. This will include recording the battery voltage, disabling the ignition system, record the starter draw, battery crank voltage and the cranking rpm.

These steps give the mechanic an overall general view of the battery capacity, starter condition and the combined ability of both components in cranking the engine at a acceptable speed. Any sign of weakness during this preliminary testing can often be an indicator of the engine performance issues.

After starting the engine, the mechanic will record the alternator’s performance, starting with the recovery voltage and amperage. With the engine running at 2500 rpm, they will record the CO, CO2, HC, and O2. Getting a combined reading of these four gases are key in troubleshooting an engine performance.

Compression, Power Balance and Vacuum Testing

Several basic engine performance problems can be determined checking these three things. The idle at a low cruising speed of 1800 to 2200 rpm, and the idel at a high cruising speed of 2500 to 3000 rpm.

Cylinder Leakage and Ignition Testing

Cylinder leakage testing is used when the mechanic finds a weak cylinder with the previous tests. If further testing finds the cylinder is leaking, this will affect engine performance and an engine teardown will be required. When putting the engine back together, other things will be assessed, and performance engine parts can be used to improve the engine performance.

How can I add more horsepower to my car?

Maybe you can’t afford a professional mechanic to get more from your car’s engine performance. Or you just like doing it yourself, with a few extra dollars and a weekend with no other plans, the following 5 steps will improve your car’s engine performance:

Upgrade the Air Intake: First step in getting more power from your car’s engine performance, improve the cold-air intake. How does a cold air intake improve performance? The engine is basically a large air pump. The more air that comes in, the more power goes out. Eliminating and minimizing restrictive air passages, like sharp bends, increased the airflow that will trigger the engine computer to give the car fuel in the air/fuel mix, meaning more horsepower. .
Upgrade the Exhaust: When there is more air going in, more needs to exit. Upgrading to a performance level exhaust system. If your car has a catalytic converter, you want to upgrade that to a high-flow model.
Engine Tune-Up and Performance chips: The performance chips are tuners that plug into the diagnostic port and modify the fuel and timing which increase the engine performance. You’ll lose your fuel economy in most cases.
Install a Boost Controller: If the car engine is equipped with a turbocharger the factory setting allows it to deliver a specific amount of boost per square inch. An engine boost controller installed will adjust that boost level for engine performance.
Use Synthetic Oil: The boosted horsepower will improve the engine performance, but it may be able to handle the harmful deposits that occur naturally. By upgrading to a synthetic oil, the engine will be lubricated by the synthetics, and improve the wear and tear on the engine because the internal friction is lessened.

How can I improve my engine performance?

In addition to the things we’ve mentioned above, like getting an engine tune up, adding performance chips, upgrading the air intake and exhaust, for ways on how to improve car engine performance, look online or visit your neighborhood auto parts store for small engine performance kits. Other things you can do for better engine performance are:

CHANGE THE SPARK PLUGS – Spark plugs are inside the cylinder heads. They are what ignites the fuel to create the combustion that makes the engine run. Without spark plugs, you aren’t going anywhere. Over time, the spark plugs corrode and get dirty, start to wear out. While they are still doing their part of making your car go, they aren’t doing it as efficiently as they should, which affects the engine performance. With regular spark plug changes, you will improve your car’s engine performance.
RECUDE THE WEIGHT – No, this won’t give your car ore horsepower, but it will improve the engine performance because it isn’t having to move the car AND everything inside the car and trunk. Clean out unnecessary stuff in the trunk, and if you never have passengers, the only seat you need is the driver’s seat. You don’t see race cars with passenger seats!
EXHAUST HEADERS & MANIFOLDS – Better engine performance is all about better airflow, coming in and going out of the engine. The stock exhaust manifolds from the factory are required to meet government mandated emissions requirements. These requirements will not give optimum engine performance. Change out the header to a long-tube style and you’ll notice immediate improvement in the horsepower and with the RPMs.

What is included in a tune up?

The make and model of a car can determine what a tune-up should entail. A basic tune up will typically consist of an overall engine check then clean, fix, or replace any of the following:

Belts
Distributor cap
Filters
Fluids
Hoses
Spark plugs
Rotor

These are things you can do yourself at home but having a professional comprehensive tune-up once a year can give you the engine performance you want. Call 609-737-7226 today for your car performance service in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ.

What causes electrical problems in cars?

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 12:44:45 GMT

What controls a car’s electrical system?

Along with the engine and transmission, a car electrical system is essential for a car to run. The car electrical basics consists of an alternator, a battery, and starter. Each of those items are key in making the other work, like the hand bone is connected to the arm bone is connected to the elbow bone, etc., etc.

The car electrical system works when the starter gets powered by the battery and the alternator energizes the battery so that it can power the car. A car with electrical problems can be any of those three components that cause it to malfunction. This can keep a car from starting, and if it does start, it won’t run properly.

Of those three components in a car electrical system, the alternator is key to keeping an engine running. It is the alternator that powers the battery, keeping it charged so that the electrical system can keep going. When the alternator component of the car electrical system is failing, or even quits, a car will start and could run for a time.

What causes a car’s electrical system to suddenly stop working?

When it comes to cars, a car electrical system with problems are the most difficult to determine, even though there are a few possible issues it could be. The main components that can create the loss of electrical power are indicated in these ways:

Alternator: Lights dim, engine dies.
Battery: Car slow to start or won’t start.
Fuses and Links: Car won’t start or car loses all power.
Ignition Coil: Car won’t start or die while going down the road.
Starter or Solenoid: Car won’t start due to loss of power.

How do you know if you have electrical problems in your car?

An older car electrical system problems typically will be the battery. A car electrical system in a new car is more complicated. The technology in today’s car has made our driving experiences better, but they have also brought us challenges with that complexity because they rely on the electrical system more than older car did. Issues with the car electrical system can be misdiagnosed, but the following can give you a guideline for those issues that can help you determine, ” Why did my car lose all power?”:

Engine Starting Incorrectly

Electrical power is required for a car engine to start, and that power comes from the battery. The battery ignites a spark with the engine’s fuel mixture. When the car doesn’t start right, it could be a bad battery, the alternator or another electrical matter that is unrelated.

The most common indication of a car electrical system problem is a clicking sound when starting the car. That clicking sound is telling you there isn’t sufficient energy to battery for the engine to turn. This can be the battery has lost power or has died. It could also be the alternator or starter. A grinding sound while trying to start the car, it is typically the starter or the flywheel.

A Battery Problems

A dead or discharged battery is one of the most obvious car electrical system problem. When you open the hood, if the battery cables are corroded or not connected to the battery, that will be the first thing you notice. Before replacing the battery though, it should be checked by a professional mechanic with a battery tester. The average lifespan of a car battery is five years, so if the battery has reached that 5 year mark, a replacement may be necessary. Under 5 years, it could be the alternator.

Lights Malfunctioning

All the lights on your car are necessary to be operated safely. The lighting system includes brake lights, headlights, and taillights as well as the turn signals. Each of these lights are how drivers communicate on the road. The interior lights assist a driver in operating the car as well. When you notice the lights dimming, it is usually an indication of a low voltage or failing battery. Other car electrical system issues can be the alternator belt or loose wires.

Fuses Blown

The fuse box in your car is there to minimizing any over-voltage or short-circuiting from occurring. The purpose of the fuse is to break the circuit and shield any fragile electrical components getting too strong of a current. There are indiscernible reasons that can cause a fuse to blow, however, if it is a constant issue, there could be a more severe issues with the car electrical system.

Burning Plastic

If you notice the smell of burning plastic along with any of the electrical symptoms we’ve described here, park the car, and call a mechanic immediately.

Will car run on alternator only?

It depends on the age of the car. An older car, 20 years old or older, you can drive it for a short distance. A newer car electrical system will not start and cannot be driven.

If it is determined your car needs car electrical wiring repair, it is important to have it done by an authorized and experienced mechanic. They will have the experience and tools, like a car electrical circuit tester, along with a wiring map to do the job correctly. Call 609-737-7226 today for your car electrical repair in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ.

When Should I Service My Brakes?

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 12:33:13 GMT

Do brakes need to be serviced?

We have talked about getting your car’s oil changed and the tires rotated on a routine basis, and how important it is to stay on schedule with those tasks. Another recommended routine task is brake repair service.

The brakes on your car are as vitally important as the engine, transmission, tires, and wheels. Therefore, getting brake repair when needed and keeping on top of your car’s brake maintenance are important as well. The brakes on a car are a vital component in the safety system of your car that is used every time you get behind the wheel of your car.

As much as keeping the engine, transmission, and wheels in good working order is important, having your brakes stop is more important. It can be a matter or injury, life, or even death when your car isn’t able to stop. Routine brake repair and check-up service is recommended to assure that they are working and able to come to an abrupt stop if needed.

Yes, every car manufacturer has a recommended schedule of brake service check and brake repair, usually every 25,000 to 70,000 miles. Depending on your driving habits and style, the brake pads may need to be inspected more frequently by an authorized mechanic.

For most drivers, too many driver, don’t think anything about the brakes of the card as long as they are stopping the car when needed. When the pads and rotors become worn out, they can’t stop your car as quickly, leading to a dangerous situation. Besides the apparent danger of having brakes inspected for any needed brake repair, when ignored, it can cause more damage to your car’s wheel system.

This is why a routine brake maintenance service is recommended before your brakes quit working. Waiting until you’re having issues of your car not stopping as quickly and securely as it should, then getting a brake repair job, is dangerous. A brake repair job should be scheduled as soon as you notice any stopping issue with your car.

What does brake service include?

Authorized and fully equipped brake repair shops will provide a full inspection of your car’s entire braking system. This goes beyond checking and adding brake fluid and changing the brake discs or pads. This will include disassembling the brake system and checking all parts for brake repair or replacement needs. A good brake check and brake repair isn’t done is just a matter of minutes.

An experienced auto mechanic will perform the following:

Replace hoses that are broken, cracked, chaffed, or swollen.
Replace any hoses that are leaking.
Replace corroded, damaged, kinked, or leaking steel brake lines.
Perform brake repair or replacement of leaking or worn caliper or wheel cylinder.
Repair or replace brake seized guide pins or seized pin caliper.
Check for uneven bake pad wear.
Check master cylinder for leaks.
Check if brake pedal is sinking to the floor.
Inspect brake drums and rotors by measuring the wear and tear.
Check brake drums and rotors for heat cracks, rusting, warping, or other damage .that requires brake repair or replacement .
Replace any brake hardware needed while replacing brake pads or brake shoes.
Replace drum brakes retaining clips and return springs.
Replace corroded or frozen brake self-adjusters.
Brake repair service the wheel bearings if applicable.
Lubricate brake caliper slides and shoe pads.
Bleed and flush brake fluid, replacing with new brake fluid.
Inspect and adjust parking brake.
Inspect any ABS system fault codes, repair or replace any components needed, including accumulator, hydraulic modulator, or wheel speed sensors.

How do you know when your rear brakes are bad?

Every part of the braking system has a lifespan and knowing if your car needs a brake repair job or when to repair brake pads or other parts of your car’s braking system is important. The brakes on your care an important safety component and not something to take lightly or dismiss any of the following indications.

The Brake Light: When a red or yellow brake light indicators comes on, check that you r emergency parking brake isn’t on and if it isn’t, then it is time to take your car in for brake service or brake repair. Do not ignore this light. Today’s car’s have electronic sensors that know when something is going bad before it reaches a danger point.
Noises: Any squeaking, squealing, or grinding noises from the brakes needs to be inspected by a mechanic, the sooner the better. A high-pitched noise while applying the brakes usually indicates the brake pads are wearing out and a brake repair job is needed to replace the brake pads. A grinding sound is an indicator of several different issues with the brake system and a brake inspection is recommended.
Scraping, Vibrating, or Wobbling Brakes: A shaking, vibrating response from your brakes could mean your car needs brake repair of the discs or rotors.
Brake Fluid Leaking: If the brakes seem “soft” when you press on them or you notice brake fluid under your car, you need to take your car in for a brake repair service immediately.
Soft, Spongy Brake Pedal: Again, if you have a soft and spongy response when pressing on the brakes, take your car in for a brake repair service immediately.
Car Pulls to One Side When Applying Brakes: This is an indication that your car needs a brake inspection and adjustment, or possible brake repair service.
A Burning Smell: A car should never have any type of burning smell while driving. Especially if you notice a sharp chemical smell after applying your brakes hard in a sudden stop.

How much does it cost to get your brakes fixed?

Brake repair prices can vary between brake repair shops throughout the New Jersey and Pennsylvania areas, but the average cost of a complete brake repair service can start around $300 and go as high as $1,000.

How long does it take to get brakes fixed?

Again, this can vary from brake repair shops in the area and how severe the brake damage is on the car. The time can be as little as 30 minutes up to a couple of hours. The make and model of the car have a factor in this time as well.

Never take your car’s brake system for granted. Trusting the brake repair to an inexperienced mechanic that may or may not know how to repair a brake line leak is taking a risk on your life, your passengers, and anyone in the area of your car. Call 609-737-7226 today at brake repair in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ.

When You Need Engine Repair

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 12:31:57 GMT

Getting the repairs your engine needs

How do you know your car needs engine repair ? Well, you’ll know if you have engine problems, symptoms are pretty obvious. If not, then as a car owner, you need to familiarize yourself with these symptoms, because they aren’t going to go away, in fact, they’ll only get worse.

Knocking Sound: An engine should never have a knocking sound coming out from under the hood, more importantly if it gets louder and softer as you push on the gas pedal. When the increase and decrease of the RPMs is making a knocking sound, that is an indicator the engine bearings are failing. These are important part of an engine that supports the moving engine parts. When the bearing seize up, the engine seizes too, and you’ll have major engine damage that could be more than just engine repair.
Exhaust Smoke: If you notice smoke coming from the tailpipe more than normal, depending on the color of the smoke. White smoke, you could have problems with the combustion chamber of the engine, that will need professional engine repair. Blue-ish smoke is the engine burning oil, which probably is minor engine repair, and black smoke means the car has too much gas usage, another minor engine repair.
Check Engine Light: This light could be telling you there is something minor or major wrong with your engine and never be ignored. As soon as this light comes on, take it your mechanic. It could be a minor engine repair, or it could indicate a bigger problem.
Performance Decreased: Your car’s fuel efficiency isn’t what it was, or it lags when you give it the gas, you need your mechanic to check the engine. It may not be anything more than needing a tune up, but until a professional mechanic has check it out, you won’t know.
Idling Rough: If your car has a difficult time running while you’re stopped at signal light, it may have a fuel problem and should be looked at by a professional mechanic. The possible engine repair it needs could be major or minor, but either way, it isn’t running right.

What is engine failure?

Engine failure could be anything from the engine simply dies and won’t start again or you could have run out of gas. You’ll know has happened as you’re driving because your power steering locks up, the power brakes aren’t working, and not matter how much you try to give it the gas, it won’t speed up.

With this type of engine failure car, what to do is important to know so that you can remain safe. As you notice losing engine power, it will take a lot of strength, steer the car to the side of the road. Coast to the safest place possible and exit the car through the door that is not in traffic, then call a tow truck or 911.

You’ll need your car towed to your mechanic where they can inspect the engine and determine the problem. Once they have found the problem and provided you a written estimate, you can approve it and have them begin the needed engine repair.

How do you know engine is blown?

Your car could have multiple symptoms and problems, but that won’t necessarily mean the engine is blown up. Many problems that may seem major can be corrected with some engine repair work. Some common signs that your engine may be blown are:

Dense White Exhaust: White smoke coming from the tailpipe usually indicates that the coolant or water from the engine has seeped into the combustion chamber. The white exhaust will linger where normal exhaust dissipates. in the air unlike that of normal exhaust smoke.
A Blue Exhaust: This is often indication of an engine that is about to blow up or already has because water has gotten into the combustion chamber.
Knocking Noises: When your car’s engine has noises coming from inside the engine like banging, knocking, or rattling, something is seriously wrong. If the engine hasn’t already blown, it is going to at any time. This will definitely require an engine rebuild or a new engine.
Coolant and Oil Mixed: The coolant and oil should never be mixed together in a car engine. When coolant has got into the oil, the engine is blown, and the only engine repair is to rebuild it or buy a new engine.
Car Wont’ Start: When your car won’t start, it could be anything from a dead battery, the starter went out, or any number of things. Among those things, it could be engine problems like the timing or heating, either one of those gets really bad, engine repair is not enough.

What causes a blown engine?

Any of the following could be the cause of a blown engine:

A Blown Piston- A common cause of blown engines and it isn’t specifically the piston, but the piston rings.
Hole in the Engine Block – This is a catastrophe and is usually caused by a blown rod that literally can blow through the side of an engine block, leaving a hole. An engine repair is going to fix this.
Engine Seized – When the engine doesn’t have enough lubrication, aka motor oil, the engine will seize up.
Timing Belt or Chain Broken – A rubber belt or steel chain is what keeps your car engine working with the crankshaft and camshaft. When either of these break, the cylinder head valves will move by themselves instead of with the pistons.

What are the signs of a blown head gasket?

A car engine operates in extreme heat and if it becomes too hot, it will overheat, and the head gasket will blow because that extra heat can result in too much expanding of the cylinder head and engine block. Indicators that are telling you that your car has a blown head gasket are:

White smoke out of the tailpipe
Bubbling from top of radiator and reservoir
Coolant loss but no bubbling or leaking
Milky white engine oil
Engine is overheated

Does insurance cover blown engine?

No, routine maintenance and upkeep of a car is the owner’s responsibility and as such, auto insurance does not cover any mechanical failure that results in a blown engine, including but not limited to engine repair, engine rebuild, or engine replacement.

Can a damaged engine be fixed?

It all depends on how damaged and what kind of damage has been done to the engine. With minimal damage, yes engine repair is possible. Extensive, extreme engine damage, your only hope is the mechanic can rebuild it or you’ll have to have a new engine installed. The 0worst car engine problem you can have is an overheated engine, especially if you ignore it and keep driving it. For your engine repair needs, call 609-737-7226 today.

How does heating in a car work?

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 13:10:37 GMT

Why is my car blowing cold air when the heat is on?

Living in New Jersey in the winter is not the place for your car heating to quit working! Of all the things you need in this part of the country, you don’t need to run out of gas, and you need car heating in winter. If they don’t, they should review this in driver’s ed classes.

In this article today, we’re going to answer a few questions about car heating. From this, you may be able to determine what is wrong with yours and if you need to have your mechanic inspect the heating system. Or perhaps, you simply don’t have the settings in the right place!

The heating and cooling of a vehicle can be a complicated system. In the world of vehicles, there are 3 different types of heating systems:

Water-coolant engines
Air-coolant engines
Electrical engine heating

Most vehicles today, the heating system is from water-coolant engines, with a basic, simple principle of how the heat is generated. As the engine gets warm, the coolant absorbs some of that heat and gets it warmed up to a certain temperature. It then travels through a thermostat and goes to the radiator, where the temperature is reduced to keep your vehicle from overheating.

For the car heating portion of your vehicle system, some of that heated coolant travels through a component, the heater core, a radiator type component. From there, that heat then travels to inside your vehicle by a fan.

If your vehicle heater is blowing cold as soon as you start your vehicle, that is because the coolant hasn’t had time to get warmed up because the engine is still cold. However, if your vehicle has been running for some time and the heater is still blowing cold, it could be one of the following reasons:

The thermostat is malfunctioning: A malfunctioning thermostat could be stuck opened or closed. If it is stuck closed, the engine will overheat, and this can damage the engine beyond repair if not addressed promptly. If stuck open, the coolant will run continuously through the thermostat, and never heat up. This would cause the car heating selection in your vehicle to blow cold air.

The coolant level is too low: The coolant fluid is a major part of the heating system, so if there isn’t adequate coolant, your vehicle’s heating system isn’t going to get the heat it needs to blow war air inside your vehicle. There could be a leak with the various connections, hoses, the radiator, or any of the engine’s components that work the cooling and heating system.

Air bubbles in the system: Cold air will blow instead of heat if the coolant has air bubbles. With air bubbles, the coolant can’t heat up and travel through the system properly.

The heater core has issues: Your vehicles car heating may be blowing cold air if the heater core is stopped up. There are narrow passages in the heater core and if any of them have blockage, it will keep the coolant from passing through and warming up.

The heater controls: If your car heating system is blowing cold air, make sure the controls in the right position for heat. If they are, and the possible issues we’ve covered above are all in proper working issue, then there may be a problem with the controls inside your vehicle. With time, they can break, become clogged with gunk, and get stuck.

How do you know when your car heater is going out?

The following things are hint that your car heating broken and needs professional mechanic attention:

There is little or no heat blowing inside your vehicle, even after it has been running for a while and the temperature gauge reads in normal range.
You smell coolant inside the car, a fruity, sweet smell, while the motor is running.
The windows are fogged up, even with the defroster on.
There is a leak under the dashboard.
Your vehicle is low on coolant and the engine is running hot.

How can I get better heat in my car?

A few tricks to try to get your car heating fixed and heating faster:

If your vehicle’s climate control system has an auto setting, set the thermostat the highest setting and you’re done.

If your vehicle has remote start, start your vehicle 10 to 15 minutes before you plan to leave. This will all the coolant to start warming up and that will heat the interior of your vehicle.

Turn the temperature setting to cold, then turn the fan off. This may seem like you’re doing just the opposite of heating the car, but the cooling/heating system in vehicle will get hot faster. Once you have driven the vehicle a while, move the temperature setting to hot and the fan to full blast.

Drive your vehicle and as you drive, it will warm up. Most vehicles today are heated up in thirty seconds.

How can I keep my car warm without heat?

Winter temperatures in New Jersey can be brutal, but when your car heating isn’t working, it just makes it worse. While the common suggested solution would be having the car heating fixed, sometimes that just isn’t possible financially. Here are a few suggestions that can keep you warm without car heating.

Park inside a garage.
Cover the windshield day and night.
Buy hand warming packets and if you find anything in the hunting section for deer hunters, consider utilizing them in your car.
Buy a heater that will plug into the car cigarette lighter.
Keep several blankets in your car.
Take a hot beverage and a thermos of hot beverage.

Does engine heating work with off?

The fan for your vehicle heating is powered through the accessory’s connection at the ignition switch. When the vehicle engine is turned off, it doesn’t get any power. Otherwise, if the fan is on and the engine isn’t running, it would drain the battery within 30 minutes. While we hope nobody is driving around during a New Jersey winter without car heating, we hope there was helpful information for you. Call 609-737-7226 today for your car heater service in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ.

How Often Should Tires be Rotated?

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 13:08:09 GMT

So, do you really have to rotate your tires?

To answer the question how often, what is tire rotation ? Tire rotation is the having the tires repositioned on your vehicle in a specific pattern. Typically, they go from front to back and/or side to side. Okay, but Why get a tire rotation? This is an important part of vehicle tire upkeep and vehicle safety. For many tire manufacturers, it is required for warranty purpose.

Cars are not cheap! As a car owner, there are many maintenance things that have to be done to keep your car on the road and get as long of a lifespan as you can. Still though, you may be asking yourself if a tire rotation is really necessary? Maybe the budget is a little tight this month, is the finance company going to get your car because you missed a tire rotation?

Absolutely not, they finance company has no concern with your having maintenance completed on your car as recommended or required by the manufacturer. They’re still going to expect you to pay for the car though, whether is drivable or not, so take the time and budget for the routine tire rotation along with the other maintenance actions like oil changes.

By following the vehicle’s manufacturer recommended tire rotation schedule, this will assure that your tires have even tread wear. What does even tread wear give you? It improves the car’s handling, reduces noises and vibrations, extends the tire’s life, and protect the tire warranty. These are things that keep you from having to buy new tires and give you the best driving experience possible.

What happens if you never rotate your tires?

Without regular tire rotations, the tread wears unevenly, creating a rough and unstable tire surface for driving. Unevenly worn tread will decrease yours and your passenger’s safety while on the road. NHTSA reports that inadequate tread depth has been found responsible for over 25% of all car accidents related to tires. Ignored tire rotation can cause the following:

Heat Buildup: When a car is moving, it creates friction between the tires and the road, generating heat. While tires are designed and manufactured to withstand heat, they still need airflow space to cool down. When tires get too hot, they are prone for having blowouts and the tread begin separating.
Hydroplaning: Tire tread’s deep grooves channel water away from the surface. This enables the tires to maintain a solid grip on the roadway. When the tire tread is inadequate, the tires can slide across the road and skim across the water, making controlling, handling, and steering the car dangerous and even impossible.
Poor Traction: With tire tread that is deep, sharp, and wide, and has more irregular treads, like snow tires, it improves the traction by design to grip into packed snow. Insufficient tread makes winter condition driving risky with possibility you can spin out of control and slide on the icy roadway.
Blowouts and Punctures: Without regular tire rotation, the excessive strain your tires are under will create a worn spot that will start to wear thin. As tires get thinner in those worn spot, the risk of glass, nail, a sharp rock or any sharp object could puncture the tire, causing a blowout.

Can rotating tires mess up tire alignment?

A tire rotation should not affect the tire alignment if you have the tire rotation on a routine schedule as recommended by the tire manufacturer.

How do I know when to get my tires rotated?

If you notice any of these things while driving your car, they are indications that your car needs a tire rotation:

Tires Wearing Uneven: Examine all of the tires on your car and you notice that the tread is wearing differently on each tire, a tire rotation would be a good idea.
Tire Vibration: When driving 45 mph or faster, if you feel a vibration from the tires, you could have a tire out of balance, your tires could need tire rotation, or your car may need a wheel alignment.
Tire Pressure Loss: If one tire is losing air pressure faster than the other three tires, it is probably a leak in that one tire. Taking your car in for a Vehicle inspections and tire rotations will allow the mechanic to check all issues like leaks and get your car secure for the road again.

How long will tires last if not rotated?

There are several factors in determining the lifespan of tires. From how much you drive, the way you drive, the road conditions, and more. Tire rotation is important in getting the longest lifespan though. A sixty-thousand-mile tire that doesn’t get a routine tire rotation could get fifty-thousand miles. A routine tire rotation will give your tires a better chance of sixty-thousand miles or longer with good driving and road conditions.

It is important to have the routine tire rotation and just as important to use a service that is experienced in how to do a tire rotation properly. Keeping your tires and other important components of your car will assure safe driving for you and safe arrival for your passengers. Call 609-737-7226 today for your tire rotation in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ.

What is a transmission in a car?

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 12:40:13 GMT

How long does a transmission last?

What does a transmission in a car do? A transmission transfers power from the engine to the driveshaft and rear wheels in a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. For a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the transmission transfers engine power to the axle half-shaft and front wheels. Inside a transmission are gears that change the drive-wheel speed and torque to relate to the speed and torque of the engine.

The automatic transmission is a complex design that is intended to make driving easier. An automatic transmission has a series of intricate circuitry with complicated electronic functions, all of which allow room for failures and malfunctions. Whereas a manual transmission is simpler by nature in operation. However, in today’s busy, ever-going lifestyles, the simplicity of the automatic transmission is a lifesaver.

The lifespan of an automatic transmission can vary based on various factors, primarily how the vehicle is driven. The typical life expectancy is approximately seven years or up to 200,000 miles. There are five things a car owner can do to extend the life of an automatic transmission:

1. Have Services Regularly: Like your car’s engine, the transmission need its oil and filter changed in specific intervals as recommended by the manufacturer. Typically this is between 20,000 miles and 30,000 miles, or an average of every 18 months. A newer vehicle’s automatic transmission should have a transmission flush every 40,000 miles to 50,000 miles or average every two years.

2. Fluid Checked Regularly: The purpose of transmission fluid is to remove heat from the transmission’s internal components. When that fluid is allowed to get too low, the transmission will overheat and could damage it irreversibly. It is recommended to have your transmission fluid checked once a month.

3. Synthetic Transmission Fluid: Use the transmission fluid type as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. However, as a car ages and is driven, the organic compounds of the transmission will eventually break as the vehicle is driven, becoming less effective. Synthetic transmission fluid is more beneficial at this point, especially if you live or drive through heavy traffic or in hills and mountains.

4. Install a Transmission Cooler: Transmissions do not like heat, over exposed to heat will cause a transmission to quit working and cause severe damage that can’t be repaired. There are coolers that fit a transmission and will lower the temperature as it operates so that it won’t wear out as quick.

5. Good Driving Practices: Be smart with your driving style and techniques based on these three things:

Avoid aggressive driving.
Let the engine and transmission warm up
Don’t shift gears while the vehicle is in motion

Can a transmission go out without warning?

Not usually, there are indicators and warning signs that a driver should be aware of signaling that their vehicle’s transmission is beginning to fail. If any of those indications or warnings are exhibited and ignored, you could be causing damaged to the transmission that is not repairable, meaning you’ll need a new transmission or rebuild the existing transmission.

What are the signs that your transmission is going out?

Some warning signs that the transmission in your car needs attention are:

Weird Odors: A burning smell coming from the transmission could indicate it is overheated, which can overheat the engine. Other things that can cause a transmission to emit weird odors is something wrapped up trapped around the transmission or it has antifreeze dripping from it.

Unusual Sounds: The cars breaking down on television with a big clunk sound is one of the things that happens in real life. An unusual sound coming from the transmission usually means trouble. Those sounds could be clunks, buzzing or humming, or a whining sound.

Noisy: Excess noise could be indicating a problem like a bumping noise while in neutral. It may simply need transmission fluid, but why? This needs to be checked out by your mechanic.

Check Engine Light: Too many drivers ignore the check engine light, but the purpose of that light is to let the driver know there is a problem, and it isn’t always with the engine specifically. It could be an issue with the transmission that is affecting the engine.

Unresponsive: An unresponsive transmission will not slide into gear as it is designed to do, and that hesitation or lack of response is a strong indication that something is wrong.

Transmission Fluid Leak: There are six main fluids in a vehicle that are for cooling, lubricating, braking, steering, and cleaning the windshield. If the levels are kept up to where the manufacturer suggest, there are parts of the car that won’t function correctly, and the transmission is one of the main ones.

Car is Shaking: When a car starts shaking as it switches gears, you need to get to your mechanic to have the matter checked out.

Won’t Go In Gear: If your car won’t go in gear, it is usually indication of low fluid and is usually fixed by adding fluid. If you’re having to do this frequently, you should have a mechanic check the transmission for other problems. On newer cars, it could be in the computer, which can be fixed by disconnecting the battery for 30 minutes and reconnect. This is equivalent to rebooting a computer.

Gears Slipping: When the gears of a transmission is slipping, it can often be because it is low on transmission fluid.

This can be dangerous if this happens in traffic, and it is damaging the engine and transmission.

Can you still drive with a bad transmission?

No, when a transmission has begun to have problems, the only place it should be driven to is a mechanic shop. It is only a matter of mileage and timing before a bad transmission goes completely out and leaves you stranded.

What causes a transmission to kick?

When a transmission or clutch kicks or may be referred to as jerking as it shifts, there are several potential causes, the most common one being low on transmission fluid. Adding more fluid may help the kicking and jerking, but the transmission likely needs a flush and a new screen.

The transmission of your car is as important at the engine. Keeping maintenance is needed on both to keep your car on the road efficiently and safely. Never ignore any warning signs and have all regular maintenance done as recommended by the manufacturer. Call 609-737-7226 today!

How do you know if the suspension has gone on your car?

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 13:13:33 GMT

The role of your suspension

It takes the engine to make your car go and the transmission makes it move, but what makes it stay on the roadway? Car suspension and handling. What exactly is car suspension and handling and how does it work? Car suspension maximizes the friction between the road surface and tires, provides stability with the steering, and provides passengers a comfortable ride.

When we speak of a car’s performance, the words acceleration, horsepower, and torque may come to mind. Without good car suspension though, all of that is worthless. Car suspension is necessary for the driver to have control over all that acceleration, horsepower, and torque.

Car suspension refers to all the following components:

Car axles
Car tires
Shocks

Those three things support the car, absorb bumps, and steers the vehicle while turning. When any part of that car suspension system is damaged, it impacts the steering and degrades the performance of the car. This can often be fixed with new shocks or struts, sometimes a realignment of the front wheels.

What causes suspension damage?

If you’ve driven enough, you have no doubt “hit” your share of potholes and drover over rough roads. It used to be bad after winter, but these days, seems like all the roads are filled with potholes. As careful of a driver as you may be, there is always that one huge pothole hidden by a shadow or around a slight curve that you come across before you have time to avoid it or slow to a crawl.

Over time, when you’ve “hit” enough of those potholes or went over speed bumps at 30mph , it can damage your car suspension. If you’ve ever hit a bump hard enough that you “ “bottomed out” aka, the bottom of your car hit the road, you did not do your car suspension a favor.

Why does car suspension break?

Car suspension rarely break, in fact, the cars made today have a coil spring, the chance of the car suspension breaking is one in a thousand. The suspension of an older car with leaf springs could break but it would have to be a had impact. While we say it is rare a car suspension would break, it does happen. Some factors that could cause a car suspension to break:

Bumps: Hitting a really large bump at a really high rate of speed could break a car suspension.
Overloaded: The springs on a car suspension can be overloaded and then hitting a bump with that weight could be more than the car suspension is designed to hand.
Rust: The springs of a car suspension are made of steel, and all steel will rust, and when combined with other corrosion an oxygen from the atmosphere, it weakens the spring. Once a spring is compromised with corrosion and rust, it could break fairly easily. The corrosion is normal after salt has been left on icy roadways.
Chemic Changes: Over time, steel can have chemical changes from hydrogen molecules penetrating between the iron, making the steel crack from hydrogen embrittlement. Again, like corrosion, this is usually from salted roadways in the winter.
Age: Metal won’t weaken over time unless it is abused. In the case of car suspension, that abuse is in the way of hard bangs and strong vibration. This causes cracks and the springs weaken. This can’t happen in short time, it takes probably a million bends before the steel weakens enough, but if combined with rust, this could speed up the process.

How long does a car suspension last?

There are too many factors and variable to get a timeframe on the life of car suspension. It mostly weighs on the shocks or struts. If we’re forced to put a number on the lifespan of shocks or struts, we would give them 5 years on average. There are cars that the shocks can last 10 years though.

What does a bad suspension sound like?

If you’re hearing your car suspension is squeaking, then you need to take your car to the mechanic for new shocks or struts. If there are other issues under the front end, they can advise you then. If your car is making creaking, groaning, popping, or snapping sounds while steering it around corners, your car suspension is worn out. Same with any clunking, rattling, or popping sounds while driving over rough roads.

Can you fix suspension on a car?

Yes, and it could be fairly inexpensive, and it could be costly, depending on what all is needed in the car suspension. If it is replacing the shocks or struts, that is the cheaper repair. If the axle are bent or broken, you could be looking at $1,000 or more. The type of car you have is also a factor in the cost of repairing car suspension.

Can you drive a car with bad suspension?

You could drive a car with suspension issues, but it isn’t recommended. A spring that is damaged or collapsed can cause sagging and will affect the alignment of the car sooner than later. The car will have a rough ride and if you’re driving in the rain or at high rate of speed, controlling the car will be difficult, maybe impossible.

A car suspension is as important as having air in the tires and oil in the engine. If your car is starting to exhibit any possible issues with the frontend, have your mechanic look it over. Call 609-737-7226 today for your suspension service in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ.

What Needs to Be Replaced When Airbags Deploy?

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 12:35:16 GMT

Can I Replace My Own Airbag?

Airbag replacement service is an important service, and not to be taken lightly. However, the question remains: can you actually replace your own airbag? If you are an experienced mechanic, you will be pleased to learn that there are no restrictions on whether or not you can replace airbag units on your own. As a matter of fact, you won’t need to go to any authorized dealer or mechanic except when the work is not covered by the car’s warranty. However, it is a very in-depth process, and unless you are an experienced mechanic, it is not advisable. That is because if anything were to go wrong, you would be putting your life in jeopardy in case of a collision.

What Needs to Be Replaced When Airbags Deploy?

Are you wondering what items are necessary to be replaced when your airbags deploy? If so, please review the following bullet-pointed list to discover more.

The airbags.
The airbag control module will need to be replaced or reprogrammed.
The clockspring and any impact sensors that melted or were damaged in the collision will need to be replaced. This is in order for the airbag module to reset and work properly for the future.

As previously mentioned, it is important for a licensed technician to replace the damaged or deployed airbags. This is to ensure that you are safe and properly taken care of on the road.

Can I Drive Without Airbags?

If you are currently wondering whether or not you can drive a car without airbags, you may not be surprised at the answer. It is, of course, illegal to drive without airbags. Furthermore, it’s illegal to install anything other than a functioning airbag that meets federal safety standards for your car. It’s also a felony to sell, lease, trade, or transfer a car without working airbags. If your car has been deemed as totaled, then it is illegal to drive it. It is important to note that you can apply for a salvage title.

Can You Sell a Car with Blown Airbags?

As previously mentioned, it is illegal to drive or sell a car that has blown airbags. This is a very good law because it means that fewer people will be on the road without airbags. Public safety is important for car-owners especially when they are on the road. According to the presiding nomenclature, you can’t drive a car on public roads where a safety system like an airbag does not work. As it stands, you can’t sell a car to a buyer because it will not pass inspection.

Can Airbags Be Put Back In?

It’s important to note that the airbag of a vehicle cannot be fixed after an accident. A replacement airbag will need to be installed in its place. In years past, mechanics had the ability to reset some airbags. However, as advanced in technology has occurred, it has become meaningful for mechanics to replace the safety devices after each airbag deployment.

Airbag Replacement Time

If you need to get your airbags replaced, it will be important for you to understand how long the process will take. According to leading estimates, it can take about two hours for your airbags to be replaced.

Are Airbag Repairs Free

If you need repairs for your airbags, you may want to know if they are free. If you happen to have defective airbags for any reason, the cost to get them fixed is free. This can be a relief for many car owners.

Vehicle Airbag Replacement

If you need your vehicle’s airbags to be replaced, please be aware that it can be extraordinarily expensive. For the driver’s side, you will probably need to pay in the realm of many hundreds of dollars, and the passenger’s side airbags will have correspondingly high amounts of money attached to airbag replacement. Airbag replacement is not exactly cheap.

Replace Airbags In Car

Are you wondering about whether or not airbags have lifetime warranties? Unlike seatbelts, car airbags are only covered by the new car limited warranty. As a matter of fact, the only replacement airbag that can be guaranteed to be safe is an original equipment unit that was purchased from the automobile manufacturer through a new car dealership. Thus, it is important to remember that car airbags do not last a lifetime and will need to be replaced eventually. When you do have your airbags replaced, it is necessary to select an auto shop that puts your needs first. A good mechanic shop will be staffed with experienced mechanics who possess various certifications and are insured.

One of the most important things you can do for your health and the health of your vehicle is airbag replacement in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ. Please reach out to us at 609-737-7226 today!

Can You Drive with a Faulty Transmission?

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 13:24:11 GMT

Can a transmission go out without warning?

A vehicle needs an engine, tires, and wheels to make it move, and the transmission. What is a transmission? A transmission is a vehicle’s gearbox that turns the engine’s power to make the vehicle move. Without a transmission, your vehicle couldn’t go anywhere. So, when it quits working, you need either a transmission repair or a transmission replacement.

If a transmission fails, it rarely happens without warning. Read further to learn the ten warning signs of a transmission going out.

How do you know if your transmission is going out?

Early detection of possible problems with your vehicle can save you inconveniences of a broke down car, money and prevent more severe damage. As a vehicle owner, it is vital to learn signs of potential problems so that you can get professional auto repair before the problem becomes a more significant issue. With the transmission, here are ten telltale warning signals that could keep you from having to pay for expensive transmission repair:

Won’t Switch Gears

When a vehicle struggles or won’t switch gears is the first warning sign, something is wrong with the transmission. It could need transmission fluid added, or you may be looking at possible transmission repair.

Burning Odor

A burning odor coming from your vehicle, you need to take it to your mechanic promptly. Burning odors coming from any part of your vehicle isn’t good, but the transmission could be overheating or out of transmission fluid.

Noisy Neutral Gear

Noises coming from a vehicle when it is neutral is a strong indication the transmission has problems. A transmission flush may fix it. It may need a transmission repair or replacement.

Gears Slipping

When you feel your vehicle slip out of gear impulsively while driving down the road, it can be alarming and scary, and it can be hazardous. You need to get your vehicle to an experienced mechanic immediately.

Clutch Drags

When a clutch drags, it can’t disengage from the flywheel when you press in the clutch pedal.

Fluid Leaking

Transmission leaking is the most straightforward problem to identify, so when you find a red fluid with a sweet-like smell under your vehicle, have your mechanic check the transmission fluid. It will likely need some added, but if the leak is bad enough, your vehicle needs either a transmission repair or replacement.

The Check Engine Light

A check engine light can be an indication of many different things for a vehicle and needs an experienced mechanic to inspect your vehicle.

Grinds or Shakes

Grinding and shaking transmission is often an indication that the transmission is having issues and needs to be checked by a mechanic.

Clunking, Humming, Whining Sounds

A vehicle transmission making any of these sounds is not good and needs a mechanic inspection immediately.

Transmission Unresponsive

If you put your vehicle in gear and it doesn’t respond, there is probably something wrong with the transmission.

Can you fix broken transmission?

A transmission repair is when the bare minimum number of parts are replaced to get your transmission in working again. Typically, it is only fixing a specific part and is the least expensive option. A transmission rebuild is when the complete transmission is disassembled and inspected, what is included in transmission repair? Any damaged, failing, or worn parts are replaced and should be done by an experienced transmission specialist. Not all mechanics are experienced in transmission repair.

Why transmission repair instead of a rebuild or replacement? Because it is the least expensive way to go when possible. Some transmission problems cannot be taken care of with transmission repair as if it gets drove without transmission fluid.

Can you drive with a bad transmission?

Yes, sometimes, but it isn’t recommended. If the only issue you’re having your vehicle’s transmission is the fluid keeps leaking out, you can keep refilling it. This service is a temporary fix, though. Eventually, it will quit working because running out of transmission fluid is hard on a transmission, just like running out of gas and oil are hard on your car’s engine.

Is it worth getting your transmission fixed?

It can depend on the age of the vehicle, the condition of the vehicle overall, and if you can afford a transmission repair or replacement versus a new car with payment. This is a matter you should discuss with your mechanic and do some consider the cost of repair, replacement, or a new car.

One consideration to ask the transmission specialist and your mechanic, if you have a transmission repair done: Is this a long term repair or will you be faced with problem down the road again. If it is only temporary, it can give you time to get your finances in order for a new vehicle. Call 609-737-7226 today for your transmission repair needs in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ.

Can you Skip an Oil Change?

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 13:23:34 GMT

Why is it Important to get an Oil Change?

In short, no, it is a very bad idea to just skip an oil change, particularly for long periods of time. While fresh oil is smooth and runs efficiently through your system, over time it becomes grainy and will do damage to your system by wearing it out consistently. To put it another way, oil is extremely important to your engine because it acts partly as a lubricate to all the various moving parts inside. It works in a way that also prevents the resulting created heat that is caused by your engine from burning out the majority of the functioning parts. In these two ways, oil is highly important to the duration of your car and its working lifespan. Often enough, most cars have ways of telling you when you require an oil change, examples of that can be:

An indicator light (generally with newer cars)
Greater than normal vehicle exhaust
Louder than normal engine
Lower oil level
Car shakes when idle
Oil is not normal in texture
Car runs differently after a long trip
Car ticks when it starts

To most effectively know when your oil is in need of changing, you will want to familiarize yourself with some minor car care techniques. Lifting up the hood, knowing where the dipstick is and what the result means when you check it. This sort of thing, when regularly checked, can save you many headaches and help determine when you need to take your vehicle in. When you do need to do so, trust the oil services of European Plus in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ. Call 609-737-7226 today to schedule your appointment.

Does an Oil Change Make the Car run Better?

Like any other machine that makes use of oil, adding a fresh supply will by and large make it run far more smoothly. Moreover, when applied to a car an oil change should be tantamount to getting gas and more so than a carwash. Your car will legitimately last far longer when you get regular oil changes. When practicing this, you will notice:

Improved performance
Better mileage
Longer than expected lifespan
Fewer trips to a mechanic
Less trips to the gas station

To put it mildly, regularly scheduled oil changes make your car far better, having it eat up less oil and operating at a higher standard than if it were not supplied sufficient oil changes. One enormous way you can learn how to tell when you need to change your oil is to inspect the oil currently running through your engine. By doing this, you can personally tell when it needs to be changed. A misconception many run into is that you cannot just add more oil to the engine, regular oil changes are necessary. This is because the old oil, with all of the formed particles inside of it, will remain and still become worse as it runs through your engine.

What Happens if you go too Long Without an Oil Change?

Many Americans across the country do go too long passed when they truly need an oil change applied to their car, often to their detriment. As it has been addressed, oil begins to build up particles and does thin out to the point that the functioning parts can catch the growing particles, grinding them. Eventually, the liquid itself will not be able to move through your engine and do its job. While you are able to go many miles past when you should get an oil change, but it is not recommended. The maximum you should go when your change oil light comes on or you notice it is time to get your oil changed is around 500 miles. It is not recommended that you make it a point of avoiding scheduled oil changes until the last moment because this can do gradual harm to your engine, which will severely cut its working lifespan by a massive degree.

How Long Should you Wait for an Oil Change?

As mentioned, there are signs you can go off of that will inform you as to whether you need an oil change or not. When you find them, you should be all accounts definitely get one at your earliest convenience. However, when you are casually using your car and not traveling great distances, a rule of thumb is that you can generally get a regularly scheduled change every three months and be solid. To that extent, however, you should always consult your user manual that comes with your car to best determine what is best. All cars are built differently and there tend to be very few solutions that work across the board. Most vehicles these days tend to warn their users when the right time is, with an indication light. Another common rule is that you are generally able to go 5,000 to 7,500 miles without an oil change, but again it is best to read your manual and to pay close attention to the signs you yourself can notice in your car. For an expert’s option, why not stop by at European Plus in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ. Our mechanics are always ready to provide the best in car care, just call 609-737-7226 today to schedule your appointment.

How do you maintain car wheels?

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 13:11:17 GMT

Keeping your wheels on the road

Your car is probably an important investment for you, it is for most people. We make payments on them, keep up insurance and registration, get the oil changed, and keep them washed. What about car wheel maintenance and tire maintenance though? Yes, the tires and wheels need maintenance too, they are an enormous part of what gets you from point A to point B when you drive your car.

So, you’re probably asking, “ How do you maintain tires? ”, right? Driving is a pleasure, a necessity, and a danger for life these days. We are relying on four tires to keep us safe on the road, so they should get some TLC from us to keep them in good condition.

Here are a few wheel maintenance tips to follow that will give you the most from your tires:

Tire Pressure Monthly Check. Tires lose around one pound per square inch each month, more in cold weather. Don’t rely on your oil change time for the air pressure to be checked. Under-inflated tires are a key component in accidents because it decreases the ability to handle the vehicle safely. Low tire pressure can also cause the car to use more gas and the tires will wear out sooner. By checking the air monthly, you’ll get more ROI for what you paid for those tires you have now!

Regular Tire Inspection and Before Road Trips. Each time you check the air pressure in your tires, inspect them for any bulges and cracks. Look for any glass, nails, screws, or stones stuck in them. If there is any of these things stuck in the tires, have it replaced immediately. This is just a flat waiting to happen! For road trips, make sure the tire pressure is at a proper level and inspect for any of the things we listed above. You don’t want to hit the highway speed with dangerous tires. Car wheel maintenance includes checking for any potential leaks that you can’t see.

Rotation. Regular tire rotation every 5,000 miles is an important car wheel maintenance step that helps maintain tread wear evenly, give your tires the most life Many tire stores will provide free tire rotation. This is a good time to get wheel alignment maintenance too.

Load Your Car with Care. There is a stated weight limit on cars for a reason, you’ll find that information on the price sticker. An overloaded vehicle put pressure on the tires, wearing them out. This is more than car wheel maintenance; it is car maintenance responsibility.

Replace the Tires Sooner Than Later. Don’t wait until the tires on your car have thread showing or after you’ve had several flat tires repaired. Tires are expensive and a trustworthy wheel maintenance mechanic can advise you when the time right to buy.

Mismatching Tires Are A No-No. Should I replace all 4 tires? Yes! Always buy all four tires at the same time, or if you must buy only one, get an exact matching tire. Mismatched tires will reflect negatively on your car’s handling, making it use more gas and wear the other tires out.

How do I know if my tires are worn out?

A penny can tell you if it is time to buy new tires! How? By sticking a penny in several tire grooves, head. If you can see the top of President Lincoln’s head, then it is time! If part of his head is covered by the tire tread, you still have over 2/32 inch of tread depth.

Why does tire tread matter with car wheel maintenance? Worn-out tires are dangerous on the road, especially wet roads. Many states have state inspection with a minimum of tire tread allowed, anything less will not pass inspection, and it is illegal to drive on the road at that point.

Probable Problem Areas with Worn Tires:

Center tread with excessive wear indicates the tire has been over-inflated.

Shoulders of the tire show excessive wear indicates under inflation.

Unevem wear of the tread in indication your car needs a wheel alignment.

One side with excessive wear is an indication there is incorrect camber angle.

Knobby outer section indicates a toe-in value problem.

How many miles should a good set of tires last?

With proper vehicle and car wheel maintenance, combined with normal driving, typical all-season tires can give you anywhere from 50,000 miles to 70,000 miles , maybe more.

Why do new car tires wear out so fast?

The tires that come with a new car may say they are Goodyear or Michelin, but they are made to the specifications as set by the car manufacturer. They will wear out faster because the car manufacturer wants you to keep new tires on your car to give you that smooth ride they promise in their ads.

Part of responsible car wheel maintenance is to keep the tires aired as the car manufacturer recommends, which is usually 10 pounds less than what the tire manufacturer recommends. Experts recommend going with what the tire manufacturer recommends and if the ride is too rough, go with a weight between the two recommendations.

We cannot stress the importance of car wheel maintenance enough. If your tires and wheels aren’t in good shape, then the car will not go far for long. Following the tips we provided here will keep your tires in good shape and your car on the road, safely, for a long time. Call 609-737-7226 today for your car wheel maintenance in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ

How do you know if your suspension is damaged?

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 13:12:42 GMT

What causes suspension damage?

Suspension repair and installation of those parts is extremely important for any car, perhaps more for European cars. Why? We know European cars for their speed and their handling, and the combination of both as they handle hairpin turns at a high speed. But then, if those two things are not in good working order, and in sync with each other, it can be disastrous, even deadly.

Therefore, it is important for owners of European cars with suspension issues, repairs they take their car to a qualified mechanic that knows European car motors and suspension repairs . They have the experience, knowledge, and suspension repair tools needed to do the job right.

We take for granted the suspension in our car, but some cars, especially European cars, that is one thing that we should be more attentive toward. The suspension provides us a smooth ride, turning corners without our car leaning over to one side, and keeps the car on the road. These are just a few reasons why suspension repair is a must.

Besides potholes, there are other things that can damage the suspension on your car. If any of the following parts of the car’s front end are broken defective, loose, even missing the suspension is at risk and vulnerable, and so is your car:

Ball Joints – these collect dirt, dust, grit, and other impurities inside the ball joints and make them as grease and lubrication leak out. General wear and tear will cause ball joints to go bad, and they can begin rusting if you drive in wet weather much.
Shocks or Struts – bad roads, aka potholes, and worn tires can wear shocks or struts out, even cause them to break when you hit a pothole too fast and too hard. Speed bumps can break or wear out shocks and struts too, causing the need for suspension repair.
Springs – when persistently exposed to water, springs begin to rust and weaken. Also, constantly overloading your vehicle will weaken springs down.
Tie Rods – the steering on your car relies on the tie rods every time you turn your vehicle. With that normal wear and tear, you’ll need them replaced and possibly some other suspension repairs. Bad road conditions, aka potholes, car accidents, can also damage tie rod ends.

What does bad suspension sound like?

It isn’t always easy to diagnose suspension issues on a car, but there are common symptoms that will tell you that you should have a mechanic see if your car needs any suspension repair. As far as sounds go that may hint at suspension repair, each time you turn a corner, go through a dip or pothole, hit the brakes hard or when you take off fast, you may hear a clanking or squeaking sound from the front end. If any of these are happening, or you’re experiencing any of the following:

The car pulls to one side going down the road
The rough ride going over even the smallest bump
The car leans to one side in the front
Every time you speed up, the front-end drops, the car rolls backward
Steering is difficult

Does suspension affect acceleration?

Yes! Consider ground zero of your car to be the suspension for abuse while going down the road. Therefore, the parts wear out or break, making the ride uncomfortable. The bad suspension is also dangerous going down the road. Remember, at the beginning of this article we discussed the love of European cars was or the motor and the handling?

So, when your suspension is broken or weak, there are multiple dangerous situations that could happen. Starting with the wheels will jump because the is less contact between the ground and the wheel. This slows acceleration minimizes braking efficiency, and most of all, slow your acceleration. With all this stated, you can see that suspension repair is a must if you want power at taking and control going down the road.

What happens if suspension goes?

Have you ever had a broken leg and tried to walk without crutches or any type of help? It is difficult may be impossible. The same is true for a car with a bad suspension.

If your car’s suspension wears totally out, your car becomes unbalanced and unstable. This makes it difficult, even impossible, to control your car, especially going over bumps or turning corners. Before driving the car too much, we recommend suspension repair.

How do you fix a car’s suspension?

Taking your car to an experienced mechanic for suspension repair is the best thing you can do. They have all the equipment, tools, and access to the parts needed for suspension repair. If you are a DIY car owner, or you want to save some money, suspension repair will depend on what it needs. A non-mechanic can do shocks, struts, and springs, but they are probably the hardest thing to replace or repair. These parts are under a lot of pressure and if you don’t have the right equipment, or you don’t do it right, they can pop off and fly anywhere, including through the car or into your face or body.

The ball joints and tie rods aren’t as precarious to replace, but it will require that you raise the front end of the car up off the ground. You must remove the wheels and possibly other parts in that area to get to the ball joints or tie rods. The engine and the tires are needed to make your car go. This is common knowledge. However, the suspension is needed for safe driving. Never take your car’s front end for granted and drive it for long distances or periods when it needs suspension repair.

When it is time for suspension repair, European Plus is the one to call. Dial 609-737-7226 today.

What is the transmission of a car?

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 12:36:58 GMT

Why does a car need a transmission?

A transmission makes your car move. Yes, the engine has the power and is part of what makes a car move, but the car transmission is the component that makes that power from the engine that makes the car move.

Without a car transmission, it would simply not go anywhere. So, car transmission vs engine, which is more important in making a car go? The car’s engine is its heart. It starts the revolutions needed to generate movement. The transmission is the brain of the car. Using the power from the engine, the transmission decides to make the car move. The engine does the hard work while the transmission does the heavy thinking. With that in mind, they are both important in making a car go.

What are signs of a bad transmission?

Sometimes it isn’t easy to identify what the exact problem is with anything, and a car transmission isn’t any different. It can be harder to pinpoint the problem because some symptoms could be a few different things. Here we share 7 signs car transmission is failing:

Clunks and Whines: No, that isn’t the name of a new rock band. This is a fairly apparent sign that something is wrong with your car transmission. It is also one that many people ignore, but they are both sounds that means you need a professional auto mechanic to get your car transmission checked out.
Car Isn’t Responding: When you change speeds going down the road, your car transmission is supposed to switch gears (we’re talking about automatic transmission). When it doesn’t, or it is slow to switch gears, schedule an appointment with your mechanic because something isn’t right.
Something Burning: Anytime you smell something burning from your car, it isn’t good, even your car transmission should never smell like it is burning or hot. That burning smell could be from anything. If it is coming from the transmission, a mechanic that knows even the simplest car transmission basics can check the transmission fluid. It could simply be the car transmission is low on fluid. It could also mean the screen is stopped up, but that will take more than a quick check of fluid. If the fluid is fine, then yes, you need to have the mechanic check your car further.
Fluid Leak: If there is car transmission fluid where there shouldn’t be, like on the garage floor, in the driveway, or in your parking space at work, that is the easiest symptom to know something isn’t right. If you suspect your car transmission is leaking, lay a large piece of cardboard under it wherever you park. When you move it the next day, if there is transmission fluid on the cardboard, you need to have your transmission checked.
Gears Grinding: This symptom is different for automatic car transmission and manual car transmission. For an automatic transmission, a rough shift can be several things, so the best thing is to have a professional mechanic check your car transmission. If it is a manual transmission, a grinding sound when changing gears could put it in the wrong gear or could indicate the clutch is wearing out. Or a synchronizer is damaged or worn. Here, a professional auto mechanic can inspect the car transmission and advise you.
Neutral Gear Is Noisy: A bumping sound from your car transmission doesn’t suggest caution or trouble unless your car is in neutral gear. Often this problem can be fixed by having the transmission fluid washed out and replaced. If the sound continues, though, you need a mechanic to look at your car.
Light on Dashboard: There is no car owner that wants to see the light that says “SERVICE ENGINE SOON” on their car dashboard, but it is there for a reason. There are several things this can indicate, so you need not ignore it. Procrastination could cost you dearly.

Can I drive my car with a b ad transmission?

It isn’t recommended to drive with a bad car transmission, but if you need to drive it far enough to get in a safe place to call a tow truck, by all means you should. However, do not drive it any further than necessary because it can damage the transmission beyond repair and damage other parts to your car too.

What happens to a car when the transmission goes out?

When your car transmission goes out, it affects how your car handles. It will shake and vibrate; the engine will rev up like it is going 100mph but the transmission slips.

Is replacing a transmission worth it?

As far as if your car is worth the expense, that is a personal decision. How old is the car? Is it a special model of a car? Do you still owe on the car? Rebuilding a car transmission extend your car’s lifespan and also has some financial benefits. A car transmission rebuild can cost $2500, which is a lot of money out of pocket but compared to buying a new transmission, it is thousands of dollars cheaper to rebuild. Or if you’re thinking about replacing it with a new car, you’ll be making payments every month, so which is cheaper and easier?

Cars are wonderful things to have, we’re able to come and go, travel the country, and have some independence if we want. They can also be an expensive nightmare if we don’t take care of them with basic maintenance, like car transmission checkups. Dial 609-737-7226 today for your car transmission service in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ.

Airbag Replacement Service

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 13:28:29 GMT

Airbag Replacement Cost

Airbag replacement services can be quite expensive. They can be more expensive than the airbag itself. That is because airbags are time-consuming to change out and the components that are needed are pricey. Automobile owners should expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 per airbag replacement. That means that replacing the entirety of your airbag system could cost as much as $3,000. At that point, it is important to consider whether replacing the vehicle, versus repairing it, is necessary. While airbag replacements are expensive, they are a critical safety component. No car is worthy of driving without airbags primed and ready. It is important to understand that if your car’s airbags have deployed, then the airbag light will remain on, and your vehicle may not pass its safety inspection.

Airbag Replacement Service

Airbag replacement services are critical for the health of the inhabitants of the vehicle. This is because an airbag deployment can reduce driver fatalities by 52 percent in a front collision. These statistics are markedly similar for passengers and for side-impact collisions. Depending on the nature of the accident, the airbag replacement cost may or may not be covered by insurance. While airbag replacement service is costly, it is necessary if you want to get your car back on the road. This is because, in the event of a collision, the instances of injury or death skyrocket. The increase in the instance of death is thirty percent. If the passenger or driver doesn’t wear a seatbelt, the fatality rate is as much as fifty-two percent higher.

Airbag Replacement Laws

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, also known as the NHTSA, airbags should be replaced as soon as possible after a collision or car crash. The NHTSA also stipulates that only an authorized service center should be used to perform the service. Drivers are not advised to drive their vehicle until the airbag replacement has taken full effect, or been completed.

Airbag Replacement After Crash

After a crash, a lot of drivers have relevant questions about the state of their vehicle. Among these questions, drivers often ask if their airbags need to be replaced after they have been deployed. The answer is, unequivocally, yes. Of equal importance is recognizing that SRS components are expensive and that they have an earnest effect on the reparability of the vehicle. The process that the certified mechanic has to go through in order to effect airbag replacement is thorough. There are many buttons and sensors involved. A remote diagnostic device is usually very helpful during this process.

Airbag Replacement Cost Ford

Airbag replacement service is valuable after a car crash. This is true regardless of what vehicle you are driving. For a Ford F150, airbag replacement has an average range of about $200 to $700 for driver-side airbags on their own. By contrast, a Honda Civic has an airbag replacement cost range of approximately $400 to $1000. This is for the passenger airbags.

Where to Buy Airbag Replacement

If you’re looking for a list of viable places to go for your airbag replacement, please review the following list.

Certified auto body shops.
Car dealerships.
Some certified auto repair shops.

It is recommended that customers call several different locations and compare the information with an individual over the phone. Since airbag replacement is a complicated and complex process, not all auto repair shops will offer this service. It is also important to contact a certified mechanic for this airbag replacement since it is critical for it to operate effectively.

What Cars Need Airbag Replacement

Having safe and effective airbags is critical for vehicles on the road. According to the NHTSA, there has been a Takata airbag recall that has taken effect. Apparently, long-term exposure to heat and humidity can cause Takata airbags to explode when they are deployed. For obvious reasons, this is disastrous. There was an update to this recall as of late 2019. Apparently, unlike the airbag inflators in earlier Takata recalls, non-azide driver inflators can either explode or underinflate during deployment.

How Long for Airbag Replacement

According to a nationwide survey, it takes approximately one to two hours for the airbags in a vehicle to be replaced. However, this is only true if the airbag parts that are needed are already in stock. If the parts need to be ordered, they may arrive in a matter of days.

Airbag Replacement After Deployment

As previously stipulated, it is massively important that a certified mechanic replace the airbags in the vehicle after the airbags are deployed. This is because you can never predict when a crash will occur, and it is a serious safety oversight not to have airbags ready to be deployed at any given moment.

If your car has fallen into disrepair, you go to a mechanic to get it fixed. If you are in need of garbage disposal repair, please seek out a qualified and certified plumber. Efficiency is maximized once your home and your vehicle are running smoothly.

Do you have airbag replacement on your agenda? Our friendly staff at European Plus are ready to take your phone call at 609-737-7226 . Receive quality airbag replacement in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ!

Should I Repair or Replace my Car Engine?

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 12:54:01 GMT

What is Engine Repair and What Does it Mean

Is your car on the older side but still running fine? Or are you noticing weird sounds coming from the engine area, but you aren’t sure what’s going on? Regardless of what is happening, it’s always a good idea to take your car in every few months for servicing. Have your tires rotated when you get your oil changed and have it inspected once a year to ensure everything is operating smoothly. And when you need an engine repair in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ, rely on European Plus to get the job done. Call us at 609-737-7226 to get started.

Benefits of Engine Repair and Maintenance

Are there really any benefits to engine repair ? Is it just a big hoax to drain you of money? No, it is not a hoax. Regular and consistent maintenance are proven methods of preserving your vehicle for the long-haul. Most vehicle owners expect to have their car for about 5-8 years. In that time, you’ll go to a lot of places and your car will go through a lot of experiences. Maintaining it for future use is imperative and highly beneficial.

Money-Saving: Believe it or not, but regular repairs can save you money over time. Engine repair costs can get expensive when you let multiple needs pile up. However, if you follow your owner’s manual and stay consistent with the maintenance, you’ll find yourself saving money rather than wasting it.
Longevity: Along with saving you money, regular repairs will help your engine to last longer. Most car engines should last you upwards of 100,000 miles or longer. You’ll be able to reach that milestone and then some when you keep up with consistent maintenance.
Safety: The combustion engine in your vehicle is designed to work a certain way and that is the only way. If there is even one thing wrong, you’ll experience multiple problems and issues. By ignoring them you are reducing your chances of easy fixes as well as increasing your risk of the operation. Taking care of your engine will guarantee a quality machine and improved safety for everyone involved.
Value: Taking care of anything helps to preserve and potentially increase the value of that item. The same is true with your car. While maintenance likely won’t increase the value, it certainly will help maintain it for future sales. Rundown, damaged, and under-maintained vehicles often get very little in terms of trade-in or sale value.

Taking care of and maintaining your engine is the best way to ensure your vehicle lasts as long as it should. The best way to know what’s going on with your car is with an inspection. Just like if you need help with a gas leak detection, you’d hire a professional to inspect for the problem. For help with any engine concerns you may have, contact European Plus.

Engine Repair vs Replacement

Which is the better option: repairing or replacing your engine? Well, that’s ultimately dependent on the situation. If there is a minor concern with a timing belt or cap, then repairs are more likely the way to go. They will be more cost-efficient and time-efficient as well. That in mind, what if something happens to the engine block. Can you repair an engine block? While it’s absolutely possible, repairs may take more time, effort, and money to complete than a replacement would. In that case, replacing the engine block would be the route to take. The best way to figure out what’s best for you and your needs is to take your vehicle to a reliable mechanic. Anyone at European Plus can provide you with the necessary information to make an informed decision about your car.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much would is cost to fix an engine?

Average repairs will cost you a few hundred dollars. To replace a 10 year old car engine, expect to budget for anywhere between $3,000 and $4,000. If you have a luxury of foreign vehicle, expect to pay about 50% for the same service.

Is it worth replacing a car engine?

It really depends on your situation. In some instances, repairing the engine will be sufficient to fix the problem and make your car safe to use. However, there are other instances when repairs will not be enough. The best way to know is to take your car in to be serviced regularly.

How long does an engine last?

Most engines are designed to last 100k miles or longer. That’s assuming you are taking good care of the engine and not abusing it. Regular maintenance will ensure your engine lasts as long as it should without failure or consequence.

Is it cheaper to rebuild an engine or replace it?

As always, that depends on your situation. Replacement will almost always be the more expensive route, but it may be the most cost-effective solution. Rebuilding will be cheaper, but time constraints, parts location and fees can all add up quickly. What is supposed to be cheaper could easily turn into an expensive hassle.

How long will a rebuilt engine last?

A well-built engine will last thousands of miles longer than you might realize. If the car frame itself is in good condition and you want to install a rebuilt engine, it should last as long as you need it to. As always, it’s important to care for and maintain the engine so it can last a long time.

Dial 609-737-7226 to Set Up an Appointment Today

For dependable services like engine repair in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ, look no further than European Plus. We are here to help you with all your vehicle needs. Use 609-737-7226 to connect with our team and set up an appointment today.

Can You Drive a Car With an Oil Leak?

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 13:25:04 GMT

Can You Drive a Car with an Oil Leak?

Oil and fuel services are critical not only for auto maintenance but also for any oil problems that arise. An oil leak that is left too long can cause seals or rubber hoses to wear prematurely. It is also important to note that oil leaks are a huge fire hazard and can cause your vehicle to fail without warning. If the oil dripping from your car does happen to catch fire for any reason, you, your car, and others could be injured.

How Do You Stop a Coolant Leak?

It’s important to define what coolant is. Engine coolant is used to help keep the engine from overheating. It flows through the radiator, radiator hoses, the heater core, heater hoses and the water pump, which is the primary conduit through which the coolant circulates. Because the coolant system consists of rubber hoses, gaskets, and seals, they are subject to engine heat and vibration. In time, these parts of the engine can fail. There are two types of coolant leaks. The first kind of obvious. It is due to a loose or broken hose clamp. The second kind of leak is due to a radiator hose that is broken, faulty, or loose. For these solutions, it is best to consult with a licensed and insured plumber.

Is it Expensive to Fix an Oil Leak?

To begin with, oil leaks are incredibly messy! Depending on the location of the oil leak, the cost of the repair can be as little as $150 or as much as $1200. Obviously, an oil leak that costs over a thousand dollars will be incredibly serious and hard to fix, thus corresponding with such a high price tag.

Why is My Oil Leaking?

There are a number of reasons why your oil might be leaking. Please review the following bulleted list to find out more.

Degraded engine gaskets.
Oil pan damage/leaks.
Worn out oil seals.

The inner workings of your home are just as important as the inner workings of your car. If you need a broken pipe repair in Saddle Brook, NJ, it’s important to get it addressed as soon as possible.

Is an Oil Leak Bad?

There are a number of reasons why an oil leak is bad. To begin with, oil is very messy. All of the places where your car drips oil will become impacted. This includes your driveway, the road, and anywhere your car travels. Additionally, oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Once your car runs out of oil, it will no longer run. As a matter of fact, the interior mechanisms of your vehicle will greatly degrade without oil, which is the fluid that lubricates them and keeps them functional. If you happen to notice that your car has an oil leak, the best thing you can do is immediately drive it to your nearest licensed and insured auto mechanic. As previously mentioned, the cost will vary, but the benefit is indisputable.

Can Oil Stop Leak Hurt Your Car

Oil stop leak is a product that is has additives engineered to stop an oil leak. This product is inexpensive and is advertised as an alternative to a stop at the mechanics. What this product does is rejuvenate heat gaskets and the rear main seal. It’s supposed to reseal your fuel system and apparently increases oil pressure for added performance. On the other hand, there is a range of disadvantages. For instance, depending on which brand you purchase, the product can thin out the oil in your car and generate blue smoke. Your best bet is to consult with s licensed and insured plumber who can fix the problem at the source.

How Do Oil Stop Leak Products Work

Because hardened or dried seals cause most engine oil leaks, oil stop leak additives work by reinvigorating the rear main seal and head gaskets. This allows these important parts of the engine to return to their original size and flexibility. These additives can also minimize the amount of oil that can seep through.

Oil Stop Leak for Head Gasket

There are different brands that specifically market to specific parts of the engine. With regard to a specific brand of type of oil additive product, the Steel Seal Blown Head Gasket Fix Repair Sealer has been heavily recommended by automotive websites for an oil leak related to the head gasket.

Oil Leak Stop Additive

You may be curious about what exactly oil leak stop products are made out of. Apparently, these products are not made of any harmful solvents. These additives are compatible with petroleum, semi-synthetic and full synthetic motor oils.

If you think you need an oil leak stop in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ, call European Plus at 609-737-7226 today. Our staff would be happy to help you receive qualified assistance.

What Are Symptoms of Bad Brakes

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 12:45:29 GMT

Maintaining Motor Vehicles

Your motor vehicle is a major investment. Not only did you spend quite a bit of money initially, but you are likely making large payments every single month as well. The last thing you want is another payment added to your plate, but if there is any sign of damage or problem with your car, it’s better to get it fixed sooner rather than later. The best example of this would be faulty brakes. As soon as you notice anything wrong with the brakes on your car, it’s important to get it to a shop as soon as possible. If you suspect your car to have bad brakes in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ, give European Plus a call. We can start helping you today. Dial 609-737-7226 for an appointment.

Driving With Bad Brakes

While it can be easy to neglect your car, it is not recommended. Owning a car comes with a host of responsibilities, most of which we know, come with a steep financial responsibility as well. That being said, if you are noticing problems with your car, it’s better to get them taken care of sooner rather than later. For example, if you are noticing bad brakes on your car, continuing to drive is not only damaging but incredibly dangerous. Driving with bad brakes on cars puts you and others on the road at risk for damages and injuries. You are also knowingly putting stress on your car, which could easily be corrected by car mechanics . Rather than wait until it’s too late, it’s recommended to start paying attention to signs of bad brakes and start saving.

Bad Brakes Symptoms

Does your car really need maintenance and care? Yes, it does! Motor vehicles are not designed to work without fail. They are designed to work with regular maintenance. Depending on how old your car is, you may be in need of new brakes. How can you tell? There is, in fact, a difference between bad brakes vs good brakes. You’ll be able to tell if your brakes are failing by looking for a few signs or symptoms.

Squealing/Squeaking: A sure sign of failing brakes is a squealing or squeaking sound you may hear when you pump the brake pedal. This is what bad brakes sound like. That metal-on-metal screech is not good and needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Fallen Pedal: Another clear indication of failing brakes is a fallen brake pedal. When your brakes are in good condition, the pedal will sit at the same height as the gas pedal. With bad brakes, the pedal will fall which could indicate misalignment or air in the system, neither of which is good.
Hitting Harder: If you find yourself having to hit or press on the brakes much harder than normal, something is wrong. When you have to press harder, there could be something wrong with the axle, which needs to be addressed immediately.
Vibrations: Sometimes, things may seem totally fine with the brakes, but when you press down, the whole pedal vibrates. Don’t confuse this with the ABS, which can act similarly upon initial contact. Bad vibrations are often accompanied by a chattering sound, which is generally the indication of a warped rotor.
Pulling: When pressing on the brakes, if you notice a significant pull to either the left or right, it could be an indication of something wrong. Possibly, the calipers or wheel cylinders have seized. If this happens, the pull occurs because one side is working harder, pulling the car in that direction.

Where you could probably get away with waiting for a car ding repair, waiting for brake repairs is never recommended. Driving with faulty or failing brakes puts you and other drivers at risk. More than that, you are putting your car under unnecessary strain and damage. Don’t wait to have your car looked at. Reach out to the experts at European Plus to schedule an appointment for a diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if your brake pads are bad?

You’ll be more aware of loud, squealing sounds when you attempt to pump the brakes on your car. There are other problems, such as the inability to stop quickly, vibrations, and more.

What do bad brakes sound like?

It is generally described as a high-pitched squeal. It’s the result of the components grinding against each other since the brake pad is either worn down or completely non-existent.

Is it dangerous to drive with bad brakes?

Yes, it is extremely dangerous to drive with bad brakes. It is never recommended and highly-encouraged that you have the brakes replaced as soon as possible. Worn-out or even a lack of brake pads on your car can cause serious damage both internally and externally.

How do I know when my brakes need changing?

The most obvious sign is an indicator light on your dash. If the brake pads get too low, if your car is newer, it will let you know that new pads are needed. You can also tell you need new brakes if you start to hear squealing or squeaking sounds when you pump the brakes.

How do you know if your brakes are failing?

There are several indications that your brakes are failing. If you are noticing that squealing or squeaking sound when you brake, the brake pedal has fallen, you have to push harder on the pedal when braking, and other examples. These are clear indications that something is wrong with your brakes.

Dial 609-737-7226 to Connect With Our Team for More

Does your car have bad brakes in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ? If so, connect with European Plus to schedule an appointment for repairs. Call 609-737-7226 to get started.

What Happens If You Don’t Fix an Oil Leak?

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 12:41:31 GMT

Learn More About Your Car Leaking Oil

Your vehicle is a machine that is susceptible to changes in condition along the line. That’s why states require that you undergo an inspection annually for the safety of yourself, your passengers and others on the road. Depending on the mileage of your car as well as the model your car will be subjected to routine oil changes. Yet when you have your car leaking oil prematurely there are certain things that should be taken care of in order to ensure smooth vehicle operations. Your car leaking oil will cause damages if ignored over time and could pose potential risks adverse to your safety. Learn more about how your car leaking oil can affect you by reading below.

What happens if you don’t fix an oil leak?

When you have a car that is in need of oil change there are some things that may affect the productivity of your vehicle being operable. Your car needs lubrication in order for parts to move smoothly without scratching one another. What’s more, when this lubrication is absent you can have areas overheat and become damaged.

Can you drive a car with an oil leak?

If you’re wondering if your car leaking oil is it safe to drive, technically you can drive a car with an oil leak as it can still be operable. However, over time you are making your car vulnerable to damages and eventually, parts like your engine will need to be replaced. Another risk is that it can be a fire hazard.

Is car leaking oil dangerous?

When certain circumstance of your car collide, yes, a car leaking oil can be dangerous. Some cases can have your car engine begin to smoke with you needing to pull over on the side of the road. A car leaking oil and smoking is typically produced from the engine and will exit the engine from the exhaust. Leaking valves of a cover gasket can also cause smoke by oil dripping on the hot manifold. Ultimately on a hot day, your engine will be more prone to overheat. You may smell fumes or hear grinding noises which are a clear sign that your car engine parts are scratching against one another without the lubrication of oil to ease their movement.

Why Does A Car Leak Oil

Degraded Engine Gaskets
Oil Pan Leaks
Poor Oil Seals
Bad Connections of Fluid Lines
Oil Drain Plug Worn Or Loose
Misaligned Oil Filter
Broken Oil Filler Cap

What is leaking from my car?

There are actually many different indications of leaks that can point to different issues with your car. Leaks can encompass liquids that are different colors of the rainbow or even clear which all point to certain areas of your car. For example, a red fluid leak can point towards your power steering system or transmission being the culprit of the leak due to faulty seals or a hole in the fluid return line. Orange leaks can indicate rust in the radiator which will have the antifreeze or condensation appear orange. Depending on the age of your transmission its fluid can also appear orange as well. A yellow fluid will mean your radiant coolant is having issues. A green fluid will point to antifreeze which can occur in your hoses, water pump or radiator when fittings are worn or loose. A blue fluid will point towards your windshield wiper reservoir or tubing. A clear fluid will mean there is condensation from your AC system (which is no cause for alarm as this is normal.) Dark brown fluids will point towards an aged motor oil or your brake fluid. Light brown will mean that there is a leak with new motor oil or gear lubricant. Finally, a pink leak means that there are worn seals, holes in the return line of your transmission fluid or power steering.

Do I need an oil change if my car leaks oil?

Simply getting an oil change will not fix a leak if you have a car leaking oil. That is to say, the puncture, cracks or other damage on the oil line will still be there and an oil change is not the same as getting areas sealed or fixed. Depending on how much oil you’ve lost you may or may not need an oil change after car repairs.

How do you stop a car from leaking oil?

You can stop a car leaking oil with a range of products available through auto retailers which can assist an engine’s seals to become more flexible and stop a car leaking oil. They are typically added to a car’s oil case and will begin working within several hundred miles of normal driving. Some even claim that in two days or less any seeping or dripping oil will be permanently sealed. Get in touch with an expert to gauge their opinion if you’re in doubt.

Can car oil leaks be fixed?

With a car leaking oil it can be fixed. There are several methods that can be taken from products that claim to seal leaks after driving, to standard car repairs or part replacements. Some fixes will simply call for new synthetic oil while others could require collision repair as the car leaking oil is only one of many problems with the vehicle. Be sure to contact a professional for assistance whenever you are in doubt of what should be done with your vehicle when you have an issue with your car leaking oil.

If you’d like to get help with your car leaking oil in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ call 609-737-7226 with European Plus!

How do you know if your suspension is damaged?

Thu, 27 Jun 2019 13:11:59 GMT

Car Repairs and Other Services You Need

Your car is a high-demand, high-investment machine. It requires constant care and attention. More so than most car owners even realize. The care and attention isn’t just making sure the interior looks good, but that every part of your car is optimized for performance. For example, your car suspension is necessary, but can easily be damaged. Actually, it can be difficult to diagnose, but suspension repair and installation should not be neglected or taken lightly. If you need more information regarding your car suspension in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ, contact European Plus at 609-737-7226 .

Causes of Suspension Issues

When you need suspension repair on a car, there can be a variety of reasons for that. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to hone in on exactly what caused the problem or issue with your suspension. That being said, there are several things you can pay attention for that may indicate suspension problems.

Pulling to One Side: While you are driving, if you find the steering wheel pulling to the left or right, it could be an indication of suspension problems. Unfortunately, your wheel pulling could be for a variety of other reasons, but more than likely it is the suspension.
Rough Riding: If you can feel every single bump while you are driving, your struts are most likely worn out. Struts contain shocks, among other things, which help absorb a great deal of the impact when you are driving. When they are worn out or damaged, they won’t be able to effectively absorb shock, making your drive uncomfortable.
One Corner Sitting Low: When your car is parked on level ground, but you notice that one side is sitting lower than the others, it could be an indication of several things. Of course, it could just be a low tire, but it could also be a damaged suspension. Test this by pressing down on the trunk and listening to how the suspension reacts. Creaking sounds are a definite indication of suspension issues.
Diving or Rolling: If you notice your car diving forward when you break or rolling back when you press the gas, your suspension is damaged. Specifically, you struts are damaged. Basically your shocks aren’t able to absorb the momentum to stop or propel your car forward.
Difficulty Steering: While you are driving and you notice that you are having to force the steering wheel left or right, you probably have a suspension problem. Again, it could be from a whole host of other reasons, but it will likely be due a damaged suspension or struts

The major problem with diagnosing suspension problems is that the issues listed above could be the result of so many other things. Not everything can be traced back to a damaged suspension, but that doesn’t mean you should dismiss or neglect it. If you are ever concerned about anything you are noticing with your car, don’t be afraid to schedule suspension service. It is possible to get your hands on something like a suspension repair kit, but there is a big warning that we want to express. Unless you have experience working on or repairing a car suspension it is not recommended to attempt any repairs. Otherwise, you can risk further damage that may ultimately cost more.

Preventing Future Problems

In order to prevent future issues with your suspension, there are actually a couple of things you can do. The most important step is to schedule regular maintenance for your vehicle. Have a technician go over things like:

Wheels or Tires: Your tires are very much a part of your suspension. Regularly checking the air and tire pressure will help reduce potential damage.
Struts and Shocks: Shocks are a key component of the struts, which are a key component of your suspension. The correct suspension repair tools will be able to fix problems with either.
Steering System: Just like the tires, your steering wheel is a part of the suspension, since it is needed to direct the front tires. Checking the hydraulic fluid for your power steering and other connections can help prevent issues, or at least make diagnosing them easier.

The ultimate piece of advice that can be given, really, is to schedule regular maintenance. Keeping up with maintenance will help your car last significantly longer. Another way to help keep your car lasting longer is through the exhaust. Consider the Magnaflow exhaust systems when you want a truly reliable and long-lasting vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with bad suspension?

Technically, you can but the drive will be very rough. That being said, it is not recommended that anyone drive with bad suspension. Doing so can result in further damage that will encompass more than the suspension, which could cost even more money.

What causes car suspension problems?

Driving on roads with a lot of potholes or just generally driving on roads that will require your suspension to compensate for a lot of shock absorption.

How long does it take to replace suspension?

Depending on the level of experience of you mechanic, it could take anywhere from 2-3 hours. That is also assuming the suspension has minor damage. If the damage is more extensive, then it could take longer.

What happens if you don’t fix your suspension?

You could end up with a completely broken suspension, a broken tire rod, a broken spring, or even a broken control arm. All are necessary components to safe driving in a vehicle of any kind.
How long does a car suspension last?

It’s hard to put a number of years or miles on how long a suspension will last because there are so many variables. Generally speaking, though, struts have a tendency to last about 4-5 years, but again that can vary based on many other factors.

Connect With European Plus for Any Car Repair Needs

Learn why so many clients choose European Plus when they need help with their car suspension in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ. Give us a call at 609-737-7226 to learn more today!

Why Car Maintenance Is Important

Fri, 26 Apr 2019 12:30:15 GMT

Get Better Performing Vehicles!

When you’re looking to improve the performance of your vehicle it’s recommended to try to have auto maintenance check-ins so you can stay afloat of any changes that may have occurred with your vehicle either naturally through time or by the influence of external factors. Annual vehicle state inspections are helpful in determining any problems you’re having with your car that can prevent it from passing as being safely drivable. Yet inspections are different from say tune-ups, oil changes or making adjustments with your EVAC emissions. These must all be done as a separate service as inspections will simply inform you or give you an idea of what should be done. If you’re curious as to what you need to do as time progresses and the miles add up with your vehicle consider the following auto maintenance points.

How often should I service my car?

Your car should have automotive scheduled maintenance at least once a year or every 10,000-12,000 miles. Some cars may even come with a self-diagnostic system which will notify you when it’s time for a car service.

What is scheduled maintenance on a car?

When you’re wanting to know more about your car’s specific auto maintenance recommendations take a look at the owner’s manual. Here you’ll find a routine auto maintenance schedule that will guide you on appropriate times to engage in routine changes or car services These schedules or guides are typically based on engine mileage thresholds that have passed. In general, try to have oil changes and air filters changed regularly as they are essential parts of an engine. During inspections make sure the cooling, engine, transmission, suspension, and brakes are checked for performance capabilities.

When should you schedule car maintenance?

Many car manufacturers have created auto maintenance schedules based on mileage thresholds that will recommend that certain parts or systems of your car may need to be updated or maintained. Generally, there are scheduled car maintenance by mileage for each car that follows a 30-60-90 schedule. These schedules may recommend either inspection, replacements, tune-ups, and more every 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000 miles. Essentially these checkpoints have been studied to be necessary based on observation of car performances over time. Therefore they are helpful in maintaining the health, performance, and durability of your car based on expected reactions.

Scheduled Car Maintenance Checklist

Checklist

Air Filter
Fuel Filter
Oil Filter
Brakes
Battery
Transmission
Coolant
Radiator
Power Steering Fluid
Windshield Washer Fluid
Wipers
Tires
Exterior Lights

What should you do to your car every 30 000 miles?

Every 30,000 miles you should have a few auto maintenance responsibilities that should be taken into account. Namely, you will want to replace your power steering fluid as well as your air filters. You will then conduct inspections of your radiator hoses, coolant, brake pads, your entire HVAC system as well as all components of the suspension. These are simply the general changes noticed overall, you may have additional needs based on your car’s owner’s manual.

Is a car service necessary?

Yes, a car service is important under general auto maintenance manufacture guidelines found with your owner’s manual. A full service is recommended for those who don’t service as often as they should while a basic service can be gotten away with if your vehicle is regularly serviced. A car service is essential in ensuring that your vehicle will run smoothly without any hassle or hiccups.

Whenever you’re questioning the reliability of your vehicle go and get your scheduled maintenance service so your car can have a longer life span with cleaned, adjusted, replaced, refilled or tuned car components. When you’re considering parts replacements take a look at options that will match with your manufacturer, make and model as there are many different types of options for each part of your vehicle as can be seen with other areas such as types of plumbing pumps. The vehicle market today has undergone many improvements in durability and longevity with vehicle features so when you’ve scheduled car maintenance services make sure you’re aware of upgrades and other options! Depending on how often you get your car serviced with auto maintenance you may not even have a need for changed parts. However, remember that after a certain mileage point certain parts are expected to be replaced; as can be seen with oil filters, brake pads and more! Contact your local auto shop for answers to any questions you have regarding your vehicle’s auto maintenance timeline. Relying on the skilled services of trained auto technicians will ensure that your auto maintenance is handled with professionalism. The more regularly you keep up with your car the more you’ll get out of it! Get the most optimal performance out of your car for years to come with auto maintenance and vehicle services!

If you’re interested in reliable auto maintenance in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ call 609-737-7226 with European Plus!

What is the Wheel of a Car?

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 12:36:03 GMT

Sometimes, vehicle owners will start to have problems with their wheels. Sometimes you’ll get a flat. Other times you could accidentally When most people talk about their tires, there is a good chance that they are speaking about the car wheel. Car wheels are made up of several components. The tire is just one part of this, even if it is a crucial component. Some people get confused about what a wheel is when compared to other components. But what is the difference between wheel and rim? Knowing the different pieces and components of a wheel can save you some trouble at the garage, and knowing the proper preventative maintenance can save you some money on your wheels in the long run.

Parts of a Car Wheel

Every component in the wheel of your car works together to achieve one large goal, to keep the rest of your car off the ground and give your car what it needs to move smoothly from one area to another. But what are the different components in a car wheel? If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between a car wheel vs tire , of if you’ve asked someone “ What is the center of a wheel called? ” then this list will help you better understand how your car wheel works. Keeping an eye on what part does what will help you understand why your wheel may have problems.

Center Bore This is the hole that allows the vehicle to be mounted to the axle. This is what distributes and holds the weight of your vehicle. This is usually covered by a center cap with a logo or design on it for style.
Center Disc The center disc is the inside portion of your wheel. This houses the lug nuts and the center bore. Anything that attaches your car wheel to your vehicle in some form or fashion is housed here. The spokes also connect to the center disc.
Lug Holes These holes are where the lug nuts from your wheel hub assembly attach to your car wheels. These essentially hold your wheel on your car, and keep it operational. The lug nuts are the answer to the question “What holds a wheel on your car?” If something happens to the lug nuts or the lug holes become damaged, you could lose a wheel and have a serious accident.
Spokes These connect the barrel to the center disc. Spokes give the wheel most of its stability, and are one of the key features in wheel customization.
Barrel This is the outside of the wheel. The spokes connect this to the center disc. The barrel houses the tire, which is what gets worn down instead of the wheel itself.
Flanges/Rims The flanges connect the tired to your car wheel. Many modern flanges are one solid piece that run the entire length of the tire, called rims. Many people confuse the wheel and the rim, since wheels and rims are usually manufactured as one solid piece. The rim is just one component of the wheel.

Car Wheel Maintenance and Problems

The most common problem vehicle owners experience with their car wheel is a bent rim. If you hit one pothole that is too deep, you can bend your rim and warp your wheel. It will need to be fixed to avoid future problems or further wheel or tire degradation. So you may find yourself wondering “ Do bigger tires ride smoother? ” or whether or not bigger tires are less prone to bending with sharp impacts. If you’re curious about “ How does wheel size affect car performance? ” then you should ask a professional about what you’re looking for from your tires. Lower profile wheels and tires may have a firmer grip on the ground, but be louder than regular wheels and tires. Your wheel is also prone to pitting and corrosion. Many wheels are chrome and have a clear coat over them to prevent oxidation and corrosion. If that starts to wear off, it can start to dull the chrome, or cause it to wear out completely and begin to rust. This degrades the integrity of your wheel, meaning it is more prone to structural problems and can potentially cause a big accident further down the road. Your wheels may also have a problem with uneven tire wear. If your tires are wearing down unevenly, you may have suspension problems. Take your vehicle in for suspension service to make sure everything is working properly. If your car is pulling to one direction when you have the steering wheel in a neutral position, then your wheel alignment may be off. A hard bump, hitting a pothole too hard, or just time can cause your alignment to shift. If your curious how car wheel alignment is done , your mechanic will explain it to you when you bring your car in for service, but essentially it is adjusting the suspension of your vehicle to straight the way your wheels make contact with the ground. Car wheel torque can present another problem. Mechanics use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts on your car wheel. This needs to be done properly or it can lead to warped wheels, broken studs, or distorted brake discs. Make sure that you keep an eye out for problems with your wheels, while keeping them clean. If you suspect that you are having problems with one or more of your wheels, then you should consider taking your vehicle to a car mechanic to have your car wheels inspected. They can diagnose any problems you may be having, and help you fix them before they become bigger problems. If you live in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ and would like to know more about car wheel service and preventative maintenance, contact the expert mechanics of European Plus at 609-737-7226 today!

Are Imports Really Better?

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 13:27:05 GMT

If you grew up in an American school, chances are you probably remember that one history lesson emphasized by Henry Ford’s mass production assembly line system in the roaring twenties and his famous Model T. Back then, when thinking of buying a car there was no debate, American all the way! Well, cars have advanced, and as history tends to have it, competition and improvements of previous models and inventions are always hot under way across the globe! In the past few decades, we’ve all heard people talking as if they are import car specialist as they debate about the strong quality of Japanese cars to the high-performance of the ones from Germany. But in the the long run, what are the benefits and downfalls of having an imported car?

Firstly, What Makes a Car Foreign?

A car is foreign if it’s parts and and assembly don’t come from the domestic country in which you reside. To Americans that would mean any cars not made from America. For the Swiss it would be any not made from Switzerland. (At least they have IKEA & chocolate, they’re not doing too bad.)

So to answer the question that’s often asked,

Is Honda an import car?

If you currently don’t reside in Osaka or any other Japanese city, than yes. Yes it is. Additionally, contrary to popular belief, the hybrid was first brought on by the Japanese in 1997. A few years ago Hybrid Imports were quite the popular car for Americans to have.

Are Foreign Cars Better?

Without boring or offending anybody, we’ll stick to what has been widely accredited in reputation in the past few decades. For example, many Japanese import cars, like Toyota and Honda, have been and still are attested as having durable quality that lasts years and are considered reliable for that reason. German cars are known for impressive high-performance quality engineering that allows for high speed stability with turns.

The Difference Between European and American Cars:

As a whole, European cars are known for their performance and craftsmanship. American cars in the past were not really known globally until a few years ago when Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning’s Tesla (Elon Musk invested in the company) became the center point of discussion. Generally, European cars operate with stick-shifts and American models with automatic transmissions. Americans build cars that are tougher whereas European cars hold more emphasis on design. For Americans, high occupancy is essential so they are built larger in size. European cars are more compact and sleek in order to fit their narrow roads.

The Benefits and Downfalls of Import Cars

Benefits:

Better handling with higher drive speeds
Design is more sleek
Cars are more high-tech
Longer durability
More fuel efficiency
Cars can be modified by the owner’s preferences
Made to last longer so repairs are not needed as often

Maintenance:

Depending on the brand of your imported car, some are easier to maintain than others. Import Repair is often specialized in shops where import car specialists can properly assist you. Imported cars are built with durability in mind in order for repairs to be minimal. As long as you look into your car’s specifications or speak with an import car specialist you’ll be able to maintain your car diligently and efficiently.

Downfalls:

Although you can drive at higher speeds, European speed limits differ than American ones which are more strict.
Prices are higher
If you do need replacement parts they may be harder to get in standard car repair shops

Are Foreign Cars More Expensive to Insure?

Oftentimes, foreign cars are harder to insure since getting replacement parts or having the special knowledge required for servicing import cars require specialists. For example, JDM import cars (Japanese Domestic market) are made specifically for the Japanese consumer and market in mind. There are however, import car repair shops who cater specifically to import car repairs.

Import cars have a variety of styles and can fulfill your expectations on durability and performance. If your lifestyle matches well with the realities of having an imported car, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits as well as being mindful of the downfalls. Realistically, all cars have ups and downs, and it’s up to the owner to learn more or have conversations in order to be fully aware of how to remedy problems with solutions. Oftentimes, the answers are readily available by reaching out to your local import repair shop!

Whether you’re curious about a specific import or need car repair, contacting an import car specialist will allow you make better decisions! European Plus in the Hopewell and Pennington, NJ area is your import auto shop that specializes in European and Asian brands! Give us a call at 609-737-7226 to talk to an import car specialist today!

How a Car’s Engine Works?

Thu, 25 Oct 2018 13:14:44 GMT

Our cars are one of the most important things that we use every day. It gets us where we need to and at a relatively fast speed. With the use of a vehicle, you are able to get the necessary things done quickly. In order for us to have the luxury of using a car, all of the parts have to work perfectly. There are many parts in a car, all of them very important. However, the engine has to be the most integral component in any car. An engine is a machine in your car that converts the heat of burning gas into energy that is needed to make the car’s wheels work. Essentially, a car’s engine is the heart of the car, and while the process seems easy, there is a lot in how an engine runs. So how does an engine run? Find out more about how the car engine makes the car move, car engine problems, car engine repair, and more!

How Does an Engine Run?

Four Stroke Cycle Infographic Diagram Including Stages of Internal Combustion in an Engine

The Four-Stroke Combustion Cycle Powers the Engine To Make the Car Drive.

So how does the engine make the car move? In order for the car to drive, it needs gas to set it in motion–also called internal combustion, which is why the engine is sometimes referred to as an internal combustion engine. Internal combustion works when gas and air–or creates little explosions–that generate enough power to move the piston that sets the car in motion. For the car to drive, the engine uses four piston strokes, also known as the four-stroke combustion cycle. A lot of people ask does a car have a motor? The answer is that a type of motor is an engine. A motor converts different types of energy into mechanical energy to create motion, whereas an engine is a type of motor where thermal energy powers a machine. Whether it’s in a boat or car, if it uses combustion, it has an engine. If combustion isn’t used, then it uses a motor.

To generate power, the four-stroke cycle is repeated over and over again. The four strokes in the cycle are intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust. They all play an integral part to power the engine.

Intake: Air and gas need to be brought in to the engine can power up, so the intake valve has to open, while the piston moves down into the cylinder with the help of the crankshaft.
Compression: In the compression stage, the intake valve closes and the piston moves up in the cylinder, compressing the air and gas which makes it flammable. With the flammable mixture in such a small space, an explosion will occur.
Combustion: After the piston makes it to the top of the cylinder, a spark will be ignited with the air and gas mixture, causing the tiny explosion. The gas and air mixture gives off power to propel the piston back down and fuel the crankshaft.
Exhaust: to release the gas that created the explosion, the exhaust valve opens, letting the gas go through the catalytic converter, to the muffler, and through the exhaust pipe to exit the car.

Once the cycle completes, it will continue to repeat itself over and over again.

Car Engine Problems

Before we get into car engine problems, it’s important to know the different parts of the car’s engine. The engine is made up of both mechanical and electrical components. In the engine, the mechanical parts include

Camshaft
Connecting rod
Crankcase
Crankshaft
Cylinder
Cylinder head
Engine block
Flywheel
Fuel Pump
Piston
Rocker arm
Sump
Valves

Of the electrical components in the engine, those are

Alternator
Electronic fuel injector
Ignition coil
Spark plug
Starter motor

The mechanical and electrical parts work together to make the engine run efficiently. While these parts are durable and manufactured to take a lot, there will be times when the engine will stop working as smoothly as it should. This is mostly due to one or more of the parts becoming damaged. Knowing what to look for can prevent car and engine damage

Inadequate Lubrication: We need lubrication in our engines for the parts to work smoothly. When your engine is low, it can cause parts to seize up, overheat, or cause friction in the engine.
Leaking Coolant: Keeping the engine at a certain temperature prevents it from overheating, which is why the engine needs coolant. If the coolant is leaking, then there is something wrong with the cooling system in the car.
The radiator is Clogged: In the car’s cooling system, the radiator is used to remove heat from the coolant. When the coolant in the engine hasn’t been replaced in some time, the radiator can become clogged and in turn, causes your engine to overheat.
Old Spark Plug: Is your engine turning over or misfiring when you try to turn the car on? This might be due to a worn out or old spark plug. The spark plug ignites the fuel in your engine, so if it’s worn out, it’s unable to power the engine.
Defective Oxygen Sensor: The purpose of the oxygen sensor is to provide accurate data on how much oxygen is still in the exhaust that hasn’t been burnt and how much gas is in the tank. When the oxygen sensor is broken, you will probably get lower gas mileage.
Old, Dirty Oil: Oil that isn’t changed periodically can become filled with deposits and turn brownish blackish. The deposits in the old oil can even cause issues with your combustion chamber, intake valves, and spark plugs, so it’s important to have regular oil changes.
Malfunctioning Oil Pump: The oil pump is how the engine is supplied with the oil needed for lubrication. If the oil pump is broken, the oil is unable to lubricate the engine, which can lead the engine to overheat and become very damaged.
Insufficient Air Compression: In order for internal combustion to take place in the engine, gas and air have to be compressed. When the engine can’t complete the combustion cycle, it’s because there air leaking in worn-out valves, cylinders, and piston rings.

If there is car engine overheating or if there is an instance when car engine shakes, it’s important to call for engine repair. With engine repair from a professional auto mechanic, they are able to diagnose the problem quickly and get your engine back in working order.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace an Engine in a Car?

Many times engine repair is able to remedy any issues that you are having with your engine, but there will be times when an engine replacement is the only feasible solution. While car owners would much rather pay for engine repair, sometimes it is better financially, as well as better for your car, to get an engine replacement. When people have to get an engine replacement, the first thing they want to know is how much it costs. There are many factors that make the decision of what the cost will be. These factors include whether its a short or long block replacement, what type of car you have, what the labor costs of a replacement are if the engine is old, and where you are getting the replacement at. All in all, it’s going to cost thousands of dollars for an engine replacement. This is why it’s critical to take your car in for engine service when you think there might be an issue. A mechanic can inspect your engine and figure out if you need engine repair or a replacement. Whether you want a custom muffler or you are wanting engine repair for your car in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ, you must count on a professional. If you want to work with the mechanics at European Plus , please call us at 609-737-7226 .

3 Things To Look For When Buying A Car

Tue, 02 Oct 2018 13:31:33 GMT

You’ve saved up for years and now you finally have the chance of buying a car of your dreams. Don’t regret wasting thousands of dollars because you overlooked a few key things at the car dealership. Here are 3 important things to look for when buying a car that is used or new:

The Model

The shiny foreign logo and luxury interior is beckoning for you to buy it immediately. But how does it perform? Has it had recalls in the past years? What is the gas mileage? How our its safety standards? While most luxury cars are known for being safe but fast, there are always some that are faulty. Tesla has cool features like auto-drive that can stop itself, but it has also been in the news for malfunctions. Do your research and weigh the pros and cons, and consider going with a cheaper vehicle.

Test Drive

Check for blind spots. Are the controls easy to use? Does it have enough leg room and storage space? Does it fit your technological needs and standards? How quickly does it brake? Does it still have anything manual, like door locks or windows? You are purchasing this vehicle to last for years, so seriously consider how the quality measures up.

View The Car in Person

With popular websites like Craigslist, it is easier than ever to sell used cars online. But buying cars online is not like shopping online where you can return items you don’t like. Once you shell out hundreds or thousands of dollars, you are stuck with it. Make sure you get what you paid for and that you will actually have a vehicle by visiting the seller and seeing the car in person.

If you need inspection or maintenance after just buying a car in Pennington Hopewell and Pennington, NJ, call European Plus at (609) 737-7226

Driving Car Without Air Conditioning

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 13:21:28 GMT

It might not seem like a big deal, but driving your car without air conditioning can be incredibly dangerous. Not only can you get incredibly hot but there is the possibility that you will become susceptible to heatstroke. According to the Mayo Clinic , a lack of air conditioning can be a huge risk factor in why people have heatstrokes. If you are driving a car without an air conditioner, it’s important to call an auto repair mechanic for car air conditioner repair in Pennington, NJ. At European Plus we are able to help our customers by providing high-quality and reliable repairs to their car’s AC. If the cost of repairs is the issue, please contact us at 609-737-7226 and we can find an affordable solution for you.

Why My Air Conditioner Is Not Cooling?

If you are having issues with your AC not providing you with adequate cooling, there are several reasons why this might be happen ing.

Leaking Refrigerant: The hose connection is where a leak is most likely to take place in your car’s AC. This could be due to it being worn or not properly sealed.
Condenser Problems: The condenser in your air conditioner is to change the refrigerant from vapor to a liquid, which is able to cool down the car. If there is debris clogging the condenser or the condenser is broken, it won’t be able to cool your car.
Defective Fan: The fan in your car’s AC blows air onto the condenser, so when the fan isn’t working, you won’t be able to get great air conditioning in your car. A fan that isn’t working can be due to electrical issues, a broken fan, or a dirty fan.
Broken Compressor: The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant in your car and through the evaporator in order to cool down your car. When don’t use your air conditioner very often, it can cause the compressor to stop working.

If you need car air conditioner repair in Pennington, NJ, call us today!

How Do I Fix the Air Conditioner in My Car?

You can try to fix your car’s air conditioner on your own, or you can bring your car into European Plus and get budget-friendly car air conditioner repair in Pennington, NJ! We are able to take a look at your cars AC and determine where the issue lies. Whether it’s a faulty fan or broken condenser, we have the tools, experience, and knowledge to fix it good as new. Get in touch with us today at 609-737-7226 to make an appointment.

How To Tell You Need Engine Repair

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 13:07:28 GMT

The engine is the heart of a car, so when troubles begin to arise, repair is needed quickly in order to keep your car running. Some repairs are easy, like annual oil changes, while others are more complicated. Taking your car in to a professional auto shop to diagnose the issue and tell you how to fix it is recommended. Getting a regular oil change can prevent you from needing engine repair in Pennington, NJ . If you do need engine repair in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ, call European Plus at (609) 737-7226 today.

Signs of Engine Trouble

If your car sputters when driving, this is a sign of engine failure. Test for sensors and spark plugs to rule out those problems.
Stalling is when your car completely stops, or dies, when you are driving or at rest at a stoplight or stop sign. Come into a repair shop immediately as this is dangerous if your car suddenly stalls when you are in the middle of a busy road.
If you hear banging or knocking under your hood, your engine bearings have worn down.
No fluids should ever be leaking from your car. Identifying the color will tell you where the leak is coming from.
If your check engine light comes on, there is something wrong deeper within the circuitry of your car that only a diagnostics test can discover.
Going way over the recommended 5,000 oil change tune up can have serious consequences on your vehicle. Oil keeps your engine gears lubricated and prevents them from wearing down and rubbing against each other.
Excessive exhaust from your car is a sign your engine is working overdrive, wearing itself down and out faster than needed.

How Often Do You Need An Oil Change?

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 13:04:11 GMT

Getting an oil change always seems like it comes out of nowhere, maybe it feels like you are always getting one or maybe you can’t remember the last time you had one, either way, keep reading and we will give you the correct info on oil changes. An oil change is important because it is the stuff that makes your car run properly. If you don’t get an oil change and you run out of oil, your engine can lock up and you will be stuck without a car. The easiest thing to do is to make sure you are asking questions and even setting reminders on your phone when it is time for your next oil change.

Getting An Oil Change

An oil change is something you will need to do every 3,000 miles or so. This is the standard rule of thumb. Most vehicles can usually go to 5,000 miles so you will want to ask at your next oil change. If you normally drive a lot or are rough on your car, you may want to stick to the 3,000 miles.

When your European car needs to have an oil change, contact European Plus at (609) 737-7226 and we can help you with your car!

Going To The Right Place For Your European Car

Tue, 15 May 2018 13:16:02 GMT

When you have a European car, you likely want to take the best care of it possible right? There are certain places that you will want to take your car and there are places that you may want to stay away from if you have a specialty car. Because you have a vehicle that is made in Europe, there are things that you will want to look at carefully and people that know exactly what they are doing. Here are a few reasons that you may want to choose a European car specialist company when you have your next car check-up.

Know What They Are Doing – When you go to a car shop for an oil change or because something has gone wrong within your car, you want to have people that know exactly what they are doing. That is not to say those car dealerships or oil changing places don’t know what they are doing. When you go to the doctor for your head, and you see someone who treats a general variety of people, wouldn’t you rather want to go to someone who specifically knows about head problems? That is how we feel about cars. There are so many out there that you cannot find someone who knows everything about each one. When you drive a European car, it is best to go to a car professional that only works on those specific types of cars.

If you want a company that will take care of you and all of your car needs, call European Plus at (609) 737-7226, right away .

Why Airbags Are Important

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 12:31:19 GMT

We all know that airbags are important to have in any vehicle. There are so many reasons why we need them to keep us safe in the event of an accident. 1.3 million people die in car accidents every single year and even more than that are injured or severely injured. An airbag that is installed and maintained properly can potentially save your life if you were to get into an accident.

SRS

An SRS is the long name for what an airbag really is; supplementary Restraint System. It is designed so that if you are in a collision with something, it will come out and create a cushion for you as quickly as possible, preventing this like slamming your head against the steering wheel or even flying out the window. Although airbags have saved millions of lives since they were first put into vehicles in the mid-1970’s, they do not guarantee the safety of you or anyone else in your vehicle. This is why it is important to not only be careful and pay attention whenever you are on the road, but to also take good care of your car. If you get it serviced and check up on regularly, it will make sure that everything is working properly and if you are in an accident, that everything works its best to keep you alive.

If you want to know more about airbag safety or you need to have your European car checked out, give European Plus a call at 609-737-7226 .

Keep Up with Preventative Auto Maintenance

Thu, 08 Feb 2018 13:06:07 GMT

How many times have you continued driving your car after your recommended maintenance date has passed? It’s very common; we’re told so often that we need to get our oil changed after so many miles, and that our tires need to be rotated, and yet we don’t do it on time because everything seems fine. How important is it to keep up with all that preventative auto maintenance?

Keeping Your Car Reliable

Your care is a complex, durable machine. However, it is only reliable if it gets all the care it needs. In the long-term, waiting just a little longer between basic, regular maintenance might not make a major difference. However, as your car ages, it becomes more and more important to stay on top of those details. So, why not give your car all the best years on the highway that you can and keep up with the maintenance from the very beginning?

So, the next time you start getting close to the mileage, or time frame at which it’s recommended you have basic services performed, make that appointment. If it’s tough to find time for appointments because of work, go ahead and make them well in advance so that you have plenty of time to make room in your schedule. Get that oil changed on time, those tires rotate, and all your fluids checked. Keep your car in the best possible condition from day one.

When your European car needs any preventative auto maintenance in Pennington, NJ, bring it to European Plus, Inc. We provide all care, even the most basic, for your model. Call (609) 737-7226 today.

Have a Professional Car Checkup During and After Winter

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 13:15:26 GMT

Your car is like any other important piece of machinery in your life; it needs maintenance to serve you well throughout its life. When times are hard, it needs a little extra service. Winter weather, even a milder winter climate, is hard on your car. Before winter hits, have your car serviced. Then, have a professional car checkup after winter, too, to make sure the weather didn’t cause more damage than you can see.

Common Winter Car Problems

Cold weather can exacerbate many common car issues. The cold temperatures make normal processes, like idling, or hard starting, tougher. That’s why it is so important to be more attentive to the little things that are often neglected. For example, don’t let the filters go unchanged; go ahead and have them changed to help your car run better.

If you haven’t had your oil changed since before winter, and particularly if it was a while before, have it done by a professional. Oil changes are some of the most common tasks that people neglect with it comes to car care. It’s essential to keep your engine safe in all weather, but in cold weather, especially. Your fuel line needs freeze prevention, too. Your car service technician can help you with that.

Your heating system works hard in the cold season, too. Never neglect your car’s AC and heating system , particularly when they’re working overtime for you. You don’t want to end up with a heater that doesn’t work on a cold day.

Even the smallest details of car maintenance can be more important in winter. While you can handle some tasks with the help of your manual, have a professional car checkup done, too. Come see our auto technicians , or call us at European Plus in Pennington, NJ at (609) 737-7226 .

An Engine Oil Leak: Why Is My Engine Leaking Oil?

Wed, 29 Nov 2017 13:20:07 GMT

One of the most common things to happen to our vehicles are an engine oil leak. Not only are they pretty common, they can also be really frustrating and messy. If you are experiencing an engine oil leak, it’s important to have it looked at right away. There are many reasons why your engine might be leaking oil all over your driveway.

Oil Filter

It’s pretty standard for an oil filter to wear out over time, deformed, or even loose. Because of this, it can cause pesky oil leaks.

Oil Pan

Because the oil pan is located on the underside of your car, it can become dented due to rocks or other debris hitting it. This can cause leaks to occur.

Drain Plug

In every car, there is an oil pan and at the base of the oil pan is an oil drain plug. These can spring a leak due to wearing out or becoming loose over time.

The Gasket

The gasket in the acts as a seal in the engine that connects two parts together in the engine. It usually develops oil leaks because oil produces sludge after a period of time; this will cause pressure that produces a leak.

Are you having issues with your engine leaking? Do you need an oil leak repair in Pennington, NJ? Call European Plus today at 609-737-7226 to schedule an appointment for engine oil leak repair. Our mechanics have the training and skills to repair any oil leak you have, big or small.

Important Vehicle Items to Maintain

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 13:06:47 GMT

We all want our car to last for years to come and a great way to ensure this is with proper maintenance. However, your car’s owner’s manual can make you feel overwhelmed with all of the car maintenance you need to do. Although this is true, there are vehicle items that should keep your car running smoothly. Below are the most important vehicle maintenance items.

Oil

Hands down, this is probably one of the most important vehicle maintenance items. Oil keeps so many things in our cars lubricated, so it’s essential to have oil replaced, removed, and everything in between to ensure your car is operating the way it should.

Tires

You can’t exactly go anywhere if your tires are out of commission. Looking after your tires is important so they won’t go bald, become flat, or lose pressure.

Brake Pads

Squeaky brake pads is never a good thing and usually a good indicator that you need to get them replaced. Brake pads are an important component of your car, which enables you to stop whenever you want. With worn out brake pads, you are looking at stomping on your brake pedal to come to a complete stop.

Lights

This is probably the most underrated vehicle maintenance item, but it is so incredibly important. Whether it’s your headlights, turn signal, brake lights, or any other lights on your car, they are installed to let people know you are there.

Air Filter

Did you know that the air filter in your car can have adverse effects on your gas mileage and engine? Because of this, it’s really critical to change your air filter out.

If you are looking for an import mechanic and services , call European Plus today at 609-737-7226 .

When Should You Get an Oil Change?

Fri, 22 Sep 2017 13:16:44 GMT

he engine oil in your car is essential to the function and performance of our car. Without it, our engines would become severely damaged, amounting to a lot of repairs and money. In order to prevent engine damage, it is imperative to get your car’s oil changed. But when should you get an oil change? Below are signs you need an oil change.

The Check Engine Light Comes On

This is the most common indicator that you need an oil change. Whenever the check engine light comes on, it’s almost because a car is out of oil. Don’t want months after the fact, go to a local mechanic as soon as the light comes on.

You Don’t Remember The Last Time You Changed Your Oil

If for some reason you can’t remember the last time you changed your oil, it’s probably been a very long time. Typically, your car’s oil needs to be changed every 3,000 miles or three months, so if you think you’ve gone over 3,000 or 3 months, get your car to a shop now!

Your Engine Is Really Loud

Of course, an engine is usually loud, but if you hear grinding or another unpleasant sound coming from the hood of your engine, it could be due to your engine not being lubricated enough.

Your Engine Oil Is Gritty and Dark

If you check your oil yourself, fresh oil will look almost amber in color, while old oil is black, dirty, and gritty looking. When your oil looks like that, please do yourself a favor and get an oil change.

If you need export auto services in Pennington, NJ, please call European Plus at 609-737-7226 .

3 Common Air Conditioner Problems and How to Fix Them

Fri, 18 Aug 2017 13:32:52 GMT

When it’s hot, just about the worst thing that can happen in your car is for the air conditioner to quit working. Fortunately, it’s often a small issue that can be fixed easily. These three common problems are comparatively simple to fix and may save you money down the road.

Strong Smells or Odors

Many times, the strange odor coming from your A/C is mildew or fungi that have built up over time due to the dark, damp environment. This issue can be fixed by a technician who will completely flush out your system.

Blows Hot Air

Typically, when your car’s air conditioner begins to blow hot air, the refrigerant needs to be recharged. This can be easily done by a professional, or you can buy refrigerant at auto parts stores to recharge it yourself. Sometimes, this is a sign that your compressor has gone out which will need professional replacement.

Vents Are Barely Blowing

In many cases, lowered air volume is a case of a clogged condenser. As time goes by, dirt, dust, and other sediments can become trapped in your condenser causing it to clog. You can unclog it by blowing a quickly vaporizing flushing product into the condenser.

In many cases, when your air conditioner slows or stops working altogether, it’s a simple issue that can be fixed quickly. If you are unsure why your A/C isn’t working properly, or if it’s time for some A/C maintenance work, call the professionals at European Plus to get your A/C blowing its coldest again.

Four Summer Car Tips

Mon, 17 Jul 2017 13:17:17 GMT

Guides on how to winterize a car appear with regularity. As for summer readiness, many drivers remain unsure. The season and its heat present unique stresses for a vehicle. If you want to hit the road this summer, or simply worry about your vehicle’s capabilities, perform these four summer car tips.

Check Your Air Conditioner

If your air conditioner has begun to struggle, it needs attention before the hottest days of summer. You should at least replace the air conditioner’s filters. You can additionally have a qualified professional check the system and perform any necessary maintenance.

Check Your Fluids

Your engine’s coolant represents the most important fluid to check. Overheating causes more summer breakdowns than anything else. Ideally, you should have the system flushed and replaced once every year or so. Other fluids to check include your transmission, power steering, and brake fluids. Of course, you also want to keep an eye on your oil, and continue to change it every 4000 miles or so.

Tire Maintenance

Tires have enormous importance for both your vehicle’s operation and your personal safety. Check them for uneven wear, sidewall bubbles, or visible wear bars. If you see any of these, replace the tire immediately. You should also consider tire rotation as a seasonal habit to prolong your tires’ life.

Brake Inspection

If you are technically inclined, you should remove your tires and check your brake pads for wear. The performance of your brakes becomes especially important in the summer, as people tend to drive faster — which puts more stress on the brakes t o slow or stop — and get stuck in stop-and-go traffic. A trustworthy mechanic can also check your brakes and recommend any necessary service.

At European Plus , we can perform any of the above summer car tips in Pennington, NJ. To learn more about our exceptional services and specializations, call us today at 609-737-7226 .

How to Make an Emergency Car Kit

Wed, 14 Jun 2017 13:05:29 GMT

Good drivers should prepare for any eventuality on the road. An emergency car kit stands as one item that many drivers miss from their cars. In addition to obvious equipment such as that needed to change a flat, you should have certain other items always on hand as well.

Pre-Made Emergency Car Kit vs. Homemade

Nowadays, you can go into a store and purchase a ready-made emergency car kit. The creation of your own comes with certain benefits, however. For example, you can tailor it to the weather in your area, and include extra blankets or an ice-scraper. You can also pack certain items that appeal more to members of your family.

What to Pack

If your kit only includes one thing, make sure you pack an emergency first-aid kit. Other items to consider include a small fire extinguisher, jumper cables, and road flares. You’ll also want some refreshments, including drinking water and light snacks, along with certain tools like a flashlight, multi-tool, and duct tape. To get prepared for the weather, pack a tarp, a rain poncho, and sunscreen. It also never hurts to include some warm clothing and a blanket.

Additional Tips

Aside from your emergency kit, a few additional items can serve you well in a pinch. A clean, refillable gas jug can stand as a lifesaver, as can some extra cash for gas. A portable cell-phone charger can save you a lot of hassle, and a deck of cards or book can help pass the time as you wait for help.

At European Plus , we’re here to help in the Pennington and Hopewell area. For all of your service needs with European vehicles, give us a call today at 609-737-7226 .

Tips to Build a Car Emergency Kit

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 12:49:39 GMT

You never know when something will go wrong, so the best option is to be prepared. Keeping a car emergency kit in your vehicle can help you make minor repairs, stay hydrated in case of an emergency, and more. Here are some tips on what to pack in your car emergency kit.

The Essentials

No matter what kind of car you drive or where you live, there are some universally essential items to include in your car your emergency kit. Be sure that all supplies are in good shape and you know how to use them before throwing them in your trunk or glove box!

Jumper cables
Tire changing supplies (tire iron, tire jack, spare tire)
Car manual
Emergency contact info and car insurance
WD-40
Duct tape
Jug or bottles of water
Non-perishable, high calorie food (energy bars, fruit snacks, etc.)
Gloves
Flashlight
First aid kit

Other Items

The best part of building your own car emergency kit is you can customize it however you want. Think about where you drive, what time of year it is, and who rides with you often. If you have a pet or child, pack them some food and something to drink. If you’re going somewhere you are not familiar with, bring a recently updated paper map. In the winter, keep an ice scraper and blanket in your vehicle.

Other items you might want to include are a weather radio, emergency flares, a change of clothes, spare change or cash, and an extra battery or charging cable for your phone.

If you need help from a professional mechanic, call European Plus at 609-737-7226! We provide expert import car repair in Pennington, NJ!

Is Factory Scheduled Maintenance Necessary?

Thu, 02 Feb 2017 13:18:42 GMT

You have heard the term “Factory Scheduled Maintenance” before. Many believe that these services are not necessary and completely pointless. After all, with all the hustle and bustle of daily life, where can one fit in trips to the auto shop for service? While it may seem easy to write this service off, factory maintenance can do more for your vehicle than you may know.

What is Factory Scheduled Maintenance?

When your vehicle rolls off the line and ends up in your possession, there are recommended servicing dates for its components. These are written and designed by the factory to give you the most service and life for your car. These services keep all components running well and smoothly on the road and prevent expensive repairs down the line.

Like many of the mechanical systems, we use in our daily lives, having routine maintenance can take care of problems early. To get these services taken care of, you will need to reference your factory scheduled maintenance recommendations.

Where To Find This Information?

While your schedule may be available online or from the dealership, the easiest way to find this information is to check your owners manual. There, factories detail the needs, specifications, and service schedule for all components of your car. This makes it very simple on both you and your auto mechanic to plan ahead for future service needs.

Factory scheduled service is very important for the life and usability of your vehicle. Need maintenance services here in Pennington, NJ? Call European Plus today at 609-737-7226 for your auto repair service.

Winter Car Myths

Thu, 29 Dec 2016 09:33:41 GMT

With winter in full swing and a storm fast approaching, it is time to make sure your car is ready for anything that may be thrown its way. Many people have different ways of dealing with the colder temperatures and poor weather. However, some of the winter car myths can be dangerous for not only your car but you. At European Plus, we have compiled a short list of some of these myths to share.

Top Winter Myths

Myth #1: Pouring Hot Water to Remove Ice on Your Windshield

Some mornings you just don’t feel like scraping off all that ice. Hot water seems like a safe and easy alternative to scraping. This can be dangerous. First, when the hot water heats the ice, it can break or crack your windshield. Another problem could arise depending on how cold it is outside as it could cause the water to freeze on your windshield quickly. To be safe, scrape off your windshield.

Myth #2: Winter Tires are Pointless; Deflating Your Tires Slightly is Better

It may sound like a racket, but seasonal tires, such as winter tires are actually highly beneficial to your vehicle. They are designed specifically to work in snowy weather. People believe by relieving some of the air in your tires, it gives your car a greater surface area to work with and works better in snow. This is not necessarily true, as it gives you less control.

Myth #3 Warming Up My Car is Unnecessary

People have really taken to the idea that it is not necessary to heat up your car or let it idle in the morning. However, warming up your car is more beneficial than one may think. Allowing your car the time to warm up can remove that annoying ice on your windshield, warm up the interior for you, and allow the gas and oil to cycle through. If you cannot help but jump in the car and go, try a steady drive to allow your car to run optimally.

Of course, it is always a good idea to ensure your vehicle is ready for all that winter may bring. Have your fluids checked and a tune-up performed. Call European Plus today at 609-737-7226!

Signs You Need Suspension Repair

Tue, 22 Nov 2016 12:53:19 GMT

We often forget about our car’s suspension, though it takes a lot of wear, tear, and damage. Watch for these signs that you need suspension repair and avoid serious problems down the road!

Uneven Tire Wear

Your tires can tell you a lot about your vehicle. Because they bear the weight of your vehicle, they will wear unevenly if your suspension is wearing down. Watch for signs of “cupping” or scalloping, which appears like hills and valleys. This often indicates excessive bouncing and worn suspension components. You may also need a wheel alignment .

Rough Ride

One of the first things we often think of when our car rides rough is that we need new shocks or struts. This is usually true, but a rough ride can also point to other suspension problems. If you start to notice every little bump in the road, bring your car in to your local auto shop.

Pulls When Turning

With worn shocks or struts, you may also notice your vehicle pulling or drifting when your turn. This can increase your chances of a rollover, which is major cause for concern for trucks and SUVs.

Nosedives When Stopping

When you brake firmly, does your car lurch forward or “nosedive?” This can indicate worn shocks or struts and is actually quite dangerous. When this happens, your stopping ability decreases, increasing your chances or rear ending someone. Call a mechanic right away to have this problem addressed!

If you notice any of these problems, call European Plus for professional European car suspension repair in Hopewell/Pennington, NJ at 609-737-7226 !

Do I Need New Brake Pads?

Mon, 17 Oct 2016 13:04:55 GMT

Your brakes are one of the most important components on your vehicle. It has the sole responsibility of enabling you to come to a stop when necessary. Sadly, this is also one of the most overlooked components as well. But it is very important to make sure that you keep an eye out for any issues that may be occurring with your brakes. Here are some red flags to keep in mind.

The brake pedal is pulsating. This is referring to the vibrating or grabbing motion that your brake pedal does when you depress it. Pulsating is normally caused by worn down brake pads or pads. In some cases, the pads are able to be re-machined to fix the problem. If not, a replacement will need to be arranged.

There is a clicking noise. All manufacturers install a device that prevents your brakes from rattling or clicking when you apply pressure to your brake pedal. When you hear this sound, that indicates that you need a replacement.

Y our brake pads have become too thin. If you look through the spokes of your wheel, you will be able to see your brake pads, which should be at least 1/4 of an inch thick. If you notice that it’s measuring anything bellow that, new brake pads may be something you should look into.

If you’ve noticed any of these things happening with your vehicle, be sure to contact European Auto Repair now. Dial 609-737-7226 when you need new brake pads in Pennington, NJ.

Prepping for Your Road Trip

Tue, 13 Sep 2016 13:03:29 GMT

Anytime is a good time for a road trip, whether it be long one to another state or a shorter one heading up the highway. Either way, it’s always a good idea to make sure that your vehicle is in the best condition for the road to avoid any potential issues. Here are a few things that you should do.

Check your brakes

Having brakes that operate correctly is critical in any situation. Listen out for any type of scraping or grinding noises. This is a red flag that there are issues with your pads or rotors.

Check your fluids

The fluids in your vehicle are like its bloodline. It regulates the temperature, ensures you have adequate visibility, and keeps the engine lubricated. So make sure that you top off all of your fluids, including, wiper fluid, oil, and antifreeze.

Regular maintenance and repairs

You should have your car checked out on a regular basis. This will help address any smaller issues that may be affecting your vehicle. Repairing problems during the earlier stage can potentially save you a headache and a lot of money in the future.

No one wants to end up on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck. So if this is something that you want to avoid, be sure that you are proactive and come in to European Plus. Our mechanics will be able to get your vehicle ready for the road. To make an appointment, simply dial 609-737-7226 or contact us online.

Essential Car Maintenance: Oil Changes

Wed, 10 Aug 2016 13:19:22 GMT

Getting the oil changed in your car is one of the best ways to keep your vehicle’s performance in top condition. If the oil isn’t changed regularly, you risk damaging the engine which will cause many internal issues with the vehicle.

The oil should be changed based on the recommended mileage listed in your owner’s manual. You will typically find the recommended time frame is every 3,000 miles but there are some vehicles that can go without an oil change for up to 10,000 miles.

After a while, the oil will begin to break down and turn into a sludge that can cause severe damage if it starts to build up inside the engine block. Replacing the oil regularly will prevent this build up from ever starting. If too much solidified oil collects inside the engine, it may require professional cleaning or replacement if it has become damaged.

Every time you have the oil changed, the filter should be replaced as well. The filter helps keep sediment from circulating through the system. The cleaner your oil is the better your engine will perform. The motor oil is what keeps your engine running cool and keeps all the working pieces of the engine running smoothly.

If your vehicle needs an oil changed, contact the team of automotive professionals at Europeans Plus today! We are available for automotive preventative maintenance in Pennington, NJ. Call us today at 609-737-7226 for more information.

3 Most Common Car Problems

Fri, 01 Jul 2016 13:32:14 GMT

Purchasing a used car can always be a gamble because you just not sure of what you’re getting. And most of the time, we aren’t able to get the entire history of that vehicle. But there are some common problems that you should be aware of that may help you choose a better car.

Belt and Hose Damage:

Anyone can pop he hood of a vehicle and check to see if there are any cracks on the belts and hoses . As for the ones you can’t see, you can simply lift the hood, turn on the engine, and listen for strange sounds, like squealing or repeated clanking noises. If you hear any of thee, then there is definitely an issue.

Body Damage:

This is easier to spot. You simply walk around the vehicle and check out the body. Take note of any cracks, dents, scratches, rusting, flaking, etc. This isn’t, at all, an uncommon issue on older cars. Even though rust on a car isn’t a huge deal, it can spread and be incredibly difficult fix.

Frame Damage:

The frame is the skeleton of the car. It holds everything together. So if there’s an issue with this, it could spell huge issues for the future owner. The best way to check for frame damage is to have trained mechanic check it out for you or you can purchase the vehicle history report.

These are just a few of the most common problems you can have with a car. But if you’re finding that you’re having any type of issues with your current vehicle or maybe you have a question bout a vehicle you’re thinking about purchasing, contact us . Call European Auto Repair at 609-737-7226 .

5 Insane Drunk Driving Statistics

Mon, 21 Mar 2016 13:30:54 GMT

We’ve all heard nightmare stories about drunk driving accidents, but the actual number of drunk drivers on the road might surprise you! When a poll was conducted, nearly 29 million people admitted that they had driven drunk at least once — and those are only the ones who admit to it! Here are five sobering facts you might not know about drunk drivers.

It’s More Common Than You Think

Every day in America, 300,000 intoxicated drivers take to the road. The average drunk driver has been drunk behind the wheel 80 times before being arrested for DWI. Adults between the ages of 26 and 29 make up the largest drunk driver demographic.

Will Likely Affect You

Two-thirds of Americans will be in an alcohol-related car accident sometime in their lives. Even if you don’t drive drunk, other people do. Keep your distance from anyone who appears to be swerving or driving erratically.

Injuries are Extremely Common

Every two minutes, someone is injured in a drunk driving accident. 27 Americans die at the hands of drunk drivers every day. In 2014, more than 1 million Americans were convicted of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Every time they step behind the wheel, they risk injuring or killing themselves and others.

Suspended Licenses Don’t Stop DWIs

Being convicted for a DUI or DWI can cost someone their driver’s license, among other things. However, it’s estimated that half to two-thirds of all convicted drunk drivers keep on driving , even without their license.

The Death Toll is Very High

Tragically, someone in America dies from an alcohol-related car accident every 53 minutes. A 2013 statistic shows that over 1,100 children were killed by drunk drivers, either while the child was a passenger in a car, or while walking or cycling. Adults between 21 and 24 are the largest group to cause fatal crashes.

Spread the word to drink responsibly , and always have a sober individual to drive you home if you decide to drink.

These statistics were presented by MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving. If you have any questions about foreign car parts and installation, give us a call right away !

About Your Alternator

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 13:30:27 GMT

Many people leave the car knowledge up to the professionals and enthusiasts. However, you should familiarize yourself with at least some of your car’s parts if you own one, as basic knowledge can come in handy. Here, we’ll go over your alternator and talk about why you should take care of it.

What does your alternator do?

Your alternator plays and immensely important role. While your battery technically starts your car, it doesn’t have the power to keep it running. Your alternator does that, powering your battery and all the electronics in your car. Suffice it to say, without a working alternator you cannot drive your car.

If you think you might have problems with you alternator, don’t wait to bring it in for repairs. Fix damage as quickly as possible or it could compound, costing you money down the road.

Want to take advantage of our alternator repair service? Bring your car on by our shop. We’ll get it up and running in no time! To find out more about us, please give us a call at (609) 737-7226 .

Preserving Your Gas Mileage

Thu, 20 Aug 2015 12:56:11 GMT

Gasoline is an unavoidable expense for car owners, so stretching each gallon to the max is important to get your money’s worth. Fortunately, there are several simple maintenance tips to help keep your car running smoothly and at its optimum fuel efficiency . Here we have detailed several practical ways to care for your car and help make each gallon of gasoline last.

Mileage Matters

Following the posted speed limit is important not only for safety, but also for fuel economy. Most cars reach maximum fuel efficiency between 45 and 60 mph. Safely slowing down 5 or 10 mph will save you money at the pump.

Properly inflating your tires is key in fuel efficiency. Inflating your tires beyond the recommended pressure, or letting them deflate below the recommended pressure, causes extra wear and tear to your tires and makes your car work harder – decreasing your miles per gallon.

Driving more calmly can also maintain your mileage. Rapid acceleration and frequent braking uses extra gas and decreases efficiency. Resist the urge to always pass the car in front of you – driving calmly is safer for everyone on the road, easier on your car, and friendly on your wallet.

Tuning up your car and having it regularly inspected can help maintain your fuel efficiency and extend the life of your vehicle. For expert auto repair and maintenance, call us at (609) 737-7226 today!

Can You Text And Drive Safely?

Thu, 14 May 2015 13:22:59 GMT

We all want to feel safe in our vehicles. Unfortunately, nothing can negate the fact that we drive around multi-ton metal behemoths at break-neck speeds. To ensure our safety, we need to make sure we put all of our focus into driving. This means that you can’t text and drive; if you don’t look at the road, you can’t avoid collisions. Here, we’ll go over some texting and driving facts.

Texting While Driving:

Most drivers in the world support the prohibition of texting while driving.
1.6 million wrecks a year get reported in association with cell phone usage according to the National Safety Council.
While driving 55 miles per hour, if you take your eyes off of the road for just 5 seconds, you travel the whole distance of a football field.
11 teen deaths get reported daily from texting and driving collisions.

At European Plus, we care about your safety while driving. If you want to ensure your car runs properly, we’ll happily inspect it and get it road-worthy. To find out more about our services, give us a call at (609) 737-7226 .

What Does A Timing Belt Do?

Mon, 13 Apr 2015 12:43:00 GMT

What Does A Timing Belt Do?

Most of us prove woefully uninformed when it comes to our cars. Don’t worry though, it takes too long to learn that much information except in bits and pieces. However, by learning a little bit at a time you can inform yourself on the basics of how your car runs. To that end, we’ve put together a brief overview of your timing belt and what it does.

What it does:

The timing belt connects the camshaft and the crankshaft. It ensures that the valves in the engine open and close when they should.

What happens if it breaks?

If your timing belt breaks, it could cause the pistons to hit the valves and cause expensive damage to your engine . Though manufacturers recommendations differ, most timing belts need to get changed out every 60,000 miles or 5 years.

Hopefully now you feel a little bit closer to understanding how your vehicle works. If you require timing belt change & replacement , or almost any other auto services, European Plus can help. To find out more, come by our shop or give us a call at (609) 737-7226.

What Does A Serpentine Belt Do?

Thu, 12 Mar 2015 12:43:48 GMT

Most of us laymen don’t know our alternators from our air filters. We have auto mechanics for that. Still, it doesn’t hurt to learn a little bit about the vehicle you use every day. To assist you in that endeavor, we’ve gather a small amount of information on one of its parts: the serpentine belt. Now, let’s discuss what it does.

Also called a multi-v, poly-v, or multi-rib belt, your serpentine belt gets used to drive multiple devices in your engine, including: the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, air pump, and more . It can do this because it gets attached to these parts in one continuous line and then gets powered by the engine.

Engineers consider this continuous belt an improvement over previous multi-belt designs because it fits better in the engine and can handle increased tension. The only drawback seems to be that if the belt slips, all auxiliary engine parts cease to function.

Hopefully this helped you understand the way your car works just a little bit better. If you have been having problems with your vehicle, we here at European Plus can help you out. We offer a wide range of auto services, including serpentine belt replacement. For more information, just call our qualified mechanics at (609) 737-7226.

Airbag Inflation Process

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 13:29:39 GMT

Your airbag is designed to keep you safe in the event of a wreck. But do you ever wonder how it works? The airbag is made of a nylon fabric that is stored inside the steering wheel or in the doors. A sensor is placed that signals the bag to inflate if there is a collision equal to 10-15 miles per hour.

The way that airbags inflate in similar to that of a solid rocket booster. When the sensor goes off, a solid propellant burns in the blink of an eye, filling up the bag with gas. The bag fills up so fast that it jettisons out of its storage space at 200 miler per hour . Within seconds, the bag begins to deflate out of small holes positioned throughout it. This whole actions take only 1/25th of a second, faster than you can blink.

That’s the gist of how your air bags work. After they get deployed, you need to have them re-installed into your car according to Federal safety regulations. Here at European Plus, we offer new air bag installation alongside a host of other auto-related services. For more information, please give us a call at (609) 737-7226 . We look forward to hearing from you!

Warning Signs Your Transmission Needs Repairs

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 12:47:59 GMT

Keeping your transmission in working order is an important part of maintaining your car’s health. Don’t wait for it to break completely before taking it in; look out for these signs warning you that your transmission needs to be serviced:

Burning Smell:

This is often caused by transmission problems; overheating from leaking, low, or dirty transmission fluid is usually the culprit.

Leaking Fluid:

Check your transmission periodically under your car for leaking fluid. This could indicate either a minor or major problem with your transmission. Have it looked at by a professional.

Grinding Sound:

A functional transmission will shift gears smoothly; a grinding sound that comes from shifting gears could indicate a dirty transmission, low fluids, damaged gear synchros, etc.

Delay In Movement:

If your vehicle delays when you press the gas after switching gears, it’s likely a problem with the transmission. Don’t ignore this problem, as it can be hazardous on the road.

Problems Shifting Gears:

Any of the following gear problems indicate your transmission needs to be serviced.

car won’t shift into gear
resistance or shaking when changing gears
slowed-down acceleration
gears shift unexpectedly
vehicle moves when in park
gears slip

Keep an eye out for all of these signs; if you notice any, take your car to an auto-shop. Don’t wait, the problem will only exacerbate with time. Here at European Plus, we offer transmission services alongside a host of other auto-related services. For more information, please give us a call at (609) 737-7226.

Drunk Driving Statistics: Why You Shouldn’t Do It

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 13:20:50 GMT

We’ve all been brought up to learn that drunk driving is bad, but drunk drivers are still out there. Nobody sets out to harm another human being when they get behind the wheel drunk; information is the best preventative measure for drunk driving deaths. Here are some basic stats that will hopefully dissuade people from allowing others to get behind the wheel after drinking:

How many deaths do drunk drivers cause?

Drunk drivers are responsible for 10% of the total traffic deaths in the US. Men are reported to have a much higher rate of drunk driving than women are. Teens account for 17% of all drunk driving crashes, whereas the 55-64 age group only accounts for 12%. Accidents are about five times more likely to occur at night than during the day.

How does the # of drunk driving deaths now compare to the past?

In the 1980s, there were 26,000 reported drunk driving deaths a year. Now, the number has been halved to 13,000.

Why does drunk driving cause more wrecks?

Alcohol impairs one’s vision and reaction time. Recent studies even show that depth perception is affected. Alcohol absorption is gradual; this means that if someone feels fine when they get behind the wheel, by the time they’re on the road they could be even more impaired.

These are just a few of the reasons to avoid driving intoxicated. Here at European Plus Auto Repair, we want to remind you to drive safely. For any auto-related information, give us a call at (609) 737-7226 .

We’re Moving!

Wed, 19 Nov 2014 12:47:04 GMT

European Plus New Location

Here at European Plus we constantly strive to ensure our clients receive the best service possible. We have a crew of talented mechanics on board and now, we have a wonderful new location! Please come visit us soon! We look forward to being of service.

Our new address is 107 Route 31 N, Pennington NJ 08534.

We look forward to providing you with the same high quality service we always deliver at our new location. We are an auto shop that specializes in a wide array of services. We can provide you with computer diagnostics, brake repair, emission repairs, state inspections, tire services, alignments and many other auto repair services.

And as always we will continue to back our repairs with a 2 Years / 24,000 Miles Warranty. So please come visit us at our new location here in Pennington, NJ. We look forward to continuing to provide high quality service for our community. Stop on by today! Or feel free to call us with any questions at: (609) 737-7226.

Tesla’s New Gigafactory

Fri, 26 Sep 2014 12:50:46 GMT

Tesla Announces Location for Gigafactory

Vehicle Innovation

When it comes to forward thinking, Tesla is the leading name. This company is known for its innovative, out of the box thinking. And their goal is to bring these innovations to the consumer market. One of their target markets is fuel efficient cars.

Here at European Plus we are always interested to see what the latest technology will bring to the car industry. We are even one of the few repair shops in the area capable of repairing hybrid cars . So we were excited to hear about the plans for Tesla’s Gigafactory.

Economic Impact and Affordable Batteries

Tesla has announced the location for their new Gigafactory will be Reno, Nevada. This factory is going to be used to construct automotive-grade lithium-ion batteries. Their goal is to manufacture these batteries on such a large scale that the cost will be lowered drastically. This will make electric cars much more affordable in the future.

Not only will the Gigafactory lead to lowered alternative fuel costs, it will also bring a huge economic boost to the Nevada economy. We are talking about a nearly $100 billion economic impact over the course of the next 20 years!

Because of this economic impact Nevada was not alone in the attempt to lure Tesla to their land. California, Texas and Arizona were also large contenders in the race to become the new factory location.

Sustainable Future

Tesla believes in creating a more sustainable future. Not only are they working hard to produce an affordable solution for the car industry, they are even striving to power their own factory from completely renewable energy sources.

To find out more detail about Tesla’s new Gigafactory and the impact it will have on the car market, check out Tesla’s project information here: Tesla Gigafactory Details.

Hopefully we can all look forward to a more affordable, sustainable future ahead.

Aston Martin U.S. Dealership May be Closing Down

Mon, 18 Aug 2014 13:26:25 GMT

New crash safety standards could cause U.S. Aston Martin dealerships to close down. The impeding crash safety standards take effect in September 2015 and deal with side-impact crash rules.

The new rules will prevent new and unregistered Aston Martin Vantages and DB9s from being sold in America. The DB9 and Vantage compose a large portion of the British automaker’s annual sales in the U.S. for convertibles and coupe vehicles. If the DB9 and Vantage are barred from being sold, American Aston Martin dealerships could face enormous loses.

The convertible models of the two vehicles are currently exempt until the new safety rules that start in September 2015. Aston Martin would have to get another exemption for the vehicles or withdraw them from the market by that time. The possibility of the withdrawal from the market could cause issues with prospective buyers unwilling to put a payment down for the vehicles.

The withdrawal of these vehicles from the U.S. market could make Aston Martin dealerships unprofitable. This could lead to the withdrawal of all Aston Martin vehicles from the U.S. car market.

BMW New EV Chargers

Mon, 11 Aug 2014 13:25:57 GMT

BMW has just developed and unveiled a new, fast and cheaper EV charger. The new EV chargers are around the size of a small suit case and are the least expensive EV charger on the market. BMW developed these new chargers because of the success of the rapid charging BMW i3 electric vehicle.

BMW is focusing on marketing the rapid chargers at lower price to entice third-party companies to invest and help create a nationwide charger network. They hope to emulate the nationwide Supercharger network created by Tesla. The advantage that BMW has over Tesla, is their chargers can be used to recharge other car brands electric cars, unlike Telsa’s charger which only work on their brand of vehicles.

The charger are 24-kilowatt and can recharge the i3 power to 80% capacity in half-an-hour. The chargers will cost around $6,500 for any company that wants to partner with BMW. Most fast charger on the market today are around $30,000. Current models of quick chargers can weigh up to 1,500 pounds and be as tall as an adult. The new BMW chargers only weigh 100 pounds and are light enough to be mounted on the wall of a parking garage or building .

The chargers will become available in August and 285 out of the 340 BMW dealerships in the U.S. will have them available.

Germany’s Robot Valet Parking

Mon, 04 Aug 2014 13:17:54 GMT

Germany’s Robot Valets

A robot valet parking system has been implemented at Düsseldorf Airport in Germany. Travelers who want to bypass the human valet can now go to the robot valet parking garage at the airport.

The robotic laser forklift valets are nicknamed “Ray” and cost around $40 dollars a day to park and leave your vehicle there. A driver can pull up to a laser measurement parking space and leave their vehicle there to be parked by Ray in one of the garages 249 robot only parking spaces.

All you have to do is park your car, let the laser measure the size of your car, grab a ticket and walk out. Ray will pull up beside your car, measure it and pick it up by it’s wheels. It will then move it to an open parking spot and can move it again to maximize the garage’s space. It is estimated that this robotic valet system can increase a garage’s capacity by up to 60%.

Below is a video (It’s in German) that shows the Ray robotic valet parking system in action. Hopefully some U.S. airports and garages can get this parking system implemented some day.

What’s an Engine Overhaul Good for?

Fri, 25 Jul 2014 12:34:21 GMT

Engine Overhaul Service describes a service whereby an engine is removed, dismantled, cleaned, completely put back together, and re-installed in your vehicle. If faulty parts are discovered, they are additionally replaced.

Even with the best preventative care, your vehicle’s engine will wear down over time: There is a lot of moving metal under the hood of your car, and they rely on a lot of tiny parts that are typically hard to access in order to function properly – Traditionally you can expect brand new seals, bearings, and other components restored to working order.

As your vehicle gets older, it may begin to show tell-tale signs of engine failure such as:

Audible engine knocking
Increased rate of oil replenishment between scheduled maintenance
Obvious white smoke in the exhaust
Metal shavings in your used engine oil

Which would you rather do – Remove, repair, and replace your engine in the garage or pick up the phone and call from your home?

What are some alternative fuels?

Tue, 08 Apr 2014 12:46:04 GMT

Natural Gas: This fossil fuel is mostly comprised of methane and is one of the cleanest burning fuels. There are two forms of natural gas—liquefied natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG)—both which can be used to fuel cars. The advantages of natural gas over gasoline are that is it less expensive and produces a lot less smog. However, the disadvantage is that natural gas gets less miles per tank and is not as readily available.

Ethanol: Made from plant materials such as corn, sugar cane, and grass, this renewable fuel is an alcohol that is commonly used as a gasoline additive. Although it depends on the region, most gasoline in the US contains 10% ethanol. Because it can reduce dependency on oil and greenhouse gas emissions, the use of ethanol as fuel in the United States has increased dramatically over the last 10 years.

Hydrogen: This fuel is environmentally-friendly and can be burned in an internal combustion engine or used in fuel cells to power electric motors. The advantage of hydrogen is that it doesn’t produce any greenhouse gases or air pollutants and that it can be domestically produced.

Propane: This fossil fuel can power internal combustion engines, not just grills, without degrading the performance of the vehicle. The emissions propane creates a less harmful than gasoline and is a less expensive fuel source. However, propane gets less miles to the gallon and is not as readily available.

Distracted Drivers

Mon, 24 Feb 2014 13:22:14 GMT

According to research, one of the most dangerous things you can do while driving is to send or read text messages. But despite the amount of news coverage on texting related car accidents, many drivers continue to text and drive. Recent statistics indicate that this problem has yet to improve.

In 2011, there were 1.3 million automobile accidents. Twenty-three percent of those accidents were attributed to the use of cell phones. The reason for this alarming statistic is no surprise. While driving at a speed of 55mph, a driver will travel the length of a football field in just 5 seconds. That’s about how long it takes to send or read a short text message.

With all this time spent not paying attention to the road, it’s no wonder why using you cell phone while driving makes you 23 times more likely to be involved in a car crash. Simply reaching for your mobile device makes you 1.4 times more likely to have an accident. But this threat seems to be undermined considering that 77% of young adults believe that it is possible to safely text and drive.

Texting isn’t the only activity competing for drivers’ attention while driving. Twenty percent of drivers have admitted that they surf the internet while they drive. Measures are being taken to lower the number of distracted drivers. Many states are putting laws in place that prohibit using mobile devices while driving. But whether or not these laws will be effective is debatable.

Six Car Odors you shouldn’t Ignore

Tue, 28 Jan 2014 12:52:10 GMT

You’re driving down the road and you notice an odd smell. You attribute the odor to the car in front of you but soon realize it’s coming from your own vehicle. Here is a guide to help you understand the potential causes behind these smells.

Burnt Rubber: Your drive belt may have slipped out of place or one of the hoses is loose, causing it to rub against the drive pulley.

Hot Oil: The smell of hot oil could be a result of oil leaking onto the exhaust system of your vehicle, causing smoke to emit from the engine. Check the pavement around your car for signs of oil leaks.

Gasoline: A problem with your vehicle’s fuel injectors or a leak in the fuel tank will result in the smell of gasoline. Take this matter seriously—after all, leaking fuel is a fire hazard.

Syrup: If you smell something sweet like syrup, either you are hungry for pancakes or your car’s cooling system is leaking engine coolant—or both.

Rotten eggs: Before you blame the passenger riding next to you, have your catalytic converter inspected. When not functioning properly, the catalytic converter does not properly convert hydrogen sulfide to sulfur dioxide, result in rotten egg smell.

Burning Carpet: Not good—better get your brakes checked, pronto!

Never ignore odd smells coming from your vehicle. Many times these smells are a result of a problem with one of the many components of your vehicle. Don’t hesitate. Bring your car by European Plus in Hopewell today to have your car inspected today!

Winter Car Tips

Thu, 05 Dec 2013 12:23:13 GMT

With Winter fully engulfing Pennington, it’s a good time to make sure that you car is ready for the weather.

Checking things like your wiper blades, belts, and antifreeze levels are all things that will make sure that your car is ready to withstand everything the weather can throw at it.

Car batteries are one of the more common trouble makers in the winter. Your engine has to work harder in the cold weather, and that puts more stress on the battery as well. It’s good to know how old your battery is, and to swap out on old one for a new one.

If you bring your car in to European Auto Care, we’ll can check for anything that needs to be changed or replaced and make sure that you don’t end up stuck in the cold! Give us a call or come in to our shop to speak with one of our technicians!