Author: Ryan GMW

Posted on

Fluid Inspections: Crucial For Car Maintenance

With so many components on vehicles, it can be hard to determine which things to be on the lookout for, and which are the most important. One thing is for sure, the longevity of your car is entirely dependent on fluids. Your BMW, Audi, Mini, or Porsche will have fluids including coolant, engine oil, brake fluid, washer fluid, and transmission fluid depending on the type of transmission you have. For some specific models that sport the all-wheel-drive system, you may also have to service the front or rear differential fluids.

When in doubt about your fluid levels, you can always take it to a BMW Auto Repair Near Me, like Ryan G. Motorworks for a fluid inspection. Our technicians can quickly assess if you are in need of a top off, are over or under fluids. Having the correct amount for each system of your car will allow it to work as it should. But what happens if you run low on your fluids? Will it immediately do damage? How bad can it be? Check out the main fluids your car needs to run, and what can happen if they aren’t inspected, filled, or changed when needed.

Engine Oil

The heart of your high-end German vehicle is the engine. There is never a time running it without oil is okay. Engine oils main function is to provide lubrication for the metal parts inside the motor. The pistons, rings, valves, rockers, and other components are entirely dependent on oil. If you aren’t running enough oil, or it is completely dry, the motor can lock up. Once this happens, it is fair enough to say the engine is toast. The cost for replacing an engine in a newer BMW, Audi, Mini Cooper can be costly, and can in most cases, be avoided with proper maintenance and fluid inspections.

Periodic oil changes help reduce the chances of running your vehicle with no oil, as well as having a fluid inspection done between oil changes. It is also crucial that when adding or doing an oil change that the right fluid is used. Different weight oils are used depending on the engine type and climate, but almost all newer vehicles call for full synthetic. When taking your car in for German Auto Repair or inspections, they will know precisely how many quarts of what type of oil needs to be used.

Brake Fluid

How much do you value being able to stop your BMW? The braking system of most cars is ultimately dependant on brake fluid. Most vehicles have upgraded to using DOT 4 in their master cylinders and are found in vehicles with ESP and ABS systems, which most German models come standard. A technician, during a fluid inspection, will make sure there aren’t any leaks, and that fluid comes up to the line indicating full. Most higher end German vehicles use 4 wheel disc brake systems that provide unbelievably excellent stopping power, with the proper fluid levels they are able to operate as intended.

Transmission Fluid

Automatic transmission needs transmission fluid. Your transmission uses the fluid within to signal at which point it needs to shift gears. With a manual transmission, you tell the transmission when to shift. This doesn’t mean that a manual doesn’t require any fluid, it just doesn’t use ATF, it could use engine oil, grease, or different liquids depending on the manufacturer. Keeping the transmission lubricated is essential but not as critical as having the correct amount of fluid in it. Failure to maintain the proper levels of fluid can cause the automatic transmission to slip. You will try to accelerate and feel that it revs high, won’t increase speed, and takes a second to change gear. Transmission fluid should be checked regularly, just as you would with engine oil. Those are the most expensive components to replace on any vehicle, and it’s well worth the ten minutes to have a fluid inspection done to ensure they are all at the proper levels.

Coolant

Antifreeze or engine coolant is needed to reduce the temperature of your car. Each vehicle make and model has a specified operating temperature that is required for optimal performance and considered safe. When there is a leak in the coolant system, you may find that your car can or will overheat. Allowing your car to run “hot” will almost always ensure the catastrophic failure of the cylinder head or damage to the engine block. During a fluid inspection, a technician will check that coolant is at the proper level and that there is antifreeze in the reservoir tank, if applicable.

Posted on

Factors That Affect Brake Rotor Performance

Numerous parts all work together that allow you to stop on a dime when need be or slowly come to a stop when at a traffic light. Calipers, master cylinder, brake pads, and arguably one of the most essential, rotors all need to work together for the best possible braking power. The braking system of your BMW can be complicated if you don’t know what you are looking at.

A rotor is the part of your braking system that the pads squeeze against allowing your vehicle to come to a stop. A wonderful thing about these parts is they can last a long time, in most cases, before needing to be changed. However, when they do need to be replaced taking it in for auto repair BMW is the best way to ensure it is done correctly. Rotors are considered a main component, and if these fail or have an issue, it will negatively affect your ability to stop precisely. You may notice strange sounds when braking, no matter how light or firm you apply the brake.

The two most common problems that occur with the rotor include warping and uneven wear. The cause of these is almost certainly linked to worn out brake pads. Brake pads can wear unevenly, causing tension to be dispersed around the round inconsistently. What can happen here, is the front of the rotor will wear down faster than rear or vice versa, not allowing for even pressure. A sign this is already happening to your care is not stopping straight. If your car tends to pull to one side when coming to a stop, it might be a sign your rotors have uneven wear or damage already done to them. It could also signal that the material on the rotor has worn down, and the part needs to be replaced. Consider upgrading to drilled and slotted rotors for better performance as well as better cooling effects for less chance of warping, if your vehicle doesn’t already have this type installed.

How You Drive Plays a Role

Consider your driving technique. Do you like to ride the brake? Are you a fan of speeding up quickly only to hit the brake just as fast? How you drive will ultimately dictate how long a rotor and other braking components last. While for most adult drivers trying to change how you operate can be a challenge, it is one you should pay attention to. By modifying how you drive, or in this case stop, you can get more miles out of your pads and rotors. Instead of slamming on your brakes for each stop, start braking sooner. In doing so, your brake pads will slowly come in contact with the rotor. This action will keep your rotor in better shape for a more extended period of time.

Replace Pads When Needed

Most brake pads that come on BMW, Mini Cooper, Audis, and almost every vehicle now have an indicator on them. The indicator pin will sound like a high pitched screechy sound. Once you hear this noise, it means it is time to replace the pads for an automotive repair near me shop. Don’t delay. Putting off changing your brake pads will cause more wear on the rotor. Once you start hearing a lower pitched noise when coming to a stop, you have gone through the pads, and now the caliper may be contacting with the rotor. The low pitched noise or grinding sound makes scratches into the rotor making it virtually unusable when putting new pads on.

Posted on

BMW Check Engine Light: Should You Worry About It

As a car owner, many things can become frustrating. You could enjoying a drive down the road and start hearing a weird noise you have never noticed before. Then, you will begin to wonder if that sound is something you should take to the shop for BMW car repair, or it can be put off. It is always a gamble delaying repairs. For most of us, those quirky sounds our vehicles make alert us to trouble and need to have parts replaced or fixed. Afterall a motor vehicle is just a series of smaller pieces that work together allowing the car to move, steer and stop. If something with your vehicle systems isn’t working the way it should, it could lessen the chance that it will perform the way it needs to. And that is not good for anyone.

When it comes to your BMW’s dash, you will notice many features that are illuminated. The speedometer will tell you how fast you are going. The tachometer registers your RPMs. The water temp, fuel gauge, and voltage may also be present. In some makes or models, it can do so much more, via a screen in the instrument cluster. However, with all these fun and unique ways to receive information about how your car is running, one light, the check engine light, no one wants to see. But why? Is it as scary and nerve-racking as everyone makes it out to be? Does it signal the demise of your car? And why can’t the car just tell you what is wrong without a vague little light appearing?

The check engine light, in most cases, doesn’t signal the imminent death of your vehicle. However, it is alerting you to a known problem within the system. All cars equipped with an OBD2 system can have their codes read with a code reader. Most readers won’t tell you the exact cause, only give you a random code. For example, a common DTC for BMW’s is P1351. Now the trouble code won’t mean much until you look up what it is for. In this example, it says there is a misfire in cylinder 5. If you were to take your vehicle to a shop like Ryan GMW for diagnostics, they would tell you right there what the code is, and determine the cause of the problem. Some codes are considered generic and can have a few fixes to solve them, such as a random misfire.

Some check engine lights signal a very severe problem. However, if your car isn’t acting any differently it more than likely is still able to drive. If other issues, like strange noises, accompany the light, rough idles, or it dies randomly, visiting a German car service shop will solve the problem.

Conclusion

While having a check engine light is no fun, and can cause concern, it is not always the end of the world. Having a professional check your vehicle out, reading the codes, and determining the underlying issue can help. The reason for the light can be as simple as a loose gas cap or as devastating as a transmission code. Until you know why it will always be a mystery. If your car is acting differently, then you shouldn’t delay on having it diagnosed and repaired.

Posted on

Basic Car Maintenance Everyone Should Know

Most people use their car every day without a second thought. They will get in, turn the key, and head out on their way. It’s almost always the case, unless you are a car person, that you don’t think something is in need of repair till a light shines or a weird noise starts to occur. Afterall keeping up with a vehicle requires some amount of attention. But what if you could minimize the likelihood of an expensive repair, by doing only simple maintenance items? In this post, we will look at simple car maintenance items you can do that will potentially save you from experiencing a catastrophic event or costly BMW car repair.

CHECK TIRES

Tires are the essential features of your vehicle. They are what makes contact with the ground. Having good tires versus a bad one can make a huge difference. Have you ever experienced a tire blow out, or know someone that has? At high speeds having a tire, blow can be incredibly dangerous. It can also do much more damages than just having a flat tire. Almost all tire blowouts can be avoided by simply checking your tires periodically, and having them replaced when needed.

A good rule of thumb is to inspect your tires every month for wear, tread, and that they are correctly inflated. The tire sidewall will tell you the max psi they should be filled to. Overinflating can be just as bad as under, so it is best to stay a little below the max. Check for signs damage to the tires as well; if anything looks suspicious, you can take it to our German auto repair shop.

CHECK THE OIL

There is no way of avoiding the topic of engine oil when talking about the maintenance of a vehicle. It is the fluid that keeps everything in your engine working the way it should. Oil reduces friction of the metal movable parts within, and it an absolute must. Checking the oil isn’t as tricky as it sounds. Most vehicles are equipped with dipsticks that are labeled check oil on them. In fact, the dipstick will also have at the end clues as to if you are low on oil, clearly marked, low. If there is one maintenance item you should routinely do, and be in the habit of doing is checking the oil levels. If you find that your car is consistently low on oil, it could signal a leak or possibly other issues within the motor.

CHECK COOLANT LEVELS

Lastly, make sure to maintain adequate coolant in your vehicle’s cooling system. Each car requires a different type of coolant. BMW recommends the use of their own specially formulated coolant for their vehicles to run at their best. TIP: Use caution when checking your coolant levels. Never try to open the radiator cap if your car has been running and reached it’s operating temperature. In doing so can cause injury. The coolant is a pressurized system. When it is hot, pressure builds, the second you turn the cap it will spray out. At close to 200 degrees, this is something you don’t want touching your skin. Instead, wait until your car has had time cool down or even better let it rest overnight and check before starting it in the morning.

Conclusion

Maintaining a good running vehicle is as simple as checking its primary components. These simple car tasks only take a few minutes and are well worth the time. Many repairs, breakdowns, or troubles can be avoided with proper care.

Posted on

Battery Or Alternator: How To Tell Which Is The Problem?

Every vehicle needs a power source. Now, we aren’t talking about electric cars in this blog posts, but your typical everyday gas or diesel vehicle. In a traditional set up a car works like this for supplying power:

You turn the key which starts the chain reaction of all the functions needed to start your car, run, or the accessories to work. The battery is then used to perform these necessary functions. If you leave the car in an accessory position, or on, and not fully start the vehicle all the power applied to operate the accessories will draw power from the battery. After a period, your vehicle’s battery will wear down, and not allow the car to start. However, if your car is turned on and the engine is running the part called an alternator will recharge the battery, thereby you have constant power on demand.

But how can you determine whether or not you have a bad alternator or a bad battery? Is there a way to find out without replacing one or the other or both? Are there symptoms you can check to diagnose the problem? BMW auto repair at Ryan G. Motorworks can give you a correct diagnosis if you are nervous about messing with these critical components. We will explore some of the symptoms and even go over a way to check whether or not you can place the blame on the alternator or the battery.

Symptoms of a Bad Alternator

The symptoms of a bad alternator can be confused with a dead battery problem. More often than not it takes testing to find out if it is, in fact, a failing alternator. There are five signs that an alternator is an issue and they include:

  • Dimming headlights
  • Slow operating windows
  • Electrical failures- including power door locks
  • Difficulty in starting your vehicle
  • ALT light is illuminated on the dash

Symptoms of a Bad Battery

A dying battery and a dead one will experience similar issues. However, if the battery is completely gone, nothing will turn on with the vehicle. You can insert the key, no chime will play alerting you to a door being ajar, and you won’t have anything illuminated on the dash. Perhaps the worst part of having a completely dead battery is the car won’t even try to start. If you are able to jumpstart your vehicle and it remains running after disconnecting the cables, it’s a good indication that the battery is at fault. A failing alternator can cause a dead battery, so it may not be time to replace the battery itself, without first determining which is the problem.

 

If your vehicle starts, chances are it isn’t your battery that is the problem. Allowing your car to run and then disconnecting the positive cable from the battery terminal. If your car is still running, the alternator is fine. This means you will need to replace the battery.

Searching for German auto repair near me, you will find that Ryan GMW can help you to replace a battery or alternator quickly, and get you back on the road. They can also help you to identify which is your problem if you have difficulty or would rather a professional handle electrical components.

Posted on

Getting Your Vehicle Road Trip Ready This Summer

Summer is still in full swing, which means there is plenty of time to hit the road and go out on an adventure. Using your own vehicle instead of renting is an excellent way to save money on your trip. But before you head out in the road, you may want to consider bringing in your vehicle to have it looked at. Having a BMW mechanic look over critical components of your car can help you to travel everywhere you need to go and everywhere in between. Car maintenance is key if you wish to have your last. The key services you should have done to ensure roadworthy performance include:

Oil Change

The oil change is essential for all engine function to run smoothly. Before long trips having an oil change done, especially if it is near servicing is ideal. While going over the mileage a little won’t necessarily hurt anything, a fresh oil change can help boost your MPG. Getting better fuel economy on long trips is great for saving a little bit of money at the pump. An oil change will also ensure that the fluid level is correct and where it should be.

A/C Check

Your vehicle’s air conditioning is vital. When temperatures reach over 100, driving in an unairconditioned car can feel more like torture than an exciting time waiting to reach your destination. An A/C check will inspect the freon, make sure the blower motor is working correctly. If your freon is low, the air conditioning will not blow as cold as it should. The elements of a car’s air conditioning system should only be handled by a professional. It can be very dangerous to try and fix issues with any pressurized system.

Coolant Services

Overheating is a common problem on long road trips. Having your upper and lower radiator hose inspected for signs of breakage or tears and making sure the coolant levels are correct will go a long way in keeping your engine cool on out of town road trips. A technician may also look over your radiator for any signs of damage that may lead to overheating. If you have had trouble with rising operating temperatures, have those addressed beforehand.

Tire Rotation/ Tire Replacement

Tires need to be in optimal condition for any drive you take. Older tires or those with worn out tread can potential blowout while driving. This is a very unsafe condition. Tire rotation will move the worn tires to the non-driving axle for better durability. However, if after a tire inspection you need to have a tire replaced, you should do so before hitting the road. A tire popping while out on the road will mean costly towing service and delays. Tire rotation is a simple service that should be done periodically and is part of most manufacturers recommended routine service.

Be sure that before you leave if your due for your routine scheduled maintenance to have it performed. This includes the 30k, 60k, and 90k services. If your air filter needs to be changed, it’s a good idea to have this done as well. It can improve fuel economy along with an oil change. Have your German car service done with the best at Ryan GMW.

Posted on

What Is A Tire Sidewall?

Invision driving down the road and all of a sudden your tire blows out. Tire blowouts can be a frightening experience and a dangerous one at high speeds. Tires have a limited, and it’s dependant on a few factors. They are affected by road conditions, the amount of mileage put on them, and age. When the time comes to replace a tire(s), you will want to find the appropriate tire size that works for your vehicle.

How do you know what tire you would need to order? While you can bring your car into the German Auto Specialist at Ryan GMW to get your tires rotated, you can also have tires ordered that fit your vehicle perfectly. Most know that the tire size is found directly on the tire. Your vehicle will likely also have a tag indicating the appropriate tire size to fit on factory wheels that came on your car. However, if you have changed the wheels on your car, the tire size could be different.

If you want to change your wheels to an aftermarket set, or simply order tires to fit your existing one, being able to decode a tire label is handy. Let’s break down the essential information that appears on the sidewall of a tire to gain a better understanding.

In this picture, you’ll see the need to know info about the tire. Right now it may look like just numbers with a sprinkle of letters here, but let’s start decoding. You’ll want to read the tire left to right as you usually would. No trickier here!

The first letter that appears, in this case, P, is the type of vehicle the tire is suitable for. The P means a passenger vehicle. Other options include:

T – Temporary Spare
LT – Light Truck
C – Commercial
ST – Special Trailer

Next, you’ll see a set of numbers. These groups of numbers indicate the size of the tire and are the most useful to know. The first set, in this case, 215, indicates the section width. It measures in millimeters the width from sidewall to the sidewall at it’s widest point. Next, the following two-digit number, 55, is the aspect ratio which is the height of the sidewall compared to the width. The bigger the aspect ratio number is, the bigger the sidewall.

There may or may not be a letter present in between the last set of numbers. For this example there is. The R represents that the tire is Radial, which just means the layers run radially across.

Finally, the last set of numbers, 17, indicates the wheel size by its diameter. This number is probably the most essential to know, depending on who you ask. If you order or receive the wrong wheel size tire, it won’t fit, not in a million years. Wheel size varies, so checking your tire can help identify what size wheel you have if you don’t know. They can come as small as 15 and go up to 22 or even larger. However, most vehicles come stock with 16,17 or 18 which are standard.

There’s plenty of other information on the tire, including its manufacturer and DOT specs such as it’s load rating, but the string of numbers above are the most essential to know. A BMW Mechanic Near Me can help to put new tires on, rotate, and order the correct size to fit your vehicle for the best road performance.

Posted on

Effective Car Cleaning Tips

Keeping your BMW, Mercedes, or Mini Cooper clean year round should be a priority. To maintain its factory paint finish, exterior upkeep including detail cleaning is an absolute must! Every day that you drive your car, it is subjected to road grime, bugs, and other contaminants that can harm the paint causing imperfections like scratches. But by maintaining a regular cleaning pattern or schedule, you can remove the debris that makes your vehicle’s finish appear dull or dirty.

While you might assume that going through the automatic car wash is the best solution to get the gunk off your car quickly, you should reconsider. Automatic car washes won’t do the best job. In fact, if you go to the car wash that has spinning scrubbers, you could hurt your paint job more so. Any car wash that makes contact with other vehicles is essentially picking up all the debris that was on their car, then spreading it to yours. This could include rocks, which can scratch your paint terrible. Touchless automatic car washes are slightly better, for it’s less risky, but they don’t do near as good a job as at-home washings with the correct products.

Tip 1: Power Wash

If you have access to a power washer, doesn’t matter if it is gas or electric, this equipment works exceptionally well at removing tough, caked on road debris and bugs. Starting out with a good rinse can also losing tougher dirt that can be removed with a soapy sponge after. Power washing is safe on factory paint and won’t cause any damage.

Tip 2: Clay Bars

If you’re unfamiliar with clay bars, they are an excellent addition to any at home car cleaning product arsenal. Clay bars, when appropriately used, will gently lift stuck on dirt that has embedded in the paint without damaging the surrounding areas. Several manufacturers produce clay bars, but all will do the same thing. The most important tip with this product is not to drop them. Because clay bars will pick up dirt and debris like a champ, if you drop them they will attach more debris to them. So be careful while handling and if you put them down, use a clean surface to set them on.

Tip 3: Cleaning the Engine Bay

Some people shy away from cleaning under the hood, for fear of damage. German Car Repair has been known to get slightly expensive, which is why some choose never to open the hood and only look for BMW Repair Near Me when it’s time for service. That’s absolutely fine too. But there are some parts of your engine bay that you can clean if you are nervous to take a power washer under the hood. (Which is really discouraged anyway) You can wipe down the sides, underneath the hood, and engine cover. This can make your car look a hundred times better, and well maintained. Cleaning under the hood of your car can also be a great a time to inspect your hoses and belts for wear.

Tip 4: Finish With a Wax

Waxing doesn’t have to be done every time you wash the exterior of your vehicle. But you should apply a good wax product every three months for the best protective results. Wax can help prevent sun fading spots and unnecessary scratches. It is a must-use product for anyone wanting to preserve their car’s exterior.

These three tips can take your car from looking dull, to restoring its brilliance in just a few hours. For larger imperfections in the paint finish you’ll have to have it corrected by a paint specialist, but maintaining the paint job of your car can make it last much longer.

 

Posted on

What To Expect From A Mercedes Mechanic?

Modern vehicles are far more superior to their older counterparts, and you don’t have to worry about tune-ups and repairs as much. However, they have also become much more complicated and, as it stands, the issues have also evolved quite a lot.

Finding the right Roseville Mercedes mechanic is one thing but being aware of what he can do for you is something entirely different.

With this said, we’ve prepared a few tips on the matter and, hopefully, after going through, you’d know what to expect.

Tune-ups

Tune-ups is what you look for when your vehicle doesn’t perform as intended or as you want it to. There are certain engine parts that you can replace to improve its performance. Your Mercedes is a combination of particularly complex electrical and mechanical components, and each one of them has its purpose. Touching a few ones here and there might boost your car’s performance.

A Mercedes repair in Roseville, however, might include a lot more than just tuning up your vehicle.

Engine Repairs

Engine repairs are critical for your vehicle. You need to make sure that they are carried out quickly and professionally to guarantee that everything is handled correctly and that your car is in excellent condition. The one thing that you don’t want to mess up with is your engine.

Steering System Repairs

Wheel alignment repair is necessary when your wheels do not respond appropriately to the commands of the wheel or when they are merely misaligned. It is something quite extraordinary. Another thing in this particular department is the power steering service.

Brakes

Your brakes are what is keeping you and your family perfectly safe. Mercedes brake parts and repairs tend to be quite expensive. However, it is particularly important to ensure that they are in top condition. Mercedes, as a rule, is a relatively costly brand to maintain due to its exclusivity. However, they are also amongst the top-quality brands where you don’t expect common issues to take place that often.

Now, these are some of the shared services that you would be able to expect from professional shops and car repair services. Of course, it is also quite essential to make sure that you are well aware of the venue you are visiting. It is critical to guarantee that everything is taken care of properly so that you can rest assured that you receive the necessary level of professionalism.

Handling your issues is one thing, making sure that they are managed professionally is another. There are plenty of sub-par venues where you would receive lower quality service which is unacceptable. What is more, masking an issue and marking it as resolved when, in fact, it’s not yet touched, is something that you have to be aware of. Make sure to examine the venue that you visit in advance to guarantee that there are no unexpected turns of events and that everything is handled correctly.

Posted on

Common Mercedes Problems: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re looking for a Mercedes repair in Rocklin, you are probably experiencing an issue with your beloved German treasure. As much as people love Mercedes as it is one of the most reliable car brands out there, you still have to know that they, just like any others, experience issues.

When an issue of any kind presents itself, the very first thing that you might want to do is to ensure the safety of everyone else and get the car to a professional Mercedes service in Rocklin, CA. However, here are some of the common issues that might take place with your vehicle, especially when it comes to Mercedes.

Noisy Struts in E Class Models

When we talk about the shocks and struts, especially if you are driving an E-class model from 1989 to 1995, this is something to consider. You may also hear rattling as well as banging sounds which are coming from leaking or loose struts. It’s a standard issue that you have to keep in mind and take care of quickly.

Insulation Damage

Another common issue that Mercedes owner might experience is related to damage done to the insulation in the harness wires of the engine. A speedy vehicle inspection service is likely to pinpoint the exact place where the cost has taken place and ensure that it is being taken care of properly.

Oil Leaks in the Electronic Transmission

It is something that takes place in electronic transmissions in vehicles made after 1995. It might be prone to graphite buildup from the clutches because of oil leaks.

You have to be sure to take care of it as quickly as you can because your transmission is the end thing that you want to have issues with – it is quintessential that you take care of it quicker.

Ignition Failure – Spark Plugs

If you have old spark plugs, your Mercedes might fail to start. Relax, though, as it’s not the most pressing issue and it is one that you might want to take care of quickly. It is a problem that you might have to deal with when you go for more than 75,000 miles.

Now, of course, these are far from being the only issues that Mercedes owners might have to deal with, but they are undoubtedly amongst the most common ones. Suspension repair is another thing that you might want to keep in mind when it comes to it – this one is very critical to handle.

All in all, the truth is that you have to find a reliable service provider with years of experience in the field. He will be able to help you out and to make sure that your problems, regardless of whatever they may be, are properly taken care of. It is something that has to be taken into account because relying on a professional Mercedes mechanic is just as important as identifying the issue in the first place. He will guarantee that the problem is taken care of.