Category: Auto Repair & Services

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What Is The Oil Light For In A Car?

Oil is more than vital for your vehicle: it brings life. The oil circuit starts in the oil pan, and your oil pump will take the lubricating fluid and distribute it to passages around the block. It is directed to the crankshaft bearings, camshaft bearings, valve shifts, and other moving parts in your engine and the surrounding area.

Modern formulations often include detergents, so the owner’s manual recommends regular oil changes and filter changes. These natural changes keep your engine happy and running well. However, your vehicle can experience slight drops in oil pressure, and when instances like it happen, do not ignore.

For most vehicles, the oil light is either a tiny oil can or an indicator that says ‘oil’ or something along those lines. But what does the oil light mean?

Stop the car: one of your first steps, after you notice that your oil light has come on, is to stop because this will not be a drill. When the oil light comes on, it means that your engine has suffered a drop in oil pressure. Without this oil pressure, it cannot self-lubricate, and it will ‘self-destruct.’ It is never going to be news that you can take lightly. If you fail to replace your oil on time, your engine will incur high damage internally. It is truly a ticking time bomb.

Whether you immediately pull into the shop or go home, you need to be aware that you may not have enough time on your side, so do not take an oil pressure for granted. Stopping your car to understand the issue is key.

A primary cause of low oil pressure in your vehicle will point to little oil. If there is not enough oil to keep up with the pump’s demand, there will not be oil pressure at all for very short periods of time. While this does not sound serious, a minute without oil pressure can ultimately ruin your engine.

Another cause for a bright oil light is a failing oil pump. An engine is rarely so revved up that an oil passage becomes blocked to the point of reduced oil pressure. It can happen, but typically, this is due to a failing oil pump or blockage. It is the most likely cause of low oil pressure.

Whether you are riding along the highway or in the city, you should always try to immediately stop when you see that your oil light comes on. Check your oil, and add engine oil if you have it available. After adding engine oil, check to see if the light goes off. If it does not, take your car into the shop. Although you may not want to incur those shop fees, it will be much worse if you suffer severe damage to your engine, and possibly to your vehicle.

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How Often Should You Change Your Car Fuel Filter?

You may not realize how important it is to change your fuel filter, but it is never too late to learn. To help preserve the life of your car, educate yourself on the inner workings of your vehicle, including the importance of the fuel system filter.

Your vehicle’s fuel system, most obviously, has a vital job in the grand scheme. It stores and supplies the gasoline, or diesel fuel, that your vehicle needs to run. The fuel pump acts as the heart in your body: it will pump fuel through the fuel lines. The fuel filter will grab anything that could be potentially harmful to your vehicle. The key segments of the fuel system are the fuel pump, fuel gauge, fuel tank, fuel filter, fuel lines, and fuel injectors.

Focusing on the fuel filter: this component of the fuel system is required to maintain a clean flow of fuel through to your engine. Some vehicles have two fuel filters: one filter being inside the fuel tank, and the other in-line between the fuel tank and the engine. Some vehicles have just one fuel filter, which has an integration with the fuel pump module assembly.

Fuel filters serve a vital function for your engine. Unfiltered fuel can contain several harmful materials: rust, dirt, and other debris. Your fuel filter will remove these materials because, if it cannot, they can cause damage to high-precision components. When fewer contaminants are present in the fuel that your vehicle uses, the more efficiently you will use it – the more efficiently your vehicle will run. If a fuel filter becomes clogged, the fuel pump must work hard to get pump past the clog. This issue can lead to damage in the electric fuel pump.

Now that you understand the importance of the fuel system filter, you may wonder how often to change fuel filter. If your transportation has a replaceable in-line fuel filter, it is an excellent idea to replace it every 30,000 miles. A few good indications that you need to change your fuel filter are wear and rust. The other systems will include the hard starts, idling, hesitation, fuel leaks, the smell of fuel, and poor overall vehicle performance. If you notice these signs and are not sure, seek a professional’s advice.

A properly running fuel filter system will make sure that your vehicle runs efficiently on the fuel that it needs. All toxins are for removal, and only vital energy is added into your vehicle’s engine.

If you have gone unchecked, your fuel filter may cease to work well. Debris and other potentially harmful materials will get into your fuel and your engine and dramatically affect the performance – and lifetime – of your vehicle. The importance of regular vehicle maintenance is to help increase its life.

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Change Your Oil, Change The Life Of Your Car

Oil is the heart of your vehicle. It offers the proper lubrication and protection that keeps every car running smoothly and efficiently. An oil change is a pivotal part of regular maintenance of your vehicle. You may ask: how does driving around affect how often I will need an oil change? After all, your car is designed for driving. Here are some of the conditions that will ultimately influence the life of your oil.

Whether your oil lasts or needs changing more often than usual will depend on your driving habits. In ideal conditions, cruising on the highway will allow your oil to stay at the perfect temperature. Fuel and water should not be accumulating under these circumstances. Now, if you are driving at high speeds, your fast acceleration and speeding can raise the temperature of your oil and reduce its viscosity, which will expose the engine to greater wear.

If you drive primarily within city limits, there are also issues that you may encounter that cause you to change oil more often. Frequent starts and stops, which are also common problems on the highway, hurt your vehicle because oil is not able to sufficiently warm up. It may accumulate water and fuel due to prolonged idling. It will cause the build-up of corrosion and sludge.

A regular oil change is basic vehicle maintenance; driving correctly can ensure that this does not need to happen more often than it normally should.

Weather can also affect the oil in your vehicle. At lower temperatures, oil will thicken, and that will reduce pumping efficiency. Thus, it will take longer for your car to reach engine parts so that it can provide the protection and lubrication that it should. On the other hand, warmer conditions can make it harder to keep the motor cool. Engine oils are not designed to perform under high temperatures. These oils will lose the ability to protect the engine’s moving parts as quickly as if they were at optimal temperatures.

You can help to reduce the cost of oil change over time by not pushing your vehicle through unnecessary speeding, stopping, or other demanding conditions. Oils are ultimately designed to operate at higher temperatures and will help keep your engine protected. It will contribute to prolong your engine’s life and help it to run more efficiently.

However, there is something to be said about unpredictability: you cannot always avoid those sudden stops if you have the highway to work each morning. Some conditions simply cannot help. It can be a big help if you are going to pay attention to the status of your engine and when you check the engine oil. Never let this go: your vehicle will suffer for it, and you could lose it prematurely.

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Is It A Starter Or Battery Problem?

You are having a problem starting your car; it is slow cranking, or when you turn the key to start it the lights dim, or you hear absolutely nothing or you hear a clicking.

These things can indicate either a starter or battery problem. However, these symptoms can also indicate other problems.

If you are unsure which it is, you can bring your vehicle to an Auburn BMW Repair shop that can help you by testing your battery and starter.

Signs Your Battery Is Getting Weak

Your battery can become weak over time. Here are a few signs that your battery is becoming weak;

  • Your car cranks slower
  • You hear clicking when you turn your key or press the start button
  • The car started yesterday but won’t start or was extremely slow starting the next day
  • Battery terminals are corroded
  • The battery case looks bloated
  • Your battery is older than 3 years old

If you notice any of those problems, a BMW Repair Rocklin shop can help you.

How To Maintain Your Battery?

There are some things you can do to help maintain your battery and keep it working well.

  • Check the battery post/connections for corrosion and clean it off. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a cup of warm water, stir it up. Pour the mixture over the terminals and use a wire brush to remove the corrosion.
  • Make sure the connections are tight.
  • Check the fluid inside the battery if your battery has lids to do that.
  • Visually inspect the outside for leaks which can cause corrosion, bulging of the battery, or other signs that your battery does not look right.

Signs Your Starter Is Going Bad

As with other parts on your vehicle over time your starter will wear out; what are the signs that your start is going bad?

  • When you start your car, you hear any of the following sounds; buzzing, whirring, grinding, or clicking
  • Your lights dim when you start your car

If You Think Your Starter Is Going Bad, Here Are Some Things You Can Do

If you are having trouble starting your car and think it may be your starter;

  • Make sure all the connections are tight; that includes bolts that mount it.
  • Make sure the wires are not frayed or showing through the coating.

Understanding The Ignition System Of Your Vehicle

There are several parts to your ignition system;

  • The battery provides electrical power to the other components
  • The electrical current is sent through the alternator
  • The starter when the key is turned brings the electrical current from the battery through the alternator to start the vehicle.

Getting Help For Your Starter Or Battery

If you have been experiencing issues when starting your car and are unsure of what it is or how to fix it; bring your vehicle into BMW Repair and we will test the battery and starter for you.

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How Often Should You Oil Change Your Car?

How often you should change the oil in your car will depend on the make and model of the car, how the car is, and what type of oil is put in the car’s engine.

You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on what type of oil you use.

If you prefer to take your car to a shop to have the oil changed; stop by a BMW Service Rocklin shop.

What will you need to do an oil change?

Here are the things you will need in order to do the oil change yourself;

  • An oil drain pan; these can be found in any automotive parts store
  • A few rags; in case you spill the oil
  • The correct wrench or socket
  • Safety glasses to protect your eyes from oil, dirt, rust, and other debris that could fall from the bottom of the car
  • Oil filter: these come in different shapes and size as well as different qualities so make sure you get the correct one for your auto; some oil filters are only good for 3000 miles other one are good for 5000 miles
  • Oil; check your owner’s manual/guide to see how many quarts are required and what weight of oil should be used 10W40 10W30 etc.
  • A jack and jack stands as well as wheel blocks

Step by step guide for changing oil in your car.

If you change the oil yourself make sure you have everything gathered together before draining oil from your car.

Step one: The first step is to put the emergency brake on, block the back wheels with something like a large concrete block, then jack the front up and place a jack stand under each side. This will allow you to have room to get under the car to the oil pan of the vehicle.

Step two: using the wrench or socket loosen the drain plug and allow the oil to drain. Also remove the used oil filter, before placing the new filter on car dip your gloved finger into some fresh auto oil and gently rub it around the gasket “oh ring” on the filter. Hand-tighten the filter, do not over tighten.

Step three: Replace the drain plug, and fill the auto engine with oil. Make sure there are no drips or leaks before taking the vehicle off the jack stands and starting the engine.

Now if this sounds like it might be too intense or you do not have time you can always come by BMW Service for an oil change.

Why oil changes are important?

The reason you need to do oil changes on timed intervals of 3000 or 5000 miles depending on the owner’s guide is to make sure your engine runs well and last a long time.

It is also good for the resale price if you have your records to show you maintained the engine.

If you are in the area, swing by a Auburn BMW service shop to take care of that oil change.

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Common BMW Problems & Repair Tips

When considering buying a used BMW, there are some common problems you should be on the lookout. Some years and models are prone to more complaints than others. Keep this in mind. It is always a good idea to do your research before making an investment into a used car. These are not all the issues that could arise, but they are the most frequent mechanical problems experienced by BMW owners.

1. Check Engine Light appears, even though it runs great. This little mischief maker can drive a person crazy. No one likes to see the light on the dash especially when it doesn’t seem like there is a reason for it. Often the reason for this to occur is an emission leak somewhere in the air intake system. However, if the check engine light does appear don’t delay. Ryan G. Motorworks has an in-house BMW master technician who has the experience, and that will resolve even the most complex issues. All BMW service will provide the accurate diagnosis, and an expert technician solves all problems.

2. Electrical Problems that are mostly in association with windshield wiper functions can range from easy fixes to more complex. It is best to get it diagnosed quickly. It could be as simple as a ground issue. Frayed wires can cause systems to go crazy.

3. Blower Motor for heat and air conditioning stops working or doesn’t function correctly, whenever there is a failure of the blower motor or an electrical issue associated with the fan motor. These are found most commonly on the older 5 and three series.

4. Engine Oil and coolant mixing, not exactly what you might think: This is a common problem that is most often confused as a blown head gasket. It has similar symptoms such as a buildup of oil in the cooling reservoir and overheating. However, it is the oil cooler gasket that has failed.

5. Engine Misfires accompanied by the Check Engine Light, or CEL. That whole sentence is enough to make anyone cringe when thinking about car problems. The most common symptom of a misfire is the engine running rough. More than likely it is related to a bad ignition coil or even a hose that has collapsed. Again, if you see a CEL, it is best to get it looked at right away. You can trust Ryan G. Motorworks to accurately diagnose any CEL issues with the expert team of master BMW technicians.

BMW SERVICE AND BMW REPAIR

It is best always to do research when getting a used car, but hopefully, after reading these top 5 common problems to be on the lookout for you can save yourself some headache. If you happen to pick up a BMW for your next car, have a skilled and trained professional such as Ryan G. Motorworks on your side. They will keep it running as good as the day it rolled off the lot.

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Pros & Cons Of Buying A Used Car

Often when purchasing a new to you, used car, getting caught up in the excitement of a new car day can overshadow what you should be focusing. There are many things to consider when buying a BMW, including common issues, and where you are going have your BMW repairs done. Stop by Ryan G. Motorworks and they can inspect it for you after your purchase. Let’s take a minute to examine some of the pros and cons of buying a used BMW.

IT IS A FOREIGN CAR MANUFACTURER (CON)

With this in mind, some things are universally true about foreign cars. Parts are a little more expensive and sometimes harder to find. It is a general rule of thumb as well that owning a non-domestic vehicle you should have a great BMW repair shop on hand for your routine maintenance. Grass Valley BMW Repair can handle any issue that arises.

IT IS A FOREIGN CAR MANUFACTURER (PRO)

While it is a con being a foreign car, it can also be a pro. Parts have been proven to last longer than most domestic vehicles. So while it may be a bit more expensive to fix, parts wise, it won’t happen near as often as a chevy or ford.

BMW HAS ALWAYS BEEN FAMOUS FOR QUALITY OF INTERIOR (PRO)

With higher end finishes there is a reason why BMW’s are so in demand. They just only look good. Instead of the cheap looking interior, they offer premium leather, with typically all the options that could be available to you. What’s not to love about heated leather seats or a premium sound system?

QUALITY OF THE MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION (PRO)

For years BMW has been recognized for their reliability when it comes to the key components of their cars, this primarily includes the motor and Trans. With a higher hp and torque available to you it is more fun to drive knowing you aren’t going to be damaging the heart of your car.

COST OF THE VEHICLE (PRO/CON DEPENDING)

If you are planning to buy off a dealership, a used BMW can run you quite a bit more. Often to get the upgraded year or better options or even lower mileage you are going to be paying a hefty premium. On the other hand, if you buy off high individual saving could be had. However buying off an individual doesn’t always dictate the greatest condition. If you opt to get one, you have to make sure that you bring it to a service center to get all routine maintenance done. Ryan GMW serves many locations, including a BMW repair shop Truckee.

CONCLUSION

If you are in the game to get a new BMW, the best advice is to take your time and look over your options. Consider the pros and cons. If after you made your selection and decided to become a BMW owner, ensure that you have a BMW repair shop. Ryan G. Motorworks has a master technician who specializes in ALL BMW’s, and expert technician resolves all problems. Feel confident knowing your BMW will be in good hands, and they will keep it running like new whether you have 10,000 miles or 100,000.

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Top 6 Common Problems With A Mini Cooper

Before you buy a Mini Cooper you should be aware of the top 6 problems with the Mini Cooper; it may just change your mind on buying one.

THE PROBLEMS YOU WILL FIND IN THE MINI COOPER

The problems you could find with the Mini Cooper are:

  1. Clutch on manual transmissions wear prematurely
  2. Timing chains/belts wear out or rattle faster than they should
  3. Failure of electric steering pump
  4. Water pump and thermostat leaking causing overheating
  5. Transmission problems due to the company claim that their transmission do not need fluid changes
  6. Front radiator support made of plastic which holds the radiator, condenser, and fan; with the car that sits that low it does not take a very big bump or pothole to damage the radiator support which can then, in turn, cause damage to the radiator and cause leaks

WHERE TO GO IF YOU HAVE MINI COOPER DOOR WINDOW PROBLEMS

What if you have an issue with the windows not going up and down properly or the door locks not working properly? If you are in the Roseville area you can visit Mini Cooper Repair Roseville in order to have them inspect and fix the issue.

Sometimes with the windows, it is as simple as lubing the track, other times you will need to have a regulator installed in order to make the window work properly again.

That is not the only Mini Cooper problem we can fix in our Roseville repair shop so if you have issues with your Mini drop by and let us help you diagnose and fix the problem.

WHERE TO GO WHEN YOU HEAR RATTLING OR ODD NOISE WHEN MINI IS SHIFTING

These rattles and other odd noises when your Mini is shifting could be coming from either your timing belt/chain or your transmission.

The best way to diagnose and fix the problem is to drop by the Mini Cooper Repair Shop in Rocklin. Our technicians can help you get a proper diagnosis, then get you repaired and back on the road.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR MINI IS OVERHEATING

If your Mini Cooper is overheating it could be due to a leak in the water pump housing or thermostat. If you want to know for sure what the issue is, then stop by Mini Cooper Repair in Sacramento where our technicians can you give the proper diagnosis and an estimate on what it will cost to fix.If you allow the overheating issue to continue it can lead to damage to the radiator and/or heads. That is one headache you do not need!

CONCLUSION

Regardless of what the issue is with your Mini Cooper, one of our shops that are located in; Sacramento, Rocklin, or Roseville can help you diagnose the problem and get it fixed so you are back on the road again.

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Engine Failure & How to Avoid It

Your vehicle’s engine is one of the most important parts of your car. The engine is the heart of it all, composed of various moving parts all working together in unison to power the vehicle down the road.

It’s not difficult to diagnose your engine trouble yourself, you just have to know what to look for and if you’re able to identify these issues early enough, it’s recommended you take your vehicle in for an engine service right away.

SELF DIAGNOSE CHECKLIST

  • Check Engine Light: Don’t ignore it! The engine light only illuminates to help you take preventative action and should be respected at all times.
  • Leaks: It’s very important that you keep an eye out for spots or stains underneath your vehicle. This could indicate that you have a leak. If you have a large leak, it could mean serious trouble for your engine.
  • Unfamiliar Noises: Odd or strange sounds coming from your engine is always a concern. Don’t wait, take immediate action before it leads to a financial headache
  • Low Oil Pressure: Pay attention to your dashboard gauges
  • Loss of Engine Power
  • Misfiring
  • Hardstarting
  • Overheating: When your engine overheats, it could mean a variety of things, but it’s important to shut your engine off as soon as it begins overheating. You could crack a head and even ruin your engine altogether if you continue to run a overheating engine.

ADDITIONAL ADVICE TO AVOID ENGINE FAILURE

It is recommended that you avoid driving your vehicle through standing water. This could easily flood your engine and create havoc. The intake manifold sends an air-fuel mixture into the engine. In the event that water contaminates this mixture, it could cause the piston rods to bend and seize the engine completely.

Engine service or repairs can be costly so it’s important to take all the precautions you can to increase the life of your vehicle. Frequent oil changes are at the top of the list. Your engine oil lubricates your engine preventing friction which can lead to overheating which in turn can cause complete engine shut down. Engine replacements can cost anywhere from $3,000-$9,500. In comparison, oil changes cost around $40-$60. Flushing your engine cooling system every three years can increase the life of your engine as well. These cost around $100-$150.

The cost of maintenance is far less than the cost of an engine change. Don’t ignore the warning signs of engine failure. Be sure to get your engine service as soon as it shows any of the warning signs. Proper engine service and maintenance could help you avoid costly repairs in the future.

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How Important Are 30k-60k-90k Services?

It is important to get your car serviced frequently. Proper servicing is important for increasing the life of your car. Frequent oil changes, checking filters, lights, belts, hoses, and all the odds and ends. 30K-60K-90K services involve all of those things and more.

Ryan G. Motorworks is now offering the best qualified trained mechanics and customer service to handle your BMW repair in Roseville. Don’t miss this opportunity today.

30K-60K-90K Services

Services include:

  • Oil change service – Oil change services are critical for the life of your engine. Oil is the life of your engine; it lubricates the moving parts. Without oil, your vehicle would not perform. At least not for very long.
  • Inspection and/or replacement of filters (air, cabin, fuel, etc.)- According to studies, changing the various filters in your vehicle increase the performance of your vehicle.
  • Tire inspection, pressure check – It’s quite obvious why this is important. Having the right amount of air in your tires is extremely important for keeping your vehicle on the road and avoiding causing damage to other parts of your vehicle. They also inspect the tread to ensure that it is still safe to drive on and will inform you how much longer your tires have left to live.
  • Inspection of brakes and rotors – A thorough inspection of your brakes and rotors are important because without the brakes, your vehicle would be a fast moving machine with almost no way to stop it.
  • Check all lights, belts, and hoses – Ensuring that all your lights are important for keeping you and other drivers safe on the road. Belts need to be replaced so that they do not break on you while you are going down the road and for other important things that keep your car moving. If you have a leak in a hose it can seriously cause a lot of problems.
  • Inspection of drive train
  • Inspection of fuel system and fuel injector cleaning service – Mechanic will clean the injector, the fuel lines and the gas pump with a cleaner and starts the engine cleaning process. The mechanic will will apply another cleaner to the engine directly while it is warm. This cleaner will help remove carbon deposits and other buildup from the combustion chambers. The mechanic then cleans the air intake by hand with a different cleaner, using a bottle brush to remove any deposits that may disturb the air flow.
  • Vehicle road test
  • At higher mileages, an inspection of your spark plugs and timing belt, transmission and differential fluid check.

While many manufacturers have no recommendations for changing your transmission and differential fluid check, but having them checked could help avoid future problems. It is recommended to have your vehicle serviced before any long trip to ensure that you don’t end up stranded miles away from home. Having these components inspected and serviced by a professional is important for ensuring that your vehicle has optimum life.