blog

Posted on

What Does an Alamo Audi Service Include?

Alamo Audi Repair service
juan-lara 2021-11-15

European cars require as much specialized expertise to service as they do to engineer. Read on to find out more about our local Alamo Audi Service and how it can optimize your Audi’s performance for years to come.  

European Cars Require Specialized Service

Whether you drive an Audi, Jaguar, Mercedes, Volvo, or Porsche, you know that European cars are known for their high technology and style along with precise performance. A true German vehicle mechanic understands your Audi’s unique structure, engine, and parts, and will be able to service them to maximize the car’s performance. It’s worth it to see a mechanic that specializes in European cars: when you open up the hood of a Honda next to the hood of an Audi, you’ll see the vast difference between American and German engineering. 

AUDI SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS

This German luxury brand is known for its trademark Quattro all-wheel-drive system. To maintain its excellent and reliable performance, we recommend maintenance services every 10,000 miles or every 12 months: whichever occurs first. 

What Does Our Alamo Audi Repair Service Include?

Lafayette German Car repair offers complete, bumper-to-bumper mechanical work using the latest computer diagnostic equipment. Furthermore, we perform all mechanical repairs, both major repairs and general maintenance, along with performance upgrades. Here’s just a sampling of what we do: 

 

  • Belts and Hoses

  • Brake System Repair

  • Control Unit Software Updates

  • Fuel Economy Inspection

  • Fuel Injection Cleaning and Service

  • Heating and Air Conditioning Service

  • Hydraulic and Air

  • Oil, Lube, and Filter Service

  • Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection

  • Preventive Maintenance and Fluid Flushes

  • Regular Scheduled Maintenance

  • Suspension and Steering Repair

  • Synthetic Oil Change

  • Transmission Service

  • Airbag and SRS Systems

  • Anti-Lock Brake Service and Diagnostics

  • Battery Replacement and Service

  • Computer Diagnostics (Check Engine Light, Airbag Light, etc.)

  • Electrical and/or Wiring Problems

  • Interior / Exterior Lighting Replacement

  • Starting and Charging Diagnosis

COMPETITIVE DEALS AND PACKAGES

We want to give you the best deals and packages to keep your Audi running smoothly and efficiently. Our packages and special deals are a great way to receive needed services at a fraction of the cost. Here are just a few of our clients’ favorite packages: 

  • New customers receive 5% off recommended services costing over $100. 

  • AAA members receive 10% off recommended services costing over $100.

  • Brake specials

  • Receive $50.00 off your next four-axle brake pad and rotor replacement service.

  • For a limited time only. Receive $30.00 off your next air condition service

  • $250 off with a minimum of $1,000 of Body Work.

  • $25.00 off oil and filter change service

 

Don’t skimp on servicing your Audi. By maintaining your car’s multitude of parts, you can enjoy driving it for the duration of its lifespan. 

Complete  Alamo Audi Service  

If you’re in need of professional automotive maintenance or repair for your European car, you can rely on us. Contact Lafayette German Car Repair by calling (925) 284 – 3390. We offer exclusive deals, excellent service, and long-lasting results!

Posted on

4 Car Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

car repair pleasant hill
juan-lara 2021-10-15

So  you need Car Repair Pleasant Hill ? Many of us are guilty of ignoring the warning lights that pop up on our dashboard. Car problems are often inconvenient and expensive to repair, which is why pretending nothing is wrong feels easier… That is, until your car finally breaks down. The reality is that cars are intricate machines with thousands of parts, and over time these parts wear out. Ignoring symptoms of a failing car could end up putting you in danger… And end up sending your car to the junk yard for good. 

Avoid the Junk Yard Fate 

Pleasant Hill Major  Car Services 

In this article, we’ll go over the warning signs that your car could be seriously in trouble. Read on for the most dangerous car symptoms to never ignore. Remember, if your car shows any of these signs, stop driving and call a mechanic as soon as possible.

Car Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Excessive Smoke

It can be very alarming to see smoke coming from your vehicle. Not all smoke means that your car is about to explode, though: in colder weather, white smoke might actually be water vapor, which is harmless. Thick, black smoke accompanied by a burning smell, though, could mean that you have an oil leak, a blown gasket, or a clogged fuel injector. If you notice dark smoke emitting from your vehicle, check the exhaust pipe and bumper area for a black residue. All of these signs point to countless different problems with consequences at varying degrees of emergency. A mechanic will be able to diagnose the issue and correct it.

Brake Issues

Malfunctioning brakes can be deadly. If while driving, you experience vibrating, pulling, or difficulty pressing the pedal down, get to the next available appointment at your mechanic. Abnormalities with brakes could indicate worn or poor brake pads, suspension system issues, or alignment issues. Also, squealing noises indicate the metal on the brake pads has been exposed and requires immediate brake pad replacement. Whatever the problem may be, it’s not safe to drive with unreliable brakes.

Call (925) 2284 – 3390 for Maintenance Services

Wobbly Steering

Anything that impedes your control over the car is a danger to you and all the vehicles, or pedestrians, around you. A plethora of different problems could cause a shaky feeling in the steering wheel, which is why it’s best to have a mechanic take a look. For example, your tires may be out of alignment, off-balance, flat, or worn out. Or it might be your brake pads – warped rotors or worn brake pads can cause a steering wheel to shake. Poorly aligned suspension or a loose wheel bearing could also be the cause, and the latter could even detach your wheel from your car. 

Check Engine Light

This is perhaps the single most terrifying and mysterious light on your dashboard. It indicates that something is wrong, but what? You have no way of knowing whether it’s an actively occurring engine failure or an easily replaceable defective ignition coil. Electrical? Mechanical? Signaling imminent doom? To spare yourself the anxiety, take your car to a mechanic when this dashboard item lights up. 

Call Car Repair Pleasant Hill Now

If you’re in need of professional automotive maintenance or repair, you can rely on us. We are available for your car emergencies and the little details that keep your car running smoothly and efficiently. Contact Lafayette German Car Repair by calling (925) 2284 – 3390. We offer great deals, excellent service, and long-lasting results! 

Posted on

Overlooked Automotive Services that Extend Your Car’s Lifespan

Overlooked Automotive Services
juan-lara 2021-08-12

Read on for the best – and most overlooked automotive services to extend your car’s lifespan and enjoy its optimized performance for as long as possible

A car can be a roadside companion and a source of pride for many years if it is well taken care of. As a rule, car owners should schedule a regular professional automotive service following the maintenance schedule advised by the vehicle’s manufacturer to optimize car performance and longevity. Keep in mind that every car is different. Your car’s same model under alternate weather conditions or driving on better-quality roads may yield different requirements for maintenance, so stay in tune with your car and its needs by checking a few key parts regularly.

1) Car Battery Maintenance

The importance of maintaining your car battery cannot be overstated – your car’s battery keeps the electrical parts of your car running smoothly, including your car’s alternator. It is vital to get the battery regularly tested and checked for damage. Extreme temperatures, corrosion, or even just regular wear and tear can prevent your battery from performing its best. This is a very important automotive service to stay on top of, for obvious reasons.

2) Oil and Fluids Check

If your car was made within the last decade, it most likely will benefit from oil-change intervals at 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every 6 to 12 months. With this parameter in mind, check your car owner’s manual to see your specific vehicle maintenance recommendations. Even if you don’t drive your car frequently, it’s important to keep the oil fresh by changing it once or twice a year – this is because oil degrades over time. If left unchecked, low or poor quality oil can damage your car’s engine.

3) Keep it Clean Inside and Out

Cleaning the inside and outside of your car regularly helps to preserve its appearance and keep it in good condition for longer. This increases your car’s value, and a car is an investment that you need to take care of!

  • Car Exterior: Grime, dirt, and salt from the road can wear away at your car’s paint and make the exterior of your car more susceptible to rust. Wash the outside of your car every two weeks at the minimum to prevent the buildup of grime.
  • Car Interior: Most automakers recommend cleaning the interior of your car at least once a month. Neglecting to clean the inside of a car can result in bacteria and lingering odors, especially if trash or food wrappers are left sitting in a car.

4) Make Use of your Owner’s Manual

To truly ensure that your car functions optimally, you will have to know some basic car maintenance and parts to check in between professional services. Dust off the owner’s manual that’s been wedged in the back of your glove compartment. Reading through your car’s manual is probably the best thing you can do to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of your particular model — plus, you’ll find a recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle.

Schedule a Professional Overlooked Automotive Services

If you’re in need of professional automotive service, you can rely on us. Contact Lafayette German Car Repair today by calling (925) 284-3390. We offer great deals and high-quality service.

Posted on

How to Care of Your Vehicle Transmission

How to Care of Your Vehicle Transmission
juan-lara 2021-05-12

How to Care of Your Vehicle Transmission. Learn how to take care of your vehicle’s transmission, including fluid changes, filter replacements, and more.

A vehicle’s transmission is a complex system that is responsible for transmitting the engine’s power to the wheels. It does this by converting the engine’s torque into rotational energy that can be used to turn the wheels.

Your vehicle transmission plays an important role, but how much do you really know about caring for it? If you’re like most people, the answer is not a whole lot. Of course, you already understand that auto maintenance is essential, so here are a few tips on how to make sure your automatic transmission is reliable so that you can stay safer on the road.

Transmissions are a major component of a vehicle, and they require a lot of maintenance to ensure their performance and longevity. With proper care, your vehicle’s transmission will last you for years without any problems. Here are some tips on How to Care of Your Vehicle Transmission:

What Does Your Vehicle Transmission Even Do?

Your auto transmission is a complex system with an important job to perform. Essentially, it’s responsible for sending power from the engine to the wheels. The engine generates power, but the transmission delivers it and helps to control your vehicle. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you’ll have a manual or an automatic transmission. Either way, your vehicle transmission is involved in the process of shifting gears when you speed up or slow down.

This topic could be its own blog post, but you get the gist. Let’s review some key ways to care for your transmission.

Use the Right Vehicle Transmission Fluid

Unfortunately, you can’t just use any transmission fluid in your vehicle, but the owner’s manual will have clear instructions on which products are compatible with your vehicle. You can always talk to a local mechanic for guidance as well. While this step is best left to a professional, do your “homework” if you decide to take a DIY approach.

Come to a Full Stop

Before transitioning from drive to reverse, come to a full stop. Changing gears while you’re still in motion is hard on your vehicle’s transmission, so it’s best to avoid getting into this habit.

Have the Transmission Flushed

From time to time, bring your car in to your local mechanic to have the transmission fluid flushed. Once a year can be a good rule of thumb, but it really depends on how many miles  you put on your vehicle. Again, the owner’s manual will provide you with more specific mileage details, or an auto shop can help.

Limit Using Your Vehicle For Towing

Towing heavy loads puts a strain on your vehicle. This is especially true during extreme weather conditions, so try to limit how often you use your vehicle for towing and keep it to a minimum.

Warm Up Your Vehicle Before Driving

Most of us turn the key in the ignition and drive off, but it’s not a bad idea to let your vehicle warm up a little, especially during colder months. Of course, this isn’t relevant if you park in a garage, and you never want to leave your car running in an enclosed space because it can be fatal.

Vehicle Auto Transmission Repairs

If it’s been a while since you last had your vehicle transmission looked at, be sure to bring it in for a professional inspection. At Lafayette German Car Repair, we want to save you money. Check out our specials , or give us a call at (925) 284-3390. We’re here to help!

Posted on

Basic Automotive Maintenance Pointers

Basic Automotive Maintenance Pointers
juan-lara 2021-04-12

If you haven’t thought about automotive maintenance in a while, let this post serve as a friendly reminder. Regular auto maintenance is hands down the best way to make sure your vehicle is safe to drive. These are a few of the most common aspects of Basic Automotive Maintenance Pointers. Let’s review…

The car is an important part of our lives, and it’s important to keep it in good shape. This article will teach you how to maintain your vehicle so that it runs smoothly and doesn’t break down.

Basic Automotive Maintenance Pointers

Oil Change

Unless you’re a brand new driver, it goes without saying that your vehicle needs its oil changed from time to time. But just in case you are a new driver, how often should you have the gunky oil swapped out for proper automotive maintenance? Every 3,000 miles used to be the standard, but now it really depends on the age and condition of your vehicle, as well as what kind of oil it requires. The best thing to do is talk to your mechanic or look over your vehicle’s manual.

Replace the Air Filter

This probably doesn’t sound very important, but the air filter’s job is to remove debris from the air that’s drawn into your engine. As you can imagine, after several thousand miles, the air filter doesn’t look very pretty. For the best automotive maintenance, go ahead and replace it every 15,000 to 20,000 miles, depending on the air quality in your region. Most auto body shops will check the air filter when you bring your car in for an oil change.

Automotive Maintenance for Tires

It’s so important to take good care of your vehicle’s tires. Be sure to have them periodically rotated by a professional who can check their alignment and air pressure. This is essential for brake safety and reliable steering, so stick to a schedule. Similarly, don’t drive on bald tires. It can be dangerous for you, your passengers, and anyone else on the road, so be sure to keep an eye on the tread.

Check the Brake Pads

Replacing worn brake pads is one of the most essential responsibilities of automotive maintenance, so don’t put this one off. These pads wear down over time, so it’s important to have an auto body shop technician check on them when your tires are rotated. A professional can also give you an estimate on how long your brake pads will last, based on their thickness.

How Old are Those Spark Plugs?

Here’s something you might not think about. When were your spark plugs replaced? For such a small part, they actually play a big role and need to be changed every 60,000-75,000 miles. Replacing them helps your vehicle’s engine to function properly. On the other hand, a dying spark plug will force the engine to work harder.

Schedule Automotive Maintenance

If it’s time for some professional auto maintenance, you can count on us to get the job done right. Contact Lafayette German Car Repair by calling (925) 284-3390. We’re here to help, and we’re happy to answer any questions you have about automotive maintenance for your car. You can also check out our deals. We want to save you money!