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Pleasant Hill Mercedes Service Boosts Resale Value

mercedes service pleasant hill
juan-lara 2022-01-12

For many consumers, owning a Mercedes-Benz is the sign they have finally made it in life. These luxury cars are some of the safest and most innovative vehicles on the market today. With proper care, your automobile will drive safely and comfortably, last longer, and preserve its resell value. Although routine maintenance will help against naturally occurring wear and tear, mechanical failures are inevitable and bound to happen at some point. In these cases, our Pleasant Hill Mercedes Service can get your car back on the road and driving better than ever.

What is Routine Maintenance for a Mercedes?

Mercedes-Benz recommends a variety of routine maintenance procedures to keep your car running smoothly. At Lafayette German Car Repair, we can perform all of these services, ensuring your car’s resell value is as high as possible. The following is a list of some key items that should be checked and/or serviced on a regular basis:

  • Oil and Filter Change
  • Tire Rotation
  • Brake Inspection
  • Coolant Level and Strength Check
  • Power Steering Fluid Level Check
  • Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
  • Differential and Transmission Fluid Levels Check
  • Engine Air Filter Replacement
  • Cabin Air Filter Replacement
  • Spark Plugs (every 30,000 miles)
  • Belts (every 60,000 miles)
  • Hoses (every 100,000 miles)
  • Batteries (every 60 months/60,000 miles)
  • Brakes and Rotors Replaced as Needed.

The best course of action is to have these services done at a recommended interval by your local  Mercedes service center.

Mercedes Service Pleasant Hill For Major Repairs

In addition to routine maintenance, our team of experienced technicians can also handle any major repairs your Mercedes may need. We use only factory parts and offer a 24 month/24,000 mile warranty on all of our services. It is important to take care of major repairs soon after they are identified, as they can often lead to further damage if left untreated.

Trust ASE Certified Technicians to Preserve Resell Value

Our Pleasant Hill car repair center employs highly trained ASE Certified technicians. They are well-versed in Mercedes vehicles and have the experience needed to ensure your car runs efficiently for years to come. Even if major repairs are necessary, you can be confident knowing our team will take care of your vehicle with factory parts at a fair price. We also use the latest diagnostic equipment to identify potential problems before they happen!

With proper maintenance and expert care, your Mercedes-Benz will continue to run like new and hold its value for years to come. Bring your car, truck or SUV into Lafayette German Car Repair today and let us take care of everything!

Pleasant Hill Mercedes Service – Give Us A Call Today!

A European vehicle’s unique design and production demand special expertise. We can also repair your American or Japanese automobile. Call Lafayette Car Repair now for a free service examination or safety assessment to find out what your car’s problem is and what the best course of action is. For the finest service on your automobile, contact one of our car specialists right away at (925) 284-3390. 

The Most Important Bay Area Automotive Service for This Winter

Bay Area automotive service
juan-lara 2021-12-15

Winter is the most dangerous time of year to drive for two reasons: icy or wet weather conditions and car malfunctions brought on by the cold temperatures. Even though the Bay Area doesn’t experience freezing temperatures or snow, that doesn’t mean your car isn’t affected by winter. The best way to avoid a breakdown is by taking care of your car from the start of winter weather with a complete Bay Area automotive service by a car mechanic near me.

Ensure Your Car is Ready for Winter

Change wiper blades

Changing your wiper blades is one of the most essential vehicle maintenance jobs you can do. There’s nothing more terrifying than being blinded by rain and mud as you frantically try to wipe it off with old, ineffective wiper blades. Replacement blades are inexpensive and easy to install. If you’ve never replaced wiper blades before here’s how:

  • Remove the old blade by sliding it off of its base; careful not to bend or scratch your windshield in the process, which can lead to cracks.
  • Take note of where each end of the wiper blade rests on the base so you can put it back in correctly
  • Remove and replace with new blades. Make sure they are securely attached to the arm by sliding them against your window until you hear a click sound. Replace your windshield washer fluid while you’re at it!

Clean the fogginess from headlights

No matter how good your car’s headlights are, they can become foggy and inoperable after UV ray exposure over a long period of time. In the winter when the days are shorter, you want your headlights to operate for as long as the winter night lasts – and foggy headlights don’t work nearly as well as they could. The good news, however, is that cleaning foggy headlights is fairly easy. To clean the grime off of them:

  • Mix equal parts water and vinegar into a spray bottle
  • Spray onto both sides of your headlight lenses until each is covered with the mixture 
  • Let it soak for a few minutes
  • Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the headlight lenses until they’re clear again.

Check your battery and replace it if necessary

Winter has a tendency to put more strain on your battery, especially if you park your vehicle outside. Avoid the sinking feeling of hearing nothing when you start up your car by checking your battery and charging system right now. Bay Area automotive service shops will not normally charge a lot to load-test your battery, and some auto-parts stores will do it for free.

If you discover your battery is dying, you may change it at your leisure instead of being in a bind – because towing a dead car somewhere is NOT how you’d like to spend your holiday. 

Call Local German Car Experts Now Professional Bay Area Automotive Services

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!

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! 

Common Automotive Repair Questions and Answers

Automotive repair
juan-lara 2021-07-15

Below is a list of answers to the most common questions that our customers ask us about automotive repair. Everyone runs into car trouble from time to time. That’s why it’s so important to keep up with regular maintenance and be aware of how your car functions from day to day. Our professional advice will keep your car running smoothly so you can relax on the road.

Automotive Repair Q&A

Q: How often does a car need to be serviced?

A:  Most factory-scheduled maintenance is prescribed at certain mileage milestones including 15K, 30K, 45K, 60K, 75K and 90K miles.  Major automotive maintenance occurs at 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles, 90,000 miles, and so on. Between services, parts of your car may still wear out and require replacement or maintenance. It’s important to periodically check your brakes, tires, transmission fluid, battery, oil, and oil filter.

Q: What causes my engine to overheat?

A: If your engine is overheating, your dashboard light should turn on and there will likely be smoke coming from the hood of your car. Pull over immediately if this occurs while you are driving, then open up the windows and turn on the heat! This helps pull the heat out of the engine. There are several causes of an engine overheating. The most common culprits are cooling system leaks, radiator issues, broken water pumps, and blocked hoses from mineral buildup or general wear. Regular maintenance checks can help catch such problems before they cause your engine to overheat.

Q: How can I keep my car in good condition?

A: That’s easy! Follow your vehicle’s service manual requirements for regular maintenance checks. A car that is properly serviced and cared for will function smoothly and last for a long time!

Q: Why does my check engine light come on?

    A: The check engine light might switch on for many reasons, but it’s not always because there’s a direct problem with your engine. Sometimes, improperly closing the gas cap can mess with the pressure in the fuel-delivery system and trigger the check engine warning. First, try aligning the gas cap correctly and closing it tightly. If the light is still on, it may indicate a more serious problem that a mechanic will best be able to diagnose.

Q: How often should I have my oil changed?

We recommend an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. If you use synthetic oils, you will require a change every 10,000-15,000 miles or once a year, whichever milestone comes first. The owner’s manual of your car will also have an oil change guide based on how many miles you drive.

If you have a question that didn’t appear on this list, get in touch with us! Lafayette German Car Repair is here to help.

Give Us a Call for Automotive Repair

If you’re in need of professional automotive maintenance or repair, you can rely on us. Contact Lafayette German Car Repair by calling (925) 2284-3390. We offer great deals, excellent service, and long-lasting results!

Auto Transmission Repairs : 6 Signs Why You Need It ASAP

Auto Transmission Repairs
juan-lara 2021-03-10

Your auto transmission is a complicated machine within itself. It senses when you accelerate and immediately changes to the right gear. But what happens if your vehicle transmission begins to fail while you’re driving? Here are some warning signs and auto transmission repairs tips to watch out for so you’ll have time to schedule an automotive repair before it’s too late.


Auto Transmission Repairs Guides and Tips Below 

1) Check Engine Light

If your check engine light comes on, it could be a number of issues, including your auto transmission. The best thing to do is have it taken care of right away. Of course, the check engine light can indicate minor concerns, but there’s no way to know without taking your vehicle in for automotive maintenance. For your peace of mind and safety, be sure to have a skilled professional troubleshoot that check engine light.

2) Shifting Feels Rough

Grinding or shaking is a sign that your vehicle transmission needs some TLC. A sudden jump or hard shift when the gears change is also a serious warning sign you should have checked out right away. This isn’t the kind of automotive repair you can put off for later.

3) Slipping Between Gears

Have you ever felt that your car just isn’t responding well when you speed up or slow down? This is when gears shift. It’s dangerous for gears to slip, especially on the freeway when you’re driving at faster speeds. This is one of the more obvious signs that your vehicle transmission is failing rapidly.

4) Fluid Leaking Under the Car

Have you begun to notice fluid leaking under your car? You might not notice this right away, but leaking transmission fluid is red and has a sweet smell. If you spot little drips like this you really should have your auto transmission looked at as soon as possible.

5) A Burning Smell

Strange smells that come from your car can mean more than once thing. When you smell anything burning while you’re driving, it can mean that your auto transmission is getting too hot. It’s also sometimes an indication that transmission fluid is burning and needs to be replaced.

6) Strange Noises

Do you hear humming or clunking when you drive, especially when your car is in neutral? Unusual sounds are a strong sign that you need an automotive repair. If any weird noises happen while you’re driving, it’s time to schedule a car service ASAP.

Auto Transmission Repairs

If you’ve noticed any of these troubling signs, be sure to bring your vehicle 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.