German Car Repair And Service Tips You Should Know

Tips You Should Know About German Car Repairs And Service

Majority of the most known auto brands in the world were established in Germany, like Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Mini Cooper and Volkswagen. German car brands are reputable for making reliable cars that are popular for their quality and performance, hence why why they’re so common among drivers worldwide.

Germany as a country for a long time has been considered a home of innovation and engineering excellence, and this esteem of course extends to the country’s auto industry. German cars are highly recognized for their precision engineering, standard materials, and advanced technology. Over the years, these qualities have helped them maintain the top spot of innovation.

German car repair centers focus solely on German manufactured vehicles. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you with German car repairs and service before visiting a mechanic, saving you significant amount of time, stress and cost.

 

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8 Tips You Should Know About German Car Repair And Service

 

1. Expertise Service

German cars are different as they are specialized to provide the performance that drivers need. For an excellent performance, special equipment and expensive diagnostic tools is required depending on your car maker, model and brand.

We highly recommend that you avoid generic automotive shops that work on other car brands but do not have the tools or specialty to properly maintain and repair your German automobiles.

It is essential to avoid generic automotive shops because they cannot accurately and diligently diagnose your German car and they will mostly replace every possible parts related to your problem since they cannot diagnose the problem for proper repair.

 

2. Over 90 Computers On Board

Modern sophisticated German cars are initially rolling electronics and computers. Present day German cars including Mercedes Benz, Audi, Porsche, BMW, Mini or Volkswagen mostly have thirty or more on-board computers and control modules. Also some brands have over ninety electronic control units. These modules need specialize diagnostic tools to carry out repairs, replace and program properly.

It’s noteworthy that the brake, steering, throttle, transmission and engine management are all integrated on the same communication module within your car. At intervals, these modules should be diagnosed for any faults and update their programming according to the manufacturer service manual.

 

3. Access To Original Manufacturer Parts

You have to be certain that your mechanic has access to all of the same parts that your manufacturer has access to. While in most cases, the original dealer parts are best for your car, it’s noteworthy that when dealing with situations like clutches, brakes and suspension, higher quality performance parts may be available at significant savings to you.

Mercedes Benz, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen or Mini Cooper parts vary depending on the model, ensure to visit an expert who knows what works best on your car.

 

4. Service Due Date

German car is programmed to notify you when it’s due for conditional service. These service includes, engine oil change, cabin micro air filter, engine air filter, brake fluid check, brake pads and also yearly state emissions test depending on the car model.

In order to read conditional service intervals and to reset them after the service is performed, a specialized factory diagnostic tool is needed. Endeavor to schedule a basic oil service every 5,000 miles for turbo and supercharged engines like the 1.8T, 2.0T in VW likewise Audi and every 7,500 for all other recently made models.

A special engine oil that is not mixed is needed for TDI diesel engines. Early models that make use of mineral based oil should not use full synthetic oil. Make sure to follow the manufacturer manual for oil viscosity or contact a professional. BMW M-series with mechanical lifter form need 60-weight oil, and TDI diesel engines, Mobil 1 0W/40 engine oil is best for majority of German cars.

 

 

5. Transmission Not Shifting Right

Most German cars use limited slip differentials. Be it an Audi A6 Quattro or a Porsche 4S, your tires has to be matched in circumference. A 2 cm (or 2/32 inch tread depth) difference between tires on the same axle can lead to rotational speed difference that can cause problems with modern drive train management systems.

Do not ever attempt to use mismatched tires on the same axle and on the 4-wheel drive systems such as the Audi Quattro; all 4 must be circumference matched within 2cm. Tired should be of the same age because wear will affect the circumference of a tire. Therefore, tires on the same axle should be replaced at the same time and in the case of the Quattro systems, all four tires should be replaced.

 

6. Changing Air Filter For Clean Air

Most models of Mercedes Benz, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen or Mini Cooper recommend replacing the cabin micro air filter every 40,000 miles. These filters should be noted as they filter the air that drivers and other vehicle occupants breathe. Moreover, a dirty filter will make the blower motor to work even more and eventually cause problem to the motor and also to the blow motor resistor.

 

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7. Avoid Interior Flood Damage

Provided your German car has a sunroof, make sure the drains are cleaned. Most sunroofs have a pattern of drains running forward and backward from the sunroof via the car’s body and out below the car. When this gets filled with dirt or debris, water will end up flooding the interior of the car.

It’s noteworthy that your German car has sensitive electronics under your seats that should not be exposed to water or there will be damages leading to costly repairs.

8. Own A Spare Key

It is very much advisable to always have a spare key for your German car. This is to prevent embarrassment in a case where by the electronic keys die and the car becomes unmovable leaving you stranded. Modern models of German cars like Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Mini and Volkswagens have security chips that are integrated with the key to the car, these types cannot be tampered with.