Mike’s Auto Tips

Are you having problems with your vehicle’s performance in Marysville, Washington? It may be time to schedule auto repair. Don’t trust just any mechanic or service center with your car or truck, however. If at all possible, find a factory-trained technician to run diagnostics and perform the necessary auto repair services. Keep the following reasons in mind as you look for an auto shop in Marysville.

Familiar with All Makes and Models

Not all cars and trucks are made the same. In fact, some luxury vehicles can be quite difficult to work with. In many cases, a regular auto repair shop won’t have the skills or tools necessary to accurately complete your needs.

Uses Genuine Parts

While parts may look similar, the quality isn’t always the same. That’s why it’s important to choose a factory-trained technician, since they only use parts that are intended for your vehicle’s make and model.

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It’s easy to forget an oil change here and there, but you shouldn’t make a habit of neglecting routine car maintenance. Taking care of your car properly ensures it will run smoother and be a more dependable means of transportation longer. This is especially important if you require your vehicle to and from work each day. The more you drive, the more frequently you need to have a professional auto specialist perform routine car maintenance. Here are a few of the most vital car maintenance tasks you need and when to schedule them.

1. After 3,000 – 7,000 Miles

Most vehicles need an oil change every 3,000 miles. This can vary depending on the type of car you own and the oil used. Sometimes you won’t need an oil change until you hit 7,000 miles. Have your auto technician check your oil filter, transmission fluid level, coolant, power steering fluid, and windshield wipers at this time as well.

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Now that winter has arrived, it isn’t only the colder weather you need to worry about. Decreasing temperatures and inclement weather can greatly impact your vehicle. For your safety, it’s vitally important that you take steps to complete proper car maintenance as soon as possible. One of the most important things to consider is the type of tires you plan to use. Don’t assume your vehicle is adequately prepared. You should speak with a trained auto specialist about changing your tires as you enter every season. To help ensure you and your vehicle are prepared for the upcoming months, here’s what you should know about winter tires.

1. Winter Tires Are Important

Many car owners wonder if they actually need winter tires at all. If you live in an area where inclement weather—including snow, ice, sleet, and freezing rain—occurs frequently, then winter tires are probably a good idea. You should also purchase winter tires if you plan on driving through areas with heavy snowfall during your holiday traveling.

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This Maserati had a noise and loud rattle coming from the top passenger side of the engine it also had the check engine light on with an error for the passenger side intake cam shaft variator.  On this engine, the timing has to be set like a race car using a degree wheel at the crank and a dial indicator to measure the cam shaft timing.

Life is often busy and hectic, so it’s not surprising many car owners forget about engine maintenance. Taking proper care of your car engine, however, is extremely important. Not only will it keep your car running longer, but it can help you prevent costly repairs down the road. When was the last time an auto specialist examined your engine? If it’s been a while, you should seriously consider taking your car in for a tune-up. Here are three ways to tell if your car needs engine maintenance:

1. You Hear Loud Noises from Under the Hood

If your car is making noises, have an auto technician examine it as soon as possible. While a problem with your engine is just one of the many potential causes, noises of any kind should be addressed right away.

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There are few automobile warnings more worrisome than the dreaded Check Engine Light. It could mean your car is being impacted by any of a hundred different problems, many of which can cause extensive and expensive damage to your car if left unattended. If your Check Engine Light is on, you should seek assistance from an auto specialist right away to determine the problem and repair it as soon as possible. While only a technician can confirm the precise reason, here are five common reasons Check Engine Lights are activated in cars.

1. The Oxygen Sensor is Malfunctioning

The oxygen sensor keeps track of unburned oxygen, which is helpful for keeping your gas mileage down. This is one of the most common car maintenance issues and should be fixed right away, as it can cause further damage to your car and greatly reduce fuel economy.

2. The Gas Cap is Damaged

Your Check Engine Light can come on if your gas cap is loose, damaged, or missing. While this isn’t a huge issue, it’s one that should be addressed because it can be bad for the environment and result in decreased gas efficiency.

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It can be stressful when something goes wrong with your car. This is especially true if you drive a European automobile. Unfortunately, cars like these can’t be serviced at any old repair shop; they should be seen by auto specialists who are experts at European car repair. Finding reliable mechanics can be a pain, but here are five things every good European auto shop will have.

1. Positive Customer Reviews and Testimonials

The very best European auto shops should be able to provide proof that previous customers were satisfied with their work. Customer reviews should be easily located online and you can usually find testimonials on shop websites. Never hesitate to contact the shop directly if reviews and testimonials prove difficult to find.

2. Good Customer Service and Communication

You can tell a lot about a European car repair service shop just by calling and speaking with one of the mechanics. The shop’s team won’t only be working on your car; they will be working with you, so it’s important they take customer service, care, and communication seriously.

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If you own a BMW, you know just how important it is to keep it in pristine condition. BMWs are, after all, beautiful cars in both appearance and craftsmanship. As such, it makes sense that you will want only the very best auto expert under the hood. With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to ensure your car ends up at the right shop. Here are a few tips to help you find the very best BMW repair specialist in your area.

1. Ask for Referrals

Do you know anyone else who owns a BMW? If so, ask if he (or she) can recommend a good repair specialist. This is the absolute best way to find someone reliable for BWM repair and maintenance because the referral comes from someone you know and trust.

2. Do Your Own Research

If you don’t know any other BMW owners, or even if you do, you can do a quick search for repair and maintenance specialists online. Make sure to looks for a clear list of available services, as well as testimonials from previous customers.

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You already know that your BMW is a luxury machine that requires a bit more maintenance cost than your average vehicle. That’s why it’s important to take it to a qualified BMW mechanic shop for any maintenance that it needs. A knowledgeable and trustworthy auto repair shop will use the highest quality and standards to keep you zooming down the road for years to come.

Keep a Kit in the Trunk of Your BMW

During the winter, it’s important to make sure that your BMW is ready for the cold by taking it to a BMW repair shop that can replace the fluids and ensure that it’s winter ready. They will check all systems as well as the oil. For the times that an expert isn’t with you, carry a few things in your trunk to help you roll with the unexpected. Deicing fluid and an ice scraper can help you get going a little quicker in the morning, a can of fix-a-flat can help you get home or to a shop if you get a flat tire, and a little extra oil is always good to have on hand.

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As any driver of a BMW can attest, the company has always been at the head of the class with bold ideas and a great look that’s stood the test of time. Now they’re again ahead of the curve in the new market for hybrid sports cars. The Tesla has been around for a while but their new challenger has arrived-the 2016 the BMW i8. Hold on to your hats ladies and gentleman when you start that engine. It will go from zero to sixty faster than the BMW M3. And it does so by using a gasoline turbo-charged 3-cylinder engine combined with dual electric motors.

Saving Gas without Cutting Performance

New goals for cutting emissions loom on the horizon in both the U.S. and European countries. This car should help the producers of the Ultimate Driving Machine reach these goals, and without losing performance. The car will reach 155 mph, and at the end of a great day of driving you can come home and recharge it, bypassing a trip to the gas station. And you’ll feel great when stuck in commuting traffic and the quiet hum from the electric motors is all you hear. Then it’s out to the open road to experience the fine handling and sporty performance that BMW is known for.

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