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Fuel System Cleaning—Why it Matters

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Many drivers neglect their fuel system, but keeping it clean will prolong the life of your car, increase power and performance, and improve the fuel economy and drivability.

Fuel, whether gasoline or diesel, is delivered to your engine to generate the power needed to keep your vehicle moving. Unfortunately, the fuel leaves a residue as it moves through the fuel system. Although this may not seem like a big deal, it can cause significant problems. Gum and varnish build up inside the fuel lines, your throttle body, and injectors—much the same way plaque builds up inside arteries—and restricts the free flow of fuel. It can also clog your fuel injectors.

In addition, carbon accumulates on the combustion chamber, pistons, and valves, which interferes with the mixture of fuel and air and can prevent the valves from sealing properly. This leads to reduced power, wasted fuel, and the engine running rough. Over enough time, it can also cause expensive engine damage.

What Does a Fuel System Cleaning Do?

A fuel system cleaning clears out the gum and varnish from the fuel system and helps your injectors work properly again. The carbon deposits get dissolved; afterward, your engine will run like new. In general, you should have your fuel system cleaned every 12,000 miles or once a year. Some signs you may need your fuel system cleaned include:

  • Engine misfires
  • Rough idling
  • Excessive gas consumption
  • The tachometer moves quickly from low to high RPMs
  • The engine won’t start
  • Lag in acceleration
  • Poor gas mileage
  • Engine knocking and pinging
  • Increased emissions

Schedule a Fuel Cleaning at EuroCar Service

If you’ve noticed any of the above signs, schedule a fuel cleaning at EuroCar Service! As your local European vehicle experts, we see all European makes and models, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Land Rover, Mini-Cooper, Saab, Jaguar, Volkswagen, Volvo, Smart Car, and Fiat. Call us today at (206) 527-8828 or request an appointment online.

Why Are Wheel Alignments Necessary?

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There are two main reasons to keep up with wheel alignments: safety and money. When your wheels are out of alignment, they can make your vehicle pull to one side—sometimes abruptly. One moment of inattention could put you into oncoming traffic on a busy street or completely off the road. Not to mention, misalignment will also wear your tires much faster and speed up the replacement interval.

What is a Wheel Alignment?

All four of your wheels are supposed to be pointing straight, perpendicular to the ground, and parallel to each other. When your wheels are aligned, it keeps your vehicle tracking straight on the road and helps to maximize tire life.

Wheels can lose alignment for a variety of reasons: potholes, speedbumps, hitting curbs, and accidents. Normal driving conditions can also throw off your alignment over time. Sometimes only one wheel will be out of alignment and will pull against the other tires. Not only does this cause excessive tire wear, but it also hurts fuel economy.

During an alignment, we’ll adjust the various angles of your suspension system that are responsible for the position of the tires and movement. These are called the toe, thrust, camber, and caster. We’ll also inspect the steering and suspension components; whatever cause the wheels to be knocked out of alignment in the first place may have also damaged other parts. Depending on your model, we may also reset your car’s vehicle steering angle sensor.

The type of alignment you receive is also dependent on your model. Four-wheel alignments, which involve aligning both axles, are used for four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles with independent or adjustable rear suspensions. If you don’t have 4WD or AWD, your car will likely only need a front-end alignment or a thrust-angle alignment.

Your owner’s manual will have recommendations for how often you should have your alignment checked, or you can check with your service advisor. In general, it’s usually around every 6,000 miles, although this can vary based on the type of vehicle you own, typical driving conditions, and tire type. However, if you noticed signs that your alignment is off, it’s best to schedule an alignment sooner.

Signs Your Wheel Alignment is Off

Here are some common signs it’s time to have your wheels aligned:

  • Noisy steering
  • Rapid or uneven tire wear
  • The steering wheel looks crooked, even though you’re driving straight
  • Your car pulls to the left or right
  • Squealing tires
  • Drifting to one side while driving
  • Loose or vibrating steering wheel

When you come in for an appointment, we may ask you some additional questions to help diagnose the issue faster. These include:

  1. When did you first notice the issue? Was it after hitting a curb? Or has it been gradual?
  2. How often does the issue happen? Is your vehicle only pulling on certain road conditions or during a turn?
  3. When was the last time you had your tires rotated? Have you kept your air pressure at the right level? Both of these factors can contribute to faster tire wear.
  4. Have you ever had your tires or steering components replaced?

The Benefits of a Wheel Alignment

Beyond safer driving and longer-lasting tires, wheel alignments offer several other benefits:

  • Better fuel efficiency. According to Investopedia, misaligned tires can reduce your fuel economy by as much as 10%.
  • A smoother, more comfortable ride. If your alignment is off, it can make your ride bumpy, jarring, or vibration-filled.
  • Fewer repairs. Misalignments can cause damage to your suspension system if you ignore them for too long. It’s far more cost-effective to keep up with alignments rather than waiting until you need a repair.

What’s the Difference Between a Wheel Alignment and Balancing?

It’s common for drivers to think wheel balancing is the same as wheel alignment, but these are two different services. Wheel (or tire) balancing corrects uneven weight distribution in the wheels. When your wheels aren’t properly balanced, it can lead to some of the same issues as misalignments: excessive tire wear, vibration, and damage to the suspension.

Regardless of what your vehicle needs, you can always rely on the skilled team at EuroCar Service to steer you straight. As your local European auto repair shop, we can help you with alignments, rotations, tire services, suspension repair, and more. We specialize in all European makes, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Land Rover, Mini Cooper, Smart-Car, Fiat, Jaguar, Volvo, Saab, and Volkswagen. Call us today at (206) 527-8828 or request an appointment online.

Which Type of Windshield Washer Fluid Do You Need?

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Most drivers don’t think about their windshield washer fluid very much or realize there are specialized formulations to meet different needs. Although you might be tempted to pick up the cheapest washer fluid you can find, there might be a better choice available. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of washer fluids available and how to choose the right one for your driving needs.

Windshield Washer Fluid Types

First, it’s important to know that you should never refill the washer fluid reservoir with pure water. Cold temperatures can cause it to freeze and damage the lines. Spraying cold water on your windshield in freezing temperatures can also result in a layer of blinding ice that will obstruct your view.

There are many types of windshield washer fluids on the market, with different formulations for various climates. Many of them contain alcohol to prevent them from freezing. If you look at the label, it will usually let you know the lowest temperature the fluid can handle while still being able to work properly.

Some washer fluids will also have a detergent, which helps clean off contaminants. Other washer fluids are formulated to reduce streaking. Some windshield washer fluids are designed to be diluted; others are pre-mixed. If you purchase a pre-mixed fluid, it can be poured directly into the reservoir.

Here are the most common options you’ll find in an auto parts store:

  • Classic blue
    This is the standard windshield washer fluid. It’s generally all-purpose, so although it will work in most situations, it’s not ideal for extreme temperatures or cleaning off tougher debris or bugs.
  • De-icing
    This fluid is designed to keep your windshield frost-free. It typically works down to -25 degrees, so it’s a perfect choice if you plan to travel to areas that get really cold. If you only deal with ice on your windows on occasion, you can put some of this fluid in a spray bottle and apply it to your windows as needed.
  • Bug remover
    This type of fluid is generally marketed as “bug remover,” but it also works well for cleaning hard-to-remove contaminants off your windshield—like pollen, tree sap, and bird droppings. Although it costs more than the classic blue fluid, it’s great to have around, especially if you park your car under trees during the spring and summer months. Keep in mind that it typically freezes at 32 degrees, so it’s not a good choice for more extreme winter temperatures.
  • All-season
    If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of swapping out fluids throughout the year, you can’t go wrong with all-season windshield washer fluid. It handles it all—frost, snow, light ice, bugs, bird droppings, and other grime!

One of the most important things to remember is to keep your windshield washer fluid level up. Our technicians can help you keep it topped off with the right fluid for your driving needs. We’ll also make sure your washer mechanism is working properly so you stay safe on the road.

When to Refill Your Windshield Washer Fluid

Many newer vehicles display a warning light or message that will let you know when your windshield washer fluid is low. It usually looks like a windshield with water spraying on it or has a message that says something like “windshield washer fluid low.” If your car doesn’t have a warning light or message, you’ll need to check the level on occasion. The good news is that, unlike oil, washer fluid doesn’t break down over time.

If you’d prefer to refill the fluid yourself, it’s usually the same in most vehicles. You can find the location of the windshield wiper fluid reservoir in your owner’s manual, or we’re happy to show you. The reservoir will be translucent, with a cap that has an image of water spraying onto a windshield. To refill the fluid, you’ll open the cap and pour the fluid in until it reaches the fill line.

Important: if the reservoir is empty, be careful not to turn on your washer fluid system because this can cause the pump to overheat and fail.

Contact EuroCar Service for All Your Auto Care Needs

At EuroCar Service, we’re committed to your driving safety. If you have any questions about refilling your windshield washer fluid, which type to use, or problems with the system, we’re always here to help! We can also check your wiper blades to make sure they’re ready for winter weather and summer bugs!

In addition, we offer comprehensive auto care for all European models, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Land Rover, Fiat, Smart Car, Mini-Cooper, Jaguar, Volvo, Saab, and Volkswagen. Whether you need factory-scheduled maintenance, new tires, or a repair, you can rely on our ASE-certified technicians to get the job done right! Contact us today at (206) 527-8828.

Improve Your Vehicle’s Performance with a Fuel System Cleaning

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Most drivers know that gas and diesel-powered vehicles burn fuel to generate the power needed to drive down the road. But did you know fuel leaves a residue behind as it moves through the fuel system? Over time, this residue can cause some major issues. Read on to learn more about how this affects your vehicle and why fuel system cleaning is so important.

Understanding the Fuel System

The fuel system consists of several parts: the gas tank, fuel injectors, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel pumps, spark plugs, and a variety of sensors. The fuel injectors are small valves that are responsible for controlling the proper fuel-to-air ratio in the engine. If the fuel injectors become too dirty or clogged, it restricts how they function, as well as the flow of fuel through the system.

In addition, carbon from combustion starts to accumulate on your valves, inside the combustion chamber, and on your pistons. This interferes with the proper mixing of fuel and air and prevents your valves from sealing properly. This results in less power, excessive fuel consumption, and poor performance. Over time, it can even lead to expensive damage.

What is a Fuel System Cleaning?

A fuel system cleaning clears out the gum and varnish from your fuel system and gets your fuel injectors working properly. The carbon deposits are dissolved, allowing your engine to run like new again. During a fuel system cleaning, we inspect your system for any leaks or damage. Then we put a special cleaning additive in your gas tank and run a second chemical through the engine using a vacuum line attached to the fuel filter line.

Having your fuel system cleaned from time to time will help your car run efficiently, improve performance, increase fuel economy, and extend the life of your engine. How often you’ll need to do it depends on your vehicle. Most auto care experts recommend cleaning the fuel system every year or every 12,000 miles to prevent performance issues.

You can also check the manufacturer’s recommendations in your owner’s manual. Additionally, the fuel filter should be changed every 30,000 miles. If your fuel becomes contaminated, it’s best to have the fuel system flushed.

Signs You Need a Fuel System Cleaning

If your fuel system is dirty, you may not notice any issues early on. As the problem worsens, you may notice the following signs:

  • A rough idle
  • Decreased gas mileage
  • The RPM needle moves sporadically
  • Failed emissions test
  • Loss of performance
  • Engine stuttering, sputtering, or stalling
  • Engine misfires
  • A lag in acceleration

Visit EuroCar Service for Comprehensive Auto Repair & Maintenance

If you’ve noticed your engine seems less responsive or any of the above issues, you may need a fuel system cleaning. Your service advisor would be happy to help you find out when the service was last performed and whether your car is due.

At EuroCar Service, we provide comprehensive auto repair & maintenance to help your vehicle perform its best. We specialize in all European makes and models, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Fiat, Land Rover, Smart Car, Saab, Jaguar, Volvo, Volkswagen, and Mini-Cooper. Contact us today at (206) 527-8828 or request an appointment online.

Tread Depth: Why It Matters and How to Measure It

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When it comes to stopping power, many drivers tend to focus on their brakes. However, our tires are where the rubber meets the road. Having good brakes isn’t enough; we need to have tires with enough traction to turn braking power into actual stopping power. If the tire tread depth isn’t deep enough, your tires can lose their grip on the road, leading to longer stopping distances.

How Does Tire Tread Work?

To understand how tire tread works, let’s focus on how it helps you stop in wet conditions. To have good contact with the road, the tire has to be able to move the water out of the way. If it can’t, the tire will ride on top of the water’s surface, instead of the surface of the road. This can lead to “hydroplaning”, a potentially dangerous situation that reduces the ability to steer and brake.

Each tire has channels for the water to flow through, known as tread, which helps move the water out of the way. Take a look at your tires, and you’ll see the channels run around and across them. The tread is designed to direct water away from the tire so that the tire can grip the road better.

The deeper the channel, the more water it can move. Brand new tires have very deep channels, allowing them to move a good amount of water with ease. As the tire wears down, the channels become shallower and can move less water. Once they’re worn down enough, it can seriously affect your ability to stop on wet roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 11,000 accidents occur annually from bald tires.

How Much Tread Should My Tires Have?

Since tire tread wears down, it’s important to monitor the tread depth of your tires. Washington state law requires drivers to have a tire tread depth of 2/32 of an inch or more. However, Consumer Reports and other advocate groups recommend replacing your tires when the tread is worn to 4/32 of an inch or 3.2 millimeters.

Once the tread depth is worn to 2/32 of an inch (1.6 millimeters), the tread wear bar will be visible. The recommended standard has twice the tread depth as a completely worn-out tire—and that additional tread makes a huge difference. A safe stopping distance from freeway speeds could result in a crash with bald tires.

4 Ways to Check Your Tire Tread

Fortunately, there are four quick and easy ways to check your tire tread, and they can all be done from home.

  • The Penny Test

Take a penny and insert it into the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it means you have less than 2/32 inches of tread left; it’s time to replace your tires.

  • The Quarter Test

The quarter test works exactly the same as the penny test. Put the quarter into the tread, with George Washington upside down and facing you. If the tread touches his head, you have at least 4/32 inches of tread left. If the tread doesn’t cover Washington’s hairline, schedule a tire replacement appointment.

  • The Tread Wear Bar Indicator

Most tires have tread wear bar indicators, which are evenly spaced through the main grooves in the tire’s tread. When the tread is worn down enough that it’s flush with the wear bars, the tires should be replaced.

If you use winter tires, it’s important to know that they have deeper tread depths than all-season or summer tires. The winter wear indicators help you see whether you have suitable tread depth for driving in the snow or other wet, slippery conditions. The wear bars will be visible once the tread has worn down to approximately 5/32 inches. Although the tires may have a legal amount of tread left, they may not provide the traction you need for winter driving.

  • Tread Depth Gauge

Tread depth gauges are an easy way to accurately measure your tire tread depth. You can find them in almost any auto parts store. To measure the depth of your tread, insert the gauge’s probe into the tire’s tread grooves; press the gauge down and then read the results.

In general, it’s recommended to check your tread depth every 3,000 miles or once the tread reaches 4/32 of an inch deep.

Since tires can wear unevenly, it’s always a good idea to check the tread depth at various spots on the tire. While checking your tread, make sure to inspect your tires, too. Pay attention to things like whether the wear is uniform or if there are any signs of damage, like cracking, bulging, or other signs of wear. Even if you have adequate tread depth, excessive wear can cause a tire to fail.

Time to Replace Your Tires? Head Over to EuroCar Service!

Replacing your tires as soon as they’re worn is the best way to protect yourself and your passengers from accidents or blowouts. At EuroCar Service, we offer a wide selection of tires to choose from. If you’re unsure whether you need new tires, we’re happy to take a look and give you recommendations.

We also offer every service you need to keep your vehicle’s wheels and tires in excellent shape, including new tire installation, balancing, rotations, and more. Our ASE-certified technicians specialize in all European makes, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Land Rover, Mini-Cooper, Saab, Jaguar, Volkswagen, Volvo, Smart Car, and Fiat. Call us today at 206-527-8828 or request an appointment online.

Let’s Talk Tire Tread

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Tire tread plays an important role: gripping the road as you drive. However, if your tread isn’t deep enough, your car can lose traction—and your braking time will be longer. There have been tests comparing the stopping distance of vehicles with worn tires and new tires; the vehicle with worn tires was still traveling at a high rate of speed at the point where the vehicle with new tires had already stopped. That could mean the difference between getting home safely and a serious accident.

Shallow tread also makes it more difficult to control your vehicle in wet, slippery conditions, and there’s an increased risk of hydroplaning. Needless to say, having enough tread on your tires is essential for safety, handling, and overall control of your vehicle.

How Much Tread Should My Tires Have?

On average, new tires have a tread depth of 10/32 to 11/32 inches. As you drive, the friction of the tires on the road wears away at the tread. Many safety experts recommend replacing your tires when the tread is worn down to 4/32 of an inch. Conveniently, that’s the exact distance to George Washington’s head when you insert a quarter upside down into the tread of a properly inflated tire. You may have heard about this trick before using a penny—but a penny will only give you about 2/32 of an inch of tire tread. Studies have shown a significant safety benefit to replacing your tires based on the quarter standard.

Other Methods for Checking Tread Depth

There are other ways to check your tire tread depth, too. Tire wear bars (also called tread indicator bars) are small, raised bars located within the grooves of your tires between the tread markings. When the tread is worn down to the level of the wear bars, it’s time to replace them. Not only are they no longer safe to drive on, but they’ve reached the legal tire tread depth. You can check your tread depth by running your finger horizontally over the wear bar; if you can feel it, it’s time to replace your tires.

If you’d like a more precise way to check your tread depth, you can use a tread depth gauge or a ruler with 1/16 inch or millimeter measurements. Place the ruler or gauge into the groove of the tread and measure the depth up to the top of the tread. Any tire that is 1/16 of an inch or below should be replaced.

While you’re measuring the tread, be on the lookout for cupping or scalloping on the tread or bulges in the tread or sidewall. If you see any of these signs, the tire isn’t safe and should be replaced.

EuroCar Service: Helping You Stay Safe on the Road

Handling is affected by low tire tread, but safety is the biggest concern. Knowing how to check tire tread on your own is a great way to be in tune with your vehicle—and it allows you to plan when to get your tires replaced. When it comes to tire care, including replacement and rotations, turn to the experts at EuroCar Service. We specialize in all European makes, including BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Land Rover, Volkswagen, Volvo, Fiat, Smart Car, Mini Cooper, Jaguar, and Saab. Call us today at 206-527-8828 or request an appointment online.

What is Transfer Case Service?

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Most drivers know they need routine maintenance like oil changes, tire alignments, and transmission service, but if you have a 4WD or AWD vehicle, there may be a type of maintenance you’ve never heard of: transfer case service.

What is the Transfer Case?

On four-wheel drive (4WD) and some all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles, power needs to be transferred to both the front and rear axles. The transfer case is what helps make that happen. The transfer case is a special gearbox that manages the power distribution and balances the torque across the four wheels. There are many different drivetrain configurations; trucks and larger SUVs are usually primarily rear-wheel-drive. When the driver (or the vehicle’s computer) selects 4WD, the transfer case also sends power to the front axle. The transfer case may also contain an additional gear set for off-roading.

Like the engine, the transfer case contains many moving parts that need to stay lubricated. The transfer case fluid reduces wear and tear and helps to reduce heat and friction inside the transfer case. Over time, the fluid can start to break down and become contaminated by dirt, metal shavings, and other types of debris. Once this happens, the fluid should be replaced. If you wait too long to replace the fluid, it can affect your performance and may even damage the transfer case gears.

What’s involved in a Transfer Case Fluid Exchange?

During a transfer case server, we’ll do an inspection of your transfer case and a complete fluid exchange. Manufacturers’ recommendations vary, but it’s typically a good idea to have your transfer case service every 30,000 miles. If you frequently tow with your vehicle or go off-road, you may need to have the fluid changed more frequently.

Are There Any Signs My Transfer Case Needs Servicing?

There are two main signs your transfer case needs servicing. The first sign is dirty fluid. If you feel comfortable, check the transfer case fluid every few months and keep an eye on the color and quality. Most transfer cases use automatic transmission fluid, which is usually red; if it looks dark red, brown, or black, or seems gritty, it’s time to have it changed.

The second sign is shifting. If your shifting becomes rough or you hear grinding noises, the dirty fluid could be causing your gears to seize. If you wait too long to have the transfer case serviced, it could make it impossible to shift—and it could completely damage the gearbox.

Keep Your 4WD or AWD in Excellent Shape at EuroCar Service

Knowing the service schedule for your transfer case will help keep your vehicle running well and avoid premature wear and repairs. If you’re not sure whether your transfer case is due for fluid exchange, check with your service advisor.

Whether you have a 4WD or AWD (or a 2WD!), you can rely on EuroCar Service to keep your vehicle performing its best. As a full-service auto repair shop, we offer every service you need to keep your vehicle on the road—or off! We see all European makes, including Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar, Mini-Cooper, Smart Car, Fiat, Saab, Mercedes, Volvo, and Volkswagen. Call us today at 206-527-8828 or request an appointment online.

Why Won’t My Car Door Open (or Close)?

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When was the last time you thought about the doors on your vehicle? Of all the parts most taken for granted, they must be near the top of the list, but when you think about it, they have a very important job. Doors allow us to enter and exit our cars, lock them, and even keep our families protected from harm. But what happens when you can’t open or close one or more of your doors?

Why Do Car Doors Stop Working?

Let’s say you just got to your destination and go to shut the door, only find that it won’t latch closed. Now you can’t lock your vehicle, and it’s unsafe to drive. You might have a stuck latch, a handle malfunction, door alignment issues, or electric problems.

Now, what happens when the door won’t open? Although inconvenient, this is also a safety issue. If you’re in an accident, you need to be able to get out of your car as quickly as possible. If the door isn’t opening, you could have a bent latch, a broken lock, or a mechanism within the door could be corroded.

Regardless of why your car door isn’t working, this is not a DIY job. It’s common for drivers to try to fix the issues themselves, only to find that they’ve caused more damage.

Getting Your Car to the Repair Shop Safely

If your car door is stuck open, the safest way to get it to our repair facility is to have it towed. Some drivers will try to use a bungee cord or strap to keep the door closed, but this can be dangerous, and we don’t recommend it. If the door is stuck, there’s a good chance that the other doors are still working. If so, you can open one of them, climb into the driver’s seat, and carefully head over to our shop.

How to Prevent Car Door Problems

Since doors are used hundreds of times a year, it’s not surprising they can have problems. To prevent issues, it’s best to have your door maintained along with the rest of your vehicle. Door locks, latches, and hinges should be lubricated regularly to keep them from sticking; you should also try to keep your locks clean. If you have a newer car with an electronic lock, make sure to check the mechanical lock (and know how to use it) from time to time, just in case the power fails in your key fob or vehicle. You can also visit us to check that the latches line up properly, and the doors aren’t sagging.

Whether you’re having issues with your doors, are due for scheduled maintenance, or need a major repair, the ASE-certified technicians at EuroCar Service are here to help! We specialize in all European makes and models, including Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes, Mini Cooper, Saab, Volkswagen, Volvo, Smart Car, Fiat, and Jaguar. Schedule an appointment today by calling 206-527-8828.

Are VWs Expensive to Repair?

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Do you currently drive a VW? Are you thinking about purchasing one? Either way, you may currently be wondering how much it costs to repair a VW. Or, more specifically, whether or not repairing the car is expensive. 

Many factors go into answering this question. For starters, how do you define the word, “expensive?” You may have a bigger—or smaller—budget than other drivers. Additionally, the make and model of your VW will greatly determine how much you will need to spend on repairs. However, perhaps the most important factor in this equation is the repair itself. That will set the price of parts and labor, allowing you to deem if the price tag is “expensive.”  

If your VW needs a new engine, you’re looking at a price range of $2500 to $4000. New brakes can cost anywhere from $150 to $450 per axle, while an oil change can run between $99 and $130. 

When compared to other, well-known vehicles, the price of VW repair falls somewhere in the middle, averaging about $7800 every 10 years. Of course, this number could change depending on myriad elements, such as accidents, driving habits, and unforeseen damage.

After it’s been determined that your VW does need repairing, it’s important to find a dealership that specializes in European vehicles, and for a couple of reasons. First, independently owned repair shops can obtain original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts for less than VW dealerships. Additionally, you’ll receive personalized care and attention, and have the privilege of working with an experienced professional who specializes in foreign cars. 

Contact EuroCar Service at Your Convenience

Could you benefit from VW repair in the Seattle area? If so, contact EuroCar Service now by calling (206) 527-8828. With decades of experience, our skilled and friendly team specializes in European auto repair. 

You can rely on us for all of your VW repair needs! We guarantee your complete satisfaction and will have you back on the road in no time!

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a BMW?

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If you’ve landed on this page, then you likely already own a BMW, or you’re considering buying one and want to know how much money this luxury, German vehicle could actually cost you. You came to the right place. 

As with any type of automobile, a BMW will require you to change the car’s oil, timing belts, air filters, brakes, and possibly the transmission and engine over time. Of course, the make and model of the BMW, as well as the year, will better determine the specific amount of money you’re spending on repairs. 

However, in general, you can expect to spend between $135 and $175 per oil change for your BMW. When you pay a professional to replace the vehicle’s timing belts, expect to spend between $400 and $900. Again, because we’re talking about a luxury vehicle, parts and labor tend to run more. A cabin air filter change generally runs between $30 and $70, while new brakes cost anywhere between $150 and $300 per axle. 

What About More Significant Repairs

Bigger repairs and replacements, such as those involving the transmission or engine will put a much bigger dent in your wallet or purse. 

For example, the cost of a new BMW transmission could be over $3500, again, depending on the particular type of automobile you own. Engines are typically priced between $3000 and $5000. 

Depending on the repair or repairs that you may need done on your BMW, you may want to weigh the pros and cons of purchasing a new car. By the time you pay for parts and labor, as well as a rental car while you’re waiting for your vehicle to get out of the shop, it may make more sense to simply buy new. 

Contact EuroCar Service Now! 

If you need BMW repair, contact EuroCar Service now by calling (206) 527-8828. With decades of experience, you can trust us to provide convenient, affordable, and fast service. Our team looks forward to hearing from you. We’ll have you back on the road in no time!