European Auto Repair Experts  in Absecon, NJ Since 1983

Keeping an eye on your engine and coolant temperatures is important as coolant system failures can easily become catastrophic events that can destroy your car or truck. Many European vehicle manufacturers rely on aluminum engine blocks because the lighter weight of aluminum improves fuel economy, and aluminum is easily and irreparably damaged when temperatures get too high. This becomes more of an issue during the Summer months as higher ambient temperatures combine with the higher temperatures of typical Euro engines and the relatively smaller engine bays to create an environment that has to be carefully managed. As with all problem areas, it’s always better to catch things early before they become critical, so we’d like to give you a few things to watch for: · Always watch your temperature gauge: it should not be fluctuating significantly, and it shouldn’t be spiking into the red zone. If it IS, you could have a problem with your thermostat, which serves as the gatekeeper for coolant flow. If it’s stuck in the open position, it will be more difficult for your engine to reach critical operating temperature (“overcooling”) as there is too much coolant in the engine, but if it’s stuck in the closed position, coolant flow will be restricted, and the temperature gauge will top out more quickly. Alternately, a malfunctioning radiator fan can lead to a fluctuating temperature gauge as it cuts in and out. · It seems like common sense, but always watch for steam or smoke coming from your engine bay, but also be mindful of sweet or burnt odors as these may indicate coolant leaks. · Always be mindful of coolant leaks manifesting as puddles under your car or truck, but the sweet smell just mentioned can be useful when leaks are more subtle. Remember: those leaks can come from multiple places such as the plastic expansion tanks, thermostat housing, or radiator seams, hoses, or connectors, so they may or may not be readily apparent, and this is where checking your coolant levels from time to time becomes useful. A lot of the components of your cooling system are either plastic (expansion tanks) or rubber, and these parts may degrade more quickly in Summer heat. · If you’re regularly getting warning lights for low coolant levels or high coolant temperatures, get your vehicle into the shop! You should never drive your vehicle is it's running dangerously hot. This can lead to fires and potential fatalities that could have been prevented. · Listening for unusual engine sounds can also provide valuable information regarding your cooling system, too. Gurgling or bubbling sounds may let you know that air has gotten into your cooling system. Squealing or grinding noises may indicate a failing water pump, so be sure to listen, particularly if you’re seeing some of the other warning signs, too. We hope these pointers are helpful for you, and can help you be more aware when your cooling system is in danger of breaking down. As said previously, catching things early is always preferable to having to clean up AFTER major breakdown events.

If you’re a European import car or truck owner, you’re no doubt aware that oil changes are more expensive for Euros than for domestic vehicles. Ever wondered why? Well, European cars and trucks require specialized, high-grade fully-synthetic motor oils that meet very stringent standards and are capable of resisting thermal breakdowns under the higher temperatures typically encountered in Euro engines. As we have discussed before, Euros run hotter, and the common motor oils used in domestic makes would break down quickly, leading to sludge accumulation in your engine. These specialized oils are also engineered to be more homogeneous in molecular compositions, meaning that all the oil molecules are approximately the same size and shape. This minimizes frictional drag during flow meaning that they have lower viscosities to provide better lubrication for critical engine parts. In addition, many Euros hold more oil, 7-9 quarts or more, which is about twice what smaller domestic or Asian makes hold. Euros also typically specific, premium oil filters that can cost a little more. If you also consider that Euros also have underbody panels (in some cases multiple panels) that have to be removed to access the drain plug, some additional labor is required. Thus, all these factors combine together to make for higher bills when getting your oil changed, but the upside is that Euros typically have longer service intervals (10,000-15,000 miles) than their domestic or Asian counterparts (5,000-7,500 miles), meaning your service trips won't be as frequent.