Autobahn Specialists Blog
Your vehicle’s suspension system plays a crucial role in delivering a safe, smooth, and controlled driving experience. At the heart of this system are the shocks, which help stabilize your car and keep the tires in firm contact with the road. Over time, shocks can wear out and lose their effectiveness, leading to performance issues and safety concerns. At Autobahn Specialists, we provide expert European suspension repair in the greater Tacoma, WA area. Here are four warning signs that your shocks are failing and should be replaced. Increased Bouncing After Hitting Bumps A noticeable sign of failing shocks is excessive bouncing after driving over a bump or pothole. Instead of absorbing the impact and settling quickly, a car with bad shocks will continue to bounce up and down. This not only makes for an uncomfortable ride, but also reduces the vehicle's control and handling. Nose Diving When Braking When shocks start to wear out, they struggle to manage the vehicle's weight transfer during braking. This often causes the front end of the car to dip sharply downward when you apply the brakes, a phenomenon known as "nose diving." This can increase your stopping distance and compromise safety in emergency braking situations. Unstable or Drifting on Turns Good shocks help keep your vehicle stable and level when you turn. When shocks begin to fail, you may notice that the car feels unstable or leans too much when going around corners. This body roll can be dangerous, especially at higher speeds, and is an indication that your suspension system isn't performing properly. Addressing the issue quickly can help prevent accidents and improve handling. Uneven Tire Wear Worn shocks can cause the tires to lose consistent contact with the road, which often leads to uneven tread wear. If you notice that your tires are wearing out more on one side or in a patchy pattern, it may be because your shocks are no longer keeping your wheels firmly planted. Replacing the shocks can help extend the life of your tires and improve overall driving performance. European Suspension Repair in Tacoma, WA When you need European auto repair in Tacoma and the surrounding area, contact Autobahn Specialists at (253) 474-0177. At our local European auto shop, we can expertly handle your Euro car’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!
European cars are known for their performance, precision engineering, and advanced technology. But even the most well-built vehicles are not immune to mechanical or electrical issues. When the check engine light comes on, it’s your car’s way of telling you something isn’t right under the hood. While the light can be triggered by a wide range of issues—from minor to serious—addressing it promptly is key to avoiding further damage. At Autobahn Specialists, we provide expert European check engine light diagnostics and repair in the greater Tacoma area. Here are four common reasons why the check engine light might come on in your European car. Oxygen Sensor Malfunction The oxygen sensor monitors the amount of unburned oxygen in your vehicle’s exhaust system. A faulty sensor can lead to poor engine performance, reduced fuel-economy, and increased emissions. If ignored, this issue can cause trouble with the catalytic converter. Catalytic Converter Problems The catalytic converter is responsible for reducing harmful emissions by converting exhaust gases into less toxic substances. If it becomes faulty, it can easily cause the check engine light to illuminate. A failing catalytic converter can reduce your car’s performance and fuel-economy. Because it’s such a crucial component, issues with it need to be addressed ASAP. Faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor The mass air flow (MAF) sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine and helps the computer determine the right amount of fuel to inject. A problem with the MAF sensor can cause rough idling, hesitation, and stalling, all while triggering the check engine light. Ignition System Issues Problems with spark plugs, ignition coils, or related wiring can easily cause your check engine light to come on. Misfires and hard starts are often symptoms of an issue within the ignition system. If left unaddressed, these problems can lead to poor fuel-efficiency and other engine issues. European Engine Repair in Tacoma, WA For European auto repair in Tacoma and the surrounding area, contact Autobahn Specialists at (253) 474-0177. At our local European auto shop, we can expertly handle your Euro car’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
Before heading out on a road trip, it's easy to focus on the excitement of the journey and forget about the importance of vehicle readiness. However, scheduling a professional inspection before hitting the road can save you from potential trouble. Even if your car seems to be running fine, an experienced mechanic can catch issues that may not be immediately noticeable. At Autobahn Specialists, we can expertly prepare your Euro car for your journey. Here are four important reasons why you should have your car inspected before a long trip. Catch Problems Before They Get Worse One of the main benefits of a pre-trip inspection is the chance to catch small issues before they turn into major problems. A worn belt, low fluid level, or weak battery might not be noticeable during short local drives but could easily lead to a breakdown during a long trip. A mechanic can identify these early signs of trouble and take care of them before you find yourself stranded on the side of the highway. Help Ensure Safety for You and Your Passengers Safety should always be a top priority, especially when traveling long distances. A thorough inspection includes checking critical systems like brakes, tires, lights, and steering components. If any of these parts are worn or malfunctioning, they can put you and your passengers at risk. Ensuring everything is in top shape before leaving gives you peace of mind and reduces the chances of an accident. Improve Fuel-Efficiency Long drives can get increasingly expensive if your vehicle isn’t running efficiently. During an inspection, the mechanic can check things like tire pressure, engine performance, and air filters, all of which can impact your fuel-economy. Making sure these elements are optimized before your trip means you’ll spend less money at the pump and get more miles out of every gallon. Avoid Unexpected Delays Nothing disrupts a road trip faster than an unexpected mechanical issue. Waiting for a tow truck or searching for an auto repair shop in an unfamiliar area can be stressful and time-consuming. By having your vehicle inspected beforehand, you significantly reduce the chances of being delayed by avoidable car trouble. This helps ensure your trip stays on schedule and stress-free. European Auto Maintenance in Tacoma For European auto maintenance in Tacoma before your road trip, contact Autobahn Specialists at (253) 474-0177. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!
