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Why is Mercedes-Benz Maintenance So Expensive?

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Have you ever wondered why your Mercedes-Benz maintenance is so expensive? It’s an honest question for our customers to ask, especially if you’ve experienced with past vehicles that service such as a simple oil change is relatively easy to pay for and typically doesn’t break the bank.

Meanwhile, what you think is the same service for your new Mercedes-Benz is double or triple the cost.

Just like any vehicle, your Mercedes-Benz needs routine service. But what you bought is no ordinary vehicle. It is one of the finest and most sophisticated automobiles globally, and with that comes carefully-engineered parts and equipment specific to the Mercedes-Benz brand and require an experienced technician to ensure they always work correctly.

Below are three reasons why your Mercedes-Benz maintenance is so expensive:

1. Specialized oil, and more of it — Fuel tanks for German-engineered vehicles are larger than those made in the U.S. In some cases, you could need twice the oil for a standard vehicle. On top of that, not any motor oil or engine oil will do. Your technician must use oil specifically designed for your Mercedes-Benz.

2. Additional procedures — In a Mercedes-Benz, oil is vacuumed or sucked out of the engine, requiring special equipment. Also, Mercedes-Benz maintenance should be scheduled every 10,000 miles and includes everything from oil service and tire alignment to fluid checks, brake component inspections, checking hoses and belts, battery replacement, replacing air filters, and more.

3. The most advanced technology — Mercedes-Benz has always been a trendsetter when it comes to technology. Parts cost more and occasionally need to be special-ordered to keep your vehicle working correctly. There are also fewer reputable technicians who work on these vehicles every day, leading to higher repair, service, and maintenance costs.

Call Dallas European Auto to schedule your Mercedes-Benz maintenance appointment

You could try doing maintenance on your own, but why risk it? The cost of Mercedes-Benz maintenance may seem like a burden now, but it beats the outrageous costs of major repairs or replacements down the road.

Dallas European Auto in Plano, Texas, is your local, go-to Mercedes-Benz maintenance professional. We offer a complete list of maintenance services for all foreign and domestic vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz.

Call and schedule your appointment today!


Why is BMW Maintenance So Expensive?

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A common sentiment among BMW owners and enthusiasts is that their prized vehicle is very expensive to maintain. This is not an unfounded thought. BMW maintenance is hands down more expensive than any other vehicle on the market. But why? Why must an oil change or any other maintenance or service request feel like it’s going to break the bank?

Just like any vehicle, your BMW needs routine service. It is also built to last. But this is a high-performance vehicle, and with that comes carefully-engineered parts and equipment specific to the BMW brand.

Below are four reasons why your BMW maintenance is so expensive:

1. Complex components and technology — BMW increasingly relies on more complex components, computers, proprietary parts, electronic sensors, and state-of-the-art technology. Simply put, they have more bells and whistles, and they all work together to give you the best ride on the road today. All of these factors drive up the cost of what many customers think are simple maintenance requests.

2. Specialized oil, and more of it — Fuel tanks for German-engineered vehicles are larger than those made in the U.S. In some cases, you could need twice the oil for a standard vehicle. On top of that, not any motor oil or engine oil will do. Your technician must use oil specifically designed for your BMW.

3. More frequent maintenance requirements — BMW maintenance should be scheduled every 7,000-10,000 miles and includes everything from oil service and tire alignment to brake checks, battery replacement, air filters, and more.

4. Exclusivity — It’s difficult to find companies who sell genuine BMW parts or provide service for these specialty brands. Ensuring you always have a competent technician who works on luxury vehicles such as BMWs is also critically important. When you bought your BMW, you joined an elite group of drivers, and with that comes exclusivity.

Call Dallas European Auto to schedule your BMW maintenance appointment

Trust us when we say that being diligent about your BWM maintenance will save hundreds of thousands of dollars in major repairs down the line. You will prolong your engine’s life, increase fuel economy, and improve safety for you and your passengers. Dallas European Auto in Plano, Texas, is your local, go-to BMW maintenance professional. We offer a complete list of maintenance services for all foreign and domestic vehicles, including BMW.

Call and schedule your appointment today!


Why is Bentley Maintenance So Expensive?

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People ask all the time, “Why is Bentley maintenance so expensive?” While many Bentley drivers feel like celebrities and sports stars when they are behind the wheel, they can’t help but feel shocked by the inflated prices of a simple oil change or other maintenance tasks.

In some cases, maintenance costs can be double or triple the cost of standard U.S. vehicles.

The simple answer is that a Bentley — much like a Mercedes-Benz or BMW — is one of the more prestigious and sought-after German-made vehicles on the road today. It was put together with the finest workmanship and best parts on the market. So it stands to reason that maintaining it for miles down the road will come with a higher price tag.

Below are three reasons why your Bentley maintenance is so expensive?

1. You aren’t doing scheduled maintenance — Bentleys should go in for scheduled maintenance every 10,000 miles. If you forget, put it off, try to do some of the work on your own, or have a technician work on it who is not used to such a sophisticated machine, things can get missed or not fixed correctly. This can lead to even bigger problems down the road.

2. Specialized oil — An oil change for a Bentley can run as much as $500. This is because they require more engine oil and motor oil. Fuel tanks for German-engineered vehicles are larger than those made in the U.S. In some cases, you could need twice the oil for a standard vehicle.

3. Advanced technology — Genuine parts cost more and occasionally need to be special-ordered to keep your Bentley working correctly. Also, there are also fewer reputable technicians who work on these vehicles every day, leading to higher repair, service, and maintenance costs.

Call Dallas European Auto to schedule your Bentley maintenance appointment

It is critical that you only have these Bentley maintenance services completed by a trained and certified Bentley dealer or repair facility. Doing so guarantees your vehicle will be in the best hands possible while also having access to genuine Bentley parts.

Dallas European Auto in Plano, Texas, is your local, go-to Bentley maintenance professional. We offer a complete list of maintenance services for all foreign and domestic vehicles, including Bentley.

Call and schedule your appointment today!


Why Mercedes-Benz Maintenance Is So Important

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When you purchased your Mercedes-Benz, you joined an elite group of drivers who get to sit behind the wheel of one of the finest and most sophisticated automobiles in the world. To ensure you can travel in style and dependability now and for thousands of miles down the road, you must take your Mercedes-Benz maintenance seriously.

Just like any vehicle that needs routine service, Mercedes-Benz maintenance keeps critical engine parts running smoothly. Your certified team of technicians also can spot minor issues that could become big problems later.

Mercedes-Benz maintenance should be scheduled every 10,000 miles and includes everything from oil service and tire alignment to fluid checks, brake component inspections, checking hoses and belts, battery replacement, replacing air filters, and more. Beyond what already has been mentioned, additional benefits of Mercedes-Benz maintenance include:

  • Prolonging the life of your engine
  • Improving fuel economy
  • Saving you time and money down the road
  • Maintaining the value of your vehicle
  • Improving safety for you, your passengers, and everyone on the road

Call Dallas European Auto to schedule your Mercedes-Benz maintenance appointment

You bought your Mercedes-Benz for its elegance, comfort, and dependability. And you expect to be driving it for years down the road. So imagine the frustration you would feel if your Mercedes-Benz were to suddenly break down, only to find out that the problem could have been prevented altogether simply by scheduling regular maintenance. The cost of Mercedes-Benz maintenance may seem like a burden now, but it beats the outrageous costs of major repairs or replacements should you fall behind on routine maintenance.

Dallas European Auto in Plano, Texas, is your local, go-to Mercedes-Benz maintenance professional. We offer a complete list of maintenance services for all foreign and domestic vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz.

Call and schedule your appointment today!


Why BMW Maintenance Is So Important

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You paid a lot for your BMW, so it stands to reason that you would want to keep it performing the same as it did when you first drove it off the dealership lot. The purr of the engine, the smoothness of the ride every time you hop on the highway — these are luxuries BMW owners get to experience every day. The good news is that these high-performance vehicles were built to last. However, regular BMW maintenance is critical to ensuring yours does the same.

Unlike most vehicles on the road today, BMW maintenance should be completed approximately every 7,000-10,000 miles. As the years go by and the miles increase, follow the manufacturer’s recommended BMW maintenance schedule.

Regular BMW maintenance is designed to verify the function of many of your car’s basic components while ensuring that issues are caught and remedied early enough to avoid more costly repairs. BMW maintenance includes checking:

  • Brakes, horn, windshield wipers, belts and hoses, etc.
  • Oil life and efficiency, including replacing oil filter
  • Fluid level check (brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid, etc.) and checking for leaks
  • Tire rotation and balance
  • Check spark plugs and replace as needed
  • Power steering system
  • And more …

Though the initial costs can feel high, you bought your BMW for a reason — because it’s the most luxurious and high-performing vehicle on the market. If you want it to take care of you, you must care for it. Being diligent about your BWM maintenance plan will save hundreds of thousands of dollars in major repairs down the line. You will prolong your engine’s life, increase fuel economy, and improve safety for you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.

Call Dallas European Auto to schedule your BWM maintenance appointment

If something goes wrong with your BMW, you want specialists who work with foreign high-performance vehicles every day and can accurately assess and repair the issue. But before you get to that point, taking your BMW to the same knowledgeable technicians for routine maintenance can help you avoid more significant issues.

Dallas European Auto in Plano, Texas, is your local, go-to BWM maintenance professional. We offer a complete list of maintenance services for all foreign and domestic vehicles, including BMW.

Call and schedule your appointment today!


Why Bentley Maintenance Is So Important

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The Bentley name exudes class and sophistication, and seeing one of their sought-after models on the road is a thing of beauty. Having one for yourself puts you in another class of drivers. Naturally, Bentley maintenance is an important topic of discussion and should be taken seriously when it comes to your vehicle’s long-term enjoyment.

Bentley has a well-earned reputation for using only the finest materials in the handcrafted construction of its vehicles, as well as an extensive list of customized options. But even those parts are bound to fail if not properly cared for.

Regular Bentley maintenance every 10,000 miles is important for many reasons, most notably:

  • Preserving the performance and condition of your Bentley
  • Prolonging the life of your engine
  • Access to the latest diagnostic equipment
  • Resolving issues before they become bigger problems
  • Saving you time and money down the road
  • Keeping your Bentley’s value high
  • Improving safety for you, your passengers, and everyone on the road

Call Dallas European Auto to schedule your Bentley maintenance appointment

Not only should you be diligent with your Bentley maintenance schedule, but it is critical that you only have these services completed by a trained and certified Bentley dealer or repair facility. Doing so guarantees your vehicle will be in the best hands possible while also having access to genuine Bentley parts. At Dallas European Auto in Plano, Texas, we pride ourselves on delivering superior results in Bentley maintenance, service, and repair.

Our Bentley maintenance checks include everything from oil service and tire alignment to fluid checks, brake component inspections, checking hoses and belts, battery replacement, replacing air filters, and more.

Dallas European Auto in Plano, Texas, is your local, go-to Bentley maintenance professional. We offer a complete list of maintenance services for all foreign and domestic vehicles, including Bentley.

Call and schedule your appointment today!


How Often Should I Have My Spark Plugs Replaced?

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At Dallas European Auto, we believe information is the best way to avoid unexpected problems and huge bills at the mechanic. Although not all of us can be as knowledgeable as the experienced technicians at Dallas European Auto, all car owners need to have basic knowledge about their cars so that they can feel confident in the state of their vehicle.

What are Spark Plugs?

This month, we wanted to teach you about spark plugs. Spark plugs are an integral part of the car’s engine. They are designed to ignite the air and fuel mixture in the cylinder chambers to get the vehicle moving. While spark plugs can last for tens of thousands of miles, they cannot fire away forever without wearing down and degrading. As spark plugs are such an important piece of the puzzle, it is important to keep them in good condition by replacing them when the need arises. This will keep your car performance high and gas mileage efficient.

How Often Should You Replace Your Spark Plugs?

Many vehicle manufacturers advertise their extended-life spark plugs that last for up to 100,000 miles, but most often, spark plugs do not make it to that age. In fact, even the most robust plugs are four-fifths worn by the time 80,000 miles rolls around. To keep up with the constant wear on spark plugs, it is wise to have them inspected every 30,000 miles or so. This way you can replace them when needed, before they become too worn or even break apart. You can do this while having a routine check done on your car by just asking your technician.

When needed, you should always replace your vehicles’ spark plugs with the same kind that the car came with or using before. If your car engine also utilizes spark plug wires, these may need to be replaced. If these get too old and fried they may even fall apart when the spark plug is replaced. A quality set of new spark plugs can usually last up to 60,000 to 70,000 miles. Preventive maintenance is the key to keeping your car running great.

Come see us at Dallas European Auto to get all the latest information on car maintenance personalized for you. Come on in and see us in Plano, TX, or contact us on the phone or online to set up an appointment.

 

 


Where is My Engine Oil Going?

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An engine oil warning light can be alarming for some car owners. It may signify that you just need to add a quart or two, but sometimes it brings your attention to more pressing issues like oil leaks. With so much uncertainty, it’s hard to know when low oil is a problem you can ignore and when it’s something that should alert you to bring your car into Dallas European Auto immediately. When your engine is losing oil consistently, that means that something is wrong with the engine. That problem can be much more serious than you think.

Why Do Engines Lose Oil?

There are two ways an engine can lose oil: an internal leak or external leak. When these issues arise, they allow oil to get into the combustion chamber and burn along with the air-fuel mixture.

External leaks are usually the best-case scenario, as many can be fixed with a new gasket and do not require any digging around to identify the problem. An external leak is easy for an experienced mechanic to diagnose and address almost immediately. Internal leaks can be much more involved. Because they are harder to spot, internal leaks can take a lot of diagnostic work to identity. Internal leaks are usually caused by wear and tear on some select engine parts, such as warn piston rings or ill-fitting valve gauges and seals.

Diagnosing Oil Consumption

The first step to diagnosing an engine oil problem is to investigate the best-case scenario. Hopefully, you will find an external leak with relative ease. External leaks often generate from the oil pan, fuel pump gaskets, and the timing chain cover. When trying to locate an external leak, look for oil dripping on the ground. The oil is dripping due to gravity, so you should be able to locate the cause with relative ease. Try investigating if the oil is dripping down from somewhere above the part where you see the excess oil.

If the leak still eludes you, the next step is to check if the leak is caused by a problem with the crankcase. The pressure in the crankcase can wear on certain engine parts like gaskets, seals, and piston rings and can often be the source of a major internal oil leak.

Keep in mind, that identifying the source of an oil leak is essential to ensure the leak doesn’t return quickly after adding more oil. When you know the exact issue causing your leak, it is much easier for both you and your car technician to repair the problem correctly to prevent further oil loss.

Are you experiencing oil loss or a mystery engine leak? Contact us at Dallas European Auto to see how we can help you get your car back up and running, leak free. We are located in Plano, TX, so stop by to make an appointment today!


Helpful Tips to Avoid Texting and Driving

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In this day and age, life moves fast on and off the road. As cellphones have become increasingly prevalent in our lives, there are a thousand distractions keeping us from putting our full attention on the road. When concerns over cellphone use during driving first arose, the most you could do on your phone was take a call or maybe type out a short text. Today, your phone probably has a whole array of messaging and social media apps, all of which can send you notifications. That is not even to mention text messages and email. All together, each of us gets anywhere from dozens to hundreds of notifications a day.
Even while driving, it can be difficult to ignore notifications and focus on the road. You may think to yourself, “it’ll only take a second to respond to this text,” but everything can go wrong in just a few seconds while barreling down the freeway. In those five seconds you have your attention on your phone, the road conditions can change drastically. By not paying attention, you are putting yourself and others in extreme danger.

How to Avoid Texting While Driving

  • In order to keep yourself and others safe, try these useful tips to help keep the phone out of your hand and your eyes on the road.
  • Try putting your phone out of reach. For example, toss your phone in the glove box or backseat, or even the trunk before getting on the road. While on the road, your phone will be too hard to reach for you to get easily distracted. If you are desperate enough to pull over and take your phone out of the trunk, you might want to speak to a medical professional rather than a mechanic.
  • Put your phone on silent or Do Not Disturb mode. Not knowing about all your notifications on your drive to work will not hurt you. On most phones, this is as easy as turning on airplane mode. While on airplane mode, you will not be able to send or receive messages or calls.
  • If traveling with friends or family, choose a designated texter! They can respond to texts, talk on the phone, get directions, or find the nearest coffee shop so the driver can keep their eyes on the road.
  • Consider downloading an app designed to keep you from texting while driving. Some apps lock your phone for a set amount of time, while others lock your access to applications when they detect you traveling at speeds above 10 MPH.

Help keep yourself safe and secure by not adding any more distractions when driving. Safety is of utmost importance to us at Dallas European Auto. Come see us in Plano, TX, or contact us to see how we can help you keep your car running smoothly and safely.


Keeping Your Coolant System Healthy

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With so many different words and phrases to keep track of, car lingo can sound like science fiction to car owners who are not familiar with the ins and outs of engines. Never fear, here at Dallas European Auto, we believe that information is the best medicine for unexpected problems and expensive repairs. This month, we want to talk to you about coolant and how important it is to keep your coolant system healthy.

What is a Coolant System?

As your engine runs, the rapid movement of pistons and belts causes a lot of friction. That friction produces heat. While engine oil and ball-bearings help to reduce the amount of heat caused by friction, your coolant system is designed to keep your vehicle running efficiently even on the longest of road trips. As heat builds up, your coolant system deals effectively with high temperatures.

A healthy engine works best at an optimal heat, not too cold or too hot. Just like your air conditioning on a hot summer day, the car’s coolant system works hard to keep the temperature in check. This helps prevent engine parts from wearing out too quickly, which can result in an inconvenient breakdown that warrants serious repairs.

Why is it Important to Keep the Coolant System Healthy?

If you allow your coolant system to fall into disrepair, you risk it failing and causing problems ranging from an inconvenient breakdown to a potentially devastating meltdown.

The system itself is comprised of many parts that can wear out independently of each other and need to be checked and replaced. These parts may include:

  • The fan
  • Radiator
  • Hoses and pumps
  • Caps
  • Thermostat
  • The reserve tank

At Dallas European Auto, we are proud to offer our highly trained, expert technicians to help you identify and solve all your vehicle’s cooling related problems. Come visit us in Plano, TX, to see what we can do to keep your car running cool. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.