A customer came in looking to have their 2015 Fiat 500 Pop checked out because it had previously failed a smog check.
Don’t wait for the check engine light to tell you something is wrong. Follow your maintenance schedule and have your Mercedes inspected regularly every 5k miles.
This week, a customer came in with a problem that we’ve come across a few times or so with a 2017 Audi A3 e-tron.
With the brake line replaced and the fluid flushed and refilled, the Land Rover was back to healthy performance and back on the road to drive another day.
Sometimes an overheating concern isn’t as simple as a bad thermostat or low coolant. A 2017 Jaguar F-Pace Premium came in that showed us why proper diagnostics matter.
Let’s talk shop. This 2014 Audi SQ5 came through the shop with what looked like a fairly routine oil leak. But once we got it on the lift and started digging deeper, we found a little surprise hiding behind the symptoms. Let’s dive in. Diagnosis On the 3.0 supercharged V6, timing chain system issues can become a serious concern as mileage adds up. Chain stretch, worn guides, tensioner problems, and related components can lead to timing faults, rattling noises, especially on cold starts, and, if ignored, potentially major engine damage. Another major issue is that the timing chain is located at the rear of the engine, which means that replacement is an intensive, labor-heavy service requiring partial or full engine removal. What Needs to Be Done When timing chain wear is confirmed, the repair needs to be approached as a complete system, not simply “replace the chain” and call it a day. Depending on what the inspection reveals, this can include timing chains, guides, tensioners, seals, and other related components. We also inspect the surrounding areas for oil leaks and signs of wear while everything is accessible. Pro Tip: If you start hearing noticeable rattling on startup, the car develops timing fault codes, or you’re seeing unexplained oil leaks, don’t wait until the check engine light comes on. By that time, you might be dealing with a bigger problem. Result: A smooth ride and a happy driver. The goal isn’t just to quiet a noise or clear a code. It’s proper diagnostics to know the root cause and a proper mechanic who knows the proper repairs. Catch us every Friday for more shop talk. And remember: Good work ain’t cheap. Cheap work ain’t good. Euro Auto Tech & Smog | European Specialist | 7633 El Cajon Blvd #217, La Mesa, CA 91942