Drivers who are in need of finding a European car shop have several options. Those include going to an independent European car shop, a department or chain-store franchise, or going to the dealership. Deciding where to go does not have to be a difficult decision if you understand the differences between service centers and how they can be of ultimate benefit for you and your car’s situation.
Finding a local European car shop can be of immense help to you as finding the right one can be a rewarding experience. Independently owned facilities tend to be smaller than department store franchise shops and dealerships in that they have a much smaller volume of customers which will make it easier for them to establish a relationship with you.
Look for a place where the mechanics are certified. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifies auto technicians in the following areas: automotive, medium/heavy trucks, truck equipment, school or transit bus repair, engine machinist, alternative fuels, parts specialist, auto service specialist, and estimate specialist. A technician becomes a master technician when he has mastered each of these areas of study. Therefore, when you are considering a European car shop, make sure there is a technician on staff that is specially trained for your specific needs. For example, if you are in need of engine repair, you should find a mechanic that is ASE certified as an engine machinist.
Most people take their new cars to the dealership for repairs and maintenance because of their warranties. This is another thing to consider if you are considering an independent shop. Because independents get more used car volume with older model vehicles, they tend to have more experience working on them rather than new models. A reputable European car shop should be willing to discuss their credentials with you. They should have the specialized tools and diagnostic equipment for your make of vehicle, as well as, carry Original Factory Parts so any repairs done will carry a warranty on the parts and labor while keeping your vehicle 100% authentic.
You can also consider taking your car into a department or chain-store franchise. Your benefit there would be that chain-stores usually advertise free services for routine services like tune-ups and oil changes. Unfortunately “free” services may not always turn out to be that way in that it is common for places like this to make that money back by inspecting your vehicle and trumping up a bogus repair. If this happens, always get a second opinion.
Work under factory warranty should always be done at the dealership. They have the best trained mechanics that are trained to fix problems that pop up with new car models. The downside is that dealer overhead is high in that they pay their technicians more than independents and department franchises. Because of this, expect to pay a pretty penny for repairs not covered under warranty work.
The last thing to note is if you drive a foreign car such as BMW, Mercedes, VW, Audi, or Mini Cooper for example, always use a European car shop that specializes in your particular make of vehicle.
We are conveniently located in Houston TX just west of the Galleria, and service mainly the Memorial, West University, Mid Town, Heights, Downtown, River Oaks, Sugarland and Bellaire areas.
European car service is a specialty. It requires specific training and focus, and do not let Jack of All Trades Automotive down the street tell you any different. When you think about how many types of vehicles are out on the road today, you can’t help but wonder how unspecialized repair shops out there get away with claiming they know everything about every car that is brought in for services and repairs. At Today’s European Cars, our focus is European car service. We have been servicing imports in Houston, Texas since 1985. Our niche is Mercedes, Audi, BMW, and Volkswagen repair and maintenance. We have a highly trained staff that is available from 8a.m. to 6p.m. to happily answer any of your questions you may have about a repair or regularly scheduled service.
Common Misconceptions/Mistakes Made by Consumers Looking for a Reputable Auto Service Shop:
Misconception #1: My car is so pristine and advanced; it basically takes care of its self.
With the latest technological advancements in place with European cars today, some people forget that their luxury baby is still just a car and that it needs regular servicing to keep it running smoothly. Sure it may talk navigate you to the nearest restaurant for a juicy steak, but she still needs quality t.l.c. as well. Finding a shop that is specifically trained in European car services will save you costly expenses down the road.
Misconception #2: Specialty automotive repair shops cost more because they are “specialized”.
The fact is, when going to a reputable foreign auto repair shop, you can be rest assured that they are knowledgeable on factory scheduled maintenance specific to your vehicle, and that they are equipped with the proper diagnostic tools specific to your European car’s eccentricities. Knowing when to be proactive with scheduled servicing will keep your warranties fresh, and having the correct tools available for proper troubleshooting will save you an immense amount of time and money when it comes to finding and fixing a problem. How do these factors save you money? A knowledgeable staff does not need to worry about jacking up repair costs and padding their bill with unauthorized additional parts and services because they are confident that their extra training and specialized attention will bring you back as a happy customer for many years to come.
Misconception #3: I don’t need to worry about services for my European car until I have a problem.
Waiting until you are broken down is no time to deal with a crisis. Desperation causes even the most level headed people to make bad decisions. It is easier to believe someone that is feeding you a big fat line of b.s. to get your business when you want and need to believe it when, for example, you are on the side of the road without transportation. By doing a little bit of homework before a major problem breaks out, you will know just who to call and who to trust with the safety of your vehicle.
We are conveniently located in Houston TX just west of the Galleria, and service mainly the Memorial, West University, Mid Town, Heights, Downtown, River Oaks, Sugarland and Bellaire areas.
European auto repair specialists can help you regardless of whether you are looking for routine maintenance or more complex repair such as body work after an accident. Either way it is usually best to find a company that specializes in European car repair.
From luxurious BMWs and Mercedes to more economical Volkswagens and Mini’s, German autos are easy to spot almost anywhere. Even routine repairs to German cars requires German parts that some chain service centers and garages may not have easy access to. Along with mechanical issues, many European auto repair specialists can also handle collision and body work in case of an accident.
If you are fortunate enough to own a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Alfa Romeo, you will almost certainly need an European auto repair specialist, even to simply get the oil changed. Since the Germans also produce several high-end luxury cars, you can often find service centers that specialize in all luxury European car repairs, as opposed to German only or Italian only.
If you drive a European car, especially a high-end luxury car, finding a service center that specializes in European car repair is important to maintaining your vehicle. Good service is not a luxury. No matter what you type of vehicle you own, you want the job done correctly and thoroughly.
Being prepared by learning about your import car’s systems is a good way to know what to look for in any maintenance or repair work.
Although they might seem mundane, owner’s manuals are the go-to source for both reference information and advice on your vehicle’s maintenance. They are based on input gathered from subject matter experts in the field, specifically, the people who designed and built the car. You should expect these people to have a clue or three about what’s under the hood.
Start your search for a European auto repair facility before you need one; you can make better decisions when you are not rushed. Ask friends and associates for their input. If possible, arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you are not compelled to select a European auto repair shop based solely on its location. Once you’ve made your selection, if possible, start off with a minor job; then if you are pleased, consider trusting them with more complicated work down the road.
Look for a tidy, organized European car repair shop, with vehicles in the parking are of equal value to your own and modern equipment inside the bays. Professionally run establishments will have a courteous, helpful staff and service writer willing to answer all of your questions.
Service after the sale applies to car repairs as much as it does to a purchase. If the service was not what you thought it would be, discuss the problem with the service manager or owner of the European car repair shop. Allow the business an opportunity to resolve the issue. After all, reputable shops value feedback from their customers and will make a genuine effort to earn your business.
It is important to take your import car to a European auto repair shop if you want a specialist who really knows imports working on the European car in your life. It is a complicated piece of machinery that will give you many years of good service if properly maintained and repaired.
We are conveniently located in South West Houston TX just west of the Galleria, and service mainly the Memorial, West University, Mid Town, Heights, Sugarland and Bellaire areas.
Today’s European Cars is located in South West Houston near the galleria area. We are a quality BMW shop and have been servicing these fine Automobiles for over 26 years in the Houston area. Our BMW Mechanics are well versed in all aspects of service and repair for these fine German automobiles. Our Foreign Car Shop specializes in European imports. We not only service BMW but also are well versed in the repair and service of Volvo, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Mini Cooper Audi and Jaguars. Our BMW shop employees mechanics that are trained on BMW repair and service. We have all the necessary equipment to analyze and trouble shoot most European imports.
Finding a BMW Mechanic that can service your car can be tricky. These cars require special attention and you need a true BMW mechanic to properly service and analyze what is going on with your foreign car. Not only do you need to have the know how but also the necessary tools to do the job right. Most foreign car repair involves tools that a regular shop wont have handy. things like special computer equipment to hook up to the on board computer to see what codes are being but up by it which can tell a mechanic what needs repair. Also german cars are built using metric nuts and bolts and all the measurements are in millimeters therefore a BMW shop has metric tools and is equipped to handle these little discrepancies between foreign car repair and fixing American made cars. therefore if you own one of these German imports you will want to seek a competent BMW shop in your area.
One of the easiest ways to find a shop is to use the internet. Just type in a term like BMW Shop and the area that you live in to find lots of different shops to choose from. You can still use the good old fashioned Yellow Pages if you are not on the internet yet. Another excellent way to find a service center is to ask a friend that has a foreign car like your and find out if he has found a competent mechanic to service his car. Usually if you go by referral you will find a decent mechanic. If you find a shop that you are not familiar with you might want to go down and see what the service center looks like and use some common sense in making a decision to do business with them. If the repair shop looks like it is in dis repair and things are just laying around and the mechanics look dingy you might want to move on. Repair of these foreign cars is usually precise so you are looking for a place that looks like it can handle precision.
Today’s European Cars is a quality BMW Shop in the Houston Texas area. We are well established and have been doing foreign car repair in the Houston area for 26 years plus. If you would like to come visit our shop and see what we do please call us or contact us via email.
We are conveniently located in Houston TX just west of the Galleria, and service mainly the Memorial, West University, Mid Town, Heights, Sugarland and Bellaire areas.
You don’t want to entrust your BMW maintenance to just any provider; make sure you take your extraordinary vehicle to a BMW certified Specialist. These fine machines require a true specialist who has been trained to perform routine maintenance on BMW vehicles and assess problems in vehicles that are brought in for repair. Other duties of a BMW Specialist may include ordering the finest original parts, assisting other mechanics, and documenting maintenance and repairs.
BMW Specialists are Knowledgeable and Well-Schooled
Before someone can even qualify for training as a BMW Specialist, a student first must earn a diploma or associate degree in Automotive Repair, which usually takes one to two years. The student then must enroll in a BMW Service Technician Education Program (STEP), which can last 12 weeks or more. Courses for a prospective BMW Specialist may focus on specific BMW models, such as the X3 or X5, as well as BMW engines, brakes, and electrical and fuel systems.
The reasons to take your BMW in for regular maintenance with a certified BMW Specialist are legion, but the most important include state-of-the-art facilities and diagnostic & repair equipment; factory trained & certified technicians; knowledgeable & friendly service personnel; and competitively priced maintenance and repairs.
BMW Tire Maintenance Service for Worry-Free Driving
Routine service is the only way to make sure your tires are properly maintained. When you keep your tires aligned, balanced, rotated and correctly inflated you ultimately protect yourself and your passengers, improve handling, traction and stopping, get better gas mileage, lengthen the life of your tires, and reduce the risk of a blowout. Your BMW maintenance schedule is designed to keep you and your family safe, and your vehicle operating in peak condition.
BMW Battery Maintenance for a Good Start
For optimum upkeep, it is important to have your BMW Specialist regularly test and evaluate the condition of these electrical power points. You will get a quick, accurate and comprehensive analysis of your vehicles entire electric system including the battery, starter, and alternator with regularly scheduled BMW maintenance. A certified BMW Specialist will help you avoid potentially dangerous roadside incidents, and keep your fine automobile’s electrical power points in perfect condition for many years to come.
Maintenance of BMW Filters
Clean filters are crucial to maximizing the performance and extending the life of your automobile. With your regular BMW diagnostic maintenance inspections, your BMW Specialist will make sure these filters are free of debris and in proper working order.
Sleek Gears Make for a Smooth Ride
Your vehicle requires the right level of assorted fluids to keep it running smoothly. Fluids help keep parts clean and lubricated, playing an integral part in powering the engine, cooling system, transmission and brakes. A regular BMW maintenance schedule will ensure that your vehicle has the right fluid in the the proper amounts to keep your exceptional BMW automobile in top condition.
You can trust a certified BMW Specialist to keep your vehicle safe and reliable with premier maintenance services, oil changes, flushes and more at the best possible prices. Buying a BMW is an investment; it only makes sense to take it to BMW Specialists who know your automobile the way you know your business.
We are conveniently located in Houston TX just west of the Galleria, and service mainly the Memorial, West University, Mid Town, Heights, Sugarland and Bellaire areas.
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