Conveniently located to serve Los Feliz, Echo Park, and Silverlake.
Many people don’t realize the importance of European car repair services. European cars are a treasure and should be treated as such. That’s why if you’re the proud owner of a luxury European car such as a Mercedes, BMW, Audi, or Porsche, you really should have your car serviced by a specialist.
Not a conventional mechanic.
To learn more about what makes European cars and their service requirements so different, keep reading…
European Cars Vs American Cars
A car is a car, right?—Wrong!
Not all cars are created equal, and that’s especially true for European cars. The average consumer would argue that European cars are a luxury item compared to their American counterpart. The real difference comes down to each car’s build, style, and quality.
When talking mechanics, European cars are radically different on a fundamental level. For one thing, American cars are much larger in size than European cars—which is why beyond the classics, there isn’t a huge market for American cars in Europe. The primary reason for this has to do with the more narrow and winding roads throughout Europe.
Secondly, fuel prices in Europe are much higher than they are in America. Therefore it’s less economical to offer big, gas-guzzling SUVs with V8 engines. That’s also why European cars tend to be more compact and have diesel or turbocharged engines.
If you take a closer look, you’ll find that a European car’s components are also fundamentally different. To accommodate the road systems and fuel efficiency, European cars are manufactured with longer gear ratios and much stiffer suspensions. So, when you pop the hood of a European car, a lot of the moving parts may be in familiar places, but they’ll be much different than what you’re used to.
European cars have been the long-standing champions of quality over American cars. Although American car manufacturers are beginning to close the quality gap, it’s easy to recognize that European cars aren’t typically filled with cheap plastic parts. Hence, the price differences.
Why hiring a European Car specialist matters
Once you understand that European cars are fundamentally different then American cars, it should make sense to have your car serviced or repaired by a European vehicle specialist. This is true even for something as simple as an oil change.
Just as not all cars are created equal, not all mechanics will have the same skillset or tools to get the job done. That’s not to say that your corner gas station mechanic doesn’t know anything about BMWs. However, it takes more than a few tire rotations and tune-ups to stay current with the European car technology on the market today.
In fact, it takes quite a bit of experience and training to get the mechanical repairs right on older European cars as well. And, while we’re being honest, it’s hard enough to find a quality mechanic these days—especially with all the different cars on the market, European or not.
Here’s what it really comes down to:
Electrical Work
European cars are much more advanced. Especially with features such as park assist, extensive entertainment systems, crash detection, and more, there’s just no alternative to a European car repair specialist.
A conventional mechanic likely won’t be equipped to handle this type of technology, nor will they have the right diagnostic tools for the job. Even if they say they can handle it, without the proper experience or certifications, you’re both taking a gamble and risking the overall safety of your car.
Car Parts
If your Audi needs new parts, you only want parts made for Audi. European cars are very much known for their high-quality parts, and it will make a difference if those parts are swapped for some cheaper alternative.
It’s also physically impossible to use anything outside of your European car’s brand in some cases. For one, aftermarket parts companies do not make every component in your Jag. These cars are designed with their reputation for quality and safety in mind; therefore, there are no alternative parts available. Additionally, it may be difficult for a conventional mechanic to get a hold of these parts if they don’t specialize in European cars.
Repair Accuracy
You don’t want your Mercedez-Benz experimented on—you want it serviced by a professional. European car repair services equate to technicians that are familiar with how your car’s systems work. That means they’ll know exactly how to diagnose a problem and how to repair it properly.
Proper Maintenance Procedures and Tools
Even something as simple as an oil change on your Porsche can damage your vehicle. Only a European car repair shop will have all the correct parts on hand for European car maintenance needs. That includes everything from the correct viscosity and type of oil, to oil filters, spark plugs, and windshield wipers.
A conventional mechanic would have to special order parts just to change your Porsche’s oil. Not only will that take longer, but they may not even have the right tools for the job.
Not only do European car nuts and bolts go by the metric system, but your mechanic would need to have the latest in technologically supported diagnostic and repair equipment. Specialty shops with experienced and certified technicians must stay up-to-date with their technology and tools to properly service and repair newer European make and models.
Having the Right Certifications
We’re not saying a regular mechanic can’t learn the VW or Fiat’s ins and outs. However, the technicians that specialize in European auto repair typically require an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. That means you’ll be dealing with experienced mechanics who have gone through the necessary hands-on training for your specific vehicle.
European Car Repair in Los Angeles
Now that you know European car repair and maintenance isn’t something to take lightly, it’s time to find experienced, and ASE certified technicians in your area.
Our auto repair shop has been servicing the greater Los Angeles area for over 40 years, specializing in European automobiles. All of our technicians are specially trained, and we are proud to employ ASE certified mechanics since 1975. We are part of the iATN diagnostic network as our facility has access to 1.7 million years of automotive experience. Check out our 5 star ratings on the review sites. We also survey our customers directly, and have a 4.8 average rating with over 250 1st party reviews. Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer and schedule an appointment.
CARS WE SERVICE
