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If you grew up in an American school, chances are you probably remember that one history lesson emphasized by Henry Ford’s mass production assembly line system in the roaring twenties and his famous Model T. Back then, when thinking of buying a car there was no debate, American all the way! Well, cars have advanced, and as history tends to have it, competition and improvements of previous models and inventions are always hot under way across the globe! In the past few decades, we’ve all heard people talking as if they are import car specialist as they debate about the strong quality of Japanese cars to the high-performance of the ones from Germany. But in the the long run, what are the benefits and downfalls of having an imported car?

Firstly, What Makes a Car Foreign?
A car is foreign if it’s parts and and assembly don’t come from the domestic country in which you reside. To Americans that would mean any cars not made from America. For the Swiss it would be any not made from Switzerland. (At least they have IKEA & chocolate, they’re not doing too bad.)

So to answer the question that’s often asked,

Is Honda an import car?
If you currently don’t reside in Osaka or any other Japanese city, than yes. Yes it is. Additionally, contrary to popular belief, the hybrid was first brought on by the Japanese in 1997. A few years ago Hybrid Imports were quite the popular car for Americans to have.

Are Foreign Cars Better?
Without boring or offending anybody, we’ll stick to what has been widely accredited in reputation in the past few decades. For example, many Japanese import cars, like Toyota and Honda, have been and still are attested as having durable quality that lasts years and are considered reliable for that reason. German cars are known for impressive high-performance quality engineering that allows for high speed stability with turns.

The Difference Between European and American Cars:
As a whole, European cars are known for their performance and craftsmanship. American cars in the past were not really known globally until a few years ago when Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning’s Tesla (Elon Musk invested in the company) became the center point of discussion. Generally, European cars operate with stick-shifts and American models with automatic transmissions. Americans build cars that are tougher whereas European cars hold more emphasis on design. For Americans, high occupancy is essential so they are built larger in size. European cars are more compact and sleek in order to fit their narrow roads.

The Benefits and Downfalls of Import Cars

Benefits:

• Better handling with higher drive speeds
• Design is more sleek
• Cars are more high-tech
• Longer durability
• More fuel efficiency
• Cars can be modified by the owner’s preferences
• Made to last longer so repairs are not needed as often

Maintenance:
Depending on the brand of your imported car, some are easier to maintain than others. Import Repair is often specialized in shops where import car specialists can properly assist you. Imported cars are built with durability in mind in order for repairs to be minimal. As long as you look into your car’s specifications or speak with an import car specialist you’ll be able to maintain your car diligently and efficiently.

Downfalls:

• Although you can drive at higher speeds, European speed limits differ than American ones which are more strict.
• Prices are higher
• If you do need replacement parts they may be harder to get in standard car repair shops

Are Foreign Cars More Expensive to Insure?
Oftentimes, foreign cars are harder to insure since getting replacement parts or having the special knowledge required for servicing import cars require specialists. For example, JDM import cars (Japanese Domestic market) are made specifically for the Japanese consumer and market in mind. There are however, import car repair shops who cater specifically to import car repairs.

Import cars have a variety of styles and can fulfill your expectations on durability and performance. If your lifestyle matches well with the realities of having an imported car, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits as well as being mindful of the downfalls. Realistically, all cars have ups and downs, and it’s up to the owner to learn more or have conversations in order to be fully aware of how to remedy problems with solutions. Oftentimes, the answers are readily available by reaching out to your local import repair shop!

Whether you’re curious about a specific import or need car repair, contacting an import car specialist will allow you make better decisions! European Plus in the Hopewell and Pennington, NJ area is your import auto shop that specializes in European and Asian brands! Give us a call at 609-737-7226 to talk to an import car specialist today!

Our cars are one of the most important things that we use every day. It gets us where we need to and at a relatively fast speed. With the use of a vehicle, you are able to get the necessary things done quickly. In order for us to have the luxury of using a car, all of the parts have to work perfectly. There are many parts in a car, all of them very important. However, the engine has to be the most integral component in any car. An engine is a machine in your car that converts the heat of burning gas into energy that is needed to make the car’s wheels work. Essentially, a car’s engine is the heart of the car, and while the process seems easy, there is a lot in how an engine runs. So how does an engine run? Find out more about how the car engine makes the car move, car engine problems, car engine repair, and more!

How Does an Engine Run?

So how does the engine make the car move? In order for the car to drive, it needs gas to set it in motion–also called internal combustion, which is why the engine is sometimes referred to as an internal combustion engine. Internal combustion works when gas and air–or creates little explosions–that generate enough power to move the piston that sets the car in motion. For the car to drive, the engine uses four piston strokes, also known as the four-stroke combustion cycle. A lot of people ask does a car have a motor? The answer is that a type of motor is an engine. A motor converts different types of energy into mechanical energy to create motion, whereas an engine is a type of motor where thermal energy powers a machine. Whether it’s in a boat or car, if it uses combustion, it has an engine. If combustion isn’t used, then it uses a motor.

To generate power, the four-stroke cycle is repeated over and over again. The four strokes in the cycle are intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust. They all play an integral part to power the engine.

• Intake: Air and gas need to be brought in to the engine can power up, so the intake valve has to open, while the piston moves down into the cylinder with the help of the crankshaft.
• Compression: In the compression stage, the intake valve closes and the piston moves up in the cylinder, compressing the air and gas which makes it flammable. With the flammable mixture in such a small space, an explosion will occur.
• Combustion: After the piston makes it to the top of the cylinder, a spark will be ignited with the air and gas mixture, causing the tiny explosion. The gas and air mixture gives off power to propel the piston back down and fuel the crankshaft.
• Exhaust: to release the gas that created the explosion, the exhaust valve opens, letting the gas go through the catalytic converter, to the muffler, and through the exhaust pipe to exit the car.

Once the cycle completes, it will continue to repeat itself over and over again.

Car Engine Problems

Before we get into car engine problems, it’s important to know the different parts of the car’s engine. The engine is made up of both mechanical and electrical components. In the engine, the mechanical parts include

• Camshaft
• Connecting rod
• Crankcase
• Crankshaft
• Cylinder
• Cylinder head
• Engine block
• Flywheel
• Fuel Pump
• Piston
• Rocker arm
• Sump
• Valves

Of the electrical components in the engine, those are

• Alternator
• Electronic fuel injector
• Ignition coil
• Spark plug
• Starter motor

The mechanical and electrical parts work together to make the engine run efficiently. While these parts are durable and manufactured to take a lot, there will be times when the engine will stop working as smoothly as it should. This is mostly due to one or more of the parts becoming damaged. Knowing what to look for can prevent car and engine damage

• Inadequate Lubrication: We need lubrication in our engines for the parts to work smoothly. When your engine is low, it can cause parts to seize up, overheat, or cause friction in the engine.
• Leaking Coolant: Keeping the engine at a certain temperature prevents it from overheating, which is why the engine needs coolant. If the coolant is leaking, then there is something wrong with the cooling system in the car.
• The radiator is Clogged: In the car’s cooling system, the radiator is used to remove heat from the coolant. When the coolant in the engine hasn’t been replaced in some time, the radiator can become clogged and in turn, causes your engine to overheat.
• Old Spark Plug: Is your engine turning over or misfiring when you try to turn the car on? This might be due to a worn out or old spark plug. The spark plug ignites the fuel in your engine, so if it’s worn out, it’s unable to power the engine.
• Defective Oxygen Sensor: The purpose of the oxygen sensor is to provide accurate data on how much oxygen is still in the exhaust that hasn’t been burnt and how much gas is in the tank. When the oxygen sensor is broken, you will probably get lower gas mileage.
• Old, Dirty Oil: Oil that isn’t changed periodically can become filled with deposits and turn brownish blackish. The deposits in the old oil can even cause issues with your combustion chamber, intake valves, and spark plugs, so it’s important to have regular oil changes.
• Malfunctioning Oil Pump: The oil pump is how the engine is supplied with the oil needed for lubrication. If the oil pump is broken, the oil is unable to lubricate the engine, which can lead the engine to overheat and become very damaged.
• Insufficient Air Compression: In order for internal combustion to take place in the engine, gas and air have to be compressed. When the engine can’t complete the combustion cycle, it’s because there air leaking in worn-out valves, cylinders, and piston rings.

If there is car engine overheating or if there is an instance when car engine shakes, it’s important to call for engine repair. With engine repair from a professional auto mechanic, they are able to diagnose the problem quickly and get your engine back in working order.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace an Engine in a Car?

Many times engine repair is able to remedy any issues that you are having with your engine, but there will be times when an engine replacement is the only feasible solution. While car owners would much rather pay for engine repair, sometimes it is better financially, as well as better for your car, to get an engine replacement. When people have to get an engine replacement, the first thing they want to know is how much it costs. There are many factors that make the decision of what the cost will be. These factors include whether its a short or long block replacement, what type of car you have, what the labor costs of a replacement are if the engine is old, and where you are getting the replacement at. All in all, it’s going to cost thousands of dollars for an engine replacement. This is why it’s critical to take your car in for engine service when you think there might be an issue. A mechanic can inspect your engine and figure out if you need engine repair or a replacement. Whether you want a custom muffler or you are wanting engine repair for your car in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ, you must count on a professional. If you want to work with the mechanics at European Plus, please call us at 609-737-7226.

The engine is the heart of a car, so when troubles begin to arise, repair is needed quickly in order to keep your car running. Some repairs are easy, like annual oil changes, while others are more complicated. Taking your car in to a professional auto shop to diagnose the issue and tell you how to fix it is recommended. Getting a regular oil change can prevent you from needing engine repair in Pennington, NJ. If you do need engine repair in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ, call European Plus at (609) 737-7226 today.

Signs of Engine Trouble

• If your car sputters when driving, this is a sign of engine failure. Test for sensors and spark plugs to rule out those problems.
• Stalling is when your car completely stops, or dies, when you are driving or at rest at a stoplight or stop sign. Come into a repair shop immediately as this is dangerous if your car suddenly stalls when you are in the middle of a busy road.
• If you hear banging or knocking under your hood, your engine bearings have worn down.
• No fluids should ever be leaking from your car. Identifying the color will tell you where the leak is coming from.
• If your check engine light comes on, there is something wrong deeper within the circuitry of your car that only a diagnostics test can discover.
• Going way over the recommended 5,000 oil change tune up can have serious consequences on your vehicle. Oil keeps your engine gears lubricated and prevents them from wearing down and rubbing against each other.
• Excessive exhaust from your car is a sign your engine is working overdrive, wearing itself down and out faster than needed.

It might not seem like a big deal, but driving your car without air conditioning can be incredibly dangerous. Not only can you get incredibly hot but there is the possibility that you will become susceptible to heatstroke. According to the Mayo Clinic, a lack of air conditioning can be a huge risk factor in why people have heatstrokes. If you are driving a car without an air conditioner, it’s important to call an auto repair mechanic for car air conditioner repair in Pennington, NJ. At European Plus we are able to help our customers by providing high-quality and reliable repairs to their car’s AC. If the cost of repairs is the issue, please contact us at 609-737-7226 and we can find an affordable solution for you.

Why My Air Conditioner Is Not Cooling?

If you are having issues with your AC not providing you with adequate cooling, there are several reasons why this might be happening.

• Leaking Refrigerant: The hose connection is where a leak is most likely to take place in your car’s AC. This could be due to it being worn or not properly sealed.
• Condenser Problems: The condenser in your air conditioner is to change the refrigerant from vapor to a liquid, which is able to cool down the car. If there is debris clogging the condenser or the condenser is broken, it won’t be able to cool your car.
• Defective Fan: The fan in your car’s AC blows air onto the condenser, so when the fan isn’t working, you won’t be able to get great air conditioning in your car. A fan that isn’t working can be due to electrical issues, a broken fan, or a dirty fan.
• Broken Compressor: The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant in your car and through the evaporator in order to cool down your car. When don’t use your air conditioner very often, it can cause the compressor to stop working.

If you need car air conditioner repair in Pennington, NJ, call us today!

How Do I Fix the Air Conditioner in My Car?

You can try to fix your car’s air conditioner on your own, or you can bring your car into European Plus and get budget-friendly car air conditioner repair in Pennington, NJ! We are able to take a look at your cars AC and determine where the issue lies. Whether it’s a faulty fan or broken condenser, we have the tools, experience, and knowledge to fix it good as new. Get in touch with us today at 609-737-7226 to make an appointment.

Getting an oil change always seems like it comes out of nowhere, maybe it feels like you are always getting one or maybe you can’t remember the last time you had one, either way, keep reading and we will give you the correct info on oil changes. An oil change is important because it is the stuff that makes your car run properly. If you don’t get an oil change and you run out of oil, your engine can lock up and you will be stuck without a car. The easiest thing to do is to make sure you are asking questions and even setting reminders on your phone when it is time for your next oil change.

Getting An Oil Change

An oil change is something you will need to do every 3,000 miles or so. This is the standard rule of thumb. Most vehicles can usually go to 5,000 miles so you will want to ask at your next oil change. If you normally drive a lot or are rough on your car, you may want to stick to the 3,000 miles.

When your European car needs to have an oil change, contact European Plus at (609) 737-7226 and we can help you with your car!

When you have a European car, you likely want to take the best care of it possible right? There are certain places that you will want to take your car and there are places that you may want to stay away from if you have a specialty car. Because you have a vehicle that is made in Europe, there are things that you will want to look at carefully and people that know exactly what they are doing. Here are a few reasons that you may want to choose a European car specialist company when you have your next car check-up.

Know What They Are Doing – When you go to a car shop for an oil change or because something has gone wrong within your car, you want to have people that know exactly what they are doing. That is not to say those car dealerships or oil changing places don’t know what they are doing. When you go to the doctor for your head, and you see someone who treats a general variety of people, wouldn’t you rather want to go to someone who specifically knows about head problems? That is how we feel about cars. There are so many out there that you cannot find someone who knows everything about each one. When you drive a European car, it is best to go to a car professional that only works on those specific types of cars.

 

If you want a company that will take care of you and all of your car needs, call European Plus at  (609) 737-7226, right away.

You’ve saved up for years and now you finally have the chance of buying a car of your dreams. Don’t regret wasting thousands of dollars because you overlooked a few key things at the car dealership. Here are 3 important things to look for when buying a car that is used or new:

The Model

The shiny foreign logo and luxury interior is beckoning for you to buy it immediately. But how does it perform? Has it had recalls in the past years? What is the gas mileage? How our its safety standards? While most luxury cars are known for being safe but fast, there are always some that are faulty. Tesla has cool features like auto-drive that can stop itself, but it has also been in the news for malfunctions. Do your research and weigh the pros and cons, and consider going with a cheaper vehicle.

Test Drive

Check for blind spots. Are the controls easy to use? Does it have enough leg room and storage space? Does it fit your technological needs and standards? How quickly does it brake? Does it still have anything manual, like door locks or windows? You are purchasing this vehicle to last for years, so seriously consider how the quality measures up.

View The Car in Person

With popular websites like Craigslist, it is easier than ever to sell used cars online. But buying cars online is not like shopping online where you can return items you don’t like. Once you shell out hundreds or thousands of dollars, you are stuck with it. Make sure you get what you paid for and that you will actually have a vehicle by visiting the seller and seeing the car in person.

If you need inspection or maintenance after just buying a car in Pennington Hopewell and Pennington, NJ, call European Plus at  (609) 737-7226

We all know that airbags are important to have in any vehicle. There are so many reasons why we need them to keep us safe in the event of an accident. 1.3 million people die in car accidents every single year and even more than that are injured or severely injured. An airbag that is installed and maintained properly can potentially save your life if you were to get into an accident.

SRS

An SRS is the long name for what an airbag really is; supplementary Restraint System. It is designed so that if you are in a collision with something, it will come out and create a cushion for you as quickly as possible, preventing this like slamming your head against the steering wheel or even flying out the window. Although airbags have saved millions of lives since they were first put into vehicles in the mid-1970’s, they do not guarantee the safety of you or anyone else in your vehicle. This is why it is important to not only be careful and pay attention whenever you are on the road, but to also take good care of your car. If you get it serviced and check up on regularly, it will make sure that everything is working properly and if you are in an accident, that everything works its best to keep you alive.

If you want to know more about airbag safety or you need to have your European car checked out, give European Plus a call at 609-737-7226.

How many times have you continued driving your car after your recommended maintenance date has passed? It’s very common; we’re told so often that we need to get our oil changed after so many miles, and that our tires need to be rotated, and yet we don’t do it on time because everything seems fine. How important is it to keep up with all that preventative auto maintenance?

Keeping Your Car Reliable

Your care is a complex, durable machine. However, it is only reliable if it gets all the care it needs. In the long-term, waiting just a little longer between basic, regular maintenance might not make a major difference. However, as your car ages, it becomes more and more important to stay on top of those details. So, why not give your car all the best years on the highway that you can and keep up with the maintenance from the very beginning?

So, the next time you start getting close to the mileage, or time frame at which it’s recommended you have basic services performed, make that appointment. If it’s tough to find time for appointments because of work, go ahead and make them well in advance so that you have plenty of time to make room in your schedule. Get that oil changed on time, those tires rotate, and all your fluids checked. Keep your car in the best possible condition from day one.

When your European car needs any preventative auto maintenance in Pennington, NJ, bring it to European Plus, Inc. We provide all care, even the most basic, for your model. Call (609) 737-7226 today.

Your car is like any other important piece of machinery in your life; it needs maintenance to serve you well throughout its life. When times are hard, it needs a little extra service. Winter weather, even a milder winter climate, is hard on your car. Before winter hits, have your car serviced. Then, have a professional car checkup after winter, too, to make sure the weather didn’t cause more damage than you can see.

Common Winter Car Problems

Cold weather can exacerbate many common car issues. The cold temperatures make normal processes, like idling, or hard starting, tougher. That’s why it is so important to be more attentive to the little things that are often neglected. For example, don’t let the filters go unchanged; go ahead and have them changed to help your car run better.

If you haven’t had your oil changed since before winter, and particularly if it was a while before, have it done by a professional. Oil changes are some of the most common tasks that people neglect with it comes to car care. It’s essential to keep your engine safe in all weather, but in cold weather, especially. Your fuel line needs freeze prevention, too. Your car service technician can help you with that.

Your heating system works hard in the cold season, too. Never neglect your car’s AC and heating system, particularly when they’re working overtime for you. You don’t want to end up with a heater that doesn’t work on a cold day.

Even the smallest details of car maintenance can be more important in winter. While you can handle some tasks with the help of your manual, have a professional car checkup done, too. Come see our auto technicians, or call us at European Plus in Pennington, NJ at (609) 737-7226.