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What are signs of a bad transmission?

Sometimes it isn’t easy to identify what the exact problem is with anything, and a car transmission isn’t any different. It can be harder to pinpoint the problem because some symptoms could be a few different things. Here we share 7 signs car transmission is failing:

• Clunks and Whines: No, that isn’t the name of a new rock band. This is a fairly apparent sign that something is wrong with your car transmission. It is also one that many people ignore, but they are both sounds that means you need a professional auto mechanic to get your car transmission checked out.
• Car Isn’t Responding: When you change speeds going down the road, your car transmission is supposed to switch gears (we’re talking about automatic transmission). When it doesn’t, or it is slow to switch gears, schedule an appointment with your mechanic because something isn’t right.
• Something Burning: Anytime you smell something burning from your car, it isn’t good, even your car transmission should never smell like it is burning or hot. That burning smell could be from anything. If it is coming from the transmission, a mechanic that knows even the simplest car transmission basics can check the transmission fluid. It could simply be the car transmission is low on fluid.  It could also mean the screen is stopped up, but that will take more than a quick check of fluid.  If the fluid is fine, then yes, you need to have the mechanic check your car further.
• Fluid Leak: If there is car transmission fluid where there shouldn’t be, like on the garage floor, in the driveway, or in your parking space at work, that is the easiest symptom to know something isn’t right. If you suspect your car transmission is leaking, lay a large piece of cardboard under it wherever you park.  When you move it the next day, if there is transmission fluid on the cardboard, you need to have your transmission checked.
• Gears Grinding: This symptom is different for automatic car transmission and manual car transmission. For an automatic transmission, a rough shift can be several things, so the best thing is to have a professional mechanic check your car transmission. If it is a manual transmission, a grinding sound when changing gears could put it in the wrong gear or could indicate the clutch is wearing out. Or a synchronizer is damaged or worn. Here, a professional auto mechanic can inspect the car transmission and advise you.
• Neutral Gear Is Noisy: A bumping sound from your car transmission doesn’t suggest caution or trouble unless your car is in neutral gear. Often this problem can be fixed by having the transmission fluid washed out and replaced. If the sound continues, though, you need a mechanic to look at your car.
• Light on Dashboard: There is no car owner that wants to see the light that says “SERVICE ENGINE SOON” on their car dashboard, but it is there for a reason.  There are several things this can indicate, so you need not ignore it. Procrastination could cost you dearly.

Can I drive my car with a bad transmission?

It isn’t recommended to drive with a bad car transmission, but if you need to drive it far enough to get in a safe place to call a tow truck, by all means you should. However, do not drive it any further than necessary because it can damage the transmission beyond repair and damage other parts to your car too.

What happens to a car when the transmission goes out?

When your car transmission goes out, it affects how your car handles. It will shake and vibrate; the engine will rev up like it is going 100mph but the transmission slips.

Airbag Replacement Service

Airbag replacement services are critical for the health of the inhabitants of the vehicle. This is because an airbag deployment can reduce driver fatalities by 52 percent in a front collision. These statistics are markedly similar for passengers and for side-impact collisions. Depending on the nature of the accident, the airbag replacement cost may or may not be covered by insurance. While airbag replacement service is costly, it is necessary if you want to get your car back on the road. This is because, in the event of a collision, the instances of injury or death skyrocket. The increase in the instance of death is thirty percent. If the passenger or driver doesn’t wear a seatbelt, the fatality rate is as much as fifty-two percent higher.

Airbag Replacement Laws

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, also known as the NHTSA, airbags should be replaced as soon as possible after a collision or car crash. The NHTSA also stipulates that only an authorized service center should be used to perform the service. Drivers are not advised to drive their vehicle until the airbag replacement has taken full effect, or been completed. 

Airbag Replacement After Crash

After a crash, a lot of drivers have relevant questions about the state of their vehicle. Among these questions, drivers often ask if their airbags need to be replaced after they have been deployed. The answer is, unequivocally, yes. Of equal importance is recognizing that SRS components are expensive and that they have an earnest effect on the reparability of the vehicle. The process that the certified mechanic has to go through in order to effect airbag replacement is thorough. There are many buttons and sensors involved. A remote diagnostic device is usually very helpful during this process.

Airbag Replacement Cost Ford

Airbag replacement service is valuable after a car crash. This is true regardless of what vehicle you are driving. For a Ford F150, airbag replacement has an average range of about $200 to $700 for driver-side airbags on their own. By contrast, a Honda Civic has an airbag replacement cost range of approximately $400 to $1000. This is for the passenger airbags.

Where to Buy Airbag Replacement

If you’re looking for a list of viable places to go for your airbag replacement, please review the following list.

• Certified auto body shops.
• Car dealerships.
• Some certified auto repair shops.

It is recommended that customers call several different locations and compare the information with an individual over the phone. Since airbag replacement is a complicated and complex process, not all auto repair shops will offer this service. It is also important to contact a certified mechanic for this airbag replacement since it is critical for it to operate effectively.

What Cars Need Airbag Replacement

Having safe and effective airbags is critical for vehicles on the road. According to the NHTSA, there has been a Takata airbag recall that has taken effect. Apparently, long-term exposure to heat and humidity can cause Takata airbags to explode when they are deployed. For obvious reasons, this is disastrous. There was an update to this recall as of late 2019. Apparently, unlike the airbag inflators in earlier Takata recalls, non-azide driver inflators can either explode or underinflate during deployment.

How Long for Airbag Replacement

According to a nationwide survey, it takes approximately one to two hours for the airbags in a vehicle to be replaced. However, this is only true if the airbag parts that are needed are already in stock. If the parts need to be ordered, they may arrive in a matter of days. 

If your car has fallen into disrepair, you go to a mechanic to get it fixed. If you are in need of garbage disposal repair, please seek out a qualified and certified plumber. Efficiency is maximized once your home and your vehicle are running smoothly.

Do you have airbag replacement on your agenda? Our friendly staff at European Plus are ready to take your phone call at 609-737-7226. Receive quality airbag replacement in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ!

Engine Repair vs Replacement

Which is the better option: repairing or replacing your engine? Well, that’s ultimately dependent on the situation. If there is a minor concern with a timing belt or cap, then repairs are more likely the way to go. They will be more cost-efficient and time-efficient as well. That in mind, what if something happens to the engine block. Can you repair an engine block? While it’s absolutely possible, repairs may take more time, effort, and money to complete than a replacement would. In that case, replacing the engine block would be the route to take. The best way to figure out what’s best for you and your needs is to take your vehicle to a reliable mechanic. Anyone at European Plus can provide you with the necessary information to make an informed decision about your car.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much would is cost to fix an engine?
  • Average repairs will cost you a few hundred dollars. To replace a 10 year old car engine, expect to budget for anywhere between $3,000 and $4,000. If you have a luxury of foreign vehicle, expect to pay about 50% for the same service. 
• Is it worth replacing a car engine?
  • It really depends on your situation. In some instances, repairing the engine will be sufficient to fix the problem and make your car safe to use. However, there are other instances when repairs will not be enough. The best way to know is to take your car in to be serviced regularly.
• How long does an engine last?
  • Most engines are designed to last 100k miles or longer. That’s assuming you are taking good care of the engine and not abusing it. Regular maintenance will ensure your engine lasts as long as it should without failure or consequence. 
• Is it cheaper to rebuild an engine or replace it? 
  • As always, that depends on your situation. Replacement will almost always be the more expensive route, but it may be the most cost-effective solution. Rebuilding will be cheaper, but time constraints, parts location and fees can all add up quickly. What is supposed to be cheaper could easily turn into an expensive hassle. 
• How long will a rebuilt engine last?
  • A well-built engine will last thousands of miles longer than you might realize. If the car frame itself is in good condition and you want to install a rebuilt engine, it should last as long as you need it to. As always, it’s important to care for and maintain the engine so it can last a long time. 

How Do You Stop a Coolant Leak?

It’s important to define what coolant is. Engine coolant is used to help keep the engine from overheating. It flows through the radiator, radiator hoses, the heater core, heater hoses and the water pump, which is the primary conduit through which the coolant circulates. Because the coolant system consists of rubber hoses, gaskets, and seals, they are subject to engine heat and vibration. In time, these parts of the engine can fail. There are two types of coolant leaks. The first kind of obvious. It is due to a loose or broken hose clamp. The second kind of leak is due to a radiator hose that is broken, faulty, or loose. For these solutions, it is best to consult with a licensed and insured plumber.

Is it Expensive to Fix an Oil Leak?

To begin with, oil leaks are incredibly messy! Depending on the location of the oil leak, the cost of the repair can be as little as $150 or as much as $1200. Obviously, an oil leak that costs over a thousand dollars will be incredibly serious and hard to fix, thus corresponding with such a high price tag.

Why is My Oil Leaking?

There are a number of reasons why your oil might be leaking. Please review the following bulleted list to find out more.

• Degraded engine gaskets.
• Oil pan damage/leaks.
• Worn out oil seals.

The inner workings of your home are just as important as the inner workings of your car. If you need a broken pipe repair in Saddle Brook, NJ, it’s important to get it addressed as soon as possible.

Is an Oil Leak Bad?

There are a number of reasons why an oil leak is bad. To begin with, oil is very messy. All of the places where your car drips oil will become impacted. This includes your driveway, the road, and anywhere your car travels. Additionally, oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Once your car runs out of oil, it will no longer run. As a matter of fact, the interior mechanisms of your vehicle will greatly degrade without oil, which is the fluid that lubricates them and keeps them functional. If you happen to notice that your car has an oil leak, the best thing you can do is immediately drive it to your nearest licensed and insured auto mechanic. As previously mentioned, the cost will vary, but the benefit is indisputable.

Can Oil Stop Leak Hurt Your Car

Oil stop leak is a product that is has additives engineered to stop an oil leak. This product is inexpensive and is advertised as an alternative to a stop at the mechanics. What this product does is rejuvenate heat gaskets and the rear main seal. It’s supposed to reseal your fuel system and apparently increases oil pressure for added performance. On the other hand, there is a range of disadvantages. For instance, depending on which brand you purchase, the product can thin out the oil in your car and generate blue smoke. Your best bet is to consult with s licensed and insured plumber who can fix the problem at the source.

How Do Oil Stop Leak Products Work

Because hardened or dried seals cause most engine oil leaks, oil stop leak additives work by reinvigorating the rear main seal and head gaskets. This allows these important parts of the engine to return to their original size and flexibility. These additives can also minimize the amount of oil that can seep through.

Oil Stop Leak for Head Gasket

There are different brands that specifically market to specific parts of the engine. With regard to a specific brand of type of oil additive product, the Steel Seal Blown Head Gasket Fix Repair Sealer has been heavily recommended by automotive websites for an oil leak related to the head gasket.

If you think you need an oil leak stop in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ, call European Plus at 609-737-7226 today. Our staff would be happy to help you receive qualified assistance.

Bad Brakes Symptoms

Does your car really need maintenance and care? Yes, it does! Motor vehicles are not designed to work without fail. They are designed to work with regular maintenance. Depending on how old your car is, you may be in need of new brakes. How can you tell? There is, in fact, a difference between bad brakes vs good brakes. You’ll be able to tell if your brakes are failing by looking for a few signs or symptoms. 

• Squealing/Squeaking: A sure sign of failing brakes is a squealing or squeaking sound you may hear when you pump the brake pedal. This is what bad brakes sound like. That metal-on-metal screech is not good and needs to be addressed as soon as possible. 
• Fallen Pedal: Another clear indication of failing brakes is a fallen brake pedal. When your brakes are in good condition, the pedal will sit at the same height as the gas pedal. With bad brakes, the pedal will fall which could indicate misalignment or air in the system, neither of which is good.
• Hitting Harder: If you find yourself having to hit or press on the brakes much harder than normal, something is wrong. When you have to press harder, there could be something wrong with the axle, which needs to be addressed immediately. 
• Vibrations: Sometimes, things may seem totally fine with the brakes, but when you press down, the whole pedal vibrates. Don’t confuse this with the ABS, which can act similarly upon initial contact. Bad vibrations are often accompanied by a chattering sound, which is generally the indication of a warped rotor. 
• Pulling: When pressing on the brakes, if you notice a significant pull to either the left or right, it could be an indication of something wrong. Possibly, the calipers or wheel cylinders have seized. If this happens, the pull occurs because one side is working harder, pulling the car in that direction. 

Where you could probably get away with waiting for a car ding repair, waiting for brake repairs is never recommended. Driving with faulty or failing brakes puts you and other drivers at risk. More than that, you are putting your car under unnecessary strain and damage. Don’t wait to have your car looked at. Reach out to the experts at European Plus to schedule an appointment for a diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What happens if your brake pads are bad?
  • You’ll be more aware of loud, squealing sounds when you attempt to pump the brakes on your car. There are other problems, such as the inability to stop quickly, vibrations, and more.
• What do bad brakes sound like?
  • It is generally described as a high-pitched squeal. It’s the result of the components grinding against each other since the brake pad is either worn down or completely non-existent. 
• Is it dangerous to drive with bad brakes?
  • Yes, it is extremely dangerous to drive with bad brakes. It is never recommended and highly-encouraged that you have the brakes replaced as soon as possible. Worn-out or even a lack of brake pads on your car can cause serious damage both internally and externally.
• How do I know when my brakes need changing?
  • The most obvious sign is an indicator light on your dash. If the brake pads get too low, if your car is newer, it will let you know that new pads are needed. You can also tell you need new brakes if you start to hear squealing or squeaking sounds when you pump the brakes. 
• How do you know if your brakes are failing?
  • There are several indications that your brakes are failing. If you are noticing that squealing or squeaking sound when you brake, the brake pedal has fallen, you have to push harder on the pedal when braking, and other examples. These are clear indications that something is wrong with your brakes.

What happens if you don’t fix an oil leak?

When you have a car that is in need of oil change there are some things that may affect the productivity of your vehicle being operable. Your car needs lubrication in order for parts to move smoothly without scratching one another. What’s more, when this lubrication is absent you can have areas overheat and become damaged.

Can you drive a car with an oil leak?

If you’re wondering if your car leaking oil is it safe to drive, technically you can drive a car with an oil leak as it can still be operable. However, over time you are making your car vulnerable to damages and eventually, parts like your engine will need to be replaced. Another risk is that it can be a fire hazard.

Is car leaking oil dangerous?

When certain circumstance of your car collide, yes, a car leaking oil can be dangerous. Some cases can have your car engine begin to smoke with you needing to pull over on the side of the road. A car leaking oil and smoking is typically produced from the engine and will exit the engine from the exhaust. Leaking valves of a cover gasket can also cause smoke by oil dripping on the hot manifold. Ultimately on a hot day, your engine will be more prone to overheat. You may smell fumes or hear grinding noises which are a clear sign that your car engine parts are scratching against one another without the lubrication of oil to ease their movement.

What is leaking from my car?

There are actually many different indications of leaks that can point to different issues with your car. Leaks can encompass liquids that are different colors of the rainbow or even clear which all point to certain areas of your car. For example, a red fluid leak can point towards your power steering system or transmission being the culprit of the leak due to faulty seals or a hole in the fluid return line. Orange leaks can indicate rust in the radiator which will have the antifreeze or condensation appear orange. Depending on the age of your transmission its fluid can also appear orange as well. A yellow fluid will mean your radiant coolant is having issues. A green fluid will point to antifreeze which can occur in your hoses, water pump or radiator when fittings are worn or loose. A blue fluid will point towards your windshield wiper reservoir or tubing. A clear fluid will mean there is condensation from your AC system (which is no cause for alarm as this is normal.) Dark brown fluids will point towards an aged motor oil or your brake fluid. Light brown will mean that there is a leak with new motor oil or gear lubricant. Finally, a pink leak means that there are worn seals, holes in the return line of your transmission fluid or power steering.

Do I need an oil change if my car leaks oil?

Simply getting an oil change will not fix a leak if you have a car leaking oil. That is to say, the puncture, cracks or other damage on the oil line will still be there and an oil change is not the same as getting areas sealed or fixed. Depending on how much oil you’ve lost you may or may not need an oil change after car repairs.

How do you stop a car from leaking oil?

You can stop a car leaking oil with a range of products available through auto retailers which can assist an engine’s seals to become more flexible and stop a car leaking oil. They are typically added to a car’s oil case and will begin working within several hundred miles of normal driving.  Some even claim that in two days or less any seeping or dripping oil will be permanently sealed. Get in touch with an expert to gauge their opinion if you’re in doubt.

Can car oil leaks be fixed?

With a car leaking oil it can be fixed. There are several methods that can be taken from products that claim to seal leaks after driving, to standard car repairs or part replacements. Some fixes will simply call for new synthetic oil while others could require collision repair as the car leaking oil is only one of many problems with the vehicle. Be sure to contact a professional for assistance whenever you are in doubt of what should be done with your vehicle when you have an issue with your car leaking oil.

If you’d like to get help with your car leaking oil in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ call 609-737-7226 with European Plus! 

Causes of Suspension Issues

When you need suspension repair on a car, there can be a variety of reasons for that. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to hone in on exactly what caused the problem or issue with your suspension. That being said, there are several things you can pay attention for that may indicate suspension problems.

• Pulling to One Side: While you are driving, if you find the steering wheel pulling to the left or right, it could be an indication of suspension problems. Unfortunately, your wheel pulling could be for a variety of other reasons, but more than likely it is the suspension.
• Rough Riding: If you can feel every single bump while you are driving, your struts are most likely worn out. Struts contain shocks, among other things, which help absorb a great deal of the impact when you are driving. When they are worn out or damaged, they won’t be able to effectively absorb shock, making your drive uncomfortable.
• One Corner Sitting Low: When your car is parked on level ground, but you notice that one side is sitting lower than the others, it could be an indication of several things. Of course, it could just be a low tire, but it could also be a damaged suspension. Test this by pressing down on the trunk and listening to how the suspension reacts. Creaking sounds are a definite indication of suspension issues.
• Diving or Rolling: If you notice your car diving forward when you break or rolling back when you press the gas, your suspension is damaged. Specifically, you struts are damaged. Basically your shocks aren’t able to absorb the momentum to stop or propel your car forward. 
• Difficulty Steering: While you are driving and you notice that you are having to force the steering wheel left or right, you probably have a suspension problem. Again, it could be from a whole host of other reasons, but it will likely be due a damaged suspension or struts

The major problem with diagnosing suspension problems is that the issues listed above could be the result of so many other things. Not everything can be traced back to a damaged suspension, but that doesn’t mean you should dismiss or neglect it. If you are ever concerned about anything you are noticing with your car, don’t be afraid to schedule suspension service. It is possible to get your hands on something like a suspension repair kit, but there is a big warning that we want to express. Unless you have experience working on or repairing a car suspension it is not recommended to attempt any repairs. Otherwise, you can risk further damage that may ultimately cost more.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I drive with bad suspension?
  • Technically, you can but the drive will be very rough. That being said, it is not recommended that anyone drive with bad suspension. Doing so can result in further damage that will encompass more than the suspension, which could cost even more money.
• What causes car suspension problems?
  • Driving on roads with a lot of potholes or just generally driving on roads that will require your suspension to compensate for a lot of shock absorption. 
• How long does it take to replace suspension?
  • Depending on the level of experience of you mechanic, it could take anywhere from 2-3 hours. That is also assuming the suspension has minor damage. If the damage is more extensive, then it could take longer.
• What happens if you don’t fix your suspension?
  • You could end up with a completely broken suspension, a broken tire rod, a broken spring, or even a broken control arm. All are necessary components to safe driving in a vehicle of any kind.
• How long does a car suspension last? 
  • It’s hard to put a number of years or miles on how long a suspension will last because there are so many variables. Generally speaking, though, struts have a tendency to last about 4-5 years, but again that can vary based on many other factors.

How often should I service my car?

Your car should have automotive scheduled maintenance at least once a year or every 10,000-12,000 miles. Some cars may even come with a self-diagnostic system which will notify you when it’s time for a car service.

What is scheduled maintenance on a car?

When you’re wanting to know more about your car’s specific auto maintenance recommendations take a look at the owner’s manual. Here you’ll find a routine auto maintenance schedule that will guide you on appropriate times to engage in routine changes or car services These schedules or guides are typically based on engine mileage thresholds that have passed. In general, try to have oil changes and air filters changed regularly as they are essential parts of an engine. During inspections make sure the cooling, engine, transmission, suspension, and brakes are checked for performance capabilities.

When should you schedule car maintenance?

Many car manufacturers have created auto maintenance schedules based on mileage thresholds that will recommend that certain parts or systems of your car may need to be updated or maintained. Generally, there are scheduled car maintenance by mileage for each car that follows a 30-60-90 schedule. These schedules may recommend either inspection, replacements, tune-ups, and more every 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000 miles. Essentially these checkpoints have been studied to be necessary based on observation of car performances over time. Therefore they are helpful in maintaining the health, performance, and durability of your car based on expected reactions.

What should you do to your car every 30 000 miles?

Every 30,000 miles you should have a few auto maintenance responsibilities that should be taken into account. Namely, you will want to replace your power steering fluid as well as your air filters. You will then conduct inspections of your radiator hoses, coolant, brake pads, your entire HVAC system as well as all components of the suspension. These are simply the general changes noticed overall, you may have additional needs based on your car’s owner’s manual.

Is a car service necessary?

Yes, a car service is important under general auto maintenance manufacture guidelines found with your owner’s manual.  A full service is recommended for those who don’t service as often as they should while a basic service can be gotten away with if your vehicle is regularly serviced. A car service is essential in ensuring that your vehicle will run smoothly without any hassle or hiccups.

Whenever you’re questioning the reliability of your vehicle go and get your scheduled maintenance service so your car can have a longer life span with cleaned, adjusted, replaced, refilled or tuned car components. When you’re considering parts replacements take a look at options that will match with your manufacturer, make and model as there are many different types of options for each part of your vehicle as can be seen with other areas such as types of plumbing pumps. The vehicle market today has undergone many improvements in durability and longevity with vehicle features so when you’ve scheduled car maintenance services make sure you’re aware of upgrades and other options! Depending on how often you get your car serviced with auto maintenance you may not even have a need for changed parts. However, remember that after a certain mileage point certain parts are expected to be replaced; as can be seen with oil filters, brake pads and more! Contact your local auto shop for answers to any questions you have regarding your vehicle’s auto maintenance timeline. Relying on the skilled services of trained auto technicians will ensure that your auto maintenance is handled with professionalism. The more regularly you keep up with your car the more you’ll get out of it! Get the most optimal performance out of your car for years to come with auto maintenance and vehicle services!

If you’re interested in reliable auto maintenance in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ call 609-737-7226 with European Plus!

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!