As mentioned in our previous blog, transmission flushes are a great minor maintenance task to have performed on your car to prevent major repairs. In most cases, getting a flush every 30,000 miles will be sufficient but in some cases, you will need to have this done sooner. If you are not sure when you will need to get this repair done, there are five common signs to look out for that are indicators you will need a transmission flush. No matter what kind of car you have whether it’s a Mercedes, Porsche, or BMW vehicle, these five signs are things you should keep an eye on.
Transmission Grinding or Strange Noises
If you are wondering if your transmission is contaminated with dirt, sludge, and grease you will notice that it will show symptoms similar to inadequate levels of transmission fluid. One of these signs is if you start to hear grinding or strange noises while driving. If you hear a strange noise then you will need to get a transmission flush and to make sure of this pullover and check the fluid level while the car is running by making sure the fluid color on the dipstick is bright red. If the color is brown or black then you will need a flush.
Problems Shifting Gears
If your transmission fluid contains a lot of dirt or sludge then you may have problems shifting gears as these contaminants will cause a sluggish response to the transmission. This sluggish response will result in your car changing gears too quickly or too late while driving. If you notice that this starts to happen to you while you drive, we recommend you call a professional repairs shop immediately for a flush.
Slipping Gears
When a transmission is too dirty, contaminants can interfere with the flow of fluid that helps develop pressure to hold appropriate gears while operating a vehicle. If you notice that your gears are starting to slip but the fluid levels are normal then you most likely have dirt and sludge built up in your transmission that needs to be flushed out.
Surging Of The Vehicle
Another sign that you may need a transmission flush is if you begin to notice your car surge or jump, forward or backward for no reason. This is usually caused by an inconsistent flow of clean fluid that is needed to ensure smoother operations of the gears and other parts of the transmission system. This inconsistent flow is caused due to dirt and sludge that will need to be flushed out.
Delay in Movement
If your transmission fluid has dirt, sludge, or grease in it then you will notice your vehicle stalling for a couple of seconds before moving after switching gears. If this happens then a transmission flush will help stop this from happening.
For Mercedes enthusiasts, they know that the Mercedes-Benz W211 series is a great luxury car to own and drive around. Nothing says luxury and comfort than a Mercedes. However, a Mercedes is a car and all cars at some point in time need to have repairs done. If left unchecked, small problems can lead to major repairs and bills. To prevent these major bills from coming your way, we have laid out common problems you may run in with your Mercedes. If you notice any of these issues, be sure to contact a specialist as soon as possible.
Jerking Transmission – A common complaint with this series is that when shifting from first to second gear, they will feel a jerking or jolting sensation. This could be a sign of a problem with the car’s transmission and you should have the system checked out immediately.
A/C Problems – Just like with most cars, you may run into a problem with the climate control system. You may have the A/C produce warm air instead of cold and at some times, may not turn on at all. This could be a sign of an electrical problem. Contact a repair shop to have your refrigerant looked at.
Parktronic Display Sensor Malfunction – The Parktronic system is an array of sensors that help tell the driver of objects while parking. If this system is malfunctioning in the sensor display then you may need to have the system reset.
Fuel Gauge/Range Indicator Problems – You can bet there is a problem with your gauge if you start to see some weird looking readings on your fuel and range indicators. If you see this then you will need to have your system check out so that you get the proper readings you desire.
Battery Drainage/Alternator Problem – Always schedule regular maintenance to ensure that your battery is working properly and there is no unnecessary drainage. If you are having problems starting your car then you may need to have your alternator checked out as well.
The winter time is usually a rough one for vehicles both regular and in the luxury department. With colder temperatures, slick road conditions, and snow there are a lot of precautionary measures to take. With this in mind, some Mercedes owners will opt to put their luxury car into store much like other owners. That way they will not have the salt from ice melters ruin the paint of the car as well as have their vehicle be in any danger due to road conditions. As we are specialized technicians for Mercedes we have compiled a list of things to do in order to prepare your Mercedes or other luxury vehicles for winter storage.
6 Winter Tips for Storing Your Car This Winter
Fill Up The Fuel Tank
One of the worst things you can do is leave a car parked for months with a nearly empty fuel tank. The empty space in the tank will contain vapor which will condense into water over time. If there is water present in your fuel tank the gasoline will get contaminated and corrosion starts to appear which can affect the fuel level sensor. If this is to happen you could potentially have a broken or faulty fuel gauge which can be dangerous.
Routine Maintenance
This goes for regular car care, especially for Mercedes vehicles, that having routine maintenance done to your vehicle is important. If your Mercedes-Benz is nearing their maintenance for any of their services such as Service A, B, C, D, E in the next 500 miles or 30 days, you will want to have it checked. That way when you take your car out of storage it is all ready to drive.
Tire Pressure
When it comes to cold weather and sitting idle, the pressure in car tires tends to dip. If you are thinking of storing your luxurious Mercedes for the winter, add air to your tires so that they reach a level of 40 psi. By doing this, you will minimize the flat spotting of your tires while in storage. On top of that, the car will be ready to hit the road at the first sign of spring.
Use A Cover
If you are going to store your car this winter, you should consider purchasing a car cover. Why would you need a cover if your car is in storage? No matter if it is outside or inside, the car’s paint can be damaged by almost anything from the weather to dust mites forming on the car in storage. To prevent spending money in the spring for touch ups or a new coat of paint, get a cover for your Mercedes. This will keep it looking mint through the winter so you can drive a car that looks like new in the summer.
Disconnect Battery
If you are dead set on storing your Mercedes for several months during the winter season then it is recommended to disconnect the car’s battery. This way you will not lose any battery power during the winter as it sits in storage. Once the springtime arrives there are a couple of things you need to such as synchronize the windows. To do this you will need to press and hold the window switch for five seconds once the windows hit the top. If your Mercedes is equipped with a sunroof, you will need to move it all the way back and then hold the switch for five seconds. You should also do this same motion but have the sunroof move to the front and hold.
Once you reconnect the battery to take the car out of storage, you will need to reset the steering angle sensor otherwise you will have an ABS, ESP defective warning on the dashboard. To reset, start the car and turn the steering wheel all the way to the right and left a couple of times then restart the car.
Fluids
If you plan to store your Mercedes for the winter you should make sure you have all the necessary fluids in your vehicle. Your coolant should have a 50/50 ration of water and antifreeze, and if you live in very cold climate the ration should be 30 water and 70 antifreeze. You should also make sure that you have windshield washer fluid that will not freeze at low temperatures as your car sits in storage. In all, you just want to make sure that there is no water that could potentially freeze any lines and cause leaks once the winter surpasses.
If you have any more Mercedes maintenance questions please contact us today!
With the first snow of the season arriving over the weekend, it is time to seriously consider prepping your Mercedes vehicle for the winter season. While there are basic tips to perform on any car for the winter, having a Mercedes or Mercedes-Bemz vehicle means you need to go the extra mile. You always want to make sure your car is looking and performing like the luxury car you paid for. This goes especially for the winter as colder temperatures can affect engine performance and the road conditions can affect how safely your vehicle will operate. As we specialize in Mercedes repair, we have come up with a quick checklist to perform on your luxury Mercedes car that will prep it for the winter time.
Mercedes Maintenance Winter Checklist
- Schedule a Tune-Up – If you own a car you are bound to run into car troubles, add in the winter weather and those problems only double. By scheduling a tune-up you will ensure your car’s performance while getting a leg up and preventing any costly repairs down the road.
- Check Tires – Keeping an eye on tire tread and pressure are a given but is especially important to monitor during the winter. With the snow and ice on the roads, you will want to make sure that your Mercedes vehicle will not slide on the road.
- Change Oil & Filters – Performance for luxury and high-end cars such as Mercedes is very important, its one of the main reasons people purchase these brand cards besides the name. You want to make sure that the performance is in its optimal form. In the winter you will want to change our your oil as well as have a technician replace any fuel, air or transmission filters.
- Check Lighting – The winter season is darker than the other parts of the year, which means having your lights checked is extremely important. Be sure to have both interior and exterior lights, especially headlights, inspected to make sure they work properly.
- Inspect Brakes – One of the most important things to have inspected for the winter is your brakes. To be prepared for the unexpected make sure your braking system is up to code with nothing hindering your safety in the snow.
- Test Battery – With the extra terrain to move through and colder temperatures, it is more likely in the winter that our battery can lose a good amount of power. Be sure that your Mercedes’s battery performance is checked.
- Inspect Exhaust System – Just like with your engine or battery, your exhaust system can be affected by the colder climate and snow. To ensure optimal performance, schedule an inspection for your Mercedes exhaust for ensuring safety this summer.
Since 2005, Porsche has been installing Posce Active Suspension Management (PASM) system in their cars. What this system does is provide improved grip and greater comfort while you drive your Porsche vehicle. What makes this system so unique from a standard damper is that it does not have a control wire that is connected to the head of the unit. What the PASM has is a central control unit that is connected to all four dampers that send out an army of sensors that spring into action at the push of a button.
What these sensors do is they measure parameters such as steering input, body roll, and suspension bump while you drive your Porsche vehicle. This data is sent back to the control unit, where the PASM system determines whether to stay in normal or sport mode.
Normal Mode
In normal mode, the valves controlling the channel are open, which allows for a greater flow of oil, resulting in a softer damper.
Sport Mode
In sport mode, the dampers stiffen as the bypass channel is closed. This allows for greater cornering performance by maintaining the tires’ contact with the road. By closing the bypass channel, there is an increase in the compression needed to force the oil through the damper body. Creating a stiffer damper and a more responsive Porsche vehicle.
For more information on PASM systems and other Porsche maintenance services we offer, give us a call!
When it comes to transmissions, high end brand cars are always looking for the best technology and engine parts to put in their models. Porsche has done just that with their Porsche Doppel Kupplings (PDK) double-clutch transmission. What makes the PDK different from standard dual-clutch transmissions is that it uses hydraulically actuated wet clutch packs one enveloped around the other.
The PDK is broken down as such. One clutch connects reverse, the first, third, fifth and seventh gears, while the other handles the second, fourth and sixth gears. Instead of a clutch pedal on the floor, the PDK has an electronically controlled valve body that actuates the correct clutch when needed. The PDK system engages one clutch at a time. However, because gear sets alternate between clutches, as one disengages the other can engage in one fluid motion.
The PDK transmission system avoids damaging parts with launch control by effortlessly switching from one clutch to the other, as the system engages one clutch at a time. By doing this, the oil-soaked wet-clutches don’t overheat and wear out under pressure.
For more information on the PDK transmission and other Porsche services we provide, contact us today!
With any car, if you are driving and cornering you will feel the weight of the car roll towards the outside tires. When this happens, it means the loads experienced by each tire are no longer even. To fix this issue, Porsche has designed an electrohydraulic antiroll bar system called Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC). This system results in more responsive handling when cornering with Porsche vehicles. What makes this system different is that the PDCC uses hydraulically actuated cylinders to mechanically alter the load on both the front and rear antiroll bars.
The PDCC also uses sensors to measure the movement under both bump and rebound for each damper. With this information the system will know how to load both antiroll bars as you drive. Each corner of the car has cylinders that move in the opposite direction to the dampers of the PDCC system. With this movement, the camber of each wheel works at optimal levels, while ensuring the right amount of load is transferred from wheel to wheel while cornering.
This system designed by Porsche is great as it ensures a more direct turn in, while make the car’s stability is at its optimal levels while cornering.
Here are Boston Motor Werks, we perform diagnosis on this and other Porsche made systems during our Porsche maintenance service!
Brakes are one of the most important aspects of your vehicle whether you have a BMW Porsche, or Mercedes or any other type of car. This is because these devices keep you safe as well as preventing the car from driving through unwanted places or things. When it comes to brakes, the only sure fire way to know if you need new brakes is if you take your care for a scheduled inspection and get results back saying you need a replacement. There are other factors to look out for while driving that are actually warning signs that you need new brakes.
Here are some signs of brake problems to look out for. If you experience any of these you should visit your repair shop or see a specialist as soon as possible.
Reduced Responsiveness or Fading
If your brakes are not responding as they normally would and should then this could be taken as an indication of a leak in the braking system. Another sign of a leak is if the pedal sinks towards the floor of your car. The type of leak could be either air or brake fluid but both require an inspection. The oldest way to figure out if your brake fluid is leaking is if you notice a small puddle of fluid when your car is parked.
Pulling
If you are braking and your car starts to pull to one side it may be a sign that the brake linings are wearing unevenly. Another cause of this pulling motion is if there is some sort of foreign matter in the brake fluid. If either of these reasons are causing any pulling while you brake then you may need a brake adjustment or to have your fluids drained and replaced.
Grinding or Growling
If you start hearing a grinding or growling sound while you apply brakes to your car then your brake pads have been worn down completely beyond replacement. This noise is caused when the two metal pieces of the brake rubbing together. The longer you drive with worn down brake pads, the more likely you are to “score” or scratch your rotors and creating an uneven surface. Once the rotors are uneven, you will need to have them “turned” by a professional or replaced depending on the damage.
Vibration
If you are driving, applying the brakes and notice a vibration or pulsating brake pedal then it is a sign your have warped rotors. Not to be confused from vibration when your vehicle is our of alignment, if the vibration occurs during braking situations when the anti-lock brakes are not engaged then it is a sign of warped rotors. This vibration is felt because the brake pads are not able to grab the surface easily.
For brake services and other specialists services, contact us today!
Porsche engineers are testing out the next generation 911 Porsche vehicle. This model is not expected to be on sale until next year as a 2019 model, but there are already a couple of exciting improvements that are expected to come. One of the big additions of the next generation of 911 vehicles is the new digital dashboard that will be implemented. The tachometer that sits in the middle of the dashboard will still be analog but there will be digital screens to the left and right of the tachometer. The left screen will be showing the speedometer of the vehicle while the right screen will show specs of the car and lights such as check engine, fuel, etc.
The importance of the new digital dashboard is that drivers will now have instant access to the specs of their vehicles. Digital dashboards are also a great way to gain even more access to what is going on with your car over analog dashboards. You will have different options to choose from of what will appear as well as getting a more in depth description of what needs to be inspected, how many miles until you will empty your tank and much more. If you need any inspection on your Porsche be sure to call us today for a free estimate!
Just like with regular cars, BMW’s, Porsche’s and Mercedes’s need to have regular inspections for optimal performance. This goes especially well with fuel systems as internal combustion engines will not run without them. There are parts in a fuel system that are meant to stand up to years of use, but some parts tend to out last longer than other parts of the system. The system as a whole should be inspected regularly to see what parts of the system need to be check on. As some parts of a fuel system need to be inspected more often than a others as well as different parts needing different levels of maintenance.
Fuel System Parts To Be Inspected
- Fuel Filter – The fuel filter needs to be inspected or replaced the most often out of the other parts of the fuel system. Regular inspection is good to keep track of its usage so you know when to get it replace. Filters of a fuel system should be replaced every 10,000-15,000 miles.
- Hoses – The hoses in which the fuel running to components of the engine bay should be checked regularly. Whenever you have your car serviced, ask your mechanic to check these tubes for breaks, blockage or anything else that would cause concern.
- Fuel Injectors – Injectors should be inspected annually for performance issues. However, they should be replaced if there are issues with fuel delivery within your engine.
- Fuel Lines – As with any line in your car, if you see that fuel is leaking under your car then you should have your hard fuel lines inspected. Any leakage should result in replacing those faulty lines for new ones that will not leak.
- Fuel Pump – Pumps usually last around 100,000 miles but there could be signs that inspection is needed. This happens when the pumps begin surging fuel towards the engine or not delivering enough fuel. You will want to get an inspection regardless of the mileage if any surging begins.
- Fuel Tanks – Fuel tanks necessarily don’t need to be inspected as they tend to last around 10 years. However, to extend the life of your fuel tank, avoid water and excess moisture at all cost to extend the life of your tank past 10 years.
Performing regular inspections and maintenance will increase the life span of your fuel system as well as providing your vehicle with consistent performance. To schedule a fuel system inspection for your BMW, Porsche or Mercedes call our office today!
