8 Simple Ways to Improve Fuel-Efficiency

To keep your Bavarian beauty running smoothly, you'll want to make sure that you always entrust the repairs to a mechanic who offers particular expertise in German car care. Here are six services provided by a shop that specializes in German auto repair in Tampa. German Brake Repair in Tampa There's no system in your vehicle more important to your safety than your brakes. When you suddenly cross paths with a reckless driver, you need to be able to trust your brakes to work perfectly. Signs of brake trouble include squealing, grinding, veering, leaking brake fluid, and an illuminated ABS light. Check Engine Light Diagnostics and Repair When your check engine light turns on, it doesn't automatically indicate that your engine is on the verge of failing. But it's still smart to play it safe and get to the shop for computerized diagnostics so any developing problems can be remedied before they worsen and become more costly to address. AC Repair When the heat turns scorching, it's crucial that your AC works like it should. If your AC isn't reliably blowing cold air, then you'll want to entrust the repairs to a mechanic who provides expertise with AC service. German Transmission Repair in Tampa Because transmission issues are notorious for badly worsening in a hurry, it's important to get to the shop at the first indication of trouble, such as slipping gears, leaking transmission fluid, or difficulty putting your car in gear. Suspension Repair A healthy suspension provides smooth and safe handling. You'll want to keep an eye out for signs of suspension trouble such as excessively bouncy driving, leaky shocks, and a nose-diving sensation when braking. Cooling System Repair It's important to keep your cooling system healthy so that overheating doesn't lead to major engine problems. Symptoms of a cooling system problem include smoking, coolant leaks, and a temperature gauge in the red zone. If you need German auto repair, be sure to bring your vehicle to a reputable specialist. For German auto repair in Tampa, contact the experts at DAS Autowerks at  (813) 940-0064  . DAS Autowerks specializes in Audi and VW repair in Tampa. Feel free to give DAS Autowerks a call today to make an appointment for any of your European or domestic vehicle's mechanical needs!

For optimal engine performance and lifespan, you'll want to always keep up with your oil change schedule. Generally, conventional oil should be changed somewhere between 3,000 and 5,000 miles. Synthetic oil offers superior protection and doesn't need to be changed as frequently. To see your vehicle's particular requirements for oil type and oil change mileage points, you can refer to your owner's manual or just ask somebody at the shop. Here are six reasons to always stay up to date with oil changes. Proper Lubrication The top reason to always keep up with oil changes is that it'll be much more likely that your engine's moving parts stay thoroughly lubricated and protected from damage that could be caused by friction. Eliminate Engine Gunk If you're overdue for an oil change, there's a greater chance that your oil has become sludgy because of an accumulation of contaminants. With an oil change, this polluted oil will be drained and your vehicle will be refilled with clean oil that provides your engine with superior protection. New Oil Filter A standard component of a full-service oil change is oil filter replacement. This is an important task because it makes sure that you're not driving with a gunked-up filter that could prevent oil from circulating like it should. Regulate Engine Temperature For your engine to remain at a safe operating temperature, heat has to be redistributed from the combustion chamber. Fresh oil makes it easier for heat to be properly redistributed. Optimum Engine Power Clean oil makes it easier for your engine to get the most power. This enables more efficient driving, which could even provide a boost in fuel-efficiency. Identify/Address Developing Engine Issues When you have an experienced mechanic change your oil, it's more likely that emerging engine issues will be spotted. Then, the problems can be remedied before they get worse and cost more to repair. If you need auto maintenance, be sure to bring your vehicle to a reputable mechanic. For a full-service oil change in Tampa, contact the experts at DAS Autowerks at  (813) 940-0064  . DAS Autowerks also specializes in VW and Audi repair in Tampa. Feel free to give DAS Autowerks a call today to make an appointment for any of your domestic or European vehicle's repair needs!

If you've noticed that your vehicle isn't firing up as easily as it should, then you'll want to have a mechanic take a look. By delaying, the problem could worsen to the extent that your engine won't start at all and you end up stranded. Here's a look at seven common issues that prevent cars from starting. Failing Starter The most familiar sign of a starter issue is that you turn over the key and nothing happens except for a clicking noise. Eventually, standard wear and tear can lead to the failure of the starter motor and solenoid. Bad Fuel Pump You could be dealing with a fuel pump problem if you've noticed inconsistent acceleration or sputtering at high speeds. Fuel pump trouble can prevent gas from properly making its way from the tank to the engine. Clogged Fuel Filter When a fuel filter becomes completely clogged up, the engine may not be able to receive the fuel necessary to get started up. You should replace your fuel filter about every 30,000 miles to avoid this issue. Faulty Distributor Cap If moisture gets under the distributor cap, it can prevent voltage from being successfully sent to the spark plugs. Dirty Fuel Injectors Dirty fuel injectors can prevent the combustion chamber from taking in a sufficient amount of fuel to get your car to fire up. To remedy this issue, you can try pouring a fuel additive into your gas tank. Faulty Ignition Switch For power to be effectively directed to the starter solenoid, you need a healthy ignition switch. A failing ignition switch may lead to flickering dash lights. Battery/Charging System Issue New car batteries should last for three to five years. If you've recently installed one and it has died, you may be dealing with a faulty alternator that is failing to properly charge the battery. If you need auto repair, be sure to bring your vehicle to a reputable mechanic. For auto repair in Tampa, contact the experts at DAS Autowerks at  (813) 940-0064  . Feel free to give DAS Autowerks a call today to schedule an appointment for any of your domestic or European vehicle's repair needs!

As soon as you notice a symptom of engine trouble, you'll want to be proactive about addressing it. If you delay, the issue could soon escalate and necessitate repairs that are much more expensive than should've been necessary. At DAS Autowerks, our local mechanics are experts at diagnosing and repairing engine problems. Come and see us if you notice any of the following indications of an engine problem. The Check Engine Light Although an illuminated check engine light doesn't necessarily mean that you're on the cusp of an automotive disaster, it's still best to visit the shop for computerized diagnostics so that any emerging issues can be identified and addressed. Common reasons the check engine light turns on include problems with catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, MAF sensors, spark plugs, and ignition coils. Common Symptoms of Engine Trouble If you notice any abnormal sounds coming from your engine, then you'll want to further investigate. A knocking noise may arise due to a variety of problems, including bad rod bearings. A lean air/fuel mixture can also cause knocking. If your oil level has become extremely low, then you may hear a tapping noise that arises from insufficient lubrication. With an inadequate amount of oil, your engine's moving parts can become prone to serious damage caused by metal-on-metal contact. Power loss is another sign of engine trouble. You don't necessarily need to be concerned if your old vehicle that has a ton of miles has lost a small amount of power over the years. But a sudden and major power loss is a sign of a significant problem, like worn-out pistons. You'll also want to be mindful of discolored exhaust smoke, which can provide clues about underlying engine issues. Black smoke suggests that too much fuel is burning up. Blue-tinted smoke is a sign of an oil leak. With white smoke, coolant may be leaking internally. Engine Repair in Tampa, FL When you need auto repair in Tampa, contact DAS Autowerks at  (813) 940-0064  . Our local mechanics specialize in Audi and VW repair in Tampa. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment for any of your European or domestic vehicle's mechanical needs!

For your vehicle to continue driving smoothly and safely, your suspension needs to remain in excellent condition. At the first indication of suspension trouble, you'll want to get to the shop for an inspection. Here are seven signs of suspension trouble. Doesn't Pass the Bounce Test A simple test can help you get a better sense of whether your suspension is in rough shape. To begin, make sure your vehicle is safely parked and isn't liable to roll. After that, go to the front end and press down on it with all of your power. Rock it twice and then let go. Next, go around back and repeat this step on the rear end. When you release, your vehicle shouldn't rock more than two or three times on its own. But if it continues to rock beyond this amount, then you've got a sign of suspension trouble and will want to have a mechanic take a look. Brake Issues A bad suspension can cause your vehicle to take longer to come to a full stop after you've initiated the braking process. With a faulty suspension, it may also feel like your car is nose-diving when you hit the brakes. Appears Low in One Corner With a bad spring, your vehicle may sit lower in the affected corner. This problem will also probably cause your car to make clunking sounds when you drive over bumps. Bald Spots on Tires Tire tread may wear down unevenly due to a faulty suspension. This could then lead to bald spots forming on your tires. Leaking/Visible Damage You'll probably need your shocks to be replaced if you can see that oil has started to leak out onto them. If other visible damage is present, it should be inspected by the mechanic. Bouncy Driving If your vehicle begins bouncing heavily whenever you hit a little bump on the road, then suspension trouble is likely brewing. Drifting Your suspension may be failing if it seems like your vehicle is drifting when you take a sharp turn at an appropriate speed. If you need auto repair, be sure to bring your vehicle to a reputable mechanic. For suspension repair in Tampa, contact the experts at DAS Autowerks at  (813) 940-0064  . DAS Autowerks specializes in Audi and VW repair in Tampa. Feel free to give DAS Autowerks a call today to schedule an appointment for any of your European or domestic vehicle's mechanical needs!

Summer is in full swing, the country has reopened, and the open road is calling your name. But before you hop on the highway, it's important to be sure that your vehicle is prepared for long drives under scorching sun. At DAS Autowerks, our reputable mechanics are experts at completing any type of maintenance that is needed before you hit the road. Road Trip Auto Maintenance Tasks Prior to departure, you'll want to make sure that your vehicle is ready to keep you as safe as possible during your journey. When you bring your vehicle to us for brake service, we'll inspect your brakes, lubricate parts as necessary, and install new pads if needed. If we discover any major brake trouble, we'll explain the problem and then give you an accurate estimate for the repair costs. Before leaving, you'll also want to check tire pressure, which typically is supposed to be at a point between 30 and 35 psi, though it's worth checking your tires to see their exact pressure guideline. When driving with correct tire pressure, there'll be significantly less risk of a blowout putting you in a frightening situation. A quick and easy safety precaution is to change out old wiper blades. If a summertime thunderstorm suddenly starts pouring rain, your new wiper blades will provide a safer field of vision through your windshield. It's also smart to complete maintenance tasks that will help your vehicle keep the heat in check. When you bring your car to us for AC service, we'll check over all AC components to make sure they're functioning properly. When the heat turns sweltering, a healthy AC system will play a crucial role in keeping your family in a good mood. Cooling system service will also help your vehicle with keeping the heat in check. Coolant is generally supposed to be exchanged every 30,000 miles, but you can check your owner's manual to see your car's exact mileage requirement. By driving with the proper amount of clean coolant, there'll be much less risk of overheating causing serious engine damage, such as a cracked block. German Auto Maintenance in Tampa, FL If you need auto maintenance before your adventure, contact DAS Autowerks at  (813) 940-0064  . At our nearby auto shop, we specialize in German auto care, but also provide top-quality service for domestic vehicles. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

Since 1994, Audi has been producing the A4. Even the older models are still well respected by drivers in the Audi community and many of them, even the earliest ones, are still on the highway today thanks to proper maintenance. However, as the A4s have evolved a few common electrical problems have become apparent. Electrical issues are often hard to diagnose, but when the same problems show up time and time again in one type of car, identifying a fix becomes quick and affordable. Recent A4s share their own set of problems, such as the following. Whether you drive an A4 now or are considering buying a used one, stay on the lookout for these common Audi A4 electrical problems. Stuck Brake Lights A peculiar issue with these cars is that they can suffer from brake lights that won't turn off. This happens due to a failed brake light switch, which will need replacing if this issue happens to your car. This part is easy to obtain and a professional auto repair mechanic can complete the service in as little as 20 minutes! Failed Power Window Motor The burn out of the power window motors are one of the most common electrical problems in A4s. The drivers window will generally be the first to go, as this is the window that is used most often. This is a relatively simple repair that requires replacing the power window motor within the vehicle's door panel. Display Screen Outages Newer A4s that have LCD display screens tend to have issues keeping the whole screen lit. Areas of pixels on the screens will burn out, making it hard to read the information on the display. To restore the function and readability of the screen the whole unit usually needs to be replaced. Center Control Liquid Damage The MMI unit, which controls the navigation, radio and other infotainment and dashboard systems of the vehicle, is located right under the cupholders in newer A4 models. Unfortunately this placement all too often results in liquid spills that damage the unit. This ends up requiring a complete replacement of the control board to restore vehicle function. While this is more of a driver error than an actual electrical issue, it is important to be aware of, so keep those lids on tight! If you encounter Audi A4 electrical trouble, be sure to have it diagnosed by a professional Audi mechanic. For professional Audi electrical repair in Tampa head to DAS Autowerks. Our team specializes in VW and Audi repair, but we service all makes and models! Give us a call at (813) 940-0064 to learn more about our local auto repair shop or to schedule professional auto repair in Tampa or the surrounding area for your domestic or European vehicle.

When the unexpected occurs, you need your braking system to function optimally. At the first indication of brake trouble, you'll want to bring your vehicle to an experienced mechanic for a thorough inspection so an accurate diagnosis can be made. Here's a look at seven common signs of a brake problem. Squealing Sounds If the small piece of metal attached to your brake pad begins to rub against the rotor, then you may hear squealing noises come from your brakes. At this point, you'll want to soon get to the shop to prevent the problem from worsening. Grinding It's generally best to replace brake pads about every 50,000 miles. If you don't get new brake pads as needed, they could wear down to the point that grinding occurs, at which point your discs could become prone to damage. Veering If you step on the brakes and your vehicle veers off to one side, then there's reason to suspect that a caliper has seized up, potentially due to corrosion. This poses a serious safety hazard and should be addressed as soon as possible. Soft Brake Pedal Moisture or air in your braking system could be to blame if your brake pedal quickly sinks to the floor when you step on it. Vibrating If vibrations are emerging from your brakes, the issue could be due to warped rotors. ABS Light Illuminates When the ABS (anti-lock braking system) light turns on, a problem in your brakes has been detected, which means you'll want to get to the shop so the issue can be pinpointed and fixed. Brake Fluid Leak When brake fluid leaks, it often can be found next to a tire or below the master brake cylinder. For healthy brake function, you'll want to maintain a proper fluid level. If you need brake repair, be sure to bring your vehicle to a reputable mechanic. For brake repair in Tampa, contact the experts at DAS Autowerks at (813) 940-0064. Feel free to give DAS Autowerks a call today to schedule an appointment for any of your domestic or European vehicle's repair needs!

When you first suspect that transmission trouble is brewing, it's important to get to the shop to have the matter inspected. Transmission issues are notorious for worsening quickly and necessitating very expensive repairs. By being proactive about getting to the shop, you can potentially nip the problem in the bud and save yourself a lot of money. At DAS Autowerks, our local mechanics are experts at diagnosing and repairing transmission issues. Come and see us at the first sign of trouble in this department. Common Signs of a Transmission Problem Gear slippage is an obvious sign of transmission trouble. If your car pops out of gear while you're driving along, it could be because contaminants in your transmission fluid are obstructing the fluid's flow. As a result, there isn't enough hydraulic pressure to dependably keep the vehicle in gear. With this issue, it's worth seeing if a transmission fluid flush will take care of the problem. But there is also a possibility that you'll need more in-depth transmission work to be done. You'll want to periodically check your transmission fluid to make sure that you're driving with a proper amount and that it's not burnt. When checking transmission fluid, it's generally best to do so with the engine still running. This is because transmission fluid tends to contract while cooling down, which could then give an inaccurate impression of how much fluid you're actually operating with. If the fluid level on your transmission dipstick is concerningly low, then you may be dealing with a leak. Transmission fluid leaks should always be repaired ASAP so that major transmission problems don't get the chance to emerge. And if the fluid appears dark or smells burnt, then you should have a mechanic take a look. In manual transmissions, there are certain signs of trouble that mean you should get to the shop. Grinding is a symptom of clutch failure, though you may just need a clutch adjustment. If it's hard to put your stick shift into gear, then a clutch master cylinder problem could be brewing. A clutch issue may also be present if your clutch pedal has become spongy or sticky. Transmission Repair in Tampa, FL When you need transmission repair in Tampa, contact DAS Autowerks at  (813) 940-0064  . Our local mechanics specialize in Audi and VW repair in Tampa. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment for any of your European or domestic vehicle's mechanical needs!