German Auto Tech

We Now Have Two Locations

admin — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:42:20 +0000

Since 1970 our customers have come to appreciate our attention to quality work and they always love the fact that we have the best warranty in town. In keeping with this fine tradition we figured it was time to open our second shop. We choose the Jonesboro Arkansas Area and have felt the welcoming embrace of that community.

Our Jonesboro location is open Monday-Friday from 8AM to 5PM.

You can check out our Jonesboro Website at GATJonesboro.Com or if you are in the area come by and visit us at our shop.

Our Jonesboro Location is located at:

2617 S. Caraway Road
Jonesboro, AR 72401

870-203-9572

Our Memphis Location is located at:

3005 East Broadway

West Memphis, AR 72301

901-492-1095

Audi Trivia

admin — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 01:41:36 +0000

Time to lighten things up. Here’s a bit of history about Audi, as well as the significance of their four-ringed logo.

Audi is known for luxurious cars, and they have a longstanding reputation to go with their cars. Audi was founded by August Horch, who first started working in engine construction at Carl Benz in Mannheim, and later worked his way up to head of motor vehicle construction. In 1899 Horch decided to branch off and establish his own company, A. Horch & Cie. It wasn’t until 1901 that Horch put his first car on the road. Believe it or not this first car had only 4-5 hp!

The company grew, and eventually Horch had to build a bigger factory. He decided to create a share-issuing company called A. Horch & Cie. Motorwagen-Werke AG. However, in 1909 Horch ended up leaving the company due to issues with his business partners. He also lost the battle to keep the name of his company. Therefore, when Horch started a new company, a new name had to be chosen. The name of this new company was Audi, which means “Hark!” in Latin. Then in 1910, the first cars appeared bearing the name “Audi”.

The Audi emblem came about as a union of four previously independent automobile manufacturers: Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer. Imagine that! The irony of Audi and Horch eventually coming back together to form a union with the other two companies! DKW and Wanderer were both started about the same time as Horch. This foursome called themselves the “Auto Union AG”. Each circle in the emblem represents each of the four brands and that emblem was used solely on Auto Union racing cars.

Fast forward….

Eventually Audi stood on its own two feet and came to the U.S. through the help of Volkswagen, the company that bought the Auto Union and the factory in Ingolstadt in 1964. From then on Audi was established as a top of the line auto maker

Today Audi is still driven by passion and a love for manufacturing cars. However, like all companies, it has had some ups and downs, but that hasn’t stopped them from competing with other top-tier luxury auto makers around the world. The Great Recession has done its damage to all auto manufacturers, but as long as consumers have taste for luxury and quality it’s safe to say that Audi will stick around.

Remember, if your European car is ever in need of service or repair then you can call us at 901-492-1095, or send us an email. We offer the best service and the best warranty in the Memphis area, and we have the reviews to prove it. Also, please consider signing up for our newsletter so you can receive more helpful hints and special deals.

Best European Cars (Part 2)

admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 19:30:51 +0000

In Part 1 of this series I went over some of the best European cars for those of you with big budgets. Here in Part 2 I will review some of the best vehicles for those with tighter budgets. These cars are all great whether you are just starting out, or even if you need a career vehicle. Not coincidentally, I also recently read an article about the 100 most reliable cars of the last decade, and all of these particular cars made the list.

The first is Mini. The Mini has been described as a go-cart for adults, and although it has a very British look to it, the Mini is actually made by BMW. Its distinct look does not appeal to everyone, but those that own them tend to love every aspect of them. Across model years the Mini averages a combined miles per gallon in the mid to high twenties. If you’re patient in looking then you can pick up a great used Mini for under $8,000.
Audi A4. The A4 can come with either a 4 cylinder or a 6 cylinder engine, and can average up to 20 MPG in the city. Even the smallest engine in the 2002 A4 has 170 horse power, and all versions of the 2002 model also come with dual climate control. Today you could pick up a quality A4 for anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000, depending on mileage.
VW Golf. The Golf would make a great car for a college student. It comes with a TDI diesel engine, which will likely last much longer than a standard gas engine, assuming of course that it’s not abused. The Golf can come with either a 1.9L or a 2.0L engine, and averages 32/42MPG and 21/28MPG respectively. Today a high quality 2004 VW Golf will go for $5,000 to $8,000, depending on mileage.

These would all make great cars for a prospective student or graduate, and since we are right in the middle of graduation season, these cars would be a great place start your hunt for a new vehicle.

Mercedes Service A

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:30:44 +0000

Mercedes classifies most of their standard services into “letter services.” This means that instead of telling you that your car needs X, Y, and Z done to it, they instead group all the necessary services together and call it a Mercedes Service A, or B, or C, etc. This makes things very easy for us mechanics, but it sometimes leaves you, the car owner, wondering, “What actually happens during that service?”

Apparently a lot of you have been wondering because my post on the Mercedes Service B has been getting quite a few hits. Because of that, I thought it would be a good time to fill you in on the Mercedes Service A.

If you bought your Mercedes new from the dealer, then the odds are that the Mercedes Service A is the first routine service that your car will need. I would even argue that the first service after purchase is the most important because it lets you know what your car has been doing, and what to expect from it in the future.

Enough about all of that, though. What actually happens during the Mercedes Service A?

Tires are inspected and rotated (unless your model has staggered wheels)
All warning lamps, headlights, and interior lights are inspected for proper function.
Braking system inspection (includes brake pads, discs, fluids, and lines)
Oil and oil filter change
Moving parts lubricated as directed by the service manual for your model.
Air filter checked and replaced as necessary
All fluids checked and topped off

There are a few more points of inspection, and some things are dependent on your particular model, but this list comprises the most important service items.

If you are in need of a Mercedes Service A, then you can call us at 901-492-1095, or send us an email. We offer the best service and the best warranty in the Memphis area, and we have the reviews to prove it. If you found this article helpful then please share it with your friends using the social network buttons below.

Best European Cars (Part 1)

admin — Thu, 10 May 2012 19:30:40 +0000

Since we focus on European vehicles here at German Auto Tech, I thought it would be a good idea to put together a list of some of the best European cars that your money can buy. This will be a two part article, so here in Part 1 I’ll go over some of the more expensive options available, and then next week in Part 2 I’ll go over some cars for those with smaller budgets. For the sake of simplicity, all the vehicles listed here in Part 1 will be from the 2010/2011 model year.

Porsche Boxster. Of the cars rated by Consumer Reports, the Boxster is is one of the best. This rear-wheel-drive luxury vehicle boasts a 255 horse power engine, or even more (320 HP) if you upgrade. For all of that power you would think it would guzzle gas like an SUV, yet it averages 19 MPG in the city, and 27 on the highway. It also comes with a standard blue-tooth and MP3 interface, which your student is sure to love.
BMW M3. The M3 is especially fun to drive since it has a 4.0L v8 engine. With all of that power it can go from 0-60 in 4.6 seconds, but don’t let that scare you off – the BMW M3 is also know for safety. It comes with front, and full length side curtain airbags. It’s braking system is also among the best ever tested, coming to a full stop from 60 to 0 in just 100 feet.
Mercedes E-Class E350. This particular Mercedes model comes with a 3.5L v6 engine that averages 17 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The safety features include front and rear head airbags, as well as dual side mounted airbags. It also has a bluetooth wireless data link to allow for hands free phone conversations.
BMW 328i. Edmunds calls it, “the best entry level luxury sedan you can buy.” The BMW 328i, which has a 3.0L 6 cylinder engine, is also among the highest rated by consumer reports. It comes from the factory with run-flat tires, and comes standard with all of the necessary airbags that one would expect from BMW. Personally, my favorite part about the 328i is that it is also available with a diesel engine.
Mercedes ML320. Although they are made by Mercedes, the M-class is actually assembled in Alabama. This particular SUV has a 3.0L v6 turbo-diesel engine that averages 22 MPG. In fact, its clean diesel technology is so Green even the Californians put up with it! It comes with all of the standard safety features that you would expect, and has been especially lauded for its braking system.

Hopefully if you are in the market for a slightly used car then this short list will give you a good starting point in your vehicle search.

Increase Your Gas Mileage

admin — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:30:30 +0000

Summer will be here soon, and you’re probably already thinking about all the summer trips you have planned. Whether you’re going to see old friends, or to watch the kids graduate from college, one thing that you probably can’t get off of your mind is the gas bill that will come with taking these trips. Gas is already expensive enough, so here I’ll explain how to stretch those gallons a little further so you can increase your gas milage.

If you follow my blog then you have probably already read about the 8 Things to Check on Your Car, in that post I encouraged you to check your tire pressure regularly, and since we’re talking about how to increase your gas mileage, I’m mentioning it again: Check your tire pressure and keep your tires inflated to the proper level. This is hands-down the easiest thing you can do at home to make sure you’re getting the best gas mileage possible.
If you’re planning to take a trip, get your oil changed. Clean oil means that all the moving parts inside your engine can move around with less friction, and that means better gas mileage.
Clean or replace your air filter. Think about it like this: If you light a candle, put it in a jar, and then screw the top on, then the candle will eventually suffocate and go out. However, if you take that same top and poke some holes in it then the candle will be just fine. Your air filter is just like the top to the jar. It lets clean air get to your engine, but it can’t do that if it’s dirty.
Spark plugs. If you have no idea when your spark plugs were last checked or replaced, then it may be a good idea to switch them out. As spark plugs age they can begin to misfire, or wear out completely. Installing a new set is a great way to ensure that you’re getting the most out of every gallon of gas.
Fuel filter. I won’t go into too many details on this one, but a dirty fuel filter will ruin your fuel economy. Check out my post on fuel filters for more info.
Check your back seat and your trunk. Do you have anything unnecessary and heavy in there? If you do then take it out, that extra weight is slowing you down.

That’s it for now! Hopefully I’ve helped you increase your gas mileage and you can save some money on your summer driving. If you would like for us to inspect your car before you take a road trip, then you can call us at 901-492-1095, or send us an email.

If you found this helpful then please consider signing up for our newsletter. In it we’ll keep you up to date on our special deals and give you other great maintenance tips.

Free Brake Inspection

admin — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:34:05 +0000

A very wise man once said to me, “I can make my car go fast, but I want a professional to make it stop.” That’s the way we like to look at brakes at German Auto Tech. The power to apply slight pressure and bring a car going 75 mph down to a dead stop in just a few seconds isn’t something to be treated lightly. We wanted to treat a blog post on brakes to teach our readers what they can do to preserve their brakes, and for those of you local to Memphis, we are also offering a free brake inspection.

Brake pads are made out of many different types of material and I won’t go into detail on all of them, but the only type of brake pads that I will install are made of ceramic compounds. Ceramic brake pads can withstand higher temperatures, produce less brake dust, are better on the rotors, and tend to last longer. With all of these advantages using ceramic brake pads is a no-brainer.

Ensuring your brake system is installed properly and working as designed is the first step in preserving your brakes. As I mentioned, we are offering a free brake inspection from now until the end of May 2012, so there’s no reason to wonder about your braking system.

The second point is that most people have no idea how to brake properly. Knowing when to use the brake and when not is a skill set not taught these days. Never fear, we have you covered.

How to use your brakes:

You are not a NASCAR driver, so take your left foot off of the brake
When driving keep your eyes further ahead to anticipate what traffic is going to do, and take your foot off of the accelerator and let the engine brake the car
Avoid rushing to stop lights and stop signs
Have your brakes checked routinely for wear so they function properly

What proper braking techniques can achieve:

Improved gas mileage
Safer driving habits
Longer life for your braking system
Less money spent on repairs and gas

So you can save money, save your vehicle, save the environment, and save your life. Brakes are important so don’t neglect them.

If your vehicle is in need of a service or repair, then you can give us a call at 901-492-1095, or send us an email. As always, if you found this helpful then please consider signing up for our newsletter.

Free Coolant System Check

admin — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:00:46 +0000

One of the common problems we deal with here at German Auto Tech is coolant leaks. Some cars fare better than others, but all of them have to be maintained properly if the engine is going to last.

You should think of your coolant system as the first line of defense against premature wear and tear on your car, and since summer is coming up, your coolant system will be more important than ever, which is why from now through the end of May 2012, we are here to help out with a Free Coolant System Check.

Your coolant should be completely replaced every two to three years, or 30,000 miles. If your engine has aluminum heads you may even want to consider doing it sooner. Many people have asked me why their coolant should be changed so frequently, so I wrote out this short list of possible problems that could develop.

Rust develops in heads
Rubbers seals, gaskets and hoses start to fail due to rapidly degrading coolant
Cars tend to run hotter which can lead to catastrophic failure.
Poor fuel economy
Fuel pump damage

Obviously these are all problems you would like to avoid, which is why we are offering a free coolant System check until the end of May 2012 for any of the vehicle brands that we service. If you drive a BMW, Mercedes, VW, Jaguar, Mini, Porsche, Audi or a Land Rover, all you have to do is call us at 901-492-1095 and mention this blog post and we will schedule your free coolant system check.

We hope you take us up on this offer. It costs you nothing and it will give you some peace of mind about the car you are driving. Just mention that you saw our blog post and want to schedule your Free Coolant Systems Check and we will work you in on the day that works best for you.

To schedule an appointment give us a call at 901-492-1095, or send us an email. As always, if you found this helpful then please consider signing up for our newsletter.

Thanks for reading and if you know anyone in need of a coolant system check then please share this post.

BMW Diagnostics

admin — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:30:35 +0000

If you check out our BMW Service page, one of the things you’ll notice is that we are quite proud of our diagnostic software. The GT1 and ISTA software made for BMW diagnostics is top-of-the-line equipment that allows us to find and correct problems on BMW’s much faster than any other shop. This software is definitely not on the cheap end, and many mechanics won’t carry it because of the hefty price tag. In fact, aside from German Auto Tech, the only other place I know of that you’re certain to find this software is the local BMW dealer (but before you make an appointment with them, I suggest you read their reviews and then read our reviews).

But now back to the software. What exactly does it do?

Well, the GT1 covers all BMW diagnostic systems. Like most diagnostic software, there are multiple programs available, but there are some BMW diagnostic problems that can only be found using GT1. One example of this is programming and correcting the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which is responsible for the electronic systems on your BMW. By having GT1 we are able to reprogram and rectify your BMW’s ECU problems; without GT1 the only other option would be to replace your entire ECU, which is what some other mechanics may recommend if they don’t have GT1.

GT1 also allows us to read and clear fault codes, program and test components, find wiring problems, and many other technical things that you would probably find boring.

Through all of this, there is one simple point: As time goes on and car diagnosis becomes increasingly electronic, software programs like GT1 will become increasingly important, and you will need to be sure that your mechanic is up to date on these programs before scheduling a service. At German Auto Tech we are proud to have the best tools available to service our customers’ vehicles.

If your BMW is in need of a service or repair, then you can give us a call at 901-492-1095, or send us an email. As always, if you found this helpful then please consider signing up for our newsletter.

BMW Fuel Filters

admin — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:30:26 +0000

Lately i’ve noticed a trend in the vehicles that have been coming in for service – dirty fuel filters. Now, when I say “dirty” I don’t mean a “Hmm, that fuel is slightly discolored” kind of dirty. I mean an “I can’t believe this car made it to the shop without breaking down” kind of dirty.

Check out this short video clip that we made here at German Auto Tech. As you can see, the fuel is coming out almost completely black. Had this been left unchecked, the owner could have damaged the car’s engine or ended up stranded on the side of the road.

Whether you drive a Mercedes, BMW, Volkswagen, or a car of another make, you will eventually have to change the filter. So what are the risks that come with dirty fuel filters?

The first and most immediate effect is increased strain on your engine. Before the fuel can go from your gas tank to your spark plugs, it has to pass through the fuel filter. The dirtier your filter is, the harder it will be for the fuel to pass through. This means that you will have to press harder on the gas pedal in order to accelerate, but because the fuel filter is so dirty, your injection pump will have to strain to push the fuel through, which creates excess engine wear and tear.

A secondary effect is decreased gas mileage. As your filter gets older and dirtier, it becomes less efficient at keeping dirty fuel out of your engine. Dirty fuel will not combust as efficiently, meaning that you’re now getting less miles per gallon.

The last effect is a car that won’t start. I’ve seen some fuel filters that became so dirty that fuel simply could not pass through to the engine, resulting in a non-starter.

Now that I’ve got you thinking about fuel filters, you’re probably wondering if you should change your own. In this case, I hesitate to tell you how often to change your fuel filter because there are so many variables that come into play.

Do you use fuel cleaners / additives to clean your tank?
Do you use the lowest octane fuel available or the highest?
Do you regularly run your car to almost empty, which lets in more grit from your gas tank?

As you can see, there are too many factors for me to be able to give you a one size fits all, “Change your fuel filter after XX,000 miles.”

The rule of thumb that I will give you is this: If you’ve never thought about your fuel filter until now, then it’s probably time to change it.

If you’ve noticed that your car doesn’t seem to be running as strong and would like German Auto Tech inspect your fuel filter, or anything else for that matter, then you can schedule an appointment or call us at 901-492-1095. If you found this article helpful, then please consider subscribing to our newsletter.