As a long term automotive shop owner since 1975, I work at giving my customers the proper guidance to ensure longevity of their vehicle without over spending their money. It is a balance that I have worked diligently on. One customer wanted tune-up only 15,000 miles after the previous tune-up was completed. I very kindly and patiently explained that newer vehicles just didn't need service that frequently. When I was done with my spiel, I was feeling good about my integrity, and about saving this good customer money. But his response surprised me: He said that his dad told him (back in the 60’s) that a car should be tuned up every year and I had no place saying that his deceased father was incorrect. Then he hung up, I never did hear from this customer again. The truth is times have changed; today’s vehicles are so much more advanced then vehicles of yesteryear, and so automotive care procedures are different. The word tune-up doesn't even apply to newer ... read more

The summer months are the perfect time to travel and see our wonderful country. National parks, state parks and theme parks are great family vacation destinations that don’t have to involve the hassle of airports, airport security and cramped airplane seating. Some sites are reachable in a drive of just a day or two drive. In this peak summer travel season, keep a few things in mind before traveling long distances. An unplanned breakdown can halt your travel, disrupt your vacation and cause a great deal of stress.  Being at home and getting your vehicle ready for a trip during hot weather is so much easier than waiting in a motel somewhere on the road while repairs are made. The first stop should be your favorite repair shop for a pre-trip check.  This is most important for vehicles with more than over 80,000 miles or those who have not had good, consistent preventive maintenance. The most important focus should be your vehicle’s cooling system, because 85% of ... read more

Diagnosing car problems can be complicated Your automobile is likely the most complex piece of machinery that you own. Having been an automotive technician for over 45 years now, I feel as if I know less than ever about cars, but I am much wiser. I used to think I knew it all but now, not so much; I guess that’s called maturity. Cars are more complex than ever, what with high-end vehicles operating with more computer code then the Boing 787 Dreamliner. The most difficult concept for customers to understand is that it’s very difficult for auto technicians to diagnose and repair today’s vehicles. I had a chat with an employee of the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) about On Board Diagnostics 2 (OBD2) about reading the code. It’s a common misconception that this code reader diagnoses what’s wrong with a car.  Not True. Most times the given code is just a starting point for diagnosis. We spend more time learning about codes than any other su ... read more

       One question always going through my mind is, “What is the right amount of vehicle maintenance:”   Too much, and you’re wasting money; not enough, and the vehicle’s dependable life flies out the window.    The owner’s manual has great information on what to do and when.   But – and this is a big but – are the maintenance recommendations enough to ensure the vehicle last a long time?    On one end of the spectrum is the “up sell” of fluid changes; oil or fluid wiped on a white rag showing how dirty it is; shocks that are seeping slightly; or the air filter that is somewhat dirty.    (Remember, a slightly dirty air filter will NOT affect your fuel mileage.   Advanced electronic engine controls compensate for this on vehicles made since 1995.   A truly plugged air filter should be replaced, however, because it will cut engine power.) ... read more

Fuel costs are rising.   Following are ways to save money at the pump.   Check tire pressure at least monthly.   Tire pressures are found on the driver’s doorjamb or in the owner’s manual.   Pressures written on the tires are a maximum pressure, not the recommended pressure.   Low tire pressure can reduce fuel mileage by 5 percent and create a safety hazard.   Always check tire pressure when the tires are cold or cool, not after freeway driving.   It is best to have your own tire pressure gauge.   They cost less than $5.    Drive smoothly, anticipate traffic lights, and refrain from quick starts.   Act as if there is an egg under your gas pedal, and accelerate slowly.    Watch the traffic lights ahead so you don’t have to use your brakes.   Plan your route, and get to know the traffic lights.   Every time you use your brakes, you waste en ... read more

We had a 2009 Mini Cooper S come into Euro-Asian on the back of a tow truck and the Mini was in a no start condition.    After further inspection we found the Mini Cooper was not getting spark to the Ignition Coils causing it to just crank over and not start.   Our master technician, Will found the passenger side floor board of the vehicle very wet.  The passenger side floor board is the area where the junction box/ module lives.   After removing the carpet we found the junction box/module to be submerged in water.    The water source was coming from the sunroof drains overflowing into the 2009 Mini Cooper S instead of draining outside of the vehicle. Will removed some of the trim around the passenger side carpet area to gain access to where the water was pooled up and used a wet vacuum to remove the standing water and he also found the Junction Box/Module connectors and wiring harness to be corroded from water damage.  ... read more

     The future of the automobile over the next few years is going to be very exciting, or even unbelievable.   Who would think we will have driverless taxi cabs in the next two years? (Or so says the news; let’s hope this is not fake news.)    As electronics, computers and great designs get more refined and smarter, running at incredible speeds at lower cost, they will dominate the automotive world.   Electronics and motors are so very dependable now, cars are chock-full of them. I still remember the cars of the ‘60s: “Don’t get the option of power windows because it is just one more thing to break.   That is not the case anymore; just about all cars in the U.S. have power windows.    Advanced electronics give cars autopilot capabilities.   Electric motors have landed in electric vehicles, including the Tesla, BMWi3, Fiat 500e, Ford Focus electric, Kia Soul EV, Mercedes B250e, VW e-Gu ... read more

     The Internet has made a lot of great information available around the world. All of my businesses use the Internet for their websites, for seeking information, and for accessing paid information websites. We used to buy thousands of dollars of books on automotive repair annually; now we use automotive repair websites such as mitchell1.com or alldata.com. We pay more than $1,000 per month to use these sites and others for our shops.    When repairing or servicing a vehicle, it is important to use high quality, reputable parts. We identify these high quality components thanks to years of installing brand name parts and monitoring their successful results.    All parts, whether rebuilt or new, are not created equal. For example, I formerly used a particular rebuilder of starters and alternators, but the customer comeback rate – this refers to a vehicle not repaired properly the first time – regarding those parts was more than 50 perce ... read more

Stop by and welcome Bryan to the Euro Asian family. Bio Coming Soon

         To minimize the cost of car ownership, here are some tips from cradle to grave.    When car-shopping, be sure to check with Consumers Reports. It is the most unbiased source of vehicle information, and affordable. The April edition is devoted to new and used vehicles. Not only does it offer tips on what to buy, but how to buy and what “extras” you can avoid.    I have followed Consumer Reports advice on the last nine vehicles I have bought and have not been disappointed. Not all vehicles are created the same. The small investment of buying the magazine, or searching its website, and spending two or three hours on research can save you thousands of dollars down the road.    Next, establish a routine for getting your vehicle serviced. The owner’s manual has schedules for when services are due in addition to all of the other vehicle information.  Keep in mind that oil services are best ... read more