Olathe European Auto Repair

November and December are some of the busiest months on the road due to the holidays. The team at Chicane Motorsport is always looking out for your safety, which is why we want to share our top tips to maneuver through holiday traffic. With roads packed with cars, colder weather, and maybe even some snow, you should be careful. Many Americans travel by car for the holidays, which is why you should plan your departure time accordingly. It is better to get on the road as early as possible. Leaving a couple of days before Thanksgiving and Christmas can help you avoid traffic. You can also check traffic conditions through navigation apps. Typically, they will give you multiple routes.  Once you figure it out your plans, it is time to pack. It is important that you are smart with your packing. Don’t forget to bring emergency items like a first aid kit, snacks, flashlights, chargers, vehicle fluids, blankets, a shovel, jumper cables, and of course a spare tire kit. Before you ... read more

Tires will naturally undergo wear and tear due to constant usage. Tires help maintain your car's efficiency, and need to be in good condition for an optimal driving experience. Some various actions or situations will lead to the premature deterioration of tires. The following is what can wear down tires prematurely: Improper Air Pressure Improper inflation of car tires is one of the primary factors that can lead to premature tire wear and tear. The sign of improperly inflated tires will be visible on the outside edge of the treads. When the tire pressure is too high, the middle of the treads will be pronounced. You have to worry more about low tire pressure because tires lose air pressure as you drive. On the other hand, it is crucial to know the optimal tire pressure for your tires to properly inflate them. Not Getting Tire Rotations Tires on the same vehicle will undergo varying amounts of deterioration. The front right tire, in particular, experiences the most damage becaus ... read more

Have you ever come back to your parked vehicle and seen a dark puddle of liquid underneath? If so, you’re most likely looking at an oil leak. While you may be tempted to sweep the situation under the rug, you should know that your engine needs certain amount of oil to operate smoothly. Without sufficient lubrication from the motor oil, your engine parts can suffer extensive damage.   More importantly, we should mention that oil leaks are common in older cars. As our car ages, so do the parts under the hood. Here are some of the parts that may be behind your pesky oil leak: Gaskets Worn gaskets are a likely contender when it comes to oil leaks. Gaskets are rubber pieces that act as a sealant and cushion between all your engine’s metallic components. They prevent the parts from banging against each other, but unfortunately, they can wear out from the engine’s extreme conditions. Oil leaks tend to seep out of worn or damaged gaskets. Oil Filter  As techni ... read more

A timing chain is one of the most overlooked yet integral parts of an internal combustion engine. With a functional timing chain, your car simply would not start and run. When the chain fails, it can cause extensive engine corruption, which can cost you a ton to repair. That is why Olathe drivers turn to Chicane Motorsport for Audi and Volkswagen timing chain replacements. What Does the Timing Chain Do? The timing chain is exactly what it sounds like – it consists of metallic links that are evenly spread to run along a set of gears to rotate the engine’s crankshaft and camshaft. The movements are timed to regulate the opening and closing of the valves. The chain sits inside the engine, where it is exposed to motor oil for proper lubrication. Though timing chains wear better than belts, they still wear down and can get loose or break from excess tension. What Are the Signs of a Worn Timing Chain? A faulty timing chain can exemplify the following warning signs: Rattling ... read more

We all know that we have to change the oil in our car every few months or so. But what other fluids does your car need? Here is a list of fluids that needs to be changed and how often you should change them. 1. Motor oil How often: Every 3,000 miles or every 3 months, whichever comes first.Also, check your car's manual. Some newer cars can go longer between oil changes. 2. Transmission fluid How often: Every 30,000 miles or every 2 years, whichever comes first.This fluid helps keep your car's transmission cool and lubricated. 3. Coolant How often: Every 30,000 miles or every 2 years, whichever comes first.Coolant helps keep your engine cool. It's important to keep the level full and clean to prevent rust and corrosion. 4. Brake fluid How often: Every 30,000 miles or every 2 years, whichever comes first.Brake fluid helps transfer the force from your foot on the pedal to the brakes. Over time, brake fluid can absorb water, which can lead to rust and corrosion. 5. Pow ... read more