Olathe European Auto Repair

Unless you drive an all-electric vehicle, your car, SUV, or truck has either a timing belt or timing chain. Today, we will go over the difference between these two components.   Importance of Engine Timing Your vehicle's internal combustion engine has many parts at play, and they all work in tandem to ensure that there is enough power for your car to run. One key objective that your engine has is to have the proper timing of its internal components. Timing belts and chains are engine components that sit under the hood to help achieve perfect timing.    Over time, debris (rocks, sand, ice, mud, etc.) can make its way into the engine and disrupt the timing components. Your timing belt can also wear down as it is simply made of rubber. An old and worn timing belt can also run the risk of breaking, which would lead to major engine damage. Without a working timing belt or chain, the internal combustion engine would be nearly impossible to run.    Differen ... read more

Snowy and icy roads give many drivers a winter headache. Harsh weather is one of the major causes of accidents. Getting behind the wheel is no longer fun for many drivers in such prevailing weather conditions.   Critical driving tips that are helpful in terms of safety and car reliability:1. Warm Up Your Car Do not start your car engine and take off. Spare some time for the car to warm up for thirty seconds. You'll save your engine from mechanical problems and wear. However, do not prolong the warming up to avoid having extra oil in the combustion chamber.   2. Carry Extra Tank of Gas in Your Car What happens to you while on a road trip is unpredictable. If you become stranded when the weather becomes chilly, an extra gas will help you keep warm. Sometimes the weather conditions can be extreme. Take precaution.   3. Winter Survival Kit Always ensure you have an extra pair of cloth, blanke ... read more

If you own a modern vehicle, it most definitely has oxygen (O2) sensors in the exhaust system. These sensors perform the necessary function of monitoring the amount of oxygen running through the engine. The sensor itself is connected directly to the vehicle's computer system. If the sensors pick up too low or too high of oxygen, the sensor will trigger your check engine light to come on.  Relation to the Check Engine Light Oxygen sensors are one of the many common reasons your check engine light might come up on your dashboard. In the case that it relates to your O2 sensors, the warning light may just be a warning to get the oxygen sensor replaced. When the oxygen levels are off in your engine, it is a cause for significant concern. Either way, an experienced mechanic can run a diagnostic and confirm whether your check engine light is signaling an O2 sensor problem. Where Are the Oxygen Sensors Located? Most vehicles will hold multiple oxygen sensors in their exhaust syste ... read more

Most vehicle owners of European makes should know the importance of seasonal maintenance. This is because auto care goes a long way toward improving the safety and reliability of your euro vehicle. There are ten essential maintenance recommendations to help ensure your car, SUV, or truck is operating at its fullest potential for the cooler seasons. It's never a bad idea to give your vehicle some extra love and attention before the harsh Kansas winter settles in. Here are our top 10 components that you should have inspected this autumn: Check all of the essential fluids. Your vehicle depends on various liquids, including motor oil, power steering, brake, transmission, and antifreeze/coolant. We advise that you top these off now to save you from the headache later. Inspect all hoses and belts (timing belt, serpentine belt, etc.) to ensure they are not damaged, cracked, frayed, loose, or showing aging signs. Test the car battery and replace it if needed. The terminals on the batter ... read more

Your vehicle's transmission is made to (manually or automatically) shift your automobile into the correct gear and keep your transport operating smoothly. How do you know when a transmission has gone wrong? Well, one of the most obvious signs is hearing odd noises whenever you try to change gears. Let's further discuss the most apparent signs of a poor transmission: Sign #1 - You Have Trouble Making Gear Shifts If you notice that your gear changes abruptly, then that is a clear indication of a transmission problem. Another symptom related to the difficulties with gear shifts is if your car is not stimulating quick enough or can't accelerate. You should make a note of any delays between gear changes, whether the connection is slow or if there's a long gap in between. This can be a significant cause for concern as we depend on our gears to move, reverse, park, etc. Sign #2 - You Experience Transmission Fluid Leaks  Transmission fluid is almost always red. And if ... read more