Some Tips to Keep your Luxury German Car on the Road.

When you drive your Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, or BMW around the roadways of Topeka you have come to expect a smooth and dynamic ride. However, without maintenance, your luxury car may start to feel less than luxurious. Caring for your vehicle is absolutely essential to ensure that your car will continue to purr along!

Here are some tips –

1.  Just listen…turn down your radio and listen for odd sounds.

2.  Always be mindful of your tires.

3.  Always (especially now) be mindful of your battery.

4.  Check the coolant levels often.

5.  Simply get an oil change.

These are just some basic tips to keep your German car in tip-top condition 12 months a year. To get the very best service, guaranteed on your car every time, count on the expert mechanics at A.J.’s Import Garage. Import is in our name. To see the many services we provide please google ajsimportgarage.com. If you need an appointment call (785) 233-1000.

Timing Belt vs. Timing Chain…How Important is it?

Fundamentally, a timing belt and timing chain serve the same purpose. If you drive a Porsche, Mercedes Benz or BMW with an internal timing chain or an Audi or Volkswagen with an external timing belt, these devices are designed to keep the relative position of the valves opening and closing to the position of the piston as the engine is running.

Here is the rub…opening a valve at the wrong time can cause it to contact the piston, causing catastrophic engine failure! A properly timing engine will allow the piston to rise and the valves to open precisely, allowing air and fuel to enter the combustion chamber and exhaust to exit within 1000th of a second.

Proper maintenance of timing belts in foreign cars are one of the specialties of the mechanics at A.J.’s Import Garage in Topeka. If you drive a Benz, a BMW, Audi, or VW among others you can count on A.J.’s Import Garage located at 501 S.W. Harrison in the capital city. Just give A.J.’s a call for an appointment at (785) 233-1000.

ABS Warning Sign.

ABS stands for antilock braking system. If the ABS warning light is illuminated on your car’s cluster of gauges that means the antilock system has been deactivated because of a malfunction. 

While your car’s regular brakes could be working fine, the antilock feature that prevents wheels from locking up during braking will not work.

Here is what may be happening to your ABS system –

1. There is simply a blown fuse in the system.
2. A wheel-speed sensor has been damaged.
3. There is a broken wire.
4. The ABS controller has, for whatever reason, stopped working.

Don’t waste time waiting for it to heal! Make an appointment with ABS brake experts A.J.’s Import Garage. They are the guardians of your car’s health in Topeka regardless if it is foreign or domestic. At the first sign of a light on your dashboard call A.J.’s Import Garage located at 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka. Just call (785) 233-1000.

It’s Getting Even Hotter in Here.

That is the mantra that some are saying around the Topeka area these days. One of the more dramatic malfunctions that you may have to deal with as a driver is your car’s radiator. Because of the nature of the heat and pressure within the cooling system, these types of problems are what we associate with the stereotypical cloud of steam coming from under your car's open hood.

Here are some of the most common problems with a vehicle’s cooling system –

1. The thermostat has gone kaput…the most common problem
2.  Radiator hoses are leaking
3.  Air becomes trapped in the cooling system
4.  The water pump fails
5.  There is an obstruction in the cooling system

Whatever the cause, the right solution is to make an appointment at A.J.’s Import Garage. That is especially true if you are driving an import car around the capital city. You can rely on the Master ASE certified mechanics who specialize in radiator repair on foreign cars. They are located at 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka. Call (785) 233-1000.

Yes, Timing is Everything.

The world lives by that mantra…including your German-owned car.  The timing belt is a toothed rubber belt that turns the camshaft which opens and closes the engine valves.  Timing belts have replaced the antiquated metal timing chain which was commonly used in the past.  The advantage in all of this is a quieter engine and lower manufacturing cost.

How important is it to have your timing belt replaced?  Timing belts become worn over time.  They crack, delaminate, and eventually break if they are neglected.  Distance driven, vehicle age, and oil contamination all contribute to timing belt breakdown.  If your engine has timing belt noise don't ignore it!

Now that you know a little bit more, here is the last piece of the puzzle.  When your prized German-owned vehicle needs a timing belt replacement (or any other service, for that matter) trust the professional techs at A.J.’s Import Garage.  The people of Topeka have spoken…it’s A.J.’s Import Garage at 501 S.W. Harrison.  Call ahead at (785) 233-1000.

Japanese Imports and Their Challenges.

Japanese cars are renowned world-wide for their reliability, and many owners of Japanese automobiles report being able to drive 200,000 or even 300,000 miles before any major repairs are needed.  This is a testament to Japanese engineering and is evidence that Japanese vehicles are among the most reliable on the road.

On the flip side, here are some common problems in maintaining Japanese automobiles –

1.  Rust…not unique, but very real.

2.  Cracked or chipped paint.

3.  The suspension systems…keep a close eye on that.

4.  Brakes…replace them often as need be.

Here is a suggestion.  If you drive a Japanese import in the Topeka KS area you can always count on A.J.’s Import Garage…a premier location for fixing and maintaining your prized possession.  A.J.’s Import Garage specializes in German and Japanese vehicles at 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka.  Make an appointment at (785) 233-1000.

What’s the Better Deal…BMW or Mercedes?

Who cares, really…they are both great, but which costs more in upkeep?  Prior to deciding which one to buy, we thought you should know.  Let’s take a quick look at the question of which one of these German dynamos is the most expensive to properly maintain and keep running smoothly on the highways and byways around Topeka. 

For many, owning a Mercedes is a dream come true, but one thing that often plays on our minds as we weigh up whether or not to buy one is the Mercedes service cost.  Well, when compared to BMW, Mercedes fares well on the maintenance front.  In the case of the BMW The 3 Series, is over 25% more expensive to maintain than the C-Class.

In the final analysis your desire for one of these vehicles is all that matters, except for the decision as to whom to trust for maintenance during its lifetime journey.  The easy answer in the Topeka area is A.J.’s Import Garage easily found at 501 S.W. Harrison.  For any foreign or domestic auto maintenance count on A.J.’s.  Just call (785) 233-1000.

The History of the Beetles.

Notice the spelling.  This is about the rich 65+ production run of the classic Volkswagen Beetle.  Do you proudly own one of these in the Topeka area?  More than 21 million were built world-wide!  Production began in 1946 and caught on like wildfire on the European Continent.  It took awhile for Americans to get bitten by “the bug”.

When the 15,007,034th car rolled off the line at Wolfsburg in 1972, the Volkswagen Beetle surpassed the Model-T Ford as the longest-running and most-manufactured car in history.  Subsequently, it has fallen a few notches to number four.  The Volkswagen has unique features and unique challenges to keep it humming along.

There is one shop in Topeka that specializes in Volkswagen repair and maintenance to keep your bug flying for years to come.  That place is A.J.’s Import Garage located at 501 S.W. Harrison in the Capitol City.  When Topeka drives German made vehicles, they know where to get them repaired in 2020.  That’s A.J.’s Import Garage.  Call (785) 233-1000.

It’s All About Timing.

Ah, truer words were never spoken!  Timing IS everything…especially when it comes to your German car.  Don’t wait until you HAVE to replace your timing belt on your Audi, Mercedes, BMW or Porsche.  It may not be your first priority in keeping your import vehicle in tip-top shape, but the results of a failed timing belt can be catastrophic and costly.

The timing belt is crucial to the proper functioning of the engine.  The two internal engine parts, the crank and cam shafts, must work together in perfect rhythm.  The timing belt allows these two parts to operate in the perfect synchronicity.  If the timing belt fails, the damage to the engine can result in thousands of dollars in repairs!

You know the drill.  If you are the proud owner of a German-built car in the Topeka KS area have all of your routine maintenance and auto repairs done at 501 S.W. Harrison, your baby will last longer and run more efficiently.  That is the home of A.J.’s Import Garage.  Call ahead for an appointment at (785) 233-1000.

The ABC’s of ABS.

What is the ABS braking system?  Well, it is not essential for the primary function of braking your vehicle.  Your car WILL stop without the ABS actually engaging.  Before you replace your anti-lock brakes, make sure that you have a mechanic or service center you can trust to do the job right every time! 

Here are the main benefits of an anti-lock system –

1.  It is much easier to stop on ice

2.  Your insurance should go down because of the addition of a safety device

3.  Your vehicle increases in value at trade-in time

4.  Each wheel has traction on the road

We turn your attention to that early point.  When you need someone to work on your ABS braking system you need to make sure that you have a service center you can trust.  That shop in Topeka should be A.J.’s Import Garage.  Especially, if you own a foreign car in the Topeka area you can trust A.J.’s Import Garage at 501 S.W. Harrison.  Call (784) 233-1000.       

The BMW Advanced Battery Charging System.

One of the best items of value in the BMW Aftermarket Parts catalog is the $69 Advanced Battery Charging System which comes with an astounding 10-year warranty.  If you are fortunate to have several cars or leave one parked for a long periods of time, one of these intelligent Battery Charging Systems can prolong the life of your BMW Battery.

The BMW Advanced Charging system is a 1.25 Amp battery charger and includes complex BTP microchip technology.  This technology tops off your BMW’s lead acid battery charge.  It then automatically maintains the battery through what is known as “float” voltage which eliminates sulfation which can destroy lead acid batteries.

Knowing how to repair and maintain your precious BMW and other foreign cars in the Topeka area is what A.J.’s Auto Imports is all about.  From their location at S.W. Harrison in Topeka they take care of your vehicle both foreign and domestic.  Give them a call for any auto maintenance issue at (784) 233-1000. 

The Timing May be Right.

Or it may be wrong…the timing belt in your Mercedes, we mean.  Mercedes Benz equips their many different vehicles with something called a timing chain for added durability and reliability.  A timing chain links the revolutions of the block with that of the heads to ensure a synchronized opening and closing of your valve train.

Timing chain issues can creep up slowly.  Here is what to look (listen) for –

1.  A harsh noise when you start up your Mercedes

2.  Heavily worn and discolored chain guides

3.  A squealing tensioner

4.  The engine is running roughly

These are all signs that it may be time to check your timing…your Mercedes timing belt.  The best place for that in the Topeka area is A.J.’s Auto Import Garage.  They treat your Mercedes as if it were their own.  Trust your prized possession to A.J.’s Auto Import Garage located at 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka.  Just call for an appointment at (784) 233-1000.

This is NOT the Time to Suspend Belief.

That’s rather cryptic, isn’t it?  In this case it refers to your German car’s suspension system especially after driving over those many Topeka area rough roads.  For this tutorial we will concentrate on the ever-popular Audi that so many Americans have fallen in love with.  What about the suspension in your Audi?

Over time and high mileage, your Audi’s key suspension components such as control arm bushings, tie rods, ball joints, sway bar links and wheel bearings begin to wear and lose their effectiveness.  If you are an Audi owner, you may begin to notice front-end vibrations or shimmying.  Watch out for that pothole!

A.J.’s Auto Import Garage understands your German car (especially your Audi) as well as anyone.  The master mechanics at A.J.’s know exactly what to look for when troubleshooting and repairing your vehicle’s suspension system.  Trust the maintenance and repair of your German car to A.J.’s Auto Import Garage at 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka.  Just call ahead for an appointment at (784) 233-1000.      

What is an ASE Certified Mechanic?

That’s a fair question.  Unless you get an affirmative answer to the question, "Do you have ASE certified mechanics on the premises?", you might want to look elsewhere for auto and truck service.  In order to earn Master Technician status, you must have received certification in EVERY area of testing!

Master Technician status is not a lifetime entitlement.  You must keep each one of those certifications current in order to maintain it.  If your Master Technician status is lost because one or more of the required certifications has lapsed, it can be reinstated.  When you meet one with all the credentials you have met someone you can trust to work on your vehicle.

At A.J.’s Import Garage they are proud to feature ASE Certified Mechanics with over 30 years of experience.  This entails not only domestic cars and trucks, but foreign vehicles as well.  Whenever you need the very best in auto service in 2019 count on A.J.’s Import Garage located at 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka.  Call (785) 233-1000.

The Christmas Truce.

Amazing things happen this time of year.  One of the most remarkable events occurred in 1914.  Europe was in the grips of what would become WW1 when suddenly, on Christmas Day, a cease fire occurred so that both sides could celebrate the holiday in their own way.  It was an historic day of peace on earth.

On that Christmas Day some 104 years ago the two sides actually emerged from their trenches and played a soccer (football) game.  That’s right, they put down their weapons and kicked around a soccer ball for a couple of hours!  (Germany won the game, by the way).  It is a moment in time that we should all reflect on when considering how lucky we are today.

These days the America and Germany are staunch allies and we at A.J.’s Import Garage are proud to service the reliable German-made vehicles that are being driven around the Topeka area.  What goes around, comes around and the consistence of German cars with the tender loving care we give at A.J.’s is a powerful combination.  Merry Christmas from all of us at A.J.’s Import Garage at 501 S.W. Harrison. 

Come on, Come on, Turn Over.

Have you ever said that to your car when you try to start it on a cold Topeka morning?  I think most of us have.  It happens to just about everyone who does not have garage parking during these upcoming winter months.  Don’t we all dread the clicking noise that we hear when an engine won’t turn over on a December morning?

Here are some tips –

1.  Your battery may need replacing

2.  There is water in your fuel line

3.  You’ve got the wrong oil in your vehicle

4.  Something is wrong with the carburetor

Here is the best tip of all.  Have your car checked for winter by the mechanics at A.J.’s Import Garage.  A.J.’s has been the go-to area prevention mechanic for both foreign and domestic cars for many years.  As winter dawns don’t forget A.J.’s Import Garage located at 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka KS.  Call for an appointment at (785) 233-1000.

The History of Audi in America.

The Audi emblem featuring its iconic four rings identifies one of Germany's oldest-established automobile manufacturers.  It symbolizes the amalgamation in 1932 of four previously independent motor-vehicle manufacturers: Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer.  These companies form the roots of what is today the amazing Audi.

The four rings symbolize the four manufactures.  At this point, the mid-sized cars were assigned to Audi.  Then, in 1964, Volkswagen bought control of Auto Union from Daimler.  The new model, called the Audi 72, was built until 1972 (genius!).  The Audi brand name was gaining global traction in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Soon thereafter, A.J.’s Import Garage began servicing this remarkable vehicle.  Located at 501 S.W. Harrison A.J.’s soon became the go-to place for Topeka area Audi owners to have their cars serviced.  Whether it’s suspension, brakes, fuel injection, climate control, whatever, A.J.’s Import Garage is your Audi service center.  Call for an appointment at (785) 233-1000.

What is Thermotronic Climate Control?

Question: have you ever been freezing cold while the person next to you is about to break a sweat while riding in the car?  Mercedes-Benz has taken that situation into account and has gotten way ahead of the curve by equipping its vehicles with dual-zone climate control to allow drivers and passengers to have their own temperature controls.

So, what happens when you’re in a convertible and the temperature outside the vehicle is changing the temperature that you set on the climate controls?  That is where Thermotronic Automatic Climate Control by Mercedes-Benz comes into the picture.  It has proven to be an intelligent system that automatically adjusts the temperature to keep it consistent.

Knowing your Mercedes-Benz inside and out and top to bottom is the job of the top foreign car mechanics in our area.  They are found in Topeka KS at A.J.’s Import Garage located at 501 SW Harrison in Topeka.  Whenever you need maintenance on your Mercedes or other foreign vehicle call for an appointment at A.J.’s Import Garage at (785) 233-1000.

Foreign SUVs.

When people think of cars and SUVs made in the United States, they think of the usual Chevy, Ford and GM products.  However, today several foreign automakers manufacture SUVs in the United States as well, such as Acura, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru and Volkswagen.  They are manufactured at various plants around our country.

You can research some of the great foreign vehicles that are popping up in the US.  ALL of them will need maintenance and the manufacturer will charge more and probably make you wait longer for much-needed maintenance and repair.  In today’s busy world that is not always best for you…the consumer.

When you commit to owning a new or used foreign vehicle you should look into your options for service.  That will become just as or even more important over time than the buying decision itself.  Why not utilize our expertise?  We are A.J.’s Import Garage serving all of the Topeka area’s foreign car service needs for many years.  Just call ahead at (785) 233-1000.

Catalytic Converter Repair.

Is it time to repair or replace the catalytic converter in your Mercedes Benz or other related vehicle?  One of the major innovations that helps to cut down significantly on air pollution from cars is the catalytic converter.  Beginning decades ago, auto makers began integrating these devices into the exhaust systems of each vehicle they produced.

Every now and then they malfunction, and you're faced with a trip to the mechanic.  You are doing your part for the environment by reducing smog issues in cities and congested areas where thousands of people commute daily.  It also helps protect the Earth's ozone layer from depletion.  Catalytic converters play a major role in whether your car passes or fails inspection.

Whatever the case, estimates on the repair of catalytic converters in German and other foreign cars in our area can vary wildly.  We hope that you will trust Topeka’s foreign car repair specialist A.J.’s Import Garage for all of your vehicle repair needs.  Please visit our shop for a free and fair estimate at 501 SW Harrison in Topeka or call ahead at (785) 233-1000.