We’ve all had that moment where our car won’t start or we hear a strange noise in the engine, and we think, “I hope it’s something easy to fix.”
We get it—no one wants to spend tons of time or money on car repairs. But often, fixing something correctly is more complex than it seems.
This is because your car is an interconnected machine, filled with high-tech components and parts that impact one another.
Here are a few of the complexities your mechanic may encounter under your vehicle’s hood:
- Complex Diagnostics: When a car shows up with symptoms of a problem, like overheating or broken air conditioning, there are several potential causes for the problem. We often have to run multiple tests and go through a process of elimination to figure out what’s going on.
In addition, reading and interpreting fault codes isn’t always cut-and-dry—it takes experience to know what they really mean.
- Modern Technology and Electronics: Modern cars have dozens of electronic control modules (ECUs) managing everything from the engine to the power windows. Sometimes a “mechanical” problem is actually a software bug that needs a reflash or update. Plus, as cars become more technical, parts become more expensive and time-consuming to maintain and repair.
- Interconnected Systems: Changing one part might affect three other systems. For example, replacing a battery can require reprogramming the ECU or resetting window regulators.
- Tight Spaces & Hidden Parts: Especially in compact cars or imports, there’s very little room to work. Simple tasks like changing spark plugs can involve removing several unrelated parts, which increases the labor time.
In addition, a good mechanic like the expert technicians at
Import Specialty Service won’t just check the broken parts of your car, but will also leave your vehicle in better shape than when you brought it in.
During your service at
Import Specialty Service, we will take care of behind-the-scenes tasks like:
- Lubing hinges, latches, seat tracks, and sunroof and convertible top mechanisms
- Cleaning out the cowl and cowl drains below the front windshield, as well as the sunroof gutters
- Testing the charging system and battery
- Scanning all the modules (computers) onboard to check for anything that may require diagnostic testing
- Adjusting washer nozzles as needed
- Completing a full road test under different conditions to make sure the vehicle is running, handling, and braking like it should
We go the extra mile so your car can too. Book an appointment for your European or Asian import vehicle today.
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At Import Specialty Service, we know the routine maintenance requirements of European and Asian imports like the backs of our hands.
The health of your cabin air filter can seriously impact your health and the air quality of your car’s interior.
BMW owners know not to settle for less. Don’t take your vehicle to any old shop in town—bring it to Import Specialty Service.
Is your Infiniti’s navigation system your primary means of navigation, only to become unresponsive, provide incorrect directions, or not load maps at all? Infiniti has developed an infotainment system that is supposed to enhance the ease of driving, but it can be a lot to deal with when it develops some issues. A poor navigation system is quite irritating, especially if you are in an unfamiliar area or on a tight schedule. If you are having issues with your car’s navigation system, you are not alone. Many other users of Infiniti cars have also complained of the same issue. Some of the problems reported by many Infiniti owners include slow response, wrong information on the map, or even complete system breakdown. Here are the causes of these glitches and how to rectify them so that you can have a reliable system again. Why Does the Infiniti Navigation System Go Bad? Software Bugs and Outdated Maps: Infiniti’s car navigation system utilizes software that requires updates at some point to work as expected. If the system has not been updated for some time, it may contain errors or outdated information on the map, affecting the directions and roads. The system may also lock up or crash due to software errors. Interference of GPS Signal: A bad GPS signal can be a major issue affecting the navigation of your Infiniti. This can occur when driving through tunnels, big buildings such as in towns or cities, or areas with bad satellite signals. Sometimes, it can be due to a faulty GPS antenna that stops the system from getting the correct location information. Electrical Issues and Wiring Problems: The navigation system utilizes several electrical connections and circuits. If there is a problem with the power supply or faulty wiring, the system may not work as expected. Some issues include the screen fading, the system freezing, or the audio getting interrupted. Hard Drive or SD Card Failure: In some Infiniti models, the maps are stored on the car's navigation system's hard drive or SD card. If this storage device is damaged or corrupted, the system may take a long time to load the map or freeze. A faulty hard drive can also cause slow boot time and interrupted navigation capability. Touchscreen Issues: Other issues reported by Infiniti owners include unresponsive buttons or a frozen screen. These can make it difficult to enter the address displayed on the screen or even to change the settings. These problems can be caused by software issues or physical damage to the screen. How to Troubleshoot Infiniti Navigation System Problems Check GPS Signal Strength: If the system frequently loses signal, try going to a more open area to enable the GPS to lock on to satellites. Some problems may require a technician to check the GPS antenna for defects. Restart or Reset the System: If you experience a few minor issues while using your car's infotainment system, you can turn off the car and then on again to solve the problem. If the issues are not resolved, a system reboot may help fix them in the software. Check Touchscreen and Buttons: If controls do not respond, this may be due to software problems or button damage. A professional inspection is needed to determine whether certain parts need to be repaired or replaced. Ensure You Have the Latest Software and Maps: It is always recommended to have the latest software installed in your car to avoid any hitches. Companies like Infiniti release new software to patch up some glitches and enhance other features. For more information, visit Infiniti’s website or go to a professional service center to get it done. How Import Specialty Service Can Help
As the chill of winter fades, it's time to prepare your car for the warmer months ahead. Here’s what you need to know to keep your BMW, Mercedes, Audi, or other imported vehicle running smoothly this season.
In this blog, we will explain how the traction control system works, how to identify that it is faulty, and how to go about fixing it.