MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
A car’s suspension maximizes the friction between the tyres and the road surface, to ensure steering stability, good handling and the comfort of the passengers.
A bump in the road causes the wheel to move up and down. The magnitude, of course, depends on the size of the bump. Either way, the car wheel experiences a vertical acceleration as it passes over an imperfection.
What is required of the system is that it will absorb the energy of the undulation, allowing the frame and body of the car to ride undisturbed while the wheels follow the bumps in the road.
01
SERVICES
02
ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS
Electronics play an essential role in modern cars. They contribute to three major factors:
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Safety: Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability (ESP) and Anti-Slip (ASR) systems.
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Comfort: air-conditioning, park distance control, GPS.
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Respect for the environment.
What is electronic diagnostics?
Connection
Your car is equipped with a diagnostics socket so the diagnostics instruments can communicate with the electronics in your car. The AutoStar technicians receive regular training in all the latest technologies. They know all makes, and are familiar with all the latest models on the market.
Analysis
The AutoStar points-of-sale are equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostics tools. These devices can communicate with the different systems inside your car. This process will allow our technicians to detect electronic failures in memory (default codes) and fix them. We can also do a health check-up of the electronics in your car.
Intervention
Our teams give you a complete overview after the intervention, including the provided services. We pride ourselves on full transparency.
The AutoStar commitments
Your manufacturer’s warranty stays valid.
European regulation 1400/2002 clearly stipulates you can freely choose who services your car, as from the day of purchase, without losing your manufacturer’s warranty.
AutoStar has referenced renowned suppliers, known for their professionalism and their respect of the strictest standards in terms of the quality of the spare parts, the lubricants, and in terms of safety and respect for the environment.
AutoStop commits itself to only use original spare parts or parts of a comparable quality and to respect the recommendations of the manufacturer and the specifications mentioned in the service manual of your car.
Why choose AutoStar?
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We have expertise in many brands.
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Your manufacturer’s warranty is guaranteed.
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We offer competitive prices.
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Our teams have received full training.
What the car diagnostics consists of?
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The electronic health check-up of your car.
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Diagnostics of the electric parking brake system.
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ABS/ESP setting of the steering angle sensor.
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The connection between the ESP and the airbag system.
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Diagnostics electronic air-conditioning.
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Resetting the service interval.
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Motor oil sensor.
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Resetting the electronic valve.
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ABS/ESP setting in function of the tyre size (change dimensions and/or winter tyres).
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Diagnostics of the shock absorber.
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Diagnostics of the parking aid system.
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Diagnostics of the ABS /ESP braking system and replacement of the braking oil.
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Diagnostics of the exhaust system.
03
ENGINE REPAIRS
Take care of your engine, and your car has a better chance of lasting for the long haul. If you stay on top of your engine maintenance and tend to any engine repairs immediately, your car or truck will last longer. With something as important as car engine repair, trust the experts at AutoStar. For nearly a century, our skilled technicians have been servicing automotive engines. You'll get no greater service or advice than from a AutoStar technician.
Don't hesitate to visit AutoStar at the first sign of engine problems. If you're experiencing engine noise, including engine knocking, tapping or clicking, or engine stalls, bring your car in AutoStar our technicians will determine what's going on under the hood. Keep your vehicle's engine performance and efficiency strong by taking care of engine problems right away.
04
CLUTCH REPAIRS
Below are the common symptoms that you may experience when the clutch in your vehicle is failing. If you experience any of the below, bring your vehicle to AutoStar and one of our expert technicians will be able to perform a free clutch check to diagnose the cause of the problem.
Judder
Symptoms: Severe low frequency vibration
Cause: Loose or worn engine mountings, misalignment of engine to gearbox, uneven operation of clutch arm, oil contaminated facings, defective pressure plate, defective driven plate, scored or glazed flywheel, worn spigot bearing.
Slip
Symptoms: Engine accelerates without giving a corresponding increase in vehicle speed, burning smell, vehicle will not drive up steep hills.
Cause: Incorrect clutch adjustments, partial seizure of linkage or fouling of pedal preventing the full return of the linkage, worn clutch facings, oil contaminated facings, defective pressure plate and/or broken springs, partially seized mechanism.
Drag
Symptoms: Difficulty in engaging first gear from neutral without making noise, jolt when changing gear with the vehicle in motion, vehicle moves when pedal is fully depressed.
Cause: Incorrect clutch adjustments or lack of fluid in the hydraulic operating system, worn hydraulic system, oil contaminated facings, defective driven plate, buckled plate or seizure on spines, seized spigot bearing or worn spigot.
Fierceness
Symptoms: A sudden move of the vehicle though the pedal is being gradually released.
Cause: Partial seizure of linkage or fouling of pedal preventing the full return of the linkage, uneven operation of the clutch arm, worn hydraulic system, oil contaminated driven plate, misalignment of engine to gearbox, worn spigot bearing.
05
BRAKE REPAIRS
You should not underestimate the role of brakes in your safety behind the wheel, which is why good maintenance and regular check ups are vital.
Why are brakes so important?
The brakes are the most essential part in ensuring car safety. Despite all recent technological advancements, we still need to count on our brakes to swiftly respond to today’s hectic traffic conditions. However, no less than 25% of cars have malfunctioning brakes.
How often should I have my brakes checked?
That depends on your driving style and the number of kilometers you drive. If you drive a lot of short distances or have an automatic gearbox more regular check-ups are required. Ask your AutoStar specialist for tailored advice.
However, keep in mind you need to have your brakes checked at least once a year (or on average every 20,000 kilometers). Especially the parts that are subject to wear should be checked on a regular basis: the brake pads, discs and drums. Brake fluids have to be checked every two years as they absorb water from the air with time.
When I should visit a AutoStar specialist?
It is recommended you have your brakes checked on a regular basis, at least once a year. However, immediately book an appointment at AutoStar in the following cases:
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if the steering wheel vibrates when you brake,
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if the brake pedal reacts differently (harder or softer),
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if the brakes don’t respond immediately or you need more distance to come to a full stop,
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if the brakes and/or ABS signals are lit on your dashboard (please consult your car manual to see what these signals look like).