Since the internal combustion engine was first invented all cars have had a timing belt or chain installed in them. In the Audi and Volkswagen, the timing chain has been present from the mid 2000s. Although they may be a relatively old technology compared to other components and systems in modern cars, they serve a vital role in keeping your car running smoothly. If you believe that your timing chain may be failing then we advise you to contact us as soon as possible since a worn out timing chain can eventually lead to catastrophic engine failure.

What Is a Timing Chain?

A timing chain – which is comprised of a series of links similar to those found on a bicycle chain – is a crucial component of your Audi or VW engine. If it were not present, your high end European vehicle would be useless. The timing chain allows the camshaft, balance shaft and [...]

Car owners whose vehicles are still under warranty are often concerned that taking their vehicle to a non-dealership mechanic for regularly scheduled maintenance or services may void the terms of the agreement. Well, we at Autohaus are here to assure you that it will not. You see, automakers and dealerships are not allowed to force you perform regular maintenance or service at a dealership in order for your warranty to remain valid. This is the law.

When searching for an independent repair shop to have your factory recommended maintenance, the key is whether or not they have the correct scan tools to perform this job. Autohaus has been in business serving the Royal Oak and surrounding areas since 1970. We specialize in German car repairs, which means we have all of the latest software and scan tools in order to perform diagnostics, scan for codes, perform maintenance, read Condition Based Service reports (for BMW), as [...]

You don’t have to be a Handy Andy to save on auto repairs. That is to say that doing your own auto repairs is not the only way you can reduce auto repair costs. In fact, with today’s high-tech vehicles and all their intricate components it is not a very good idea to attempt a great many repairs on your own. So, how do you reduce auto repair costs the next time you visit an Audi service center in Michigan? Here are just a few of our recommendations.

• Use a reputable auto repair shop: A good auto repair shop will have Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified mechanics that are familiar with all car components. Moreover, they should be able to provide you with excellent customer service and be able to explain to you in detail every repair they are about to make and why it is needed. Finally, they should also be willing [...]

Exhaust Leak

Your car’s exhaust system is comprised of a catalytic converter, two oxygen sensors, one or two mufflers, and a tail pipe. What all does it do? It helps route harmful fumes away from the engine and passenger cabin, it converts carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, and it reduces engine noise. Some common signs of exhaust issues are:

• Check engine light: Many times a check engine light can mean that there is an issue with a restricted catalytic converter, or “cat.”
• Decreased fuel efficiency: Although decreased fuel efficiency can mean a great many things such as incorrect tire pressure, bad fuel injectors or worn out spark plugs, an exhaust leak is also a reason for this phenomenon. If you notice your MPGs have dropped then you may be in need of an exhaust system repair.
• Decreased power and acceleration: Eventually a restricted exhaust system will begin to affect your engine performance. [...]

Brake Pads

Because brakes are such an essential part of a vehicle’s operation, every mechanic – be he/she a DIYer or a professional – should take servicing these life savers seriously. However, this does not mean that there aren’t some people who are willing to take shortcuts when it comes to replacing/serving this vital safety component. What we are referring to is the practice of “pad slapping’ which means replacing only the brake pads as opposed to replacing the pads and rotors when needed. At Autohaus we believe that a job worth doing is worth doing well. Here are some things you need to know about pad slapping and why we do not recommend this practice.

Reasons to Replace Rotors and Brake Pads

A car’s braking system is an intricate interplay of various machines parts that work in conjunction with one another. Neglecting one component of this system can compromise your [...]

BMW Repairs

There are easy fixes that nearly anyone who owns any kind vehicle can do and probably should know. These BMW repairs include fixing a flat tire, filling up the windshield wiper reservoirs, checking and/or changing oil, etc. However, modern cars are very sophisticated machines and the BMW is among the most complicated kinds of car there is on the market. In other words, there are some repairs to this precision machine that you should try to DIY. Here are five prime examples of when it’s best to back off in order to protect your BMW and yourself.

• Body work and paint: BMWs are known for their distinctive and elegant look for a reason – BMW makers use special finishes at the factory that requires careful color-matching. An ordinary, non-mechanic could end up not only taking away from the stately look of the BMW, he/she could actually end up damaging his/her vehicle [...]

Your safety is important to us.

We want to make sure your vehicle is prepared for your holiday travels, so we are offering the following discounts on repairs and maintenance!

$15 off vehicle service of $100 – $249
$25 off vehicle service of $250 – $499
$50 off vehicle service of $500 – $749
$75 off vehicle service of $750 or more  (expires 12/29/18, restrictions apply, not valid with any other coupons or offers)

A few tips to consider before traveling:  

Check Tire Pressure Tire pressures fluctuate as temperatures
change. Tires that are over- or under-inflated, worn in spots or not
aligned properly can be dangerous, especially at highway speeds.  

Check Fluid Levels [...]

*Expires October 31, 2018. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Restrictions apply. Print or present this web page on your cell phone at time of drop-off.

Have peace of mind with our limited time safety inspection special to check for suspension issues, as well as overall safety issues. We are also offering a coupon good for any service or repair.

When you drive through potholes, it does more than damage tires. The metal wheels can be bent or damaged, wheel alignment can be affected and suspension/steering parts may break or be worn to the point of needing to be replaced. When your wheels are out of alignment, this leads to uneven tire wear and is a safety concern. Broken or damaged steering and suspension components can affect your ability to steer the vehicle properly and even inhibit your ability to stop the vehicle. You may experience obvious signs that something is wrong with your car, but in some cases, the signs may be less [...]

sNOw IS HERE! Just kidding, we love the snow…

…but before Jack Frost settles in for the long haul, here are a few things you should do to make sure your vehicle is ready for the cold season.

1. Check your battery: Cold weather is very harsh on your battery. When those temperatures drop, starting an engine can take almost twice as much current as it would need on an average day. Have a technician run a load test to see if it’s time to replace your battery.

2. Have your cowl drains checked: Leaves may get stuck in the drains that run from the base of the windshield. This can cause water back-up and major damage to electrical [...]