Richmond Auto Repair

Tires can be a frustrating and costly part of owning a vehicle, but it’s one of the most important purchases you’ll make for your vehicle. Knowing what’s right for your vehicle and taking into consideration all factors prior to making this costly purchase can seem a little daunting. You will easily spend over $500 for new tires, so you want to make sure you’re getting the right ones! With winter right about the corner, we’re here to give you some guidance, or maybe a refresher, on the different styles of tires, how to determine what’s best for you, and why keeping them in good shape is important.   Before buying any tires for your vehicle, make sure to check your owner’s manual for the recommended tire measurements. The measurements should look something like the following: P215/60R16 94T. If you have any questions or concerns, consult with a professional prior to purchasing anything.   So what are the different types of tires ... read more

The colder months are approaching, and with it, winter car maintenance. With higher-end and performance vehicles, there are a few steps owners must take to keep their cars in good shape and themselves safe while on the road. Whether you’re planning to put your car in storage or drive it year-round, there are a few key things to consider to keep your car in its best condition.   Storage Tips:If you’re putting your car in storage for the winter, there are a number of things you should consider so you aren’t dealing with headaches come spring. Cleaning - Before storing your vehicle, and especially before putting a cover on it, you thoroughly clean the interior and exterior. If you’re worried about unpainted metal portions of your vehicle rusting, you can spray a protective coat of rubberized undercoating in those areas. If you’re worried about ... read more

It’s that time of year when there’s a chill in the air.    Or, if you’re in Virginia, when there’s a chill in the air on Monday and it’s 80 degrees on Tuesday. Regardless of the weather, it’s October. Which means, Halloween is just around the corner. In the spirit of the holiday, we’ve put together some spooky stories for you. But these aren’t your typical scary stories. These are stories about haunted, and possibly deadly, cars. Just like most stories that fall under the supernatural umbrella, it’s hard to decide if these are factual or not. We’ll let you be the judge.    The Outlaw Lovers Everyone knows the story of Bonnie and Clyde, two young outlaw lovers who spent the 1930’s raising hell.  The couple were responsible for numerous robberies, burglaries, and murders. Their crime spree came to a halt on May 23 of 1934 after being ... read more

It feels like forever ago since we had family members giving us advice on driving a car. Maybe some of you are teaching your kids or family members how to drive a car! But you’re never too old to be prepared for any misfortunes that may happen while on the road. Every driver should know how to change a tire, what to do if you need to pull off the way, and what to do in a variety of situations that may arise while behind the wheel. But are you equipped to handle whatever happens? We’ve compiled a list of items we think would be convenient to keep in your vehicle, just in case!   If you live in Florida, you probably don’t need to worry about winter emergencies. And if you’re an avid hiker or camper, you may find many of these things useful. You probably have a lot of them in your car already! While everyone’s idea of must-haves may vary, we’re going to list some of the ones that we think would be beneficial. Does that mean you need to have your ... read more

As we mentioned in our previous blog post, summer weather can cause wear and tear on your vehicle if you do not take proper precautions. In addition to potential vehicle damage, these items can become damaged, lose effectiveness, or create a mess in your vehicle when exposed to long lengths of the hot sun. In the hustle and bustle of our lives, it’s hard to remember what’s in your vehicle, and sometimes even where in your vehicle that it is. When you’re getting in and out of your car, make sure to double-check your backseat and floorboards for these items to avoid a headache!   Sunscreen   This is almost an issue exclusively for summer. Sunscreen is actually something that should be worn every day, especially if you’re exposed to UV rays. Many facial makeups have sunscreen in them for this purpose. Sun damage and exposure can lead to health issues down the road. But it can also lead to issues in your vehicle! When left inside a hot ... read more

We know Winter can wreak havoc on your vehicle, but Summer has its challenges as well. As the days begin to get warmer, you’ll want to take precautions to keep your vehicle in good condition. Here are some areas to keep an eye on:   Interior   Sun and heat can damage your vehicle’s interior. Although general wear and tear along with time can always cause some damage, there are steps you can take to slow these issues. A common problem spot is the plastic areas of your dashboard, which can crack and become discolored due to UV damage. If you have a touch screen in your vehicle, just like your phone, avoid exposing it to heat and sun as much as possible. The best thing to do for your interior is to park in the shade or use a sunshade in your windshield to protect from harmful UV rays and keep the temperature lower.   Tires   Two of the main concerns with heat are dry rot and over-inflation. While it takes time, hot ... read more

We all love our furry friends, but traveling with them isn’t always the easiest thing. While some dogs have anxiety during car rides, many enjoy it. So why not make it less of a struggle for you AND your vehicle!   We’ve put together a few of our personal favorite accessories to make car rides better for both you and your dog! Dog Vehicle Harness Some dogs believe they’re better drivers than you, or that your hands need to be petting them instead of on the wheel. It’s a real problem for some owners to keep their dogs off their laps, or in their seats. “Pets, like children, should be safely restrained while traveling,” states the Virginia DMV website. “All it takes is a sudden stop or turn to seriously injure your pet, not to mention what could happen if you got in an accident. Unrestrained pets are also ... read more

Small Car; Big History Don’t let this small vehicle fool you. For over 60 years, MINI Coopers have been making waves in racing, culture, and innovation.   The Beginning   Post-World War II left gas prices through the roof, inconveniencing the public, since many of the vehicles used were large, clunky, and lacked decent gas mileage. With all this on his mind, Sir Leonard Lord of the Morris Company saw the opportunity to provide the public with a more sensible vehicle that was fuel-efficient but didn’t sacrifice space for passengers—but how? He turned to his top engineer, Alex Issigonis. Issigonis took on the challenge, unaware that his work would be historic.   Alex Issigonis came out on the other side of his work, having created a new wheel-placement for the vehicle. By pushing the wheels all the way to the corners and turning the engine sideways, he created more room inside for passengers and stabilized the turning capabilities. T ... read more

  Over the past month, there’s been a dramatic shift in how people are going about their lives in order to keep themselves and those around them safe. Businesses are doing their best to provide safe operating conditions to both their employees and their customers. The Euro Shop has taken numerous measures to make sure we can still service your vehicle during this uncertain time, while practicing social distancing and limited human-to-human interactions!   Sanitation Technicians will be wearing fresh gloves while working on your vehicle. Vehicles will be thoroughly wiped down and sanitized before and after service - even your keys! We are also offering free local vehicle pick up as well as delivery service from your home or office. [Please call us for details or to make arrangements for this service.]   “Touchless” Services: Use our night drop box and envelopes located next to our front door to drop off your vehicle for service. All ... read more

  Germany has a long and impressive history when it comes to cars, earning the title as the 4th biggest producer of vehicles in the world. So of the most notable cars got their start in Germany, such as Audi, BMW, and Volkswagen. Another brand known for its ingenuity and class is Mercedes-Benz.   Credit:MERCEDES-BENZ via Road & Track Karl Benz manufactured the first German car in 1885. He deemed it the ‘Motorwagen,’ in part due to its appearance as a horse carriage. Benz developed and patented his four-stroke combustion engine in 1886. His wife Bertha, who was also Benz’s business partner, drove 120 miles from Mannheim to Pforzheim with her sons in a Model III. Although this trip was to visit her family, she was also proving the marketability and power of the vehicle. At that time, the 954cc single-piston car bragged of a 0.9 hp, which was terrific at the current tim ... read more