Drivers turn to luxury cars for comfort and high-end performance, and European-made vehicles like BMW, Audi and Mercedes Benz maximize both. Perhaps more than any other car, it is vital that you follow the right maintenance plans in order to avoid issues. These finely-tuned machines require specific, regular service to maintain that high level of performance.

In any European-made car, the two most critical components are the transmission and the engine. Here are some maintenance tips that will ensure you get the most out of your European car for many years to come.

1. Maintain the Oil

When you check the oil level in your engine and make sure you get regular oil and filter changes, you are taking the most important steps to take care of your engine. Your engine is chock full of all kinds of moving parts that require lubrication from the oil; as you drive around, the quality of the oil will degrade, filling with dirt and debris. This debris will make it harder to properly lubricate the engine.

Regular oil changes keep the oil clean and your engine functioning correctly. When you drive extended periods of time with old oil, you also run the risk of the check engine light coming on, as well as a rough idle. Check the dipstick regularly to make sure your levels are good.

2. Protect Against Overheating

As your engine is burning fuel, it is producing a lot of internal heat. This is where the cooling system comes in, to cool things down. It does this by moving antifreeze from the engine to the radiator. However, if there is a problem with the cooling system, this can lead to the engine overheating. Any overheating engine can result in serious damage to the engine so you should have it checked for leaks and coolant levels whenever you bring your vehicle in for service. Coolant leaks are the top cause for engines overheating.

3. Replace the Transmission Pan Gasket

An important step in transmission maintenance is to replace the pan gasket, which can get worn out and cracked over time. This, in turn, leads to transmission fluid leaks. Loss of transmission fluid can cause the car to fail to shift properly, which can lead to mechanical problems. If your car’s current pan gasket can be reused and is of a high quality with no damage, you may be able to clean it off and put it back in. Otherwise, have a pro do it — it’s an inexpensive repair but well worth it.

4. Clean Transmission

Just like other areas of your car, a build-up of dirt, fluid and grime can result in issues inside the transmission. Any type of transmission service should include the cleaning and removal of the dirt and sludge that can develop over time. It should also include your transmission pan, gasket, transmission case, sealing surface and any excess fluid that may have dripped onto the exhaust.

Contact Hance’s European

Need more maintenance tips? Would you like to schedule service for your European car? We can help. Contact us in Dallas to book an appointment at 214-761-3247.