Once the auto repair work on your European vehicle is completed, your mechanic must provide you with a written invoice, which should include the following items:

• The European vehicle repair shop’s name, physical address, and their auto repair registration number.
• An itemized list of every replaced part, including the nature of each part (new, salvaged, used, reconditioned, etc.).
• The total cost of the repair, including an itemized amount charged for labor.
  
• All relevant fees for hazardous waste disposal, plus the repair shop’s EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)registration number.
• Your vehicle’s odometer reading when dropped off and when picked up, if you had requested this reading before signing the service agreement.

Again, it’s your right to have the original parts returned to you—but only if you had previously requested them before signing the service agreement. Mechanics may not be allowed to return to your possession car parts under warranty, as they may need to return them to the manufacturer, but you should still be allowed to see them and inspect the wear or damage.

Never exit a repair shop without having confirmed any and all warranties provided from the shop or parts manufacturer.

Not every European auto repair shop in Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, Berkeley, San Leandro, Alameda, Union City, Pleasanton, Newark, Dublin or other Alameda County cities will offer such a warranty.

However, those that do should offer a written warranty that includes:

• The physical address and name of the Alameda County European auto repair shop.
  
• An explanation of the warranty coverage; all stipulations and exclusions must be clarified. (i.e. Will the shop replace or repair broken parts? What about a refund? How should you handle it if you need to make a warranty claim?)
• Your responsibility in the event of a failed repair job.
• The steps you must take to redeem any warranty coverage.
• The length of the warranty’s validity. (Is it prorated? Does it expire on a certain day?)
• Can you transfer the warranty to a new owner if you sell the car?

European auto repair specialists in Alameda County are equipped to handle an array of vehicle maintenance needs and repairs for popular British and European makes and models.

Nevertheless, some specific types of repairs are more frequently requested than others. Here are the types of repair jobs with which Alameda County repair mechanics, focusing on European cars, are most familiar:

Clutch Repair for European Cars
One of the distinguishing features of European cars, and their stick shift driving modes, is the unique structure of the clutch on their transmission. Problems with the clutch can result in screeches, clutch slippage, and even engine trouble. Many models of Volkswagen, Saab, Mini, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles all require regular clutch care. If driven hard, Land Rover, BMW, Audi, and Jaguar models may also require an eventual full-scale clutch replacement from a European car specialist.

New Car Windows
Replacing car windows is yet another common request made of European auto mechanics in Alameda County. European cars can sometimes attract unwanted attention and accidents due to their value and appearance. Window and windshield repairs for European cars may be covered by auto insurance plans. Vehicle owners should specifically request that only OEM parts be used for the repairs and replacement, as European vehicle windows and windshields may fit differently than standard domestic vehicle glass.

Routine Vehicle Maintenance for European Vehicles
This type of service is better known as the regular checkup or tuneup that a vehicle’s manufacturer will advise for the car’s care. Typically, such routine maintenance will take place at intervals of 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000 miles on the odometer. Checkups and tuneups for European vehicles usually include inspection and replacement of air and fuel filters, spark plugs, and cabin filters. The oil should also be replaced as needed. Alameda County European car mechanics should also examine auto fluid levels, the engine, and the exhaust and electrical systems to ensure proper wear. Investing in routine vehicle maintenance can prevent the need for more serious and costly repairs down the road.

European Vehicle Electrical Repairs
European vehicles have always been noted for the sophistication of their electrical systems. This can sometimes translate into the need for repairs to a car’s electrical features. For the best performance, European car repair specialists advise that electrical wiring should be checked every two years and whenever driving problems surface that relate to wiring or the vehicle’s electrical system.

European Vehicle Brake Repair
Throughout Union City, Pleasanton, Dublin, Newark, and the entirety of Alameda County, brake repairs are a frequent demand. Brakes erode over time, even those brakes on European cars that are constructed so well. The majority of brake issues are fixed with an inexpensive replacement of the brake pads. Always check your brakes often, especially if: the brake pedal feels hard when stepped on; the brake pedal feels spongy or loose; the brake warning light is always on; or if you ever hear squeaking or grinding when you brake the car.

Complete Brake Replacement
Changing the brake pads, though simple enough, may not ultimately be enough to correct trouble with car’s braking system. An expert in European auto repair can indeed let you know when a full scale replacement of the brakes is necessary. Such a replacement will often involve replacing the brake discs, drum, and rotor—expensive yet essential parts to address.

Mobile Auto Repairs for British Cars and European Vehicles
Mobile mechanic services are growing in demand in Alameda County and the rest of the Bay Area. These car experts travel to your home or business to repair your vehicle, saving you the time and hassle of driving to the local repair shop. Keep in mind, minor repairs and maintenance services are those most easily offered by mobile repair services, and major repairs or diagnostic work will still probably need to be done at a mechanic’s shop.

Auto Belt / Hose Repair and Replacement
The inner workings of a car include several belts and hoses, including the drive belt, serpentine belt, heater hose and fuel hose. These components help to maintain the smooth operation of your vehicle. Warning lights, an overheated engine, leaks, and odd squeaks can all signal trouble with these car parts.

Auto Fuel System Repair
Cars frequently driven with less than a quarter-tank of fuel may sometimes suffer from clogged fuel tanks. Fuel filters can also back up; the engine can overflow and produce choked noises. Well-trained European auto repair specialists are best equipped to address the particular needs of European cars in these situations.

Auto Engine Repair for European Cars
Problems regarding a car’s engine often begin with the illumination of the “Check Engine” warning light. If that light goes ignored for too long, a car’s owner may experience more aggravated symptoms of a problem, from a sudden drop in the vehicle’s performance to sputtering noises and a failure to start the car’s ignition. Engine issues can arise from so many sources, making it essential that a vetted expert check out the problem.

Here are some of the more important words for you to know in order to successfully manage your car’s automotive repair. You are more likely to get the repairs you need and be happy with the results if you understand the terms used by your European auto repair service in describing the problems and solutions.

air filter
Auto air filters are thin paper or synthetic filters that collect dirt and debris as air circulates in the engine. Air filters for European vehicles should be changed before they become clogged and restrict air flow. How often you need to do this varies depending on how you drive and the places your vehicle is driven. For example, cars driven mainly in cities and on freeways may only need to have their air filters changed every year, or every 15,000 miles. Vehicles driven in the country or on dirt roads may require much more frequent changes.

aftermarket car parts
Any car parts not produced by the original manufacturer. They are made to function like OEM parts, but often cost less. Beware of cheap aftermarket car parts, as these may not wear as well or fit as tightly as original parts. Most European auto repair services recommend OEM parts rather than aftermarket parts whenever possible to maintain the quality and value of the vehicle.

European auto repair shop
A car repair service that is hired maintain and repair clients’ vehicles. European auto repair shops maintain and repair European vehicle brands, including Volvo, Smart, BMW, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Mini, MG, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, Audi, Saab, Aston Martin, Fiat, Porsche and Rolls Royce.

classic automobile
A vehicle between 20 and 40 years in age, according to the standards of the Classic Car Club of America. Some popular classic European cars include Alfa Romeo GTZ, Ferrari 308 GTB, Porsche 911T, Mercedes 300SL, Mercedes 300 W 186, BMW 635 CSI, Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer, Aston Martin DB4 Zagato, Austin Healy 3000 MkII and Jaguar XKE.

Also known as: classic car, vintage car, old car, antique car

clutch
The transmission device which transfers the engine’s power between its components. Clutches are a characteristic feature of European cars, such as the Porsche and Alfa Romeo.

chassis
The vehicle’s undercarriage, where all the powertrain and suspension components are located.

crankshaft
Sometimes just called the crank, this part of a car’s engine ensures that the pistons are rotating properly.

European cars
Any car which is manufactured in Europe. Commonly known European cars include Mercedes Benz, BMW, Volvo, Audi, Ferrari, Porsche, Volkswagen (VW), Mini, and Jaguar.

exhaust
The gases ejected from a car’s engine in the form of waste.

foreign auto repair shop
An auto repair shop that specifically concentrates on maintenance and repairs for cars not built in the United States.

Also known as: mechanic, auto service, auto repair service, auto body repair, auto garage

front wheel drive
Driving system that focuses on the car’s front two wheels, in either automatic or manual shift.

fluid change
This is a standard practice for auto maintenance, in which a car’s oil is changed, and the fluids of the engine, transmission, radiator / cooling system, battery, brakes, window washer, and air conditioning system are also assessed.

Also known as: oil change, transmission fluid

horsepower
The amount of energy that a car’s engine can produce.

Also known as: supercharger, car performance, car motor performance

luxury car
Any car that provides desirable yet not entirely necessary features at a higher cost than other vehicles. Well known luxury car brands frequently come from Europe and include Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Jaguar, and Volvo, among others.

make
The name of the car’s brand or manufacturer, i.e. Audi, Jaguar, Porsche, Citroen, Seat or Volkswagen.

model
The name of the specific type of car. Examples include Volkswagen Jetta, BMW 3-Series, BMW 5-Series, Mini Cooper, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A5.

OEM
OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. OEM means that auto parts used for a repair job were made by the car’s actual manufacturer. They are pricier than aftermarket parts, but they are a better fit for the car, more durable, and usually include warranty coverage. Most European auto repair sources recommend OEM parts to keep vehicles running as the manufacturer intended.

power train
A term that refers to the car’s engine and transmission, which power the car.

RPM
“Revolutions per minute.” The speed at which the crankshaft of the engine turns.

salvaged part
This is an auto part recycled from another car. Frequently cheap, these parts rarely have warranties and can’t be guaranteed. For rare or older European cars, salvaged parts can sometimes be a last option for hard-to-find parts.

serpentine belt
A long belt that helps several components of an engine to work, including the air pump, water pump, power steering pump, and alternator.

shocks
Better known as shock absorbers.” These parts work with the brakes in order to soften how a car rides. Experts recommend replacing shocks once every 50,000 miles.

stick shift
Manually operated transmission, with the shift lever set on the steering column or the floor; a common fixture in European vehicles.

struts
An integral part of any vehicle, especially for those with front wheel drive. Located near the front of a car’s undercarriage, struts feature coil springs, spring seats, a strut bearing, and the steering knuckles, in addition to the shocks.

timing belt
The belt is covered in teeth, operated by the crankshaft. Timing belt problems typically include improperly open valves, which can be bent out of shape by the engine’s pistons.

transmission
The complex of gears, shafts, and the like that transmit a car’s power from its engine to its driving wheels.

Also known as: automatic transmission, manual transmission, transmission repair

undercarriage
A car’s underside that provides a supportive framework for the vehicle’s parts.

upholstery
The interior features and design of a car’s interior, particularly its seats and flooring.

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified specialist in European auto repair services?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a European auto repair specialist with confidence by offering a list of top rated local companies that have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only European auto specialists rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise® earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified specialist.

Q. Aren’t repairs to European cars expensive to maintain? Why shouldn’t I just go for the cheapest mechanic to fix my car?
A. European cars are notoriously pricey when it comes to auto repair and even auto maintenance. This is primarily due to the sophisticated nature of the parts required for these cars, in addition to the tools required to work on them. Cutting corners on the quality of your car’s parts or the mechanic you choose may seem an attractive money-saving option—at first. But remember that the long-term value of your vehicle can take a hit if you fail to properly maintain your vehicle or rely on a cut-rate auto repair shop for repairs or maintenance. Take the time to research and locate the best trained and equipped mechanic you can for your car, and take your vehicle in regularly for tuneups and maintenance. This simple action can help stave off more expensive car repair needs. And if indeed such a repair job becomes necessary, a well-qualified mechanic can ensure that the job is done right, so that your car won’t have to come into the garage for additional work, and saving you money in the long run.

Q: What are my rights as a consumer in California when it comes to European auto repairs?
A: The Automotive Repair Act of 1974 gives all customers the right to a written estimate for all repair work, detailed invoices that itemize work done and parts supplied, and the return of the old auto parts if customers so request their return during the work order. For more information, visit the Bureau of Auto Repair website.

Q. Is there a difference between independent European auto repair shops and dealership repair shops?
A. Yes, there is. Independent mechanic garages can choose any types of parts they like for repair jobs. These shops also have lower hourly charges for labor, which could translate into savings for owners of European autos. Some local for European car dealership repair shops are known for having well-trained, experienced repair specialists. These professionals are vetted over years to perfect their skills in maintenance and repairs in specific European car makes and models. If your car is new or recently purchased, still under its warranty, some repairs may be done either for free or at low cost at a dealership. Be aware that work on a warrantied car done by an independent repair shop could actually void your car’s warranty.

Q: Is it a wise to pick an auto repair shop that has certifications?
A: Certifications don’t ensure you’ll get receive repairs or higher quality service at local British car repair centers. But they can indicate how serious an auto repair shop is about pleasing customers and executing trustworthy repair jobs. Certifications like ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) and memberships in automotive service organizations prove that car mechanics have sought and attained a higher level of professionalism.

Q: What are OEM auto parts?
A: OEM parts are created by the same manufacturer that produced the original auto parts in your car. Most automobile manufacturers do not manufacture auto parts. They depend on outside companies to design and produce these parts. After a certain time, these OEM parts are available for resale through wholesale distributors. Once available through auto part wholesalers, OEM parts are often much less pricey than those sold through the dealer.