European vehicles are known for their luxurious features, handling, and performance. However, like any other car, they need proper maintenance to maintain reliability – and you are in the USA.
Is there a big difference between European and American car maintenance? Do any repair shops have enough experience and knowledge to service foreign vehicles – and European ones at that?
USA and European vehicles have distinct maintenance costs and service requirements. European cars are not just any old cars, as seen in their luxurious aesthetics and advanced technology. You have to handle them with special care and attention to keep their performance at the highest capacity.
Is this why there is difficulty in maintaining European vehicles in the USA? Let’s see.
European vehicles are built to last but may not give you the many years you are hoping for without regularly scheduled service check-ups. Proactive maintenance can lengthen their lifespan, reaching a 150,000-mile mark.
What is proactive maintenance, you ask? Since European vehicles are designed differently, with higher levels of technology, engineering, and distinct parts, you must approach its maintenance with a preventive mindset.
Transmission is one area where there is a difference. Most European car manufacturers preferred a shift to automatic transmission. If you acquired a European car in the USA, you must already have mastered the manual transmission’s nuances.
Manual transmissions need regular clutch maintenance. Some general repair shops may say they can handle such repairs, but they lack the required experience with the intricate transmission of a European vehicle. This is why it is best to let European car specialists do the job.
Aside from clutch maintenance, there are elaborate suspension and steering systems. European car manufacturers emphasized a high-performing suspension and steering system, which gives great control around corners because the streets of Europe are crowded and narrow.
Unfortunately, suspension is ignored until it’s too late. Routine check-ups are necessary to maintain a high level of steering control.
European manufacturers have high performance and endurance standards, assuming that proper maintenance is prioritized. To keep the car operating at the optimum level as intended by the manufacturer, all repairs and vehicle services must be done by trained mechanics specializing in European vehicle maintenance. Plus, the odds are that general USA repair shops don’t have the right tools to service European vehicles properly.
Yes, repair and maintenance costs are noticeably greater for European vehicles. Here’s why:
Don’t get overwhelmed by these, as there are other things you need to know about European car maintenance.
Remember that any vehicle can experience issues depending on how well it is driven and maintained. European cars, especially those with advanced technologies and high-performance engines, need more timely and precise maintenance to ensure their longevity. This emphasizes their need for constant upkeep.
While some European vehicles may have higher maintenance costs, the overall expense is not prohibitive. Factors like vehicle type, age, and how it is driven can contribute to maintenance costs. Routine maintenance, including brake pads, oil changes, and tire replacements, can have prices similar to those of others. Their parts can even become more affordable and more accessible to find as they age and become more common.
European cars are engineered with quality standards and high performance, contributing to their longevity. Manufacturers build their cars using advanced technology and durable materials, which helps them extend the vehicle’s lifespan.
The key to a longer lifespan of a European car is following the manufacturer’s manual regarding its recommended maintenance schedule and promptly addressing issues. Models from Mercedez-Benz and Volvo have an excellent reputation for durability.
Many European vehicles are also user-friendly and have comprehensive owner’s manuals guiding drivers through basic maintenance and operation. Thanks to the internet, online resources and digital diagnostic tools are now more accessible for average car owners to help them address common maintenance issues.
Owners should check their vehicle’s manual to determine the correct fuel type. Using the recommended fuel is essential for optimal performance and preventing engine problems. While European cars are designed for high performance, not all models require premium fuel, and they are no more challenging or costly to maintain than other vehicles when properly cared for.
