Sommer Car Care

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Archives for June 2023

BENEFITS OF EUROPEAN AUTO SERVICE AND REPAIRS vs. DEALERSHIP SERVICING

Learn About Auto Service and Repairs vs. Dealership Servicing

If you own a European car, you know that finding a trustworthy and skilled mechanic is crucial to keeping your vehicle running smoothly. There are many options out there, from dealership servicing to independent workshops. Let’s explore the benefits of choosing an independent European auto service and repair shop like Sommer Car Care over a dealership.

Expertise in All Makes and Models

At Sommer Car Care, our technicians have a deep understanding of engines, transmissions and suspensions. While there are always exceptions to the rule, we believe that our technicians’ knowledge of many makes and models keeps them passionate about their work instead of only knowing one brand.

Repair What We Can, Replace What We Must

We believe in repairing what we can instead of replacing parts unnecessarily. We also have the ability to fit aftermarket parts if we believe they are of better quality than genuine parts. Our overheads and business model are very different from those of dealerships, which allows us to offer more affordable hourly rates. Some may believe that choosing an independent auto service centre means sacrificing quality or access to testing equipment, but that perception is incorrect. Our focus is on taking care of our clients by finding and employing the best technicians, continuously training on new technologies, having top equipment, and providing honest and fair service.

Specialised Service

At Sommer Car Care, we focus solely on servicing, repairs, and upgrades. We don’t sell cars, finance, insurance, parts, or warranties. Our goal is to take care of our clients and provide a specialised service that exceeds their expectations. Our technicians are passionate about what they do, and we provide ongoing training to ensure that they stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and techniques.

Accurate Quotes

One common frustration with dealership servicing is the confusion surrounding quoting methods for yearly servicing. At Sommer Car Care, we provide accurate quotes for all servicing and repairs. We know the fallout when it is time for you to collect your vehicle after a yearly service. Nobody, not even the dealership, knows how much your service will cost until the preliminary checks are completed. We can only quote based on what we know on the day, and you are never pressured into any service or repairs.

No Pressure to Sell Unnecessary Repairs

We are a busy independent workshop that never has the inclination or need to sell repairs that aren’t necessary or approved by you. We have a small team of staff that values honesty and isn’t focused on constantly hitting sales targets and KPIs. Our clients can trust that we will always be honest and transparent about any needed repairs.

So, if you own a European car, choosing an independent auto service and repair shop like Sommer Car Care can provide many benefits over dealership servicing.

EUROPEAN CAR WORKSHOP: A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO BRAKES

An Important Guide to Beginner’s Brake System

Your car’s brakes are one of the most crucial components for your safety on the road. It’s essential to have some knowledge about your brakes and their maintenance. In this beginner’s guide, we will take a closer look at the brake system, including its components, common issues, and the importance of proper brake maintenance.

Brake System Components

The majority of braking systems on modern cars are made up of disc rotors and pads. Some vehicles have sensors on both the front and rear brakes, some on the front only, and others don’t have any sensors at all. Besides the pads and disc rotors, there are other components that make up the brake system, including brake master cylinders, hydraulic fluid, handbrake modules, and park-brake shoes.

Disc Rotors and Pads

Disc rotors are designed to wear along with the brake pads. At Sommer Car Care, we always replace the pads and disc rotors at the same time for a couple of reasons. Firstly, as an ATE Premium Brake Center, we offer a no-questions-asked replacement warranty for any issues with the product or workmanship for 3 years or 50,000km with the ATE ceramic product. Secondly, disc rotors have a minimum safe thickness and can warp or have uneven wear, causing abnormal brake noise, brake shudder, or pedal pulsation. Brake pads start with about 12mm compound thickness, and we recommend replacing them at around 3-4 mm, depending on the client’s needs.

Brake Issues

If you hear grinding as you brake, you need to have your brakes checked urgently. Give us a call, and we will arrange a time to come in for a check either that day or the next. Sometimes it can be a piece of gravel lodged that is causing the noise, which can be quickly rectified while you wait. If it is the brakes that need replacing, we can sort this out without delay.

Our Preferred Brake Brand

We use many trusted brands, but our preferred brake brand is ATE (pronounced Artay) for many reasons. ATE is the pioneer of the modern hydraulic braking system used in our vehicles today. Most European vehicle manufacturers have their genuine brakes manufactured by ATE, and for aftermarket clients, they manufacture ceramic pads. Ceramic brake pads give you minimal brake dust (the black mess all over your wheels), a 3-year or 50,000km warranty, whichever comes first, and excellent braking performance.

European Car Specialists

We at Sommer Car Care specialise in the service and repair of most European cars. We have the expertise to provide excellent Audi repair, Skoda service, Mercedes-Benz repair and service, BMW repair and service, Volkswagen service, Land Rover service, Range Rover service, Porsche service, and much more.

Your brakes are an essential component of your vehicle and require proper maintenance to keep them working correctly. Regular brake checks and the timely replacement of worn-out components can prevent accidents and save you money in the long run. As an ATE Premium Brake Center, we offer top-quality brake services and products, so you can trust us to keep your vehicle’s brakes in optimal condition.