Tip #1: With the price of gasoline over $3 per gallon and expected to be again at $4 per gallon this summer, it may be tempting to some German car owners to opt for the lower cost of lower octane fuels. To better understand octane ratings and why it is important to use the right fuel in your Mercedes Benz consider this: octane is a measure of anti-detonation of gasoline fuel. This means that the higher the rating, the more heat and compression the fuel can take before it explodes. When we put low octane fuel in a high-performance (high-compression) engine it will cause the engine to knock, a very undesirable condition. When the engine is knocking the fuel is exploding prematurely and trying to push the pistons back down in the cylinders before they reach the end of their travel at the top of the cylinder. In essence, the knocking is the sound of your engine slowly beating itself internally (and unfortunately, sometimes to death). Today’s computer controlled ignition fuel injection systems have knock sensors that can detect a knocking condition and automatically detune the engine until no knocking is detected. The automatic detuning may save the engine but will result in poor performance and poor fuel efficiency. Before making the mistake of putting low octane fuel in your high performance German car, German Auto Center recommends that you check your owner’s manual for recommend fuel types – or just come by and see us at German Auto Center and we will be happy to assist you.

Tip #2: Are the windshield wipers on your Mercedes Benz making way too much noise? Are they chattering and not cleaning your windshield? Applying a small amount of silicon lubricant on the wiper blade will soften the blade and prevent chattering and skipping across your Mercedes Benz windshield. This will also prolong the life of your wiper blades. Just stop by German Auto Center and we will be happy to lubricate your Mercedes Benz wiper blades for you at no charge.

Tip #3: Did you know that just like your home, your Mercedes Benz has a series of dust and pollen filters in the dash? These filters, called Cabin Air Filters work just like the filters in your home air conditioning and heating system to reduce dust, mold and harmful exhaust pollutants from the air you breathe. Additionally, these filters protect the expensive blower motors within your dash that run anytime you are using your air conditioning or heating systems. Once these filters become clogged, the blower motors in your Mercedes Benz’s dash are forced to run much harder than they were designed too and will fail prematurely leading to expensive repairs. German Auto Center and Mercedes Benz recommend you check your Cabin Air Filters with each scheduled service and replace these filters at least once a year. Don’t forget to ask your German Auto Center representative to check your filters on your next service.

Tip #4: Is your Mercedes Benz stopping like it should? As brake fluid sits within the brake system of your Mercedes Benz, it attracts moisture which contaminates the brake fluid causing the brake system to loose efficiency and making the brake pedal feel spongy. This is due to the increased moisture or water content in the fluid and the simple fact that water does not compress like Mercedes Benz brake hydraulic fluid does. Mercedes Benz recommends that your brake fluid be inspected and replaced once a year. Living here in Texas where we have relatively high humidity this is especially critical for the proper operation of your system. Stop in at German Auto Center to have your brake fluid inspected, topped off and replaced if necessary. Don’t forget German Auto Center for all your Mercedes Benz scheduled maintenance and service.