Posted on 1/31/2022
![Top 3 Commonly Asked About Check Engine Lights](https://www.secretmbz.com/Files/EmailCampaigns/AdobeStock_306869342.jpeg)
Question #1 - Can I Continue Driving With the Check Engine Light On? A lit check engine light could represent something very minuscule, like a loose gas gap in some scenarios. In this case, it would have no impact on your vehicle performance. However, if your check engine light is on, you should try to get it to an auto repair shop as soon as you can to avoid engine damage. Driving should be limited until you get to the service facility. Question #2 - What Does a Flashing Check Engine Light On? A flashing check engine light has a different meaning than a steady check engine light. A blinking indicator may suggest you have engine problems that are very severe and sometimes beyond repair. If your check engine light is flashing, you should stop driving immediately. Please pull over to a safe spot and call for a tow to the auto repair shop. If you continue to drive and strain your engine, it will result in irreversible impairments. Question #3 - How Do I Turn Off the Check Engine ... read more
Posted on 12/22/2021
![New Year's Eve Safety Tips](https://www.secretmbz.com/Files/Blog/AdobeStock_228707873.jpeg)
If you plan on going out for New Year's Eve this year, we highly recommend that you plan ahead of time. We want to make sure you can welcome 2022 with health and safety in mind. Here are some of our friendly reminders for you this New Year's Eve! Tip #1: Plan your ride in advance So many people will be out and about for this particular holiday, and many of them will be intoxicated. If you plan on drinking, please have a safe ride lined up before you start popping the champagne. You should know your options in advance and decide between public transportation, Uber/Lyft, or having one of your sober friends DD. Tip #2: Don't leave your car anywhere suspicious overnight Car thefts are on the hunt on New Year's. If you have to leave your car somewhere overnight, please double-check that you've locked it before calling it a night. Tip #3: Stay away from the use of fireworks or firearms Often guns and fireworks are sometimes used during the countdown at Ne ... read more
Posted on 11/24/2021
![How to Replace Your Wiper Blades on Your Mercedes-Benz](https://www.secretmbz.com/Files/EmailCampaigns/AdobeStock_188290773.jpeg)
There is shocking research behind how many drivers lack the knowledge of basic car maintenance and installations. For instance, more than 60% of drivers don't even know how to change a flat tire. To that end, we thought we'd walk you step by step in how to replace your windshield wiper blades. Because wiper blades are generally made of rubber, they wear down much quicker than other parts of your Mercedes. Constant exposure to rain, snow, dirt, and rocks can significantly decrease their efficiency. This is why professionals recommend replacing your wiper blades every six months to 1 year, depending on your usage and environment. Step 1: Get Your Number Measurements The first step in discovering how to change your wiper blades is to research and measure the size of the replacement blade you'll need to purchase. Please examine and measure both your wiper blades. Once you've got your numbers, you know what you need to pick up. Please only buy blades from trusted pr ... read more
Posted on 10/22/2021
![How Often Should I Be Washing My Mercedes-Benz?](https://www.secretmbz.com/Files/EmailCampaigns/AdobeStock_241577762.jpeg)
Your Mercedes-Benz is a big investment, which is why Mercedes car owners should make regular car washes a part of their cleaning routine. And no - we don't mean simply taking it to a cheap and instant mechanical car wash; it should be hand-washed! Maintaining your Benz includes everything from regular brake checks, on-time oil changes, tire rotations, and more. However, it also means getting a thorough car wash too. Some people only wash their car a couple of times a year, while others make it a habit to clean it weekly. As a general rule, it would be best for you to wash your vehicle every two weeks. The interval can change depending on the environmental conditions you drive. It can also fluctuate based on weather and how often you take your car for a drive. Furthermore, if you live in a polluted area, next to the salty beach, or drive on dirt or mud roads every day, you should wash your vehicle more often. You should not limit car washes ... read more
Posted on 9/27/2021
![How to Diagnose a Leak in Your Mercedes Benz By the Color of the Fluid](https://www.secretmbz.com/Files/EmailCampaigns/AdobeStock_372718680%20(1).jpeg)
Mercedes-Benz is a brand that is synonymous with luxury and performance. Though it may be perfect to the eye of its owners, all vehicles have their flaws and mishaps (including Mercedes-Benz). One of the most common repairs for Benz that we see at Jeff's Mercedes Auto Service is leakages. Like seeing blood on a human body, we tend to freak out when we see puddling near our vehicles. Certain types of fluid leaks can be more hazardous than others. Today, we will go over how you could determine what kind of fluid leak you have by examining the profile of the leak itself. Here is our fluid guide to determine what's leaking from your vehicle by the color of the fluid. Red Fluid A red-colored solution usually indicates you've got a leak in your transmission. This problem could stem from a faulty transmission seal or a hole in the line that supports the fluid between systems. Orange Fluid An orange leak can mean multiple things as well. If rust develops inside your radiator, i ... read more
Posted on 8/23/2021
![Is It Safe to Drive A Shaky Vehicle?](https://www.secretmbz.com/Files/EmailCampaigns/AdobeStock_82403492.jpeg)
An excessively shaking or vibrating vehicle can be annoying and nerve-wracking to operate on the road. You may discover that it only ever occurs when your Mercedes go over certain speeds or constantly happening all the time. If you're feeling uneasy about your vehicle, don't just simply ignore it! Any abnormal symptoms indicate a problem and should be inspected by a professional. So, if you are undergoing a vibrating or shaking sensation while riding around town, is it okay to keep driving? Lamentably, it is tough to give you a clear yes or no answer without understanding the actual cause of the issue. It is better if you had your Benz inspected here at Jeff's Mercedes Auto Service at the first sign of trouble. Often, some causes may not be as vital to your safety as others. Let's look at some of the potential reasons for a shaky car and how serious these issues are. Lack of fuel - If you're too low on gas or have an issue with your fuel injectors or fuel sy ... read more
Posted on 7/16/2021
![What is Brake Fluid?](https://www.secretmbz.com/Files/EmailCampaigns/AdobeStock_357243952.jpeg)
Your vehicle needs many fluids to continue its everyday performance. One of those fluids includes your brake fluid, which is vital to the function of your braking system. Most manufacturers have a specific interval or timeframe of when you should top off that brake solution. However, you should do your best to monitor the fluid level and its condition regularly. Brake fluid is a liquid that carries the pressure of your foot on the brake pedal down to the brake pads. While this solution is in a bound system, the lines that move the fluid from your tank to your brakes can become worn or damaged. Over time, they can also sometimes allow water, dust, or dirt to corrupt the fluid. As a result of the dirty fluid, it can make the whole braking process less effective. Regardless of whether your fluid is contaminated or not, brake fluid naturally breaks down over time. Drivers need to be more attentive to how their brakes perform, as old brakes can leave you at a higher risk of getting i ... read more
Posted on 6/29/2021
![Maintenance Tips for Your Mercedes-Benz](https://www.secretmbz.com/Files/Blog/AdobeStock_235960299.jpeg)
At Jeff's Mercedes Service, we have dealer-level technicians that are experienced in servicing Benz. As a specialty shop that focuses on Mercedes-Benz repairs and services, we would like to give you this beneficial maintenance advice to keep your vehicle running for a lifetime. Go In for Regular Oil Changes One of the most critical things you need to do to keep your vehicle healthy is to have routine oil changes. Do not ever skip this step. Keeping up with your motor oil will keep your engine well lubricated, optimize performance, and increase your MPG. Top Off Your Fluids Not only is there engine oil that you need to top off, but there are five other essential fluids to every car: transmission, coolant, brake, and power steering fluids. It would help if you didn't wait until there is a problem with your vehicle to check your fluid levels. Motivate yourself to get into the habit of checking your fluid levels every few months, if not every ... read more
Posted on 5/26/2021
![Is it Safe to Drive With the Engine Oil Warning Light On?](https://www.secretmbz.com/Files/Blog/AdobeStock_208700805.jpeg)
Low oil pressure or low oil level may cause the oil light to illuminate for a variety of reasons. If your oil light comes on when driving, the first thing you can do is pull the car forward and turn it off safely. The explanation for stopping the car is that if your engine runs out of gasoline, it will stop and will not be able to continue. If the vehicle comes to a halt while you are driving, it can trigger an accident. As a result, driving with an oil lamp light on can be extremely hazardous. If your car's oil light has come on, here are some things to think about: Check the oil level in the system after the vehicle has been stopped. The dipstick can be used for this. Remove the dipstick, clean it with a towel, and reinstall it in the car. If the dipstick is dry or has a small amount of oil on it, you can have an oil problem and should not drive. Your oil light can also illuminate if your oil pressure is low. Low oil pressure indicates that the pump is not circulating enough o ... read more
Posted on 4/26/2021
![Can you Drive with Faulty Spark Plugs?](https://www.secretmbz.com/Files/EmailCampaigns/AdobeStock_334362032%20(1).jpeg)
A spark plug plays an integral role in an engine in that without a spark, fuel will not ignite in the combustion chamber. Spark plugs are created to receive an electrical signal from the ignition coil and transmit it at a set time to make a spark that ignites the mixture of air and fuel within the combustion chamber. Every vehicle needs a certain kind of spark plug made using specific materials. Spark plugs, just like air filters and fuel filters, need regular service and maintenance to ensure the engine keeps operating well for a long. If you want to know whether your spark plugs are faulty, watch out for these symptoms; Uneven Idling Vibrations and uneven idling are major tell-tale signs of faulty spark plugs. Damaged spark plugs can lead to the engine becoming rougher and producing vibrations when you leave it at idle speeds. Engine Misfiring This refers to when an engine stops for a while and then resumes its normal functioning. This is usually noticeable when the car is idle ... read more