All About ABS Module Failure in Volkswagens

Learn about this important factor in Volkswagen repair and maintenance

ABS is an acronym you may have seen in your car and heard about in regard to safety, but what does it stand for? Well, it stands for an anti-lock braking system. This safety feature appears in most modern vehicles, and what it does is basically prevent your car’s wheels from locking up when you’re braking heavily. Any time you need to slam on the brakes, your ABS will help you maintain control of your car, keeping you safe.

Most Volkswagen vehicles will have ABS built right in, which means that this is a feature you should definitely be aware of. Usually, our ABS works when we need it without any issues, but sometimes the module that controls the system can fail. Simply put, the ABS module is an electronic component within your car that controls your ABS. It contains sensors to monitor your wheels’ speed, and it sends signals to your ABS pump. If you make a hard stop and the system detects that your wheels are in danger of locking up, your car’s ABS module will automatically activate the pump, which will then stop your wheel from locking up by pressurizing the brake fluid. All of this happens quickly, intelligently, and without the driver even having to think about it.

However, ABS modules can and do fail for a number of reasons. The reasons why your Volkswagen’s ABS module may fail include electrical issues (like a problem with wiring), physical damage, water damage, or faulty sensors. The sensors may become faulty if they become damaged over time, and a malfunctioning sensor may cause your ABS to activate when it’s not necessary.

Braking is, obviously, an important part of driving. You want to be sure that your car is able to brake effectively, whenever you need it to, in order to keep you safe and prevent you from getting into an accident. Although it may not be your fault if your ABS malfunctions, it’s definitely up to you to get it fixed the second you notice an issue in order to avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Fortunately, your car’s dashboard should have an ABS light, which will switch on if there is a problem with your system. If you see that light come on, you should definitely prioritize bringing your car in to see a trusted professional. That’s where we come in.

Here at Reggie’s Motorworks, we specialize in European cars. You deserve the best, and your Volkswagen deserves to be inspected and repaired by our European auto experts. Trust our team to get your Volkswagen’s ABS back in working order with friendly and efficient service you can believe in.

Is Transmission Repair Different for Manual vs. Automatic Transmission?

The Inside Scoop on Transmission Repair

Even people who don’t know a lot about cars usually know that there are two kinds of transmissions: automatic and manual. (You may also know “manual transmission” by one of its other nicknames: standard transmission or stick shift. It’s all the same thing!) Most people learn how to drive cars with one transmission or the other. What is the difference between the two varieties, and how is the repair for these kinds of engines different?

The main difference between automatic and manual transmission is how they shift gears. An automatic transmission car will shift gears automatically, depending on the driver’s needs, making it the easier option. The automatic shift allows you to focus on getting to your destination. They’re easier to drive if you live in an area with difficult roads, steep hills, and stop-and-go traffic. Most automatic cars have cruise control, whereas most manual cars lack that feature.

But manual transmission vehicles have advantages, as well. Although they can be more complicated to drive, some benefits of owning a stick shift car are that they offer better gas mileage (although advancements in car technology are close to bridging that gap), and manual transmission vehicles can be a less expensive option when purchasing, plus they can even be less expensive to repair. This is because vehicles that use automatic transmissions have more complicated technology.

In the United States, automatic cars are much more popular among drivers. Therefore, the market has shifted to favor them over the years, making manual transmissions even rarer. Also, not everyone wants to put in the effort that goes into owning and driving a stick shift, as having to constantly be shifting gears can be frustrating. But, on the other side of the coin, people who own and drive manual vehicles often take pride in owning a unique vehicle and having a skill that not everyone possesses. Also, many stick shift drivers like to play a more active role in driving and feel part of the process. The kind of transmission you end up with boils down to a personal choice.

So, back to our initial question: is transmission repair different for an automatic transmission versus a manual transmission? The short answer is yes, because – as stated above – a vehicle with an automatic transmission is more complicated to repair than one with a manual transmission. Additionally, manual transmissions typically require less maintenance overall than automatic transmissions.

If you need automatic transmission repair in Noblesville, IN, contact the European car specialists at Reggie’s Motorworks. Our friendly team of specialists will diagnose problems and get your European car back in working order. They’ll surely give you the best service while you’re at it.

We are incredibly proud to be partnered with Noblesville Schools and their internship program. It’s great for everyone involved to get some recognition from Wishtv!
https://www.wishtv.com/…/noblesville-high-school-teen…/

Can a check engine light be a sign that your oxygen sensor has gone bad?

Bad oxygen sensor repair

When your check engine light comes on, it can mean any number of things, so it’s always a good idea to bring your car into a shop you can trust. One of the issues that may cause a check engine light to activate is if your car has a bad oxygen sensor.

First of all, what even is an oxygen sensor? Most modern vehicles have at least two or more, depending on whether your engine is naturally aspirated or turbocharged. The primary O2 sensor senses how much air is flowing into the engine. Your engine has a computer in it, and your O2 sensor can tell the computer if it needs to adjust the air ratio to gasoline. The secondary O2 sensor checks whether your catalytic converter is running properly. Usually, your car will run fine if the secondary sensor is bad. However, your check engine light will probably come on. However, if the primary O2 sensor is malfunctioning, that can cause some problems that you shouldn’t ignore.

What problems can a bad oxygen sensor cause for your car?

First of all, a broken primary oxygen sensor can cause your car’s gas mileage to decrease. This is because your engine won’t use an efficient ratio of gasoline to oxygen. This change tends to happen gradually, so pay attention to your mileage. If you realize you’re paying more than usual for gas, be sure to get your oxygen sensors checked out.

A faulty primary oxygen sensor can also cause your car to make more noise than usual when it’s idling, as well as cause your car to accelerate more slowly than usual, or worse – it can also cause your engine to stall. If you notice any of these issues, it could be an oxygen sensor problem, so be sure to bring your car in for our experts to look at.

There are other reasons why your check engine light (CEL) turns on. You may have a flashing check engine light or a static one, but either way, don’t panic. If your check engine light is static, it means something is amiss, but it shouldn’t be too urgent of an issue. If your check engine light is blinking, this can indicate a bigger issue, so definitely have a professional inspect your car as soon as possible. Drive safely, don’t speed, but prioritize bringing your car into a trusted auto repair shop.

For the best option for European auto repairs and maintenance – whether for a faulty oxygen sensor, a check engine light, or just for maintenance – come see the trusted experts at Reggie’s Motorworks in Noblesville, IN. Let the European auto service experts take care of your car and take care of you.

It’s the end of a long summer day, and you’re about to drive back home on a Sunday evening from a relaxing weekend at the lak. You are looking forward to the beautiful sunset and a cooler night, with the top down and a leisurely drive home. You haven’t been on the road for more than half an hour, and you hear a loud pop, a warning light appears on your dashboard, and you feel your car tug to one side. The perfect weekend is coming to a close. A flat tire. Ugh!

There’s no gas station in view, only one bar on your phone, and no one in sight. You remember and breathe a sigh of relief. You reach in the trunk, and there it is. The roadside emergency kit your wife told you to pack.

What should you have in your roadside emergency kit?

jumper cables
a flashlight
a phone charger
flares
bottled water
snacks such as energy bars
a blanket
rain poncho
a quart of motor oil
coolant
washer fluid
tire gauge
tool kit
ice scraper
pen and paper
duct tape
fire extinguisher
reflectors
spare tire

Be sure to keep your emergency kit in the trunk of your car and check it about every six months. Replenish items as needed and replace expired items. Be sure to always keep an emergency contact, insurance information, and other pertinent information.

Why does my vehicle need a diagnostic test?

The least expensive way to repair your car is to have a professional mechanic perform the proper testing on it to identify the root cause of a warning light. The best mechanics at this process are often referred to as Diagnosticians.

Parts stores and a few auto repair shops have promoted ‘free diagnostics’, where they plug a code reader into your car and then sell you a part or work based on the fault code that is present. However, this is not truly diagnosing your car. The truth is that they are selling you a potential repair based on likely causes for the warning light. Simply put, it’s a guess. This often leads to them selling or installing multiple different parts that don’t actually fix the issue and end up costing you more money in the long run than having it properly tested.

Fault codes identify which systems are having issues, but they don’t identify what components are actually failing, or why. A professional mechanic will use those fault codes to formulate a plan on what tests and procedures are required to identify the root cause of the warning lights. Sometimes diagnostic computer software will help by providing a troubleshooting tree, or even a guided test plan based on the fault codes to assist a technician when performing testing. With as many as three dozen different computers in your car, all talking to one another, this can be a time-consuming process.

And not all diagnostic computers are created equal. There can be anywhere from a cheap code scanner for $60 to a factory diagnostic computer that costs tens of thousands of dollars. The factory computers often log directly into the manufacturer’s servers to assist in testing & programming. The more specialized and advanced a repair shop is, the more advanced computers they will invest in. This larger investment allows them to more accurately and efficiently diagnose issues in cars and properly repair them.

History Behind Porsche’s Names

Porsche drivers enjoy the sporty design and top speeds reached by their vehicles. Even the SUVs are beloved by their owners. Porsche owners are familiar with most Porsche models; they know the 911 and the 918 Spyder. Yet, do you wonder why Porsche has so many numbered models? There is a good explanation for it. Our technicians here at Reggie’s Motorworks have solved the mystery of Porsche for you.

Porsche was founded in 1931 by Ferdinand Porsche, Adolf Rosenberger, and Anton Piëch. The first model car for the Porsche brand was the Porsche 356. The engineer for Porsche, Ferdinand Porsche, designated each project and an order number. Those codes were placed on 355 different models for carmakers like Volkswagen before the Porsche was released. The 364 evolved with designed changes, and Porsche added letters to the name. The company decided to continue using this system. Whether it was a sports car or a family car, each one was assigned a number. Porsche came out with its legendary 550 Spyder in 1953.

The Porsche coding system underwent a major change with its 911 model. When making the 900 series of cars, they learned a French automaker had rights to three-digit numbers like 902 and 906. Porsche had to make a decision, so they changed the model name to 911. Switching to 911 allowed Porsche to keep using the number system. As a result, it has come up with famous model numbers such as the 718 Cayman, 911 Turbo, and the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet. The 911 and 718 are the longest-lasting number lines designed by Porsche.

Porsche owners enjoy the history behind their cars. The name Porsche is famous internationally, and drivers get excited when they see a 911 fly by. Knowing the name’s history adds prestige to the brand. Beyond just the names, the ASE-certified technicians at Reggie’s Motorworks in Noblesville, IN, know all about Porsche repair and maintenance. We know what it takes to your model running in top condition. Your Porsche is in good hands, and we hope our shop name is just as famous one day.

What is wheel alignment, and why is it important?

If you schedule your vehicle for a wheel alignment, your technician will put it on the rack, then rotate and adjust the wheels. They will ensure your wheels are aligned correctly for your vehicle and according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Wheel Alignment can aid your vehicle in handling, keep it from pulling to one side, or eliminate vibrations. Also known as tire alignment, it can help your tires last longer and perform better. When you purchase new tires for your vehicle, wheel alignment is necessary to extend your tires’ life and every two to three years after that. At Reggie’s we recommend an alignment once per year, as part of our “Annual Service”. This schedule might be modified based on your mileage and or driving conditions. We also suggest you get your wheels aligned after an accident, during pothole season (which is upon us!) or if you notice uneven tire wear in general. If you are a road warrior, it may be needed more often.

Three adjustments made during a wheel alignment include:

Camber

Proper camber helps your tire’s surface stay flat and even on the road’s surface. Camber involves the inward or outward tilt of the top of the wheel. Improper camber can affect tire wear and create handling problems.

Caster

Caster involves the tire’s angle forward to backward. It helps your car have a center point and involves the tilt of the steering axis. It will ensure your vehicle goes in a straight line.

Toe

Toe refers to the left and right alignment of the wheels. Improper toe can affect the inner or outer edges of a tire’s tread. During an alignment, toe is always set last.

Choosing the Best Tires for Your Car

While buying new tires for your vehicle seems like it should be a simple task, it’s often more complicated than one might assume. If you’ve ever found yourself confused by the tire sales process, don’t worry, we’ve all been there before. To help you better understand what you’re looking for and narrow down your search, let’s take a quick look at some of the most common types of tires available.

New tire sales can be an overwhelming experience for every auto owner. Still, at Reggie’s Motorworks, we strive to make the process of finding new tires as seamless as possible for our customers. If you’re searching for new tires in Noblesville, Indiana, visit us today to find out how to help.

Why Different Cars Need Different Tires

Passenger Vehicles

Tires designed for passenger vehicles generally provide drivers with a smooth and quiet ride and a long-lasting tread life. While most cars in this category will find themselves using the same set of tires, a few passenger vehicles will require tires that offer more performance.

Trucks and SUVs

Trucks and SUVs need tires that offer more aggressive handling and can handle things such as driving off-road, as well as plenty of highway driving.

Understanding the Various Types of Tires

All-Season Tires

All-season tires are designed to deliver drivers with decent comfort and handling on the road, regardless of the season. These tires typically feature asymmetrical tread patterns and circumferential grooves for wet weather traction.

Summer Tires

Summer tires are geared for wet, dry, and hot performance. Unlike all-season tires, they aren’t designed for all-season grip, but they are optimized for warm weather and provide grip and responsive handling in summer-like weather conditions.

Winter Tires

Winter tires are designed to provide drivers with the best possible grip in harsh winter conditions, typically under 45 degrees. Winter tires feature deep circumferential grooves that remove snow and slush buildup.

Touring Tires

Touring tires are designed to provide drivers with a comfortable ride and dependable all-season grip, as well as more responsive handling. Touring tires generally have a higher speed rating than all-season touring tires and lean more toward performance than relaxation.

Visit Reggie’s Motorworks Today for Your New Tire Sales in Noblesville, Indiana

At Reggie’s Motorworks, we aim to provide all of our customers with an efficient tire sales process. If you’re looking for new tires and not sure where to start, visit us today to see how we can help you find the best tires for your car, truck, or SUV.

Holding Off Costly Audi Repair

Style, innovation, and speed are words that come to mind when people think of Audi. People who drive Audis love them, so it only makes sense they want their cars and SUVs in optimal condition. The expert technicians of Reggie’s Motorworks in Noblesville, IN, are ready to help owners keep their Audi running. We understand the ins and outs of all Audi models. There is nothing we haven’t seen roll into the shop. With that experience, we have put together the best tips to keep your vehicle running and avoid expensive Audi repairs.

Engine and Transmission Maintenance

Engine repairs are some of the costliest an Audi owner has to pay for. It is essential to have regular preventative maintenance performed on your Audi. Keep an eye on the engine’s timing belt, and gave these parts inspected when you bring your vehicle into the shop. The timing belt prevents the engine’s pistons from striking each other. A damaged timing belt causes trouble starting the car, oil leaks, and exhaust issues. It is recommended owners have the timing belts examined every 30 to 60,000 miles. To know more about your engine’s health, you can find the VIN listed on the driver’s side of the car. It will show you a list of its repairs and maintenance.

Brake System Upkeep

First, check your VIN number to get the recommended scheduled maintenance time. You will need to look at the rotor on your car. It is generally accepted that brake fluids need changing every 30,000 miles or three years. If you can get a maintenance schedule, our shop can help you set up one. Brake fluid is vital to keeping your car stopping smoothly and timely. Audis come with a warning light when your brake pads or rotors need replacing. However, these only come on for the front brakes.

Audi’s Suspension System

A general for Audi owners is that they need to get their power steering fluid flushed and changed every 30,000 miles. It will maintain safe steering. You also need to look out for signs your Audi is having steering and suspension problems. Shaking, vibrating, and pulling to one side when you drive are symptoms of trouble in the suspension system. It’s to come into the shop for repairs.

ABS Module Failure

All About ABS Module Failure in Volkswagens

Learn about this important factor in Volkswagen repair and maintenance

Automatic Transmissions

Is Transmission Repair Different for Manual vs. Automatic Transmission?

The Inside Scoop on Transmission Repair

Reggie’s In the News

Bad Oxygen Sensor

Can a check engine light be a sign that your oxygen sensor has gone bad?

Bad oxygen sensor repair

What you should have in your roadside emergency kit