How to find a reliable European auto repair center in New Jersey

“Siri find an independent European mechanic in New Jersey”

If you find yourself in need of an independent European mechanic, chances are you are going to Google to find out what businesses are available to you. There’s going to be a lot of options and with those options questions like: Which shop is most reliable? Do they know how to work on my Audi? 

Navigating the road to decipher which auto shop to choose can be tricky, so we’ve compiled a short list of questions to keep in mind when trying to find a reliable European auto repair center in New Jersey. 

Are They European Auto Specialists?

Many independent shops will work on your car, but they may not have the tools to do it effectively. Makes such as Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche and Bentley require factory-specific equipment and tools to perform diagnostics correctly. Selecting a Euro repair center with expert technicians and the right equipment not only gets your German car diagnosed correctly but fixed the first time and in a timely manner. 

Are Their Technicians ASE Certified? 

Advancements in automobiles go well beyond traditional engineering - it’s technical.

Hiring knowledgeable automotive professionals that understand the new and advanced technology built-into your Euro is critical when selecting your auto repair shop. Reputable shop technicians will be ASE Certified, which is awarded to only those who complete testing by The National Institutions for Automotive Service Excellence.  

Do They Use OEM Parts? 

Using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts should be in every European car owner’s maintenance plan, and in their mechanic’s plan too. Most parts in your German auto are not made by the auto maker, but by an equipment supplier or manufacturer as per their request. OEM parts have the same quality as the genuine parts but without the middle-man price. A reliable European auto repair shop will only source the best OEM parts, ensuring functionality and adding value.

Keeping these three questions in mind will be a sure way to steer yourself into the garage of a reliable European auto repair center. 

Looking for a reliable European auto repair in New Jersey? Call the JA Autowerks team today at 732-268-7381 or email us here. For more information on our shop visit: http://www.jaautowerks.com.

What does OE mean for you and your Euro?

When you drop your vehicle off at the shop for a repair, you probably here a phrases like genuine, aftermarket, OE, OES, or OEM. So, what do these words mean to you?

These acronyms are very important in the automotive world, especially more in the German automotive world.  They pertain to automotive parts and there are some small and large differences when it comes to quality, reliability, and safety.  So, let’s break them down:

If the part is genuine, this means the part is direct from the auto maker. These authentic parts are usually built by an auto parts supplier or manufacturer to the auto makers specification.  These genuine parts are usually the highest quality and the most expensive to purchase.  For example, Audi genuine spark plugs are made by Bosch or NGK depending on the application.

If the part is an aftermarket, this means it is made by a secondary auto parts supplier.  These replacement parts are usually remanufactured or are a copied part from the original.  In some cases, these parts are lower cost, but are lower in quality.  And they usually end up having additional hidden cost once the part fails prematurely.  For example, using aftermarket parts is a common way some shops undercut a competitive shop’s estimate in order to be the lowest price in town.  So, they may use an Autolite Spark Plug application for Audi instead of a genuine or authorized part.  While it can save money in the short-term, aftermarket parts can have major repercussions in the long term.

If the part is an Original Equipment (OE), Original Equipment Supplier (OES), or an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), this means the part is made by the original supplier or manufacturer for the auto maker. Most parts in your German auto are not made by the auto maker, but by an equipment supplier or manufacturer as per their request. For example, Porsche does not make brake components, they buy them from the brake manufacturer Brembo. BMW and Audi do not make transmissions, they buy transmissions from ZF Friedrichshafen.  And Audi does not make spark plugs, so they buy them from Bosch and NGK. OE parts have the same quality as the genuine parts but without the middle-man price.  OE parts are not the lowest price, but the best balance of price and quality.  By using OE parts, we not only save our customers money but also use the best parts on the market for their vehicle.  For example, we recommend Bosch OE or NGK OE spark plugs for an Audi or Brembo brake parts for a Porsche 911.  

Have questions about a replacement part? Contact our experienced team at JA Autowerks today by visiting www.jaautowerks.com or calling, 732-268-7381. 

- John Andryszewski, Owner/ASE Master Technician