Does Your Mercedes Benz Radio Faceplate Liner Look Like it’s Peeling Off?

Posted on June 18, 2020 by Autohaus

Here at Autohaus Dierolf, our German factory-trained mechanics have seen a lot through the decades of hands-on experience we’ve had in the European automotive repair and service industry. With that being said, one of the most common vehicular defects we see happens to be on radio faceplates. Many drivers assume that their radio faceplates come with a “protective liner”, because overtime, the faceplate appears to “peel.” But the reality is, there is no protective liner adhered to the surface of the radio faceplate. The peeling evidence seen by drivers is actually a result of wear and tear.

Here’s the Bad News…

So, what tends to happen is, drivers assume this protective layer peels off all the way with ease. And as they peel it more and more, they make more of a mess; a mess that cannot be restored. You see, automakers, such as Mercedes Benz, do not sell just the radio faceplate alone. If the faceplate becomes defaced due to peeling, the ENTIRE radio unit must be purchased and installed! With the item purchase price, plus labor, the cost to have this work done can be astronomical. This is especially guaranteed if you take it to a dealership.

So, what’s the good news here? The good news is that Autohaus Dierolf sees this kind of radio faceplate damage all the time, and has extensive experience resolving such issues at a better price!

Take this example, below. This is a 2009 Mercedes Benz CLK500 convertible that we recently had in our shop. As you can tell by the BEFORE photos below, it looks like there is a protective film or liner that is peeling off. But the truth is that it is the actual cover peeling off. Not only do we see this happen on Mercedes Benz radio faceplates, we also see this happen to models in the 2003 to 2015 range.

Is YOUR Mercedes Benz Radio Faceplate Peeling?

Bring it to us for an affordable alternative to full radio unit replacement! We offer dealership-level quality at neighborhood prices! Our highly skilled and certified mechanics will remove the radio, extract the old cover, install a new faceplate, and then reassemble your car radio, all around $230 or so. Some invoices may be higher than $230, depending on the amount of labor needed to extract the radio. Take a look at our AFTER pictures, below:

Trust Us for Top-Quality European Auto Service

Here at Autohaus Dierolf, we have the latest technologies and resources to deliver prompt and professional automotive repair service you can trust. In fact, we only use top-of-the-line parts and products, primarily Bosch brand, and even have an in-house used auto parts division in which we have been collecting and adding various European car parts for more than 50 years! We even have an extended specialty inventory of Mercedes Benz used parts. This is a great way to provide our customers with quick and easy fixes.

Get Mercedes Benz Auto Repair Service in Carmel, Indiana

Contact us at 317-571-0800 to request a free estimate, or to schedule an appointment, for Mercedes Benz auto repair service in Carmel, Indiana. Our German factory-trained mechanics provide a wide range of automotive maintenance and repair services for all European make and model vehicles. Best of all, we offer free written estimates and extensive warranties on all our work. Don’t wait another minute to get your needed automotive work done. Call our office today to get started.

European Automotive Repair Carmel Indiana 317-577-0800

Autohaus Dierolf Has a Brand New Website for Carmel, Indiana European Auto Service!

Posted on June 5, 2020 by Autohaus

Autohaus Dierolf Welcomes You to Our Blog Page!

When you are done here, be sure to check out the rest of our brand new website! Now you know exactly where to look when you need European automotive service in Carmel, Indiana! Scroll down to learn more about us!

European Auto Service Carmel Indiana 317-571-0800

Indianapolis German Factory Trained Mechanics

Autohaus Dierolf Service is a long-standing, independently-owned and operated, auto repair shop in Carmel, Indiana, providing skilled European auto repair and maintenance services. Our German factory-trained mechanics have extensive detailed knowledge of automotive repair and maintenance procedures for all make or model European vehicles. In fact, our teams of auto mechanics and technicians specialize in German automobiles like Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, and much more. And now, we have just updated our website to enhance your experience, and give you the pertinent information you are looking for!

You’ll find information about German and European car repair, as well as, information on routine automotive care, our services, automotive facts, and much more! With pages like “SERVICES” and “USED AUTO PARTS”, you can find everything you need to know about our European automotive service center, including what our German factory trained mechanics have to offer European-brand vehicle owners. You can also check out our ABOUT page to learn where our family gets our motivation to deliver unparalleled customer service and quality craftsmanship, as well as, a little about our history as a family-owned and operated company.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Here at Autohaus Dierolf, we also want to provide our current and future customers with important facts, tips, tricks, hacks, how-to tutorials, and more, regarding the automotive service industry. Here on our BLOG page, you can explore all of these topics, with a new publication twice a month!

Need to Get in Touch?

Our new website makes that easy for you as well! Simply visit our CONTACT page to view our main office phone number, address, and business email. Also on this page, you will be able to use Google Maps to get directions to our location in Carmel, Indiana, or send us an email telling us about your needed automotive service, or what is concerning you about your European or German vehicle.

Transmission Facts for Cars and Trucks

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Autohaus

Indianapolis Auto Repair 317-571-0800

Your vehicle’s transmission is a crucial and fragile component that should be respected and well-maintained regularly. Regular maintenance and care can increase the life span of a transmission, as well as, protect the performance values and durability. This blog discusses important facts related to car and truck transmissions that can help guide you in the direction of proper vehicle repair and maintenance.

Recommended Car Maintenance and Repair

Check the Transmission Fluid

There are many variables that influence how to properly check a car or truck’s transmission fluid. It depends on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as, other more specific factors. For example, in most cases it is instructed to leave the car engine on while checking the transmission fluid; however, if you are driving a Honda, the engine needs to be turned off. In a Dodge, the car needs to be in neutral while applying the emergency brake. With all the different rules and elements that apply to each make and model, it is strongly suggested to have a professional car repair and maintenance shop take a look for you. Most auto repair shops are willing to check car and truck fluids for free, so be sure to take advantage of this when it comes to changing fluids in your ride.

Detecting Transmission Fluid Leaks

Transmission fluid repair technicians advise drivers to have their car or truck looked at professionally because it can be difficult determining where a leak originated from in a car or truck. The technicians will start an inspection to find the source of the leak. Often times, this type of inspection is accompanied with a small fee, usually around $75 or so; however, if you have the leak repaired at the same place it was inspected, the fee is typically waived. When an auto mechanic technician facilitates an inspection to seek out a transmission leak, they will check everything from the cooler lines to the differential cover. Somewhere in between they will typically find the leak and can assess its severity.

Driving with a Transmission Leak

Many people on the road have transmission leaks and don’t even know it. These minor leaks can go un-noticed to an amateur eye. This does not mean that it is safe to drive with a transmission leak or any other car fluid leak. Minor leaks typically do not impose an immediate danger when it comes to driving, but they will most certainly lead to more severe damages to other car parts. Corrosion and deterioration will occur to pumps, seals, and more. These damages are costly and can be avoided by having a transmission fluid leak repaired right away.

Transmission Rebuilds

A common question regarding transmissions is about rebuilds. Rebuilding transmissions is a costly repair that can be avoided prematurely through regular service, maintenance, and care. However, there always comes a time in a car or truck’s life when the transmission needs rebuilding or replacing. A few telltale signs that a transmission is on its last leg are as follows: if the gear is slipping in and out, if the engine is revving high when the vehicle is moving moderately or slow, if it will not go in reverse, and many more. If any of these are happening when driving your truck or car, call a professional auto repair company in your area, and have it inspected right away.

Carmel Auto Repair

European Auto Service Carmel Indiana 317-571-0800

For more information on transmission service, repair, maintenance, and inspections, call Autohaus Dierolf in Carmel, IN today. We are licensed and insured European auto repair specialists that have been serving Hoosiers for over 40 years! Call us at 317-571-0800 for free estimates, DIY advice, and guidance on Foreign and European car repair in Carmel, Indiana.

5 Ways to Better Gas Mileage

Posted on June 22, 2012 by Autohaus

It is possible to get more out of every gallon of fuel you pump into your gas tank. By simply implementing regular vehicle maintenance and changing the style of your driving, you can achieve better gas mileage on any type of vehicle you own. These five guidelines are ways to reduce the amount of fuel your vehicle uses, as well as promote a healthier environment.

Indianapolis Auto Repair 317-571-0800

5 Ways to Improve Fuel Efficiency:

Check the Tire Pressure

Under-inflated tires are a huge contribution to poor gas mileage. It can increase the fuel consumption as much as 6%. By regularly checking your tire pressure and ensuring they are properly inflated, you can save more fuel with every trip. Tires should be inspected once a month and done so before driving, while the vehicle is still cold. Do not let radial tires fool you; they may look inflated but can actually have low tire pressure. Always check anyway.

Use Less AC

During the hot summer months, your car’s ac unit contributes to almost 10% of increased fuel use. On cooler days, avoid using the car ac unit by rolling down the windows and keeping a cool beverage in your cup holder.

Avoid Jack-Rabbit Driving

Jack-rabbit driving looks similar to a person learning to drive in first gear for the first time. Abrupt starts and hard stops is what we refer to as jack-rabbit driving. Aggressive driving causes your vehicle to use more gas. This can happen when we are stuck in traffic, or in a hurry to get somewhere. Avoid this type of driving and increase your gas mileage.

Obey Speed Limits

Another way to get better gas mileage is to maintain a steady speed when driving. Accelerating and decelerating causes your car to pull more fuel. If you typically drive ten miles over the speed limit on the highway, try going slower to save gas. You will see a difference within a few days. Also, on long stretches of highway, use cruise control. This helps regulate the amount of fuel being consumed per mile.

Drive Less

The most obvious, yet, difficult remedy to poor gas mileage is too much driving. If you can make the commitment to drive less often, it can greatly reduce the amount of fuel you consume per week. Try taking buses, organizing car pools, and walking to closer destinations. Not only can this be good for your fuel budget, it is a great way to improve the environment.

Carmel Auto Service

European Auto Service Carmel Indiana 317-571-0800

For more information on improving your gas mileage, call Autohaus Dierolf today at 317-571-0800. We are expert German and European car mechanics located in Carmel, IN. We offer advice, guidance, and free estimates too! Visit our Indiana European Car Repair website for a list of services we offer.