Virginia Beach Auto Repair

BMWs are known for their performance, luxury, and engineering precision—but even the best-built vehicles can run into issues over time. Newer BMW models, while packed with technology and impressive powertrains, still face a few common problems that every owner should be aware of. Being proactive about maintenance and repairs can help prevent small issues from turning into major ones. Here are eight problems we frequently see in newer BMW models. 1. Oil Leaks from the Valve Cover or Oil Filter Housing One of the most common issues in BMW engines is oil leakage. The valve cover gasket and the oil filter housing gasket are two known weak points. Over time, these gaskets can become brittle and start to leak. You might notice the smell of burning oil, see oil around the engine bay, or spot small puddles under the vehicle. These leaks may start small but can lead to bigger problems if they go untreated, especially if oil drips onto hot engine components. ... read more

No matter how you feel about electric vehicles, there's no denying Tesla has permanently changed the direction of the automotive world. In just over a decade, the company went from an ambitious startup to a dominant force, pushing even the most established manufacturers to rethink their priorities. Tesla didn’t just bring electric cars into the spotlight—they made them cool, fast, and part of everyday life. Here’s how Tesla reshaped the automotive industry and set a new standard for what modern driving looks like. Electric Vehicles Became Desirable Before Tesla, EVs were often dismissed as slow, quirky commuter cars that only appealed to environmentalists. Then came the Model S—with sleek styling, sports-car performance, and zero emissions. Suddenly, people who loved driving also wanted to go electric. Tesla proved that electric cars didn’t have to compromise on fun or function. They showed that EVs could be just as fast—if n ... read more

Audi and Volkswagen share a deep connection, with both brands operating under the Volkswagen Group. This relationship has led many people to wonder: is an Audi just a Volkswagen with a luxury badge? While the two brands share some engineering, the differences go far beyond just branding. Volkswagen is known for making reliable, practical cars that cater to a broad audience. Audi, on the other hand, is positioned as a luxury and performance brand, offering advanced technology, refined interiors, and a sportier driving experience. While they may have common roots, Audi’s engineering and design philosophy set it apart. Shared Platforms and Components Volkswagen Group uses shared platforms across multiple brands to streamline production and keep costs down. Many Audi and Volkswagen models are built on the same base, with the MQB platform being a good example. This modular system is used in vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3, meaning these cars share a s ... read more

Your brakes are one of the most important safety features of your vehicle, allowing you to stop quickly and avoid accidents. A well-maintained braking system ensures smooth stopping power, responsive handling, and overall driving confidence. But just like any other part of your car, brakes wear down over time, and neglecting inspections can lead to costly repairs or even dangerous failures. If you’re unsure how often you should have your brakes checked, understanding the factors that impact brake wear can help you stay ahead of potential issues. The Recommended Brake Inspection Schedule Most experts recommend having a brake inspection at least once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, if you drive in heavy traffic, frequently tow loads, or live in an area with steep hills, your brakes may wear out faster, requiring more frequent checks. Many manufacturers also include brake inspections as part of regular maintenance services, such as o ... read more

The check engine light is one of the most dreaded indicators on your dashboard. It’s small, often amber-colored, and yet, it can stir up big worries. It’s tempting to ignore this light, especially if your car seems to be running just fine when it comes on. However, ignoring the check engine light can lead to more significant issues. Whether it’s a minor fix or a more severe problem, getting a check engine light scan promptly can save you time, money, and stress. What Does the Check Engine Light Mean The check engine light is your car’s way of communicating that something isn’t right. It’s part of the onboard diagnostics system, which monitors your vehicle’s performance and emissions. When this light comes on, it means the system has detected an issue that needs attention. The causes behind a lit check engine light can range from a loose gas cap to a malfunctioning catalytic converter. Some issues are minor and can be resolve ... read more

It’s essential to select the right auto repair shop for you and your vehicle, and at European Autowerks, we are honored to be the right facility for drivers throughout the regions of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake. To earn our clients’ loyalty, our auto mechanics and the rest of our team were always willing to answer any and all of their questions. Here are the top 5 questions that we are asked and that you should be asking your auto mechanic:  1. What is your warranty? We proudly back all of our work with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all parts and labor. It is our goal to take the mystery out of auto repair and gain your trust by operating transparently. We invite you to ask questions, and we will do our best to explain our process and methodologies.  2. Do you have a training program for your technicians? It’s important to us at European Autowerks to be educated on the most cutting edge technology hitting the automotive world. That’s ... read more

The auto mechanics at European Autowerks, local to Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake, are experts at the service and repair of alternators. At our auto repair shop, we know all about your car’s alternator, and we are here to tell you what happens when that critical piece of machinery dies.  The alternator in your vehicle converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The battery is the primary source of power to start your automobile, but it is the alternator that maintains your battery’s charge and provides the energy to run all of your vehicle's electrical components.   When an alternator dies, it stops recharging the battery, and when this happens, the vehicle is running entirely on the battery. When the battery dies, the car dies no matter where it happens to be, similar to how a flashlight battery dies, and it no longer lights. Obviously, this situation is “no bueno” so let’s talk about a few of the warning signs that yo ... read more

The team of auto mechanics at European Autowerks provides a preventive maintenance multi-point inspection to drivers throughout Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake. When you arrive at our auto repair shop, our team will typically perform this inspection to secure the safety and longevity of your vehicle.    Our team of auto mechanics at European Autowerks want you to walk away from our multi-point inspection, feeling educated about your vehicle and its performance. Our inspection is simply the best way to discover any potential problems with your car. It is also an excellent way to monitor your vehicle's systems and ensure everything is operating as it should.     Depending on the make and model of your car, the “points” of inspection might vary, but typically, when performing a preventative maintenance multi-point inspection, our auto mechanics at European Autowerks will check the following:   • Fluids: Your fluids are esse ... read more

Your car is one the largest investments you will make in your lifetime, only second to your home. When it comes to purchasing a new investment or keeping the current one, it helps to hear the opinion of the experts, specifically the auto mechanics at European Autowerks. As the trusted source for auto repair in both Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake, we have a few words of wisdom regarding the subject.  Hands down maintaining your current vehicle are less expensive than buying a new car. However, keeping up with preventative maintenance is undoubtedly key to keeping your vehicle running in tip-top shape. Without a doubt, taking good care of your current car is much less costly than obtaining a new car payment, even coupled with the cost of maintenance. For example, also if you find yourself with a major repair, such as a transmission repair, it is much less than purchasing a new car. Additionally, the cost of insurance on a new vehicle would be higher as well.   I ... read more

The auto mechanics at European Autowerks are known for the comprehensive inspections they provide to drivers throughout Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake. At our auto repair shop, you can count on top-notch service both in and out of the garage. However, which inspection, visual or computer, do our auto mechanics prefer? Keep reading to find out the answer.  There’s a heavy debate on whether computer inspections of your vehicle are more astute than a visual inspection performed by an auto mechanic. At European Autowerks, we recognize the merits of both inspections, which is why we utilize both systems by one another. We use a system of checks and balances if you will, to monitor your vehicle’s condition.  Automobiles manufactured post-2000 have a minimum of 17-20 sensors that are monitoring your engine’s performance and storing that data that will be downloaded and analyzed. By allowing the computer to search for potential problems systematically, we ... read more