Spring is here and that means it’s time to keep a closer eye on your Volkswagen to ensure that it is in good working order.  There are several tips to keep in mind when repairing and performing maintenance on your Volkswagen this spring season.

Here are some of them:

Tip #1: The best way to ensure the overall best performance from your VW is to clean the engine routinely.  A clean engine will run cooler and be less likely to cause premature failure of other parts on the vehicle. This is also a fairly simple job, so it can be done as necessary.

Tip #2: A regular replacement of all lubricants, filters, coolants, and other parts is critical to the performance of your Volkswagen. Sensing and mechanical tolerances have become so tight even slight variations can create drastic performance changes.

Tip #3: Know your Volkswagen’s systems and particular requirements before starting any project. Do not attempt to fix what you don’t understand.  If something is unknown to you, take your vehicle to a trained professional and ask for their assistance.

Tip #4: Keep in mind that all changes and maintenance might not take effect immediately.  If your Volkswagen’s computer is designed to learn and adjust, these updates can take some time to become noticeable.

So, this spring season, keep these tips in mind.  What’s more, you should also take your Volkswagen to a professional such as Carmine’s Import Service for routine tuneups and maintenance.

Carmine’s currently serves Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem, and the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina.

Call us at 336.993.5506 or send us a message today!

This month, Carmine’s Import Service is putting more money in your pocket with service discounts that are sure to please. When you visit our shop in Kernersville for vehicle service, we’ll give you up to $30 off!

• $10 off any service over $100
• $20 off any service over $200
• $30 off any service over $300

These service discount specials are available until Feb. 29th. If your vehicle needs work, bring it to Carmine’s Import Service, your foreign automotive specialists! Contact us online to schedule a service appointment, or give us a call at (336)993-5506.

Any Volvo owner can tell you that their car was a huge investment and that they would do anything to keep it good working order.  That being said, we all know that cars sometimes run into some mechanical problems that can delay our use of them.  Volvos are not immune to this inevitable reality.  So, when an event like this occurs, we are left looking for a solution to repair our Volvo.

Well, seeing as most of us aren’t expert car repairman, we typically seek out help from a professional.  When you’re a Volvo owner, however, you need to go one step further.  You can’t just take your car to any repairperson, you have to find and depend on someone who has experience and knowledge about working on your specific make and model Volvo.  Someone who has driven and worked on Hondas their whole life is probably not your best bet if you want the highest possible quality in the repairs.  Think of it like this: if you are having eye problems, you see an optometrist, not a cardiologist.  The two really aren’t interchangeable, and neither are repairmen.

So the next time that your Volvo has some mechanical issues, you should seek out your local professional who has enough experience working on the type of vehicle you have to make a quality and professional repair.

Carmine’s Import Service of the Triad is your go to service for foreign car repair. They have the experience and professionalism to repair your car the correct way, the first time.  They also have wonderful customer service.  Contact them today by calling 336.993.5506.

Carmine’s Import Service is pleased to offer a rare opportunity to win a free premium home brewing system. The Tassimo Suprema T45 makes you the perfect cup of coffee, espresso, or tea and is a wonderful gift for someone special on Valentine’s Day!

Wondering how you can have a chance to get your hands on this beauty? It’s simple! Leave a comment below in response to this post letting us know you’re interested; be sure to use an e-mail address which we can contact you at. We will select a random winner from the entries and contact you directly if yours is the lucky name! Enter soon, the contest ends Feb 17th!

Also, be sure to check our our service discount deals running through February – get up to $30 off on all service!

*Carmine’s Import Service would like to limit this giveaway to our past and present customers. You must be over 18 to participate in this giveaway. If your comment is not immediately displayed, do not be concerned as all comments are moderated as a precaution against spam.

Keeping your foreign import vehicle in top condition is essential to protect your investment and ensure that it is running efficiently. One of the most affordable and effective ways to do this is with routine oil changes. Giving your engine clean oil will enable to stay well lubricated and protect your most valuable components.

There are a lot of misconceptions out there about how often you should go between oil changes. Some car manufacturers recommend very long intervals between oil changes. This is just a ploy to make their vehicles appear maintenance-free. The truth is that leaving oil in an engine longer than 7500 miles can cause costly damage to today’s advanced engines. Neglecting to change your oil could cost you thousands in repairs and possibly leave you stranded with a car that will not run.

Most of us would love to keep driving our vehicles without having to stop for service. Unfortunately, the nature of an automobile engine makes this impossible. Lubrication of the engine is essential for reducing friction and damaging heat from building up and destroying sensitive parts. General guidelines suggest that you have your conventional oil changed every 3,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first.

Engines using high quality synthetic oil can generally run longer on each oil change, however using synthetic does not necessarily mean that your interval should be drastically lengthened, and the engine manufacturer requirements may vary. High performance engines in many European imports such as BMW and Mercedes using synthetic oil still require a regular oil change every 5,000 to 6,000 miles, and these fine-tuned engines can suffer even greater from delayed service.

You will want to have your oil filter replaced each time your oil is changed as well. A filter is essential for removing solid particles and contaminants, like dust and dirt, from the oil before they damage the engine.  Over the years, the oil filter in most vehicles has been downsized to save cost and space. The traditional “quart-sized” oil filters of the past have been replaced with “pint-sized” filters today.  The smaller filter must be replaced more often because they have less capacity than the older, larger filters. This is why the recommendation for replacement has changed from every other oil change to every 3000 miles.

The good news is that an oil and filter change is a relatively quick service trip. It is often something that can be completed within a few minutes. It is also one of the most affordable routine services available. Considering how important clean oil is to the performance and longevity of your engine, it makes sense to schedule a time every few months to have this service completed by a trained professional.

There is no reason to head to the dealership each time you need an oil change or routine service on your foreign import or luxury vehicle. There are independent shops in most areas that specialize in maintenance and repairs for these cars, trucks and SUVs. Often these independent service centers are less expensive than the dealership with shorter wait times and improved customer service.  All technicians are ASE certified and highly trained at servicing these complex engines.

Schedule an appointment for an oil change with Carmine’s Import Service in Kernersville. We provide expert service and repairs for foreign imports and luxury vehicles in Greensboro, Winston Salem and High Point.

When you purchase a Mercedes-Benz car or SUV, you are getting a luxurious, complex vehicle that will give you many years of pleasure if properly serviced. Don’t trust your vehicle to just anyone. Carmine’s Import Service is the Triad’s premier service provider for Mercedes-Benz and most foreign imports.

If you purchased your Mercedes at a local dealership, your salesperson probably explained the importance of servicing and repairing your vehicle at their facility. While dealerships provide a wide variety of maintenance and repair services, it is not necessary to take your vehicle to the dealership for routine service. Many people prefer to go to a local service provider who offers a high level of customer service. At Carmine’s Import Service, we offer superior workmanship with a high level of customer satisfaction. We even offer a 2year/24K mile warranty against defects and failure on all parts and labor purchased and performed at our facility (some exceptions may apply). This is one of the best warranties in the automotive service industry.

We use only original equipment manufactured (OEM) parts and genuine Mercedes parts so that your vehicle is repaired to industry standards. Stop wasting time at the dealership. Come to Carmine’s Import Service in Kernersville for all of your Mercedes-Benz service and repair needs. We are conveniently located to serve Winston Salem, Greensboro and High Point.

Routine maintenance is vital to the performance and longevity of your BMW, but finding a trusted auto repair shop can be a challenge. Consumers typically look for a service center where a trained and professional staff offers maintenance and repair services at an affordable price. Many vehicle owners have discovered that local auto shops, like Carmine’s Import Service, offer distinct advantages over the dealerships.

Listed below are five reasons that consumers are choosing independent shops instead of the dealer for professional service and repairs for their BMW vehicles.

Price: Generally, independent shops tend to be less expensive than dealerships. Most local shops are housed in smaller, less impressive facilities than you will find at a typical dealership. This results in lower overhead costs for the independent business owner. As a result, they are able to charge more competitive prices to their customers.

Customer Service: Most independent shops rely on word of mouth recommendations to generate new business. As a result, they tend to focus strongly on customer satisfaction. Their business depends on repeat customers and referrals so they tend to spend more time making sure their customers are completely satisfied. Some businesses even offer referral programs that award customers for sending their friends and loved ones to the shop.

Location: Repair shops are often more conveniently located than the dealers. There may be dozens of independent facilities on your way to the dealership. It may be more convenient to visit a shop close to your home or office, especially if you need to leave your vehicle for service. Often, these small shops will offer a complimentary shuttle service to their customers.

Personal Relationships: Due to the smaller size of local shops, there are typically fewer technicians for you to get to know. It is much easier to develop a personal relationship with three or four people as opposed to the large number of different people you may encounter at a dealership. You know when you walk in that you will see an employee that you recognize and perhaps have a personal relationship with. This type of personalized service can foster a sense of confidence between the consumer and mechanic. Simply having easier access to a technician at a local shop than those at a dealership means that the consumer can ask questions and get explanations more readily.

Flexibility: Independent facilities tend to hire technicians who are trained to service a wide range of vehicle makes and models. This makes the local shop ideal for families with different car models. Finding one place to service all of the vehicles in the home is more convenient than having to visit multiple dealers for routine maintenance.

It is important to remember that a dealership cannot void the warranty on your new or used vehicle simply because you do not use their facility for maintenance or repair. Consumers should not feel pressure to return to the dealership for routine check-ups simply because of a warranty.

Carmine’s Import Service in Kernersville, NC is the area’s premier independent service center for BMW and other foreign imports. Call us at 336.993.5506 to schedule an appointment.

One of the most important things you can do to improve the longevity and performance of your Volkswagen is to have it professionally serviced and repaired by a certified technician. Maintaining your vehicle is a small expense that may prevent costly repairs in the future. Routine service will ensure that your Volkswagen is running efficiently and safely.

Preventative maintenance will keep your new car warranty in effect. It also ensures reliable performance, lower emissions and increased fuel efficiency. Oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements and general inspections are necessary so that all of your Volkswagen parts run properly and efficiently. Listed below are some parts that need special attention for your safety and to prevent problems in the future.

Brakes: Your brakes are essential to your vehicle’s safety. They need to be inspected and brake fluid needs to be replenished for maximum performance and safety.

Suspensions: Routine inspection of your suspension system can save you money in gas and prevent unnecessary tire wear. Your vehicle’s suspension is important for proper handling and safety.

Transmissions: All Volkswagens have sealed, non-serviceable transmission fluid. Special tools and computers are needed to change or replenish fluids.

Timing Belt Replacement: It is important to have your timing belt replaced and all parts inspected to ensure that you do not have a belt failure.

Heating and Cooling System: All parts, including A/C compressor, dryer, condenser, heater valves and hoses need to be inspected, repaired or replaced using state of the art A/C equipment.

When your Volkswagen car or SUV needs maintenance or repair, call Carmine’s Import Service in Kernersville, NC at 336.993.5506 to schedule an appointment today!

Savvy consumers looking for a luxurious and powerful car or SUV have discovered the many advantages of Audi vehicles. These German manufactured automobiles are designed to give drivers a reliable and stylish ride that rivals the best foreign imports. Keeping your Audi serviced and well maintained will ensure that it will run efficiently for many years to come.

The Audi brand is synonymous with cutting edge technology and luxury performance. These vehicles are known for their superior safety features and exceptional driving experience. Audi is instantly recognizable as a luxury vehicle that is comparable to vehicles like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. As the premium brand within the Volkswagen group, Audi is available in many different body styles at various price ranges.

Audi vehicles are well equipped with luxury features and advanced technology that are exclusive to this brand. These sleek cars provide a comfortable and powerful ride. Audi cars and SUVs feature powerful engines, plush interiors and high end features that make them a popular choice for those drivers who want a stylish, luxurious ride. These vehicles are also known for their many safety features.

One of the best ways to maintain your investment is to have your Audi vehicle serviced by a trained and qualified mechanic who has experience working on these type of cars. Routine service and maintenance ensure that your Audi runs efficiently. From tire inflation and oil changes to major repairs, your service provider should be familiar with the specific needs of your vehicle.

A well maintained engine will run more efficiently than one that is not working at top condition. Clogged filters and parts that are not properly lubricated can cause your engine to work harder, resulting in wasted fuel and increased emissions. Be sure that your tires are inspected regularly to ensure that they are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires cause more friction between the tire and the road surface, making your engine work harder and burn excess fuel.

Be sure that any parts that are replaced are Audi genuine parts. They are designed to precisely fit your vehicle. When you use replacement parts that are made by the manufacturer, you are sure to get a product that is guaranteed to perform at top level. If you own a new or previously owned Audi, you have made an investment in a quality vehicle. Be sure that you use only the best parts available to ensure that your Audi vehicle maintains its safety, value and reliability for many years to come.

Putting off routine maintenance can result in costly repairs. Leaving engine oil in your vehicle too long can damage your engine or result in expensive repairs in the future.  When oil is left inside an engine for extended period of time and starts to breakdown. You can start developing sludge, which can severely impact the performance of your engine and eventually lead to engine failure. The same is true for other maintenance items throughout your vehicle.

You’ve made the decision to drive one of the world’s best luxury vehicles. Keep up with your routine maintenance so that your Audi will last for many years and retain its value. Find a qualified Audi service center in your area to ensure that your vehicle is expertly maintained.

Carmine’s Import Service in Kernersville, NC provides expert Audi service and repair to drivers in Greensboro, High Point and Winston Salem.

Volkswagen cars and SUVs are known for their durability, reliability and unique design. These characteristics have made Volkswagen one of the best selling brands of foreign imports in the United States. It is good to know that Carmine’s Import Service in Kernersville, NC offers expert service, maintenance and repairs for all types of Volkswagens.

Keeping your Volkswagen well maintained is essential to its longevity and performance. All services include a free visual inspection of your vehicle with a free written estimate to complete any needed repairs. All parts used to repair or service your vehicle are of the highest quality available and backed by a 24 month, 24k mile warranty.

We recommend the following service schedule for Volkswagen models made in 1999 and beyond:

• Timing Belt / Water Pump Service – 75k Mile Intervals
• Synthetic Oil Service – 5k Mile Intervals
• Minor Service – 20k Mile Intervals
• Major Service – 40k Mile Intervals
• DSG Transmission Service – 60k Mile Intervals
• Automatic Transmission Service – 60k Mile Intervals
• Coolant/Antifreeze Service – (Replaced with timing belt service)
• Brake Fluid Service – Every 2-3 Years

Keep track of all maintenance and repairs to your vehicle. You may want to have this information available when it comes time to sell. Good maintenance records can raise the resale price of your vehicle. Sign up for our Service Rewards Program and you can earn points that can be redeemed toward discounts on future service. Ask about it at your next service appointment.

Contact Carmine’s Import Service in Kernersville to schedule a service appointment for your Volkswagen or any other foreign import. We are worth the drive from Greensboro, High Point and Winston Salem.