1615 N Himes Ave Tampa, FL 33607 | Monday-Friday 8am-6pm | (813) 879-2886
Rennen Imports Blog
Your car's cooling system plays a crucial role in keeping the engine running at optimal temperatures. Without it, your engine would overheat, leading to potential damage and costly repairs. To mitigate the risk of overheating, it’s important to visit the shop at the first sign of cooling system trouble. At Rennen Imports, we provide expert European cooling system repair in the greater Tampa, FL area. Here’s a look at four symptoms of a cooling system problem. Engine Temperature Gauge Spikes One of the most obvious signs of cooling system trouble is an overheating engine. If you notice your temperature gauge creeping into the red zone, it's a clear sign of an issue. This could be due to a variety of issues such as a coolant leak, a malfunctioning thermostat, a faulty water pump, or a blocked radiator. Abnormal Noises Strange sounds may indicate cooling system problems. For example, a grinding or whining noise could mean you have a faulty water pump. Also, hissing noises could be a sign of a coolant leak. Abnormal noises should always be brought to the mechanic’s attention ASAP. Visible Coolant Leaks If you spot puddles of bright fluid underneath your vehicle, your car may be leaking coolant. Coolant leaks can originate from various components such as hoses, the radiator, or the water pump. While small leaks may seem insignificant at first, they can escalate and cause major cooling system issues if left unaddressed. Steam or Smoke from the Engine Bay If you see steam or smoke billowing from the engine bay while driving or after parking your car, it's a sign of overheating and a potential coolant leak. Pull over as soon as you safely can and allow the engine to cool down before investigating further. Continuing to drive an overheating vehicle can cause severe damage to the engine. European Cooling System Repair in Tampa, FL When you need European auto repair in Tampa and the surrounding area, contact Rennen Imports at (813) 879-2886. At our nearby European auto shop, we can expertly handle your Euro car’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!
Your car's alternator plays a crucial role in keeping your vehicle running smoothly by generating electrical power for various components. When the alternator malfunctions, it can lead to problems that can potentially leave you stranded on the side of the road. At Rennen Imports, we provide expert European alternator replacement and auto electric repair in the greater Tampa, FL area. Here are five symptoms of a faulty alternator. Dimming or Flickering Lights A common early sign of alternator trouble is the dimming or flickering of lights, both inside the car and on the exterior. The alternator is responsible for supplying power that ultimately powers the lights. If you notice your headlights or dashboard lights behaving erratically, it could indicate a potential alternator issue. Strange Noises Unusual noises, such as grinding or whining, may be a sign of a failing alternator. These sounds can result from worn-out bearings or a malfunctioning belt. Ignoring these noises may lead to worsening issues, so it's crucial to address them promptly to prevent a complete alternator failure. Weak or Dead Battery The alternator recharges the battery while the vehicle is running, so if the battery exhibits signs of weakness, it could be a warning sign of alternator trouble. However, there are other issues that cause dead batteries, such as old age, loose/corroded connections, and leaving on headlights. Dashboard Warning Light If your car's battery or charging system warning light comes on, it's important not to ignore it. This light should be brought to the mechanic’s attention so the appropriate action can be taken to prevent an unexpected breakdown. Electrical Accessory Failures Malfunctions in various electrical components—such as power windows, power seats, or the radio—can indicate alternator trouble. Since the alternator powers these systems, a problem with it can lead to erratic behavior in the vehicle's electrical components. European Alternator Replacement & Auto Electric Repair in Tampa, FL When you need European auto repair in Tampa, FL and the surrounding area, contact Rennen Imports at (813) 879-2886. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!
If your check engine light flashes on, it doesn’t automatically mean that your engine is on the verge of complete failure. But you should still promptly get to the shop for diagnostics before the issue escalates and causes bigger trouble. At Rennen Imports, we provide expert European check engine light diagnostics and repair in the greater Tampa area. Here are five common reasons the check engine light turns on. Faulty Oxygen Sensor One of the most common culprits behind a check engine light is a malfunctioning oxygen sensor. Responsible for monitoring the level of oxygen in your vehicle's exhaust gasses, a faulty sensor can lead to decreased fuel-efficiency and increased emissions. Ignoring this issue could result in catalytic converter issues. Malfunctioning Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) The MAF sensor calculates the amount of air entering the engine and adjusts the fuel injection accordingly. A malfunctioning MAF sensor can lead to poor fuel efficiency, rough idling, and a drop in overall engine performance. Catalytic Converter Issues A failing catalytic converter can trigger the check engine light and lead to reduced engine performance. Your catalytic converter turns harmful gasses into less harmful substances. Signs of a faulty catalytic converter include decreased acceleration and a smell similar to rotten eggs. Problems with Spark Plugs and Wires Worn-out or fouled spark plugs and damaged ignition wires can disrupt the combustion process, leading to engine misfires and an illuminated check engine light. Regular maintenance—including the replacement of spark plugs and wires at recommended intervals—can prevent this issue and help to ensure smooth engine operation. Loose or Faulty Gas Cap The gas cap seals the fuel system and helps maintain the proper pressure. If it's loose, damaged, or missing, it can cause a drop in pressure and trigger the warning light. Fortunately, this is one of the easiest and least expensive issues to fix. European Check Engine Light Repair in Tampa, FL When you need European auto repair in Tampa and the surrounding area, contact Rennen Imports at (813) 879-2886. At our nearby European auto shop, we can expertly handle your Euro car’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!
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Tampa, Temple Terrace, Brandon,
Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Westchase & Dunedin
About Us
Rennen Imports is your dealership alternative for professional European auto repair and maintenance in Tampa. Our modern facility is staffed by factory trained techs who have access to the latest and greatest automotive service technology.