All European: Auto Repair Las Vegas

All European Auto Repair is an independent car repair centre in Las Vegas, specialising in European cars. The workshop carries out servicing and repairs on cars, SUVs and medium-sized lorries, and states that it works on any make and model as required. The company has been in business for over 20 years. The website describes it as a full-service garage for motorists in the Las Vegas area.

Which cars fit on the hoist?

The list of makes is long and starts with the familiar names on the road: BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Volvo and Mini Cooper. Next come Porsche, Land Rover, Range Rover and Jaguar. At the top end are Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Maserati, Aston Martin and Ferrari.

The list also includes a few rare names, such as Saab, Saleen and DeLorean. A DeLorean owner doesn't easily find a mechanic who won't raise an eyebrow at the sight of the doors. For cars like these, a workshop experienced with unusual models makes all the difference.

Why choose an independent service centre?

The workshop presents itself as an alternative to the authorised dealership. The mechanics are ASE-certified, the American standard for automotive technicians. Diagnosis is carried out using the same tools as those used by the dealership, and the website mentions genuine parts from the manufacturer. Prices are advertised as better than at the dealership, for comparable standards.

European cars have their own specific characteristics, from electronics to suspension. A modern BMW or Mercedes is more like a computer on wheels than your grandad's car. A technician who deals with such models on a daily basis already knows their quirks.

What happens when the 'check engine' light comes on?

Engine diagnostics is the first service on the list. The website recommends a visit when the 'check engine' warning light comes on and stays on. The cause could be one of a hundred possibilities, ranging from an overdue oil change to a serious fault.

Technicians run a diagnostic test, identify the problem and recommend a repair, if one is needed. They can also reset the warning light after the work is completed. Increased fuel consumption and rough engine running are listed amongst the signs that the car needs a service.

What other work do they carry out?

Oil and filter changes are routine tasks. Belts and hoses are checked, repaired or replaced. As for the brakes, the workshop carries out inspections, repairs and replacements, whilst for the wheels they handle tyre rotation, balancing, wheel alignment and fitting new tyres. A timely oil change is to the engine what daily toothbrushing is to your teeth: tedious, but far simpler than a repair.

The suspension has its own page, which also covers pneumatic and hydraulic systems. Signs of wear are explained simply: the car bounces too much over a bump, leans in bends or 'dives' at the front when braking. A rough ride or fluid leaks from the shock absorbers are also on the list.

The website also mentions engine and gearbox repairs, the cooling system, the exhaust, electrical diagnostics, bodywork and post-collision repairs. For the owner, this means a single workshop for almost any car problem. The list concludes with routine servicing and engine tune-ups.

What about air conditioning?

In Las Vegas, summer temperatures easily exceed 40 degrees, and a faulty air conditioning system is more than just a minor inconvenience. The page on air conditioning explains two common symptoms. Hot air coming out of the vents is most often caused by a refrigerant leak, whilst strange noises may be due to a worn, stretched or cracked belt.

There's also a simple test you can do at home. Start the car, switch on the air conditioning and check whether the compressor kicks in. If it doesn't, the cause may be electrical or a refrigerant leak.

At the garage, the repair process follows clear steps. The technician discusses the symptoms with the customer, visually inspects the compressor belt and accessible components, then tests the compressor. If no leaks or faults are found, they evacuate the system, test it under vacuum and recharge it with the refrigerant specified by the manufacturer.

How long will you be without your car?

Most repairs and maintenance jobs are carried out on the same day. In my opinion, this is one of the most practical features on the website, because a day without a car in Las Vegas is hard to bear. The team's stated aim is to get the job right first time.

The workshop is also an authorised centre for extended warranties and accepts them all. Covered work is therefore carried out without the owner having to pay out of pocket. The team also helps customers find out whether their car is covered by such a warranty. Two mottos displayed on the website sum up the company's ethos: the promise to exceed expectations and keeping their word.

What do customers say and how do you get in touch?

As a reviewer, I've noticed that the testimonials on the website praise the honesty, fair prices, speed and the way customers are treated. Several mention Mike, who looks after their cars. The garage serves drivers from Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Spring Valley, Pahrump and Laughlin, and each area has its own page on the website. Bookings and quote requests are made online, and the contact page lists telephone numbers, an email address and opening hours.

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