Mercedes Auto Service Excellence Herbs Ind Inc

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So we can be more competitive as a foreign car repair facility in Orange County, we are price matching coupons and specials on the following establishments:
Shelly BMW: Buena Park

When you need to have your automobile serviced or to have it repaired , the most qualified independent repair shop in Orange County is Herbs Foreign Car Service, Herbsvolvombz.com. We have highly qualified ASE and Bosch certified technicians and we understand your vehicle. We use the highest quality parts available and use the latest diagnostic scantools ,software, and equipment to service and repair your vehicle.

Full Factory Maintenance programs, Quick Oil Change, Engine Check Light Analysis, Minor Engine to Major Engine Repair, Automatic Transmissions, Exhaust System, Charging and Starting Systems, Hybrid Brakes (ABS,BAS,TRACS) and Advanced Electronic Suspension System, Air conditioning and Heating systems, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitor Systems), Body Electronics and Mechanicals, Performance Inspections, Pre-Purchase Inspections and Pre-Emissons Test Inspections.

Our oil change and filter service includes manufacturer recommended engine oils, which are also approved by the American Petroleum Institute (API). The rating is SM for all automotive engines as of November 30, 2004, the highest ranking. We do not use SH rated oil which is obsolete, yet is still available in the retail market and may still be used in the quick oil change industry. In addition, we only use oil grades approved by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
When we are asked, What kind of oil should I use on my automobile?
The name brands are many: Valvoline, Mobil, Quakerstate, Castrol, or Lubromoly. Our answer will be, What kind of driving do you do and what does the manufacturer recommend to maintain the new car warranty? Here are climate tables similar to what is shown on the owners manual which explain the basic oil grades to use:
Its the temperature that the automobile will be under that determines what oil viscosity is given consideration.

1. The viscosity grade is the measure of the oils thickness and ability to flow at certain temperatures.
2. Energy: better oil quality may result in overall saving of fuel; this is on the API label (the starburst). If oil flows better, there is less resistance in the engine and thus will result in fuel savings..
3. Performance level: the SM level by API quality which is the highest ranking.

Multigrade oils such as SAE 5w-20, 10w-30, and 10w-40 are widely used because under all but extreme cold or hot conditions, they flow well when cold under low outside temperatures and are thick enough to perform satisfactorily under hot temperatures.
We are sometimes asked, Can I use synthetic oil on my automobile? Since 1997> Mercedes Benz recommends synthetic oil. Since 2004> Volvo comes with synthetic oil from the factory when the automobile is delivered, yet its up to the owner to choose to use it or not. In Volkswagen water cooled engines, it is recommended to use synthetic oil. We have noticed that motorists that have used synthetic oils in their automobiles visually have cleaner internal engine components because of the properties in the oil cause it to flow better and it does not coat internal engine parts with combustion by-products as organic fossil based oils do. Yet, that doesnt mean you can drive a car with synthetic oil for extended miles. For a Mercedes Benz its approximately every 10,000 miles; a Volvo we recommend every 5,000 miles; the same for water cooled Volkswagens so keep in mind, synthetic oil costs more to produce so its more expensive to purchase.
One practice for sure, the more often oil is changed, the better it is under extreme driving conditions. A case in point, and there are many in our files: a Volvo XC90 with twin turbos, 65,000 miles on it, driven 16,250 per year (higher than average), had excessive smoke out the exhaust. Oil crust was on the underside of the oil cap. The result was one of the turbines on the turbo was damaged due to oil protection breaking down, which damaged the turbos.
One of the new problems we are faced with is oil sludge build up due to infrequent oil changes and associated problems with organic fossil based oils. If you are driving under extreme conditions, say freeway and city driving, thats most motorists, in my opinion, and if driven 10>15,000 miles per year, thats extreme these days. What we are saying is that you should consider changing the oil and filter more frequently than is recommended in your
case, but that is only our point of view, based on the mechanical failures we have seen over the years in the workshop due to scheduled service recommended.
In addition to using quality engine oil on our customers automobiles to help improve fuel efficiency by 1>1.5% (due to lower friction and higher flow rate) we also adjust tire pressures (to tire manufacturers tire pressure recommendations) which is slightly different than the maker of the vehicle. Proper tire pressure will increase fuel efficiency by 3%.

To get the most service out of your vehicle, its a good idea to read the Owners Manual to get used to the devices of your automobile. Take the cabin controls such as the air-condition climate control (i.e., it will describe the manufacturers design of the climate control aspect and how to set the controls to maximum efficiency). If the temperature on a fully electronic system is set to 80F, the fan set to auto and the air ducts to auto, it will take about a few miles of driving or so for the interior to reach that temperature. Warm air will come out of the side vents and fresh air out of the center vents. About 75F will come out of the center vents because the manufacturer does not want hot air blowing on your face. The air will mix inside the cabin of the car and the A/C compressor will come on/off as needed; the heater will be blending too to reach the original 80F the temperature was set at.
As of 1999>on, Volvo automobiles, (e.g., engine management systems are now linked in parallel with the body computers and are called Controlled Area Network (CAN). With this system the amount of wiring has been reduced, saving about 60 lbs in copper wiring as a result, and the engine, suspension, body and audio systems are now interconnected, communicating through this CAN. There are new behaviors and sounds in the engine after turning it off; some of the engine components will go through a going to self test mode and will make a HUMMING noise. As it finishes a self test on the electronic throttle body, the electronic idle valve, the radiator/ condenser fan may still be operating after a car has heated up and is going through a cooling down period. This is no cause for concern, but just new characteristics of the new designit may take up to a half hour for some different manufacturer’s vehicles to go sleep before fully shutting down.
The Owners Manual will explain what the warning indicators mean (i.e., the engine check light, the Automatic Brake System (ABS) light, the Anti Slip Regulation (ASR), and especially the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)). So many different lights these days Get the lights checked soon because in addition to warning indicator lights, be aware of other warnings such as unusual noises, squeaks, different suspension handling characteristics, leaks on the ground, since most mechanical problems tend to get worse if not attended to in a timely manner.
Simple inexpensive oil change and filter service can keep your automobile operating longer and complying with the manufacturers maintenance schedules as well as our recommended services will help you get more miles out of your car.
Correcting drivability issues, engine misfires, and slow responding oxygen sensors will improve fuel economy by 4%, and, not to mention it extends the life of the catalytic converter (exhaust component that treats unburned combustion gases).
In conclusion, there are many things an Owner can do to keep their car in good working order which can be summed up in getting to know your particular car and reading the Owners Manual. Being familiar with how things should be as a baseline gives you the ability to know almost instinctively when something is wrong. The sooner you attend to an issue and the faster it is fixed, the less likely you will have a breakdown. Like the old adage: “A stitch in time saves nine.”

Select an automotive repair shop before you need one
Ask friends, relatives, members of organizations who they trust to have their cars repaired. But, in the long run, its better to do the research yourself. An Independent Repair Shop is often just as modern and capable as a Dealer but their prices tend to be much lower. We offer the same competent level of service but do not have the high overhead costs of the Dealerships so we can pass the savings on to you, the Consumer. We understand your need to save money but to have excellent service.
Our track record speaks for itself:
We have been in Orange County for more than thirty years servicing Volvo, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, and other European and Japanese models successfully with an excellent repair record. While we are seeing less automotive retailers in the area we are still here and intend to stay by adapting to the new marketplace.
We are now migrating away from traditional print media and we are concentrating more on the internet to communicate information about our establishment and using email capability to notify our clients of our service specials which will be: Complimentary brake inspections, wheel alignment, general vehicle inspections, A/C quality test, and so forth.
In addition, we are using email now to notify our clients when their vehicle will be ready for repair, when repairs or service are required, and printable coupons.
We would like our clients to help us by referring our establishment to your friends, relatives, and co-workers. Thank you!

Are you searching for a reliable, cost effective, foreign car repair shop in Orange County, California? Well, this is the place for your vehicle and a source for savings. In addition, we have highly trained and qualified technicians here for your benefit. Our goal is to repair your car right the first time!
We are an established repair shop specializing in Volvo, Mercedes, Volkswagen and other foreign cars in Fullerton, California. Our technicians are well known in Fullerton for their diagnostic ability and integrity. We are the only independent repair shop that has a BOSCH MASTER TECH CERTIFIED technician.
We are qualified and experienced in engine check light using the current factory software and scantools which are applied when vehicles come in for routine maintenance and repairs. By viewing the output values of the vehicles engine management system, we can ascertain the condition and road worthiness of the car. Also, we are now practicing Predictive maintenance which saves you time and money by finding the parts that are about to wear out and replacing them BEFORE your car breaks down, thus saving you frustration and down-time. Please take a look at our current online specialswe look forward to hearing from new car agency clients!

A simple question which is often asked me, Should I keep my car or should I sell it and buy a new one? or Is my car worth much?
After its all said and done, one thing is for sure: its going to cost no matter which option you take. You will get a better understanding of this dilemma by comparing a new car recently purchased vs. the one described below; lets view this case study number one.
Here is a 1992 S400se, v-8 gasoline engine: a Mercedes flagship at the time, the current owner acquired it about five years ago pre-owned and in excellent condition. Now with 178,000 miles on the odometer, its starting to show the wear and tear, or to be more specific, the chassis noises are getting a bit louder, the interior and exterior are still in good shape, the engine and transmission are in great shapeis it time to fold it?

A Toyota Prius, 45 miles to the gallon.
1. Cost of new Prius, 4cyl, electric/gasoline fuel engine: $24,500 plus interest expense, financed over 3 years it will be a total of $30,000 plus maintenance costs. It will also mean higher insurance premiums, DMV tax and license is included. The owners main problem is that she is inclined into buying a new car. Peer pressure and friends are telling her to get a new car. Here are the parameters we are basing our stats on: driving 15,000 miles a year, 45% hwy and 55% city driving, $2.05 per gal(april ‘09), with the A/C on, faster acceleration and colder outside temperatures, so this example will show lower MPG estimates than pre 2008 EPA estimates:

Here we can see that although the Prius is more fuel efficient, automotive engineers and scientists will still have to work harder at inventing a new non organic dependent fuel. It will put you back $30,000 bucks, the fuel cell battery is more toxic and will be expensive to replace($2700), a smaller car is not as safe as a bigger Nordic or German car, it will still need maintenance and its value will depreciate tooThere are no tax incentives for this model either.
2. The 1992 Mercedes Benz, S400se, 178,000 miles, has had an automatic transmission rebuilt two years ago, major fuel management system repair , a new waterpump and hoses and the serpintine belt has been replaced. Common repairs like brakes and oil changes too have been done according to factory recommendations. Overall, in three years time approximately $6,000 has been invested in the vechicle. Its paid for, general maintenance is required every 7,500 ($125) miles for minor service, every 30,000 ($475) miles for major service. However, lower insurance premiums and lower DMV license fees due to vehicles depreciation. The owners main concern is that she does not want her car to brake down. Here are the parameters we are basing our stats: driving 15,000 miles a year, 45% hwy and 55% city driving, $2.28per gal(april ‘09), with the A/C on, faster acceleration and colder outside temperatures, so this example will show lower MPG estimates than pre 2008 EPA estimates:

h. Air pollution score: not available, but it passes smog test
i. Safety: large sedan, solid steel construction with built in roll cage, has air bags too, it weighs 5,000 lbs, so the Prius had better get out of the way!

It would only be fair to prognosticate what can go wrong within the next five years on the 1992 S400se Mercedes to see if it would be worthwhile to keep it. Here are few parts and repairs that I think may go bad within the next 75,000 miles based on previous experience with automobiles having similar mileage and specs:
1. RPM sensors, other sensors, fuel system relays, fuel pumps, alternator, starter, catalytic converters, major A/C repairs, radiator, heater hoses, brake calipers, switches of all sorts, suspension/steering components, electrical seat repairs and routine maintenance. $8,000 bucks is what future expenses may costthis estimate is a bit on the high side just to play the devils advocate. You may not need all of the described fixes since every case is different.
Final score: Well, the Mercedes owner is now leaning towards keeping her car since predictive repairs will be performed (see tab for details) and starting and stalling issues will have a much lower incidence, same as a new car. Since the Mercedes owner has more peace of mind now, she is planning her trip to Italy and visiting kinfolk and has plans to visit Tuscany for good measure. With the described savings she has made, she is investing in herself!

We have noticed that due to extreme driving conditions (freeway/city), sludge may build up in the engine crankcase and oil lubrication ports on many automobiles over a period of time. Therefore, it is highly advisable to have the oil serviced every 3000> 3750 miles on automobiles that are currently using with fossil based engine oil; however, when using synthetic oil, approximately every 5,000 miles on late model Volvo and water cooled Volkswagens. On Mercedes Benz automobiles since 1997>on, all models use synthetic engine oil and there hasnt been a problem when servicing oil every 10-13,000 miles, or when the service reminder comes on (sooner on Mercedes to our knowledge)
Here is a list of recommended parts and service to help increase the longevity of your automobile:
The air filter! Since southern California is mostly a desert region, its dry and dusty so sand is all over the place and while driving, it is suctioned through the air induction system. It goes through an unclean air filter, and starts to sand-blast the sensitive electronic film on the mass meter (air flow meter) which has been causing engine check lights to come on. This is why its important to replace the air filter with an original equipment quality filtration. We have noticed that most air filters sold in the retail aftermarket are not suitable in this regard. In addition, a clean and quality air filter will improve fuel economy by 10%.
The fuel filter! Since 1999> approximately, new car manufacturers have extended the interval replacement mileage to about 100,000 miles compared to every 30,000 miles on pre- 1998. Therefore, it is highly recommended to have the fuel filter replaced every 50-60,000 miles to avoid fuel flow issues and drivability faults.
Sparkplugs! Every 100,000 miles or so, new car manufacturers would like to have the sparkplugs replaced; however, the hotter combustion temperatures created by leaner (less fuel mixture in combustion) constant stop/go traffic most motorists put on their vehicles can cause early breakdown of the electrode of the sparkplugs which leads to misfires and ultimately the engine check light We recommend for you to replace the platinum sparkplugs (if equipped) every 50-60,000 miles or once every four years and to have them torqued to specifications because that will produce a better ground circuit and a smoother running engine.
Automatic transmission fluid! Since 2001>, most Volvo automobiles are equipped with synthetic transmission fluid. We recommend the automatic transmission fluid changed every 50-60,000 miles or every four years. On Mercedes Benz since 1996>on, every 50-60,000 miles even thought they may say, It never needs replacement. Yeah right. Our customers that get the oil serviced early, not when its too late, seem to have less problems with automatic transmission issues.
Coolant! Every 3 years or every 30,000 miles the coolant should be replaced with factory coolant and purified water (removes 95% minerals) which we use. Using purified water helps to minimize electrolysis (small amp charge which circulates and causes wear on the cylinder head gasket and radiator congestion).
Brake fluid! After 30,000 miles or once every three years, the brake fluid needs to get flushed out with approved brake fluid. Its a very important service due to the demand from the ABS and SBC hybrid braking systems, which causes fluid to break down more rapidly. We use approved power-brake fluid and flush equipment. The highest rating now for passenger cars is: dot4+ which is what we use.

Which tire is under inflated and can cause unstable cornering at high speeds? Its the one on the right side(its at 31 lbs). Sometime ago, a client asked me what the tire pressure should be on his car, I mentioned what is stated on the car makers recommendation. Well, now my opinion is : the tire pressure should be what the tire manufacturer states it to be. Too low of a tire pressure will cause dangerous road handling characteristics on your vehicle and may lead to an accident. There are many cases in point on the web regarding this. On many new vehicles, they are equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems(TPMS) so maxium saftey can be achieved while driving at low and high speeds.We at Herbs Foreign Car Service are staying on top of the curve by being able to service TPMS systems for your driving safty and at every service we measure the your tires depth with a gauge to assertain the tires road worthness.

At Herb’s, we use a vast array of automotive technical tools, gauges, sensors, analyzers, and computers to help us diagnose and repair the advanced automotive systems of the latest Volvos and Mercedes.
Whether it’s an engine check light, ABS (automatic brake systems), ETC (electronic transmission control), tracing electrical or mechanical faults or just about anything else, we have the tools that take out the guessing and get your car back on the road.