Your European Dealer Alternative Since 1978

Windshield wipers are often overlooked when it comes to vehicle maintenance, but they are vital in keeping you safe in your Mini Cooper. They help you maintain visibility and drive safely through the rain or snow, which we will see a lot during the next couple of months. However, they are also in frequent need of attention. Windshield wipers are generally made of some sort of rubber, which is susceptible to wearing out quickly. Even if you feel like you don’t use your wipers that often, it is important to consider that they sit on the outside of your vehicle. Therefore, it is often exposed to external elements like dust, dirt, pollen, and UV rays. From wear and tear and sitting out, your wipers will become less effective over time. At Central Import Automotive, we recommend that you replace your Mini Cooper’s windshield wipers every 6-12 months. That way, you can feel safer driving through the rain and snow this winter. Fortunately, wiper blades are inexpensive and easy t ... read more

Tire balancing service involves modifying the tire mount to ensure that all tires on your Porsche vehicle are balanced. It prevents one side of your Porsche from taking too much pressure on the other. And it is a wonderful service to promote even tire wear. When combining tire balancing services with other tire maintenance, such as checking tire pressure and rotating tires, your tires can last years more. Day after day, your Porsche has to trek through rough road conditions, which can cause your tires to become unbalanced. Having a crucial tire balancing service done sooner than later can save you time and money on tires later on.  Symptoms of Bad Wheel/Tire Balance Excessive wheel vibrations Vibrating steering wheel  Problems with shocks and struts Rough vehicle handling Uneven tire wear Decreased fuel economy If you want your Porsche vehicle to run at its best, the European car specialists at Central Import Automotive recommend you balance your tires at least once ... read more

If you are fortunate enough to own and drive a BMW, you've already made it. They are some of the best vehicles that combine luxury, practicality, and performance. Another plus is that BMW sets a maintenance schedule for you to follow to keep your car or SUV performing at high levels year after year. If you stay in tune with the factory-recommended maintenance, you shouldn't face any problems with your BMW.  Unfortunately, however, driving naturally causes wear and tear on your BMW's components. Thanks to modern technology, most BMWs have the tech and capability to detect when something goes bad. More importantly, your car will remind you when your car is due for maintenance. Besides listening and keeping an eye out for your BMW's messages and warnings, here are some crucial tips to remember when caring for your Bimmer! CHECK THE CONDITION OF YOUR BMW TIRES REGULARLY Industry experts suggest keeping an eye out for your tires. They can be costly to repla ... read more

While many of you may be changing out your attire for boots and jackets in the next upcoming months, we want to remind you to tend to your car as well. With Autumn right around the corner, you should be aware of the troubles that come along with the wind chills, fallen leaves, etc.   Here are some of the auto maintenance tasks that you should prioritize this fall to avoid problems later on.  Problem #1: Leaves Who doesn’t enjoy the changing colors of the leaves in Toronto this time of year? It is important to note that they won’t stay on the leaves for long. When the leaves start to fall and cover the grounds (and our cars), it can pose a major hazard on the road. To stay safe, proceed with caution when driving over slippery leaves. Furthermore, remove any leaves that get stuck to your car’s windshield and body. Problem #2: Weak Battery When colder weather comes around, car batteries seem to die out of the blue. This is because your battery took a hit ... read more

When it comes to oil changes, you should always follow your manufacturer’s recommended intervals. Furthermore, it is even more important that you use the right type of oil each time. When it is time to take your car, SUV, or truck to an auto repair shop, have confidence that the repair specialists at Central Import Automotive in Toronto, ON will do it right.    There are three main types of engine oil: synthetic, semi-synthetic, and conventional. In this blog, we will go over the different characteristics of each.   Synthetic Oil Synthetic oil is chemically engineered in a lab to be more consistent and longer lasting. Synthetic oils have additives that can boost performance, minimize heat and friction, and prevent corrosion. Newer vehicles or vehicles with high-performing engines require synthetic oil. The only downside of synthetic oil is that they are the most expensive type on the market. The higher price tag may be unappealing for some, but its durability ... read more