Arlington Auto Repair

When Mercedes-Benz introduced the W123 series in 1976, it was meant to be the company’s reliable, mid-sized sedan line—comfortable, durable, and refined, but still affordable compared to the brand’s flagship models. What Mercedes did not anticipate was that the W123 would become so well-built and long-lasting that it would create a problem for the company: customers were not replacing their cars often enough. The W123 earned a reputation as one of the most durable vehicles ever made, but its success also nearly pushed Mercedes-Benz into financial trouble. A Reputation for Unmatched Durability Mercedes designed the W123 with longevity as a top priority. It was built during an era when cost-cutting was minimal and engineering quality came before profit margins. The result was a car that could easily surpass hundreds of thousands of miles with routine maintenance. The body was solid, the engines were built to run for decades, and the interior materia ... read more

Porsche is known worldwide for its commitment to blending performance and everyday usability, and one of its most celebrated innovations is the PDK transmission. PDK stands for Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, which translates to "Porsche double-clutch transmission." This advanced system offers lightning-fast gear changes and has transformed how enthusiasts and everyday drivers experience Porsche vehicles. But how exactly does it work, and what makes it so special compared to other transmission systems? What Is a Double-Clutch Transmission A double-clutch transmission (DCT) is a type of automated manual transmission that uses two separate clutches for odd and even gear sets. In a traditional manual transmission, one clutch is engaged and disengaged by the driver, but in a DCT, two clutches operate alternately to pre-select the next gear. This design allows for near-instantaneous gear changes without interrupting power delivery to the wheels, resulting in s ... read more

Audi vehicles are known for their sophisticated styling, advanced technology, and performance capabilities. A used Audi can be a smart way to enjoy luxury driving at a more affordable price point—if you know what to look for. While Audis deliver a rewarding ownership experience, they also come with specific maintenance considerations that potential buyers should understand before making a purchase. Doing your homework before buying a used Audi can help you avoid costly surprises and get the most value out of your investment. Know the Maintenance History Audis require consistent, high-quality maintenance. A well-documented service history is crucial when purchasing a pre-owned model. You want to be sure the oil has been changed at proper intervals, the timing components are up to date, and fluids have been serviced as recommended by the manufacturer. If the previous owner skipped maintenance, even a low-mileage Audi can develop expensive issues. Always ask for ... read more

If your car’s air conditioning system was built after 2015, there’s a good chance it uses refrigerant 1234yf instead of the older R-134a. Both refrigerants do the same job—cooling the air inside your cabin—but they’re not interchangeable. The switch to 1234yf wasn’t just about performance. It was driven by environmental regulations and the push for safer, more sustainable automotive systems. So, what exactly is the difference between these two refrigerants? And what should you keep in mind when servicing your vehicle’s AC system? Here’s what you need to know. The Purpose of Automotive Refrigerant Refrigerant is the chemical compound that circulates through your car’s AC system, absorbing heat from the interior and releasing it outside. It shifts between gas and liquid states as it moves through the compressor, condenser, and evaporator. For decades, vehicles used R-12, and then R-134a became the industry standar ... read more

If you’ve ever noticed a loud humming or whistling sound while driving—especially at highway speeds—it might not be your tires or engine. It could be your roof rack. While roof racks are great for hauling gear, bikes, or cargo boxes, they can also be the source of unexpected wind noise that quickly becomes annoying. So yes, roof racks can absolutely create extra wind noise. But why does it happen, and what can you do to reduce it without giving up the convenience? Why Roof Racks Create Wind Noise When air flows over your car, it usually moves smoothly across the roof. Adding a roof rack interrupts that flow. The crossbars, mounting brackets, and cargo carriers stick up into the airstream and create turbulence—similar to how blowing across a bottle’s opening creates a whistle. The speed of the vehicle, the shape of the rack, and even the spacing between crossbars can all affect how much noise is produced. On some vehicles, especially th ... read more