Tag Archives: GPO Tuning

Automotive

Coronavirus Car Tips: What to Disinfect In Your Car Right Now

GPO Tuning

While the coronavirus pandemic has prompted people to work from home, they still need to drive every now and then to do their errands. Essential employees also have to commute to work daily. During this time, staying safe and healthy means disinfecting areas and things we come in contact with, and that includes your car.

A BMW service center in Nashville, GPO Tuning shares tips on how to disinfect your car thoroughly.

Here’s a checklist of car surfaces to clean and disinfect

When a person with coronavirus coughs or exhales, tiny droplets are released and could land on surfaces. The coronavirus can live on surfaces for a few hours to up to several days depending on factors such as the type of surface, temperature, and humidity. The virus can spread when people touch contaminated surfaces and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. 

To reduce the risk of coronavirus infection, Nashville-based BMW service center GPO Tuning recommends disinfecting car surfaces regularly. Focus on frequently touched areas such as:

  • Steering wheel
  • Key and remote fob
  • Exterior door handles
  • Trunk lid
  • Interior door panels
  • Start button, if your car has one
  • Dashboard
  • Audio systems
  • Touchscreens
  • Rearview mirror
  • HVAC vents
  • Gear shifter
  • Turn signal lever
  • Windshield wiper controls
  • Center stack knobs
  • Center console and armrests
  • Seats
  • Seat belt and buckle
  • Headrests
  • Cup holders
  • Parking brake

Hard, non-porous surfaces such as armrests, door handles, seat belt buckles, light and air controls, doors, windows, and grab handles can be cleaned with soap and water before applying a disinfectant. Soft, porous surfaces such as fabric seats should be cleaned with products formulated specifically for the material. Electronic touchscreens are sensitive and should be cleaned and disinfected following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Here’s a list of disinfectants considered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as effective against the coronavirus. Always read the label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for concentration, application method, and contact time for all cleaning and disinfection products. Do wear gloves while disinfecting your car, and try to do so in a well-ventilated area.

Just as important as keeping your car coronavirus-free is making sure it’s safe to drive. While regular car maintenance is easy to overlook, it’s one of the most important things you can do for your vehicle. Ignoring maintenance can end up costing you more in the long run. If your BMW needs more than just a thorough disinfection, schedule an appointment with GPO Tuning, a  BMW service center in Nashville. Their team of technicians provides a mix of factory training, ASE certifications, technical school training, and have over 100 years of combined experience, making sure your vehicle is in excellent condition.  

As an essential service provider for transportation, GPO Tuning is open for business. Get in touch with them today to book an appointment.

German Performance Options (GPO Tuning) is Nashville’s most trusted independent BMW service center. Call 615.248.9466 to speak to one of their service advisors.

General

Nashville VW Repair Shop Dishes On Das Auto

GPO Tuning
Volkswagen is one of the most popular vehicle brands on the road. However, GPO Tuning, Nashville’s premier VW repair, maintenance and tuning provider, says that most drivers know astoundingly little about the German company. We recently sat down with techs from the busy performance tuning shop to get the inside scoop about what is under the proverbial hood.

Q: Thank you for sitting with us today. We have heard that Volkswagen has a very long history. Can you fill us in?

GPO Tuning: Absolutely. There are a few things that many people do not know. First is that the brand we have all lovingly come to know as Das Auto (The Car), was originally thought up by the most abhorrent human being in history: Adolf Hitler. But the brand has ties to many beloved historical figures as well, and the first “People’s Car” was designed by none other than Ferdinand Porsche.

Q: What is the most popular Volkswagen?

GPO Tuning: That is an easy question to answer. The Beetle is the most iconic of the Volkswagen models. Although they were discontinued, we offer VW repair for all Beetles, no matter their condition or age. Interestingly, there were more than 21 million Beetles sold before production was pulled. We’re personal fans of the Scirocco and Corrado as well. The new GTI’s and Golf R’s are fantastic cars as well. It’s too bad the TDI’s (VW Diesels) had the Dieselgate incident, as those are great cars too.

Q: We understand that the Volkswagen group actually owns many other brands as well.

GPO Tuning: Correct! Although few people know it, Volkswagen owns Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, and Audi. Our certified VW repairs techs in Nashville are qualified to handle diagnostics and repairs on these and other German vehicles. We also offer performance tuning for drivers who want more than what their vehicle offers directly from the assembly line. Volkswagen owns so many brands that more than one out of every ten vehicles sold worldwide is manufactured by the group.

Q: In the US, we tend to love our GMC’s and Fords. How prevalent are Volkswagens in the states?

GPO Tuning GPO Tuning: The US market is one of the most coveted among auto manufacturers. Because of this, competition is brutal. Despite our lingering affection for our American and Japanese vehicles, Volkswagen does sell around half a million cars in the United States each year. Incidentally, for those buying in Music City, GPO Tuning is one of the only shops in Nashville that specialize in VW repair and service.

Q: It sounds like it is growing in popularity. How many people does it take to make all of those vehicles?

GPO Tuning: Around 600,000 people receive a paycheck from the Volkswagen Group. Almost half of those – 270,000 – work at a single location in Germany. Volkswagen is not the only automotive giant across the pond, either. Around 2% of Germany’s workforce works for either VW, BMW, or Daimler. These manufacturers are known overseas as the “Big Three.”

Q: That is a lot of people turning wrenches…

GPO Tuning: It is. This does not even take into account companies that provide VW repair. The 600,000 folks that work for Volkswagen and its subsidiaries are involved in design, sales, marketing, and production, not service.

Q: We are beginning to think that we need to start the new year with a new vehicle. We appreciate your time with us today and look forward to speaking with you again. Before we close, can you tell our readers a bit more about GPO Tuning?

GPO Tuning: We are an independent Nashville-based VW repair shop, and we offer service to most European automobiles. We employ a team of the most experienced automotive technicians and have been serving the Nashville area since 2003. For more information about GPO Tuning, visit www.gpotuning.com.

Automotive

GPO Tuning: Volkswagen Repair in Nashville Starts With Maintenance

GPO Tuning GPO Tuning is Nashville’s leading import service shop and specializes in performance tuning and general repairs on Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Mini and Porsche, and other high-performance vehicles. Here, the experts from this Music City garage open up about ways to maintain a Volkswagen, and when it’s best to seek an expert.

Q: What is the first sign that something is wrong with my vehicle?

GPO Tuning, Volkswagen Repair Nashville: That really depends on the problem. If your tires are out of balance, for example, your vehicle may feel shaky when you drive down the highway. However, for many problems, a check engine light is the first sign that you need Volkswagen repair. In Nashville, that means paying us a visit to have your vehicle evaluated by a professional.

Q: A check engine light always indicates a serious issue, right?

GPO Tuning, Volkswagen Repair Nashville: Fortunately, no. While a check engine light does require expertise, and often specialized equipment, to track down the root cause, sometimes it is something as simple as a loose fuel cap.

Q: How can I tell if my brakes need attention?

GPO Tuning, Volkswagen Repair Nashville: Squealing or a grating noise or vibration when braking is a good indication that your Volkswagens braking system needs repair. Something else to look for is fluid under the vehicle where you park. If you see any liquid other than regular condensation, call your mechanic.

Q: Is there a way to avoid costly repairs?

GPO Tuning, Volkswagen Repair Nashville: There are many things you can do to reduce the chances of needing Volkswagen repair. In Nashville, this starts with changing the oil regularly. This is usually done in increments of 5,000 miles as our humid heat during the summer necessitates frequent oil changes. Your Volkswagen technician might also suggest changing the spark plugs and filters.

GPO Tuning
Q: Where is the best place to park my Volkswagen?

GPO Tuning, Volkswagen Repair Nashville: A garage or covered carport is best to avoid storm and sun damage. Something else to consider is whether or not you park on a steep hill, which will make it necessary to engage the parking brake. This can add extra wear and tear to your braking system so make sure to ask your mechanic to check your brake pads at each visit.

Q: How can I talk to my mechanic about needed repairs?

GPO Tuning, Volkswagen Repair Nashville: Do not be afraid to ask them point blank what, exactly, is wrong with your vehicle. At GPO Tuning, our mechanics are certified and trained to work on your Volkswagen. They have the expertise and knowledge to diagnose problems, and won’t give you the runaround or leave you with a vague answer.

Q: Will they be able to tell me how long my repairs will take?

GPO Tuning, Volkswagen Repair Nashville: You will not always get an exact time. Minor repairs and maintenance may take a single day while more involved projects can take a week or more. Your mechanic can help you pinpoint the appropriate time to bring your vehicle and will let you know immediately if anything comes up that might delay its return.

Q: Other than repairs, what services are available at GPO Tuning?

GPO Tuning, Volkswagen Repair Nashville: We offer performance tuning that can take your vehicle to the next level. From performance tuning software, air intake systems to lightened flywheels and larger turbochargers, our performance tuning services can help you upgrade your Volkswagen a little or a lot, it all depends on what you want to get out of your vehicle and your budget.

Call German Performance Options (GPO Tuning) for answers to all your questions about VW Repair or visit www.gpotuning.com. 615-392-5498