FAQs

The frequency of engine oil changes depends on usage and the manufacturer's recommendations for your vehicle. Modern cars typically alert you through the dashboard when an oil change is needed. Based on our extensive experience with local driving conditions, we at MotorWerks highly recommend changing the engine oil and filter at a maximum interval of 10,000 km.

Routine maintenance includes oil and filter changes, fluid checks and top-ups, brake and tire inspections, and a diagnostic check for potential issues. To ensure your vehicle's reliability, we always strictly follow the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines.

Signs that your brakes may need replacement include unusual noises or vibrations in the steering wheel when braking, increased stopping distance, a soft or spongy brake pedal, or/and a warning light on the dashboard.

Wheel alignment ensures that your car’s wheels are parallel to each other and properly aligned with the road. It ensures proper handling, extends tire lifespan, and reduces uneven wear. Proper alignment is essential for vehicle stability and overall safety.

Tires should be replaced every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers or when the tread depth is below 1.6 millimeters. Additionally, it's important to check your tires for damage or tears that may require earlier replacement. At our workshop, we inspect your tires and recommend replacement based on the wear they have endured, the distance traveled, the climate conditions in the areas where your vehicle operates, the type of car, your driving style, and your budget.

A diagnostic check is performed using a specialized digital diagnostic tool to identify potential malfunctions in your vehicle. It is recommended when the check engine light comes on, or if your car exhibits unusual behavior.

The cost of basic maintenance varies depending on the car model and its specific needs.

First, check the obvious… do you have fuel? If that’s not the issue, check the battery to ensure it’s not drained. If the problem persists and you don’t have roadside assistance, give us a call so we can assist you or arrange for the towing of your vehicle to our workshop.

Preventive maintenance for a car with a supercharger / Kompressor is especially important to maintain engine performance and prevent costly damage.

At MotorWerks we recommend:

1. Engine oil and filter change.

• Frequency: Every 8,000–10,000 km or once a year, depending on usage.

2. Supercharger / Kompressor maintenance.

• The supercharger oil should be checked and changed every 80,000–100,000 km.
• The supercharger drive belt should be inspected for wear every 30,000–40,000 km.
• Periodic inspection of the air filter, cleaning, and intercooler check to avoid performance reduction.

3. Cooling system.

• Coolant replacement: Every 2–3 years to maintain the engine’s thermal performance.
• Inspection of hoses for leaks or damage in the coolant lines.

4. Spark plugs.

• Replacement frequency: Every 40,000–50,000 km.

5. Fuel and injection system.

• Use of high-quality fuel: Preferably high-octane fuel (95+ or 98/100).

6. Exhaust system:

• Annual check of the catalytic converter and lambda sensor function.

7. Diagnostic check using the genuine Mercedes-Benz diagnostic tool.

This is one of the most common questions we hear — and for good reason! The check engine light is a general warning that something in your engine or vehicle’s electronics isn't functioning properly. It could be something simple, like a loose gas cap, or something more serious, like issues with the ignition system, fuel system, or the catalytic converter itself. In more detail:

• Misfire: Occurs when one or more cylinders aren’t working properly, sending unburnt fuel into the exhaust.
• Ignition system problems: Faulty spark plugs, coils, or wiring can cause misfires.
• Fuel system issues: Faulty injectors or fuel pump can affect engine performance.
• Catalytic converter damage: Driving with a misfire can cause serious damage to the catalytic converter.
• Sensor failures: Malfunctioning oxygen or air flow sensors can cause engine issues.

WARNING! If the light is steady, the vehicle may be safe to drive for a few days — but it still needs to be checked. If it’s flashing, stop immediately and come to us. At MotorWerks, we have the expertise and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to pinpoint the issue accurately and perform the recommended repair.

At MotorWerks, we operate with transparency and give our customers the ability to choose the type of parts they want us to use during the maintenance or repair of their vehicle.

Today, we explain the difference between genuine and OEM/aftermarket parts, so you can make the best choice.

Genuine parts are the original components manufactured by the carmaker (e.g., Mercedes-Benz), ensuring perfect compatibility and performance.

The high-quality OEM/aftermarket parts we recommend at MotorWerks are mainly produced by the same companies that supply the car manufacturers. While they don’t carry the manufacturer’s logo, they meet the same technical specifications.

According to European law, all parts — whether genuine or OEM/aftermarket — are covered by a 2-year warranty.

At MotorWerks, we help you choose the right part by balancing quality and budget, so your vehicle stays in the best possible condition.

For about a decade now, almost all manufacturers have been applying the downsizing technique and equipping cars with smaller displacement engines fitted with turbos for more power, lower consumption, and reduced emissions. Today, we’ll give you 3 simple and essential usage and maintenance tips to ensure both the performance and longevity of your car’s turbo engine.

1. Make sure that after starting, the engine’s operating temperature is normal before pushing it for high performance.
2. After a long drive or heavy engine load, let the engine idle for 1-2 minutes before turning it off.
3. Check the engine oil level every 15 days and always use quality lubricants meeting the manufacturer’s specifications for oil changes, at most every 15,000 km. (At MotorWerks, we recommend oil and filter changes every 10,000 km, as driving conditions in Athens particularly stress engines).

At MotorWerks, with knowledge, state-of-the-art equipment, and especially experience with modern turbo engines, we ensure your car always runs perfectly and, most importantly, safely.

Modern cars are "full" of sensitive electronic systems that require a stable and proper power supply.

Low battery voltage or a faulty charging system can cause serious issues in a modern car, such as engine stalling, malfunctioning air conditioning and infotainment systems, impaired operation of safety-related aids (ABS, ESP, BAS, etc.), and of course, failure to start.

At MotorWerks, we have the equipment and expertise to accurately diagnose the problem and recommend the ideal solution — whether it involves battery replacement or inspection and repair/replacement of the alternator.

Modern air conditioning systems vary significantly depending on the type of refrigerant they use and require special maintenance equipment based on the refrigerant type, R134a or R1234yf.

R134a: The most common refrigerant in previous years. Reliable but with a larger environmental footprint.

R1234yf: The newer, more eco-friendly option with a much lower global warming potential (GWP). It has been mandatory in all new cars registered in the EU since 2017.

WARNING! THE FOLLOWING BRANDS STARTED USING R1234yf BEFORE 2017!!!

Mercedes-Benz from 2013, Volkswagen from 2016, Audi from 2016, BMW from 2017, Porsche, Ford, Opel, Peugeot, Toyota, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, Renault, Nissan, Jeep, Citroen, Fiat, etc.

R1234yf is not compatible with old A/C recycling machines. At MotorWerks, we have the specialized equipment and expertise required for safe and effective maintenance of both R134a and R1234yf, for every brand and type of vehicle. So, if your air conditioning isn’t performing well, it’s time for a check-up.

A clogged air filter can even lead to turbo damage. When airflow to the engine is restricted, the turbo works harder to maintain performance, and there is a risk of particles being sucked in from the dirty filter.

This can cause significant wear to the turbine blades and the turbocharging system, leading to costly problems.

If you hear strange noises/whistling from the turbo, notice excessive smoke from the exhaust, the engine shows reduced power and performance, or the “Check Engine” light turns on, you should immediately visit the workshop to identify the problem.

At MotorWerks, we recommend regular inspection and replacement of the air filter at the intervals specified by the manufacturer to ensure both engine performance and longevity as well as fuel economy.

Yes, we offer a warranty on both our labor and the parts installed. The duration and terms of the warranty vary depending on the type of service and the parts used.

It is recommended to make an appointment to ensure prompt and efficient service. However, we also accept walk-in customers, depending on availability.

By calling +30 210 933 9444 or by emailing us at motorwerksvari@gmail.com, and we will arrange a convenient time for you.