Posts Tagged ‘auto repair’

California Encourages The Retirement Of Aging “Dirty” Vehicles

Friday, August 20th, 2010

Tailpipe image

Old vehicles tend to produce more pollution than older vehicles. In fact, when it comes to California fleet vehicles, the California Bureau of Automotive Repair say that “75 percent of vehicular pollution is caused by just 25 percent of the vehicle fleet” in the state of CA.

Because some fleet vehicles are proving to be big polluters, CA completely removes these vehicles from the road should they fail the their biannual smog checks. In addition to looking at its own vehicles, the state is also considering a proposal that would expand its Fleet Modernization Program, which would give money to vehicle owners who turn in their cars that fail their smog checks. (more…)

How to Change a Flat Tire

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Driving 101: the most important aspect of driving is safety. Sure, we all understand the fundamental safety tips which include obeying the speed limit, using turn signals to change lanes, knowing your surroundings, and not multitasking – especially now since using your cell phone is illegal! But what about changing a tire? If you do not know how to change a tire, waiting for an auto club response vehicle is very unsafe. Anyone learning to drive should learn how to change a tire to stay safe when on the road. If changing a tire is new to you, follow these steps on your way to successfully changing your first tire: (more…)

Five Signs There May Trouble Under the Hood

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

Sometimes car trouble can sneak up on you. Simply relying on your check engine light is not enough to address numerous mechanic problems that could occur from normal driving. That’s why it’s important for all drivers to become more in tune with what you may see, hear, and smell to avoid being stranded.

Warning Lights – Naturally the first type of warning signs for engine trouble is naturally the amber warning lights. These lights are located on your dashboard and usually consist of oil pressure, oil level, and/or the check engine warning. The latter could be indicative a number of problems. By taking your vehicle to a mechanic immediately, they can diagnose what’s happening and hopefully figure out a quick solution. You can even purchase one of these diagnostic tools yourself for about $100 at your local auto parts retailer. (more…)

Video: Driveway Oil Change

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

In the last post, we covered general tips and tricks for performing an oil change yourself. While there are many locations such as Kansas City Auto Repair that are more than capable of providing this service quickly, it’s sometimes a little more rewarding to perform this routine type of auto maintenance yourself. To compliment our previous posts, here’s a video to better illustrate the steps you’ll need to take for a quick lube. (more…)

A Quick Look at Fuel Injection

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

The modern fuel system as changed dramatically over the years in order to make car more fuel efficient and to curb harmful emissions. It wasn’t that long ago when fuel systems included a carburetor, but these days the carburetor has been replaced with the fuel injection system.

Electronic fuel injection first became common on European cars in the 1980s. Eventually, the trend caught on and according to Birmingham used cars dealers  the last car to be sold with a carburetor in the U.S. was the 1990 Subaru Justy.

The carburetor was a devise designed to deliver fuel to the engine, and it is still used in machines other than automobiles. Overtime, Used Cars Philadelphia says the carburetor became more complex, and included components that regulated fuel delivery while cruising, another that regulated fuel while the vehicle was idling, another that regulated fuel during acceleration, and another that regulated fuel while towing.

To improve emissions, cars began using catalytic converters, which maintained the right air to fuel ratio. Oxygen sensors monitored the exhaust and the engine control unit further adjusted the air to fuel ratio on the fly. Eventually, electronic carburetors were introduced before throttle body fuel injection systems were finally employed. These systems suggests Portland OR Honda were a basic replacement for a carburetor and did not require extensive changes from automakers.  However, engines were eventually changed to accommodate a new fuel injection system, the multi-port fuel injection system. This system provides fuel injectors for each individual cylinder, thereby providing more accurate fuel dispensing and improved response.

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Read more about fuel injection on Auto Repair blog.

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Servicing Rear Brake Drums

Friday, August 14th, 2009

Drum brake image

Many cars feature drum brakes in the rear. Although most of your vehicle’s stopping power comes from the front disc brakes, your drum brakes also require regular maintenance to ensure the utmost stopping power and safety.

To begin inspecting the rear brakes, you’ll need to jack the car up and remove the rear wheel and tire. Try to service one drake at a time, rather than trying to do them both. This will provide you with a guide when reassembling if you need one advises one Ford parts Collegeville retailer. You’ll also want to wash excess debris and brake dust off of the drum to be able to inspect wear and tear. You’ll want to look for any cracks in the drum and make sure that the hydraulic wheel cylinder isn’t leaking any fluids.

Measuring the drum is important an auto body shop Richmond says to determine if it is the appropriate size for your vehicle. This will require taking micrometer measurements along the inside of the drum. If the drum measures less than the maximum specifications outlined by the vehicle’s manufacturer, then Acura Service St Louis suggests it will need to be machined by a mechanic. If the drum is more than the maximum measurements, it will need to be replaced.

The brake shoes may also need to be replaced if they’ve been worn down significantly. If the lining is doesn’t meet the manufactures requirements, it will need to be replaced recommends Suzuki Service Rochester, and to do this you’ll need brake pliers. You’ll also need to remove the brake shoe return springs.

During this process it’s important to check for any leaks that may have developed. Leaking hydraulic fluid can be dangerous and Medford used car dealers say it could reduce stopping power. To do this appropriately requires loosening the brake line and checking the bolts located on the back of the cylinder. Be aware that inspecting this can be a bit awkward due to the position of such components and the bolts may be a bit difficult to reach.

When replacing a brake cylinder, always place the cylinder on the first. Afterward, bolt this it into place and reconnect the brake line. Manchester NH car dealers stress that it’s important to replace the cylinder before the shoes. In addition, you’ll want to replace the back shoe before the primary shoe. Using your brake pliers, you can apply the brake springs next. If you get lost during reassembly, you can inspect the owner’s manual, or look over the brake on the other side of the vehicle.

A turkey baster could come in handy to drain old brake fluid and add fresh fluid. After all steps are done, they can be repeated for the drum brake on the other side of the vehicle. (more…)

How to Keep Your Tires Rolling

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

Tires can frustratingly be pricey, but the value of a quality tire should not be ignored. As the only safety device on your car that is actually touching the road, your tires play a large role in helping avoid accidents. In addition to increasing traction, tires also affect stopping distances and fuel economy. Let’s look at some of the issues that will affect the health of your tires.

First, if your tires are old, they should not be trusted. Manufacturers add dates to the tire’s sidewall to indicate age. If your tires are 5-10 years old, Cadillac Service Greensburg suggests that you’ll want to consider getting newer tires to ensure the integrity of the tire has not been compromised. The date is also something to consider when buying new tires, as some tire companies have been known to pawn off tires that have been sitting a bit too long.

Under inflated tires are by no means a minor problem. With more tread touching the road, they tend to run at higher temperatures than an adequately inflated tire says Hartford CT Tire Center. This added fiction could increase wear and exacerbate damage to the rubber. Additionally, overinflated tires can also impair safety as on road traction will likely decline dramatically. Both scenarios will also negatively affect your vehicle’s fuel economy.

Tires are made of rubber, which not only deteriorates from age, but Auto Repair Richmond adds they also deteriorates from ultraviolet light and chemicals in the road. If you have a garage or carport, use it to ensure your tires are not exposed to unnecessary amounts of sunlight. There are also a number of affordable products available at any automotive parts store such as Mazda parts Salinas that can clean tires and protect them from harmful elements.

Car tires are not invincible, and they remain susceptible to harmful debris on the road. If you sustain a puncture or nail in the tire, get it plugged immediately! A plug can prevent the tire from a potential blowout warns Nissan Parts Chattanooga, which would render the tire completely useless. A plug is a cheap fix to a potentially costly problem. As with all of these issues, remain proactive to ensure years of trouble-free wear.

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Read new DIY auto repair tips here.

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Sustaining the Life of Your Car

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009

Car repair image

Taking preventive measures to ensure your car is functioning and looking its best can help save money in the long wrong. Take a look at some of these simple steps to take to prevent costly damage from occurring.

Oil Changes Make All the Difference

Oil is the lifeblood of your car. While they can seem cumbersome within your busy schedule, it’s important not to avoid getting your oil changed at the scheduled intervals says Commercial Trucks Portland ME.  But changing your oil should also include a number of fluid changes, such as your vehicle’s antifreeze as well as transmission and brake fluid. Overtime, these vital fluids fail to lubricate properly or fail to fight against rust and freezing. When this happens, used cars St Louis dealers warn it could take a toll on the engine and reduce longevity. Your air filter should also be replaced regularly to keep foreign debris from building up in the engine, which easily damages vital engine parts. A clogged air filter can even hinder fuel economy since the engine essentially will have to work harder to breathe.

Keep Cool Under Pressure

Your cooling system should be checked regularly to prevent devastating damage. Trenton Auto Service says this is especially true in summer months and in warmer climates. Ensuring your cooling system is working adequately helps prevent the engine from overheating and essentially melting down. Chevrolet Cincinnati Ohio agrees that simply ensuring your hoses are in good condition, as well as maintaining proper coolant levels, is a cheap and easy way to prevent inconvenient and costly repairs.

Keep Your Car Rolling

One of the commonly neglected parts of a car is the tires according to Kansas City Used Cars. This is unusual considering that checking air pressure takes seconds, and is usually free to do. It’s difficult to see how neglecting your tires adversely affects your car but this can easily impair fuel economy. More importantly, improper air pressure can also impair vehicle safety. With tires receiving constant wear, it’s crucial to avoid too much wear. To prevent excessive wear, Mazda Service Seaside stresses that you should rotate your tires about every 3,000 miles, which will help the tires wear evenly.

Listen to Your Car

Your car’s gauges can give you plenty of insight into what’s going on with your vehicle advises Pennsylvania Acura. If you choose to ignore them, you may end up paying the costly consequences.

Put Your Trust in the Right People

Locating a repair shop is more difficult than you may think. Sure it’s easy to find plenty within a reasonable distance, but having a mechanic that truly understands your car and won’t overcharge you for repairs is crucial – and hard to come by admits Illinois Hyundai. Don’t settle for just anyone when your car needs repairs, go to someone you trust and can give helpful advice.

Check Ups Keep Your Car Healthy

Getting a check up by a mechanic can solve can help your car in a couple ways. First it allows you to build a relationship with your mechanic, and it familiarizes them with your car. Secondly, Used Cars New Haven CT believe a simple checkup can give your mechanic an opportunity to spot a red flag and prevent future mechanical problems.

Alter Your Driving Habits

Changing the way you drive can make a huge impact on your car. By accelerating slowly and braking early, Allentown Auto Loans suggests that you can improve gas mileage and increase the longevity of your brakes. Also, by consolidating errands and making fewer short trips, you can greatly reduce wear and tear on your vehicle.

Decrease the Extra Baggage

Just as shedding some extra weight can improve your energy, losing weight can have the same effect on your car. Carrying around heavy or unnecessary cargo can add weight, which impairs aerodynamics and adds strain on the engine. One St Paul used Ford dealer warn that this increases wear and tear and dramatically reduces fuel economy.

Don’t Forget to Wash

A clean car isn’t just an attractive car suggest the Boston Infiniti service center. By cleaning your car regularly, not only will it look better in the long run, the it will also become more aerodynamic which can impact your fuel economy.

Cover Up Whenever Possible

Weather and nature can easily damage your car. According to Ford Pittsburgh, keeping your car in a garage or carport can help you avoid harmful elements that impair the look of your vehicle. (more…)

Learn How to Check Transmission Fluid

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

Just like most components in your vehicle, the transmission requires a fluid to keep is running properly. The transmission fluid level is important to keep track of, as this fluid keeps the transmission shifting properly. Without adequate amounts of transmission fluid, the transmission may not operate as smoothly as possible.

The first step in checking your transmission fluid is locating the dipstick. Similar to checking your vehicle’s oil level, the oil change Richmond VA specialists suggest that the transmission dipstick is also a way to ensure the appropriate level of transmission fluid. When locating the transmission fluid dipstick, you’ll want to look for its handle, which will either be T-shaped or have a ring.

Similar to checking the oil dipstick, you’ll want to take the transmission dipstick out and immediately wipe it clean, place it back in its housing, and then pull it out again. Then, hold the dipstick so that the end is easily visible.  The fluid will cling to the dipstick, helping to indicate the transmission fluid level. Discount Toyota Service San Diego says the indicators should be on the dipstick, as lines or words. The transmission fluid dipstick also has two sets of indicators, one for providing a reading when the vehicle is cold and another when the vehicle is hot. Each set will allow you to see whether the transmission fluid level is full or low. If it’s low, you’ll need to add more transmission fluid.

Lastly, return the transmission fluid dipstick to its original housing and make sure it’s firmly back in place. Checking transmission fluid is a very simple process that any driver can do. Checking it often can help ensure your vehicle’s transmission will operate effectively in the long run, recommends one auto body shop Richmond. If your transmission is repeatedly showing a low fluid level, you may need to have it inspected for leaks, which could be costly if left unchecked.

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When looking for do it yourself auto repair tips, look no further.

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Prevent a Car From Overheating

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009

At one point or another, many drivers have been in a car that has overheated. Although being in a car that is overheating can make you a bit uneasy, it is actually fairly easy to get where you need to go without causing irreparable engine damage.

The first thing to do is to keep your eye on the temperature gauge recommends Los Angeles Body Shop. If you see that the gauge is rising, it means that your vehicle may be on the verge of overheating. The best thing to do is to pull over and shut the vehicle off, but this obviously guarantees that you will not be able to arrive at your destination on time.

Engine Cooling System imageIf your vehicle begins to overheat and you need to keep moving to your destination, San Diego collision centers say the best thing to do is to turn the car’s heater on full, which will help blow cool air into the engine. In addition to cranking up the heater, you’ll want to drive slow to keep the engine from working too hard. Eventually, Nissan Washington DC stresses that you’ll want a mechanic to take a look at the engine and inspect the coolant level, radiator, and the thermostat.

Having your cooling system checked as soon as possible will prevent serious engine damage. Although simply turning your heater on may not work all the time on all vehicles, it is a proven way to hell curb an overheating engine if you catch it early. (more…)