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Posts Tagged ‘car repair’

We tend to take our vehicle’s brakes for granted. We use them throughout the day as we travel back and forth between our home, office, grocery store, mall, and other places. We depend on them for our safety, but we rarely consider them until problems emerge. Like most other auto parts, your braking system and its individual components endure wear and tear. Given enough time, they'll eventually need to be replaced.

Most people wait until they notice pulling, pulsing, grinding, or squealing from their braking system before they take their vehicles into the shop. Below, I'll explain how each of these problems happens so you'll have a clearer understanding with regard to your car's brakes.

Pulling To The Side

In some cases, pressing on the pedal to slow your car might result in your vehicle pulling to one side. Turn the whell slightly to the other side to compensate for the pull. Several factors can cause this. For example, if oil leaks onto the pads or the shoes on one side, it can prevent the brake's operation. The pulling can also be caused by the pads or shoes not being adjusted properly.

Grinding and Squealing

This is a common “wear and tear” problem; pads and shoes will eventually wear down. When they do, they’ll contribute to friction, which causes squealing. Normally, the problem can be resolved relatively inexpensively by replacing the worn parts. If the problem is allowed to persist, the rotor may become damaged, which leads to a grinding noise. When that happens, the cost of repairs will increase because the rotor will need to be smoothed.

The Pulsing Pedal

When you feel pulsing in the brake pedal, it can be causes by the anti-lock system being engaged. However, more often than not, the pulsing is caused by a warped rotor. A rotor can become warped over time due to heat, friction, and even moisture. The warp causes an uneven surface, which leads to the pulse you’ll feel in the pedal. This can normally be resolved by smoothing the rotor.

Lackluster Performance

You might find that, over time, your brakes become far less effective toward slowing your vehicle than they once were. This can be due to a few different reasons. First, the pads and shoes can crystallize as the result of excess heat due to friction. Second, an oil seal may develop a leak allowing oil to soak the pads and shoes. Third, if the engine develops a vaccuum problem, your brake performance can suffer.

Because your vehicle’s brakes are critical to your safety, not to mention the safety of your passengers and other motorists, learn to identify early signs of trouble. If you notice any of them, have a trained mechanic inspect your car and resolve the underlying issue.

With summer finally upon us, millions of drivers are remembering one of the drawbacks of warm weather: a baking car interior. Left in the sun, the inside of your vehicle can heat up to the point that it practically seems like an oven. Even if you leave your automobile in the shade, the temperature inside can rise sharply. By the time you climb back into your car, turning on the air conditioner may not make much of an impact. Below, I’ll provide four tips that you can use to keep your vehicle’s interior below oven temperatures during the summer.

#1 – Crack Your Windows

Before leaving your vehicle to roast in the sun, crack each of your windows a half-inch. This helps the inside temperature in two ways. First, hot air can easily escape throughout the day. Second, the circulation will allow even the lightest breeze to push the heated air out of your automobile. It's important to remember that heat builds pressure. If you don’t crack your windows, you might come back to your car and wonder how they burst.

#2 – Invest In Tinting

Tinting your windows does more than merely keep prying eyes from peering inside. It can play a key role in lowering your interior's temperature while your automobile sits in the summer sun. This is especially true if you use it in conjunction with leaving a half-inch crack around the perimeter.

Keep in mind that every state has slightly different rules regarding tinting. Some restrict tine allowance to the rear windows, while others limit the darkness of the tint allowed. Check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to make certain you’re complying with the law.

#3 - Buy A Shield For The Windshield

You’ve probably seen these in other vehicles. Several companies manufacture shields that you can place on your dashboard when you leave you car. The cheap kind (usually less than $10) are made from cardboard; they unfold to block most of the windshield. Shields that are more expensive are made from materials that not only block the sun’s rays, but also reflect them.

These shields can lower the temperature in your car by over 20 degrees Fahrenheit, which will reduce the load you place on your air conditioner.

#4 – Park In The Shade

When shade is available, park under it (when you can do so legally). Lots of times people fail to plan ahead with their parking - looking for the spots closest to the door and giving no thought to the sun exposure. An hour spent on the baking asphalt of a parking lot can cause your interior's temperature to rise dramatically. Park in the shade, even if it means having to walk a little further. You'll be glad once you get back to your vehicle.

There’s a lot you can do to keep the inside of your car cool during the summer. Crack the windows, have them tinted, buy a windshield blocker, and park in the shade. A little planning upfront can provide plenty of comfort later.

A lot of people nowadays work on their cars at home rather than paying for a tow truck and a costly repair shop. The fact is, OEM parts can be purchased easily online and shipped directly to your door. If you have a little experience with working under the hood, you can often repair your vehicle in less time for a lower cost.

Having said that, attention wanes and accidents happen. It’s not uncommon for a simple maintenance item (for example, replacing a battery) to cause serious injuries. With this in mind, here are four tips that all but guarantee your safety while you're working on your car.

#1 – Keep A First Aid Kit Nearby

Again, accidents happen. Even if you have a lot of experience working under the hood of your vehicle and know nearly everything your mechanic knows, you can still become injured. Make sure you have a first aid kit within immediate reach. Nobody plans to get battery acid on themselves or to sustain nasty cuts, but these things occur. Be prepared in the event they do.

#2 – Know Your Limits

Chances are, you can’t lift as much weight as you think. Nor are you as flexible as you once were. Know your limits when you change your tire or take out the cylinder head. Some parts are heavy or require aggressive straining. Be especially careful if you have a bad back or persistent knee problems. Also, some of your vehicle’s components may be positioned in a way that you need to twist your body to reach them. Keep in mind that optimism about your flexibility can leave you with severely strained muscles.

#3 - Get Rid Of Loose Clothes

There are many moving parts under your car’s hood. Pulleys and belts can easily ensnare loose sleeves, jewelry, and hair. Don’t wear loose clothing. Take all pieces of jewelry off, including your watch. If you have longer hair, make sure that it is securely tied behind you before you start working on your vehicle.

#4 - Be Careful of Hot Things

When your car is on, many of the parts become extremely hot. If you’re not wary, you can suffer bad burns. It's worth noting that it's not just your engine and transmission that get hot. Your catalytic converter, radiator, and various pipes all need to cool down before you put on your weekend mechanic’s hat.

Just because it’s easy to purchase OEM parts online doesn’t mean you can ignore basic auto repair safety. Know your physical limits, be careful of hot components, avoid loose-fitting clothes, and keep a first aid kit within reach. It does little good to save a few dollars repairing your own vehicle if you’re injured in the process.

Most of us drive vehicles with automatic transmissions. They’re more convenient for daily commuting and they’re more prevalent; automakers equip the majority of their fleets with them. Having said that, cars with manual transmissions are generally more fun to drive, especially on highways and roads uncongested with traffic. The magic is in the control given to the driver. In effect, the motorist chooses which gears to hit and when to hit them, allowing him or her to maximize engine performance.

Even though manual trannies are becoming rarer each year, they continue to be the main ingredient in performance vehicles. We will cover the basics of your automobiles manual transmission. I’ll describe the basics regarding how they work, including how moving the shift knob through the gears translates into drive power to the wheels.

Keeping Below The Redline

Your vehicle’s engine has limits; it’s generally referred to as the “redline.” When you put pressure on the gas pedal, you’ll hear the engine grow louder as the RPMs climb. The redline is the point past which your engine becomes in danger of failing – or blowing apart under the stress.

Most engines enjoy their peak performance at approximately 5,500 RPMs. The goal is to reach that level but not cross it. That’s what a manual transmission does. It lets the driver set the gear ratios that allow the engine to operate within its optimal RPM range without exceeding the redline.

Gears & Clutches

In a manual 5-speed or 6-speed, the driver controls the gear ratios through the clutch, a component that connects the engine with the transmission. When the clutch pedal is pushed down, the connection is severed. When the clutch pedal is released, the connection is reestablished. When connected, engine powers the revolutions of the output shaft which in turn powers the layshaft. The teeth of the gears interlock so that the spinning of the gears coincide with the spinning of the engine.

How The Shift Knob Contributes To Gear Selection

From a top-down perspective, the positions of the shift knob look similar to an “H” formation. When you move the knob into a particular position, it powers a gear selector fork. That fork powers a collar within the tranny. The collar is outfitted with dog teeth that fit into the grooves of the 1st through 5th (or 6th) gears. Depending upon the position into which you move the shift knob, the corresponding gear will be engaged.

A car’s manual transmission follows a beautifully graceful design. This doesn’t mean the design work is rudimentary. On the contrary, like a Swiss watch, the gears, dog teeth, and other components adhere to a well-honed precision. For car aficionados, that level of precision translates into irreplaceable engine performance.

Some auto repair jobs come with prices that seem appropriate given the size of the part, time required to fix or replace it, and the value of having a particular problem resolved. Others can mysteriously cost an arm and a leg, even if the issue is unimportant and fixing it carries negligible value.

The fact is, there are a lot of parts, service jobs, and repairs that can take a significant bite out of your checking account despite seeming small or easy. We will explore several car repair options that seem small but can be extremely costly.

More Than A Cosmetic Scratch

Think of the consequences of a low front end as your drive over a speed bump. You get out of the car and notice some minor damage on the bottom of the front bumper. You may think the largest expense will be the time you wait for having the car damage repaired, so you take your car to the local body shop or garage. Prepare yourself; the cost to fix it might run into the thousands of dollars.

The bumper can actually hide structural damage in the front-end. Actually, even when the bumper appears to look just fine, the front-end may need replacing.

Foreign Performance Models

When you have a performance vehicle you can expect even the smallest repair job to be quite expensive. For example, consider an exhaust valve that needs to be replaced. Normally, the cost would be about $30 in parts and additional $30 in labor cost.

On a high-end car designed for muscle, the price tag can skyrocket. It’s not uncommon for a small job like this to turn into an expensive nightmare. For example, the mechanic may need to practically remove the entire engine in order to get to the valve. And more then likely he will charge way more then $30 for his labor.

Seeing White Smoke

White smoke coming from a car’s tailpipe looks innocent enough. It can be the first sign that future repair, replacement parts, and expensive mechanic bills are headed your way. When operating your vehicle, the car engine goes through the combustion process. Coolant keeps the surrounding temperature under control. If the coolant gets into the combustion chamber, it will burn and produce white smoke.

There are a couple of ways this can happen. Sometimes, the gasket can break and need to be replaced. Diagnosing the problem and narrowing it to a simple gasket issue usually means removing the intake manifold. And that’s the least expensive path. If you remove the intake manifold and discover that the gasket is fine, your mechanic will need to start dismantling the engine. This will be an expensive price.

Unfortunately, many auto repairs that turn out to be enormously expensive cannot be avoided. However, the next time you visit your mechanic for a “minor” job, you’ll at least be prepared for possible bad news.

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If you were handed an estimate to replace a water pump on your auto, would you know if the price was fair? Could you trust the price? What about for a tie rod end, mass air flow sensor, or an evaporative emissions sensor?

Most of us do not know what these are, never mind the price. Yet it is parts like these that are frequently used to over charge you, the vehicle correct customer.

We no longer live in a time of trust, so how can we make sure that our car repair costs are legitimate.

How many times have you had a suspicion that you paid too much, but couldn’t prove it? How often did the price seem exorbitant for even straightforward repairs?

To illustrate just how “At Risk” the common-or-garden automobile repair client is to excessive car repair prices, here’s a is a current real life example from a “reputable?” dealer.

A client brought her Audi to a permitted Audi dealership for the standard timing belt maintenance service.

The price for this service averages $1575 at the dealership level, (including pulleys, water pumpetc ) and about $1275 at the independent correct shop level.

Yet the woman left the dealer with a bill for $2025.68.

What happened?

According to the fix order, there were no abnormal circumstances, no issues spotted by the technician such as rust or any other extenuating circumstances that would have maybe increased the work, or added extra parts.

In short, it definitely was a straight forward service, but the bill was $450.68 higher than it should have been. There is simply no legitimate reason to have “that much” discrepancy.

How’d they get away with it?

The answer is very simple, and it’s a point that I don’t want any one to miss:

They get away with it because they can!

Think about it. The average person does not know how much automobile parts cost. And who knows how much work time a correct should take? To what sources does one turn to find out this information? Who even has the time to investigate!

Upon investigation of this woman’s repair order, it was found that she was charged a full 4 hours “more” than the standard labor time. At $100 an hour, this added an additional $400. The leftover $50.68 came from the parts, which were billed higher than MSRP.

She was quoted $2,025 for a correct that tops out at $1575. The lady failed to know. She just paid the bill and left.

How many times do people just settle up and leave? Just about that is all one can do given that there’s no accessible information for the auto fix shopper to adequately query a correct bill. Similarly , only a few even know what questions to ask!

The auto repair industry has been over-charging for decades-sometimes subtly, sometimes confidently, definitely frequently. The proof for this is overwhelming; yet, there are no easy solutions available for the vehicle fix customer.

Government agencies can not help. The Better Business Bureau cannot do anything. Even supposed “car repair experts or advocates” lack the knowledge of the breadth and insidiousness of the automobile correct business at all its levels.

A dealership operates differently than an independent repair shop, and a franchise, like Midas, is absolutely unique. Who truly knows what goes on in the underground of such a various and complex industry?

The Solution?

First and foremost, vehicle fix consumers need access to information on auto fix costs. Without this, they’ve got nothing real in which to figure out fair charges. They also need to be able to navigate the maze of parts and labor charges for car repairs and maintenance.

Like the rest, information is the key to ensure fair treatment. Without it, the auto correct buyer will continue to “swim with the sharks” without any protection.

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Cars break down over time. It’s a forgone conclusion, but then it happens, finding a good mechanic can be difficult. Many of us do not feel we can truly trust auto repair shops. News reports of fraudulent activity or personal experience with repair shop’s hard sales tactics have made us vigilant. While it’s good to be alert for possible fraud, most car mechanics are honest, hard-working, and devoted to their craft. When your car is experiencing problems, they want to help. In this article, I’ll explain how you can find an auto repair shop that is best-suited for your circumstances.

Tip # 1: Find A Specialist for your Car Model

Some repair shops are generalists. They can work on just about any type of mechanical or electrical problem. Because of the wide variety of car makes and models, mechanics are not usually specialist in any particular area. Specialists focus on one or two areas of expertise. For example, many car technicians will work primarily on transmissions. Others will focus on resolving problems in a car’s exhaust system. While such specialists may not be able to handle every type of repair job, they’re uniquely qualified for their area of expertise. Consider having a specialist perform the repair work on your car. They’re often more knowledgeable and efficient than other mechanics.

Tip #2: Trust, But Verify

Giving full trust to your mechanic may be against your better judgement, but it’s vital to allow them to fix your car to the best of their abilities. A lot of people are nearly paranoid of being charged for car parts and labor that are unnecessary. So, they will inspect every aspect of the mechanics work to make sure it is correctly done. That can be stifling for a mechanic. Trust them with their area of expertise. That said, it’s always a good idea to get a written estimate. You should also ask the repair shop to call you before starting work that will cost more than the estimate. Finally, if you’re having parts replaced, ask that the used auto parts be returned to you.

Tip #3: Communicate Clearly

When you’re talking with a car technician, focus on the symptoms of the problem. It doesn’t matter if you think the alternator needs to be replaced. Explain the situation and let the trained mechanic diagnose the issues. Chances are, he’s going to run a diagnostic test which will help him identify the components that need to be repaired or replaced.

Getting Your Car Fixed

Whether you’re having a tune-up performed on a new car or major work done on a used car, use the 3 tips above to find a suitable auto repair shop. Try to find a specialist who can perform the work efficiently. Learn to trust your mechanic and communicate the symptoms you’ve noticed. Lastly, it is important to remember that most auto mechanics are honest and hard working individuals. There job is to to help you solve your auto issues.

Each of us has gone through the experience of discovering our vehicle won’t start. We climb behind the wheel, turn the key, and feel the creeping sensation of dread as the engine refuses to roar to life. Usually, it happens when we’re in a rush. Even more discouraging than losing your main means of transportation is not knowing what is causing the problem. Is it the battery? The starter? The ignition switch?

Plenty of things can go wrong under your car’s hood which will immobilize it. The trick is knowing how to narrow down the culprit so you can either fix the problem or have your mechanic do it for you. We examine several of the potential reasons your vehicle will not start.

When The Car Engine Doesn’t Crank

If you turn the key and your engine fails to turn over, the problem is usually located in the ignition system, starter, or the battery. If your battery is the source of the issue, it may be because of low voltage or a bad connection between the poles and terminals. A low voltage problem can usually be fixed by jump starting your car and driving it for twenty minutes.

If your vehicle’s starter is at fault, check the wires first. If they’re clean and tight, the relay or solenoid may be bad. Otherwise, you may need to replace the entire starter. If your battery and starter are fine (your mechanic can test them for you), the problem is likely in the ignition system.

When The Auto Engine Does Crank

If the engine turns over when you turn the key in the ignition, but it doesn’t actually fire, the cause is a lack of spark, a lack of gas, or lack of sufficient compression. The fact that your engine is turning means that your battery is delivering voltage and your starter is being triggered.

You can purchase a spark testing device from most auto supply shops. Assuming there’s fuel in your gas tank, check to see whether your fuel pump is working properly. The vehicles which are rolling off the automakers floors today come equipped with fuel injection systems. Because the are more exact, there are also more prone to pressure variations. The most likely cause of fuel pressure problems are located with the fuel pump.

In order to check the compression level, special testing device is required. Most auto repair shops have the device for their own use, not for public use, so testing may require a paid visit to the local garage. The mechanic will probably remove the spark plugs in order to check all of the cylinders.

As noted above, some issues are easily solved. Others will require help from your auto technician. The next time the car doesn’t start, you have an idea of some of the causes, reasons and explanations.

When the weather is hot, most drivers roll up their windows and turn their vehicle’s air conditioner on. The cool air flows through the vents and the temperature inside the car’s interior drops. While the driver and his passengers may feel comfortable, his car may be on the verge of overheating.

One of the natural enemies to your vehicle's engine is heat. Too much of it will cause it to overheat which can lead to expensive damage. Fortunately, your car has a cooling system; its job is to keep the temperature of your engine within an acceptable range. The problem is that car parts within the system can wll eventually fail.

We will examine some of the issues and parts that are under constant stress in your auto's AC Cooling assembly. I’ll explain what you should check on a regular basis, and how to prevent your vehicle from overheating and leaving you stranded.

Parts Under Stress

A number of belts and hoses comprise the cooling assembly. The belts deliver power to your alternator, water pump, and A/C compressor. If one of those belts breaks, fails, or somehow becomes loose, it will not be able to trigger the part to which it sends power. That can potentially cause your vehicle to overheat.

The hoses funnel coolant to your radiator. That coolant is critical to managing the heat which surrounds your engine. Without it, the temperature would increase to the point of overheating. If any of those hoses crack, coolant would escape before reaching the radiator. As a result, it won't be available to absorb heat.

When you drive during the summer, the temperature under the hood can approach 300 degrees Fahrenheit. That intense heat can cause the belts and hoses of your cooling system to break or rupture. If you’re driving under stressful circumstances – for example, pulling a heavy load up a steep hill – your engine can easily overheat.

At-Home Or In-Garage Inspection

Visit your dealership’s service center or your local repair garage to have a mechanic look at your car’s belts and hoses. If any of them are worn, have them replaced. If you are familiar with your cars engine, you can inspect the belts and hoses personally. However, if there’s a chance that you might overlook a crack, small fissure, or any signs of extreme wear, ask a mechanic to take a look for you. It may cost a few dollars, but it will protect your car engine.

How To Prevent Overheating

Keep your eyes on your vehicle’s temperature gauge while driving. It can spike without warning, especially on hot days. If you see it rising, turn your A/C off, roll down your windows, and activate the heater. It may sound counterintuitive, but having the heater on will help lower the temperature around the engine. Also, if you’re driving in stressful conditions (up steep hills, etc.), turn your A/C off.

Even with all the auto improvements in design and technology to withstand heat, they can still cause a problem. Fortunately, with a little car maintenance, you can help your car stay cool and preserve the life of your engine.

By driving your car, your vehicle’s engine heats up. It can withstand a certain level of heat, but if the temperatures rise too high, the engine can become damaged. Your car has a cooling system to help make sure that doesn’t happen. The water pump is an important part of that system. It circulates coolant throughout your radiator and engine, and keeps the heat down. Unfortunately, like any of your car’s parts, it can fail. When it does, it cannot effectively manage the high temperatures that build around your engine.

In this article, I’ll explain how to replace your vehicle’s water pump. If you have never worked on your car, I recommend having a mechanic perform this job. It’s not difficult, but it can take a few hours and require a bit of experience.

The Preliminary Work

Before you replace it, you’ll need to drain the cooling system and get rid of the residual coolant. Place a large pan underneath the engine to drain the fluid. Next, take the drive belt off (you might need to remove the alternator). In order to gain access to the part, you may also need to take the pulley off.

Finally, take off the hoses which connect to the water pump. Keep in mind that hoses can deteriorate quickly. Since you’re removing them, now is a good opportunity to replace them. It won’t cost much and you’re taking them off anyway.

The Main Task

You’ll likely notice between six and eight bolts that are connecting the component to your car’s engine. In most cases, the bolts will be in two different sizes (automakers like to make these jobs tougher than they need to be). Several different wrenchs or a socket wrench set will be needed to remove the bolts.

Be aware of which bolts secure the parts before removing them. Then, once you have removed them, slip the water pump off the engine. Once it’s off, replace the gasket. Add sealer to make sure there is a tight bond. Next, install the new water pump and make sure that it aligns properly with the new gasket.

Screw all the bolts back in place manually before securing tightly with yoru wrench. This way you make sure it is evnely tightened for a secure fit. Connect the hoses and begin to replace any parts.e. alternator) that you needed to remove to gain access. Once everything is put back together properly, add new coolant to the cooling system.

Start your car and let it idle for a few minutes to allow the temperature to rise. Also, look underneath the body to make sure there are no leaks. Then, take the car for a 10 mintue test drive and look for signs of overheating.

Replacing your water pump is not a quick job. As noted, I recommend that most people ask their auto technician to handle it. That said, with a little patience, a few tools, and some experience, you can perform the job yourself.