Car Audio

Posts Tagged ‘Car Tips’

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.

Your car needs regular servicing in order to continue running smoothly. The good news is that even though a mechanic can do everything for you, most of it can be done in your garage. We’re not talking about overhauling your engine or transmission. We’re referring to the little things that can influence your car’s performance, maneuverability, and handling over time. Below, I’ll provide a 6-step checklist that you can use to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top condition.

Step 1 – Check The Oil

Get used to checking your oil every few weeks. That way, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that your engine will remain well-lubricated while you’re driving. Often, engines will begin burning or consuming too much oil. Checking it periodically will help you keep on top of potential problems.

Step 2 – Check The Coolant

You should check your car’s coolant level regularly, especially if you drive for long distances. Keeping the reservoir filled is simple and easy, yet a majority of drivers neglect this act. if the levels decrease beyond their required limits, your automobile engine will become overheated. That can lead to expensive damage.

Step 3 – Inspect The Air Filter

Inspect your Air Filter each time you change the oil in your car. You are not required to replace it each time, but when it is dirty you will need to replace the part. The air filter catches debris before it can enter your engine. Over time, the accumulation of dirt and dust will prevent proper airflow.

Step 4 – Fill Up Your Power Steering Fluid

Sometimes, it’s easy to take your vehicle’s power steering for granted. But, the ease with which you turn your wheel requires that you keep the fluid level topped off. Examine this on a regular basis, at least once a month. Then, if the level seems low, look in your owner’s manual to check whether a particular type of fluid is recommended.

Step 5 – Repair Dents And Dings

Dents and dings, while unattractive, can lead to more serious problems like rust and corrosion. Unfortunately, being on the receiving end of these small blemishes is practically a foregone conclusion. As inconvenient as it is, getting them fixed can prevent costlier problems later.

Step 6 – Test The Lights

Most cars today are designed to warn the driver that one of the headlights is about to fail. The turn indicator will begin blinking rapidly before the light completely fails. To make sure that you haven’t missed the problem, get into the habit of checking your front and back lights every two weeks. The last thing you want is to find out one of your lights is broken while you’re driving in poor weather.

The six listed item are simple and easy to perform. These steps take just minutes of your time. By keeping on top of each of them, you can help ensure that your vehicle is operating properly. During your check up, if you see signs of other problems like engine oil burning, you should let a professional mechanic inspect your car. You can also save money by requesting used auto parts for some of your car part needs.

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.

The roiling economy has left indelible marks on the automotive industry. Automakers and dealerships, struggling to move their inventories, have been forced to deal with tighter credit terms, a smaller pool of prospective car buyers, and other difficult circumstances. For the experienced car buyer, this means opportunity to find bargain deals. As dealers become more motivated to extend generous terms to consumers, buyers can uncover surprisingly attractive bargains.

Below, we’ll explore 3 ways in which the auto industry is changing. I’ll explain how these modifications affect the price and deals that are available to the educated and informed consumer.

#1 – Automakers Have Excess Inventories

Sales of new cars, trucks, and SUVs have been plummeting for the past year. Because of this, auto dealerships have a back lot of cars that are hard to sell. Also, imports are backed up at shipyards and auto dealerships lots are full and can’t accept new deliveries.

The auto industry is similar to any economic market, when supply is high, prices are reduced. If you are int he market for a new automobile, now it a great time to negotiate favorable loan terms. Generous rebates, low-interest financing, and other incentives are creating a rare buyer’s market.

#2 – Credit Is Tight, But Only For Some

One of the circumstances that has had a significant impact on the automotive industry is the tightening of credit. Banks are wary of extending auto loans to subprime borrowers. If your credit score is dismal, you’ll find it difficult to secure financing. However, if your score is above 700, many banks and dealerships will be happy to offer an auto loan with a competitive interest rate. 

In fact, the dwindling pool of prospective buyers with good credit has become more valuable than ever to automakers and car dealerships. Many of them are willing to offer fantastic incentives in addition to a low rate.

#3 – Lease Payments Are Increasing

The lease market has undergone a dramatic change over the past year. Long ago, you could lease a vehicle with monthly payments far below what you would pay to own the same model. Basically, you can purchase an much better vehicle for the same price as before. Today, most car manufacturers have forced a substantial increase in lease payments. 

The reason is due to the glut of inventory. As the leased cars leases expire, deals must attempt to sell them as pre-owned car at a profit, which is now more difficult. The increase in monthly lease payments compensate them for the lost revenue. An unexpected corollary is that you can uncover great used car bargains by shopping the vehicles which have recently come off their leases.

The automotive industry will continue adapting to the rough economic times ahead. For experienced shoppers, that means fantastic opportunities and deals when looking for a new or used car.

Being Savvy With Car Maintenance 

Some auto maintenance tasks are critical to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and lasts a long time. For example, getting oil changes every 5,000 miles, keeping the right amount of pressure in your tires, and changing your air filter occasionally are important. That said, there are plenty of car maintenance items that are a waste of your time and money.

The problem is that dealership service centers and local repair garages often give advice that is suspect. Much of what they say is to increase their sales rather than making sure your vehicle operates properly.

Because ongoing car maintenance is so important to the life of your vehicle, I’ll describe the tasks you should be doing as well as those which you can do without.

Mind Your Tires

Despite the myriad of parts under the hood, your tires on the only parts that actually contact the ground (hopefully). Be sure to check you vehicles tire pressure monthly. Tires leak over time; they need to be filled. If they’re underinflated, the treads will wear down and you’ll end up replacing them far sooner than normal. Also, rotate them occasionally. The tires in the rear have more longevity than those in the front. Rotating them keeps the tread wear even.

Tune-Ups: Are They Necessary

If you’re driving a vehicle that is less than 10 years old, you probably don’t need a tune-up. The point of a tune-up is to adjust and recalibrate mechanical parts. These days, most of the parts (i.e. oxygen sensor, ignition switch, fuel injection system, etc.) are computer operated. As a result, there is very little to “tune up.”

Regular Oil Changes

Years ago, when engines were less sophisticated and motor oil was less advanced, a trip to the oil change shop every 3,000 miles was a good idea. However, that’s no longer the case. Today’s cars only need to have the oil changed every 5,000 miles.

Maintain Your Brakes

Every time you press down on your brake pedal, your brakes experience a little wear and tear. If you neglect them long enough, you’ll eventually hear a painful grinding sound as exposed metal rubs against other metal. Visit a repair shop as soon as you notice any problems. If you catch it early enough, you may only need to have the pads replaced. When you hear grinding sounds, the rotor more than likely is bad and needs to be replaced.

Change Your Air Filter

Your air filter has an important job: it needs to catch dirt and debris before it enters your car’s engine. Every time you are on the road, it performs it's job dilegently. The problem is that it gets clogged with debris over time. When that happens, air flow becomes restricted which can affect your engine’s performance.

Check the air filter each time you change the oil. The dirtier the streets on which you drive, the more quickly debris will accumulate. They’re inexpensive, so they can be replaced without breaking the bank.

While the car runs smoothly today, all car parts eventually degrade and need replacement due to the wear and tear. Invest time on the auto maintenance tasks above to make sure your vehicle lasts as long as possible.

Save Money and The Environment

Seldom do we give much thought to the technical aspects regarding how we direct our cars on the road. If we need to make a right hand turn, we turn toward the right. Older drivers might remember a time when turning a vehicle was practically a battle of wills. Power steering was not an option back then.

Of all car parts and assemblies, your vehicle’s power steering system is one of the most overlooked. We use it each day, yet most drivers never realize how the components which make up the assembly work together. Below, I’ll explain how it is powered, how you can get the most from it, and signs that there may be a problem.

How The Assembly Is Powered

When your engine is turning, it drives a belt. That belt activates a pump. The pump, when triggered, pressurizes a fluid within the assembly which allows you to easily turn the wheel. If you have ever tried to steer your car when the engine dies, you’ll know how difficult it is. If the engine stalls, it cannot drive the belt. As a result, the pump cannot pressurize the fluid which helps you turn your steering wheel.

The most common form of the assembly is called rack-and-pinion. That’s the type you’ll find in nearly all vehicles sold today. With the use of valed pressurized fluid makes it way to the end of the cyclinder. As you turn the wheel, the fluid’s flow is directed toward the other side.

The ease with which the wheel turns is controlled by the automaker. Some car manufacturers, in an attempt to make their vehicles’ wheels easier to turn, make them so responsive that you can turn them almost by breathing on them.

How To Get The Most From The System

You can maximize the efficiency of your car’s power steering by keeping the right amount of pressure in the tires. Turning can become more difficult it the tires are underinflated. Also, consider having them rotated in order to keep healthy treads in the front. Most vehicles are front-wheel drive, so the front tires are affected more than the rear.

Warning Signs Of A Problem

Your vehicle’s power steering assembly should last for years without needing any maintenance. As with most car parts, it can stop functioning. With most cars, waring signs are a signal to a potential problem. For example, if you notice uncharacteristic sluggishness, have a mechanic inspect the system. If your car drifts and seems slightly out of your control while you’re turning, that too, can suggest a problem. Finally, if you turn the wheel completely to one side and hear a shrieking noise, drive immediately to a repair shop.

If a problem develops, no matter how small it seems, have it fixed quickly before it evolves into a bigger, and more dangerous, issue.