Automotive Service Tips: Prevent unexpected Automotive Repair!

For peace of mind as you plan for a summer vacation, make sure to schedule a "pre-trip" automotive service. This will possibly prevent an unexpected automotive repair out down the road.


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Consider these tips for automotive service before starting out:

Vehicle Loading -- Virtually all late model motor vehicles are equipped with a sticker located on the driver's door or pillar. That sticker determines maximum vehicle capacity, which means the weight of the vehicle along with the combined weight of passengers and cargo. Don't exceed the recommended load capacity.

Tires -- On the same sticker is also a tire pressure chart. Be sure to check all tires and make certain they are inflated properly. Tire tread depth should also be inspected. If tires are worn to a point where less than 2/32-inch of the tread remains, or if the cord or fabric is showing, it's time to replace the tires. Don't forget to check the spare at the same time to ensure it isn't damaged.

Lights & Horn -- Inspect all exterior and interior light functions. If any bulbs are burned out, and you are unable to replace them yourself, take your vehicle to your automotive service center for help. You also want to make sure the horn works properly.

Windshield Wipers -- Test the wiper operation as well as the condition of the wiper blades. Replace them if they are streaking or squeaking to make sure you have clear visibility in stormy weather.
Parking Brake -- Test the parking brake with the engine running, transmission in drive and your foot on the brake. With the parking brake engaged slowly release the foot brake. If your vehicle moves forward, the parking brake is not adequate.

Car Jack & Tools -- Make sure you have the appropriate tools and car jack in the trunk (and that they are in good working order) for changing flats, etc.

Following an inspection, make sure to have an automotive repair to take care of any deficient or broken items. Even though you can never guarantee that the unexpected may take place, you will at least have done your part to be prepared.

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The 3 C’s of Diesel Fuel Injection!

Today's diesel vehicles are cleaner and many times more sophisticated than they were a generation ago. Service for these new generation engines requires specialized training and the right technical support from diesel system and component manufacturers. Hard starting, no start, blue/white exhaust smoke and rough running are signs that a diesel fuel injection service is needed by a qualified technician.

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To help you understand a little more about the complexities of diesel fuel injection problems, here are 3 facts to consider:

    * Cranking speed. A diesel engine generally needs to crank at approximately 200 RPM to start properly. Things to check are: the condition of your batteries, the battery cables and the starter.

    * Compression. Diesel engines rely on the heat generated from compressing the air in the combustion chamber to ignite the fuel. If the compression is low, the heat is low as well. An engine which uses glow plugs to start when the engine is cold may experience a hard-start condition when the engine is warm if the compression is low.

    * Condition of the fuel system. If the fuel pump is weak or the conditions of the injectors are poor, the engine may be hard to start. On some fuel systems, hard-starting may be the first sign of a fuel pump that is failing. If the fuel tank is located lower than the diesel fuel injection pump, a leak in the fuel system may allow the fuel to drain back to the tank when the engine sets for several hours.

For any type of problem, it is important to obtain the assistance of a diesel fuel injection specialist for a reliable and quality diesel fuel injection service.

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Auto Electrical Service: Two Important Components to Check!

If you are experiencing no-start problems, it's time to call your auto mechanic and ask what it means to have an auto electrical service, which typically includes starters and alternators. Even though most vehicles are still gas or diesel-powered, most automotive mechanical functions are dependent on electrical components. The electrical system in your vehicle is controlled by a complex arrangement of wires, sensors and computers, constantly communicating with each other through a computer. If this communication is broken, several components of your vehicle could have major problems, including starters and alternators.

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Even though modern vehicles are more complex, with the proper equipment and today's advanced technology, electrical systems are more reliable and easier to diagnose and repair. This takes the guesswork out of auto electrical service, as you can depend on a skilled and certified auto technician with the right equipment to save you time and money spent in an auto shop.

There are two major components in your vehicle that could cause problems in your electrical system. An experienced auto technician will typically check them out during an auto electrical service:

    * Battery: The battery is crucial to the performance of your vehicle and could be the culprit of an electrical system problem. Cars with battery or electrical issues may have puzzling symptoms. A loose battery cable, a faulty wire or a dirty connection could appear to be a bigger problem than it really is. It could simply be that the alternator needs to be replaced if your battery isn't receiving or holding a charge.

    * Software: Your vehicle may just need a software update. As stated above, many of the components in today's vehicles, such as starters, alternators, and air conditioning systems, just to name a few, are controlled by computers. What may seem like a major auto electrical service could really just be a software issue.

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Brake Repair: All Bent Out of Shape?

If you are feeling a wobble or pulsating sensation in the steering while driving, chances are the rotors in your brakes are warped and it will be necessary to schedule a brake repair at your local auto shop.

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What are the typical causes for rotors to warp? Rotors can become "warped" or have an uneven or high spot on the surface due to normal wear and tear of the brakes. They can also warp because of expansion and contraction of the metal disc rotor due to such conditions as driving through a puddle of water on the exit ramp after a long trip on the freeway, then applying the brakes. Warping can also be caused by severely worn-out brake pads that have been grinding metal to metal, cutting grooves in the rotor surface.

Is there a cure for this problem? A brake repair technician can remove the rotor to "true" it by shaving off a small layer to make the surface smooth again. However, there is a limit (this measurement is stamped on the rotor) as to how much of the material can be removed or shaved off. If the rotor is below minimum thickness specifications, it will have to be replaced.

What causes the vibration in the steering wheel? When the brakes are applied, the caliper and the brake pads squeeze the rotor which causes the car to stop. As the rotors spin, the pads will pulsate inside the caliper as they come in contact with the uneven spot on the spinning rotor. The pulsating will cause the wheel to shimmy or vibrate. The vibration is usually felt when applying the brakes in a panic-type situation at freeway speeds, and can also be noticed when coming to a full stop, like at a stop light.

Will a warped rotor or rotors cause damage to a vehicle's braking system? It can cause some damage or premature wear, but most importantly it can cause a safety issue due to loss of control and full stopping power, and also prevent the anti-lock braking system to not work correctly.

When a vehicle is taken in for a brake repair, tell your mechanic that there is a problem with the rotors. A visual inspection might not always determine that a rotor is warped and in need of truing.

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Vehicle Got Slipping Problems? Fix it with Transmission Repair

For many vehicle owners, two words they really don’t want to hear are “transmission repair.” The most traumatic part of those two words is the looming financial outlay that typically accompanies this kind of vehicle service. This can be especially true if you have delayed in having your vehicle checked out by a professional mechanic and a small problem has gotten bigger.However, a transmission that fails unexpectedly can also be dangerous. 

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A couple of major signs that will alert you of a failing transmission are shifting problems together with a check engine light that lights up. When you see these signs, it’s time to take your vehicle to an auto technician as soon as possible for a transmission service to prevent more serious problems from developing. Most vehicles require a transmission service at least twice a year in order to prevent a major transmission repair. A typical service consists of changing filters and filling up the level of fluid.

In addition to a regular scheduled transmission service, drivers should be careful to avoid hard accelerations. For manual vehicles, try to shift as smooth as possible. When a transmission service or a transmission repair does not correct slipping problems, your mechanic may suggest that the entire transmission be rebuilt or replaced. If you are the typical vehicle owner, don’t undertake this on your own. You might be able to check for leaks or a clogged filter, but only in order to provide specific information to your mechanic.

To sum it all up, if your vehicle is ‘out of gear,’ take it to a transmission repair center and leave it in the trained and skilled hands of a trusted professional.

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Budgeting Tips for Truck Repair and Truck Service

Most vehicle owners do their best to budget for scheduled auto and truck service. What’s hard is planning for that unexpected family car or truck repair in these tight economic times. The truth is that our vehicles can stay on the road longer than ever with the proper schedule of car and truck service. That’s because of today’s improved vehicle design and manufacturing quality. But some of those same improvements also lead to higher auto or truck repair costs.

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However, let’s suppose that your truck is now paid for and you would like to keep it running for the next several years. Ask your local truck repair specialist to provide you with estimates of what it’ll cost to service and repair it over the next five years. The estimate should be based on where you live, the manufacturers’ recommendations, and the repair experience for your particular model. You will want to add in estimates for depreciation, financing, insurance, taxes and fuel costs. Of course these are just estimates – there’s no way to predict what will actually happen to the vehicle in your driveway, but it’s a good starting point. Whether the estimate is an average monthly cost of maintenance and repairs of about $50, or $100, even though it may sound like a lot, it’s not when compared to a new car payment. So, if you can set aside that fifty or one-hundred dollars a month, you’d go a long ways towards taking care of routine car or truck service and being prepared for the unexpected repairs that arise.

Some folks are afraid of what can go wrong with their older vehicle so they end up buying a new one. That’s fine if you really want a new ones, but if you properly maintain your older vehicle, you’ll save a lot of money on payments and insurance. It just makes good economic sense when times are tight.

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What affects Oil Change Intervals?

The interval between oil changes relies on various factors. You may have received several recommendations as to when an oil change service is needed for your vehicle. How do you know which recommendation is correct? By understanding the factors that affect the cleanliness of your oil will help you make an informed decision. In a recent survey conducted by AAA, it was found that more than 50% of all motorists follow the wrong oil change schedule because they assume they typically drive in "normal" conditions, and not "severe."

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Which one are you -- "normal" or "severe?"

The first place to check as a reliable source for the answer is your owner's manual. Most vehicle manufacturers will show two sets of maintenance schedules, one for "normal" driving and one for "severe" driving.

    * For "normal" driving conditions, your owner's manual will probably recommend an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. This schedule is based on ideal driving conditions – driving short distances, never over the speed limit, level roads, no load, that kind of thing – something the average driver would be hard-pressed to accomplish.

    * For "severe" driving conditions, your owner's manual will typically recommend more frequent oil changes, including a filter change, about every 3,000 miles. If you are the average driver, frequently making short trips, driving in hot weather, stop-and-go traffic, or transporting items on a roof-top carrier, then your vehicle would be better off using the "severe" maintenance schedule for oil changes. You will find that most auto shops offer oil change coupons to make these frequent services more affordable for their customers.

Of course, if you don't drive many miles at all, you'll be able to get away with longer periods in between oil changes. The smart driver will err on the side of caution and follow a regular oil change schedule of about every 3,000 miles, thus enhancing the performance and longevity of your vehicle.

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