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Tag: auto maintenance (page 6 of 6)

Everything You Need to Know About Auto Diagnostics

October 25, 2018 / / 1 Comment

Just like us, our vehicles require regular maintenance and checkups to ensure they’re constantly running at peak performance. In much the same vein as a doctor’s visit, auto diagnostic tests can detect problems before they’re given the chance to evolve into something more troubling.

While that may be the case, many drivers can be understandably skeptical of regularly bringing in their vehicle for an auto diagnostics test. After all, doesn’t the “maintenance required” light exist to let us know when it’s time to see a mechanic? Not quite. In many cases, the maintenance required light can show up well after your vehicle has already suffered an unknown breakdown. And with that in mind, we offer up this brief rundown of the auto diagnostic process and its benefits. We hope this helps in convincing you why preventative maintenance can do both you and your vehicle a world of good!

What is a Diagnostic Test?

If you were asked which the most important advancement in automobile construction is, how would you answer? For us personally, we would easily say the computerization of parts and components. Including computer processors, sensors, and microchips in our current engines allows us the opportunity to diagnose problems without having to break apart pieces and take a physical look. In a short and sweet summation, that’s auto diagnostic testing.

Using a computer system that links to the vehicle’s processors and systems, mechanics are able to accurately pinpoint prospective breakdowns before they leave you stranded on the side of the road.

What Gets Tested?

The beauty behind diagnostic testing is that it reveals structural compromises in practically all of a vehicle’s major components. Everything from your transmission and exhaust system to your brakes and fuel injector are checked for even the slightest disturbance.

While this service may sound too good to be true, a diagnostics run won’t spell out the exact problem that triggered that pesky “check engine” light. It will simply show a trained mechanic which parameters are out of their normal range. With that information, a trained specialist will be able to more accurately determine the vehicle’s issue.

What Are the Benefits?

Time is one of the biggest factors when it comes to diagnosing an automobile’s malfunction. And with computerized diagnostics, time is exactly what you save. Now that the process doesn’t involve invasive procedures and constant tests and trials, drivers no longer have to worry about time and budget consuming mechanic services! Instead of waiting to come in when the problem is at its worst, vehicle owners can responsibly come in for preventative maintenance. Couple that with the accuracy and comprehensive servicing computer diagnostics provide, and it’s easy to see just how beneficial the process can be as a whole.

Diagnosing Your Auto AC Ailments

August 21, 2018 / / 0 Comments

If you regularly commute to work or school, you understand better than most how essential a properly running AC unit can be for both your internal temperature and sanity. Of course, a car wouldn’t be a car if it put that sanity to the test with sudden and oftentimes inexplicable breakdowns from time to time. And unfortunately, your air conditioning is one of the many fixtures of your vehicle that stands at risk of a variety of different malfunctions. Luckily, those sweaty and steamy treks to your office can soon be a thing of the past if you reach out for efficient care.

That being said, being able to diagnose your misbehaving cooling unit is a strong first step in having it treated. That’s where we plan to help today! Read on for a breakdown of 3 of the most common auto AC concerns and the reasons behind them.

Weak Airflow

One of the most frustrating AC issues to experience on the road is weakened air flow. The excessive heat is bad enough without having your car give you just enough of the cooling air to leave you begging for more. Fortunately, there are reasons behind your coyly behaving unit. Your seals are one of the first components you should check if you feel like your AC is being stingy with the cooling relief. A car’s ventilation systems are incredibly sensitive and all it takes is for one seal to be broken to result in a completely compromises fixture.

It could also be possible that your evaporator core has been attacked by mold or mildew. If these contaminants are left alone to cake on, air can have a difficult time making it to your vents. Speaking of vents, there’s also a possibility your ventilation fan could be shot. Needless to say, with a fan blowing, that air won’t be flowing.

Air Isn’t as Cold

Conversely, your air conditioning can be an entirely different kind of stingy and deliver all the air you need, but hold back on the cool. And yes, even in the face of this cruel joke, there’s rhyme and reason behind why your AC is behaving this way. More commonly than not, the lack of cold air can be attributed to a Freon leak caused by a broken seal or hose. Unfortunately, that’s not all. The same symptoms can be traced back to a number of different conditions including a failed compressor, a blown our blower motor, or even a busted control module.

If you notice your AC isn’t delivering the cooling air you need when you need it, prioritize having it treated by a team of professionals. Leaks can be annoying at first but, if left alone for too long, can leave you needing much more costly repairs. And then you’ll be sweating for an entirely different reason.

Smelly AC Vents

As if stale warm air weren’t bad enough, now your AC is blasting smelly air assaulting two senses at once. If you notice your rides have become noticeably more rank and your deodorant isn’t to blame, make the first place you check your AC’s evaporator. If water sits on the structure for too long, mold can begin to accumulate and, surprise, it’s not the best smelling substance.

Conclusion

Don’t let your AC dictate how enjoyable your commute is. Keep these symptoms and diagnoses we mentioned in mind and drive in class and comfort with cooling and comforting air conditioning.

What Are Shocks and Struts and Do You Need Replacements?

June 26, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Have you ever wondered just how your vehicle stays grounded and stable when you hit those unexpected bumpy roads? The culprits behind such ingenious mechanics and machinery are closer than you think! Whether your car has shocks or struts supporting its wheels, these structural fixtures are what keep your morning commutes from turning into a rocking and bouncing mess.

As amazing as they may be, these fixtures require just as much maintenance and care as every other piece in your vehicle. Of course, when it comes to diagnosing problems tied to these structures, it helps to understand how shocks and struts differ in their operation. Fortunately enough, our team of passionate car buffs is happy to educate! Read on for a crash course in vehicle shock absorption and determine if you’re long overdue for a visit to the mechanic.

Shocks VS Struts

First things first, what exactly are shocks and struts? While both of them perform the same function of dulling impacts your vehicle faces on the road, you can’t necessarily use the two pieces interchangeably. In fact, every vehicle is typically designed with either shocks or struts in mind for both the front and rear and can’t have them swapped for the other freely.

The largest difference between the two parts is the fact that struts are a structural part of a vehicle’s suspension system, meaning they are mounted to the actual chassis of the vehicle. This means that struts hold sway over more than simply the bounce you experience on the road. They also are an integral part of your vehicle’s steering and alignment. This is why we notice a more expensive cost for strut repair and replacements compared to shock services.

Does Your Suspension Need Repair?

Now that we’ve gotten the suspension primer course out of the way, the next step is to keep an eye out for red flag signs that your vehicle needs repair. Fortunately, the signs are easy to spot and diagnose!

First, the obvious sign. If your vehicle bounces excessively when going over bumps, odds are very likely that your suspension needs a looking at. In addition to that, without proper suspension absorbing the movement of the springs in your vehicle, you could begin to see your front end dip into the ground when breaking. It’s also just as likely that your vehicle’s rear will bottom out and make contact with the ground on more bumpy roads.

Conclusion

If you’ve owned a vehicle for more than few years, you’re already more than aware of the fact that, if you ignore problems with your vehicle such as compromised suspension, further and more costly damages await. If you notice any of these red flag signs, visit your mechanic right away. It could also be helpful to know whether your car uses struts or shocks beforehand to further streamline the repair process.

Common Causes For a Check Engine Light

March 27, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Although our check engine lights are meant to help us diagnose problems with our car, more often than not, seeing that light pop up on our dash can leave us just as ignorant if not more so than before! With so many different issues that can be linked to that infamous light, how can drivers be expected to go down the list and find the one ailing their vehicle?

Fortunately for those dreading the idea of being left in the dark until their visit to the mechanic, there are a few common reasons that cause that light to rear its head. Read on for some of the more common issues linking back to that light and see if you can get a head start on discovering the cause of your car’s problem before having it confirmed with engine diagnostics.

Spark Plugs

Damaged spark plugs are a very common sight for most mechanics and one of the first things checked when you car’s check engine light brightens up. For those a little lacking in their familiarity with how their car runs, the spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air and fuel in combustion chamber to ignite the vehicle when it starts. If these crucial components become worn down your car’s fuel economy can take a noticeable plummet. In addition, damaged spark plugs, if left unchecked for long, can go on to further damage other fixtures like catalytic converters and ignition coils.

If you notice your check engine light is followed by higher fuel consumption, a misfiring engine, and trouble starting your car, you might be looking at some damaged plugs that need some attention.

Oxygen Sensor

Your oxygen sensor is what measures the amount of un-burned oxygen remaining in a car’s exhaust. If damaged, your engine can easily begin consuming more fuel than necessary to get it moving. In addition to the lost fuel economy, like the spark plugs, a damaged oxygen sensor can go on to damage other fixtures in the vehicle like the converter.

Unfortunately, a variety of symptoms pertaining to a damaged oxygen sensor are also experienced in the case of damaged spark plugs. If you’ve experienced rough engine idle and misfires or increased gas consumption along with you check engine light, it would be wise to visit a mechanic to get to the bottom of the cause.

Catalytic Converter

Without getting too technical, your catalytic converter is what converts harmful carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. That being said, a malfunctioning converter is just as harmful to others around your vehicle as it is to you. If this happens to be what’s causing your check engine light to show, failing to have it checked can cause you to fail future emission tests and diminish your vehicle’s performance and lifespan.

Conclusion

It’s no surprise that your car is an infinitely complex piece of machinery. So much so that even tools like our check engine light only rule out a few prospective issues. If you notice that your vehicle is acting strangely and your dash is visited by some concerning lights, consider these three issues and receive the aid of a diligently trained mechanic to have them addressed and alleviated in no time flat!

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