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Tag: engine maintenance

Can You Drive with Bad Piston Rings?

July 2, 2024 / / Comments Off on Can You Drive with Bad Piston Rings?

Owning a car comes with its fair share of maintenance and repair responsibilities. One of the more critical components in your engine is the piston and piston rings. Piston rings seal the combustion chambers in internal combustion engines, and their failure can lead to a host of problems. In this month’s blog, we’ll explore whether you can drive with bad piston rings, how to identify them, and what you should do if you suspect your piston rings are failing.

Common Signs of Bad Piston Rings

Bad piston rings can wreak havoc on your engine’s performance, leading to several noticeable symptoms. The first sign is excessive oil consumption. If your car is guzzling oil faster than usual, it might indicate that the piston rings are not sealing the combustion chamber properly. Another telltale sign is blue smoke coming from the exhaust. This blue smoke signifies burning oil, which is often a direct result of failing piston rings, and its danger level is elevated compared to white and black smoke.

How Long Can You Drive with Bad Piston Rings?

While it might be tempting to push your car a little further, driving with bad piston rings is playing with fire. The longer you drive, the more damage accumulates. In some cases, you might get away with a few weeks of driving, but this is highly risky and not recommended. It’s essential to address the issue as soon as possible or avoid it from the beginning with regular state inspections.

Related: Learn more about what to expect and how to pass state inspections in Texas here.

How long do engine piston rings last?

Under normal driving conditions and with proper maintenance, piston rings can last anywhere between 100,000 miles (160,934.4 km) to 150,000 miles (241,401.6 km). However, their lifespan can vary significantly based on other factors, such as engine type and quality, environmental conditions, and routine maintenance.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance is key to keeping your engine in top condition and preventing piston ring problems. Start by following your car manufacturer’s recommendations for oil and oil filters, always opt for high-quality oil, and constantly check your engine’s performance. Also, be mindful of your car’s load capacity and try to travel lighter when possible. Excessive weight puts additional strain on your engine, which can accelerate wear on the piston rings and other components.

Rely On Our Experts

Get in touch with Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop today to ensure that your engine is running in optimal condition. We provide many repair and maintenance services in Fort Worth, TX. We use only the highest quality parts and work to provide fast and efficient service to all our clients. Schedule your service with us today by visiting mikesautospa.com or calling (817) 834-2725. Let us help you save a lot of headaches down the road!

Coolant Leaks: Why Do They Happen and What Should I Do?

May 2, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Coolant leaks might not seem like a big deal, but they could create a hazardous situation for your car’s engine. The coolant keeps your engine running smoothly by regulating its temperature, and without the proper amount of it, your engine could overheat. Think of it as your car’s lifeline to staying cool under pressure. Coolant leaks, however, can throw a wrench into that smooth operation. Let’s dive into why coolant leaks happen and what you should do about them.

Why Do Coolant Leaks Happen?

1. There’s a Hole in the Radiator: One of the most straightforward reasons for a coolant leak is a hole in the radiator. All your car engine parts including the radiator must endure extreme temperatures and it takes a toll in different ways. The sealing gasket connecting the tank to the radiator is also susceptible to wearing out, potentially resulting in a leakage issue.

Related: Learn more about the reasons behind car engine failure here.

2. High Pressure: The cooling system in your car operates under high pressure to ensure efficient heat transfer. However, this high pressure can sometimes lead to leaks if there’s a weak spot in the system, such as a worn-out hose or a cracked component.

3. Your Water Pump Has Failed: The water pump plays a crucial role in circulating coolant through the engine. It is usually driven by a belt and is located on the lower part of the engine, near the drive belts. If the water pump fails, the coolant won’t flow properly, leading to overheating and potential leaks.

What Should You Do if You Suspect a Coolant Leak?

1. Check the Puddle: The color of the puddle can give you clues. Coolant is typically green, orange, pink, or blue. If you see a puddle of one of these colors, it’s likely the coolant.

2. Inspect Under the Hood: Look for wet spots or stains around the hoses, the radiator, and the water pump. These are common areas for coolant leaks.

3. Monitor Your Temperature Gauge: If your engine starts running hotter than usual, it could be a sign of low coolant due to a leak.

4. Top Up If Needed: If you confirm a coolant leak and it’s safe to do so, top up your coolant reservoir with the recommended type of coolant for your vehicle.

5. Get Professional Help: While DIY fixes like adding stop-leak products exist, they’re often temporary solutions. It’s best to have a professional mechanic inspect and repair the leak properly.

Related: learn more about car repairs you should avoid DIYing here.

Turn To Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop

If you’re noticing signs of leaking coolant, it’s best to get your car to the professionals at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop. Coolant leaks happen for various reasons, and we have the expertise to get your car’s engine cool again. Contact us at (817) 834-2725 or visit our website at mikesautospa.com to schedule an appointment.

The Reasons Behind Car Engine Failure

January 4, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Engine failure is something that no car owner wants to have. It’s inconvenient and expensive. Studies show that more than one-third of Americans could struggle to pay for an unexpected auto repair. However, at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop, we want to make sure you have quality information about the reasons that lead your car engine to fail and how to avoid them. In this month’s blog, we shed light on the common causes of engine failure.

Lack of Regular Maintenance

The primary cause of engine failure is often a lack of regular maintenance. Your engine must receive enough oil between its moving parts and enough air from the air filters. Therefore, neglecting regular maintenance can be the difference between a healthy engine and a costly failure.

Related: learn more about the role of air filters in car maintenance here.

Overheating

Another common culprit of engine damage is overheating. This issue often stems from problems within the cooling system. A leak in the radiator, malfunctioning water pumps, or a damaged thermostat can prevent proper heat dissipation, leading to overheating. As a motorist, you should be attentive to your vehicle’s temperature gauge and it’s advisable to have a mechanic inspect your vehicle every now and then.

Related: learn more about what to expect in state safety inspection of your vehicle here.

Ignition System Failures

Lastly, issues with the ignition system can also lead to engine failure. Components like spark plugs, ignition coils, and distributors are critical for an engine’s operation. Faulty spark plugs can cause misfires, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased emissions. Similarly, a failing ignition coil can lead to a breakdown of the engine’s ability to properly combust fuel.

Conclusion

When you notice any of the problems above, bring your car to Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop and our technicians will fix them in no time. Visit our website at mikesautospa.com or give us a call at (817) 834-2725 to schedule an auto service. We are equipped to handle all your engine concerns and ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and safely.

Gas Octane Ratings Explained

December 6, 2023 / / 0 Comments

When it comes to filling up our vehicles with fuel, most of us are familiar with the options available at the gas station. One of the key choices we make is selecting the right octane rating for our vehicles. Octane ratings play a crucial role in determining the performance and efficiency of our engines. However, understanding what these numbers mean and how they impact our vehicles can be a bit confusing. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of gas octane ratings and shed light on what they are and why they matter.

What are Octane Ratings?

Gasoline octane ratings refer to the measure of a fuel’s ability to resist knocking or pinging during combustion. This knocking phenomenon occurs when the air-fuel mixture in the engine ignites prematurely, leading to inefficient combustion and potential damage to the engine. Octane ratings are represented by numbers, such as 87, 89, and 93, which you commonly encounter at the gas pump. The higher the octane rating, the more resistant the fuel is to knocking.

But what determines the appropriate octane rating for your vehicle? It primarily depends on the engine’s design and compression ratio. High-performance engines with higher compression ratios typically require higher octane fuel to prevent knocking. On the other hand, most standard vehicles are designed to run efficiently on regular gasoline with octane ratings of 87.

Which Octane Rating Should I Use?

While higher octane fuel may be necessary for certain vehicles, it is important to note that using premium fuel in a vehicle designed for regular gasoline will not enhance its performance. Conversely, using regular fuel in an engine that requires higher octane may lead to knocking and decreased efficiency. It is crucial to consult your owner’s manual or check the fuel cap for the recommended octane rating. By following the manufacturer’s guidelines, you can ensure optimal engine performance, fuel efficiency, and avoid potential engine damage.

Related: “Saving Money on Gas: Fuel Efficiency Tips and Myths”

Conclusion

At Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop in Fort Worth, Texas, we understand the importance of using the right octane rating for your vehicle and its engine. Our team of experts is here to answer any questions you may have and help you make informed decisions. Visit our website at mikesautospa.com or give us a call at (817) 834-2725 to schedule an auto service. Trust in our expertise to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently.

4 Warning Signs Your Car’s Oil Needs Changing 

May 27, 2022 / / 0 Comments

A car’s lubrication system is not only the most important function, but it is also the most critical system for maintaining the engine’s performance and extending its life. That said, the oil must be changed every now and then because every delay can cause serious problems. Many car owners get confused and ask these questions: How do I know if the engine oil in my car needs to be changed? What is the condition of the oil that needs to be changed? Well, all these questions will be answered in detail in this blog. 

1. The Oil’s Color 

One of the obvious alerts that the oil needs to be changed is the color. If you notice any slight change in the oil color from a brown or light honey color to a darker black, then it’s without a doubt that the oil is saturated with sediments and dust inside the engine. Therefore, if you don’t want to compromise on the performance of the engine, try to check the oil at least once every couple of weeks or after a long journey. 

2. Engine Oil and Dashboard Light

The dashboard in front of you shows many warning signs indicating any defect in the car, whether there is a lack of fuel or an imbalance in tire air pressure and other alerting signs. However, if the oil pressure warning light is on, you have to stop your car as soon as you have a safe place to park in and change the oil immediately. Some car dashboards may display the word “OIL” instead of the oil pressure symbol. 

Related: learn more about how to change your car oil here.  

3. Engine Oil and Smoke 

If the translucent vapor emanating from the car’s exhaust changes to smoke, stop your vehicle immediately. The smoke emanating from the exhaust is a dangerous sign that indicates actual damage to the engine’s internal parts. Check up on your engine – you may find an oil leak and, in worst cases, faulty engine parts. 

4. The Oil’s Smell 

Under normal conditions, the smell of engine oil is not supposed to leak into the car cabin, but a strong odor inside the car cabin means that the engine oil needs to be changed. If you smell burning oil, stop your vehicle as quickly as possible and schedule a maintenance appointment immediately. 

Conclusion 

The bottom line? Ignoring the above warning signs can completely damage the performance of your engine and put your safety at risk. So, whether you want a professional diagnosis for your car or just want to change the engine oil, head to Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop for quick and affordable auto services. Visit our auto shop or check out our website for more information.

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