Category Archives: Maintenance and Service

Do you know how to handle a tire blowout?

Maintenance and Service, Safe Driving, Tips and HInts

If you’ve never experienced a tire blowout, let me just tell you that it’s beyond scary. This is especially true if you don’t know how to handle the vehicle in this situation. There are several reasons a tire may blow out. The two most common reasons have to do with the air pressure.  Too low of pressure causes the tire to flex more than they are designed to, and if the pressure if too high, the tires a stressed beyond the designed limits.

The easy way to avoid a blowout, is to check your tire pressure at least once month (especially during the summer). However, checking the tire pressure is not a sure-fire way to avoid a blowout. There could be a defect in the tire itself or the wheel, in which case you’d be none the wiser.

The best thing I can suggest to you is to be prepared. Know what to do and what to expect when it happens.

Step 1: Stay cool.

Ignore your natural instinct to hit the brakes or jerk the steering wheel when you have a blowout.

Step 2: Accelerate slightly.

Accelerate slightly to maintain control of the vehicle. Keep going straight.

Tip: Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands at 10 o’clock and two o’clock on the wheel to avoid losing control.

Step 3: Decelerate.

Ease off the accelerator slowly.

Step 4: Coast.

Maintain your course while the vehicle slows.

Step 5: Apply brakes.

Apply the brakes gently when your car slows to 30 miles per hour.

Step 6: Turn on right turn signal.

Tip: Never stop on the left side of the road, if possible. This is the most dangerous place to be.

Step 7: Pull over.

Pull your vehicle off to the side of the road, and breathe a sigh of relief…you’ve just survived a blowout.

[How Cast]

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5kq101nYSU

Rain, Rain go away save your hail damage for another day!

Maintenance and Service, New Cars, Tips and HInts

Pretty clever title, huh?

Living in Texas, we are all too familiar with “Texas Weather”. To put it simply, it can and usually does change on a dime. Nice and sunny one moment and the next you are being pelted by penny to softball sized hail. I’d go as far as to say that the “Hail Sale” was invented here in Texas.

So what do you do of your poor new car gets pelted by an unexpected deluge ice nuggets and ends up looking like a golf ball? One of two things. You can watch the video below for a look at what it takes to get your ride back to it’s unblemished self. It shows the tools you’ll need and how you might want to go about prepping your dent removal project.

To keep it interesting, they challenged the tech to do 6 dents in under a minute. As a novice, I’d plan for a much longer amount of time for your project. Also keep in mind that this is just the hood. Chances are if you’ve sustained hail damage it will probably be on your roof and trunk as well…as this point, I’d really consider bringing it in to have a professional take a crack at it.

Check out the video:

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGFk-gJsT8w

As you can see, if you know what you are doing, restoring your car after a hail storm takes a little patience, the right tools and some mechanical ability (removing hoods, liners, paneling etc.).

If you’ve sustained any hail damage (it’s crazy weather season in Texas) and don’t want to tackle a dent removal project yourself, then don’t hesitate to give me a call and I’d be happy to help you get your pride and joy back too showroom condition.

 

Diagnose the 9 Most Common New Car Electrical Problems

Maintenance and Service, Parts and Accessories, Tips and HInts

I know, “It’s a new car, how can it have electrical problems?” Well, either that new car probably really isn’t as new as you think, or you have a valid issue. So, how can you tell the difference and what do you do about it?

The electrical systems in new cars have definitely made driving a lot easier over the decades. The seemingly endless innovations in electrical systems have helped us enjoy a more comfortable and easier drive. However, for every Yin, there’s a Yang.

Yin & Yang

Let’s say, you have problems starting your car and notice other problems with the electrical system. Let’s cover some of the issues that you could face with your new  vehicle’s electrical system:

Common Automobile Electrical System Problems Are : Car’s Battery Is Dead – This is the most common problem…and most obvious. Check your battery by engaging your headlights and judge by the illumination.

No Power Stored in the Battery – When you turn the key, what do you hear? A little click? Does it sound like it want’s to turn over? It is possible that your car’s battery does not have ample power to crank the starter. You need a new battery.

Alternator is Not Working – A damaged or broken alternator could be the culprit. No alternator? No battery recharge. If your car suddenly start to lose “juice” while drive, you’ll know it could be your new car’s alternator.

Problem with Starter or Solenoid – Good parts gone bad parts. If it’s the starter, it won’t turn over. If you have Solenoid issues, you might find it harder to brake.

Battery Cables Might Be The Problem – A loose cable might be the root of the problem…give them a wiggle before you run out and buy a replacement.

Electrical Fuses – Check for any blown fuses in your fuse box. Also, feel around for any loose wires.

Cracks In Alternator Belt – Too much or too little tension, as well as cracks in the alternator belt cause trouble.

Ignition System Has Problems – You have a busted ignition switch. Give your mechanic a call.

Loose Spark Plugs – Loose or old plugs will certainly affect the operation of your vehicle. Are you loosing power as gears change? Does it lurch as if the gears aren’t engaging? It might be the internal combustion and the culprit is usually the plugs and cables.

Now these are just guidelines you can crosscheck any issue you might have experienced. I you can talk with your mechanic about your new car logically by doing a little research, you help him help you even faster. If you have any questions, or you might think that you might need a great mechanic, I know where to find one.

Don’t discard that dead battery…charge it!

Maintenance and Service
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lanevids/14450482251/in/photolist-o1WuVH-6nkb3V-5JFhxc-5JFfRD-azU9eb-5JFin8-5JKxe5-5JKvxL-5JKuQA-5JKtVJ-5JKt4Q-4hBYuv-dmB7dm-57dKoN-qQyF7W-9MdLMX-amFehK-86ugqZ-BVBz1-aeRqTt-cvZRoE-6cNj6x-nzm8TT-nxjkY9-5hBnY7-8oFrFa-8oJBBb-6eGwep-7gNszJ-7vYYq-gSDzHJ-6cucrh-Zfro2-BZEv8-ELTjf-PnLoc-e6z9Nk-62NUa1-fCRZs-55LGPr-6NbXh-8N8cwz-nhs5E1-2adYES-2a9AgK-4RfZr3-6s5RN4-7818ai-aCjWxX-dSQdhg
Lane Fournerat/Flickr Creative Commons

How important is it to keep a well maintained battery under your hood? Let’s call it your car’s Cup ‘o Joe…it provides that little boost in the morning when you turn the ignition to get the motor runnin’ (among a myriad of other tasks).

So, let’s say you accidentally left your interior lights on all night and you wake up to find that you have a dead battery, what do you do? Without a battery charger, you call into work and burn a personal day in hopes of getting a jump from a neighbor or a new battery. With a battery charger, well you get to save that personal day for a time when you really want to play hooky. Let me tell you, for around $50, it’s worth it and you’ll get a pretty decent charger to boot!

How does a charger work? Check out the video.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEPuO8kZVE8&feature=player_embedded

How easy is it to use? This easy.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oSuz0T51Fs&feature=player_embedded

Of course, there could also be other reasons why your battery is discharging faster than usual or not having enough juice to turn the starter, and that is a bigger issue. I’d advise you take your car to your mechanic if your battery issues become problematic.

Improve Your Windshield’s Visibility

Maintenance and Service, Parts and Accessories, Safe Driving

So….When was the last time you changed your wiper blades? 2 years? Then you’ll want to watch this. If you don’t know where your Wiper blades…get a bus pass.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJN7NqkUd1k

…or, you can always go the Red Green way of getting the most out of your windshield wiper components.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlS-hN6EmIA

If you can’t bring yourself to stop at an auto parts store to buy new blades, then the next time you are in for service, make sure you get you wiper blades changed. In all seriousness, this will really improve your visibility, especially at night as poor blades tend to leave streaks and make the headlights from on coming traffic even more of an annoyance than they already are.

Need help? Swing by my place!

New Car and Brake Safety…What to look for.

Maintenance and Service, New Cars, Used Cars

A lot of cars have been involved in accidents because of brake failures, one leading indicator is the feel of the brake pedal, so if your car pulls left or right when braking, or if the front end shakes, then these are definite signs of excessive brake wear. If the brake pedal in your new car begins to feel spongy, it could be a sign that air has entered the brake system or fluid is low. Do not ignore these warning signs!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PFiCV2BG2Y

A spongy brake pedal, together with a decrease in brake fluid, may also indicate brake wear, so when you check the brake fluid reservoir, make sure it’s topped off. If not, then brake fluid is most probably remaining at the wheel to fill the space caused by wear. Many vehicles purchased from car auctions experience this kind of problems because of being stocked for a long time in car garage or showrooms. Simply replacing the brake fluid and letting it flow throughout the wheel by pumping the brake pedal a few times before your run the used automobile helps in ensuring safety for you and your passengers.

Many new cars have ABS (Automatic Braking System) which initiates a rapid- fire pumping sequence to the brakes, keeping the car straight during sudden or hard braking. If the ABS light illuminates on your instrument panel, then it’s likely that the wheel sensors have detected excessive build-up of metal particles from the brake system. Most cars are designed to shut down the ABS when excessive particle build-up occurs, but a shutdown ABS does not prevent you from stopping, it just means that the ABS feature isn’t working.

Wheels should be pulled and brakes checked once a year by an experienced brake specialist. These guys have experts who can fit your new car with high quality, high performance braking components. Whether it’s used car or not.

An inspection typically includes the rotors, calipers, drums, pads, pistons and brake lines. Brake systems should be flushed and brake fluid replaced every two years.

Brake fluid absorbs moisture in the system and becomes acidic after about two years. Check your owner’s manual or ask your technician to see what kind of brakes your car has and how they are adjusted. .

Remember, how and where you drive will greatly influence when your brakes must be replaced. If you have any questions about your brakes, come and see me.

How Much is Your New Car Worth in 5 years?

Maintenance and Service, New Cars, Tips and HInts, Used Cars

What I’m about to tell you is nothing you don’t already know. Buying a car is a “Catch 22” meaning, you have to have one, but for the most part, they are bad investments in terms of recouping your money. Their value isn’t really based on how much you can get for it when you want to sell it, but how much you get from it you while you own it. But of course, we want a good trade value for our old stuffs. Though old and used, we surely had bought it in a good price, so we also expect a better deal.

Well, I hate to break it to you, but unless your daily commuter is a high-end sports car or luxury suv, you aren’t going to recoup all of your money. No problem, we already knew this. So, what can you do to help add some value back into your vehicle? take a look at the video:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU6a5ffizkg

Have any other hints on keeping the value of your new car intact? Let me know!

A Great way to Improve Gas Mileage in Your New Car

Maintenance and Service, New Cars, Used Cars
The differences can be extreme

The average driver spends little time considering how an automobile engine works or even how important it is to protect it’s moving parts. They just get into their cars and drive. At the same time, most drivers do consider a vehicle’s fuel economy both when purchasing and driving. Some go to great lengths to find ways of improving gas mileage such as purchasing different exhaust and air intake products, fuel additives, and tires. With the only exception being the vehicle’s transmission, the engine is the most intricate and vital component of that car’s ability to be useful. It is also, often, the most expensive to repair. It’s internal components are subject to extreme heat and friction which wear on these parts over time. They are constantly exposed to temperatures nearing 200 degrees and moving thousands of times per minute. Even with regular servicing and preventative maintenance, the wear on these parts is inevitable and adversely affects an engine’s efficiency over it’s lifespan. It’s the efficiency of an engine which consumers often overlook when considering fuel economy.

Synthetic oil, as compared to traditional petroleum based oils, has a stronger viscosity or stickiness. It also takes longer to break down in extreme temperatures and is less subject to evaporating. Substituting synthetic oils for traditional oils when servicing a vehicle protects these parts better and, in turn, leads to greater engine efficiency. It’s efficiency directly affects the amount of fuel being used or wasted in the combustion process. Therefore, one of the most considerable ways of improving gas mileage is to protect the efficiency of a vehicle’s engine over it’s lifespan with a synthetic lubricant.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiLkoRVL7BQ

With the rising prices of gasoline in our present day economy, a greater portion of the population is in need of finding practical ways to improve gas mileage. Using a synthetic oil for engine lubrication is one significant way a consumer can improve fuel economy and save a substantial amount of money over time. It will also better protect internal engine components longer which will save money in engine repairs and rental cars. It will protect one of the biggest and most important financial investments one can make in today’s society.

Keeping your New Car in Great Shape is Easy!

Buick, GMC, Maintenance and Service, New Cars, Pontiac, Tips and HInts, Used Cars

Well you did it! you finally bought that new car you were threatening to by for almost a year. Now you’ll just have to keep your new car in A1 condition to get the best out of it. Polluted and dirty engine oil, transmission fluid, and anti-freeze are going to cause problems for your car, and remember to check your brake fluid in the coming year. Brake fluid delivers force to various parts of the brake when you step on the pedal, you know it has to be topped up, but how often does it have to be changed?

Brake safety is a subject that I have touched on before in an earlier article and I wonder how many times you think about the fluids in your car. One of the paramount considerations that you must make as a responsible owner of a car, is the constant and consistent maintenance and servicing. I suggest you shop around and find an expert you trust to service and maintain your new car.

Below is more on Brake fluid from articlesbase.com

According to specialist mechanics, brake fluid, in the everyday family cars, becomes contaminated in less than two years. Brake fluid absorbs moisture, which works its way through the hydraulic system. Under heavy braking conditions, such as when towing a trailer, driving in a very hilly or mountainous area, the moisture in the overheated fluid vaporizes (boiling point of water is lower than that of brake fluid) and braking efficiency is reduced.

Not only is the fluid vulnerable to vaporizing, it also can freeze. Even under normal automobile driving conditions, this situation can develop if the brake fluid is seriously contaminated. It is necessary for brake fluid to maintain a stable viscosity throughout its operating temperature range. Being too thick or too thin causes impaired braking action. Beyond the vaporization hazard, moisture creates an additional problem for owners of vehicles equipped with anti-lock braking (ABS) systems. Corroded ABS components are very expensive to replace.

While you’re at it, ask  your tech about any other fluids that should be topped off or replaced, such as oil. Oil changes are important. Your mechanic is an oil change and lube expert. There are synthetic oils available, to better protect your engine and enhance your car’s performance, not to mention synthetic oil is resistant to heat and viscosity breakdown.

One of the most common mistakes you can make with your new car is to let things slide when it comes to something as simple as an oil change. Properly scheduled oil changes will help your new car last for many years.

If you have any questions or comments, you can leave them here or you can always come and see me.

Protecting Your New Car from Water Damage

Maintenance and Service, New Cars, Tips and HInts, Used Cars

You can still remember your famous last words, “Don’t worry, it doesn’t look that deep.” If you can feel the water splashing under the undercarriage it’s too deep. The next thing you notice is water on your floorboard. Not good. Water that gets left inside your car doesn’t just evaporate without causing damage first.

1. Check carpets and upholstery. Check also door and trim panels for dampness. If they are wet, then your used car will need professional attention. Simply air-drying the carpet is not enough; you will be soon notice that mildew and nasty odors will have come out.

2. Check seat brackets, motor, and modules. Be sure they’re free of rust and properly operating.

3. Pull the engine oil and transmission fluid dipsticks and differential plug. If the fluid appears milky or diluted, is no longer its original color, or is light brown in color, then it is likely the pans contain water. Have your car repaired immediately. Driving the car with water present may damage the internal parts and require extensive overhaul or car repairs.

4. Check the air filter for water. If it is wet, replace the air filter and change the oil.

5. Check the undercarriage, bumpers, radiator area, and frame for mud, grass, dirt, debris, and rust. If any of these are present, have your used car washed and cleaned as soon as possible. Any mechanical repairs can be checked out by your trusted mechanic and get your new car back to its perfect condition.

6. Have the brake system checked by a professional. Water-logged brake systems are especially dangerous on slippery roads.

7. Check the exterior lights for moisture and water. Replace headlights and bulbs that contain water.

8. Finally, listen for abnormal noises while the engine is running. Make a note of where the noise is coming from and take the vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible. Pay particular attention to the alternator, serpentine belt, starter, power steering unit, air conditioner, and wheel bearings. Check the suspension joints and lubricate as necessary. Many used car models are lubricated at the factory for life; however, these joints should be checked for rust as well.

By being “car care aware” and following these simple guidelines can help minimize potential damage to your new or used car. If you’d like a professional opinion on the matter, you know where to find me.