Gary Hanna
October 9, 2012 at 5:43 PM ·
2012-10-09_17-41-16_807
Backfires may have several causes including an air/fuel mixture that is too rich, a faulty oxygen sensor, or catalytic convertor, or there may be false reads being sent to the onboard computer about coolant temperature.
When cleaning different car surfaces, be sure to choose an appropriate cleaning product for the material.
With proper maintenance, it's reasonable to expect your vehicle to run for at least 200,000 miles. Regular oil changes, lube jobs, fluid changes, brake maintenance and timely repairs will keep your vehicle in top condition.
Over time, the rubber bushings holding your vehicle's suspension components in place will wear out and cause it to rattle. In this instance the only thing to do would be to have the undercarriage thoroughly inspected and have any failed or failing components replaced.
If you drive a car or truck with a diesel engine, if the idle stop solenoid is old, defective, loose, or worn out, it can cause problems when you try to shut it off. It needs to be addressed before it causes serious (aka expensive) damage.
Transmission tip: Wait until your car has settled when reversing before you put the car in to drive. It isn't good for your transmission to change it while the car is even slightly in motion.
Did you know? Engaging your parking brake when your car is parked - whether on a hill or not - reduces stress on the transmission and may save money in costly repairs later on.
Vehicles today are very complex but, did you know that they're somewhat easier to fix? Thanks to onboard computers and specialized scanners, the car or truck can tell the mechanic exactly what's wrong so long, drawn out searches are effectively eliminated.
Do you own an electric car? The motor has special brushes to keep it running, and these eventually wear out. Have them checked for damage every 50,000 to 60,000 miles and replace them if needed.
Why is my car being a jerk? If you car is jerking while you are driving, it may indicate a fuel pump problem. When the fuel pump fails your car won't start, and repeated tries will drain your battery. Get thee to a mechanic.
Brakes not responding as you would like them to? It could be something as basic as brake fluid, or it could be a bigger problem. Rather than taking chances with your safety, have the brakes checked.
Parasitic draw is an abnormal and continuous battery drain that occurs when the vehicle is off. You likely won't notice any problem under normal operation, but if the vehicle sits for a few days, it could kill the battery.
If you detect a sickly sweet smell coming from the engine, the problem could be leaking anti-freeze. Look under the engine to see if there is a pool of yellow green liquid. If there is, refill the radiator with fluid and bring your car in to be checked.
When it comes to your vehicle, one thing that you'll have to pay close attention to is the state of your tires. Tire wear in particular is something to take note of because premature degradation can mean a camber alignment issue.
Don't ignore even the smallest crack in your car's windshield as it can quickly grow and cause it to fail. For everyone's safety, have the windshield repaired or replaced immediately.
Can you name the seven vital fluids that every vehicle needs for optimal performance on the road? These include motor oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid, battery fluid, and power steering fluid.
If you're having problems with your car's automatic transmission, it would be a very good idea to send it off for repair right away. Continuing to use the vehicle in its current state is something you shouldn't do because complete failure can occur without warning and leave you in a bad spot.
If the idle stop solenoid on your car is too old, defective, loose, or worn out, it can cause the engine to diesel when you try to shut it off. If not corrected, it can cause serious damage.
Does your car engine sound like a banshee's wail when you start it? It's probably a loose or damaged belt. We'll diagnose the problem and replace damaged or worn belts as well as tightening everything that needs it.
How popular was the Ford Model T? Well, In 1916, 55% of all the cars in the world were Model T Fords. In fact, until 1958, almost 60% of all cars on the road in the U.S. were Fords. Then Ford introduced the Edsel...
When reading the label on an oil container, do you know what the "W" means? Nope, not weight. It stands for winter, and refers to its viscosity in cold temperatures.
