Unique Auto

Posts Tagged ‘Car Maintenance’

Every minute you’re driving, your vehicle’s engine goes through its combustion process thousands of times. As it does, it produces intense heat. Nearly half of that heat leaves through the tailpipe and dissipates in the air. The other half must be absorbed by the auto parts that comprise your engine. That includes the pistons, the cylinder heads and other car part components.

On their own, these parts cannot withstand the high temperatures generated by combustion; they would start to malfunction and eventually fail completely. Luckily, your car has a cooling system. It is specifically designed to help these components soak up the excess heat without their being destroyed in the process.

Below, I’ll give you a brief overview of the three main car parts that make up your vehicle’s cooling system. I’ll explain the job they do and how they help ensure your engine doesn’t overheat.

#1 – Water Pump

The “secret” behind your cooling system’s effectiveness is the coolant. It circulates throughout the engine and surrounding components, absorbing much of the excess heat along the way. Then, it travels into the radiator which is cooled by constant airflow.

In order to circulate, the coolant must be pumped along its path. This is the job of the water pump. It’s powered by your car’s timing belt, though older models might have a flat belt that powers the pump. If the timing belt breaks, it cannot operate the water pump, which will ultimately prevent the coolant from circulating and absorbing the heat.

#2 – Plumbing

The reference is referring toward the components in which the coolant moves. That includes a network of hoses, valves, and the radiator. It also includes the heater core, but that’s less important for this discussion. We’re mainly concerned with the hoses. Because the hot coolant travels through them continuously, they deteriorate quickly. It is wise to replace the hoses at least every three years for optimal performance. Every four months, you need to check them for fissures and cracks. The hoses are relatively inexpensive, so if you notice crack – even small ones – replace them.

#3 – Sensors And Thermostat

Your car’s cooling system is equipped with sensors, fans, and a thermostat to monitor and control the temperature around the engine. They work in congruent of each other to assure that temperatures stay with in a predetermined limit. If any of these parts are damaged and fail, the engines temperature will increase higher than normal. When this occurs, your car’s performance will suffer and emissions will increase.

It is impossible to overstate the importance of your vehicle’s cooling system. When all of the components involved work properly, your car’s engine will perform its combustion process without problem. However, if the water pump, hoses or valves, or sensors or thermostat malfunction, your vehicle can overheat. And that can easily lead to expensive car engine damage.

When operating your car, your vehicle’s engine heats up. It can withstand a certain level of heat, but if the temperatures rise too high, the engine can become damaged. Your car has a cooling system to help make sure that doesn’t happen. The water pump is an important part of that system. It circulates coolant throughout your radiator and engine, and keeps the heat down. Unfortunately, like any of your car’s parts, it can fail. When it does, it cannot effectively manage the high temperatures that build around your engine.

In this article, I’ll explain how to replace your vehicle’s water pump. If working on your car is new for you, this particular job is best left to a mechanic. It’s not difficult, but it can take a few hours and require a bit of experience.

The Preliminary Work

Before you replace it, you’ll need to drain the cooling system and get rid of the residual coolant. Get a large oil pan and place it under the engine to let the fluid drain. Next, take the drive belt off (you might need to remove the alternator). In order to gain access to the part, you may also need to take the pulley off.

Finally, take off the hoses which connect to the water pump. Keep in mind that hoses can deteriorate quickly. Since you’re removing them, now is a good opportunity to replace them. It won’t cost much and you’re taking them off anyway.

The Job

You’ll likely notice between six and eight bolts that are connecting the component to your car’s engine. In most cases, the bolts will be in two different sizes (automakers like to make these jobs tougher than they need to be). You’ll probably need a couple of wrenches to take the bolts off.

Make a note of which bolts go where before taking them off. Then, once you have removed them, slip the water pump off the engine. Once it’s off, replace the gasket. You may want to use a little sealer to ensure that it bonds well. Next, install the new water pump and make sure that it aligns properly with the new gasket.

Screw each of the bolts in by hand before tightening them down with the wrenches. That way, you can be sure that they’re evenly tightened for a snug fit. Connect the hoses and start replacing any parts (i.e. alternator) that you needed to remove to gain access. Once everything is put back together properly, add new coolant to the cooling system.

Start your car and let it idle for a few minutes to allow the temperature to rise. Also, look underneath the body to make sure there are no leaks. Finally, drive your vehicle for ten minutes and check for any signs of overheating.

Replacing your water pump is not a quick job. As noted, I recommend that most people ask their auto technician to handle it. That said, with a little patience, a few tools, and some experience, you can perform the job yourself.

Your car needs regular servicing in order to continue running smoothly. The good news is that even though a mechanic can do everything for you, most of it can be done in your garage. We’re not talking about overhauling your engine or transmission. We’re referring to the little things that can influence your car’s performance, maneuverability, and handling over time. Below, I’ll provide a 6-step checklist that you can use to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top condition.

Step 1 – Check The Oil

Get used to checking your oil every few weeks. This way, your car engine will be well lubricated for driving and should set your mind at ease. Often, engines will begin burning or consuming too much oil. Checking it periodically will help you keep on top of potential problems.

Step 2 – Check The Coolant

You should check your car’s coolant level regularly, especially if you drive for long distances. A lot of drivers forget to keep their reservoir filled, even though it is the easiest thing to do. if the levels decrease beyond their required limits, your automobile engine will become overheated. That can lead to expensive damage.

Step 3 – Inspect The Air Filter

Look at your air filter every time you change the oil. You are not required to replace it each time, but when it is dirty you will need to replace the part. The air filter is designed to trap and catch debris to that it does not get into your engine. Over time, the accumulation of dirt and dust will prevent proper airflow.

Step 4 – Fill Up Your Power Steering Fluid

Sometimes, it’s easy to take your vehicle’s power steering for granted. But, the ease with which you turn your wheel requires that you keep the fluid level topped off. Examine this on a regular basis, at least once a month. Then, if the level seems low, look in your owner’s manual to check whether a particular type of fluid is recommended.

Step 5 – Repair Dents And Dings

Dents and dings, while unattractive, can lead to more serious problems like rust and corrosion. Unfortunately, being on the receiving end of these small blemishes is practically a foregone conclusion. As inconvenient as it is, getting them fixed can prevent costlier problems later.

Step 6 – Test The Lights

Most cars today are designed to warn the driver that one of the headlights is about to fail. The turn indicator will begin blinking rapidly before the light completely fails. To make sure that you haven’t missed the problem, get into the habit of checking your front and back lights every two weeks. The last thing you want is to find out one of your lights is broken while you’re driving in poor weather.

The six listed item are simple and easy to perform. They merely require a few minutes of your time. By keeping on top of each of them, you can help ensure that your vehicle is operating properly. If you notice signs of more severe issues (for example, your engine is burning oil), have a trained mechanic take a closer look. You can also save money by requesting used auto parts for some of your car part needs.

Each of us has gone through the experience of discovering our vehicle won’t start. We climb behind the wheel, turn the key, and feel the creeping sensation of dread as the engine refuses to roar to life. Usually, it happens when you are late of in an extreme rush. Even more discouraging than losing your main means of transportation is not knowing what is causing the problem. Is it the battery? The starter? The ignition switch?

Plenty of things can go wrong under your car’s hood which will immobilize it. The trick is knowing how to narrow down the culprit so you can either fix the problem or have your mechanic do it for you. We examine several of the potential reasons your vehicle will not start.

When The Car Engine Doesn’t Crank

If you turn the key and your engine fails to turn over, the problem is usually located in the ignition system, starter, or the battery. If your battery is the source of the issue, it may be because of low voltage or a bad connection between the poles and terminals. To fix a low voltage problems, a jump start and driving the car for 20-30 minutes will solve the problem.

First examine the wires if you think the problem is the vehicles starter. If they’re clean and tight, the relay or solenoid may be bad. Otherwise, you may need to replace the entire starter. If your battery and starter are fine (your mechanic can test them for you), the problem is likely in the ignition system.

When The Auto Engine Does Crank

If the engine turns over when you turn the key in the ignition, but it doesn’t actually fire, the cause is a lack of spark, a lack of gas, or lack of sufficient compression. The fact that your engine is turning means that your battery is delivering voltage and your starter is being triggered.

You can purchase a spark testing device from most auto supply shops. Assuming there’s fuel in your gas tank, check to see whether your fuel pump is working properly. The vehicles which are rolling off the automakers floors today come equipped with fuel injection systems. While they’re more precise, they’re also more sensitive to pressure variances. If the problem is fuel pressure, the most likely suspect is the fuel pump.

To check the compression level, you’ll need to have access to a special testing device. Most auto repair shops have the device for their own use, not for public use, so testing may require a paid visit to the local garage. The mechanic will probably remove the spark plugs in order to check all of the cylinders.

As noted above, some issues are easily solved. Others will require help from your auto technician. The next time the car doesn’t start, you have an idea of some of the causes, reasons and explanations.

When the weather is hot, most drivers roll up their windows and turn their vehicle’s air conditioner on. The cool air flows through the vents and the temperature inside the car’s interior drops. While the driver and his passengers may feel comfortable, his car may be on the verge of overheating.

One of the natural enemies to your vehicle's engine is heat. Too much of it will cause it to overheat which can lead to expensive damage. Fortunately, your car has a cooling system; its job is to keep the temperature of your engine within an acceptable range. The problem is that car parts within the system can wll eventually fail.

Below, I'll describe some of the parts within your car's cooling assembly that undergo constant stress. I’ll explain what you should check on a regular basis, and how to prevent your vehicle from overheating and leaving you stranded.

Parts Under Stress

A number of belts and hoses comprise the cooling assembly. The belts deliver power to your alternator, water pump, and A/C compressor. If one of those belts breaks, fails, or somehow becomes loose, it will not be able to trigger the part to which it sends power. That can potentially cause your vehicle to overheat.

The hoses funnel coolant to your radiator. That coolant is critical to managing the heat which surrounds your engine. Without it, the temperature would increase to the point of overheating. If the hoses are cracked from wear and tear, the neccessay coolant would leak out prior to reaching the radiator. Because of this, it can not longer absorb the heat.

When you drive during the summer, the temperature under the hood can approach 300 degrees Fahrenheit. That intense heat can cause the belts and hoses of your cooling system to break or rupture. If you’re driving under stressful circumstances – for example, pulling a heavy load up a steep hill – your engine can easily overheat.

At-Home Or In-Garage Inspection

Visit your dealership’s service center or your local repair garage to have a mechanic look at your car’s belts and hoses. If they are worn down, it is required that your replace them. If you are familiar with your cars engine, you can inspect the belts and hoses personally. However, if there’s a chance that you might overlook a crack, small fissure, or any signs of extreme wear, ask a mechanic to take a look for you. It may cost a few dollars, but it will protect your car engine.

How To Prevent Overheating

Keep your eyes on your vehicle’s temperature gauge while driving. It can spike without warning, especially on hot days. If you see it rising, turn your A/C off, roll down your windows, and activate the heater. It may sound counterintuitive, but having the heater on will help lower the temperature around the engine. Also, if you’re driving in stressful conditions (up steep hills, etc.), turn your A/C off.

Even though automobiles today are designed to better withstand heat, they're still susceptible. Fortunately, with a little car maintenance, you can help your car stay cool and preserve the life of your engine.

Being Savvy With Car Maintenance 

Some auto maintenance tasks are critical to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and lasts a long time. For example, getting oil changes every 5,000 miles, keeping the right amount of pressure in your tires, and changing your air filter occasionally are important. That said, there are plenty of car maintenance items that are a waste of your time and money.

The problem is that dealership service centers and local repair garages often give advice that is suspect. Much of the rhetoric is based to increase sales rather than car performance.

Because ongoing car maintenance is so important to the life of your vehicle, I’ll describe the tasks you should be doing as well as those which you can do without.

Mind Your Tires

Despite the myriad of parts under the hood, your tires on the only parts that actually contact the ground (hopefully). Be sure to check you vehicles tire pressure monthly. Tires will leak air over time; Tires should be filled with air to there standard settings. If they’re underinflated, the treads will wear down and you’ll end up replacing them far sooner than normal. Also, rotate them occasionally. The tires on the front of you automible will show signs of wear and tear faster than the tires on the rear of your car. Rotating them keeps the tread wear even.

Tune-Ups: Are They Necessary

If you’re driving a vehicle that is less than 10 years old, you probably don’t need a tune-up. The point of a tune-up is to adjust and recalibrate mechanical parts. These days, most of the parts (i.e. oxygen sensor, ignition switch, fuel injection system, etc.) are calculated by a simple computer. As a result, there is very little to “tune up.”

Regular Oil Changes

Years ago, when engines were less sophisticated and motor oil was less advanced, a trip to the oil change shop every 3,000 miles was a good idea. However, that’s no longer the case. Today’s cars only need to have the oil changed every 5,000 miles.

Maintain Your Brakes

Every time you press down on your brake pedal, your brakes experience a little wear and tear. If you neglect them long enough, you’ll eventually hear a painful grinding sound as exposed metal rubs against other metal. Visit a repair shop as soon as you notice any problems. If you catch it early enough, you may only need to have the pads replaced. By the time you hear grinding, the rotor may be damaged and need to be replaced.

Change Your Air Filter

Your air filter has an important job: it needs to catch dirt and debris before it enters your car’s engine. Every time you are on the road, it performs it's job dilegently. The problem is that it gets clogged with debris over time. When that happens, air flow becomes restricted which can affect your engine’s performance.

Check the air filter each time you change the oil. Driving on dirty roads will increase the amount of debris you car sustains. They’re inexpensive, so they can be replaced without breaking the bank.

A great ride today will over time need maintenace on it's parts and become a weaker ride, due to the wear and tear of the car engine. Invest time on the auto maintenance tasks above to make sure your vehicle lasts as long as possible.