Frequently Asked Questions
Automotive Q&A
Get answers to some of our most commonly asked questions for car care and vehicle maintenance.
Brakes
The brake rotor is an iron disc connected to the tire’s hub that is used in a disc brake assembly. Disc brakes are mostly used on the front wheels of vehicles, but they have increasingly been used on rear wheels as well. Rotors work hand-in-hand with brake pads to stop your vehicle. When you step on your brake pedal, your vehicle’s brake pads are compressed against the rotor creating friction. This friction enables your vehicle to stop while also creating a tremendous amount of heat. Rotors consist of two iron discs connected by ribs. When the brakes are applied, the brake pads are pressed to both iron discs. There are many different rib designs for rotors, but they all do the same thing. They aid in dissipating the large amounts of heat created by the friction between the rotor and brake pads. These ribs allow the hot air to vent from the rotor and also direct air in to cool the rotor. It is very important for rotors to be able to dissipate the large amount of heat so they can work properly.There are also two different types of high-performance rotors: drilled and slotted rotors. Drilled rotors consist of holes drilled in specific patterns on the surface of the rotor. Even though these holes provide less of a surface area for brake pads to squeeze, they allow heat, gas, and water to pass quickly from the rotor surface. A slotted rotor has directional slots or ridges carved into the rotor surface. Again, these slots move heat, gas, and water away from the rotor surface. These two designs are beneficial for high-performance vehicles, but they have their issues. Drilled rotors are not very durable and can crack around the holes; slotted rotors can cause excessive wear to brake pads.
When brake pads are compressed against the rotor, the friction created stops the vehicle. This friction eventually wears not only the brake pads, but also the rotor. Rotors develop wear patterns from the brake pads over time. When a worn brake pad is replaced, rotors need to be machined smooth to remove the wear patterns. A rotor can be machined smooth only so many times before it is worn too much. Each rotor must have a certain width, which is inscribed on the rotor, and if the rotor is too worn, it must be replaced. Over time, rotors can also develop heat cracks and other damage.
Rotors must be replaced when they are worn past the inscribed minimum width. It is very important to inspect your brake system periodically; this includes your brake pads and brake rotors.
Brake system inspection is an absolute must to ensure safe driving conditions. During a brake inspection the entire brake system is checked; this includes the following: the brake pedal, brake fluid, brake lines and hoses, and the brake assemblies (whether they are disc brakes or drum brakes). Parking brakes should also be checked at this time. Checking how your brake system is working starts with your brake pedal. There are three things to check when it comes to your brake pedal. The brake pedal’s height should be checked along with measuring free play and the brake pedal reserve distance. All of these measurements should be compared with the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. The brake pedal height is the measurement of the brake pedal to the floor when the brake pedal is at rest. Free play means that when you step on the pedal the brakes aren’t applied right away. The free play is measured by the pedal movement from rest until the brakes are actually applied. Pedal free play is actually required, but it is important the free play measurement is in accordance with the specifications of the manufacturer. Lastly is brake pedal reserve distance. This is the distance from the pedal to the floor when the brakes are applied. So, if your pedal’s height is off or if there is excessive free play, there may be problems with your pedal bushings and return springs. If the reserve distance is incorrect, there may be problems with the cylinder pushrod. Next, your brake fluid should be checked. Brake fluid provides the necessary force to activate your brake shoes and compress the brake pads or brake shoes. Brake fluid is kept in the master cylinder and experts say it should be changed every year or two to ensure your brakes will work properly. Along with checking the brake fluid, the hoses and lines should be checked. If the master cylinder is low, there may be a leak somewhere in the lines. The lines and hoses can be visually checked for cracks, and the actual brake assembly can be checked for moisture. You can also place cardboard under your vehicle and step on your brakes several times. Then check the cardboard for any leaks. Finally, the brake assemblies are checked. To inspect the brakes, your front and rear wheels are removed to get a better view of the brake assemblies. There are two different types of brake assemblies: disc brakes and drum brakes. Let’s discuss inspecting disc brakes first. There are three things that must be inspected on disc brakes: the brake pads, brake rotor, and the caliper. The brake pads are located on each side of the rotor and are actually pushed against the rotor to stop the wheel and stop your vehicle. The pads create the necessary friction to stop the vehicle. The pads are checked for excessive wear to make sure there isn’t metal rubbing on metal. The brake rotor is the iron disc that is connected to the tire’s hub. Rotors must be inspected for excessive wear. Brake pads and rotors have matching wear patterns, and if a brake pad needs to be replaced, the rotor will have to be machined smooth. A rotor can be machined smooth only so many times before it is worn too much. Each rotor must have a certain width, which is inscribed on the rotor, and if the rotor is too worn, it must be replaced. The rotor should also be inspected for any heat cracks or other damage. The last part of a disc brake is the caliper. The caliper is a device located over the top of the rotor and contains both brake pads. There are two types of calipers: floating calipers and fixed calipers. A floating caliper can compress itself and contains only one piston. When the brakes are applied, brake fluid will force the piston into the brake pad, which will press against the rotor. Then the other side of the caliper will press the other brake pad against the rotor to stop the wheel and vehicle. A fixed caliper doesn’t move; so, it contains two pistons located on each side of the rotor. When the brakes are applied, brake fluid forces both pistons into each brake pad which press against each side of the rotor to stop the wheel and vehicle. Calipers must be inspected to check for leaks. The second type of brake assembly is the drum brake. Drum brakes are usually located on rear wheels because of the need for a parking brake. Parking brakes are added much easier to a drum brake than to a disc brake. Drum brakes contain several different parts: brake shoes, which are like brake pads; a backing plate, which basically holds everything together and is attached to the axle; brake drum, which is like the brake rotor; wheel or brake cylinder, which contains the pistons; return springs; and a self-adjusting system that will adjust the position of the brake pad when the brake isn’t applied. When the brakes are applied, brake fluid forces the pistons to push against the brake shoes, which press against the drum, which will stop the wheel and vehicle. Then, when the brake is released, the return springs send the brake shoes back to their original position. Brake shoes are located very close to the drum so that when you step on your brake pedal, the brakes are immediately applied. Over time, the surface of the brake shoes wears and the position of the shoes must be adjusted so it doesn’t have to travel a farther distance to come into contact with the drum. If the drum brakes didn’t have a self-adjusting system, you would have to press down farther and harder on your brake pedal before the brakes would be applied. When a drum brake is inspected, there are many more parts that need to be checked than in a disc brake. The brake shoes need to be checked for excessive wear so they don’t damage the drum. The brake drums, like the rotor, need to be checked for excessive wear or cracks. They also have to be machined smooth when a brake shoe is replaced and can only be machined down so far; then they must be replaced. Wheel or brake cylinders need to be inspected for any signs of leaking. The return springs need to be checked because if they are too worn and don’t return the brake shoes back to their original position, away from the drum, the brake shoes can experience rapid and excessive wear. Finally, the self-adjusting system must be inspected to make sure it is clean and properly lubricated. Parking brakes should also be inspected at this time. A parking brake, or emergency brake, must be inspected to make sure that the cables and levers are working properly. Parking brakes work separately from your regular hydraulic brakes. They are a necessity to keep your vehicle from rolling down a hill when it is parked. It must also be working properly if your regular hydraulic brakes ever fail.
When your vehicle’s brakes are applied, a tremendous amount of heat friction is created to stop your vehicle. Over time your brakes can wear from the friction and must be inspected to ensure safe driving and braking conditions. If your brake system ever failed, your vehicle would be unable to stop and can put you and your passengers in a dangerous situation.
Technicians advise that you should have your brake system checked every 10,000 miles, depending on the amount of driving you do. You can also periodically check your brake pads, or brake shoes, and brake fluid yourself to check for excessive wear or leaking.
Having proper working disc brakes is essential to operating a safe vehicle. If you have worn brake pads, operating your vehicle can be dangerous. Worn disc brakes can lead to braking failure and can cause accidents. Also, if you wait too long to get your brake pads changed, you can incur many additional costs. When the brake pads are completely worn, each time you step on your brake pedal, your vehicle’s calipers will be squeezing metal on metal. This can lead to further damage on your vehicle’s rotors, and you will then need to replace not only your brake pads but also your rotors as well.
Disc brakes begin to show wear at approximately 8,000 to 10,000 miles. Many brake pads come with an indicator strip that will make a whistling noise when your brake pad needs to be replaced. However, if you experience any squealing or grinding noises when you step on your brake pedal, you should inspect your brake pads. If you can see excessive wear, you should have your brake pads changed in order to prevent any further damage to your vehicle’s rotors and wheels. At this time also check your rotors and calipers. Calipers may begin to stick and won’t retract all the way when you release your brakes. This can lead to quicker wear on your brake pads. Again, you should always address any noises from your brakes before the problem becomes too serious or dangerous.
Drum brakes are responsible for stopping your vehicle. Drum brakes are usually located on rear wheels because of the need for a parking brake. Parking brakes are added much easier to a drum brake than to a disc brake. Drum brakes contain several different parts: brake shoes, which are used to press against the brake drum and create the necessary friction to stop your vehicle; a backing plate, which basically holds everything together and is attached to the axle; brake drum, which is attached to the wheel; wheel or brake cylinder, which contains the pistons; return springs; and a self-adjusting system that will adjust the position of the brake pad when the brake isn’t applied. When the brakes are applied, brake fluid forces the pistons to push against the brake shoes, which press against the drum, which will stop the wheel and vehicle. Then, when the brake is released, the return springs send the brake shoes back to their original position. Brake shoes are located very close to the drum so that when you step on your brake pedal, the brakes are immediately applied. Over time, the surface of the brake shoes wears and the position of the shoes must be adjusted so it doesn’t have to travel a farther distance to come into contact with the drum. If the drum brakes didn’t have a self-adjusting system, you would have to press down farther and harder on your brake pedal before the brakes would be applied.
Having proper working drum brakes is essential to operating a safe vehicle. If you have worn drum brakes, operating your vehicle can be very dangerous. There are many parts to a drum brake and since there are many parts, there are several things that need to be checked to make sure a drum brake is working properly. The brake shoes need to be checked for excessive wear so they don’t damage the drum. The brake drums need to be checked for excessive wear or cracks. They also have to be machined smooth when a brake shoe is replaced and can only be machined down so far, then they must be replaced. The required diameter is inscribed on the drum. Wheel or brake cylinders need to be inspected for any signs of leaking. The return springs need to be checked because if they are too worn and don’t return the brake shoes back to their original position, away from the drum, the brake shoes can experience rapid and excessive wear. Finally, the self-adjusting system must be inspected to make sure it is clean and properly lubricated.
When your brakes are applied, your brakes create a tremendous amount of heat friction to stop your vehicle. Over time, your brakes will wear from the friction and must be replaced to ensure safe driving conditions. Technicians advise that your drum brakes should be checked every 10,000 miles. You can also periodically check your brake shoes and brake fluid to check for excessive wear or leaking.
Rear disc brakes are basically the same thing as front-wheel disc brakes. Let’s discuss what a disc brake is before we get into why rear disc brakes are different than front disc brakes. Disc brakes are responsible for stopping your vehicle. They consist of three main parts: brake pads, a caliper, and a rotor. Brake pads are located on each side of the rotor and are actually pushed against the rotor to stop the wheel and thereby stop your vehicle. The pads create the necessary friction to stop the vehicle. The caliper is a device located over the top of the rotor and contains both brake pads. There are two types of calipers: floating calipers and fixed calipers. A floating caliper can compress itself and contains only one piston. When the brakes are applied, brake fluid will force the piston into the brake pad, which will press against the rotor. Then, the other side of the caliper will press the other brake pad against the rotor to stop the wheel and vehicle. A fixed caliper doesn’t move; so, it contains two pistons located on each side of the rotor. When the brakes are applied, brake fluid forces both pistons into each brake pad, which press against each side of the rotor, to stop the wheel and vehicle. The rotor is an iron disc connected to the tire’s hub. Rotors work hand-in-hand with brake pads to stop your vehicle. Again, when you step on your brake pedal, your vehicle’s brake pads are compressed against the rotor creating friction. This friction enables your vehicle to stop while also creating a tremendous amount of heat. Rotors consist of two iron discs connected by ribs. When the brakes are applied, the brake pads are pressed to both iron discs. There are many different rib designs for rotors, but they all do the same thing. They aid in dissipating the large amounts of heat created by the friction between the rotor and brake pads. These ribs allow the hot air to vent from the rotor and also direct air in to cool the rotor. It is very important for rotors to be able to dissipate the large amount of heat so they can work properly.Now that we covered how disc brakes work, let’s discuss the difference between rear and front disc brakes. The only difference is that rear disc brakes must include a parking/emergency brake. Parking brakes must be completely separate from your vehicle’s regular hydraulic brakes in case your regular brakes ever completely failed. There are two ways a parking brake is connected to a rear disc brake. First, rear disc brakes contain a corkscrew device that, when the parking brake is applied, pushes a piston into the brake pad to stop the vehicle. Rear disc brakes can also include a separate drum brake system so that when the parking brake is applied, the parking brake’s cables will pull a lever in the drum brake that compresses the brake shoes to stop the vehicle.
Disc brakes begin to show wear around 8,000 to 10,000 miles. Many brake pads come with an indicator strip that will whistle when your brake pad needs to be replaced. However, if you experience any squealing or grinding noises when you step on your brake pedal, you should inspect your brake pads. If you can see excessive wear, you should have your brake pads changed in order to prevent any further damage to your vehicle’s rotors and wheels. Also, check your rotors and calipers. Calipers may begin to stick and won’t retract all the way when you release your brakes. This can lead to quicker wear on your brake pads. Again, you should always address any noises from your brakes before the problem becomes too serious or dangerous.
Having proper working disc brakes is essential to operating a safe vehicle. If you have worn brake pads, operating your vehicle can be dangerous. Worn disc brakes can lead to braking failure and can cause accidents. Also, if you wait too long to get your brake pads changed, you can incur many additional costs. Once the brake pads are completely worn, each time you step on your brake pedal, your vehicle’s calipers will be squeezing metal on metal. This can lead to further damage on your vehicle’s rotors, and you will then need to replace not only your brake pads but also your rotors as well.Rotors must be inspected for excessive wear. Brake pads and rotors have matching wear patterns, and if a brake pad needs to be replaced, the rotor will have to be machined smooth. A rotor can be machined smooth only so many times before it is worn too much. Each rotor must have a certain width, which is inscribed on the rotor, and if the rotor is too worn, it must be replaced. The rotor should also be inspected for any heat cracks or other damage. Calipers should also be inspected to check for any brake fluid leaks.
Engine
Since 1996, every vehicle that is built to be sold in the United States must have the OBD-II System. The OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) System is a device that detects problems in your engine. The system was put in place to help control vehicle emissions. Basically, this system can detect and inform the driver of malfunctions in the engine. It will send a message to your engine’s ECM (Engine Control Module) computer system. The ECM is in charge of controlling many of your engine’s processes including air/fuel mixture and emissions. The ECM System keeps your engine running efficiently while keeping emissions low. The ECM uses sensors to monitor your engine, adjust emissions, and/or engine timing when necessary; it will inform the driver when something is wrong with the vehicle by triggering your “check engine” light on your dashboard. If your OBD-II System detects a problem, it will record and store the corresponding code for the problem, which can be accessed by a technician. A trained technician can hook up his/her computer to your ECM System to receive the error code and diagnose the problem. The OBD System makes it much easier for a technician to determine what is actually wrong with your engine.
Engine diagnostics keep your engine running efficiently. The OBD-II System can detect problems before they damage your engine or hurt its performance. These diagnostics will detect problems and turn on your “check engine” light. If your “check engine” light stays on, you have a problem with your engine, and it should be checked. These diagnostics will let you take care of problems early and help you save money. The diagnostics will also keep your vehicle running efficiently and keep your vehicle’s emissions low. If you ignore your “check engine” light, you can be damaging your engine. Also, your vehicle may not pass emissions tests when this light is on.
Again, since 1996, all vehicles built to be sold in the United States have on-board diagnostics that monitor engine’s performance and inform drivers of problems. Your vehicle basically monitors and diagnoses its own performance. However, you can purchase your own computer or scanner to check for problems with your engine. These are the same scanners that technicians use to receive and diagnose problems stored by your OBD-II System. You can purchase one of these scanners and periodically check your engine’s performance, or you can rely on your OBD-II System and have your vehicle inspected by a trained technician whenever your “check engine” light comes on.
As our engines have changed over time, so have our engine tune-ups. In the past, it was necessary to check and change many more parts. Today, engine tune-ups include checking, diagnosing, and replacing bad spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor caps, fuel filters, air filters, and oil filters. Tune-ups can also include checking emission levels, fuel lines, wiring, coolant hoses, and serpentine belts. Checking items such as ignition contact points, ignition timing, carburetors, and condensers aren’t included anymore because today’s vehicles include electronic ignitions as well as computers that automatically adjust engine timing when necessary. These tune-ups keep your engine running as efficiently as possible and prevent early breakdown. Regular tune-ups will also extend the life of your vehicle.
If regular maintenance and inspection isn’t performed on your engine, your vehicle may not be operating as reliably or efficiently as it should. A well-tuned engine operates at maximum performance levels. During a tune-up, engine parts that affect performance are checked and replaced. Spark plugs create an electrical spark that ignites the gasoline/air mixture in your engine. They create, and must be able to withstand, a tremendous amount of voltage and heat. If your engine’s spark plugs aren’t working properly, your engine can stall and may not even start. Spark plug wires are also very important. They have to be able to transfer and withstand the voltage created by the spark plug. If they are old, they can burn out and cause a misfire. Fuel and air filters are two more items that are checked during an engine tune-up. These two items affect engine performance and gas mileage. Fuel filters help protect your engine’s fuel system. They trap dirt and other debris in your fuel and don’t allow them to reach your engine. Over time, a fuel filter will clog and won’t allow fuel to flow freely. This can lead to poor acceleration and poor engine performance. Engines also require a free flow of clean air to operate. Outside air travels through the air filter and mixes with your vehicle’s fuel to power your engine. Air filters trap the dirt and other debris from the outside air. As with fuel filters, air filters can clog over time. A dirty air filter can cause your vehicle to lose up to 20 horsepower, while making your engine work harder, since it restricts airflow. A dirty air filter will also reduce your gas mileage. Your engine requires the exact amount of air and fuel, but with decreased airflow there is less air mixing with your vehicle’s fuel; therefore, your engine uses more fuel to compensate.
Engine tune-ups should be performed every 15,000 to 20,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. Check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s suggested tune-up period. There are also several signs to look for that will tell you when you need a tune-up. First, if your vehicle is stalling; second, if you experience a decrease in gas mileage; or third, there is a noticeable loss in power or acceleration, you should have a tune-up performed. You should also have a tune-up performed if your “Check Engine” or “Service Engine” lights come on. Again, regular tune-ups will increase your engine’s performance and extend the life of your vehicle.
Exhaust System
Depending on whom you talk to, the components of the center exhaust section vary, but the most common description includes all of the parts between the down pipe and the tail pipe. This includes the catalytic converter and muffler, plus more pipes. It is in the center exhaust section that most of the exhaust system’s work is done. The catalytic converter is responsible for controlling the harmful emissions your engine produces. Engines produce dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxide. Catalytic converters contain substances or compounds such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium that react with, and convert, the harmful gases into less harmful substances such as oxygen, nitrogen, water vapors, and carbon dioxide. Mufflers aid in controlling vehicle emissions but are mostly responsible for dampening engine noise. Mufflers are specifically designed to cancel out, or dissipate, the loud sounds created by your engine. They also contain a special chamber called the resonator, which aids in this process.
If your catalytic converter ever failed, your vehicle would emit noxious gases, such as carbon monoxide, that can harm your passengers. If you have ever heard a vehicle driving down the road without a muffler, you know how loud your vehicle would be if your muffler were damaged. Not only would your vehicle be polluting the atmosphere with harmful gases and loud noises, but also your vehicle would never pass an emissions test. Also, if any of your exhaust system’s pipes were leaking, harmful gases can be released into the atmosphere. This is why it is important to check your center exhaust section periodically and replace parts when necessary.
Technicians recommend that you have your entire exhaust system inspected every two to three years, but there are several things you can look for to determine if you should have your center exhaust section inspected. If you don’t accelerate or drive any faster when you step on your gas pedal, your catalytic converter may be clogged. You will also experience a noticeable drop in gas mileage and possible stalling. However, if your catalytic converter is completely clogged, your engine will quickly fail because of all the exhaust backpressure. A damaged muffler is fairly easy to notice; your vehicle will be much louder when driving. If you ever smell any emissions coming from your vehicle, you may have a damaged exhaust pipe causing the emissions to leak. Lastly, if your “check engine” light comes on and stays on, it is possible that your exhaust system is damaged or leaking. No matter what, it is crucial to inspect your center exhaust section periodically to check for any damage and to ensure safe driving conditions.
Your exhaust system is responsible for converting your engine’s harmful emissions into less harmful substances. It is also in charge of transporting your vehicle’s emissions through the exhaust system and out the tail pipe. An exhaust down pipe is the piece of pipe that connects the exhaust manifold, which collects and funnels all of the engine’s gases into the rest of the exhaust system, and the catalytic converter, which converts the engine’s harmful gases into less harmful substances. Down pipes are specifically designed with a large diameter so the engine’s gases can travel quickly through the exhaust system without any restrictions.
Again, your vehicle’s exhaust system is in charge of converting your engine’s harmful emissions. But, if all of the engine’s emissions aren’t making their way to the catalytic converter, your vehicle will be leaking these harmful substances, which can pose a threat to pedestrians and your passengers. One cause of leaks can be your exhaust down pipe. If that is the case, it will be necessary to have it replaced. Also, if you have a damaged down pipe that is leaking emissions, your vehicle will not be able to pass safety and emissions tests.
Technicians recommend that you have your exhaust system inspected every two to three years. However, it is important that you periodically check your exhaust system for any damage or signs of leaking. If you happen to find any damage or signs of leaking from the down pipe, you should have your vehicle’s down pipe replaced. Also, if you can smell your vehicle’s emissions, you may have a leak and should have your exhaust system inspected. Two more signs of a leak can be when your “check engine” light comes on and stays on or if your vehicle doesn’t have any power. If you encounter any of these problems, you should have your exhaust system inspected and have any worn parts replaced.
Determining how long your exhaust system will last is very difficult. There are many factors such as climate and driving conditions (dusty areas) that can affect the life of your exhaust system. Typically, a normal exhaust system will last anywhere from two to three years. However, it is important to check your exhaust system periodically for any damage. There are also several things to look for to determine if you should have your exhaust system inspected or to have any part replaced. There are a few things you can look for to determine if you have a damaged or clogged catalytic converter. If you don’t accelerate or drive any faster when you step on your gas pedal, your converter may be clogged. You will also experience a noticeable drop in gas mileage and possible stalling. However, if your converter is completely clogged, your engine will quickly fail because of all of the exhaust backpressure. Also, if your engine’s oxygen sensor or any part of your exhaust system fails, your “check engine” light will come on. If the “check engine” light comes on and stays on, you should have your vehicle checked immediately. Again, this necessary inspection will keep your vehicle operating efficiently as well as keep your passengers safe.
This necessary maintenance is important to make sure your vehicle isn’t releasing harmful gases and substances. If there is any damage to your pipes, your vehicle can be releasing harmful gases. If your catalytic converter isn’t working properly, your vehicle can release very harmful gases such as: carbon monoxide, which is an odorless, poisonous gas that can be deadly; hydrocarbons, which are a major contributor to smog; and nitrogen oxides, which are contributors to smog as well as acid rain. Also, if your muffler is damaged or isn’t working, your vehicle will be very loud. If you have ever heard a vehicle driving down the road without a muffler, you know how loud your vehicle can get. It is also important to note that any damage to any part of your exhaust system can lead to your vehicle not passing emissions tests.
The exhaust manifold is the first part of your vehicle’s exhaust system. It is connected to your vehicle’s engine and collects your engine’s emissions. The exhaust manifold receives the air/fuel mixture from the multiple cylinders in your vehicle’s engine. It collects the fuel/air mixture from each cylinder, whether you have four, six, or eight cylinders. Not only does the exhaust manifold receive all of the burnt engine gases, but also it completely burns any unused or incomplete burnt gases using its very high temperature. The manifold also houses the first oxygen sensor in your exhaust system to inspect the amount of oxygen entering the system. The oxygen sensor monitors the amount of oxygen and will tell the fuel injection system to increase or decrease the amount of oxygen used in the fuel/air mixture used to power the engine. Basically, the exhaust manifold acts as a funnel and is used to collect all of the engine’s emissions (from however many cylinders your vehicle has). Then once they are in one place and completely burnt, the manifold sends the emissions into the rest of the exhaust system.
Since your exhaust system is responsible for converting your engine’s harmful gases into less harmful gases, it is vital that the emissions travel through the entire exhaust system to be fully effective. The exhaust manifold is the first part of your exhaust system; so, if the manifold is damaged or has a leak, then your vehicle will be releasing harmful substances into the atmosphere. A damaged manifold will also prohibit your vehicle from passing safety and emissions tests.
If you have ever heard a vehicle driving down the road without a muffler, you know how loud the vehicle can be. A simple muffler makes that much of a difference in controlling the amount of noise coming from your vehicle. Also, a worn or damaged muffler can actually prevent your vehicle from passing emission tests.
Mufflers can often be neglected and can rot or rust. They can also be damaged or knocked loose by debris you may hit while driving. It is important to inspect your muffler occasionally to check its condition, as well as how secure it is clamped to your vehicle. If it looks rotted, rusted, loose, or damaged in any way, it is important to have it inspected and possibly replaced.
Fuel Injection Service
Fuel injector service is a must to preserve the performance of your vehicle. Fuel injectors are located in the intake manifold and spray fuel through a tiny nozzle. The fuel injector uses a special nozzle to spray the fuel as mist, instead of a strong jet stream. Just think of the nozzle on the hose you use in your yard. You can change how the water flows out of your nozzle. There can be jet stream, shower, mist, and many more settings. A fuel injector must spray fuel as a mist because it’s easier for your engine to burn. When you step on your gas pedal, your vehicle’s throttle valve (which is a valve that opens and lets air into your engine) works in conjunction with your fuel injectors. When the throttle valve opens, your fuel injector sprays fuel to mix with the air and then enters the engine’s combustion cylinders. Fuel injectors can become dirty and clogged over time, which will lead to poor performance, bad gas mileage, and even dirty exhaust emissions. A fuel injector can become clogged around its valve and nozzle. The opening on a fuel injector’s nozzle is very minute; since a fuel injector’s nozzle must spray a fine mist, any tiny build-up of fuel can affect the fuel injector’s performance. Build-up can consist of wax, dirt, and other carbon deposits. Most build-up occurs from short trips, meaning a vehicle that normally travels for only fifteen minutes; low-quality gasoline that does not contain detergents also causes build-ups. Detergents can actually clean a fuel injector while you are driving, but many refineries are removing the detergents from their fuel to sell gas at a cheaper price.If a fuel injector is dirty or clogged, your engine won’t get the necessary flow of fuel to mix with the air, which will lead to poor acceleration, engine performance, and gas mileage.Fuel injection service can be done with leaving the fuel injector in the vehicle or taking it out. Almost all of the time, fuel injection service can be done with the fuel injector still in the car, unless it needs to be replaced. During a full fuel injection service, several things are done: your fuel pump’s pressure and volume is checked; your pressure regulator is checked; your fuel rail, which is the pipe that sends the fuel from your pump to your fuel injector, and fuel injector screen is flushed; your fuel injectors are flushed and cleaned; your throttle valve and air passages are flushed; and your engine’s computer is checked to make sure the air/fuel mixture is correct and all of the sensors are working.
A fuel injection service needs to be performed to improve your vehicle’s performance, gas mileage, and emissions. With the prominence of short-trip, stop-and-go driving and low-quality gasoline today, fuel injection service is a must.
Technicians recommend that fuel injection service be performed every 30,000 miles to keep your fuel injectors working efficiently and your vehicle operating at peak-performance levels. There are also several symptoms to watch for to determine if you need fuel injection service, which include the following: lean misfire, which is a misfire caused by an air/fuel mixture that is too lean, meaning there is not enough fuel (a lean misfire will trigger your “check engine” light); rough idle; poor acceleration; and higher carbon monoxide or hydrocarbon emissions.
Transmission
There are two main differences between an automatic and manual transmission. In a manual transmission there is a clutch pedal and a gearshift, whereas an automatic transmission has neither. Automatic transmissions are very complex systems. Basically a transmission is responsible for transferring the power from the engine to the drive wheels, whether you have front- or rear-wheel drive. Transmissions allow an engine to operate at a few speeds or gears, while your vehicle can travel at a large range of speeds. There are many different parts in an automatic transmission including bands, clutches, a hydraulic system, and a gear pump, but it all starts with the planetary gear set. The planetary gear set creates all the different possible gear ratios your vehicle uses. The planetary gear set contains three parts: the sun gear, two or more planet gears and the planet gears’ carrier, and the ring gear. The sun gear is located in the center with each planet gear surrounding and in contact with it. Then the ring gear is surrounding and in contact with each of the planet gears. So, from inside out, it’s the sun gear, then planet gears, and then the ring gear. Each part can be one of three things: the input, output, or stationary. It is what role it has (input, output, stationary) that determines the gear sets’ gear ratio. In one of the planetary gear sets, the ring gear has 72 teeth and the sun gear has 30 teeth; so, there are thousands of possible gear ratios. To explain how different gear sets will change your vehicle’s gears and speeds, I will explain how your vehicle enters first gear, third (or above) gear, and reverse. For your vehicle to enter first gear, the ring gear will be the input, and the planet gears will be the output. The sun gear will remain stationary. What happens in first gear is the ring gear will be set in motion moving the planet gears around the stationary sun gear. In this instance, the output (planet gears) will move slower than the input (ring gear), which means that the gear ratio is a reduction. Another possible scenario includes unlocking the sun gear and locking any other two parts, meaning they are stationary. This will cause all three parts (ring gear, planet gears, and sun gear) to move at the same speed. This would mean that the input would be moving at the same speed as the output and that your vehicle is operating in third gear or higher. The last scenario involves keeping the planet gear stationary. Then, when the ring gear (input) is set in motion, it will force the sun gear (output) to move in an opposite direction, which will put your vehicle in reverse gear. Another very important part in automatic transmissions is the torque converter. The torque converter works just like the clutch in a manual transmission vehicle. Torque converters transmit the necessary power to the engine to keep it running while your vehicle is stopped. Torque converters also supply more torque to your wheels to allow your vehicle to speed up quicker after sitting still. In order to supply this power, torque converters use transmission fluid.Transmission fluid is used to lubricate, clean, and keep all of the moving parts in an automatic transmission cool. Transmission fluid is sent throughout a transmission by a complex hydraulic system. This hydraulic system is responsible for providing a constant supply of transmission fluid to the transmission and torque converter. The hydraulic system uses a pump, called the gear pump, to provide the necessary pressure to send the transmission fluid throughout the transmission. ow that we know how an automatic transmission works, we can discuss what occurs during an automatic transmission service. In order to keep your automatic transmission running as efficiently as possible, this necessary service is required. Over time, transmission fluid wears down and must be replaced. It is also important to change your transmissions’ filter and pan gasket.
Automatic transmission service is necessary in order to keep your transmission running smoothly and prevent it from failing. There are many things that can damage your transmission including overheating, hauling heavy loads, poor transmission fluid, and even a lack of supervision and maintenance. Since automatic transmissions are so complex, they are very expensive to replace, which makes it even more important to keep it in good condition.
You should have your automatic transmission serviced in accordance with your vehicle owner’s manual recommendation. There are also several things to watch for that will tell you your transmission should be serviced. You should occasionally check underneath your vehicle for any signs of leaking. The leaking may not be related to your transmission, but the transmission fluid should always be checked. You should also occasionally check your transmission fluid level and replace the fluid if it is too low or is too dark (transmission fluid should be red). If you experience any other problems with your transmission such as grinding noises or trouble shifting, you should have your automatic transmission serviced immediately to prevent your transmission from completely failing which would cause your vehicle to be inoperable.
Since several gears and shafts power your manual transmission, it is very important to keep these parts lubricated and clean. Over time, transmission fluid can be polluted with small pieces of metal that fall off the transmission gears or by water. It is important to have the transmission fluid changed, so these tiny particles aren’t traveling through the fluid and damaging your transmission’s shafts and gears.
Manufacturers recommend that you have your manual transmission serviced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles depending on driving conditions. It is also recommended that you have your service technician check your transmission fluid each time you have your oil changed. Again, having clean transmission fluid is key to keeping your transmission running efficiently and extending its life.
Oil Change
Generally, you should change your vehicle’s oil every 3,000 miles or every 3 months. However, some newer vehicles require oil changes every 5,000 miles. In order to keep your engine running smoothly, you should consult your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations on oil changes.
Wheel Alignment
A wheel alignment makes sure that your vehicle’s tires are pointing straight ahead. A wheel alignment deals with changing the angles of your tires so they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other, which allows your vehicle to drive in a straight line. Having your tires aligned properly will maximize tire life and make handling your vehicle easier. Tires can be knocked out of alignment by hitting large potholes or other objects such as curbs. Once your tire is knocked out of alignment, it can cause difficult handling and excessive wearing of the tires. There are three things that affect your vehicle’s wheel alignment: camber, caster, and toe. Camber is the angle of the wheel when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Your tire’s camber measurement should be 0°. This means that the tire should be flat, or perpendicular on the ground; this causes the tire to ride perfectly on the “footprint” or middle of your tire. If your tire’s camber is off, meaning it is tilting inward or outward, it will cause excessive wear on the inside or the outside of the tire depending on which way it is tilting. If the tire’s camber is off, it can also lead to excessive pulling of your vehicle.Caster is the angle of your vehicle’s steering pivot when looked at from the side. The steering pivot is what allows your tires to turn when you turn your wheel. Your vehicle’s caster should be positive. This means that the top of the steering pivot should be farther toward the back of your vehicle than the bottom steering pivot. Positive caster basically means that your vehicle’s tires steer on an axis that is out in front of the tire’s contact patch (where your tire touches the ground). Having positive caster makes your tire more stable when driving in a straight line. Your tire’s caster should be the same on both sides of the vehicle; if it’s not the same, then the vehicle will tend to pull to the side that is less positive. Toe is a measurement of how parallel your tires are to each other. Toe measures the distance between the fronts of your two front tires and the rears of the two front tires. The distances should be the same. If the fronts of your tires are closer to each other than the rears, your tire is said to be in a toe-in position. If the rears of the tires are closer than the fronts, then your tire is in a toe-out position. Just think of your feet when you walk. Your foot should be pointing straight ahead when you step. If your foot points inward, it would be in a toe-in position. If your foot points outward, it would be in a toe-out position. If you tire’s toe measurement is not equal, it can lead to excessive tire wear and difficult handling.
Having your wheels aligned properly will maximize your tire life and will allow your vehicle to ride in a straight line. Having proper wheel alignment also gives you better gas mileage, improves your handling, and improves your steering. Overall, it makes driving safer.
There are several things that can signal a need for a wheel alignment. First, when you are driving on a straight road, your vehicle should be able to stay in a straight line. If it steers off to one side, your vehicle may be out of alignment. Second, watch for things like uneven tire wear, excessive pulling, and difficult handling. All of these may be signs that your vehicle is out of alignment and should be checked.
State Vehicle Safety Inspection
To obtain an inspection certificate, you must have your vehicle inspected at an authorized safety inspection station in Maryland. The Maryland State Police has licensed approximately 1,600 of these facilities in all parts of the state. Most stations are authorized to inspect: • Passenger cars; • Light trucks and SUV’s with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less; and • Trailers that are 20 feet in length or less, without air brakes. To be safe, always inquire whether the station has the proper authorization to inspect your vehicle. It is best if you schedule the safety inspection first, by phone. Also, before you take the vehicle to be inspected, ensure that it is properly registered, either in Maryland or in another state. If you are not able to register the vehicle because it has not yet received a safety inspection, you may qualify for a 30-day temporary registration that will enable you to legally drive the vehicle to the inspection station. The safety inspection should take about 1-½ hours for most vehicles once the registered inspection mechanic begins work. Certain vehicles (e.g., trailers) may take less time so it is best to check with the station. When the mechanic has finished, he will prepare an inspection report that shows the vehicle parts or systems examined and whether or not they have met Maryland’s standards
Air Filters
Air filters play a vital role in allowing your engine to run efficiently while keeping it clean. Engines require a free flow of clean air to operate. Outside air goes through the air filter, into the intake manifold, and mixes with your vehicle’s gas to power your engine. Engines require exact ratios of air and gas for engines to run as efficiently as possible; so, it is important to have a clean air filter. There are many contaminants that can get into your engine, such as dust, dirt, salt, tiny rocks, bugs, etc. Air filters have to stop these contaminants before they damage your engine by clogging passageways or damaging pistons and other internal engine parts.
Air filters are one of the most overlooked parts of your vehicle. They play a significant role in the performance of your engine. Your vehicle can lose up to 20 horsepower from a dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can also affect your vehicle’s gas mileage. Air filters have to allow air to pass freely into your engine. If an air filter gets dirty, it can restrict the amount of airflow and make your engine work harder. Your engine requires an exact amount of air and gas to power your engine. If your engine is not getting enough air, it will have to use more gas to compensate. This will reduce your gas mileage as well as your engine’s performance.
Dirt and debris build up over time and clog the pores on your engine’s air filter. Generally, you should have your air filter replaced every other time you have your oil changed (about every 6,000 miles). At the very least, you should have your air filter changed once a year. However, depending on where you live and the conditions of roads on which you drive (dirt or dusty roads), you should check your air filter every time you change your oil. This regular maintenance can lead to better engine performance and gas mileage.
Alternator Replacement
Alternators are a part of your vehicle’s charging system. Your charging system has three main components: the battery, voltage regulator, and the alternator. The alternator works in conjunction with the battery and generates the electrical currents to power everything electrical in the car, such as the headlights, dashboard lights, and even the cigarette lighter. Alternators are located towards the front of your engine and are powered by the engine’s serpentine belt. Alternators use the power from the crankshaft and serpentine belt to move magnets over a special surface of wires and cables called the conductor. This movement creates the necessary electrical current to power everything in your vehicle. Alternators are built out of a lightweight aluminum, which helps dissipate the large amounts of heat it produces. They also contain vents on both sides and an interior-cooling fan that help with heat dissipation. As you can see, keeping the alternator cool is very important for it to run efficiently. Another part of the alternator is the voltage regulator. The voltage regulator distributes and controls the voltage of the electrical currents the alternator creates.
If an alternator fails, your vehicle can run for a very short distance on the battery’s power, but eventually, the battery will also fail and your vehicle will die. So, basically, if you have a bad alternator, your vehicle is inoperable.
It is difficult to tell when you have a bad alternator. One sign of a weak alternator is dim headlights. Generally a good rule-of-thumb is to have your battery and alternator’s power checked every time you have your oil changed. If you suspect you have a problem with your alternator, have it inspected and replaced if necessary.
Ball Joints
A ball-and-socket joint is a joint where a spherical head of one part connects to a spherical cavity of another. These joints allow for freedom of movement in all directions. We have ball-and-socket joints in our shoulders and hips. They allow our arms and legs to move in all directions. Now imagine if your body didn’t have any ball-and-socket joints. Your arm and leg movement would be very limited. The same thing applies to ball joints in vehicles. Ball joints are a flexible ball-and-socket joint that connect a vehicle’s control arms to the steering knuckles and act as a pivot point. Ball joints allow a vehicle’s suspension to move up and down, while also allowing the wheels to steer left or right. They are found on a vehicle’s front suspension because the front suspension is what allows a vehicle to make turns. Most front suspensions have one or two ball joints, and some rear suspensions may have ball joints also. Ball joints allow vehicles to carry heavier loads and to travel over all kinds of surfaces such as: over potholes, uneven surfaces, and over rocks/bumps. They allow tires to stay in constant contact with the road surface by allowing wheels to move up or down depending on the surface. The ball joints allow a wheel to stay in constant contact with these uneven surfaces while continuing to steer.
Ball joints will eventually wear from the amount of movement and friction they undergo(eliminate comma) and can become loose. A ball joints is made to fit tightly into its steel casing; excessive wear will allow for more room for the ball to move in the socket, which can affect wheel alignment, tire wear, and suspension noise. Bad ball joints can lead to abnormal wearing of your tires. A ball joint’s lubrication can also dry out. This will allow road water to get inside the ball joint and will eventually lead to rust. As ball joints wear, this can hamper your ability to steer and control the vehicle. If a ball joint fails, a vehicle’s suspension can collapse or the wheel could fall off causing the vehicle to lose control. A bad ball joint is extremely dangerous and can cause serious accidents.
Any joint that exceeds the vehicle manufacturer’s maximum allowable wear needs to be replaced. Ball joints typically last 70,000 to 150,000 miles depending on their usage and road conditions. Clunking noises, poor handling, pulling, and abnormal wearing of your tires are all signs of a worn ball joint. If you see uneven tread wear patterns on your tire, you should have your ball joints checked. This can save you much money in the long run. Ball joints should be checked whenever the vehicle’s lubrication is checked. If the rubber boot which holds the joint’s lubrication is damaged or missing, chances are water has gotten into the joint. This can lead to rust and wearing, and your ball joint should be replaced. You can also check on your own to see if your ball joints are bad. You can give your tire a strong tug and see if you feel any extra pull or play. You can also jack the tire up and give the top and bottom of the tire a pull. If you feel any extra pull or play, you should have your ball joints checked immediately by a professional.
Battery Replacement
Car batteries are responsible for sending the electric current necessary to start your vehicle. Batteries are also responsible for powering your vehicle’s electrical parts when the vehicle is shut off. This includes powering the stereo and interior/exterior lights.
If your battery ever dies, the engine will never be able to start and your vehicle will be inoperable. It is also important to watch how long and how often you use your battery’s power when the vehicle is off. Overusing the power will drain the battery and can reduce the battery’s life or kill it.
If you turn your key in the ignition and nothing happens (your engine won’t start), you have a problem with your battery or your starting system. It will be necessary to have your vehicle jumped and taken to a repair shop to have the battery checked. If the battery is weak, you will need to have it replaced. Another way to ensure your battery is good is to have it checked every 3 months or 3,000 miles, basically whenever you have your oil changed.
Catalytic Converter
Since 1975, every vehicle produced in the United States is required to have a catalytic converter. A catalytic converter is responsible for controlling harmful emissions from your vehicle. It is located on the bottom of your vehicle, just behind your engine. Breaking down its name, we can analyze exactly what its function is. Catalytic converters contain substances or compounds such as platinum, rhodium, or palladium that act as catalysts and converters. The compounds act like catalysts because they cause a chemical reaction to occur, but they don’t change their original form. The compounds also act as converters because they react with and convert harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides produced by your engine. This conversion into less harmful gases occurs before they travel out your exhaust system and into the air. Catalytic converters contain honeycomb (covered with tiny pores) structures that are coated with platinum, rhodium, or palladium depending on the catalyst stage. Exhaust emissions from the engine will travel through the coated honeycomb structures and react with the compounds. There are two different catalyst stages that emissions will travel through: a reduction catalyst and an oxidation catalyst. During the first catalyst stage (the reduction catalyst), nitrogen oxides react with a platinum and rhodium coated honeycomb structure. When these harmful nitrogen oxides react with the catalysts (platinum and rhodium), the catalysts remove the nitrogen molecule, hold onto it, and release the oxygen molecules. Then, the nitrogen molecules left over will join with other nitrogen molecules and exit through the exhaust system. During this stage, harmful nitrogen oxide gases are converted into harmless oxygen and nitrogen gases. During the second catalyst stage (the oxidation catalyst), carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons are oxidized. This means that oxygen molecules will react with the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon molecules. These substances pass through a platinum and palladium coated honeycomb structure, which acts as a catalyst and aids in the reaction. During this stage, very harmful carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon gases are converted into less harmful carbon dioxide gases and water vapors.Catalytic converters also work hand-in-hand with a control system. This control system controls the fuel injection system and monitors the emissions leaving the engine before they enter the catalytic converter. It also contains an oxygen sensor, which detects how much oxygen is entering the exhaust system. The oxygen sensor monitors the amount of oxygen and will tell the fuel injection system to increase or decrease the amount of oxygen used in the fuel/air mixture used to power the engine. The sensor also makes sure there is enough oxygen in the exhaust system to be used by the catalytic converter in the oxidation catalyst stage.
Catalytic converters are a very important part of your vehicle’s exhaust system. They are responsible for controlling emissions and protecting passengers. If you didn’t have a catalytic converter or if it fails, your vehicle can release very harmful gases. Your exhaust system can release carbon monoxide, which is an odorless, poisonous gas that can be deadly; hydrocarbons, which are a major contributor to smog; and nitrogen oxides, which are contributors to smog as well as acid rain.
There are several things that can affect the performance of your catalytic converter. First, your oxygen sensor can fail causing a poor fuel/air mixture, which will lead to either too much or not enough oxygen entering your exhaust system. If there isn’t enough oxygen entering the catalytic converter, then there won’t be enough oxygen available to react with carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons during the oxidation catalyst stage, but if there is too much oxygen entering the converter, the converter will quickly overheat, melt, and clog. If your engine is leaking oil or other engine fluids, these fluids can enter the converter and clog it. Bad spark plugs or damaged exhaust valves can also destroy a catalytic converter. It is important to keep your engine and fuel injection system in good working condition.There are a few things you can look for to determine if you have a damaged or clogged catalytic converter. If you don’t accelerate or drive any faster when you step on your gas pedal, your converter may be clogged. You will also experience a noticeable drop in gas mileage and possible stalling. However, if your converter is completely clogged, your engine will quickly fail because of all of the exhaust back pressure. If you are experiencing any of these problems and suspect a damaged catalytic converter, you should take your vehicle to a trained technician and have him/her inspect it, as well as the rest of your exhaust system. A technician can remove your oxygen sensor to see if there is any change in your vehicle’s performance or emissions. He/She can also use a vacuum gauge to determine if your converter is clogged. If the converter fails these tests, then it is necessary to have it replaced in order to restore your vehicle’s performance and emission control.
Clutch
Clutches are used in many different devices, not just vehicles. Clutches are used in any device that has two or more rotating shafts. Usually, an engine drives one of the shafts and the other shaft, powered by the first shaft, will drive a separate part. For instance, in a vehicle the engine is constantly turning and when in contact with the transmission, the vehicle’s wheels turn. Clutches are used to separate the engine from the transmission. When you want to stop or slow down in a manual transmission vehicle, the clutch must be engaged in order to keep your engine running but to stop the wheels of the vehicle. Now, to understand what may go wrong with a clutch, it is important to understand how a clutch really works. Clutches operate by using friction to keep your engine and transmission connected. This friction is created between a clutch plate, which connects to the transmission, and a flywheel, which connects to the engine. When your clutch pedal is not engaged, your clutch contains springs that force a pressure plate to press the clutch plate into the flywheel creating the necessary amount of friction force to keep the engine and transmission connected. When this happens, your engine and transmission spin at the same rate. Then, when you do engage your clutch pedal, a cable or hydraulic piston pushes on the clutch’s release fork to release the springs. When this happens, the pressure plate pulls away, and the clutch plate separates from the flywheel. Again, when this occurs, your engine and transmission are now separated. During a clutch check and adjustment service, your clutch will be examined for signs of excessive wear and will be adjusted so it can release properly. If you have a hydraulic clutch, it will be inspected for leaks and adjusted if necessary. If you have a cable operated clutch, the condition of the cable will be checked and adjusted if necessary. Your clutch pedal will also be checked. The pedal’s free play distance will be checked and adjusted if necessary (there should be an inch or two of free play before the clutch is actually engaged).
Over time friction will wear down the surface of objects and since your clutch uses friction to operate, there are parts that will wear down. The clutch plate surface is covered with a friction material that wears away from constant use. When this happens, your clutch plate will begin to slip and won’t be able to sustain the force necessary to keep the engine and transmission connected. However, the clutch plate wears only when the engine and transmission are spinning at different rates. This means that the driver of a vehicle slips the clutch or takes his/her foot off the clutch too early. Another clutch problem deals with sticking. This means that the clutch doesn’t release all the way, and the engine is still in limited contact with the transmission. When this happens, your transmission will grind and may not even be able to switch gears.
Clutches can last for over 80,000 miles but can also show signs of wearing around 35,000 miles. It is important to use your clutch with care to extend its life and prevent early wearing. If you have a hydraulic operated clutch, you should have your clutch’s hydraulic fluid checked regularly. There are a couple signs to watch to determine if you should have your clutch inspected. First, if you have to press down hard on your clutch pedal, you may have what’s called a “hard” clutch. This can mean that your clutch is sticking. You should also pay attention for any noises your transmission makes when you engage your clutch. If you hear rumbling or grinding noises, there may be a problem with your clutch release fork. If you suspect any problems with your clutch, you should have it inspected to prevent any further damage to your engine or transmission.
Clutches are used in many different devices, not just vehicles. Clutches are used in any device that has two or more rotating shafts. Usually, an engine drives one of the shafts and the other shaft, powered by the first shaft, will drive a separate part. For instance, in a vehicle, the engine is constantly turning and when in contact with the transmission, the vehicle’s wheels turn. Clutches are used to separate the engine from the transmission. When you want to stop or slow down in a manual transmission vehicle, the clutch must be engaged in order to keep your engine running. Now, to understand what may go wrong with a clutch, it is important to understand how a clutch really works. Clutches operate by using friction to keep your engine and transmission connected. This friction is created between a clutch plate, which connects to the transmission, and a flywheel, which connects to the engine. When your clutch pedal is not engaged, your clutch contains springs that force a pressure plate to press the clutch plate into the flywheel creating the necessary amount of friction force to keep the engine and transmission connected. When this happens, your engine and transmission spin at the same rate. Then, when you do engage your clutch pedal, a cable or hydraulic piston pushes on the clutch’s release fork to release the springs. When this happens, the pressure plate pulls away and the clutch plate separates from the flywheel. Again, when this occurs, your engine and transmission are now separated.During a clutch replacement service, the clutch plate, which is covered with a friction material, and the pressure plate are replaced. During this service, depending on what type of clutch you have, your cable or hydraulic system will also be checked. Your clutch pedal will also be checked. The pedal’s free play distance will be examined and adjusted if necessary (there should be an inc h or two of free play before the clutch is actually engaged).
Over time friction will wear down the surface of objects and since your clutch uses friction to operate, there are parts that will wear down. The clutch plate surface is covered with a friction material that wears away from constant use. When this happens, your clutch plate will begin to slip and won’t be able to sustain the force necessary to keep the engine and transmission connected. However, the clutch plate wears only when the engine and transmission are spinning at different rates. This means that the driver of a vehicle slips the clutch or takes his/her foot off the clutch too early. Now, if your clutch ever completely failed, your engine would not be able to power your wheels and your vehicle would be inoperable.
Clutches can last for over 80,000 miles but can also show signs of wearing around 35,000 miles. It is important to use your clutch with care to extend its life and prevent early wearing. If you have a hydraulic operated clutch, you should have your clutch’s hydraulic fluid checked regularly. It is important to have your clutch replaced in order to keep your vehicle safe. If you hear any rumbling or grinding noises coming from your transmission, you should have your clutch and transmission inspected to check for any problems.
constant velocity joint boot replacement
Constant velocity, or CV, joint boots cover and protect a very important part of your vehicle’s driveshaft, your CV joint. Before we get into what the boot does, let’s discuss what a CV joint really is. CV joints are used to connect your vehicle’s transmission to your wheels. They are part of the driveshaft and are used primarily on front-wheel drive vehicles, but they are also used in rear- and four-wheel drive vehicles. Each drive wheel has two CV joints: the inner joint connects the transmission to the axle and the outer joint connects the axle to the wheel. The CV joint’s name comes from its ability to move with your vehicle’s suspension in any direction (if your vehicle hits a pothole or an uneven surface) and still be able to keep the drive wheels moving at a constant velocity. The CV joint is a very special joint: it connects two different rotating shafts. These two rotating shafts are stuck in a fixed position; so, the CV joint must be able to move and bend to keep these two shafts connected. CV joints are being used in newer vehicles and are taking the place of the old “U” joints. The CV joint is able to transmit even levels of torque to the wheels continually no matter what angle the joint is in. This means that no matter how many potholes you hit or if the vehicle is turning, the CV joint will keep the drive wheels moving at a constant velocity. Now that we know what a CV joint is, let’s discuss the CV joint boot. These boots have a very critical job; they must house and protect the joint. These boots are made of strong rubber that is able withstand the amount of bending the joint does. The boots keep the joint’s lubricating grease inside and clean. The boot also protects the joint from wet roads and other debris.
If your boot rips or tears, your CV joint will be exposed to any debris from the road. Also, the CV joint’s lubricating grease will escape and will lead to more wear on the joint’s parts from the metal-on-metal contact. If the boot rips, it will only lead to premature CV joint wear and a more expensive replacement service.
CV joint boots should be inspected whenever you have a routine service completed on your vehicle, such as brake jobs, alignment jobs, or oil changes. This regular inspection can extend the life of your CV joint and driveshaft. The rubber joint boots are visible under your vehicle so you can also periodically check it yourself. If it appears worn to damaged in any way, have it inspected and replaced if necessary.
CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT REPLACEMENT
Constant velocity, or CV, joints are used to connect your vehicle’s transmission to your wheels. CV joints are part of the driveshaft and are used primarily on front-wheel drive vehicles, but they are also used in rear- and four-wheel drive vehicles. Each drive wheel has two CV joints: the inner joint connects the transmission to the axle, and the outer joint connects the axle to the wheel. The CV joint’s name comes from its ability to move with your vehicle’s suspension in any direction (if your vehicle hits a pothole or an uneven surface) and still be able to keep the drive wheels moving at a constant velocity. The CV joint is a very special joint: it connects two different rotating shafts. These two rotating shafts are stuck in a fixed position; so, the CV joint must be able to move and bend to keep these two shafts connected. CV joints are being used in newer vehicles and are taking the place of the old “U” joints. The CV joint is able to transmit even levels of torque to the wheels continually no matter what angle it’ in. This means that no matter how many potholes you hit, or if the vehicle is turning, the CV joint will keep the drive wheels moving at a constant velocity.
CV joints are required to keep your drive wheels moving at the same speed. The joints are needed to provide the connection between your suspension and your wheels. If you think about it, when you are driving, even down a straight road, your wheels are constantly bouncing up and down over the road. CV joints are the only part of an otherwise solid driveshaft that bends with the road, and while the vehicle is turning. Again, without properly working CV joints, your wheels would be moving at different speeds when you are steering or hit an uneven surface.
CV joints last from 70,000 to 130,000 miles, and over, but technicians recommend that they be inspected periodically. Your CV joint is composed of six steel balls that roll along grooves in a rotating ball-and-socket joint plus a steel cage, which holds the balls in place and moves as the balls roll along the grooves. So, as you can see, there are many moving parts in a CV joint. This is why a rubber boot is required to cover the joint and keep the joint’s grease clean. Over time, these boots can wear and crack. If the boot does crack, the CV joint will be exposed to wet roads and other debris. The joint will also lose its lubricating grease, which will further damage the joint’s moving parts. CV joint boots are visible under your vehicle and are easy to inspect. If they look worn or torn in any way have them replaced, and this can extend the life of your CV joint. You can also watch for any noises or vibrations coming from your front suspension or a loss of acceleration when you are turning. If you experience either of these two things, you may have a problem with your CV joint, and you should have it inspected and replaced if necessary.
Cooling System Flush and Fill
Most of the energy created from your vehicle’s gasoline is converted to heat energy. Your engine produces large amounts of heat that must be controlled by your engine’s cooling system. A cooling system keeps your vehicle’s engine from overheating, but it also allows the engine to become hot very quickly and stay at a constant temperature. Engines are less efficient and more prone to pollution when they are cold. Cooling systems use fluid called antifreeze to control the engine’s temperature. Engine coolants must be able to withstand temperatures below 0 degrees without freezing and above 250 degrees without boiling. Water is very capable of withstanding heat, but it also freezes at temperatures too high to be suited for your engine. Therefore, your vehicle uses a substance called ethylene glycol, which improves boiling and freezing points; ethylene glycol is mixed with water to control your engine’s temperature. This substance is also called antifreeze. Antifreeze is typically 50% water and 50% ethylene glycol. It travels through the engine’s pipes and passageways to absorb heat and cool the engine. It also contains rust and corrosion inhibitors as well as lubricants.A cooling system flush and fill is very simple. Your vehicle’s old engine coolant/antifreeze is drained from the radiator, your cooling system is flushed, and new antifreeze is added to the radiator.
Antifreeze protects your engine fluid from freezing or boiling. It is very important to check the level and condition of your antifreeze regularly. Coolant levels should be checked only when an engine is completely cool. Engine coolant may still be very hot and can lead to burns if you check your coolant levels too early. Any significant loss of antifreeze usually means you have a leak or your engine is running too hot. Driving on old engine coolant is one of the leading sources of cooling system failures. This means that your engine is too cold to start or overheats and shuts down. An engine that is overheating can soon self-destruct.
Antifreeze should be replaced every 2 years or 30,000 miles. Antifreeze contains certain rust and corrosion inhibitors that lose their effectiveness, which can lead to build up and overheating in your engine. A flush is required to clean the cooling system, and new engine coolant fluid/antifreeze is added to ensure your cooling system is working properly.
DIFFERENTIAL FLUID SERVICE
To understand what differential fluid does, one must understand a vehicle’s differential. Depending on what type of vehicle you have, front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive, your differential will be located at the front of your vehicle; rear of your vehicle; or in the front, center and the rear of your vehicle respectively. The differential is the last stop for your engine’s power before it is transferred to your wheels. The differential is required to allow your wheels to turn at different speeds. When your vehicle is negotiating a turn, each of your wheels travels a different route and distance. The two inside wheels of a turn travel a shorter distance than the outside wheels. Your front and rear wheels also travel a different distance. Now, remember that equation back in science class: Speed is equal to Distance divided by Time? Well, using that equation, plus knowing that your vehicle’s inside wheels travel a shorter distance than your vehicle’s outside wheels travel during a turn, we know that your vehicle’s inside wheels travel at a lower speed than your outside wheels during the turn. It is your vehicle’s differential that controls the different paths and speeds of the inside and outside wheels during turns. The differential fluid is used to lubricate and cool the gears and shafts in your vehicle’s differential. The fluid is required to keep the parts lubricated, therefore, running smoothly, and also, to reduce the heat produced by the friction of the moving parts.Differential fluid service involves draining all of the old fluid and replacing it with new differential fluid.
Differential fluid is probably the most overlooked fluid in your vehicle. Over time, the heat and friction produced by the moving differential parts will break down the differential fluid. Small particles of the gears and shafts can also break off and mix with the fluid. Overused differential fluid can lead to poor differential performance/noise, excessive wear, the breakdown of the gears/shafts in your differential, and eventually, complete differential failure. Complete differential failure would require replacement of your differential system, which can be quite costly.
You should have your differential fluid replaced according to your owner’s manual and manufacturer’s recommendation. Typically, your differential fluid should be replaced from 15,000 to 30,000 miles. Many vehicles are different, and you should consult your owner’s manual for the recommended mileage. When you have your fluid changed, you should also check all of the gears, shafts, and other parts in your differential for excessive wear in order to keep your differential working properly.
Four Wheel Drive System
Simply put, four-wheel drive means that your vehicle is supplying power to all four wheels. Four-wheel drive systems are designed to give your vehicle better traction on snow and ice and in off-road conditions. The majority of four-wheel drive vehicles are only part-time four-wheel drive vehicles. This means that the vehicle’s four-wheel drive system can be turned on or off. Another type of four-wheel drive vehicle is an all-wheel drive vehicle. This means that the vehicle is always in four-wheel drive and is made to drive in any condition, such as ice, snow, and off-road. Whether you have an all-wheel drive or a part-time four-wheel drive vehicle, your four-wheel drive system is designed to send a precise amount of torque to each wheel to prevent each wheel from slipping.To get a better understanding of how four-wheel drive systems work, it is important to understand a little bit more about torque and wheel slip. Torque is a force used to turn things. In this case, torque is produced by your engine and is used to turn your vehicle’s wheels. Now, in bad weather conditions, your vehicle’s torque is actually determined by traction, not your engine. More specifically, it is determined by the amount of traction your tires have on the road surface. Wheel slip is all about your wheels contact with the road surface and whether your wheels have good traction or bad traction. Basically, when your wheel’s torque is greater than its traction, it experiences wheel slip. So, what four-wheel drive systems do is offer a greater amount of possible torque to your wheels but also supply the right amount of torque to sustain good traction in poor conditions. Four-wheel drive vehicles also provide better traction to all four wheels, which in turn increases the amount of torque, or force, that your tires can receive. This in turn will help your vehicle travel through snow and up slippery hills more efficiently. There are many parts in four-wheel drive systems that make four-wheel drive vehicles possible. One such part is locking hubs. Locking hubs are located on the front wheels of part-time four-wheel drive vehicles. Locking hubs are used to lock, or engage, the two front wheels so they also become drive wheels. This will put your vehicle into four-wheel drive. They are also used to disengage the front wheels from the front differential or drive shaft, setting the vehicle back into two-wheel drive. This allows the front differential or drive shaft to stop spinning, which will decrease the amount of friction applied to all the parts in the front differential, extending their life, improving fuel economy, and also preventing excessive wear on the front tires.
There are several things that can go wrong with a four-wheel drive locking hub. The most severe and common problem is that the hub won’t engage the front differential. This can be caused by worn parts or by mud or water entering the hub. This will basically make your four-wheel drive vehicle useless since your front wheels can’t be engaged.Another issue with locking hubs is that the hub can get stuck in lock and won’t disengage the front differential. This will lead to excessive wear of parts, excessive wear of tires, and poor fuel mileage.
Again, the most common problem with locking hubs is that they won’t engage the front differential. This problem may be accompanied by grinding noises when you try to shift your vehicle into four-wheel drive. If you hear a grinding noise when you shift to four-wheel drive or if your vehicle is getting poor traction in the snow and ice, you should have your locking hub inspected and replaced if necessary. The other issue with locking hubs is that the hub stays locked and won’t disengage the front wheels. When this occurs, your vehicle will be difficult to steer at lower speeds. Again, if you suspect you have a problem with your locking hub, have it inspected and replaced if necessary. Technicians recommend that you have your locking hubs serviced and inspected every two years or 25,000 to 30,000 miles. However, if your vehicle’s four-wheel drive system is used more extensively, you should have your locking hub inspected every year.
Simply put, four-wheel drive means that your vehicle is supplying power to all four wheels. Four-wheel drive systems are designed to give your vehicle better traction on snow and ice and in off-road conditions. The majority of four-wheel drive vehicles are only part-time four-wheel drive vehicles. This means that the vehicle’s four-wheel drive system can be turned on or off. Another type of four-wheel drive vehicle is an all-wheel drive vehicle. This means that the vehicle is always in four-wheel drive and is made to drive in any condition, such as ice, snow, and off-road. Whether you have an all-wheel drive or a part-time four-wheel drive vehicle, your four-wheel drive system is designed to send a precise amount of torque to each wheel to prevent each wheel from slipping.To get a better understanding of how four-wheel drive systems work, it is important to understand a little bit more about torque and wheel slip. Torque is a force used to turn things. In this case, torque is produced by your engine and is used to turn your vehicle’s wheels. Now, in bad weather conditions, your vehicle’s torque is actually determined by traction, not your engine. More specifically, it is determined by the amount of traction your tires have on the road surface. Wheel slip is all about your wheels contact with the road surface and whether your wheels have good traction or bad traction. Basically, when your wheel’s torque is greater than its traction, it experiences wheel slip. So, what four-wheel drive systems do is offer a greater amount of possible torque to your wheels but also supply the right amount of torque to sustain good traction in poor conditions. Four-wheel drive vehicles also provide better traction to all four wheels, which in turn increases the amount of torque, or force, that your tires can receive. This in turn will help your vehicle travel through snow and up slippery hills more efficiently. There are many parts in four-wheel drive systems that make four-wheel drive vehicles possible. One such part is the transfer case. Transfer cases divide the transmission’s power, or torque, and sends it to both the front and rear driveshafts. The transfer case also locks the front and rear driveshafts together. This will force both the front and rear wheels to turn at the same speed. In an all-wheel drive vehicle, transfer cases actually allow the front and rear driveshafts to operate at different speeds. This will help the vehicle drive on any surface and make steering easier.Transfer cases also give your four-wheel drive vehicle an extra set of gears, which allow your vehicle to lower your transmission’s gear ratios into what is called a low-range. This will provide your vehicle with more torque, which will enable it to travel up steep hills and through snowy and muddy surfaces.
This necessary service will keep your transfer case working properly. Transfer cases contain fluid that lubricates all its moving parts. Whether you have an old four-wheel drive vehicle, which contains a transfer case that uses gears to supply the front driveshaft with torque, or a new four-wheel drive vehicle, which contains a transfer case that uses a chain to supply the front driveshaft with torque, there is a tremendous amount of heat and friction created in the transfer case. This heat and friction can contaminate the transfer case’s fluid. The fluid can also become contaminated by water entering the transfer case. In order to keep the transfer case working properly, the old fluid will be drained, and new fluid will be added. The gears and shafts will be inspected and tested during a transfer case service. The transfer case will also be inspected for any leaks or holes.
You should have your transfer case inspected in accordance with your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
Heater Hose Replacement
During the cold winter months, your heating system must be working properly. One vital part to your vehicle’s heating system is its heater hoses. Before we cover what exactly heater hoses are and what they do, we should understand how your vehicle’s heating system actually works. It may seem surprising, but your vehicle’s heating system actually works off your engine’s cooling system. When your engine is running, it produces tremendous amounts of heat. This heat needs to be transferred away from the engine so the engine doesn’t overheat. Engine coolant, called antifreeze, travels throughout the engine absorbing the excess heat and transports it out of the engine. Then, basically what your heating system does is it uses the excess heat from the engine to heat the inside of your vehicle. Some of the engine’s excess heat will travel to the radiator and will be released into the atmosphere. However, some of the excess heat also travels to the heater core (the heater core, located inside your dashboard, is in charge of heating your vehicle). This is where heater hoses come into play. Heater hoses are used to transfer the excess heat, in the form of engine coolant, from the engine into the heater core. Once the heated engine coolant reaches the heater core, it travels through small tubes inside the heater core. Then, the heater fan blows on the tubes, sending warm air through the heating vents and into your vehicle. The heater hoses will then transfer the heated engine coolant out of the heater core and back to the engine.
Heater hoses are made of thick, durable rubber in order to withstand the hot engine coolant passing through them. However, over time, heater hoses will get hard and brittle and can crack. When heater hoses wear and crack, they will leak engine coolant. Heater hoses are actually one of the most common sources of engine coolant leakage. If your heater hoses are leaking engine coolant, not only will your heating system not heat your vehicle as well, but also your cooling system won’t have enough engine coolant and your engine can overheat.
Heater hoses can last from five to over ten years. However, it is very important to test periodically the condition of your heater hoses. Wait until your engine has a chance to cool and then feel your heater hoses. They should not feel too hard and brittle or too soft and mushy. If the hoses do feel too hard or too soft or appear to be cracked, you should have your heater hoses replaced as soon as possible. Also, if you are experiencing poor cabin heating or your engine overheats often, inspect your heater hoses and have them replaced if necessary.
Parking Brakes
A parking brake, also called an emergency brake or e-brake, is a mechanical hand lever or foot-operated brake that is a backup braking system. It is located either between the front two seats or to the left of your gas and brake pedal. A parking brake controls the rear brakes and is a completely separate device from your vehicle’s regular hydraulic brakes. It is in charge of keeping a parked vehicle stationary; it will prevent the car from rolling down a hill or moving. The emergency brake name comes from the brake’s ability to stop the car if the regular hydraulic brakes totally fail. Parking brakes are completely mechanical and use only cables and levers to operate. When a parking brake lever is pulled (or when a parking brake pedal is pushed), these cables transmit the necessary force to keep your vehicle in place or to stop the vehicle. The steel cables are attached to the parking brake, and when the parking brake is pulled, the steel cables are tightened. Most vehicles have drum brakes on their rear wheels; so, when the parking brake is pulled, the cables will pull a lever that compress the brake shoes to stop the vehicle. If your vehicle has rear disc brakes and you pull the parking brake, then the cables engage a corkscrew device that pushes a piston into the brake pads, which stop the vehicle. In both instances, the parking brake bypasses the regular hydraulic brakes to stop the vehicle. Parking brakes also have a self-locking system, which means that the brake won’t be released unless the lever or foot brake is released.
Parking brakes are an essential for safety. Parking brakes are used more in manual transmission vehicles than in automatic transmission vehicles. Every time the vehicle is parked, the parking brake is engaged to keep the vehicle from rolling away. It is also imperative to have a fully-functional parking brake in the case of an emergency or if your vehicle’s regular hydraulic brakes completely fail. Parking brakes are rarely used in an automatic transmission vehicle. However, unused parking brakes can lead to rusted/corroded cables and, eventually, an inoperable parking brake. That is why it is important to use the parking brake when you park your vehicle, especially on hills, to keep the parking brake’s cables in good condition.
It is important to inspect your parking brake’s cables periodically to check their condition. If they look rusted, loose, or worn, you should have your parking brake serviced. You can also check to make sure your parking brake is working properly by pulling it and checking to make sure the cables are tightening and clamping your brakes. You should also have your parking brake checked whenever you have your regular hydraulic brakes checked or serviced.
Radiator
Most of your vehicle’s energy in converted to heat. Just think, all of the moving parts in your engine create much friction and give off much heat energy. The oil in your engine and your vehicle’s exhaust system take care of some of the heat, but the cooling system has to take care of the rest. Your cooling system is in charge of, for lack of a better word, cooling your engine. The cooling system has to make sure that your engine doesn’t overheat and breakdown. Your engine’s radiator is one of the most important parts of your cooling system.Your engine’s temperature is constantly watched by a special thermostat. When the engine gets too hot, the thermostat releases engine coolant, or antifreeze, from your radiator into your engine. The antifreeze travels through the engine’s pipes and passageways to absorb heat and cool the engine. Then, the antifreeze returns to the radiator to be cooled. The antifreeze is cooled three different ways. First, your radiator contains many small chambers through which the antifreeze travels to cool. All of the excess heat then escapes through the radiator’s walls. Second, your engine uses a fan located between the engine and the radiator, and third, the radiator uses the air that blows into the engine through your vehicle’s grill to aid in the cooling process. Once the antifreeze is cooled, it is ready to be re-released into the engine to keep your engine cool and running smoothly.
The radiator has one of the most important jobs for your engine; it is in charge of keeping the engine cool. The radiator holds the engine coolant (antifreeze), releases it into the engine, and then has to cool the antifreeze once it returns. If your radiator ever fails from a leak, a broken hose, or getting clogged, your engine is in serious trouble. If the radiator isn’t working, your engine will quickly overheat, your engine’s pistons will seize, and the engine will fail. This can also lead to further damage when the pistons seize. They can break and damage the cylinders in your engine. So, if your radiator isn’t working properly, your engine will, without a doubt, fail.
The most common problem with your engine’s radiator is a leak. A leak is obvious enough to detect and can usually be fixed quite easily. If you find any engine coolant/antifreeze leaking from your engine, have your vehicle inspected for any leaks or damaged radiator hoses. When you have your engine flushed or your antifreeze changed, you should have your radiator inspected. Your antifreeze should be changed every two years or 30,000 miles. Remember, your radiator is a very important component of your vehicle. Without it, your engine will overheat and fail.
Since your radiator hoses are made of rubber, they will wear, harden, and even crack over time. If your radiator hoses crack, they can leak engine coolant, and your engine can overheat.
Radiator hoses can last for several years; sometimes they can last for over ten years. However, it is important to check the condition of your radiator hoses periodically. Wait until your engine cools completely, and then feel your radiator hoses. They shouldn’t feel too hard and brittle or too soft and mushy. Inspect the hoses for any cracks as well. You should also check the clamps that hold the radiator hoses in place. If there appears to be any excessive wear or any cracks in your radiator hoses, have them replaced immediately.
Serpentine Belts
A Serpentine Belt is a multi-ribbed belt that powers almost everything in the front of your engine. The Serpentine Belt’s name comes from its resemblance to a snake, or serpent, in the way it wraps itself around so many different pulleys. It powers the crankshaft, which controls your engine’s pistons; power steering; alternator, which generates the electrical currents to power everything electrical in the car; air conditioner; and the water pump, just to name a few. The water pump may be the most important part powered by the Serpentine Belt. The water pump is an integral part of your engine’s cooling system. If your engine’s water pump failed, the engine could overheat and cease to operate. Older vehicles used to use several belts to drive all of your engine’s parts. Now, a single Serpentine Belt can handle all of these jobs.
Your vehicle cannot operate if your Serpentine Belt breaks. The Serpentine Belt is needed to drive many engine functions, such as power steering and your water pump. If your belt breaks, you may be able to drive your vehicle for a very short distance before your engine fails from overheating. Steering will also be very difficult at low speeds since your power steering will be inoperable.
Serpentine Belts don’t last forever. They will eventually wear with extended use and should occasionally be inspected. To inspect your Serpentine Belt, wait for your engine to cool completely, pop your hood and look for any damage, such as fraying or cracking, on your belt. Also, check that the belt is securely on all of its pulleys. If the belt appears to be damaged or loose, have it replaced as soon as possible to prevent any further damage.If you are experiencing difficulty turning at low speeds, your power steering may be failing due to a loose or damaged Serpentine Belt. If this happens, check your belt or have your vehicle’s belt inspected by a professional.It is recommended that your Serpentine Belt be replaced every 60,000 miles. To be on the safe side, whenever you change your engine’s oil, give your Serpentine Belt a check to make sure it is in good condition. It is much easier to catch a damaged belt early and have it replaced, than it is to have your engine fail while you are driving.
Shock Absorbers
Shock absorbers are an integral part of a vehicle’s suspension. A shock absorber is designed to absorb or dampen the compression and rebound of the springs and suspension. They control the unwanted and excess spring motion. Shock absorbers keep your tires in contact with the road at all times. Before going any further, let’s discuss some key terms that will help us understand how shock absorbers work. Back in elementary school we learned about energy, more specifically, we learned about potential and kinetic energy. We also learned about the Law of Conservation of Energy. The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only change forms. Potential energy is stored energy and kinetic energy is energy in motion. Now, let’s get back to shock absorbers. When you hit any bump or dip in a road, your vehicle’s suspension and springs move so the tire can stay in contact with the road and absorb the energy. The shock absorbers dampen the movement of the springs by converting the spring’s kinetic energy into thermal (heat) energy. This thermal energy is then degenerated in hydraulic fluid.Shock absorbers are an oil-filled cylinder. When your vehicle’s suspension moves, a piston moves up and down through the oil-filled cylinder. The up-and-down movement of the piston forces small amounts of fluid through orifices (tiny holes) in the piston head. Since only a small amount of fluid is forced out, this slows down the suspension’s movement and dampens the compression and rebound of the springs. Shock absorbers are also velocity-sensitive. This means that the faster the springs are moving, the more resistance the shock absorber provides.
Shock absorbers keep your tires in constant contact with the road. Without shock absorbers, vehicles would continue to bounce up and down until all of the spring’s kinetic energy is depleted. Worn shocks can affect a vehicle’s driving and braking. Worn shocks increase the distance it takes for a vehicle to stop because a tire isn’t kept in complete contact with the road. It may also cause the front end of your car to “dive” when braking. Worn shock absorbers also increase the wear on tires and suspension systems. Without shock absorbers, driving, cornering, and braking would be very dangerous.
Leaking shocks are an obvious sign of worn shock absorbers. However, detecting a worn shock absorber may not be this easy. If your vehicle is bouncing or swaying excessively, you should have your vehicle’s suspension inspected by a professional. The best way to check if your vehicle is bouncing excessively is to drive over familiar roads and see if there is more bouncing than usual. You can also perform the bounce test. What you do is bounce each corner of your vehicle a few times, and after you let go, the vehicle should bounce only once and then settle. If your vehicle settles after one bounce your shocks are good. If the vehicle continues to bounce, your shock absorbers may be worn and should be checked. Experts recommend that you should have your shock absorbers checked once a year or every 12,000 miles.
Spring Check Up
A spring check-up is a good way to keep your vehicle running efficiently. It is essential maintenance to get your vehicle ready for the hot summer months, especially after a long winter. Your engine’s battery should be one of the first things checked. Your battery has to work especially hard during the cold winter months. Test your battery’s power and replace it if it’s not up to specifications, especially if it’s more than three years old. You should also have your tires checked. If you use snow tires for the winter, now is the time to remove them and replace them with your summer tires. You should check the tread depth on your tires to make sure they aren’t too worn. Your tire pressure should also be checked. Under-inflated tires can reduce your gas mileage as well as make driving dangerous.Winter driving can affect your vehicle. Your braking system should be checked, including your brake lines, hoses, and fluid. Your engine’s belts and hoses should be checked, and if any of them are worn or damaged, they should be replaced. Harsh winters can also damage road surfaces. It is important to have your vehicle’s suspension checked. There may be more potholes and bumps in the road after a long winter; so, your shocks and struts must be in good condition. There are several other things that need to be inspected, including the following: the starting and charging system, on-board computer system, antifreeze and coolant levels, air conditioning system, engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering system/fluid, windshield wiper blades/wiper fluid, and air filter. This is also a good time to give your vehicle a good cleaning. The salt used to keep roads from freezing can do much damage to your vehicle; it can lead to early rusting.
Winter driving can damage your vehicle. A spring check-up is necessary to keep your vehicle running efficiently and to prepare it for the hot summer months. A spring check-up can catch any problems in your vehicle or your engine before they get too serious. This preventive maintenance can save you much money in the long run.
A spring check-up should be performed at the beginning of spring. The earlier you can have your vehicle inspected the better. After your vehicle is inspected, it will be ready for summer driving.
Starting and Charging Systems
First, if your battery is bad, your vehicle will never be able to start. The battery is required to send the initial electric power necessary to start your vehicle. The charging system is also required to maintain the battery’s charge and supply your vehicle with electricity while the car is running. If the alternator or the voltage regulator malfunctions, it can lead to serious problems with your engine and your vehicle. It is very important to have your starting and charging systems checked to prevent engine failure.
Struts
Struts are a part of your vehicle’s suspension system and provide you with a comfortable ride. Struts contain several different key suspension parts. Struts contain the coil spring, spring seats, shock absorbers, strut bearing, and the steering knuckle. Struts have two main jobs: first, they support the vehicle’s weight and provide structural support, and second, they dampen the spring’s movements as they react to the road surface. Struts provide structural support by connecting the upper strut bearing to the lower ball joint. This allows the strut to move as the tire is turned. Your vehicle’s suspension is in charge of keeping your tires in contact with the road surface at all times. Struts are a dampening device for your vehicle. This means that they “dampen” or absorb the excess bouncing of your vehicle’s suspension as your vehicle passes over uneven road surfaces. Your vehicle’s springs will allow the tire to move up or down to stay in contact with the road; your vehicle’s shock absorbers dampen the excess movement of the shocks.
Struts play an integral role in your vehicle’s handling and braking. They keep your tires in constant contact with the road. Without struts, including springs and shock absorbers, your car would continue to bounce every time you hit a pot hole or a bump in the road. Worn struts allow your car to bounce excessively from side-to-side or front-to- back, which may remove your tires from the road. Worn struts also increase the distance it takes for your vehicle to stop and increases the wear on your tires. Basically, worn struts can make braking and cornering very dangerous.
Suspension Inspection
Sway Bars
Tire Rods
Tie rods are an integral part of your vehicle’s steering. Just as its name suggests, a tie rod ties your vehicle’s steering rack to the steering arm. The steering arm is attached to the wheel. There are two types of steering systems: rack-and-pinion steering and re-circulating ball or mechanical steering. A rack-and-pinion steering system is a very simple operation. When you turn your steering wheel, a pinion gear, which is attached to your steering shaft, will roll along the steering rack. The steering rack, attached to both front wheels, will move according to how you turn your wheel. The tie rods are responsible for transmitting the force from the steering rack to the steering arm and moving the wheel. The re-circulating ball or mechanical steering system is a little bit more complex than the rack-and-pinion system. The mechanical system includes a gearbox. When you turn your wheel, your steering shaft will set several gears in motion that control the pitman arm. The pitman arm moves the steering rack according to how you steer. Again, like in the rack-and-pinion system, the steering rack is connected to the tie rods, which are connected to the steering arms. The tie rods are the connection from your steering system to your wheels. These two systems, however complex, contain a very simple, yet important part, the tie rod. Tie rods play a crucial role in your steering system. Without tie rods, your steering system would fail. Tie rods are the pivot point between your steering system and your steering arm and wheel. The outer tie rod end is adjustable. This means that you can change the length of the tie rod to fix your vehicle’s alignment. As you can see, the simple tie rods are very important. They are responsible for moving your wheels when you steer and for making turning possible.
Over time, tie rods wear and eventually fail. Worn tire rods can cause wandering, difficult steering and excessive tire wear. Tie rod ends should also be checked. Inner tie rod ends connect to the steering rack, and outer tie rod ends connect to the steering arms. Loose tie rod ends can lead to pulling, excessive and uneven tire wear on the inner and outer sides of a tire, and dangerous driving conditions.
Your vehicle’s steering system should be checked regularly, at least once a year. If you are experiencing pulling, wandering, or difficult steering, you should have your vehicle’s tie rods and steering system checked. You can check for worn tie rods by raising the front end of your vehicle and moving the front wheels back and forth. If there is excessive movement or any free play, you should have your tie rods checked. You can also check for bad tie rod ends. When your vehicle is parked, turn your steering wheel back and forth, and if you hear a clunking noise, your tie rod ends may be loose or worn. Two other signs of bad tie rods include front-end vibrations and noise. Also, if your steering wheel doesn’t return to center, you should have your tie rods checked. This early maintenance can prevent further damage and dangerous driving conditions.
Timing Belts
Timing belts allow your vehicle’s engine to operate. They connect your engine’s crankshaft to the camshaft and play a vital role in controlling the pistons and valves in your vehicle. Simply explained, the timing belt is a reinforced rubber band with teeth or notches on the inner side that precisely synchronize the opening and closing of the engine’s valves. As the crankshaft turns, it sets the timing belt in motion. The timing belt then turns the camshaft and opens or closes each valve and allows the pistons to move up and down. For instance, in a four-stroke engine there are four phases: the intake phase, compression phase, combustion phase, and exhaust phase. In the intake phase, air and fuel get pulled into the cylinders. In this phase the intake valves are open and the exhaust valves are closed. In the compression and combustion phases the air and fuel is mixed, compressed, and then ignited by the spark plugs. During these two phases all of the valves are closed. The final stage is the exhaust phase where the air and fuel that remains exits out of the exhaust valve. In this phase the exhaust valves are open and the intake valves are closed. The timing belt must control all of the opening and closing of the valves and the timing of the pistons throughout each phase. The timing belt allows each step to occur in the precise order.
If the timing belt fails, your entire engine will fail. If a timing belt is worn or stretched, it can throw off the timing of the valves and pistons. This can cause the pistons to hit a closed valve and damage or bend the valves and pistons. Again, if a timing belt is worn or stretched, it can disrupt the timing of your engine and cause serious damage to your engine’s valves and pistons, which will lead to a much more expensive repair.
A timing belt typically lasts from 60,000 to 100,000 miles. The owner’s manual for your vehicle should be followed regarding the replacement of your vehicle’s timing belt. Replacing a timing belt should be done by a car-care professional only. It is a difficult process that may require moving other parts in your engine, such as the water cooler. Then, after the new timing belt is installed, it must be synchronized with the crankshaft and camshaft in order to operate properly and precisely.
Windshield Wiper Blades
Windshield wiper blades are responsible for keeping your windshield clean. They work like a squeegee; in a back-and-forth motion they wipe water, snow, wiper fluid, and other liquids or debris off the windshield. Windshield wipers are operated by an electric motor. The electric motor is attached to a worm gear, which transmits the necessary force to a long rod that sets the wiper arms in motion. The worm gear is able to generate the force required to move the wipers as fast as they need to move. The arms move the actual windshield wiper blades. The blades are made of rubber and must apply enough pressure to the windshield in order to remove all moisture without any streaks. The arms attach to the middle of each wiper blade, and each wiper blade has several arms that distribute the pressure onto the windshield evenly. Windshield wipers are basically the same on every car. They have two pivot points (one on the driver’s side and one in the middle of the windshield) that work together to remove moisture. This is called the tandem system, and it provides the most coverage to clean the area of the windshield through which the driver looks out. There are other systems that are used; these include the single arm system (used on Mercedes vehicles) in which a single arm (controlled) system extends and retracts as it moves, and the opposed system that has pivot points on opposite ends of the windshield, and the wipers move in the opposite direction. Windshield wipers operate at several different speeds. There is usually a slow and a fast setting, along with several intermittent settings.
Over time, wiper blades wear and crack and need to be replaced. Dirt can also build up on the blades. Either way, over time, wiper blades don’t slide back and forth over the windshield as evenly. They will leave streaks and clean poorly. It is necessary to have good wiper blades to keep a driver’s windshield as clear as possible. It is especially important to have good wiper blades during the winter to ensure a clean windshield from all the wet and salty roads. Worn wiper blades can also lose chunks of rubber from the blade. If a blade loses a large chunk, then one of the blades arms can damage they windshield by scratching or nicking it.
If your wiper blades are leaving a streak across your windshield, you should clean them with a towel to remove any dirt build up. This can extend the life of your wiper blade. However, if your wiper blade appears worn or cracked, it should be replaced to ensure a clean windshield. Generally, you should replace your windshield wiper blades every six months.
Winterization
A winterization check up will keep your vehicle running smoothly through the cold winter months. It is important to have your vehicle inspected and have any services or adjustments completed before the temperature gets too cold. The first maintenance to be performed is changing your engine’s oil and coolant (or antifreeze). It is very important to have your engine coolant checked for the winter to ensure that water and other liquids do not freeze in your engine. Without antifreeze, your engine’s fluids will freeze and your engine won’t start. Your vehicle’s transmission, power steering, brakes, radiator, radiator fluid, battery, battery fluid, wipers, wiper fluid, belts, and hoses should all be checked, and replaced if necessary, to ensure proper operation during the winter. Your starting system, charging system, and battery are vital during the winter. Your battery requires a certain level of amps to start your vehicle, especially in cold weather. If your battery is old, your vehicle may not start on very cold days. Your alternator should also be checked to make sure your vehicle would have the necessary electrical currents needed to power everything electrical in the vehicle. Wipers and wiper fluid may get overlooked sometimes, but during the winter they are essential for safe driving. Good wiper blades and a full tank of wiper fluid are necessary to keep your windshield clean. During the winter, windshields get very dirty from wet roads and the salt used to keep roads from freezing.Another very important thing to check are your tires. You want to make sure your tires are in good condition and have enough tread depth. You should also consider using snow tires. Snow tires are specially designed to deliver better traction and control on snow and ice. You should consider using winter tires especially if your vehicle uses high-performance tires during the spring and summer months. High-performance tires do not have the grip and traction necessary to travel on slick, snowy roads. You should also check your tire pressure. It is important to have your tires inflated to the proper levels to ensure your tires will be in full contact with the road surface. It is important to remember that your tire’s air pressure will drop in cold weather, which makes checking your tire’s air pressure even more important. If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, it is necessary to check to make sure it is working properly since it isn’t used very much during the spring and summer months.It is also smart to keep a safety kit in your vehicle during the winter. You should have a flashlight, batteries, flares, jumper cables, tool kit, and a first-aid kit in case your vehicle breaks down. You should also have a blanket and warm clothes to keep you and your passengers warm in case your vehicle gets stuck. You should keep an ice scraper and extra wiper fluid in your vehicle. You should also have tire chains and sand or salt in case one of your tires gets stuck. The tire chains and sand or salt will provide extra traction to help get your vehicle moving again.
You should have your vehicle winterized before the weather gets too harsh or the temperature gets too cold. You want to have it done before the bad weather really arrives. If you wait too long, you are putting yourself in danger. Plus, many other people probably waited as well; so, car care centers will be packed with customers, and you will probably have to wait to have your vehicle inspected. Again, this preventive maintenance should be done early to ensure your vehicle is safe to operate during the winter months.