IT'S YOUR TURN........
2006-04-10 / 07:56:50 PM
I would like to make this an open request for anyone needing any information on automotive issues. What do you think is in store for General Motors and Ford Motor Company? Are the Japanese going to take over the car market ? They are offering cars for under 15,000.00 dollars that will out last our cars that go for more than 30,000.00. What's the deal here.? Any input here?
Post Comment | Read Comments (1)Is Your Car in Need of Repair.?
2006-03-05 / 01:36:19 PM
Ask me before getting your car repaired. I will be happy to inform you of what the repair should cost. I will also be happy to tell you whats wrong, if you just give me the symtoms you are experiencing. There seems to be a lot of over selling going on at the dealerships and independent garages due to the economy being the way it is. Unfortunately, women are being targeted more than men. The most common rip-off I have seen lately is when the vehicle does not pass the emission test. That situation gives the mechanic an OPEN TICKET, because not passing the test means you DONT DRIVE the car, and also risk having your license supended. My advice to you here is to find a QUALIFIED tech who specilaizes in EMISSION CONTROLS, and get a detailed estimate and explanation as to what the vehicle needs. Also, make sure to check your warranty, some parts such as the CAT-CONVERTOR, EGR, and other emission controls may be still under warranty. Well, thats all for now. As always I welcome any comments or suggestions.
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Make Sense of Stains
2006-02-23 / 09:21:41 PM
Fluids are the lifeblood of your car. Besides being necessary for many of the mechanical components in your car to serve their tasks, fluids also cool, lubricate, and protect them from premature failure. Though your car has many types of fluid, it's important to investigate any leaks. They're often early signals of mechanical problems to come, so pay attention to them to avoid costly repairs.
To see if your car has any leaks, and what the leaks might indicate, just park on a relatively clean section of pavement (or a garage floor) and then check for any fresh drips in the morning. If you want to keep your garage floor's pristine condition, or if your driveway is gravel and you can't tell, put some newspaper or a flattened cardboard box under the car. Luckily, they each look, feel, or smell a little bit different, so use the following color-by-color reference:
Brown or black is usually engine oil. If it smells slightly like gasoline, then it is certainly engine oil. Look around the engine for a leaky seal, a cracked oil pan, or a loose oil filter or drain plug. Engines will normally use (burn) a very small amount of oil, but they're never supposed to leak oil. If oil can leak out, you can also assume that moisture and contamination from outside can leak inside the engine, potentially reducing its life. Plus, in more extreme cases, oil pressure will be reduced and parts of the engine might not receive proper lubrication.
Red is probably power steering fluid. The power steering system is supposed to be a completely sealed system and never lose fluid. Check the fluid level immediately and top it off with what's listed in your owner's manual. Fluid loss usually means a failing power steering pump, but have it checked by a mechanic-it could be something simpler and cheaper the sooner you catch it.
Reddish-brown fluid is most likely automatic transmission fluid, if your car is so equipped. If it's dirty, it will smell faintly like burnt toast or roasted nuts. Manual-transmission gear oil tends to be more on the brown side, and extremely thick. Again, check the fluid level of your transmission immediately (for many automatic transmissions there's a separate dipstick to check it). If the fluid is low, have your mechanic look at it as soon as possible. Transmission repairs are usually very expensive.
Pale green or pale yellow sweet-smelling fluid is likely coolant. Be especially careful with this-it's extremely toxic and pets are attracted to its sweet smell. Coolant leaks can originate in many different places underhood, but start with the radiator and follow the hoses around until you find the wet spot. If you still can't find it, let the engine heat up to normal temperature for a few minutes, then shut off the engine and look for escaping steam or droplets of coolant. Be especially careful around the electrically operated fan, because it could come on at any time, even if the engine is off.
Blue, odorless liquid is usually just windshield washer solvent. Check the fluid reservoir for leaks, and look for cracks or rough areas along the rubber tubing. If it's the tubing, you should be able to easily find replacement tubing at an auto parts store and cut it to fit. Be very careful not to let any surrounding dirt and debris get into the system, where it could ruin the pump or clog the spray nozzles.
Though it's not as likely on newer vehicles, if you have a leaky fuel filter or cracked fuel line, gasoline might be leaking. Gasoline won't leave much of a stain on your driveway, but you'll be able to smell it. If gas is leaking, this can be extremely dangerous. Do not drive the vehicle. Have it towed to your mechanic, and instruct the tow operator about the problem.
Many newer cars will have large rubber or plastic protective shields underneath the engine bay, making it difficult to locate leaks. Most of the time, these shields are held on by a series of bolts, and they can be removed quite easily with a wrench. Remove the shield after driving the vehicle in the evening, then reinstall it the next morning.
If you noticed something in the past and still think you're leaking something, take a look underneath the engine bay with a flashlight, or ask your mechanic if he/she sees any leaks.
The New Hybrids..??
2006-01-24 / 07:15:58 PM
I would strongly suggest not to purchase one of these MARVELS for a few more years, until they have worked all of the bugs out of them. All the hype about GAS MILEAGE and other benefits are not necessarily true. We have had a few instances where cars had to be towed back to the dealer to be RESTARTED after stranding the owner on the road somewhere. In my opinion, these VEHICLES are no fun to drive. They have no pick up at all, and need to be driven EXACTLY as instructed in order to benefit from the so called FINANCIAL SAVINGS !! It takes a little reading and educating to drive these " CARS OF THE FUTURE. " I have heard of instances where the engine has started while the vehicle was on the rack having its oil changed. Its very important to understand how these vehicles operate.
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