Posts Tagged ‘auto repair’

Surface Rust On Your Auto Is Like The Titanic

Friday, September 17th, 2010

Being exposed to elements and the ferrous metals used in manufacturing cars, are the culprits for rusting problems. It makes the car an unfortunate sight. This problem can eventually cause structural damage to the vehicle. Whenever a small area on the outside is covered by rust, it means that there is a bigger area underneath.

Upon purchase of a brand new car, there is a standard factory undercoating and rustproofing limited to some surfaces. The buyer has to request this from the manufacturer. More often than not, this is inadequate. Unfinished metal surfaces of the car are treated with a petroleum-based compound. Rustproofing is considered a good investment for people who don’t buy and sell automobiles often. The most ideal time to do so is when the vehicle is around three months old or has traveled 3,000 miles only. After that, complete protection even after rustproofing would be difficult because moisture might have already seeped in grime and hard to reach areas. It’s also unwise to do so after the vehicle has been exposed to salt water.

The kit contains detailed instructions and has enough material for a full-size car. The whole process, including cleaning and drying, will take 4-5 hours. Wear goggles to protect your eyes and have two sets of old clothes to change in. Rustproofing should not be done in humid weather when metal parts are damp. Do not treat any section that emits heat like the engine, radiator core, manifold, exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, drive shaft, manifold, and transmission. Seals, tubes, and gaskets can become brittle as it is the effect on rubber. This includes tires which should be covered in plastic or thick towels. Should you spill some on yourself, kerosene or a mineral solvent can remove it easily.

Do not apply to areas which are exposed to heat, like the engine, transmission, driveshaft, manifold, exhaust, pipes, catalytic converter, and radiator core. Rubber seals, tubes and gaskets because it makes them brittle. Don’t start the process during very humid days when surfaces are damp.

Before applying the compound, remember these. Have the engine professionally cleaned. A brush can be used to clean loose rust from the body and cover the tires with plastic.

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Take Care To Inspect Your Car’s Brakes

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

We are not all flat-landers who live, work and commute day by day on flat prairie land. Many live in hilly and mountainous areas. You would think that braking system effectiveness and reliability would be top on the list of most motorists and automobile owners when it comes to service and maintenance attention and schedules yet sadly break system inspection and service is at the bottom of most automobile owner’s priority and items to do list when it comes to their vehicles.

One simple question to ask most motorists. When was the last time you changed your hydraulic brake fluid. Brake fluid, is inexpensive yet deteriorates over time with dirt, moisture and humidity. You would think that simple routine “bleeding of the brakes” to drain out the brake fluid, and then replace it with new fluid would be a standard auto repair service. Hydraulic brake fluid should be replaced on a standard 2 year schedule. More often perhaps in cases of extreme service – taxis, police cars, vehicles in frigid cold winter climes. Yet most vehicles enter the auto junkyard with the exact same brake fluid which filled their car’s brake cylinders, reservoirs and brake lines when the automobile was manufactured at the factory level.

As the pressure is supplied to the wheel cylinders, it causes the cylinder pistons to move and pressure is applied to the brake drum or discs through the brake shoes or pads. The friction that then exists between the brake shoes or pads (which are lined with friction materials) and the brake drum or disc is what stops the wheels from turning round. Hence your wheels will stop rotating and your vehicle should slow down and come to a stop.

When you step on the brakes momentum throws most of the automobile’s weight in a forward direction. Approximately 60 % of the braking force generated in a vehicle is created and exerted by the front wheels, as opposed to the rear wheel brake system. For balanced braking it is necessary to have greater braking and stopping capacity at the front end of the car. Thus in the development and manufacture of autos and automobile models generally disk type brakes are employed at the front wheels, with less expensive older style drum brakes at the rear.

Motorists often take their brake systems for more than granted and as a result these systems suffer little maintenance, attention and care. Yet in an emergency handling system a brake system that is in good stead may make the difference between a safe short stop and a messy and needless collision,. Consider that in your vehicle maintenance and inspection schedule and schedules.

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What Parts To Buy When Replacing Brakes On A Car

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

A brake job requires few parts and is one of the easiest repairs you can do on your vehicle. Replacing your brake should be done about once every two years, depending on how much you drive.

Conventionally, replacing your brakes on your car usually includes replacing the front disc brake pads , the rear drum shoes , resurfacing the rotors and drums , bleeding the brake lines and servicing for any leaks or other repairs issues such as adjusting the brake pad level.

If the brake on the vehicle has been driven to a very low point, you may have to rebuild or purchase a new wheel cylinder and calipers. By careful if you are using a mechanic, as some mechanic well recommend additional repairs that may not be required.

Some of the other parts, which may be small, but are very useful, may include pins, clips, bushing, return and hold-down springs and retainers . If the brakes are very bad and your vehicle is old, your mechanic might recommend replacing some of the main auto parts such as shoes and drums.

For vehicles that uses air brakes, such as 18 wheelers, it is advised that you seek a professional repairman. Pads and shoes are made of different grade of materials and you should always buy the best if the price is right. Inexpensive pads may cost less but may cost you more in the long run because you will have to change them frequently.

Also, they may cause damage to other parts of your brake system because they are easily damaged particularly in extreme high or low temperature. Make sure that what you purchase meets the minimum standard of safety issued by the government.

In the end, if you are thinking of changing the brakes on your vehicle use only premium grade pads and lining

When Replacing the brake on your car do remember that there are junk yards with reliable used car parts

Things You Need To Do For Car Maintenance

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

A car is one of the basic needs of every individual Make sure though that you strictly have a regular maintenance and tune-up for your car in order to avoid complicated car problems that will surely cost you a lot. There are different basic ways you need to regularly check and do for your vehicle. Those things will be discussed below.

Number one thing, have a regular maintenance check for your car. Make sure that you find time to scrutinize your car once in awhile when you park it in your garage. There may be minor problems that need to be fixed before it gets worse. Even the smallest problem must not be ignored which can be a great help in avoiding future problems. Acting immediately will help you save money from future complicated repairs.

Secondly, you take time to regularly clean your car. You should clean the interior and exterior portions. Try to make it a habit to clean your vehicle. You should clean the car interiors every two weeks. Cleaning your tires regularly is also a good idea.

Take the time to have your engine oil and clean the filter as well. Changing your oil regularly will help lengthen the life of your car. Aside from the benefits you get, you also contribute to the community because a clean engine does not produce something that can cause pollution to the environment.

It is also important that you schedule your car for a smog check. A smog check is actually a requirement for all registered vehicles. Whether your location requires it or not, you need to ensure your vehicle doesn’t have too much emission. Otherwise you are providing an environmental threat to the environment.

These are the things that you need to have checked regularly in your car. Remember to have your vehicle checked and do all the things you learned above on a regular basis.

Call the best shop in town for your repair needs at our auto repair San Diego shop. We also service any smog checks with our smog test service.

Junk Yard Exhaust System At Discount Prices

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

The summer is hear again and many people will have exhaust issues with the car under the sweltering heat. So before you close the chapter on the spring get you car ready for the summer heat by servicing your exhaust system or by purchasing a cheap used rebuilt exhaust from a salvage yard or auto parts warehouse.

Ensure that you exhaust of your vehicle is in good shape and ready for the hot and smokey days of summer. If you every had a bad experience with exhaust system trouble you know how important it is to the health of your vehicle.

The function of the exhaust is to get rid of the smoke or gases the engine gives out and to reduce the noise that the vehicle makes. A bad exhaust, one with wholes in it, can cause gases to enter into your car causing nausea and irritation. Driving with your windows down in the hot summer heat is not a way to enjoy your vehicle.

In the event you hear an unusual sound from your engine, do a proper inspection of the exhaust. It is possible that you may have a defective catalytic converter or warnings from a faulty exhaust pipe .

It is also possible that you may need to replace oxygen sensors mufflers. To a thorough evaluation of the entire system. Check the pipes, manifold, tailpipe and clamps and brackets. Look for any loose crews or bolts. In the event of trouble replace the defective parts immediately. The proverbial “stitch in time save 9″ applies here.

If you are concern about the environment you should be keenly aware that the pollutants from a defective exhaust system pollutes the ozone layer. Also, low noise and a clean look make you feel better while riding your vehicle

Working on a low budget. Find used exhaust system from junk yards to repair your vehicle

Obtaining A Supersonic Vehicle Wash & Wax

Saturday, July 3rd, 2010

Believe it or not beautiful summer weather can actually be detrimental to your vehicle’s finish. Sunlight and warm weather can actually harm your car’s finish. Ultraviolet light – U.V. light, can cause in chemical terms oxidation.

Aside from mechanical aspects of your automobile, the majority of professional used car appraisers , auto auction professional buyers or just plain Jane run of the mill late model auto purchasers look first and foremost in their first impressions for rust , dents on the body of the vehicle and also the condition of your auto upholstery and carpeting.

The results of oxidation of a previously shiny and beautiful auto finish are obvious for all or most to see. First the paint finish will present with a dull chalky appearance. Look for “crazing” – that is a maze of hair like cracks on metallic or refinished surfaces which can occur when paint shrinks under the hot summer sun. Crazing is especially common in hot climates such as Florida residents or even visiting tourists encounter. Lastly add in bird dropping – or bird do do which can permanently stain your car’s paint and finish if not wiped off or cleaned off more than promptly.

What are the basic steps of washing your auto? First Park the car in the shade. Second using a garden hose and plenty of cold water, rinse the entire exterior surface of your auto. Third comes the “car washing’. Fourthly the rinse off. If you have been using detergent to wash your car, it is very important to use the hose fully, or alternatively several full pails of clean water and clean towels to rinse each and every panel or section as you go along. You will find that by the time you have finished washing and rinsing your complete car , as well as complexly rinsing each and every section of your vehicle fully, that most cars , not unlike dinner plates in a dishwasher , will be “spotty” and “spotted” – that is water spotted. What to do – rinse your car again and follow the chamois drying instructions in the last paragraph below.

Lastly it is not only your vehicle’s exterior which keeps you traveling down the highways and byways easily, comfortably and reliably. No doubt about it that your car, truck or SUV takes an ongoing beating and pounding day in day out. Make it a regular and ongoing point to conduct ongoing and regular maintenance checks. Professional semi trailer drivers do it as a matter of course and habit and so should you. Check fluid levels for battery, brakes, steering and transmission. Of course check the level of your engine oil and change it regularly according to your vehicle’s manufacturer and your auto’s drivers and owner’s manuals. If it doubts double check at the service or sales dept of your local authorized automobile dealership. Inspect your engine’s hoses and belts for wear, tears and rips. Have these replaced if necessary. Check the air pressures of your tires. If you are unfamiliar again visit the service department of your local auto dealer or a local tire shop. They will be only too happy to assist you. Lastly change air filters – both engine and cabin if dirty or clogged. Preventative maintenance is always safer, less stressful and ultimately less costly and expensive on the auto ownership budget.

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