As an added service to our valued clients, we have compiled a list of resources to assist in the overall knowledge of keeping your vehicle running smoothly. These resources include a series of six great articles that can help expand your knowledge of today's popular automobiles. We consistently try to keep our resources page updated so if you know of a good knowledge base, article, or point of suggestion, please send us an email and we'll be sure to put it up!
This is not going to be a series of articles about Ford or Chevy, domestic vs. import, new or used, passenger car, SUV or pickup. This is a discussion about what makes a vehicle go, what makes it stop and the things that go on in between. It will help you make better-informed decisions about your vehicle. That way, you can spend your hard earned money were you need to. You will be able to minimize the chances of breaking down and getting ripped off.
Over the next six months, we will discuss topics like oil changes, cooling systems, tire maintenance, tune-ups, AC systems, "Check Engine" lights, batteries and charging systems. The first three topics just listed, when neglected or overlooked are the areas that cause most breakdowns. The next time you see a car on the side of the road with the hood up, you can almost bet that it has overheated, suffered some lubrication issue or had a preventable worn tire problem. Of course, there are things that cannot be predicted, like picking up a nail in a tire or an internal alternator issue. However, by taking an active, common sense approach to vehicle maintenance, you can keep the confidence in your vehicle at a higher level.
We’re going to start with changing the oil in your vehicle. Sounds pretty simple and for the most part it is. First, the oil drain plug and oil filter are removed. After a few minutes the old oil is out of the engine and in a waste oil container to be disposed of properly. The drain plug and a new filter are installed. The crankcase is then filled with oil. Hopefully, the job is finished without any problems.
Unfortunately, "hopefully" isn’t what we are after. In between these three simple steps are several things that need to be looked at. First, is the oil drain plug or is its gasket damaged? Has the mounting surface for the new filter been inspected for the old oil filter’s gasket? Has the mounting surface been cleaned of grit and grime? Has the proper amount of oil been poured back into the engine?
A damaged oil plug will allow oil to leak slowly. A double gasket on an oil filter can cause a catastrophic oil leak. An engine that has been overfilled can cause problems as one can that has been under filled.
During the draining phase, there are several other procedures that can be performed. For instance, the chassis and steering components can be lubricated, if equipped with grease fittings. The tires should be checked for proper inflation and tread wear. A quick look underneath the vehicle can identify possible problems. For instance, a CV axle boot may show signs of splitting. Do we fix it now or can it wait? At least we know it is there.
Once the oil is in the engine, we need to start the vehicle and let it run. A quick look underneath the vehicle will assure that the drain plug and filter, are in fact, installed correctly. At this point, the transmission and power steering fluids are checked, as is the fluid in the brake master cylinder. Don’t forget the windshield washer solvent.
Finally, the vehicle is turned off and the oil level is checked one last time. Since this oil change was done properly, we can drive for the next three to five thousand miles with a greater degree of confidence. See you next issue when we will discuss fluid types and maintenance schedules. Oh, remember, a clean car is a happy car!
So, just what kinds of fluids do you have running around in your vehicle? Quite a few, actually. You have engine oils, transmission fluids, differential oils, transfer case oils, engine coolants, brake and clutch fluids, and Freon. Actually, Freon spends half it’s life as a gas.
Engine oil is the fluid that requires the most frequent service, generally in the range of three to five thousand miles between changes. Without proper oil maintenance, the engine will literally destroy itself requiring thousands of dollars worth of repairs. The oil operates at high temperatures and chemically reacts with the combustion gases of the ignition process. Therefore, it breaks down at a much quicker rate than the other fluids.
To give you an example of what happens, imagine placing cooking oil in a hot skillet, over time it will become a sticky, black mess. This is what your engine oil does if not regularly maintained. We, in the automotive industry, call it “Black Death.”
Automotive manufacturer’s go to great lengths to suggest the correct quality and grade of oil for the most optimal performance of your engine. Your engine is designed based on these required lubricants. Your owner’s manual provides all the necessary information concerning the oils quality, grade and intervals of service. If the owner’s manual is not available, there is an abundant source of information available. You can contact your local dealership, parts supply store, manufacturers web site, or your repair facility.
About the only decision that you will have to make is the choice of conventional petroleum based oils, synthetic blends or fully synthetic oils. Generally, regular oils are more than adequate for your vehicle. However, there are situations where you might want to consider moving up to the more refined lubricants. In order to make the best decision, talk with a professional.
The transmission and cooling systems are the next areas of the vehicle that require regular maintenance. Generally, these intervals are in the thirty thousand mile area. These fluids tend to take a longer period of time to break down and become less reliable. Transmission fluids and engine coolants get very hot but external factors do not, in normal operating conditions, contaminate them.
The remaining fluids are serviced at an even longer interval. They are sealed off and operate at much lower temperatures. This leads up to the all important maintenance schedule. If you want to operate your vehicle with the highest level of confidence, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Doing so will minimize many problems, both large and small.
If you have to regularly add fluids, then something is wrong. You should have it looked at and repaired. If you don’t feel comfortable with the diagnosis, get a second opinion and don’t succumb to fear tactics.
Let’s change directions just a little bit. You want to talk about fear tactics? Why is that warning light on the dash staring back at you? What does the color of the light mean and what should you do when you see it?
Amber "Check Engine" lights can mean several hundred things, literally. Again, your owner’s manual will inform you as to what this light will look like when illuminated. When this light comes on, it is informing you that something is out of sync with inputs and outputs of the control modules in the vehicle. However, in most instances, you will still be able to operate the vehicle. It is good to have the vehicle checked sooner rather than later. We’ll explore “Check Engine” lights a little deeper in Chapter 4 – "Warning Indicators."
Red warning lights, on the other hand, are serious and require immediate attention. These lights come on for reasons that will, absolutely, leave you stranded by the side of the road. If your engine begins to run hot, your alternator stops charging properly or there is a loss of oil pressure then this light will come on. Get safely off the road, evaluate the situation and if necessary, call a tow truck. Towing a vehicle is much cheaper than a major repair.
Finally, the regular driver of the vehicle can sense when things are not quite right. That is the time to have things checked. Don’t get caught on the side of the road telling yourself, "I knew I should have had that checked."
The importance of regular maintenance for your vehicle has been discussed during the previous two issues of TownLoafer Magazine. Now, let’s go over the importance of being prepared while you are out driving around in your vehicle. There are a number of things that can go wrong with your car and it will usually be at the most inconvenient time. Being prepared to handle these adversities will save you time, money, frustration, and more.
Let’s say you go to the gym early in the morning. It was dark when you left home and the headlights on your car needed to be on. After you arrived, it was daylight and because of all the thoughts running through your mind, you forgot to turn the lights off. After a great workout and a new attitude to face the day with, you go hop in your car. When you hit the key, nothing happens. It is then that you realize you left your lights on. What now, you ask simultaneously exclaiming your; "I shouldn’t say that," personal expletive.
Since you are not prepared for this situation, you are going to have to: 1) Come up with a number to call for someone to come jump-start your car. 2) Wait for at least an hour. 3) Miss an important meeting or have to call someone else to take care of something you were supposed to do. And then, 4) just as you convince yourself things could be worse, it starts to rain or someone pulls up beside you making you feel very uncomfortable.
Had you known how to jumpstart a vehicle and had a reliable pair of cables in your trunk, you would have been on your way in just a few minutes. It is really quite simple to learn how to safely and successfully boost your car.
Now let’s say you have a flat tire. Do you know how to change it and are you capable of doing so? Does your spare tire have the proper amount of air in it? A flat spare is just as worthless as the one on your car. Do your wheels require a special lug nut socket to remove them and, if so, do you know were it is? Whoever changes the tire is going need it. If you don’t have it, be prepared to spend lots of money.
No, not everyone can or wants to perform this ballet of roadway madness when they have a flat. If you know you cannot or you don’t want to change it, have a plan. Roadside assistance will be required. There are all kinds of plans available that can help you out. Research them and have some help when you need it.
Do you have a spare key that works? Do you need separate keys for the door locks and ignition? That may sound funny but there are differences between valet keys and coded keys. Valets will unlock the car but they will not start the car because the microprocessor that enables the vehicle does not recognize it. Keep a valet key hidden on the vehicle, in your purse or wallet and leave a coded key in the glove box. That way, if you lock the keys in your car, you can still get in without having to go through the steps described previously.
Try to keep at least a quarter of a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times. You never know what is around the corner. You may get an important phone call that requires you to go immediately. The last things you are going to want to do are stop and get gas so you can get where you need to be.
We have covered flat tires, dead batteries and locked-up keys in this issue. We have gone over engine lights and what they can indicate in previous issues. It would be virtually impossible to be prepared for every situation that could occur. But, with a little planning, you will be in much better shape to face what comes your way. Be sure your cell phone is charged or has a charging adapter in the vehicle. In addition, you may want to consider having an appropriate form of self-protection you feel most comfortable with and being able to use it effectively and legally.
What you need to keep in perspective is your safety and the relevance of your car. Let’s say you’re on I-75 headed for Florida listening to Jimmy Buffett on your 8-track player. All of a sudden your tire starts going down or your red engine light comes on. What do you do? You look around and see where the safest place to be is and get there. If you destroy a tire and wheel getting there, so be it, they can be replaced. Your life and those who may be with you are worth much more. It’s at this point that all your planning will come into play and make the best of a bad situation.
Today’s vehicles are amazingly advanced when the electronic control systems are taken into consideration. It is said that the micro processing abilities of a modern vehicle exceed those of the rockets and command modules used during the Apollo manned space program. The smaller size and speed of information has adapted well to cars and trucks of all makes and models.
It can seem a little overwhelming when you consider all the things that are packed into a late model car or truck. At times, you may think you need to take some little kid along with you just so he or she can show how to operate all the little bells and whistles.
How many different systems are there for cars and trucks? There are bunches on some and less on others. This entire edition of TownLoafer would not provide enough room to discuss, in detail, all the systems available. However, it is easy to identify the most prevalent. There are processors for engine control, consisting of fuel delivery, ignition timing, exhaust gas re-circulation, evaporative emissions, etc. There are processors for transmission control, cruise control, active suspensions, steering systems, electronic climate control, entertainment systems, voice activated phones and emergency communication systems. Even your iPod can interface with your stereo. There is Bluetooth technolology. Your car probably has the capability of increasing the sound on your stereo or the speed of your windshield wipers, depending on how fast you are driving. Most of these are taken for granted and operate in the background. The list goes on and on.
When one of the systems detects a problem, it typically illuminates some instrument panel indicator in order to make the driver aware that there is a concern. In Chapter 2 – "Fluids and Warning Lights", it was written that…"Amber 'Check Engine' lights can mean several hundred things, literally… However, in most instances, you will still be able to operate the vehicle." The corresponding control module may have the ability to shift into a failure or limp mode so the vehicle can continue limited operation until servicing or repairs can be performed to correct the problem. If not for the warning indicator, you may not even realize that there is a problem due to the sophisticated control system on the vehicle.
Though operation may seem normal, you need to get it checked out. Unfortunately, there is not another light that will inform you that you now have two or more problems with the same system. Also, for those areas that require an emissions inspection for your vehicle registration, it will not pass the test if the "Check Engine" light is illuminated. Waiting to the last minute to get it fixed is the wrong approach to take. After the vehicle is repaired, it has to be operated over a certain period of time until the drive cycle is completed. The drive cycle is performed in order for the control modules to determine that the vehicle is operating efficiently in regards to fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
Most people perceive the check engine light as an indicator that it is time to do a tune-up on the engine. That’s just not the case. Yes, it might coincidentally be time to do the scheduled replacement of parts. The light is on as a function of the processor not seeing the correct end results of the calibration for the vehicle. It is programmed to expect a certain outcome. The light could be on because of any number of reasons. The engine could have mechanical defects. It could also be having problems with certain sensors on the vehicle. In all seriousness, it may just be that the gas cap is loose.
When someone tells me that their vehicle needs a tune up, I usually ask them a few questions. The first one is "why?" The next questions are to find out just how the vehicle is driving and any other pertinent information that may identify a specific symptom.
In the not too distant past, a tune-up consisted of replacing the spark plugs, ignition wires, distributor cap and rotor button. The timing was adjusted, as well as the dwell or on time of the ignition coil. The carburetor would be checked and adjusted for proper fuel metering.
On most of today’s vehicles, almost nothing can be adjusted, only replaced. About the only thing that would come close to being adjusted is the software in the control module. The precision in which the engine operation is controlled is really quite amazing. Parts are lasting much longer than their previous counterparts.
It is important to follow the maintenance schedule of the vehicle. The interval for replacing spark plugs varies between the different manufacturers and the conditions the vehicle is operated in. Some schedules don’t require spark plugs to be changed until 100,000 miles. The plugs are well made, very durable and can be expensive due to the materials that they are made of. There are platinum and iridium in some of these parts.
A lady went in to have her vehicle checked out because her check engine light was on. The mechanic told her that the spark plugs needed to be rotated. She asked how much that was going to cost her. The mechanic said “100 dollars, Madame.” She exclaimed back that she was not going to be ripped off. "I have never paid over $50 for that."
So you see, the “Check Engine” light being on is an indicator that something is wrong. If, after having the vehicle checked out, you don’t feel comfortable with the diagnosis, go get a second opinion. The correct diagnosis to determine the proper repair is necessary to keep the vehicle operating at it’s very best and minimizing the impact on your hard earned money.
Is spring a great time of year or what? Finally, the weather is feeling really great. The clocks have been rolled forward and there is time in the afternoon to get things done around the house. As we say in the south, “It’s fixin’ to be summer.” That means it’s going to get hot and humid. At times, really hot and humid.
Your vehicle has a crystal-clear means of reminding you of just how hot it can get. When you open the door of your car after it has been sitting in the sun all day, it’s like its is saying, "Get you some of this!"
To make these uncomfortable temperatures tolerable, manufactures came up with a little idea. They took the concept of air conditioning, shrunk it down and made it work with the help of the vehicles engine and electrical system. This started happening in the 1940’s.
Air conditioning used to be somewhat of an expensive option on a vehicle. Today, you would be hard pressed to find a new vehicle without AC. It has become an integral component that most people take for granted. That is until it stops working.
When something breaks or starts leaking, the cost of repairs can vary widely. Something as simple as a basic service is relatively inexpensive. However, if an older system that used R12 Freon stops working, not only will the defect have to be repaired but it will also have to be retrofitted to use an “environmentally friendly” refrigerant. The manufacture of R12 Freon has been banned by the United States and other nations because of its damaging effects to our earth’s ozone layer. If a major component is damaged and needs replacing, then there can be other components that must be replaced along with it. Behind major engine and transmission repairs, fixing an AC system falls to third place in regards to the average cost of repair.
Repair facilities and their employees are required to maintain certifications in order to purchase and handle refrigerants. They also have to meet strict environmental guidelines. If an AC system has to be opened up to complete a repair, then the use of expensive specialized equipment is required to recover the refrigerants. This equipment is also capable of recharging the exact amounts of refrigerant as designated by the vehicle manufacturer.
When you turn on the AC in your car, a somewhat complex process begins. The most obvious of these, besides the air coming from the vents, is the engagement of the compressor. The compressor is what keeps the refrigerant moving throughout the system. The following is a very simple explanation of how an AC system works.
The refrigerant in the system is compressed by; you guessed it, the AC compressor. It then gets transformed into a high-pressure liquid by going through a cooling process involving a condenser. This liquid is then transferred to the interior of the vehicle where it enters something called an evaporator core. Once there, the refrigerant actually absorbs heat, thus giving the feel of cool air. The final leg of the journey is back to the compressor where the cycle begins all over.
For simplicity reasons, other necessary components were intentionally left out of the previous explanation. There are receiver/driers or accumulators that reduce moisture and filter the refrigerant. There are orifice tubes or expansion valves that help control pressure readings. There are cycling switches and high pressure shut off switches that control the operation of the compressor. Different combinations of these parts are used depending on the type of AC system in the car or truck. No matter how it is set up, they all accomplish the same thing, cold air for the vehicle. When you see clear water coming from under your car when the AC is running, that is normal and a pretty good sign that things are working properly.
When your car has been sitting in the sun all afternoon, it takes a few extra minutes to cool it down. The color of the car and the glass all work together to make it really hot on the inside. The reflective sun shades that you can buy help hold down the interior temperature by directing the suns rays away from the car. Still, you have to remember that temperatures can really soar. Your car gets hot in a hurry. Really hot. Dangerously hot.
Even on a moderate day where temperatures are in the low 70’s and the sun is shining brightly, the inside of the car can reach upwards of 135 degrees. It only takes a little common sense to realize what happens as the outside temperature starts to climb. There have been studies that show the interior of vehicles reaching 200 degrees. Candy bars and soft drinks don’t handle these temperatures very well.
Newer vehicles have what is called a cabin air filter. Certain settings on the control panel allow for outside air to be brought into the vehicle. This filter helps by providing a little cleaner air. It is suggested that this filter be changed on a regular basis, particularly after the pollen season.
Vehicle systems are complicated. Will an incorrect diagnosis be made and mistakes be made in repairs? Sure. Are they intentional? No. A reputable repair facility should and will do all they can to make it right. I’ve said it before; if you don’t feel comfortable with the diagnosis, get a second opinion. Ask questions. I have danced around the idea in previous articles that, yes, you can, if not careful, get ripped off and taken advantage of. Don’t fall for fear tactics.
I’ve often wondered why anyone would want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. The plane is well designed, does what it is supposed to do and has an excellent performance record. However, if one knows what they are doing, is well trained and has the right equipment, then yes, they go jump out of airplanes without any problems. Many people may talk about skydiving but very few people actually do it successfully.
This helps bring up the discussion about modifying vehicles. Today’s vehicles have had so much time invested in them with regards to design, operation and performance. When properly maintained, they last much longer than their predecessors. Two and three hundred thousand miles on a vehicle is not that unusual any more. I equate this to modern engineering, period.
Now, having said that, why would anyone really want to modify the design of a vehicle? The engineers that design these cars have it pretty well figured out. Still, some insist on changing things on the vehicle. Some want bigger tires and wheels. Some want to raise or lower the ride height of the vehicle. I hate to even mention the sound systems. Others want to add the next greatest and latest product that will increase fuel mileage to almost inconceivable levels. To many times, modifications end up causing problems to the vehicle. If you are dead set on changing something, be sure that it will work and have someone that really knows what they are doing perform the work.
I have seen problems that are caused simply by poor installation by unqualified individuals. An Acura was recently brought to my shop because of a Check Engine light being illuminated. After several hours of diagnosis, it was found that the amplifier for the aftermarket sound system had been improperly tied into the power supply for the bank 2 fuel injectors. When the radio and amplifier were powered up, it caused a voltage drop to the injectors. Multiple cylinder missfires began occuring and the engine control processor turned on the warning light. All of this happened because of an improperly installed radio. Unfortunately, it takes time and money to resolve an issue like this.
What ever you do, if you are going to modify your vehicle, make absolutely sure that it does not compromise your warranty. If it does and you have a problem, you are in big trouble.
How do you go about finding a reputable repair facility? Ask around. Ask neighbors. Do they offer guarantees? Is the owner around? What kind of turnover in employees do they have? You might not get all the answers but if you ask enough questions, you will get the answers to help you make the decision to say, "this is the place."
Get to know the people working on your vehicle. Also, they can keep up and help prioritize what needs to be done. Be careful with places that offer really cheap oil changes. Nothing is free and businesses cannot survive losing money. They are going to try to sell you things that you may not need. If they don’t know how to properly do what they are selling you, other problems might crop up. Some people buy into franchises without knowing what they are actually selling. We call them absentee owners. Get to know the people. They in turn get to know your vehicle. They will be able to keep it going for a long time. They will have a vested interest in your vehicle.
Years ago, my father was having trouble with his air conditioner on his Cadilac. The vehicle was still covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. Soon after dropping the car off at the dealership for repairs, the service advisor called him. After going through a list of "required" service items, my father asked that with all that was wrong with his vehicle, "How in the world was he able to drive the vehicle to the dealership?"
