Automotive Maintenance « Brake Buddy's Auto Repair & Maintenance Blog

Archive for the ‘Automotive Maintenance’ Category

How To Know If Your Car’s A/C System Has A Leak

Thursday, July 14th, 2011

a/c Air conditioning is one of the most commonly broken parts of a car. It can also be one of the most expensive to fix.

However, if you try to monitor your air conditioning regularly, you may be able to prevent this.

Here are a few ways to tell if your air conditioning system has a leak and may need repairs.

1) Is the Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air?

The easiest way to find out if your air conditioning system has a possible leak is if it does not blow cold air. All air conditioning systems lose some refrigerant each year and need to be recharged. However, it should only be done once every few years at the most. If you find yourself thinking that you might need a recharge after a few months, you could have a leak.

2) Is the Coupling Covered in Grease?

The area around the couplings where the coolant hose is attached to the compressor will be covered in grease if there is a leak. This is because the refrigerant gas is mixed with air and oil. There will only be an oily residue in the event of a leak.

3) Use a Freon Leak Detector

You can use a Freon leak detector in front of the air conditioning compressor to determine if there is a leak in the system. It is usually located somewhere behind the dashboard. Because the refrigerant gas is odorless and invisible, you will need special equipment to detect it.

If you catch a refrigerant leak early, it could save you money on repairs. Follow these tips and check your air conditioning regularly for optimal performance.

Tags: a/c leaks, air conditioning leaks
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What Type of Car Wash Is Best For Your Car?

Monday, July 11th, 2011

Depending on your vehicle, certain car washes or washing methods might damage it.

It is important to make sure that you know the best way to wash for your vehicle.

Here are a few ways to make sure that you wash your car and do not damage it.

1) Find Out What Kind of Paint You Have

The type of paint on your vehicle will be one of the primary factors that will determine how you will be able to wash your car. Certain cleaning products used at automatic car washes can damage the paint on some cars. Check with a professional to be sure that you are washing your car properly for your paint.

2) Make Sure You Know How to Wash Your Wheels

Just like paint, different types of wheels require different types of care. Not all wheels should be cleaned with just soap and water. There are many wheel cleaners on the market to help you. Also, be sure to note that many wheel cleaners and tire cleaners can damage each other. They are not the same. Be sure to read all labels before washing your own car or taking it to an automatic car wash.

3) Ask the Dealer

If you’re really stumped and not sure where or how you should wash your car, ask your dealer. They will have comprehensive information on the best way to wash your car. If you bought your car from another type of dealer or private party, the dealer of your make should still have this information available, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Taking the time to understand the best way to wash your car could possibly save you time and money in the long run.

Where do you wash your car? Leave your comments below.

Tags: car cleaning, car wash safety, car washes, car washing
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How To Replace A Headlight

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

headlight It is important to know how to do basic car repairs yourself. In the event that a repair shop is closed or inaccessible, these skills can come in handy.

One of the easiest things to learn to do yourself is replacing a headlight. This simple procedure should only take about 20 to 30 minutes and only require simple tools.

You first start by:

1) Opening the hood and locating the back of the headlight.

2) Then disconnect the electrical connector from the back of the headlight or remove the headlight bulb.

3) Remove the headlight from the headlight housing by removing the headlight mounting screws or retainers.

4) Compare the new headlight to the old one to ensure it will be the correct fit.

5) Install the new headlight.

6) Tighten the mounting screws or install the retainers.

7) If necessary, install the grille or trim that was removed to access the mounting screws.

8) Install the headlight bulb or connect the wiring harness to the headlight.

9) Check headlight operation and adjustment. If necessary, adjust the headlight.

While this is simple procedure, if you are unsure about any of the steps, consult a professional. This can prevent you from causing damage to the vehicle resulting in expensive repairs.

Also, these procedures can vary depending on the year, make, and model of the vehicle.

Tags: headlight bulb replacement, headlight replacement, how to replace headlight
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Everything You Need To Know About Window Tinting

Monday, June 27th, 2011

Depending on the climate of the area that you live in, window tinting can provide many benefits.

These benefits include:

Reducing the temperate of your car while parked
Protection from UV rays while driving
Helping to prevent glass from shattering if in a car accident
Providing safer driving conditions by reducing glares
Adding additional privacy for passengers
Preventing sun damage to the car’s interior

However, before jumping right in and tinting your windows, there are several things you must consider:

First you must understand and follow the laws of the state you live in regarding window tinting.
You must also look into the cost of window tinting, which will depend on the year, make and model of your vehicle.
Also, do not forget to research tint shops to find most reputable ones in your area.
You might also be able to find a do-it-yourself kit, depending on the year, make, and model of your vehicle.

If you are not sure if window tinting is right for you, call a local shop and discuss your options. You might be surprised by how affordable it could be. Also, consider the added benefits because they might outweigh the costs in the long run. This is especially true if you live in a warm or sunny climate.

Tags: window tinting benefits, window tinting kits, window tinting laws
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Signs You Need New Shocks And Struts

Monday, June 20th, 2011

car lift It is important to know the signs that indicate that your vehicle’s shocks and struts need to be replaced. If you don’t replace them when it is needed, it can lead to serious damage to your vehicle.

Shocks and struts work together in your vehicle to help dampen spring oscillation, and help with ride control. Without these parts, your vehicle would not have a smooth ride, especially when going over bumps.

Here are some signs that you might need new shocks and/or struts:

The vehicle rolls or sways on turns
The front-end of the vehicle dives when braking
The rear end of the vehicle squats when accelerating
The vehicle bounces or slides sideways on a winding, rough road
The vehicle “bottoms out” (with a thump) on bumps

The best way to be aware of the condition of your shocks and struts is to have them checked out every time you have a tune up. Advise the technician to take a look at your vehicle’s shocks and struts and in particular have them pay attention to:

Leaks on the housing
Dents on the shock or strut body
Worn rubber mounting bushings
Pitted piston rods
Crushed rubber bumpers from “bottoming out”
Abnormal wear on tires (high and low spots)

With care and regular preventative maintenance, your shocks and struts should stay in working condition.

Tags: shocks replacement, struts replacement, suspension replacement
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Tire Maintenance Tips That Keep You Safe

Tuesday, March 15th, 2011

Keep You Safe

It is important to regularly check and maintain the tires on your vehicle.

Most people regularly wash and clean their cars and trucks. Yet many of these same people fail to regularly check the tire pressure. This is a big mistake.

For safety purposes, it’s important that your car or truck has a good set of tires. That’s because your tires are the only part of your vehicle that makes contact with the road. Old, worn out tires become a safety issue, especially during instances of extreme weather.

To protect your car, you should regularly follow the tire maintenance tips below. These tips will help extend the life of your tires and more importantly, keep you safe.

Tire Tip #1: Check Your Tire Pressure

You should keep a tire pressure gauge inside your car or truck. Always make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure. You can typically find the correct psi in your owner’s manual or on the sides of the tires.

Having the right tire pressure will:

Extend the life of your tires
Give you better fuel efficiency
Keep you safe.

Tire Tip #2: Rotate Your Tires

You should regularly rotate the front and back tires on your vehicle. This will help to ensure proper wear of your tires. That way, you’re not buying tires too often. You should rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.

Tire Tip #3: Buy Tires with the Proper Rating

When purchasing tires, you should buy sets the meet the ratings for your vehicle. This is very important for safety purposes. You want to buy a tire that was engineered for your vehicle. Check your owner’s manual to see what set of tires you should buy.

Tire Tip #4: Don’t Carry Too Much

If you have a pickup truck, be sure to know the load capacity for your vehicle. Heavy loads can cause excessive wear and tear to your tires. Overstressed tires could cause a blow out, which is a major safety issue. Consult your owner’s manual for load limits.

Summary

Following these four tips will help to keep you safe and extend the life of your tires. As a rule of thumb, check your tire pressure every time you get an Albuquerque oil change or an El Paso oil change. Most importantly, be sure to read your owner’s manual about your tires.

Tags: Albuquerque Oil change, El Paso oil change, tire maintenance tips, Tire Pressure, tire rotation
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The Benefits of a Transmission Flush

Friday, March 11th, 2011

Replacing your car or truck’s transmission can be very expensive.

It can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 to replace the transmission in your vehicle. To help extend the life of your vehicle’s transmission, you may want to consider a Phoenix transmission flush or a Tucson transmission flush.

A transmission flush works to prolong the life of your vehicle’s transmission. By regularly replacing the transmission fluid in your car or truck, you are ensuring that your transmission will work smoothly.

Cars and trucks with old, dirty transmission fluid have problems. Shifting between gears becomes sudden and jerky. A transmission flush protects against this.

A transmission flush helps to remove contaminants inside the transmission, which allow it to work better. The new transmission fluid your car gets during a transmission flush, allows it perform better.

Excessive heat breaks down the effectiveness of your transmission fluid, which is why it needs to be replaced.

While transmission flushes are good for most cars, some cars should not get them.

It is important to note that transmission flushes are not meant for all vehicles. High mileage vehicles that have never had a transmission flush should not get one. That’s because a flush could loosen sludge inside your transmission causing more problems.

However, if you have a low-mileage vehicle, you should consider getting a transmission flush every 30,000 to 50,000 miles to extend the life of your transmission.

If you have any questions about transmission flushes, be sure to speak with a certified mechanic.

Tags: Phoenix Transmission Flush, transmission flush, Tucson Transmission Flush
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A Visual Guide To Changing A Tire

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011

Changing A Tire At some point or another, you’re probably going to have to change a flat tire on your car or truck. It happens to everyone.

If you have never changed a tire before, you may be wondering what to do. Luckily, changing a tire is a simple process. If you follow the seven steps below, you will be able to change a flat tire in no time.

Step 1: Find a Safe Place To Pull Over

For safety reasons, you will want to find a safe place to pull over and change the flat tire. If possible, pull into a parking lot or on a non-busy road. Do not drive too long on the flat because you could damage the wheel.

Step 2: Locate Your Spare Tire and Tools

Get the spare tire, tire wrench and jack from your car. You may also need a flashlight if it’s dark outside. Keep these items near the flat tire.

Step 3: Loosen the Lug Nuts

If necessary, remove the wheel cover. Then using your tire wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Loosen them enough until it’s easy to turn the wrench. Remember, turning the wrench to the left will loosen the lug nuts.

Step 4: Lift the Car

Lift the Car

Using your jack, raise the car up to remove the wheel. Be sure to read the owners manual to see how to properly operate the jack.

Step 5: Remove the Flat Tire

Use your tire wrench again to remove the lug nuts from your vehicle. Place all of the lug nuts in the same place so you do not lose them. Then remove the flat tire. Be sure to pull the flat tire toward you when removing.

Step 6: Place the Spare Tire On the Car

Take your spare tire and align it with the bolts on the car. As you can see from the picture above, you will want to make sure the holes on the wheel of the spare tire line up with the four bolts. It is important to note that some cars and trucks have five bolts.

Step 7: Place Lug Nuts on Tire and Lower The Car

After you get the spare tire on your car, place the lug nuts on the bolts, getting them tight, but not too tight. You want it tight enough to keep the tire in place when the car is lowered. After lowering the car, finish tightening the lug nuts.

Summary

Following these seven steps will help you to change a flat tire. If you ever have any questions about changing a tire, be sure to ask friends or family members. You also can ask your mechanic during your next Sacramento car tune up or your next Santa Fe timing belt replacement.

Tags: Flat Tire, Sacramento car tune up, Santa Fe timing belt replacement, tire change
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7 Car Care Tools To Keep In Your Garage

Friday, February 25th, 2011

Wrench It’s good to have some tools in your garage to take care of minor automotive issues that may arise with your car or truck.

Having these tools will help you to take care of your car or truck. We’ve come up with seven of the most important car care tools you should have in your garage.

Here are the seven car care tools you should keep in your garage.

1. Tire Pump: Considering most gas stations charge for air these days, it’s a good idea to have an air pump in your garage. Maintaining proper tire pressure in your vehicle is important. It improves gas mileage and driving stability.

2. Funnels: Having a few funnels in your garage will help a lot. You never know when you may have to replace fluid in your vehicle. Having a funnel around will ensure you’re not spilling coolant or oil all over the place.

3. Extra Oil and Coolant: It’s always good to keep a quart or two of oil and some coolant in your garage. You never know when your vehicle may get a leak. Having some extra coolant and oil can help you safely get the vehicle to the shop if there’s a problem.

4. Screwdrivers: Have a good screw driver set is another necessity. Not all cars use standard screw drivers, but a good screw driver set can help if you need to replace a license plate or a taillight in your vehicle.

5. Battery Charger: A battery charger is another item you may want to consider purchasing. A battery charger will come in handy if your car’s battery is nearing its end. If you have a battery charger, you won’t need a car and jumper cables to get that battery going.

6. Wrenches: Every garage should have a good wrench set. This can help you take care of minor automotive issues as well as issues around the house.

7. Flashlight: Having a good flashlight is very important. Flashlights help you to inspect under your car or truck as well as the engine. They’re especially handy in helping you find sources of leaks. They’re also good to have around should you lose power in your house.

These seven items will help you take better care of your car or truck when it’s not at the shop. The next time you’re getting a Sacramento brake repair or a Tucson auto air conditioning repair, ask your mechanic what types of tools they keep in their garage.

What types of car care tools do you keep around your garage? Post your comments below.

Tags: car care tools, car garage tools, car tools
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Do Cars Still Need Tune Ups?

Monday, February 21st, 2011

You may have heard people questioning whether or not cars and trucks still need tune ups.

Over the past decade there have been lots of technological advances in automobiles. Despite all the changes and upgrades, most car and truck engines are somewhat similar to those that your parents and grandparents drove back in the day.

Depending on your car or truck, you should still take it in for a tune-up every year or every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

Tune ups have change over the years. For example, the cars of today no longer need its points and condenser regularly changed.

Today’s tune ups include some car care necessities that every car owner should do if they want their car to run smoothly. These include:

Replacing Filters: During a tune up, a mechanic will replace most of the filters in your vehicle. This will help to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly. Filters help to catch any dirt or debris that can harm your car or truck’s engine.
Check and Fill Fluids: It’s very important to have your vehicle’s fluids checked and refilled if necessary. Fluids are the lifeblood of any vehicle and must be refilled and sometimes replaced to prolong the life of your vehicle.
Chang Spark Plugs: Depending on the type of spark plugs in your car or truck, they may have to be replaced during a tune up. Old spark plugs waste gas and hurt the performance of your vehicle.
Check Battery: During a tune up, mechanics also check your car or truck’s battery. It’s important to have your battery regularly checked, so you’re not stranded in a parking lot with a dead battery. It’s especially important to have your battery check in areas with warmer climates because batteries wear out faster.
Check And Replace Belts: During a tune up, a mechanic will also check the condition of the belts in your car or truck. It’s important to replace worn belts to ensure your car or truck’s engine operates smoothly.

Before getting a tune up be sure to check your car or truck’s owner’s manual to see when it recommends routine maintenance on these parts. You could also talk to a certified mechanic before your next El Paso car tune up or your next Las Cruces car tune up.

Tags: Car Maintenance, car tune ups, tune ups necessary
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