Las Cruces car tune up « Brake Buddy's Auto Repair & Maintenance Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Las Cruces car tune up’

How To Jump Start A Car

Thursday, January 20th, 2011

So you’ve left the interior lights on in your car or truck over night and your battery is dead. It’s not that big of a problem.

If you or a friend has jumper cables, you can easily recharge your car or truck’s battery. If you’ve never jump started a car before, here is what you need to know.

Step 1: Have a running car park next to your car with the dead battery.

Step 2: Make sure both cars are off and locate the battery. For each car, find the positive “+” and negative “-“ terminals. These should have a plus and a minus sign. They also may be red (positive) and black (negative).

Step 3: On the good battery, attached the red jumper cable to the positive terminal and the black jumper cable to the negative terminal.

Step 4: On the dead battery attach the red jumper to the positive terminal and the black jumper to a piece of unpainted metal.

Step 5: Start the engine of the car with the good battery. Let the car run for a minute or two. Then, try starting the car with the dead battery. If it has trouble starting, let it sit for another minute or two. Then try again. If you’re still having problems, you may need a tow truck.

If you manage to get the car started it is important to carefully remove the jumper cables. You do not want the red jumper to touch the black jumper when removing.

Following these tips will help you jump start your car. It’s important to have your battery checked from time to time during an El Paso car tune up or a Las Cruces car tune up.

Tags: dead battery, El Paso Car Tune Up, jump start car, jumper cables, Las Cruces car tune up
Posted in Automotive Maintenance | Comments Off

Which Repairs Mean It’s Time For A New Car

Monday, December 27th, 2010

Paying off a car is one of the best feelings in the world. Once that happens, many people want to keep that car for as long as possible. However, there comes a certain point when it might not be worth it to keep that current car. There are several kinds of repairs that if needed, could mean buying a new (or new to you) car is a better option. When considering these repairs, take into account how much it will cost and other factors like:

The age of the car
The number of miles it has
Other repair issues present

This will help you determine the best course of action.

Engine Repairs

Any repairs having to do with the car engine are generally the most costly. If you have problems with your engine, it is possible to spend thousands of dollars and could even need a new one. If it is possible, try to find a gently used engine from a salvage yard to help lower the costs associated with engine repair. Engine costs are generally between $500 to $2,000 and could reach up to $5,000 for a new engine.

Transmission Problems

Once the transmission starts failing, it can mean expensive repairs which range between $1,800 and $3,600. It is possible to only need a transmission fluid flush, which is about $150, however, if this does not fix the problem, it could be time for a whole new transmission and at that point, it might be time to consider a new car.

Belt-related Issues

Every car has three belts:

Timing Belt
Fan Belt
Serpentine Belt

Each of these belts has a different purpose and when replaced before problems happen, are generally reasonably prices. However, if one of these belts snaps, it could cause serious damage to your car.

A broken timing belt in an engine most likely means it is time for a new engine. A broken fan belt can cause the engine to overhead and most likely also resulting in a new engine. The serpentine belt controls several internal components like the alternator, water pump, A/C compressor, and other depending on your particular make and model. Having a few of these stop working as a result of a broken serpentine belt can add up quickly.

Catalytic Converters

All cars made after 1975 require a catalytic converter to control emissions. Most last for about 100,000 miles and are almost never covered under warranties. They are also one of the most expensive single parts on a car. The part alone can range from $1,000 to $5,000 and some cars ever require more than one. Once the catalytic converter stops working, it will restrict the flow of exhaust and choke the engine, causing permanent damage.

If you have more questions about how to proceed with your repairs, ask your mechanic next time you’re getting an El Paso oil change or a Las Cruces car tune up.

Tags: car repairs, El Paso oil change, Las Cruces car tune up, time for new car
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Understanding The Check Engine Light

Thursday, December 16th, 2010

It is bound to happen at some point. You’re driving down the road and a little light starts flashing near your speedometer. It’s your “Check Engine Light.”

The check engine light is a warning indicator that works with your car or truck’s computer. If your check engine light goes off, it means that a part or component in your vehicle’s emission system is not properly working.

The items below are some of the most common check engine light problems.

The Light Keeps Blinking: If the check engine light on your car or truck keeps blinking, this is a serious problem. This means there is a big problem with your car or truck’s emission system. Immediately pull your vehicle over and have it towed to a mechanic.

The Light Stays On: If the check engine light stays on and doesn’t blink, there is not an immediate threat to your vehicle. Your vehicle will continue to operate. However, you should take your car or truck to a mechanic as soon as you can to see what is wrong. If the check engine light stays on, it means there is a problem with the emissions system. A diagnostic test from a mechanic will help answer the problem.

The Light Is On Sometimes and Sometimes Off: If your check engine light remains sometimes on and sometimes off, take the time to see if your vehicle runs differently when the light is on. If you notice a change in performance when the light is on, you should take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as you can.

These are some of the most common check engine light signals. Always be sure to check your owner’s manual for more information about any diagnostic lights on your car or truck. If you have a check engine light on in your car or truck, be sure to have it checked out during your next Las Cruces car tune up or your next El Paso oil change.

Tags: check engine light codes, check engine light tips, El Paso oil change, Las Cruces car tune up, understanding check engine light
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Car Battery Maintenance Tips For Extreme Weather

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

Car Battery

With colder weather right around the corner, it’s important to check your car battery.

A car battery’s power is significantly reduced when temperatures are extremely hot or extremely cold. To save yourself the hassle of pulling out your jumper cables, we’ve listed some of the most important car battery maintenance tips.

Change Your Battery Every Three to Four Years

If there’s one tip you should know about your car batter, it’s that you should change it every three to four years. The lifespan of a car or truck battery depends greatly on where you live.

In warmer places, extreme heat can really drain the life out your battery. Also, if you don’t drive your car or truck often, you may need to pull out the jumper cables to recharge it.

Signs You May Need A New Car Battery

Below are some signs that you may need a new car battery.

The battery is older than three or four years old and you’re having trouble starting the car.
Build up around the terminals.
Corrosion or leaks in battery.

Battery Replacement

Replacing your car or truck’s battery is a simple process. Be sure to visit any auto parts store and speak with a service representative to get the right battery for your car or truck.

For safety purposes, work in a secure environment and wear gloves to protect yourself from dried battery acid.

Step 1 Open trunk and locate battery: The battery is a rectangular box located on one side of the car frame.

Step 2 Locate terminals and disconnect: Find the positive and negative terminals. These should usually be marked and loosen the terminal clamps with a wrench.

Step 3 Remove the battery: Remove any fasteners holding the battery in place and remove the battery. Be sure to be careful when removing the battery. Dropping the battery could cause serious injury.

Step 4 Install new battery: Place the new car battery in place. Be sure you place the positive and negative terminals on the proper sides.

Step 5 Reconnect the clamps: Once you have the battery in place, reconnect the terminal clamps to the terminals. Apply some battery grease to protect against corrosion. Battery grease comes in spray cans. You can usually find it at any auto parts store.

Installing a battery is a simple process. However, if you are having difficulties we recommend going to a reputable mechanic during your next Las Cruces car tune up or your next Santa Fe oil change.

Tags: car battery maintenance, Las Cruces car tune up, Santa Fe oil change
Posted in Automotive Maintenance | Comments Off

Car Safety Tips For Dogs

Friday, November 12th, 2010

Dog

Our dogs love going on car rides. But do you know how to keep your dog and yourself safe?

Dogs are great companions on road trips, but they can also be a distraction causing you to get into an accident. The next time your dog hops into your car or truck you should follow these car safety tips for dogs:

Never Let Your Dog In The Front Seat – A dog riding in the front seat could distract you and cause a car accident. Additionally, the passenger-side airbag could injure the dog if you get into an accident.

Keep Dog In Backseat Or Crate – It’s best for your dog to be in a crate. This prevents your dog from jumping out open windows. Crates also keep them safe in case of an accident. If your car cannot hold a crate, we recommend keeping the dog in the backseat. Place some sort of barrier between the front and back seats to prevent your dog from distracting you.

Never Let Your Dog In A Truck Bed – It is dangerous to let your dog ride in a truck bed. If the truck bed is uncovered, the dog can jump out and cause an accident on the roadway. We recommend placing a firmly secured crate in your truck bed if you want your dog to ride in your pickup truck.

Don’t Roll Down The Window Too Much – If you don’t have a crate for your dog, don’t let them ride in the backseat with the windows rolled down too much. If they windows are rolled down too much, they could jump out of the vehicle and cause an accident.

Bring Water For Your Dog – It’s very important to bring water for your dog, especially for long road trips. Your dog will need water to stay hydrated during long trips. If your dog is heavily panting, it’s time for some water.

Do Not Leave Your Dog In A Hot Car – Leaving your dog in a hot car could give them heat stroke. If you have plans on being away from you car for long periods of time, leave your dog at home.

On Long Road Trips Take Occasional Breaks – Just like people, dogs need to take breaks during long road trips. We recommend stopping every two to two and a half hours. Let your dog walk around and get a chance to use the bathroom.

Following these tips will make your next car tip with your dog a lot safer. Be sure to keep your car in good condition. A Sacramento timing belt replacement or a Las Cruces car tune up will keep you and your dog from being stranded on the side of the road.

Tags: car safety for dogs, Las Cruces car tune up, pet safety in cars, Sacramento timing belt replacement
Posted in Driving Tips | Comments Off

Five Thanksgiving Driving Tips You Need To Know

Monday, November 8th, 2010

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, millions of people will soon be on the roads to visit family and friends.

According to AAA, more than 30 million people will drive more than 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday. With millions of cars on the road, there’s bound to be some car accidents.

To help keep your family safe this Thanksgiving, follow these driver safety tips.

1. Don’t Eat Too Much … Eating too much can cause you to get sleepy. Driving while tired is very dangerous because your reaction time is slower. Try not to over eat before a long road trip home.

2. Don’t Drink And Drive … Everyone knows there’s a lot of drinking going on during New Years. Thanksgiving is not that far behind. If you have been drinking, do not drive your vehicle.

3. Wear Your Seat Belt … You should always wear your seat belt just in case you get in an accident. With more cars on the road, the odds of getting into an accident increases.

4. Take Breaks While Driving … If you’re driving a great distance, you should take breaks every few hours. Taking breaks helps you regain your focus. Be sure to stop for food during breaks.

5. Take Your Time … Follow the speed limit. A lot of times people will speed and drive erratically to get to their destination faster. It’s not worth the risk on Thanksgiving. Mapping your trip out ahead of time will help you get to the Thanksgiving dinner on time.

Finally, bring your car or truck in for a Las Cruces car tune up or a Phoenix brake check before going on any long road trips. A certified technician can help discover any problems before you head out on the road.

Tags: holiday driving tips, Las Cruces car tune up, Phoenix Brake Check, Thanksgiving driving tips
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How to Easily Check a Used Car for Automatic Transmission Issues

Monday, October 4th, 2010

You are all excited to go out and purchase a used car but you have heard your friends tell stories of used cars with bad transmissions being sold to unsuspecting customers.

That is something you never want to experience, but you are not a car person so what can you do to educate yourself before you buy? There are a few easy things you can learn to look for to ensure you make the best decision possible.

Check Transmission Fluid – You don’t even have to know where it is located, just ask the salesperson to pull the transmission dipstick out for you. When they do, wipe it off with a clean cloth, then put it back in again. Pull it back out and the check the levels on the dipstick. Extremely low fluid can indicate a transmission leak. A leak cannot be solved by a simple Albuquerque transmission flush. If possible, get a white piece of paper and drip some of the transmission fluid onto it. The fluid that drips should be clear without any metal filings or black flakes. If you have burnt a lot of food in your lifetime, you can also smell the fluid and see if it has that “burnt” smell to it.
Shifting the Gears – When you put a car into drive you should feel the transmission kicking in slightly trying to pull the car forward. In the car, press the brake and then put the car into D. If you don’t feel the transmission “catch,” it can be a sign there is a transmission problem.
Test Drive – The best way to tell is by actually test-driving the car you are considering to purchase. Try slowly accelerating to 45 – 50 mph and see if you feel the car as it changes gears. Is it a rough shifting or does it transition smoothly? If you are driving it and you notice the car RPM is increasing but the car isn’t accelerating, or the transmission “slips” from 2^nd to 3^rd gear, it can be a sign of a serious transmission issue.

Remember about these easy things that you can check when selecting a used vehicle. You don’t want to buy your car and end up having to get a complete Las Cruces car tune up immediately after because your transmission was shot and you didn’t know it.

Tags: Albuquerque transmission flush, Las Cruces car tune up
Posted in Automotive Maintenance | Comments Off

Doing A Tucson Car Tune Up Yourself: Is It Worth Is?

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

You may have thought about doing a car tune up yourself, instead of taking it to a mechanic. Change the spark plugs and the filters and then you’re done. It’s that easy, right?

Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. If you’re going to give your vehicle a tune up here’s what you need to do:

Replace the fuel filter
Replace the air filter
Replace worn belts
Change the spark plugs
Service the battery, be sure to clean the filters
Check and replace fluids, replace oil filter

For some cars you may also have to:

Adjust the clutch
Replace the distributor cap

This could be challenging especially if you don’t have the proper tools and equipment to get the job done right. It is not uncommon to see vehicles damaged thanks to the handiwork work of a novice mechanic.

A tune-up can take between two to four hours of labor for a competent mechanic. How long will it take someone working out of their home garage? Don’t get us wrong. A tune-up is something your car needs. It definitely keeps your vehicle running smoothly.

But it’s better to take it to a qualified mechanic to ensure it is done properly. Another benefit: a mechanic can examine the rest of your vehicle to pinpoint a problem that may have gone undetected by an amateur mechanic. Additionally, you will need to properly dispose of old fluids such as oil, which can be a tedious process.

We recommend taking your car to a reputable mechanic for your next tune up. Getting a Tucson car tune up or a Las Cruces car tune up will ensure it’s done right the first time.

Tags: Las Cruces car tune up, Tucson Car Tune Up
Posted in Air and Oil Filters, Automotive Maintenance, Car Fluids Info, Car Lubricant Info | Comments Off

100+ Miles Per Gallon

Monday, May 24th, 2010

The big thing on the market right now is Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV’s). There is so much information and advertising out there in regards to what is best for the environment, what is best for mileage, and what is best for your pocketbook, that it is easy to get lost in all of the data. You can always improve your fuel efficiency through proper tire inflation, a Las Cruces car tune up, or accelerating at a slower rate. With these new technologies though, you improve gas mileage through generating some of the power for the car from electricity stored in batteries instead of relying on internal combustion power alone.

While there are certain vehicles, like a converted Saturn Vue SUV that reportedly gets 150 miles per gallon, the majority of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV’s) out there get far less. The Toyota Prius gets around 51 miles per gallon, for instance, and the Ford Fusion gets 41 miles per gallon. On the other end of the spectrum, you have the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid that comes in at a rather disappointing 19 miles per gallon. Some of these vehicles are even implementing an electric motor driving a wheel directly, eliminating the need for an El Paso transmission flush, as there is no conventional transmission.

It is an exciting field in the automotive industry as developments and progress is made every day toward more fuel efficient vehicles. While there may not be a fleet of 100+ mile per gallon cars on the road right now, it is looking more and more likely in the near future.

Tags: El Paso transmission flush, Las Cruces car tune up
Posted in Gas Mileage | Comments Off

Does Your Auto Air Conditioner Guzzle Gas?

Friday, May 7th, 2010

Car Air Conditioner There are a lot of conflicting ideas out there about how to get the best gas mileage for your vehicle. With summer getting closer, people tend to focus more on air conditioning as a factor than a simple Las Cruces car tune up or proper tire inflation. Is there any merit to the idea that using the air conditioner in your car hurts your gas mileage?

It turns out, Consumer Reports did a study that revealed you are going to be more fuel efficient if you roll up the windows and use your air conditioning when driving above 40mph, than if you simply roll down the windows. When driving below 30mph, though, you are better off rolling the windows down.

When you are sitting at a stop light, or idling in traffic on your way to work, there is very little air-flow passing over your engine. If you have your air conditioning on at this point, the compressor has to work harder than normal to cool the air. When you are moving along the freeway, though, much of the heat under your car’s hood is carried away and the compressor doesn’t have to work as hard.

So, if you really want to get the best gas mileage this summer, your best bet is to schedule a Las Cruces oil change, ensure proper tire inflation, and keep your speed down. Air conditioning isn’t going to be as much of a factor as some of these other, more common, ailments.

Tags: Auto Air Conditioner, Las Cruces car tune up, Las Cruces oil change
Posted in Auto Air Conditioning | Comments Off