Posts tagged: Car Maintenance

How To Troubleshoot Your Car’s Stalling Engine

By Eric Driver, July 9, 2010 8:36 am

Engine stalls can occur for many reasons, including failing sensors, compression issues, and problems within the ignition system. Unfortunately, today’s vehicles are designed with such a high level of complexity that troubleshooting the issue is difficult. There are many parts that can potentially contribute to the stall.

With this in mind, we’ll explore your car’s engine, ignition system, and other components. We’ll approach them with the goal of understanding which parts can play key roles in preventing your vehicle’s engine from running. The circumstances under which stalling occurs will, in part, dictate the components to check. This will become clearer below.

Check For Sufficient Fuel

Your engine obviously needs fuel in order to operate. But even if it receives fuel, the volume may be insufficient to keep it running. If your engine stalls while you’re driving, and the reason is due to insufficient fuel, the fuel pump is likely failing.

The pump is responsible for creating pressure in the line. If it fails, the pressure will dissipate, and your engine will receive too little fuel. This causes a stall. You will be unable to restart your car.

If your engine stalls when you try to cold start it, the problem is still likely to be too little fuel. But in this case, the fuel pump is unlikely to be the culprit. Instead, it may be a failing airflow sensor (described in more detail below) that is delivering bad data to your vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM). This might be leaning out the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders.

Look For Ignition System Problems

There are several components that comprise your vehicle’s ignition system. These include the ignition coil, distributor, distributor cap, rotor, and spark plugs. These parts work together to perform a primary job: to ignite the air-fuel mixture in your engine’s cylinders. It accomplishes this task by transferring an electrical current from your ignition coil to your spark plugs. The transfer of the current depends on each part along the way.

If any component in your ignition system fails – or even falters – the current will be interrupted. This will cause your engine to stall. Related to this issue is the operation of your crankshaft position sensor (CPS). This is a sensor located in your engine that monitors your crankshaft. It sends the data to the PCM, which uses it to control ignition timing. If the CPS fails (due to wear and tear, or prolonged exposure to high temperatures), your PCM may lower your car’s idle, causing your engine to stall.

Are Your Car’s Sensors Failing?

Your vehicle is equipped with several sensors that deliver important data to your PCM. The PCM acts upon this data to ensure your engine runs efficiently. If any of the sensors malfunction, the computer will receive compromised data, or none at all. As you might suspect, this can lead to problems with your engine’s performance.

For example, the mass airflow sensor (MAS) is tasked with monitoring the amount of air that flows into your car’s engine. It relays this information to the PCM, which makes changes in the amount of fuel sent to the cylinders. If the sensor become contaminated, or it fails, the PCM may lean out the air-fuel mix.

The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor also plays a key role. It monitors the load placed on your engine and sends the data to the PCM. The computer uses the information to optimize ignition timing. As with the MAS, a failing MAP can cause the PCM to lean out the air-fuel mix, and thus cause a stall.

Other factors that can cause stalling include worn spark plugs, vacuum leaks, a faulty exhaust valve, and even a failing coolant sensor. In most cases, troubleshooting the problem requires the expertise of a trained mechanic.

Find your used auto parts and used engines from the leader in parts, http://www.everdrive.com

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • MySpace

Five Engine Maintenance Tips

By Ruth Williams, July 5, 2010 10:17 am

We all know what neglect can do to the human body. Eating the wrong foods, smoking, and not exercising can cause you to become sluggish and ill health can result. The same holds true for your car. Not maintaining its internal systems can lead to catastrophic failure, which means it may no longer run at all. Here are a few general tips for keeping your car going with proper maintenance.

1. Everyone knows you need to put gasoline into your car or it will stop running. Not everyone realizes how critically important oil is to the life of an automobile. Engine oil has a limited life span and after a time, starts to “carbonize” and lose its lubricating quality and effectiveness. If you fail to change the oil, carbon deposits will start clogging the oil pick-up screen, causing the oil supply to the engine to decrease and causing friction. It’s also important to check the oil level periodically to keep your car running smoothly.

2. On a very hot day, the human body needs water so it doesn’t overheat. For your car, the same concept is in effect. Make sure that the coolant level is at maximum to keep your engine from getting too hot, which will affect its performance.

3. Several parts of your car’s engine need to be checked out by a professional mechanic periodically, since your engine will not function well if these areas are neglected. Components such as fuel and air filters, timing belt, and spark plugs should be part of your car’s routine tune-up.

4. Make sure battery terminals aren’t loose or corroded and check for cracks, leaks or damage. If there is an acid leak from the battery, have it replaced right away, as acid can destroy any other components nearby if left unchecked.

5. Address the minor things that may come up with your car before they escalate. Let’s say you hear a tapping noise in the engine or your car is “pulling” to one side. Have it checked out even if you feel it’s not very significant. Many people ignore the “check engine” light on the dashboard to their detriment. That light is telling you that there is an issue with the engine that needs your attention. Having a once-over can give you peace of mind so that it doesn’t become a bigger issue later.

You really don’t need to be a mechanic to take care of your car properly. If you perform all the preventive maintenance that is recommended, you’ll keep it going well into the future. Just as you keep your health on track with check-ups, taking care of your car before there’s a problem can keep it going for years to come.

Ruth Williams is a journalist with many interests which include online degree programs and online degrees for working women.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • MySpace

Car Valeting – Good Way To Earn Without Formal Certification.

By Aden Clark, June 27, 2010 9:09 am

Car valeting means, primarily, the job of cleaning and polishing both the inside and the outside of cars. Private car owners as well as garages and car rental companies are the most common clients of car valets.

While the main business is cleaning, a car valet is required to have great marketing skills as well. A car valet should talk about the details with a customer, and offer his suggestions, before he starts on work. He should scrutinize the car thoroughly after finishing.

On the exterior, the windscreen, the bodywork, the paintwork, the wheels and the tyres require cleaning. On the inside, the engine as well as the windows and upholstery need the same. Mud flaps and such other small parts might have to be replaced.

If you desire to go in car valeting service, you have the choice of working on your own or with a company. To work as a mobile car valet, you’ll need your own car and driving license and the requisite equipment to go with.

If you are thinking of becoming a car valet, learn to operate the equipment well. Familiarize yourself with the different types of paint used on cars, since this determines the choice of material and method of cleaning. Be conscious of health and safety issues, for some of the cleaning solutions are toxic.

It takes around three hours to spruce up a car. The work is very tiring. Your strength level should be high and you should be available to work outdoors in the heat or rain. Good concentration and attention to detail are essential. You shouldn’t miss the smallest speck of mud or the littlest scratch. So is communication skill. You need to work out what your client’s needs are and give him all the advice you can.

It is not necessary for you to have a formal certificate in order to find a job as a car valet. Nevertheless, if you think you could do with some training, then you could register for an apprentice course. Such courses are obtainable at various levels. Much the best training, though, can be got from watching and learning from proficient car valets at work.

How much money you take home will depend on various factors. Salaries differ country-wise. The demand for car valeting in your business area, how many hours you put in, whether you are self-employed or work for a company, and last but not least your experience- all these are essential factors. But wherever and however you are located, don’t join the profession if cars do not fascinate you.

Car valeting leeds provide a fast, reliable and affordable service for personal and business clients. Car valet leeds are fully mobile and we are prepared to visit your home or workplace. Unique version for reprint here: Car Valeting – Good Way To Earn Without Formal Certification..

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • MySpace

Car Valeting Will Always Be A Top Business Model.

By Aden Clark, June 9, 2010 10:25 am

Car valeting means, mainly, the job of cleaning and polishing both the inside and the outside of cars. Private car owners as well as garages and car rental companies are the most common clients of car valets.

Cleaning is the main part of the job. In addition, a car valet may also have to exercise marketing skills to woo customers. It is important to enquire the client exactly what he wants, and offer any necessary advice, before beginning work. It is simply as vital to give the car a comprehensive check after finishing.

A car valet needs to look at the windscreen, the bodywork and the paintwork, and the wheels and tyres. Small parts such as mud flaps might need to be replaced. Inside, the engine as well as the windows and the upholstery need cleaning.

If you want to go into car valeting service, you have the choice of working on your own or with a company. To work as a mobile car valet, you’ll need your own car and driving license and the necessary equipment to travel with.

You need to learn how to utilize your tools well. You must know something about the several kinds of paint used on cars. How to wash a car and with which cleaning product depends on this. Several chemicals used in the cleaning compounds are toxic. So be attentive of safety issues and use protective gear when needed.

A thorough wash will usually takes around three hours. This is fatiguing work, and you may over and over again have to work outdoors whether it’s hot or raining. This shows you’ll have to be physically fit. You have to concentrate and pay attention to detail. You must communicate well.

You don’t need to carry a formal certificate to find employment. But if you want training, there are numerous apprenticeship courses at various levels to assist you. In practice, though, most car valets hone their skills by learning from more experienced colleagues.

Your pay will depend on in which part of the world you are, how much requirement there is in your neighborhood, how many hours you work, whether you are self-employed or with a company, and experience. And at last, don’t take up car valeting if you don’t have an interest in cars in general.

Mobile Valeting Leeds take care of your vehicle and will complete all work in a timely fashion. Mobile valet leeds can visit your workplace or your home to carry out any required work. Grab a totally unique version of this article from the Uber Article Directory

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • MySpace

How To Identify The Root Causes Of Tread Wear

By Eric Hoover, April 18, 2010 9:06 am

Most of us react to automotive problems rather than anticipating them. Unfortunately, that often means we’re forced to cope with them on the side of the road. For example, the first sign we notice that our engine may be failing is a cloud of smoke billowing out from under the hood of our vehicle. A malfunctioning alternator might “catch us by surprise” by suddenly dying. The same is true for the water pump, spark plugs, fuel injectors, and brake system. And of course, few people take the time to regularly check their tires for tread wear.

With excessive wear, your treads will begin to lose their grip on the road’s surface. At that point, they pose a safety issue. Most experts recommend inspecting your treads every three or four weeks to identify problems before they worsen. In this article, we’ll describe the different types of wear you’ll see, and how to resolve them.

Wearing On The Inside And Outside Edges

This occurs when your tires are underinflated. The edges endure more friction against the surface of the road. First, check your tires for leaks. Second, fill them with pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommended psi.

Wearing In The Center

This problem is due to your tires being overinflated. Their center endures the majority of friction against the road. The solution is simple: let out some air to match the suggested psi.

Wearing On One Side

This issue is more complex than simple underinflation or overinflation. It’s usually due to an alignment problem (i.e. caster, camber, or toe). Resolving the issue requires having your mechanic perform a basic front-end alignment.

Bald Spots

When bald spots appear on your treads, they can usually be traced to one of two root causes. First, your wheels might be out of balance. Similar to an alignment problem, your mechanic will need to make a few adjustments to resolve the issue. Second, your shocks may be worn. If you have experience working on your car, you’ll likely be able to replace the shocks yourself.

Uneven Wearing

When your treads wear erratically (i.e. no detectable pattern), they imply your vehicle’s front-end is misaligned or the wheels are out of balance. In cases where both problems exist, you might see erratic wearing and bald spots. In addition to having these issues resolved, you should also replace the tire.

Identifying Signs Of Trouble

If your tires lack sufficient air, they will wear out more quickly. They will also lower your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and reduce its steering response. On the other hand, if your tires are filled with excess pressure, you’ll risk a blowout depending on the load placed on them. Overinflated tires will also make your vehicle more difficult to handle. For these reasons, it’s important to check your tires regularly (as mentioned earlier).

First, look for nails, small rocks, and other items that are embedded within the treads. If you see them, remove them. Consider having a mechanic address nails, so the resulting hole can be properly patched. Also, inspect the firewall of each wheel. If you notice small bubbles or bulges, replace the tire.

Next, examine the treads. Most tires that are sold today are equipped with wear indicators, which become visible once the tread wears down to 2/32 of an inch. This is the minimum requirement in most states. If you notice the indicators, it’s time to replace the tire.

If your tires seem to lose pressure more quickly than normal, leaks may be present. Your mechanic should be able to identify and fix any leaks easily.

One last note: the discussion above focuses mainly on resolving problems that lead to premature tread wear. That said, the importance of replacing your worn tires – ideally, the entire set at the same time to maintain consistency – cannot be overstated. Your safety and that of your passengers may be at stake.

For all your used car parts and used transmissions needs the leader in parts is http://www.everdrive.com

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • MySpace

Panorama theme by Themocracy

Powered by Yahoo! Answers