Repair & Maintenance Advise Archives • AAMCO Transmissions of Venice

Auto Repair Mistakes you can’t Afford to Make

By Dallas Council on May 16, 2013 / General Interest, Repair & Maintenance Advise, Uncategorized / Leave a comment

Auto repair can be complex, even for those who take their cars to a mechanic they trust. If you attempt to get into doing your own maintenance, it creates an entirely new level of complexity.

Things get out of hand monetarily, and without being a trained mechanic yourself, you can never be sure that everything you need to be done is being repaired.

Finding a great auto repair shop is the best first step to solving that problem, however that’s easier said than done. There are a few things that you can do to cut down on some of the issues you may face in car repair.

Neglecting Your Vehicle

If you don’t want the cost of owning your car to skyrocket, there’s an easy way to get what you want: start giving your car the maintenance and auto repair it needs. Far too many car owners toil under the subconscious or even deliberate belief that all of those maintenance recommendations are nothing but a money grab on the part of the automotive industry.

Woefully, this couldn’t be less true. The manufacturer or auto mechanic doesn’t benefit when you decide to stretch your oil change interval to 12 months. By failing to take your car in for these small but very important services, you can severely cut down the life of your car and you will wind up having to spend thousands more in auto repair.

Letting Them Keep Your Parts

No, you’re not going to make a lot of money selling old parts on eBay or Craigslist, but letting your mechanic keep the old parts could still be a mistake. This isn’t an issue if you’ve found a shop with an excellent local reputation for honesty, but otherwise you are taking a chance. More than one mechanic has been caught charging a customer for an auto repair they didn’t complete. If you don’t know your mechanic before you agree to have the car fixed, ask them to at least show you the old parts when they are finished. This will often ensure they won’t just say they replaced something without actually doing it.

Forgetting Tire Maintenance

Don’t ever forget that your tires play a most important role in getting you from place to place. Around the country, there are probably millions of people driving on underinflated or even bald tires. This can cost tons of money in wasted gas, not to mention that it leads to the need to buying more tires more often.

The side of the tire tells you how much you should inflate them. Keep them pumped to that level and you won’t have to worry about your tires holding you back. While you can get more out of your tires by taking care of them, that doesn’t mean you should push it. When your tires start looking worn, get a new set. Your safety and the safety of other drivers depend on it.

So find a good mechanic you trust and build a relationship. Most all good mechanics you go to regularly will always work with you on the need for repair.

Why Servicing Your Car A/C System is Important

By Dallas Council on May 1, 2013 / General Interest, Repair & Maintenance Advise, Uncategorized / Leave a comment

In Florida, especially Venice, FL it gets hot outside and you can count on sitting in traffic. Without a properly functioning air conditioning (A/C) system, you will certainly feel the heat. To help escape this uncomfortable situation, auto repair shops recommend having your car A/C system serviced annually to make sure it is functioning at its peak performance level when the temperatures are sky-high.

Taking measures to make certain your car A/C system is working properly will give you confidence that your vehicle will keep you cool and safe when you head to your favorite summer spot. Not only are high temperatures dangerous to the human body, extreme hot temperatures can cause unnecessary wear and tear on a vehicle.

A vehicle’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning system (HVAC) keeps the interior cabin comfortable in any season by providing the right temperature and humidity level. If you think you’re car A/C system is not working properly, the most common reason could be a small refrigerant leak in the system. If your system slowly loses refrigerant over a two-week period then a leak additive will most likely fix your problem. Typically refrigerant leaks occur in cars that are over 5 years old because the rubber O-rings that seal the different components of the system have become brittle and rigid allowing the refrigerant in the system to leak past them. An A/C technicians job requires working with electrical components, motors, compressors and even ductwork. Typical A/C service consists of the following steps:

Service technician visually inspects hoses, lines, seals and other components for leaks as well as inspect the drive belt for cracks or damage.
Technician checks pressures to test operation, refrigerant charge and outlet temperatures.
If the system is found to be low on refrigerant, a leak test is performed to find the source of the leak. Keep in mind that if your vehicle is leaking refrigerant, it is damaging the ozone layer.
Refrigerant may be added if necessary to “top off” the system, although some states do not allow “topping off.”
A technician may also check for evidence of refrigerant cross-contamination, which is the mixing of refrigerants.
Car A/C system service should also include a check of the compressor’s drive belt and tension.

Many problems can be avoided by simply running the car A/C system at least once a week, regardless of the season. Simply let the system run for at least five minutes a week and you’ll keep the internal parts lubricated as well as prevent the hoses from hardening.

The Rising Cost of Auto Repair

By Dallas Council on April 15, 2013 / General Interest, Repair & Maintenance Advise, Uncategorized / Leave a comment

No one enjoys a trip to the auto repair mechanic, no matter how much you personally like him. Yet lately, have you noticed that those trips seem steeper then before? You’re not imagining things. According to a new survey, repair costs returned to pre-recession levels last year in 2012 though the news isn’t all bad.

Researchers studied nationwide databases of auto repair trends, compiled by a network of affiliated technicians who uploaded details from vehicles’ onboard diagnostics ports when they were brought in for repairs. They found that repair costs were up 10 percent in 2012, the biggest jump in six years. While it was the first time, the cost of auto repair increased in the past six years, the cost of fixing a car is still well below the 2007 average of $422.

One of the reasons for the increase is our cars are getting older – the average car is 11 years old.

The Negatives

The worst news for car owners is that repair costs are on the upswing. Parts were up a modest 8%, while labor surged 19%. Drivers were affected differently, depending on where they lived. Costs in the Northeast jumped 11.66%, with the South following closely behind at 11.02%. In the Midwest, prices climbed 8.98%, and the West got off easy, with hikes averaging 6.53%.

The 15 most expensive vehicle repairs — things like replacement of transmissions and catalytic converters occurred 24% more often in 2012 than in 2011. Problems with batteries and charging systems are becoming common problems. The increase is partly due to vehicle computerization, which is better able to track failing batteries, meaning that they’re replaced more often. Record high temperatures in 2012, which was the hottest year ever recorded in the U.S., has wreaked havoc on certain vehicle parts, especially batteries.

The Positives

There was a time when the average vehicle could be expected to go wrong on a regular basis. That’s not the case these days, and in general, cars are more reliable than ever even if repair costs are increasing.

Although costs for auto repair jumped in 2012, the number of visits to mechanics due to check-engine lights actually fell. This is in part because today’s cars are better made than their forerunners, and also because drivers have become better at fixing minor problems on their own. Although the frequency of expensive car repairs jumped in 2012, the most expensive auto repair remain extremely rare in terms of percentage of occurrence.

Repairs that are more frequent can be directly related to the age of cars on the road today. With the economy as it has been, we are holding on much longer to our trusty steeds which is great for quality minded buyers however, it also means that when things go wrong, they can go very, very wrong.

It is not bad all the way around. Hybrid auto repair costs are dropping, thanks to the growing number of hybrids in use and the increasing number of shops that are qualified to service them. However, things like replacing hybrid inverter assemblies remain costly at just under $4,000 and that sum will continue to drop thanks to economies of scale.

Is it time you considered that upgrade you have been talking about?

Your Auto Repair Bill of Rights

By Dallas Council on March 25, 2013 / General Interest, Repair & Maintenance Advise, Uncategorized / Leave a comment

Did you know you have certain rights when you go to an auto repair shop? It is always a hope that you will need very little repair services, but we all know this can be a dream. However, it is always a good idea to check out a repair shop before you really need it. If you do have damage to your car or need repairs, these tips may prove to be invaluable.

Here are some things you should consider before you let anyone work on your car:

• Is the auto repair shop neat and well organized?

• Does it have modern equipment?

• Is their policy regarding labor rates, guarantees and methods of payment,

clearly posted?

• Is the staff qualified and the shop certified by AAA, the Automotive Service

Council or the Better Business Bureau?

• Is the manager willing to answer any questions you may have.

• Do they specialize in any particular vehicles such as foreign cars or farm

equipment?

Once you’ve picked a auto repair shop and need their services, you need to get an estimate and know your rights. An estimate should be given in person if it costs more than $100. Once you have received your estimate, the repairs cannot cost over 10% of the estimate without your prior approval. Please do understand that what is wrong with your car, may not always be visible to the mechanic until they get into the repair.

In most cases, the repair shop can keep your car until you pay your bill. However, you can take your car if the following things have happened: if during the face-to-face contact there wasn’t a written estimate given, if the charges were more than 10% without your approval, and if the repair shop did not post a sign stating “your customer rights.” If all these requirements were met, then you must pay your bill before you can receive your car.

Once the repair shop has fixed your car, you should know exactly what work was actually done. You will receive a bill called an invoice. This will have many items listed on it including the cost of the repairs. By law, it must contain a description of the work they did on your car. It also must have a list of all the parts that were replaced. It must state if the parts were new, remanufactured or new. It should also give the price of each part. Lastly, the invoice will contain the charge for labor and the total cost for the repairs.

What happens if some of these requirements were not met? That is a violation of the law! First and always, try to work it out with the repair shop, though there are some legitimately bad auto repair shops out there, most are honest and want to do a good job for their customers. Then, if this does not work, contact the Automotive Service Council or Better Business Bureau, because you may be eligible to receive compensation for up to three times the amount of the damages to your car.

Now you know what to look for in a auto repair shop, what should be on an invoice, and what to ask the customer service manager. Happy and Safe driving!

5 Things You Don’t Want to Hear from Your Mechanic

By Dallas Council on March 19, 2013 / General Interest, Repair & Maintenance Advise / Leave a comment

There are many things, you are happy to hear from your auto repair technician, things like: “A hose just came off and I reattached it. It was nothing, no charge.” “The gas cap was loose. That’s why the Check Engine light was on.” “We can fix this with a $5.00 fuse.”

Then there are the things you dread hearing, in person or over the phone, from your auto repair technician. Here is the top five:

The Engine Seized, Due to Lack of Oil

Congratulations! You just created a new boat anchor. You’re going to need a completely rebuilt or re-manufactured engine. With heads not just a short block without heads.

When an engine seizes from lack of oil it damages pistons, piston rings, crank shaft, main crank bearings, rod connector, camshaft, valves, lifters, all seals, In short almost every moving part in the engine is going be severely damaged or destroyed.

When you lose oil everything in the engine goes metal to metal with some parts getting hot enough to weld themselves together a giving you a melted mass of fused metal. Sadly, there’s no way to fix a seized engine.

Cost: could be $4,000 for a used engine and up to $12,000 for a remanufactured engine.

Hydro locked Engine

Remember that huge puddle on the road or that low area that floods with a good hard rain and you decided you could make it through? Big mistake friend. An engine gets hydro locked when it breathes water rather than air. You see air is compressible, so when the piston squeezes everything, the pressure just goes up. Water is not compressible, so when the piston tries to squeeze the water, the piston loses.

When you hydro lock an engine, it is common for pistons and connecting rods to break; also, engine seals and gaskets may leak. It’s possible you could have blown a small hole in the block due to the broken rods. All the expensive parts that are attached to the piston are bent or broken. Just like your wallet.

The only thing to do now is to remove the oil fill cap. Slide old engine out from under it and slide in a new engine then replace the cap.

Cost: once again will cost you anywhere from $4,000 to $12,000

Overheated Engine

When you saw the smoke coming from under the hood, that should of give you a hint that you might have been overheating?

If you catch an engine overheating early enough and take action, you can get by cheaply. It could be a leaky hose, a stuck thermostat or a loose clamp. If your car overheats badly, or frequently, you can do serious damage.

Overheated engines possible damage is a blown head gasket, warped head, cracked head, warped engine block, and weakened piston rings. The reason an overheated car “stops by itself” is because the rings loose their spring tension and the engine has a reduction in compression causing the engine to stall.

Cost: $100 if you’re lucky and up to $10,000 if you ignore the symptoms.

Broken Timing Belt

There are two kinds of engines: interference engines and non-interference engines.

Typically, when an interference type engine breaks a timing belt, the valves hit the pistons, and, or the opposing valves and cause them to bend. This can also cause damage to the cams, followers and valve springs.

An auto mechanic would have to remove the head for further inspection to determine the extent of damage.

On a non-interference engine, a broken timing belt will leave you stranded, but it won’t crush your valves. You can ignore the timing belt change on one of those engines if you don’t mind being stranded.

On an interference engine, you’re rolling the dice on a large mortgage payment for your auto mechanic.

Cost: Expect at least $700 and as much as $3500 for a head replacement

A Fried Computer

The average car these days has 20 or more onboard computers. By crossing wires – connecting a positive cable to a negative terminal, or vice versa – you’re going to cause an electrical short that could instantly fry some of those computers.

In lots of cars, there’s some type of protective circuitry in the event that you accidently reverse polarity when hooking up jumper cables. However, that’s by no means true for all cars. If your car is one of the unlucky ones, you might be looking at having to buy a new computer for your car, and maybe a few new wiring harnesses, too. Even worse, you may incur so many confounding electrical problems that the best thing you could hope for is a quick flood or fire.

Cost: $1,500 up to its time to buy a new car

How to Win the High Gas Price Game

By Dallas Council on March 13, 2013 / General Interest, Repair & Maintenance Advise / Leave a comment

With gas, prices are soaring and everyone is seeing dollar signs flowing out the muffler every time you get behind the wheel. However, there are ways to fight rising gas prices:

Be sure your car is properly tuned it will improve gas mileage by an average of 4-5 percent.
Properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage by 3 percent.
In older vehicles, changing clogged filters can improve gas mileage by as much as 14 percent.
Dirty spark plugs can reduce mileage by two miles per gallon, having them changed will avoid this loss.
Change oil regularly ad scheduled in your operators manual and gain another mile per gallon.
Damaged, loose or missing gas caps allow gas to vaporize into the air. Who wants to just throw their hard earned money out the window?

You may not realize this but fuel consumption is directly related to vehicle care and has a significant impact on how much you pay at the pump. Gas prices are climbing rapidly, so fight back. By maintaining your vehicle, you can improve your fuel economy and keep more money in your wallet.

There is still another way to save even more at the pump, modify your driving habits, for example drive the speed limit and avoid quick stops and starts, just observing your own driving can increase fuel efficiency.

A car consumes most gas as it accelerates. It’s a simply law of physics (force equals mass times acceleration). A moving car doesn’t require much gasoline to keep moving (due to the inherent inertia). In real life, this means, in order to improve your mileage you need to keep the ride smooth and ease up on using the brakes. It is relatively easy to hold a speed in a long line of cars without stepping on the brake. Just keep a little bit more distance and try to practice this.

Coming back to the force equals mass times acceleration. We already established that one shouldn’t accelerate as much. You can also try to reduce the mass of your car by emptying out the trunk and removing heavy items that you don’t need.

Try to consolidate trips and get everything done in one outing. Car-pooling is a good idea if you have a healthy drive to the office. If two people are riding in a car, the gas used per person is immediately cut into half.

Using these gas saving tips can keep more gas in your vehicle and less going up in smoke.

How to Measure Brake Rotors

By Dallas Council on February 19, 2013 / Do It Your Self, Repair & Maintenance Advise, Uncategorized / Leave a comment

When considering brake repair, rotor thickness is as important an aspect to check as checking the brake pads. A brake rotors must have enough rotor material to absorb and disperse heat, while at the same time, maintaining its structural integrity. Brake rotors that have a thickness below minimum specifications are at a high risk for fade and cracking. Most rotors have a minimum thickness noted either on the casting of the rotor or in the factory service manual for your vehicle model, so it’s important to accurately check actual thickness to ensure it is above these specifications.

When to Check

Thickness should be checked whenever brake pads are replaced, and before any resurfacing work is done. Mostly you can count on your auto repair shop to check the brake rotors when ever servicing the braking system. This is to ensure that the rotors have sufficient material to be put back into service. It is a good practice to do this every time the brake pads are replaced, regardless of the interval between changes. It only takes about 5 minutes or less and is a good safety measure to be in the habit of.

How to Check

If you are into doing this yourself, instead of hiring a auto repair shop, most factory service manuals are very specific about testing procedures. Using a micrometer, rotor thickness should be measured in eight to ten places, approximately 45’ apart and 10mm from the edge of the rotor. These readings should all be above the minimum specifications for thickness, and should vary by no more than the maximum brake values listed in the manual. This will help ensure smooth and consistent braking performance.

Picture of Micrometer

Making sure your brake rotors thickness is above the minimum listed values found either on the casting or in your car’s service or owner’s manual is an important step in brake repair. Proper measurement only takes about 5 minutes and any brake repair shop will be happy to include this service. Brakes in the car are one of the most important elements in driving; don’t take their health for granted ever.

The Different Qualities of Brake Pads

By Dallas Council on February 6, 2013 / General Interest, Repair & Maintenance Advise, Uncategorized / Leave a comment

Ceramic brake pads are the current trend among all kinds of drivers. However, are they a trend or really a benefit to your braking system? There is an endless amount of answers.

For instance, ceramic brake pads require a lot less pedal exertion to ensure a smooth stop. They can handle extremely high temperatures and recover much faster than semi-metallic brake pads. They are the quietest of all aftermarket pads sold.

These brake pads deliver the performance you want under average and extreme conditions, while operating smoothly and cleanly. Dust is almost eliminated when it comes to bonding to wheels and they can save you a lot of money over traditional pads. Also the negatives are few, they’re not as forceful as metallic pads, and they are generally more expensive than comparable metallic pads.

Metallic Brake pads, as their name implies, are made with metal fibers in the braking compound. Most vehicles on the road today have metallic brake pads. The reason that these pads are so common is simple; metallic brake pads are cost-effective and durable. They provide good performance and are good at transferring the heat generated by friction with the brake rotors. However, they have more cons then the Ceramic brake pads. They’re heavy, which can negatively impact your car’s fuel economy. The metal makes the pads very hard, thus the durability. In addition, the rigidity of metallic brake pads can cause more wear on the brake rotors than ceramic.

What brake pads do you want to buy for your car depends on several different concerns. For instance, what kind of car do you have and what is your budget? Do you prefer quiet brakes, more efficient ones, ones that wear less on your rotor, less brake dust?

There are dozens of brands out there, and the composition and effectiveness of each brand will differ from one to another. To find out what pads are best for your specific car, study your owners manual and consult a qualified mechanic

Cars Braking System & How It Works

By Dallas Council on January 31, 2013 / General Interest, Repair & Maintenance Advise, Uncategorized / Leave a comment

The basic idea of the cars braking system is relatively simple. However, as illuminated by the hundreds of individual parts for sale at your local auto parts shops, it actually takes a lot of technological apparatus to make cars work. When it comes to your car’s safety, brakes top the list of systems that need monitoring. Here are some simple starter tips on how your braking system works.

How Brakes Work

A car’s brakes are probably the most critical system on the vehicle. If they go out, you have a big problem. Thanks to the mechanical operating system of leverage, hydraulics and friction, braking systems provide unconceivable stopping power. So, what happens after you push the brake pedal?

How Disc Brakes Work

Disc brakes are the most common braking system found on a car’s front wheels, and they’re often on all four. This is the part of the brake system, which does the actual work of stopping the car. Your auto repair mechanic can tell you more about disc brakes and when to have the brake pads changed.

How Anti-Lock Brakes Work

Stopping a car in a hurry on a slippery road can be challenging at best and very, very scary at worst. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) help alleviate the danger. The anti lock braking system is mainly designed for a safe and comfortable ride. A wheel, which is skidding, has less traction on the road than a wheel, which is not skidding. On wet roads, the wheels are going to get very little traction when the brakes are applied. The ABS avoids wheels from locking when braked, letting them rotate at a lower speed, thereby preventing the car from skidding.

How Power Brakes Work

Power brakes are inspired machines — they let you stop a car with a simple shudder of your foot. The concept at the heart of the power braking system is force multiplication. A whole bunch of force multiplication. This system uses the power of engine and battery to increase the efficiency of braking system. If you’ve ever opened the hood of

your car, you’ve probably seen the brake booster. It’s the round, black canister located at the back of the engine compartment on the driver’s side of the car. The brake booster uses vacuum from the engine to multiply the force that your foot applies to the master cylinder.

How Master Cylinders and Combination Valves Work

We all know that pushing down on the brake pedal slows a car to a stop. We depend on that every day when we drive. How does this happen? The master cylinder supplies pressure to both circuits of the car. It is a remarkable device that uses two pistons in the same cylinder in a way that makes the cylinder relatively failsafe. The combination valve warns the driver if there is a problem with the brake system, it also does a few more things to make your car safer to drive. Your mechanic can demonstrate the full scope of your braking system if you want to learn more.

There you have it, your cars braking system explained in a nutshell. Was this article helpful?

What to Do If You Fill Your Tank with the Wrong Fuel

By Dallas Council on January 30, 2013 / General Interest, Repair & Maintenance Advise / Leave a comment

A very panic-inducing problem or honest mistake a driver can encounter is refilling the gas tank with the wrong kind of fuel. There is diesel fuel, there is petrol fuel, and each car is built to run using only “one” fuel type. Hey, mistakes happen—you’re distracted, perhaps, or you’re in a hurry, you’re chatting with someone at the same time. However, remember most of the time this is unlikely as the nozzle size of the diesel is larger. Still, it can happen.

If by chance you don’t notice you did this while at the pump, this is what will happen. You will run fine for a few miles then you’ll suddenly hear your engine sputtering and you’ll realize with terror: you filled up with the wrong fuel!

The tendency for most drivers here is to panic, stop wherever they are and have the car towed to the nearest auto repair shop. Of course, anxiety will set in; everyone has heard how complete engine damage and thousands of dollars of repair that can be brought on by this simple mistake. Be careful, because some auto mechanics take advantage of your fear and panic over this situation to rip you off.

Please, before you start to fret and panic, there are some facts that you need to know to aid you in avoiding being ripped off. One, refilling with the wrong fuel doesn’t ALWAYS lead to a damaged engine. Two, there are instances when a simple draining can simply solve the problem.

The biggest factor that affects the outcome of this is the distance you have traveled after filling up with the wrong fuel. As long as you don’t start your engine after refill, in case you realize the problem immediately, you’ll be on the safe side. If you run the engine with even a small amount of diesel fuel in the tank, you risk damage, the car will smoke copiously and the engine will run roughly.

In case you have already driven your car, you can still be safe providing that you have only driven for a short distance. In this case, see an auto repair shop to have the tank drained and refilled with the correct fuel type.

4 Auto Repair Scams You Should Avoid

By Dallas Council on January 24, 2013 / General Interest, Repair & Maintenance Advise, Uncategorized / 2 Comments

Approximately three-quarters of consumers say they are completely or very satisfied with their auto repair shops. The bad news is that 27 percent of respondents to a Consumer Reports survey were dissatisfied with their experiences. Of those consumers, 38 percent cited high prices as the reason, followed by more than 25 percent who said problems weren’t fixed properly and 18 percent who said repairs did not hold up.

The surveys were based on more than 67,000 service-visit reports to independent auto repair shops and 101,000 to dealerships over a period of 12 months. One other statistic that stands out from the data that was collected is that a whopping 30 percent of female respondents stopped using a auto repair shop because they felt the staff attempted to take advantage of them due to their gender.

Are they padding the bill.

If you trust the mechanic and have history with them, then they are more likely then not being fair and honest with you. If it is a new auto repair shop, get an estimate for the work you came in for, then get a second estimate. Be firm. Many shops will make you feel like you are being bad to your car for not taking them at word value. Run don’t walk from this type of reactions.

Be on the look out for used parts instead of new parts.

Few of us will really do this, and that is what the deceitful shop is counting on. You pay for new parts, but are sold used parts. Inspect the parts that are being installed for wear. They should be spanking new, and appropriate brand-name parts approved by the manufacturer. Don’t be shy; it’s your car and your money.

Tire Switcheroo.

It may seem unlikely, but think of how simple it is. I am sure we all have heard not to take a diamond ring for work at a jewelers you don’t really know with out having a serial number in the stone or having the repair done while you wait because it has happened that the diamonds can and have been switched for a lesser quality stone. Well, if an unscrupulous mechanic thinks the owner of the vehicle in his shop has utterly no idea what tires are on the car, and this is true of many. Some mechanics shops will actually take your tires off and replace them with older tires. Put chalk marks on the inside of your tires. If your chalk-marks are not there when you collect the car; you and your tires have been hustled.

Replacing the clean air filter.

Contrary to popular myth you do not need a new air filter every time you get an oil change. The filter is generally good for an entire year or at least 15,000 miles. Just like the fuel injectors, many shops will present you with a filter they say is yours next to a new filter and try and guilt you into a new filter you most likely don’t need at the time.

The too frequent recommended oil changes.

Don’t get sold on changing your oil every 3,000 miles. Often when a chain lube shop changes your oil, they put a sticker on your windshield that says “Change Your Oil at ‘Fill-in-mileage-here. Most every newer model since 2003 has a recommended oil change of at least double that these days. Check your owners manual to be sure.
Be careful and learn what to look for in order to protect you from the crooks. As much as we don’t want to acknowledge it, they are out there just waiting for you to not take the necessary precautions.

The Anatomy of Your Car Warranty

By Dallas Council on January 23, 2013 / General Interest, Repair & Maintenance Advise / Leave a comment

Car warranties are as diverse as the type of cars they cover. It is important to understand what auto maintenance and repair the warranty covers and what it does not. Car owners often neglect reading their warranties until they find themselves needing it. When this happens, many car owners find that the warranty has expired or does not cover the system or part in need of repair.

Warranties can be confusing, especially car warranties which intimidate owners. Don’t wait till you need it, be proactive. It is important to know what is and what isn’t covered in order to save yourself some time and money. The car warranty is in place to cover any set auto repair that may happen within a set amount of time.

Usually the length of the warranty will be expressed like this: 5 years/ 60,000 miles.

What this means, is that the warranty is effective for either 5 years or 60,000 miles whichever comes first. The warranty is invalid when either of these stipulations is met. It is important to know how long your warranty is effective. While still under the warranty you will be eligible for whatever benefits are cited in that agreement.

The benefits of the warranty depend on the warranty itself and the type of vehicle you have. The benefits are normally promise of auto repair for certain items and systems. A warranty, whether it is for a car, piece of electronic, or other item promises that the company will repair, replace, or compensate the buyer in some way, shape, or form. Car warranties will generally last from 1 to 3 years. With the aid of an extended warranty up to 12 years or longer.

Car warranties are not normally found on used cars that are purchased from a private owner to a seller. Used cars in this situation are sold “As Is” unless otherwise stated. This means all auto and brake repairs are straight out of your pocket.

New cars, however, or used cars sold at car dealerships lots that are still under the initial warranty, are subject to the agreement.

One of the most basic types of car warranties is the Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty. The Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty is a misconception as it does not actually cover everything in the car but it is a standard warranty that covers most systems and parts.

Items that are not covered by the Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty will be covered by other agreements. The Wear and Tear Warranty includes many items that are not found on the standard warranty. The Wear and Tear Warranty primarily covers items that will need repair after a length of time. An example of this can be with power windows. The motor will wear out and need replacing which is covered by the warranty.

Now for those owners who want to make sure that every auto repair is covered then an extended warranty would be best. The extended warranty will cover many additional items, parts, and systems for a longer period-of-time.

Wondering if you have to use the dealer for those warranty covered auto repairs, well you don’t. An independent mechanic, retail chain shop, or even you yourself can do routine maintenance and repairs on your vehicle. In fact, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, (FTC), makes it illegal for manufacturers or dealers to claim that your warranty is void or to deny coverage under your warranty simply because someone other than the dealer did the work. However, there may be certain situations where an auto repair may not be covered. For example, if you or your mechanic replaced your brake rotors improperly and your brakes are damaged as a result, your manufacturer or dealer may deny responsibility for fixing the brakes under the warranty.

Keep all service records and receipts, regardless of who performs the service. This includes oil changes; tire rotations, belt replacement, brake repair, and inspections. Generate a file to keep track of repairs; it will come in handy if you have to use your warranty.

Have questions about your cars warranty? Give us a buzz and we’ll review it for you FREE

If you ever have a warranty claim and it appears that you did not maintain your vehicle, your claim could be denied. So read that warranty carefully, and reread it often, make sure you know it when you need it.

The Different Levels of Brake Repair

By Dallas Council on January 18, 2013 / General Interest, Repair & Maintenance Advise / Leave a comment

Brake repair cost will vary depending on what needs to be done to get you back on the road and driving safely. Most auto repair shops such as will perform a free basic brake check to determine the extent of any problems. If you hear any brake noise such as screeching, squeaking or grinding, you should immediately have your brakes checked.

Brake Problems

There are several things that can go wrong with brakes. Worn out brake pads, calipers and drums might be the issue, but it could also be a problem with your master cylinder, individual wheel cylinders or simply a lack of fluid. The cost of repairing brake problems truly depends on what is wrong.

Low Fluid

The easiest of brake repair problems simply involves a low amount of brake fluid in the master cylinder. Removing the cap and topping off the fluid is the way to fix it, but keep in mind, if the master cylinder is empty, pouring more fluid in will push air into the system. To fix this you will have to bleed the brakes, If you are like most, you can’t do this yourself, it will cost some labor hours with a certified brake repair mechanic.

Worn Pads or Drums

A standard brake problem is worn pads and drums. Because brakes use friction to stop the car, as time wears on, so do the brake pads. It’s just a simple fact of physics. Friction causes wear. After a while, brake pads must be replaced. You will detect a need to replace pads by hearing gradually increasing squeaking whenever you hit the brakes. If it goes on too long without being replaced, eventually you may have to replace the drums and/or rotors as well. At this point, what could have been a relatively inexpensive fix is now more expensive. A standard replacement of pads and servicing the rotors may cost $175 to $195, whereas a drum, rotor, and/or caliper replacement can get up into the several hundred depending on the extent of the problem.

Master Cylinder and Wheel Cylinders

The master cylinder is where the brake fluid is stored and through compression, is then sent to each wheel cylinder. This fluid is what applies force to the pads and drums when you press down on the brake pedal. If the master cylinder goes bad, when you press down on the brake pedal, it might go to the floor and take longer to stop the car. At best, your braking power is greatly reduced; at worst, it could endanger your life and others by not stopping the car at all. The average cost of master cylinder repair is usually between $200 and $300, but it can be more, again, depending on the scope of the fix. If individual wheel cylinders need to be replaced the cost goes up.

The repair price for an entire brake job—rotors, calipers, drums, pads, cylinders—can run you $750 or more. Therefore, it’s best to stay on top of brake repair and get the pads replaced when you hear squeaking. Components like master cylinders wear down after time, so eventually it will have to be replaced. As long as you keep brake fluid in it and keep an eye on it, though, you’ll be safe to drive and can take the steps to have your brakes repaired when it comes time.

5 Questions You Should Ask Your Mechanic

By Dallas Council on January 14, 2013 / General Interest, Repair & Maintenance Advise / Leave a comment

A mechanic should possess the same qualities that you expect from your doctor and dentist; namely trust and reliability. No one wants to have a regular mechanic who takes advantage of him every chance he gets. Taking your vehicle to be worked on can be intimidating, especially if you’re not familiar with the lingo associated with vehicle maintenance and repair. Here are some questions you should ask any auto repair shop before you choose them to care for your car.

1. Are you ASE certified?

This common known indication of quality service is an ASE certificate posted up somewhere in the garage. ASE workers do on-site evaluations of vehicle repair establishments across the country, handing out certificates to those places that conform to ASE standards. When you can’t spot this exclusive piece of paper, ask if this garage has been approved. Again, if it hasn’t, it’s a sign that the workmanship is questionable.

2. What payment policies and guarantees do you offer?

Every garage has different labor rates, warrantees and payment options, so it’s important to find out how your mechanic works. Often these policies are posted somewhere highly visible in the garage, but if any point is ambiguous, be sure to have it cleared up before getting your car worked on. After you find out which part is going to be replaced, don’t forget to ask about the warranty on it. Four months down the road, you don’t want your transmission to fail and find out that it only had a three-month warranty. Check automotive buying guides for standards in warranties and ensure that your garage is following them.

3. What is your parts policy?

Car repair shops work in different ways. Some have associations with scrap yards and other used-parts businesses, while others find it easier (and more profitable) to use new parts whenever possible. Ideally, though, the use of new or used components would depend on the situation. Look into what this particular garage usually does and comment on what you would like to do. If the mechanic says he was going to replace a certain piece of machinery with a new, very expensive one, ask him to consider a used-part alternative. Of course, to make such a suggestion, you need to know your stuff. Don’t always insist on used parts, since this can lead to frequent trips back to the same mechanic. Get second and third opinions when thinking of using second-hand parts.

4. Do you have a list of references to contact?

To really find out about the repair shops service record, it doesn’t hurt to request a list of references who have frequented the shop before. They’ll be able to provide an overview of their experience with the technicians and how satisfied they were with the work that was completed. You can also check the Better Business Bureau to see if the establishment has any or many outstanding complaints.

5. How about a written explanation of what work was completed on my vehicle?

Requesting a detailed breakdown of what repairs were done on your vehicle not only helps you maintain pristine records but also keeps the auto care center accountable for the work they completed. These records are extremely important, especially when warranties are involved, or if you want to sell your car.

Auto Repair, Understanding the Technical Lingo

By Dallas Council on January 7, 2013 / General Interest, Repair & Maintenance Advise, Uncategorized / Leave a comment

Do you want to know what your auto mechanic is saying to you? Much as any specialized field, auto repair has its own abbreviations that refer to damaged parts of your car. Used by professionals, the abbreviations can seem to create a completely different language. It can be frustrating.

Of course, you should always ask any question that pops in your head especially when dealing with something as important as auto repair, brake repair or any regular maintenance service.

To provide clarification about specific auto repair industry terms in which you might have a hard time understanding what they mean. Here are some terms that offer an additional explanation and suggestion regarding these terms. These abbreviations are second nature to many mechanics that may use them even to customers.

OEM- Original Equipment Manufacturer. This simply means that the part is certified new by the manufacturer of the car. This is assurance that the replacement part is new and has never been used in a previous auto repair.

QRP- Quality Replacement Part. When mechanics use “QRP,” it is used as an understatement. Traditionally, “aftermarket” refers to parts or accessories that are made by someone other than the original manufacturer.

DFI- Digital Fuel Injector. Fuel Injectors replaced carburetors back in the 80s. The DFI relies on high pressure to mix the fuel and air.

DTC- Diagnostic Trouble Code. As the name suggests, the DTC helps to identify any problems. The mechanic reads the DTC with the help of a scanner tool. This is technology in auto maintenance as more and more cars are technologically perceptive the equipment to test issues must be too.

ABS- Anti-lock Braking System– While this is a term that you may hear often regarding auto repair and brake repair, some may not understand what the ABS does. This system helps drivers maintain steering control, as on a slippery road surfaces, by preventing the wheels from locking up. Pay attention to your anti-lock brake warning light. See your auto mechanic if it comes on and stays on for your own safety.

Now, there are certainly numerous other abbreviations beyond what is listed here which you will no doubt hear while having your car service It is always a good idea to ask your auto repair mechanic he will usually be happy to explain it to you. A little knowledge goes a long way.

Brake Dust & How You Can Avoid It!

By Dallas Council on November 26, 2012 / Do It Your Self, General Interest, Repair & Maintenance Advise, Uncategorized / Leave a comment

Brake dust is created by various particles that arise from the normal use of brakes, such as metal flakes and carbon fibers.

When brake dust particles combined with moisture, they take on a consistency that allows them to attach to any component it contacts. At best, it is unsightly and dirty. At worst, it may be damaging to the vehicle and requires the use of brake dust cleaner. If you notice a brake squeal that was not previously present, an abundance of brake dust may be the cause.

Cleaning the Brakes

The best way to ensure that a brake dust cleaner is effective is to use the correct type. The cleaner should be made for brake dust and not contain any bleach. A cleaner that comes in a spray bottle is easier to use, because it can be applied to every component. You will then be able to use a slim stiff bristle brush to scrub the interior of the tire, and a soft cloth for the outside. Avoid using a wire brush as this can cause damage. After the cleaning procedure, rinse the entire area with water.

Preventing Brake Dust

It is possible to prevent some of the brake dust by using a protective treatment. These products are sold at car accessory stores, like AutoZone and Napa. Protective treatment can be applied to the tires to prevent brake dust from taking hold. This will make them need cleaning less and make the chore a little easier when it is time.

Brake dust is harmful and may corrode the metal or protective coating on your beautiful alloy or chrome wheels. These stains are hard to remove with conventional washing and may require the use of a scrubbing pad.to completely remove.

A simple solution would be to purchase a set of dust shields to prevent dust build up in the rims. These are usually made of metal or aluminum and are placed in between the wheels and brake caliper. Installation is simple and they are said to reduce the amount of brake dust on your rims. However, not all enthusiasts are convinced by how effective dust shields work as manufacturers are still figuring out how the system will benefit car owners and performance as well.

Pros and Cons of Installing Brake Dust Shields

Pros – Brake dust shields are manufactured according to industry standards. They are designed to not interfere with the car’s normal braking system, and they are rather good at deflecting brake dust. You will have cleaner wheels and the shields are pretty maintenance free.

Cons – They are black, big and unsightly in today’s wheel designs. Other then that, the only down side is ventilation. If you put the shields on, the brake pads androtors may not get as much ventilation in order to cool. It could cause faster wear to the pads or warp the rotors, however this has not been proven.

It’s your call, like em or leave em, but let us know what you think in the comments section below.

The Truth About Buying Used Tires

By Dallas Council on October 30, 2012 / General Interest, Repair & Maintenance Advise, Uncategorized / 1 Comment

With a perceived recession going on and the prices of used tires being a fraction of the cost of a new set, buying used tires might seem like a great way to save a few bucks on car maintenance. But there’s more to buying tires than finding a set with plenty of tread at a good price. In fact, buying used has dangers that don’t always meet the eye.

Buying used tires may make the tree hugging drivers feel more eco friendly, preserving natural resources by giving a used set of tires a new lease on life. And with their ready availability through online auction sites and classified sites, finding a set in the right size for your car can be easy.

Remember though that you don’t know where they have been or how they’ve been used. The tire could have been driven overloaded, underinflated, or to excessively high speed. Any one or a combination of these factors could lead to internal damage not visible from the outside. In short, the used tire could be unsafe.

Also, remember that all tires age and can degrade over time. Even an unused spare tire can be unsafe to drive on if you’ve had it for a number of years. Some tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires, regardless of wear, 10 years or more from the date of manufacture including the spare.

All tires are stamped at the factory with a Department of Transportation (DOT) code on the sidewall, indicating the date of manufacture. Even when buying new, it is worth checking the date code to ensure the tires are not more than a couple of years old, as they may have been sitting around a warehouse for quite some time before being delivered to your local tire store.

The tread on any set of auto tires is extremely important. Since new tires tend to have a full and unblemished amount of tread, most people give this aspect little attention other than possibly considering the design of the tread. However, with used tires, you want to focus less on the design and more on the amount of tread that remains on each tire in the set.

If you really need to stick with used tires, here are some tips to consider:

Before purchasing used tires, be sure you are buying from a reputable seller that you know and trust.
Find the correct size
Find the recommended size and type of tire that is best for your car by checking the owner’s manual or the inside driver’s door panel, or by researching online.
Avoid visible belts, cracks, bulges
Don’t buy a tire if you see the belts showing through the rubber, deep cracks, or bulges.
Look at wear pattern
Check the tire to see that there is an even wear pattern across the entire width of the tread.
Test the tread depth

Test the tread depth by inserting a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you see Lincoln’s head, the tread is too worn and the tire should not be purchased.

Vehicles are essential to our livelihoods and independence, so we mustn’t take any aspect of auto care for granted. If you wish to purchase used tires, make sure they are reliable and the right kind for the make and model of your car. Observing these tips alongside other simple tire care rules will keep you and your car safe and on the road for a good long while.

In the end, budgeting for a new set can be a worthwhile investment to avoid the unknown history and potential danger of a blowout at speed, and the cost of replacement can be a good point for haggling the price.

Another post you may enjoy: The 5 Myths You Must Know About Tires

What To Do If You Have An Engine Oil Leak

By Dallas Council on October 2, 2012 / Do It Your Self, General Interest, Repair & Maintenance Advise, Uncategorized / Leave a comment

You get in your car and find that your car has an engine oil leak. You know you must quickly find where the oil is leaking. Oil leaks can happen in many places and it can be perplexing to find a difficult oil leak in your engine compartment.

You can save a lot of time and hassle by considering the most common causes of engine oil leaks. First, do a quick overview of the basics–oil filter, oil drain plug and the oil cap. One of these could easily be the source of the problem. Second, the most common cause of oil leaks is the valve cover gasket. This is a more difficult problem to diagnose.

Here are some ways to detect an oil leak

First, open the hood and look for an obvious oil leak. Yes, it sounds over simplified, but basic troubleshooting will tell you to check the simple things first. Look at any area where pieces are connected together. If there is a bolt holding two metal pieces together, there is probably a gasket between them. Gaskets are common places oil can leak from so look for a few minutes to find as many as you can and wipe each area clean with a rag, shop towels, or paper towels.

Next, clean each of the possible areas that could have an oil leak. The areas must be cleaned so you can see bare metal. Check each area daily to see if any new oil is building up. Look at the lines between engine parts. Look at the oil filter and the oil plug.

You can place clean newspaper or cardboard under your car when it is parked over night. Before you start the car the next day, look to see where the oil drips are located. The engine oil leak will be in that general area. Keep in mind that there are many small spaces and crevices in your engine compartment. The leak can be high in the engine and could run down and across many parts. This can make it hard to find the oil leak.

Found the oil leak – Now what?

All the work you did to find the leak is just part of the solution. Finding the engine oil leak, yourself is good and can save you money and time when you get to your mechanic. Make a note of where the leak is and make sure you tell them exactly where it’s located.

Can’t find the oil leak?

It’s a good idea to have your engine compartment thoroughly cleaned or steam cleaned. If the engine oil leak is slow, wait a day and take the vehicle to your mechanic for a complete diagnosis. If you find a fast leak, head

Having trouble finding the leak on your own? Click here and let us diagnosis it for you FREE

straight to mechanic. Do not pass go and collect $200.00 for saving your future self the cost of more repairs caused by an undetected engine oil leak.

Remember, the engine oil is a critical part of your automobile. without oil your car would die.

5 Myths You Must Know About Your Tires

By Dallas Council on September 27, 2012 / General Interest, Repair & Maintenance Advise / 2 Comments

Tires are perhaps the most important component on your vehicle. They are however, among the least understood features. Here are a few common misconceptions about tires.

I have a tire-pressure monitoring system in my new car so I will just know that my tires are adequately inflated.

The truth: the tire pressure monitoring system isn’t required to issue a warning until pressure is 25 percent below the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation. That is way below the pressure required for safe driving, according to AAA and not even close to adequate in carrying the vehicle’s maximum load. The tire pressure monitoring system is intended as a last-minute warning before impending tire failure, so pay attention to your tire pressure on a regular basis.

Buy a quality tire gauge and set your tire pressure to at least the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation found on the driver’s doorjamb. It is preferable that you set your tires 3 or even 5 psi high rather than 1 low. Tires can leak as much as 1 psi per month. If you’re like many drivers, you may not bother to check your tires again for six months.

When replacing only two tires, the new ones go on the front.

The truth: The rear tires that provide stability, without stability, steering or braking on a wet or damp surface might cause a spin. With the new tires up front, they will easily disperse water while the half-worn rears go surfing. The water will literally lift the worn rear tires off the road. If you’re in a slight corner or on a crowned road, the car will spin out so fast you won’t be able to control the car.

There is no what if to this one. Regardless of owning a front, rear or all-wheel-drive car, truck, or SUV, the tires with the most tread go on the rear.

A tire is in danger of bursting if pressure exceeds the max press number on the sidewall.

The truth: The max press number has nothing to do with a tire’s burst pressure. The max press and max load numbers indicate the pressure at which the tire will carry the maximum amount of weight. A new, quality tire will not pop at an even multiple of the max press.

Low-profile tires on large-diameter wheels improve handling.

The truth: The short sidewalls of low-profile tires enhance the tires’ response when the driver first turns the steering wheel. That gives the driver the sometimes-false feeling the tire has a solid grip. After that initial movement, it’s the tread compound; the stickiness of the rubber that determines how well the tire grips the road.

All tires with the same designation are exactly the same size.

The truth: Think all 225/35R19s are exactly 225 millimeters wide and their sidewalls are exactly 35 percent as tall as the tire is wide? Don’t count on it.

All the tires of a specific part number or stock keeping unit (SKU) can be can be slightly wider or narrower than the nominal width and their profile can be slightly taller or shorter than the stated percentage. Remember that a wider, taller tire puts more rubber on the ground so it is imperative that you not your car tend to your tires on a regular basis. Monthly is best.

Factoring in the Cost of Auto Repair

By Dallas Council on September 11, 2012 / Do It Your Self, General Interest, Repair & Maintenance Advise / Leave a comment

When you buy a car, you consider things like cash or finance, you include finance fees and auto insurance and the cars mileage into the total cost of ownership. However, it is the rare buyer, who also considers the cars need for maintenance and auto repair.

Auto repair isn’t cheap and we shouldn’t expect it to be. The cost of repairing a vehicle is based on several factors. The make, model and year of the vehicle affect the cost of auto repair. Of course, the type of auto repair needed determines how much it will cost. Some repairs cost more because the parts involved are more expensive. The cost of auto repair is also determined by the labor rates in your area.

According to one recent study, the average American household spent $5,477 on gas and automotive expenses last year. Of that, $2,208 was for gasoline, the rest a monstrous $3,269 — was for expenses like dealership maintenance, service station fixes and body shop repair. That comes out to $272 a month, which is almost a second car payment [source: Paskin].

Understand that figure is an average, which includes cars of all different makes and model years. Most of us are not paying that amount per month. How much you pay in the end depends on what you choose to purchase. Buy a brand-new Honda Civic or Jeep Grand Cherokee, and your repair costs will likely be lower than if you invest in a 1960s Jaguar sports car or something similar. Remember, buying a brand new car means that a warranty will cover the cost of many auto repairs for a set time.

If you take care of your vehicle, you’ll prevent serious problems down the road. Everything from oil changes to brake pads and tire rotation could save you thousands of dollars down the road, be sure to consult your owner’s manual and your mechanic frequently to see what’s next on your car’s maintenance schedule.

There are benefits to controlling your auto maintenance costs, similar to those you experience when gaining control over any area of your money. Proper budgeting for auto repair and maintenance will allow you to:

* Have a better relationship and better communication with your auto mechanic

* Prepare/plan better so you don’t have to race to get oil changes before your next trip

* Reduce your maintenance expenses going forward

* Relax in the knowledge that you’re prepared

You can achieve all of these things simply by setting aside enough money to cover your expenses. That way you won’t have to stress or worry about where the money Your mechanic can help you know ahead of time on repairs that can be expected early or here are a few tools to help you figure out exactly how much you’re spending so you can budget.

* The Total Cost of Ownership Calculator from Edmunds

* The Car Operating Cost Calculator

The Edmunds tool is only for current car models, the other one works in all situations. Note these tools are very comprehensive, even taking into account depreciation. Have fun, save

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