Uncategorized 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?

Six-Point Vehicle Maintenance Inspections

By Dallas Council on April 8, 2013 / Uncategorized / Leave a comment

Why not end the winter season; with a six-point vehicle maintenance check? It is a gift, which will keep on giving, both in better performance and fewer unexpected vehicle repairs this summer. The Car Care Council recommends a six-point vehicle check at least once a year and your auto mechanic will perform recommend the same.

What should be included in the six-point vehicle maintenance check are the brakes, the tires, wiper blades, coolant, battery and the oil.

The brake pads thickness and brake pad operation on all 4 tires. Brake Rotor inspection. Check the brake lights and brake fluid check.

As for the tires, check the tires tread depth; tire balance check, shock checks on all four tires and the alignment of the tires.

A simple test of your windshield washers will tell you if the wiper blades need to be replaced. If the wipers streak, chatter or fail to cleanly remove the wiper fluid, the wiper blades should be replaced. This test will also show you if the fluid nozzle is clogged or if the nozzle needs to be adjusted to ensure the fluid hits the windshield in the correct place.

For the coolant, make a visual check of the cooling system. There should be no debris or unnecessary elements on it. The radiator and the hose surrounding it should not seem damaged. Check, the reserve container to be sure the level measures at full. Also, look in the radiator to know the coolant level.

Now it’s time to check the battery. Disconnect the battery cables and clean off powdery deposits on the positive and negative terminals. Dry everything with a clean, disposable, lint-free rag. Examine the battery cables and clamps to see whether they’re frayed or corroded. Check the battery case and the terminals for cracks and leaks. When reconnecting the terminals back onto the battery, replace the positive cable first and the negative cable last.

The last of the 6-point Vehicle Maintenance Inspection is the oil. Oil is the lifeblood of your car. Without it, you wouldn’t make it two miles. Have your car on level ground. It is best to check the oil with the engine cool. Remove the dipstick and see a minimum and a maximum line on the stick. If the oil level is between these two marks, you are good to go. If it is low open the oil cap and add oil. Give it enough time to settle before checking again.

Now you are ready for the your road trips during the hot months of the summer.

Is Your Car Recording Your Every Move?

By Dallas Council on April 1, 2013 / General Interest, Uncategorized / Leave a comment

An Event Data Recorder or (EDR) is installed in some automobiles. This device is intended to record information related to vehicle crashes or accidents. Think of the “Black Box” flight recorder in an airplane.

Foremost, EDRs were intended to help researchers and automakers make refinements to the systems proposed to keep cars from crashing and people from dying. Soon after, it was discovered that these little devices could help authorities figure out what a driver was doing in the moments just before a crash.

Whether they were applying cosmetics, eating, or forbid anyone still not getting it, talking or texting on the cell phone is not an intended function. Previously, before EDRs, interpreting accident facts required autopsies, along with a series of educated guesses based on things like skid marks and area of impact on the vehicle.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over 85 percent of new vehicles will come equipped with black boxes and many already do have them. However, the average driver has no idea that in the event of a crash, data stored in the box details how the car was being driven in the moments before impact.

The Senate bill passed in March that calls for mandatory event data recorders to be installed in all new passenger motor vehicles, starting with the 2015 models

These black boxes are not GPS devices, and do not track where you’ve been or where you’re going. Consequently, sneaking off to an illicit affair and all your other secret habits are still safe, as long as you don’t get in a car wreck while practicing those habits. What they are permitted to record according to the new law is a long list that thus far avoids the invasion of your privacy.

Currently, EDR’s may record, pre-crash vehicle dynamics and system status, driver inputs, vehicle crash signature, restraint usage/deployment status and post-crash data such as the activation of an Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) system. NHTSA requires that EDR’s must record 15 data elements at a minimum in a standardized format. A complete list is contained in the NHTSA regulations.

In most states, the current vehicle owner, or their legal representative, can give or withhold permission to download EDR data. The fact that the data is your property will also prevent it from being used by advertisers and/or dealerships and law enforcement agencies will normally need a warrant to get the data. Courts can subpoena EDR data through court orders.

As it stands now, with cable-based retrieval, you can have a reasonable degree of assurance that your data is safe. However, we are not far, with current and future technology for wireless transmission of this sort of data, to schedule maintenance and alert dealerships of service needs. If this becomes more common, preservation of such data integrity will become a much more difficult issue.

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!

Not Your Fathers Auto Repair Repair Shop

By Dallas Council on February 26, 2013 / General Interest, Uncategorized / Leave a comment

Old images die hard, but yesterday’s auto repair mechanics have become today’s technicians, complete with hand-held computer diagnostic tools and a wall full of credentials attesting to their abilities.

Automotive technology advances quickly, but in spurts. New systems are developed and tested on a regular basis. One thing that has brought the greatest change in the auto repair industry is the deployment of the computer control module.

These computers control the engine support systems, and nearly every other major system on the car has some kind of electronic control circuitry. If you add to this the new composite materials that are being used for engine parts, there are many changes going on.

The profession is being revolutionized, just look under the hood of one of today’s sport coupes or SUVs. This is rocket science-or very close to it. Today’s auto repair technicians need to be master diagnosticians, well versed in electronics, and have smooth customer service skills.

Today’s mechanics must have a great deal more formal education than those of the past because the level of training required to diagnose and repair today’s cars is not so different from that required of jet ground crews 20 years ago

For mechanics, keeping up with technology is now mandatory to auto repair. That means auto shops must continue to invest precious dollars to get the right tools and online manuals for each model. This can help explain the rising cost of auto repair.

When auto mechanics need to repair a part, it usually requires reprogramming the computers, a difficult task without the software codes or diagrams of the vehicle’s electrical wires. For instance, some of the newer hybrid vehicles are virtual computers on wheels. The Prius, for instance, has 14 computer systems in it.

Looking ahead, there are several things coming that will change the face of automotive repair and maintenance in the future. In the near-term, these services will be expensive in comparison to their internal combustion engine vehicle counterparts. As with any new technology, it comes at a price until it is more common and mainstream

You can expect cars of the future to become ever more complicated, expensive and more difficult to repair than they are today. This will require a greater amount of diversification on the part of private mechanics, who will be forced to maintain a staff composed of specialists that do nothing but work on specific systems. For the time being, don’t fret, as you will have time to catch up to the growth spurts along with the rest of us.

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

Auto Repair Venice FL – Customer Testimonial

By Dallas Council on February 4, 2013 / AAMCO Venice Testimonials, Uncategorized / Leave a comment

I pulled my car into AAMCO because we were driving along and suddenly everything quit. It wouldn’t go forward or backwards or go sideways. So we called a tow truck and they said it was probably the transmission. I knew from advertising that AAMCO was the best place to take it for transmissions. And you know what I was happy because they also fixed another problem that I had. They kept the car for a couple of days, they completely rebuilt the transmission and then they found a problem where my car just kept exhilerating by itself and they fixed that too. I am very very happy with it and couldn’t be more happier. And the price wasn’t outrageous.

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?

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.

AAMCO Venice FL – Customer Testimonial

By Dallas Council on January 23, 2013 / AAMCO Venice Testimonials, Uncategorized / Leave a comment

I came to AAMCO Transmission here in Venice, thought what I had was a transmission problem and it turned out to be a problem with the engine and it cost a lot less to get fixed then I thought. The experience has been well, things got done when they were supposed to be done and I will come back again if I have more issues.

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.

New Year’s Eve, Fun or Fatal, you Decide

By Dallas Council on December 26, 2012 / General Interest, Uncategorized / Leave a comment

It’s that time of the year again, where the Holiday’s joy and Drunk Driving become associated together and rightfully so. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve is the celebration of renewal, usually celebrated with alcohol. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the reality is the danger of being hit by a drunk driver or receiving a citation for DUI (driving under the influence) is indeed far greater between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

While many Americans have become accustomed to planning extra steps to avoid drinking and driving on this holiday. The truth is that many fail to recognize the danger that exists throughout the holiday season and the professional football season. Many also, ignore the dangers and drink and drive anyway; now you are a victim in waiting.

With office holiday parties, holiday get-togethers thrown by friends and family, and a myriad of professional sports events, the opportunities to consume alcohol seem nearly endless this time of the year. Add factors such as poor driving conditions due to all the seasonal traffic, shorter daytime driving hours and other holiday season driving distractions, and you have the potential for a tragedy.

According to FindLaw.com, the nation’s leading online source for legal information, drunk driving means being under the influence of any substance (alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, etc.) that impairs a person’s ability to safely operate a motorized vehicle (car, motorcycle, boat, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), etc.).

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have laws defining it as a crime to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the currently .08 percent in most states. Most arrests display a .16 BAC. The relative risk of death for drivers in single-vehicle crashes with a high BAC is 385 times that of someone with a zero BAC. That is right, put bluntly, that is 385 times more likely you are to kill someone else or die yourself. Are you ready to leave this earth in such a horrific manner?

Following these tips may just keep you alive.

1. Make sure to choose someone who promises not to drink and who will make sure that all passengers buckle up. Take A Cab or Public Transportation.

2. If you host a holiday party, either at your home or at your workplace, make sure to offer your guests a cab ride to get home, if they need it. Make sure to also offer non-alcoholic beverages to your guests – as well as food to offset alcohol intake.

3. Even if you’ve only had one glass of wine or one beer, alcohol in any quantity can impair. Avoid compounding the situation with distractions such as talking on your cell phone or texting, which takes your eyes off the road.

4. No matter how much you think, you can handle and still drive, remember that if you are relying on your speedometer to keep you from getting a DUI, statistics are not in your favor.

You can do something to save yours and others lives.

Many instances of drunk driving accidents could have been prevented by someone interfering. In this day and technological age, with cell phones in almost every driver’s reach, reports of drunk drivers have gone up. These reports have saved an incalculable amount of lives by stopping a drunk driver before it’s too late.

DUI Checkpoint Sign

If you see what you suspect is a drunk driver and you have a phone, do the right thing, it helps to have the toll free number for Highway Patrol Nationwide programmed into your phone for general emergency’s anyway:

• Dial the local highway patrol, police department or 800 number
• Get the license plate number of the car
• Let the authorities know that you suspect a drunk driver
• Give your location

It is worth those few minutes of your time to save that drunk driver from hurting themselves and/or others

Checkpoint forces are a research-based initiative, in most states, designed to catch and arrest drunk drivers via sobriety checkpoints and other enhanced law enforcement efforts and to deter drunk driving by educating the public about the dangers and consequences of drunk driving. Research has shown that sobriety checkpoints can reduce alcohol-related crashes by as much as 20 percent, so please get that cab or designated driver because you WILL go to jail.

The Anatomy of the Drowsy Driver

By Dallas Council on December 17, 2012 / General Interest, Uncategorized / Leave a comment

A micro sleep occurs when a person has an unintended loss of consciousness that may last from a few second to half a minute. It generally occurs when a person is trying to stay awake when tired. If a micro sleep occurs while driving, serious consequences can result.

A driver may not remember the last few seconds, suddenly becoming aware of their current location or finding they are drifting over the centerline or hitting the resound strip on the shoulder of the road. Driver fatigue is particularly dangerous because one of the symptoms is decreased ability to judge our own level of tiredness.

This fatigue can mean poorer motor control and response times. Studies have shown that driving when tired can result in the same poor motor control and slower response times as drunk driving.

If you are tired, pull over and have a powernap. Otherwise, you may experience a dangerous micro sleep. The signs of fatigue include:

* constant yawning

* drifting in the lane

* sore or heavy eyes

* trouble keeping your head up

* delayed reactions

* daydreaming

* difficulty remembering the last few miles driven

* variations in driving speed.

A recent study revealed that a quarter of motorists start a journey already feeling tired. The effects of nodding off at the wheel for six seconds when driving on a highway at 70mph can mean travelling 200 yards without having control of the vehicle or being aware of other traffic around. The study of 1,000 drivers revealed that one in eight drivers fall asleep at the wheel. A full 12% admit to experiencing a micro sleep while behind the wheel.

Understand that micro sleep periods become more prevalent with cumulative sleep debt. The more sleep deprived a person is, the greater the chance a micro sleep episode will occur.

Many people think that opening the window; playing loud music or talking on the phone will help you stay awake. These are, in fact, dangerous and just another distraction. Caffeine, stimulants and other tricks may revive you temporarily, but these things are not reliable and do not work for long periods.

Instead, the best solution to driver fatigue is to avoid being tired and behind the wheel at the same time.

Oil Change Venice FL

By Dallas Council on November 29, 2012 / AAMCO Venice Testimonials, Uncategorized / Leave a comment

I just won the free oil change from AAMCO. This is fantastic. They know what they are doing. And I am also getting my air filter; fuel filter changed, so it is a one stop shop. Very happy.

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

An Engine Oil Leak & Why It Should Not Be Ignored!

By Dallas Council on October 23, 2012 / Uncategorized / Leave a comment

Many people will ignore an engine oil leak which means it soaks into the ground which of course is bad for the environment and also costly since you will have to add more oil every once it awhile.

Engine oil leaks often occur from your engine’s rear and front main oil pan seals, which necessitates an expensive engine-out repair. Oil can also leak from the timing cover seals, valve cover gaskets, and intake plenum, all of which necessitate some amount of engine dis-assembly and a resultant hefty repair bill.

Engine oil leaks should not be ignored. Oil leaks can leave greasy ugly stains on your driveway. However, the real danger is potential engine damage or failure if your engine runs low on oil.

Often an engine oil leak will like Hot or Burning Oil. This usually signals oil that has leaked onto hot portions of the engine. If you have recently put oil in your car and spilled a little bit, this smell is okay. The smell will go away in a few minutes after the oil burns off, however if the smell suddenly occurs or persists, it could mean a leaky seal or something else. The best thing to do is look to see if oil has pooled up underneath your vehicle or is dripping steadily, and if so, it’s time to visit a mechanic.

An engine oil leak at the back of the engine may also cause the clutch to slip if your vehicle has a manual shift transmission. Oil can produce blue smoke and unpleasant odors if it drips onto a hot exhaust manifold or exhaust pipe.

The first sign of trouble is usually drips or stains under your vehicle after it has been parked overnight. If the color of the liquid is dark brown or yellow, and it feels slippery or greasy, it is probably motor oil. A pink or red slippery liquid would most likely be automatic transmission fluid, while green or orange liquid with a sweet smell would be antifreeze. A clear, oily liquid would be power steering fluid.

If you suspect an oil leak, check the oil level on the dipstick (engine off) to see if the oil level is low. If it is low, you probably have an oil leak. If the oil level is okay (between ADD and FULL marks on the dipstick), check the other fluid levels (ATF, coolant and power steering fluid) to see if any of those fluids are low.

Engine oil leaks can lead to major damage if you ignore them and continue to drive the vehicle. When faced with an oil leak that you simply cannot pay for, you can always try gingerly tightening up a compromised gasket by “snugging up” the mounting bolts. Sometimes the bolts have backed off by virtue of engine vibration and by gently tightening the bolts you can stop the leak without replacing the gasket.

You must be careful though — don’t over-tighten them because you may split the gasket and create a bigger problem. If tightening them still doesn’t stop the leak, then simply keep an eye on the oil level and fill as necessary until you are able to call on your mechanic for repair.

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