Category: Maintenance

Today, let’s take a look at six different types of car leak, what can happen as a result, and how to identify them. It’s actually pretty amazing when you step back and look at just how many various fluids go into keeping your car on the road. It’s not just oil and fuel, that’s for sure!

Identifying the Type

The first thing to do is to identify the type of fluid leaking. Fortunately, these fluids tend to stand out in their viscosity and color, so once you know what you’re looking at, it’s easy to identify them.

• Motor Oil – Motor oil is a dark brown oily substance that most people can readily identify.
• Coolant – Coolant is usually blue, and has about the same consistency as thin antifreeze. It looks a lot like antifreeze really.
• Transmission Fluid – Transmission fluid is a pinkish or reddish fluid with a consistency similar to coolant.
• Power Steering Fluid – Power Steering fluid is yellowish or greenish in color, and has a thin oil consistency.
• Battery Acid – Battery acid is identified by the corrosion and damage present. It eats away at the matter.
• Brake Fluid – Brake fluid is a light amber hue or colorless, but very clearly not water.

Oil Leaks

These are very common, because of how circulated oil is, and how connected to the raw power of the engine it is as well. Oil leaks can result in oil getting into the fuel, parts not being lubricated properly, and much more.
Detect oil leaks by filling your oil, and then taking frequent measurements to see if it depletes too quickly.

Coolant/Antifreeze Leaks

These can be disastrous, as your engine can overheat and be severely damaged. Coolant lines run all over your engine like a circulatory system, so leaks can appear anywhere in your car’s mechanics, just about. That means you can’t always see these leaks without already looking for them.

If you think you have a coolant leak, the best way to check is to look in the overflow tank for the coolant. If it’s low or practically empty after recently filling it, also check your radiator. Remember, let your engine cool completely before opening the radiator – it’s a very hot, very pressurized environment otherwise.

If you also see no coolant in the radiator, you definitely have a leak somewhere.

Transmission Fluid Leaks

The first symptom of transmission fluid loss is your car revving without going into gear or pulling/being less responsive overall. This can burn your clutch over time, stall the vehicle, and possibly get you and others hurt. It needs to be addressed right away if it happens.

These leaks usually happen near the axle seals, which will cause your hub caps and wheels to have a tarnished, grimy appearance that’s easy to spot.

Power Steering Fluid Leaks

Power steering is critical to a vehicle handling smoothly and responsively. The wheel turns gently, which wouldn’t be possible without power steering. Obviously, this means that an early symptom of these leaks is the vehicle being less responsive and requiring increasing effort to operate.

The steering mechanism may also whine or make other loud noises, which is a further sign of loss of fluids. Check the seals on the racks, they’re easily accessed. This is where these leaks are likely to form.

Water Leaks

This is an extra bonus, but it warrants being addressed. This is a leak you actually want to happen, and it’s a result of your air conditioning. Humid, hot air, to which humans contribute, is collected and the water pulled from it by the AC. It’s then drained out a hose in the upper right-hand side of the car under the passenger seat.

Keeping recirculation turned on, can reduce this to a degree, and run the AC less hard.

To learn more about these leaks, and how to spot and address them, fill out our contact form today!

If you have ever stood in an auto or department store and looked at the many different types of oil available, you know how confusing it can be too choose the right one out of the hundreds on the shelf. Choosing the right one can be confusing but it doesn’t have to be. The answer to what type you should buy is usually found right in your car’s manual.

Choosing Oil

What the manual will tell you is what weight oil is recommended for your vehicle. It may say something like “10W-30” or something similar. You want to choose an oil at that weight with a starburst symbol as this indicates it has been tested by the American Petroleum Institute (API). There is also a two-character service designation on the label which, today, would be “SL.” This refers to the engine and lab tests performed as well as control tests on high-temperature deposits.

Understanding Oil Labels

Inside the API label, you will see whether the oil meets the SL service rating. If your vehicle has a diesel engine, it will have a “C.” There is also an indication that the oil meets the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Energy Conserving test. The starburst symbol on the label means that the oil has passed the tests listed by the API.

What is Viscosity?

Viscosity is a liquid’s resistance to flow. The number before the “W” represents the number above zero degrees Fahrenheit and the number after the “W” represents the number above 212 degrees. As motor oil cools, it thickens and as it warms, it thins. Additives help resist thinning so that the oil can be rated for one viscosity in cold weather and a different viscosity in warm weather. The more resistant it is to thinning, the higher the second number will be. In other words, 10W-40 oil will thin less quickly than 10W-30 oil. You want an oil that resists thickening because it flows better into the moving parts of your engine. If oil is too thick, it requires the engine to work harder to turn the crankshaft which is submerged in oil. This can make it harder to start your engine and reduce your fuel economy. If you live in an area that sees severe cold, you may need to use a 5W oil, although synthetic oils flow even more freely when cold so the 0W rating is not as important in those types of oils.

If you are confused about what type of oil to buy for your vehicle, let us do the work for you. Schedule an appointment today by calling or completing the easy online form.

When it is time to replace your car you may be tempted to rush out and buy a brand new one with all the bells and whistles. The fact is that you need to look closely at whether a new car is necessary or a good used car would provide you with the same benefits. The average car costs over $30,000 and the average person purchases 13 cars over their lifetime. Imagine the money you could save if instead of buying 13 new cars, you chose 13 gently used vehicles.

New Car Depreciation

New cars begin to depreciate the minute you drive them from the lot. Within minutes, the car you just spent $30,000 to buy will lose $6,000 in value. By the end of that year, your car will be worth 30 percent less, or $9,000. By the end of three years, depreciation can be almost half what you paid for the car. If you buy a car new for $30,000 and sell it three years later for $15,000, you have essentially lost $15,000 due to depreciation. If you had purchased that same car used for $15,000, three years later you could sell it for $10,000 as depreciation slows as the car ages. That means the car only cost you $5,000 in depreciation costs.

Used Car Stigma

In the past, buying a used car was referred to as “buying someone else’s problems.” There are two reasons why this is not true any longer. Today, cars are far more dependable than they used to be. In fact, it is not unusual for a car to go more than 100,000 and not need any major repair. As long as the previous owner kept up with regular maintenance like oil changes, tire rotation and brakes, a used car is just as reliable as a new car. In addition, many cars can go much longer between routine maintenance with some manufacturers recommending oil changes every 10,000 miles rather than every 3,000 like older models required.

Money Savings

There are several money-saving reasons why you should consider a used car as well. Often, a used car costs less to insure as the car has lower value. In some states that use the value of the car to determine the cost for registration, your renewal rates could be lower each year. Used cars often have lower prices so a more expensive model may cost the same as a less expensive model than if you purchased new.

Benefits to New Cars

Although there are many benefits to buying a used car, purchasing a new vehicle also has some benefits as well. You don’t need to have a new car evaluated by a mechanic and it is easier to figure out what you should pay for the car. Automakers often offer incentives to encourage buyers to choose new vehicles and new car loans often have better interest rates than used cars. Depending on how old the used car is, you may not be able to get advanced technology like built-in GPS, USB ports or Bluetooth capability like you can in a new car. Although some dealers offer limited warranties on used cars, if your new car has an issue in the first 36,000 or three years, the warranty will cover any repair.

If you are considering a car purchase, bring your current vehicle into our shop for a complete review. If you have decided to purchase a used car, our mechanics are happy to take a look at the vehicle before you buy and identify any problems you could encounter. Schedule an appointment today by calling or filling out the easy online form.

Even if you love the car you are driving, the desire to buy a new one can creep into your head at any time. Your sister may have purchased a new car or you may see the car of your dreams while sitting in a parking lot. Too often, consumers simply head to the nearest dealership as soon as the desire for a new car strikes them, but that may not be the best option. These tips can help you decide whether it is time for you to replace your car or keep it just a bit longer.

Car Reliability

Even if your car is starting to show signs of age with little things going wrong here and there, it is probably still pretty reliable. Cars built in the last decade are more reliable than they have ever been and most newer cars will run without major issues for more than 200,000 miles as long as you treat them with tender loving care.

New Car Costs

One of the main reasons people decide to replace their car is fuel economy. Maybe you have taken a job with a long commute or are trying to cut back on expenses. It is true that a car with better fuel economy will save money. If your car currently gets around 20 miles per gallon, upgrading to a car that gets 34 miles per gallon can save you as much as $544 per year. In addition, you may be concerned about the repair bills that are probably going to occur in the next few years if you keep your old car. If you are spending more in repairs than it would cost in new car payments, it is time to replace your car. However, if you are only dealing with minor repairs, keeping the car makes more sense financially.

New Car Depreciation

In the first three years, a new car loses about 46 percent of its value. It will lose, on average, 27 percent after the first year. If you purchased your new car for $34,000, that means it will drop in value by almost $10,000 in the first year you own it. After six years, your $34,000 car may only be worth about $12,000. This may make it more beneficial to keep your older car for a few more years rather than purchase something that will be worth half what you paid for it within three years.

Safety Features

If your car is more than ten years old, it probably does not have all the safety features that a new car offers. New cars come with features like backup cameras, curtain airbags, electronic stability control and forward-collision warning, all features that were not available ten years ago. If you transport a family in the car, you want it to be as safe as possible so it may be time to consider upgrading to a vehicle that provides better protection.

Amenities

We live in a digital age where everyone is connected, even in the car. Newer cars offer modern conveniences like USB ports for charging your phone, built-in GPS systems and the ability to connect your phone or other devices through Bluetooth. Many also offer voice commands and the ability to use integrated apps like Spotify or Pandora. Some allow you to use voice to read and respond to texts or phone calls which adds another layer of safety to your vehicle. However, there are after-market products you can purchase that will allow your older car to provide the same benefits. Car chargers that fit into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter, Bluetooth devices that can connect your phone or another device through the car’s radio and more are available at many auto and department stores.

In the end, you must decide for yourself if it is time to replace your car. Before you decide to trade in your car because of mechanical or body issues, let us take a look at it. Schedule an appointment by calling or filling out the easy online form today.

Tinted windows are here to stay and with many new vehicle windows already tinted from the factory and other window tinting choices available through tint shops and do-it-yourself window tinting, there are a lot of car windows out there that require upkeep and simple everyday cleaning. Just how easy is it to clean tinted car windows, and how does a person go about doing it? Here are a few ways to keep those new and older tinted windows clean and fresh looking.

1. Factory Installed Window Tint

If window tint has been factory installed, it is not considered a film, so vehicle windows of this type can be sprayed and cleaned with regular glass cleaners.

2. Non-Factory Installed Window Tint

With window tint that has been applied to windows in a plastic film form, damage can occur to the windows when chemically laced window cleaners are sprayed and wiped over them. More natural cleaning methods are necessary with this kind of tint, which consists of the following methods and steps for windows that are slightly dirty or streaked, or for just everyday window cleaning and maintenance.

Required Materials

Paper towels or soft microfiber cloths
Spray bottle with water

The Process

• Lightly spray the car window or spray directly on the cloth and wipe it over the window.
• If cleaning the interior side of the window, carefully spray, as window tint products are actually applied from the inside, and they need to be treated with care.
• When wiping, go across the window in a vertical motion and cover the whole area of the window.
• Now wipe in a horizontal manner until any water or streaks are no longer visible.
• Carefully check for any leftover dirt or streaks. Since water is the only cleaner being used, it is important to note that the cloth is what is catching the dirt and the window should be free of debris.
• If any streaks remain, complete the process again. Just use the clean side of the cloth to wipe away any remaining residue, or get another clean cloth.
• Continue to repeat the process as necessary to clean the window.
• Don’t forget to roll down the window a short ways and clean the edge of the window glass that goes into the track of the window. This edge should be cleaned well, so that every time the window is opened there is no line of dirt left to continually dirty a window that is being rolled up or down.
• Complete the edge cleaning for all of the windows in the vehicle.

3. Using Glass Cleaner on Tinted Windows

When cleaning tinted car windows with actual glass cleaner, be sure that the glass cleaner is free of ammonia. It can be damaging to tinted windows, particularly if used continually. Any glass cleaner that has a blue color to it should be avoided as that usually means ammonia is present in the list of ingredients.

Required Materials

A non-blue glass cleaner (no ammonia)
Paper towels and a cloth that is free of lint

The Process

• Spray an ammonia-free cleaner on the tinted window to be cleaned.
• To avoid over spray or spotting with any kind of cleaner, spray the cleaner on the lint-free cloth, rather than directly on the window.
• Clean the whole window, including the edges that fit in the window track.
• Complete the cleaning as fast as possible as most commercial glass cleaners dry quickly.
• When wiping, do it in a up and down pattern first and then switch to a horizontal sequence until the glass is completely dry.
• Always check for streaks. If they are there, it is probably because of overly dirty windows or a cloth that may be saturated with dirt.
• Continue to clean and repeat the process if the streaks remain. Always use the clean side of the cloth or use another clean one.
• Always clean the interior windows as well with the same ammonia-free product.

4. Using Soap and Water on Tinted Windows

When tinted windows get extremely dirty, it’s time to bring out the good old soap and water. An accumulation of dirt could mean that the interior of a car has residue on the glass from cigarette smoke build up, a heater leak or another source that causes cloudy windows that retain dirt and moisture. Any remaining residue on interior windows can require several cleanings, and soap and water does help. If there are remaining streaks, a spray cleaner can be used to clear them.

Required Materials

Warm water and a metal or plastic bucket
Dish detergent (grease removal ingredients)
Microfiber cloth
Scratch-proof/soft sponge

The Process

• Combine the dish detergent (approximately one teaspoon) with a gallon of warm water.
• Soak the sponge in the water.
• Wring out the sponge so there are no drips dribbling down the windows.
• Wipe the windows from edge to edge with the sponge.
• Repeatedly rinse the sponge and, again, wring it out to resist drips.
• Wipe the windows with the microfiber cloth.
• Let the windows dry and if there is streaking, repeat the process.

Cleaning tinted car windows doesn’t have to be a labor-intensive process. Following the methods outlined here should result in both exterior and interior windows that are clean as well as streak free. If you have questions concerning caring for and cleaning tinted windows, complete the online contact form, and a window tinting expert will get back to you with the answers you need to take care of your tinted windows in the best way possible.