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3 reasons why you should keep your gas tank full1. Mechanical IssuesGasoline not only fuels the vehicle, but it also fun...
04/15/2021

3 reasons why you should keep your gas tank full

1. Mechanical Issues
Gasoline not only fuels the vehicle, but it also functions as a coolant for the electric fuel pump motor. In modern cars, this pump sits in the middle of the gas tank filled with cool gasoline. A near-empty tank can cause the fuel pump to suck in air and overheat, causing increased wear to the pump.

Each time you neglect pumping gas, gunk from the bottom of the fuel tank could get caught in various components of the vehicle. This sediment in your tank can foul the fuel filter. If the fuel filter doesn’t catch the sediment, you run the risk of clogging a fuel injector. This is less of an issue today with modern heavy-duty plastic fuel tanks, but in older vehicles with metal fuel tanks, rust particulate can be a serious danger.

When a diesel runs dry, the injector pump fills with air and the vehicle won’t start by simply adding more diesel fuel. A tow truck and mechanic may need to get involved to tow the vehicle, remove filters, pressure-blow the fuel lines before adding fuel and priming the engine. Because of this, maintaining a full tank with a diesel engine is even more critical than with a gasoline engine.

The most common concern with allowing your fuel to run low arrives once the mercury dips below freezing. That’s because the condensation that builds up in your fuel tank when it’s low has a greater chance to get sucked into the fuel lines and freeze. Not only can this mean your vehicle won’t start (with frozen water blocking the flow of fuel to the engine) but the lines themselves may become damaged by the expansion and contraction of the freezing water.

2. Gas Mileage
Some will argue that because the gas tank is lighter when it's low, a low tank will give the car more fuel efficiency. A lighter load does require less gasoline, but the weight of a full fuel tank is not significant. A gallon of gasoline weighs only 6.3 lbs. (for reference milk weighs 8.6 lbs. per gallon), so even in most large vehicles, the total weight of a full tank is under 250 lbs. Your car may actually be less efficient when the tank is near-empty, as more air in the tank can increase fuel evaporation.

3. Safety
Running out of fuel completely is the biggest danger of allowing your tank to run low, especially during the temperature extremes of winter and summer. Additionally, when an engine dies brakes and power steering can be lost, so running out of fuel at highway speeds can be hazardous in itself. Besides, delaying the expense of a fill-up doesn’t reduce long-term expenses, so it is never worth becoming stranded and putting yourself or your family in danger.


Save your vehicle from winter!Most drivers dread the winter season as it poses a real challenge to the fuel efficiency o...
03/26/2021

Save your vehicle from winter!

Most drivers dread the winter season as it poses a real challenge to the fuel efficiency of their vehicles. During these seasons, temperatures drop below the freezing levels hence the fuel inefficiency of most vehicles. Conventional gasoline-powered vehicles experience a gas mileage drop of up to 12% when temperatures drop to 20 degrees.

Several reasons cause such fuel inefficiency. Here are some of those reasons that contribute to this scenario:

> The engine requires time after ignition to reach its optimal fuel-efficient temperature. During winter, this takes longer, and driving over shorter distances adds to the fuel inefficiency.
> Reduced tire pressure during winter reduces the traction of tires, which in turn leads to increased resistance.
> Winter gasoline supplied by gas pumps provides less energy per gallon than regular gasoline.
> Aerodynamics also contributes to fuel inefficiency as the cold air causes drag, especially at high speeds.
> Features such as heated seats and defrosters draw more power from the vehicle, which leads to more fuel consumption.

Luckily, there are various practices drivers can adopt to boost the fuel economy of their vehicles. Below are fuel-economy tips car owners should observe for better fuel consumption of their vehicles:

Avoid Short Trips

The vehicle’s engine takes longer to warm in winter than in the summer. As such, driving over short distances contributes to fuel inefficiency since most of the travel time goes into warming the engine up. As such, combing trips helps drivers spend a fraction of the time to get the engine to fuel-efficient temperatures.

Check Tire Pressure

The correct tire pressure during the winter is essential for fuel economy. Using a gauge to check the tire pressure ensures the right tread depth for maximum traction. As such, drivers should fill up the vehicle’s tires at a gas station to the recommended pressure level for fuel-efficiency.

Minimize the Idling Time

Idling the engine for long doesn’t do any favors to your vehicle's fuel economy. Driving helps the engine warm-up faster and idling the engine for a maximum of 30 seconds is therefore recommended by most manufacturers.

Other tips that help contribute to winter fuel economy include parking vehicles in warm places and wearing warm garments instead of using seat warmers and defrosters. Removing accessories such as roof racks for reduced wind resistance, using the recommended oil for the winter for your engine’s fuel efficiency. Ditching the cruise-control feature of your vehicle helps you take control of the vehicle. This helps avoid skidding on snowy roads and contributes to fuel efficiency.






How important wheel bearing is for your car?There are components in your vehicle that are designed to move. A great exam...
03/22/2021

How important wheel bearing is for your car?

There are components in your vehicle that are designed to move. A great example is wheel bearing. It promotes efficient wheel rotation through movement. However, wheel bearings need to be serviced for them to work harmoniously with other wheel parts.

You can experience uneven wear on your brakes or tires if you have faulty wheel bearings. Your vehicle can still experience other severe damage. This puts you and the occupants of your vehicle at an increased risk of being in an accident.

Your wheel bearings should be serviced as soon as you notice any issues. Don’t overlook any warning signs of wheel-bearing problems. There are several symptoms that you can notice if your wheel bearings start failing.

The most common symptom of a bad wheel bearing is the noise produced around the tire area. Listen carefully so that you don’t mistake this sound as mere engine noise. Bad wheel bearings produce a grinding, granting, or whining sound. This sound gets louder the more you accelerate.

Worn-out wheel bearings can also cause steering wheel vibration.. This problem progresses and worsens as you accelerate or make a turn.

Bad wheel bearings can cause vague steering. Such bearings may make your car feel loose while steering. This is caused by the worn-out bearings that become loose within the wheel hub.

Worn-out wheel bearings can lead to abnormal tire wear. You should get your car checked out by experienced technicians if you notice uneven tire wear.

You should know that your wheel bearings won’t last long if you notice any of these symptoms. You can’t really tell how much time and miles are left. The lifespan of your wheel bearings mainly depends on operating conditions and wheel quality. Such faulty bearings may end up damaging other components of your vehicle.






The smell from your Car? Here is what could have happened?Common symptoms include noise, but being conscious of unusual ...
03/15/2021

The smell from your Car? Here is what could have happened?

Common symptoms include noise, but being conscious of unusual smells can help you detect specific problems early on. Here are some of the more common car odors that can be detected and let you know what to be aware of when you encounter that specific odor.

1. Burnt Rubber
The smell of burnt rubber indicates one thing; rubber has got into contact with hot material and is burning. When it strikes you, try and look at all the rubber parts of your car. In most cases, the burning could be due to the friction between it and a moving metal part. It could indicate a slipping belt or a loose hose from the cooling and/or power steering system.

2. Hot Oil
When you drive, the oil heats up, but it’s enclosed it its system, and you should not feel its burning smell. Once you smell this, know that there is a leakage in the oil circulation system, and it could be dropping on a hot part such as the exhaust system. The next step of action you should take is scheduling an appointment to bring your vehicle in to be inspected and have the issue corrected. If left untreated, low oil levels can damage the engine of your vehicle.

3. Gasoline
Smelling gasoline while driving implies that there is a leakage in one of the pipes passing it. The gas leak could be either in the fuel injector or fuel tank. If you have a car/vehicle from the 70s or earlier, a constant fuel odor after you turn off the engine might be typical; if that odor is strong, do not wait to get it checked out. Schedule an appointment to bring it in to our auto repair center.

4. Burning Carpet
This smell indicates that there could be an issue with your brake pads or your rotors may be overheating. Note that brakes are a critical part of your car, and any issue with them should be corrected quickly to avert any hazard.

If the smell continues and you haven’t been driving in stop-and-go traffic, we highly recommend you have your brakes inspected as soon as possible.

5. Syrup
This sweet smell is derived from the engine coolant leakage. This isn’t nice for your engine since the coolant relies on the enclosed system to cool your engine. A leakage in the coolant can lead to overheating of the engine. Be cautious when opening the radiator, and do not do it when it is too hot to avoid getting burnt.

This can be a major issue and wreak havoc on your car, including causing your vehicle to overheat.

6. Rotten Eggs
This smell shows that your catalytic converter has a problem. The converter is designed to convert the gases coming from your engine into a form that can be released, and smelling this shows that it is not functioning well. In some cases, it can be an indication that the engine has an issue that is overwhelming the catalytic converter.






How to recognize a bad driveshaft?Controlling your vehicle becomes quite challenging when you have a bad or failing driv...
03/06/2021

How to recognize a bad driveshaft?

Controlling your vehicle becomes quite challenging when you have a bad or failing driveshaft.

Vibration from underneath your vehicle is a symptom you should watch out for. They signify that your driveshaft is failing. Worn-out u-joints or bushings can lead to intense driveshaft vibration.

Your bushings and u-joints should be serviced as soon as you notice shaking from your vehicle’s underneath. You can cause extensive damage to other drivetrain parts. This repair fixes the cause of vibrations underneath your car. A bad driveshaft may also be a reason why you are experiencing turning problems. You may experience difficulty turning since your vehicle has a broken driveshaft.

It’ll be difficult for you to control your vehicle if your vehicle has a failing u-joint. Any issue that limits your steering ability needs to be addressed immediately. Fixing your turning problems guarantees a safe driving experience. Drivetrain repair ensures that you can continue using your vehicle.

Another symptom of driveshaft issues is loud clunking noises. These noises are usually produced by worn-out u-joints. The ability of your driveshaft to rotate correctly is altered if your vehicle has a faulty u-joint. Lack of u-joint lubrication can cause squeaking noises when you drive at low speeds. Your vehicle may have a faulty cv-joint if knocking sounds are produced.




Why you should use Fuel Additives?There are 2 Types: Fuel Stabilizers and Fuel Performance EnhancersIt is known that bot...
03/02/2021

Why you should use Fuel Additives?

There are 2 Types: Fuel Stabilizers and Fuel Performance Enhancers
It is known that both stabilizers and performance enhancers are made from a mix of cleaning substances to help improve the engine performance.

Purpose is the main difference between the two — which all depends on the age, mileage and use of your vehicle.

Fuel savers, another term for fuel stabilizers, are typically used in older vehicles that sit for weeks at a time… whereas fuel performance enhancers are meant for cars that are driven often.

> Fuel stabilizers work to stabilize the fuel in the tank, to ensure it doesn’t go bad over time.

> Fuel performance enhancers help improve the engines performance, emissions, and economy.

There are multiple types of fuel performance enhancers, such as gas mileage enhancers, fuel system cleaners, fuel injector cleaners, and carburetor cleaners.

Finding the best additive for your vehicle depends on your vehicle’s mileage, engine condition, usage, age, and efficiency.

Why it’s so important to use fuel additives:
1. Fuel additives have a lot of positive effects on your vehicle. Not only do they keep your vehicle maintained in great condition, but they help with fuel economy, engine performance, engine cleanliness, and efficiency. If you’re anything like us and enjoy keeping your vehicle well-maintained, both inside and out, then fuel additives are going to be your new friend.

2. Although it’s partly true that fuel additives are already added into our gasoline, they are often diluted and not potent enough to be truly effective. Overall, the “already included” fuel additives won’t help with the lasting performance of the vehicle. Let your friends know that this is just a common misconception!




HOW TO CLEAN A FUEL TANKA dirty fuel tank can lead to fuel pump failures. Prevent potential problems by following these ...
02/27/2021

HOW TO CLEAN A FUEL TANK

A dirty fuel tank can lead to fuel pump failures. Prevent potential problems by following these step-by-step instructions for proper fuel tank cleaning.

Many variables contribute to fuel pump failures. One of the most common culprits, especially when a replacement fuel pump stops working shortly after installation, is a dirty fuel tank. It is critical that contaminants and loose debris, including rust and sediment, are removed prior to fuel pump installation as they can clog the filter, jam the turbine pump, or significantly reduce fuel flow due to build-up.

The single most important way to prevent this is to ensure you start the fuel pump repair process with a clean fuel tank

You can do this by following these step-by-step instructions for proper fuel tank cleaning:

1. Drain all fuel from the tank with an approved container or a fuel caddy.
2. Drop the tank (see your service manual for further instructions).
3. Clean area where the pump is being removed from with a brush.
4. Remove fuel pump from the tank (avoid letting residual debris fall into the tank).
5. Insert the hose into the fuel tank and begin pouring a stream of clean, hot water.
6. While water is filling, spray mild detergent in the tank.
7. If opening allows, use a brush to loosen debris from the sides of the tank.
8. Stop the stream of water.
9. Swish the water around to ensure all debris has been captured.
10. Dump dirty, contaminated water out into a pan, being sure to capture any liquids.
11. Further, wipe the tank out with a lint-free washcloth.
12. Dry the fuel tank completely with compressed air.
13. Inspect the tank for rust or physical damage; if present, the tank must be repaired or replaced.
14. Add fuel line antifreeze/water remover to help absorb any residual moisture.
15. After the tank has been dried, let it sit for 30 minutes.




Why won’t your car start?Your Transmission is in Drive or ReverseIt’s a little like checking to see if your computer is ...
02/26/2021

Why won’t your car start?

Your Transmission is in Drive or Reverse
It’s a little like checking to see if your computer is plugged in, but this is more common than you think. While distracted, it’s easy to park the car, hit the emergency brake, turn the ignition off and not shift the transmission to “P.” When you come back to start the car, the normal lights are on the dash, but nothing is happening. With many shifters on a center console, you’ll need to look down and check its location. Turn the ignition off, move the transmission to “P,” put your foot on the brake and crank it back up. Everything should be ready to go.

You Have a Dead Battery
A battery that’s no longer holding a charge is the most common reason for an unresponsive engine. With newer batteries, you’ll often not even get a warning something is wrong. Without a working battery, the electrical components won’t have the power to make your car run. In general, an alternator charges the vehicle battery while the car is running. Alternatively, if the alternator fails, the battery isn’t charged, and you’ll run into problems.

A battery will die for other common reasons such as:

>Headlights or map lights were left on
>The battery is at the end of its expected life (often 5 years)
>Water in one or more of the battery’s cells has evaporated

If the battery light is lit on your dashboard, the map lights won’t stay on when you crank the engine, or the engine barely turns over, you may need a new battery. Seriously consider jump-starting your battery with a help of a friend and make your way to a parts store or automotive dealer. You can then have the battery tested to determine what may be wrong with the charging system and have it serviced or replaced.

The Key Fob Doesn’t Work
Depending on your car’s make and age, you may have a keyless entry system with a key fob. If the battery is dead or low in charge, you’ll not be able to start the car manually or remotely. Most of the key fobs have a key embedded in the fob so that you can use it as a regular key for both the doors and the ignition. You’ll need to read your owner’s manual on how to start the car or resync the fob with your vehicle in some models after having lost power from the battery.

Your Fuel Filter is Clogged
It would be best if you changed fuel filters every two years or 30,000 miles. If you can’t remember when you last changed the filter and it’s been over 30,000 miles, it may be clogged and in need of maintenance. A clogged fuel filter won’t allow the needed amount of gas to reach the engine. There’s no time like the present to have the fuel filter replaced.




3 reasons why you should keep your gas tank full1. Mechanical IssuesGasoline not only fuels the vehicle, but it also fun...
02/25/2021

3 reasons why you should keep your gas tank full

1. Mechanical Issues
Gasoline not only fuels the vehicle, but it also functions as a coolant for the electric fuel pump motor. In modern cars, this pump sits in the middle of the gas tank filled with cool gasoline. A near-empty tank can cause the fuel pump to suck in air and overheat, causing increased wear to the pump.

Each time you neglect pumping gas, gunk from the bottom of the fuel tank could get caught in various components of the vehicle. This sediment in your tank can foul the fuel filter. If the fuel filter doesn’t catch the sediment, you run the risk of clogging a fuel injector. This is less of an issue today with modern heavy-duty plastic fuel tanks, but in older vehicles with metal fuel tanks, rust particulate can be a serious danger.

When a diesel runs dry, the injector pump fills with air and the vehicle won’t start by simply adding more diesel fuel. A tow truck and mechanic may need to get involved to tow the vehicle, remove filters, pressure-blow the fuel lines before adding fuel and priming the engine. Because of this, maintaining a full tank with a diesel engine is even more critical than with a gasoline engine.

The most common concern with allowing your fuel to run low arrives once the mercury dips below freezing. That’s because the condensation that builds up in your fuel tank when it’s low has a greater chance to get sucked into the fuel lines and freeze. Not only can this mean your vehicle won’t start (with frozen water blocking the flow of fuel to the engine) but the lines themselves may become damaged by the expansion and contraction of the freezing water.

2. Gas Mileage
Some will argue that because the gas tank is lighter when its low, a low tank will give the car more fuel efficiency. A lighter load does require less gasoline, but the weight of a full fuel tank is not significant. A gallon of gasoline weighs only 6.3 lbs. (for reference milk weighs 8.6 lbs. per gallon), so even in most large vehicles the total weight of a full tank is under 250 lbs. Your car may actually be less efficient when the tank is near-empty, as more air in the tank can increase fuel evaporation.

3. Safety
Running out of fuel completely is the biggest danger of allowing your tank to run low, especially during the temperature extremes of winter and summer. Additionally, when an engine dies brakes and power steering can be lost, so running out of fuel at highway speeds can be hazardous in itself. Besides, delaying the expense of a fill-up doesn’t reduce long-term expenses, so it is never worth becoming stranded and putting yourself or your family in danger.






Happy Valentine’s Day to you too your family.
02/14/2021

Happy Valentine’s Day to you too your family.






Save your vehicle from winter!Most drivers dread the winter season as it poses a real challenge to the fuel efficiency o...
02/13/2021

Save your vehicle from winter!

Most drivers dread the winter season as it poses a real challenge to the fuel efficiency of their vehicles. During these seasons, temperatures drop below the freezing levels hence the fuel inefficiency of most vehicles. Conventional gasoline-powered vehicles experience a gas mileage drop of up to 12% when temperatures drop to 20 degrees.

Several reasons cause such fuel inefficiency. Here are some of those reasons that contribute to this scenario:

> The engine requires time after ignition to reach its optimal fuel-efficient temperature. During winter, this takes longer, and driving over shorter distances adds to the fuel inefficiency.

> Reduced tire pressure during winter reduces the traction of tires, which in turn leads to increased resistance.

> Winter gasoline supplied by gas pumps provides less energy per gallon than regular gasoline.

> Aerodynamics also contributes to fuel inefficiency as the cold air causes drag, especially at high speeds.

> Features such as heated seats and defrosters draw more power from the vehicle, which leads to more fuel consumption.

Luckily, there are various practices drivers can adopt to boost the fuel economy of their vehicles. Below are fuel-economy tips car owners should observe for better fuel consumption of their vehicles:

Avoid Short Trips

The vehicle’s engine takes longer to warm in winter than in the summer. As such, driving over short distances contributes to fuel inefficiency since most of the travel time goes into warming the engine up. As such, combing trips helps drivers spend a fraction of the time to get the engine to fuel-efficient temperatures.

Check Tire Pressure
The correct tire pressure during the winter is essential for fuel economy. Using a gauge to check the tire pressure ensures the right tread depth for maximum traction. As such, drivers should fill up the vehicle’s tires at a gas station to the recommended pressure level for fuel-efficiency.

Minimize the Idling Time

Idling the engine for long doesn’t do any favors to your vehicle's fuel economy. Driving helps the engine warm-up faster and idling the engine for a maximum of 30 seconds is therefore recommended by most manufacturers.

Other tips that help contribute to winter fuel economy include parking vehicles in warm places and wearing warm garments instead of using seat warmers and defrosters. Removing accessories such as roof racks for reduced wind resistance, using the recommended oil for the winter for your engine’s fuel efficiency. Ditching the cruise-control feature of your vehicle helps you take control of the vehicle. This helps avoid skidding on snowy roads and contributes to fuel efficiency.







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