Posts Tagged ‘change’
What You Need to Know About Engine Tune Ups, Engine Repair and Engine Replacement
Automotive engine repair and engine replacement are major undertakings that can be very expensive, just like car transmission system repair and replacement. As a vehicle owner you should, therefore, educate yourself on it. To avoid untimely engine repair and engine replacement, you also need to know about engine tune-ups. Your best source of information would be an automotive mechanic in Tampa whom you trust. He should likewise be an expert in auto repair and truck repair as well as auto inspection. Do not rely only on the handyman who does your auto oil change. It would be much better if your automotive mechanic works in a reputable Tampa automotive shop that supplies only genuine car parts like those from AC Delco.
An engine tune up is a routine preventive maintenance service done on the vehicle engine according to the instructions of the engine manufacturer. These instructions can be found in the vehicle’s owner’s manual along with the recommended schedule of frequency for each procedure. This may cover the examination of the ignition system and emission controls; the replacement of certain parts of the ignition system such as the contact breaker, distributor cap or rotor button, if necessary; corrections in the air-fuel mixture, carburettor idle speed and valve; adjustments in the cylinder head bolts; and the replacement of filters and spark plugs. In newer vehicle models, engine tune ups are not needed too often and can be done once in every ten years. They should never be ignored, though.
Even with proper engine tune ups, there are still various factors that can lead to engine breakdown. When this happens, there is often a choice between engine repair or engine replacement. With engine replacement still comes the choice between getting a brand new engine, a used engine or a remanufactured engine.
Engine repair and replacement is recommended by most automotive mechanics in Tampa only if the vehicle is less than ten years old, with a market value exceeding $2,000.00. Otherwise, the expense is not worthwhile and you are better off buying another vehicle.
Of course, engine repair is only possible if your engine is still repairable. Automotive mechanics in Tampa do not recommend repairing engines that have locked up or have been running for over 150,000 miles, making strange noises and burning oil.
For engine replacement, you will spend most if you go for a brand new engine, also called a crate engine. This is almost identical to your original engine or may even be better if the manufacturer has added upgrades to the same model. It comes with a solid warranty and ready for installation.
Less expensive than a brand new engine but not necessarily inferior to it is a remanufactured engine. This means a used engine has been totally overhauled and rebuilt with new components. Remanufactured engines meet and can even exceed the specifications and standards of original equipment manufacturer engines. They also come with solid warranties and ready for installation. Using a remanufactured engine that has been recycled is more ecologically sound and environmentally friendly.
The third option of getting a used engine is not recommended by reputable automotive mechanics in Tampa even if this is the cheapest choice. There is no guarantee that these used engines will last long.
Being diligent about your regular preventive maintenance procedures and engine tune ups will ensure that you will not have to spend for automotive engine repair and engine replacement sooner than necessary. At some point in the life of your vehicle, though, the need for engine repair and engine replacement is inevitable. If you are properly prepared, you can work well with your automotive mechanic in Tampa on this.
The Most Common Problems With Your Automotive Brake System
Its Monday again and the weekend is over. How was this weekend for you and did you drive a lot? Was it a smooth drive or you faced some problems with the brakes of your car. You must have felt the change if you have followed the DIY tips to change your car’s brake pads.
Brake system form an essential part of an automotive engine. Regular maintenance and check of car brakes is very important in order to ensure your safety on road. There are a number of problems that you might have faced with car brakes. Lets discuss some of the common ones.
Wear of the Brakes – One of the most common problem is the wear of car brakes. This is obvious and natural coz auto brakes are frequently used and do a lot of work. The brake pads of your car are consequently working hard as well. This leads to the wear of the brakes.
Squeaking or Grinding – Excessive usage of brake pads leads to their wearing down. You might notice brake problems like squealing or increased stopping distance. Most of the cars have brake pads with a thin metal tab. When you brake pads wears down, this tab vibrates against the rotor which might damage it.
Sounds of Wear Indicators – At times, the dust of brakes can be the reason behind some kind of sound or squeaking. This is a minor problem with the brake system and you can easy do without it by cleaning the dust. Using a brake cleaner spray is an easy way to do so.
Rotors Might Warp – Often, you yourself must have felt the problem of facing warped rotor or heard you neighbour facing this problem with his new car. Warping of rotor is a common problem which might happen because of overheating. The other reason for warped rotors can be incorrect tightening of the wheel.
Thin Rotor Wrap Easily – I have heard a number of car users facing warped rotors problem with their new cars. This is so because the he new cars have thin rotors that get warped easily. This problem can be rectified by repairing the rotors or by replacing them. Please ensure that you consult an experienced car mechanic before doing so. It is also important that you should understand how brake system work.
Loose Lug Nuts After Repair – This is crucial and can be dangerous also. If you have got your car brakes repaired and the lug nuts are not tightened, it can damage your car brakes. Ensure that the nuts are tightened evenly so that the rotor doesn’t warp. It is important that the care repair mechanic uses a torque wrench.
These were some of the common problems that you often face with your car brakes. A little care and few preventive measures will help you avoid these problems easily. We’ll find out few preventive measures and DIY tips to keep the car brakes and the entire automotive brake system of our car functioning at its best.