Checking cooling hoses before a summer trip
Checking cooling hoses before a summer trip sounds like a boring topic to discuss. But if you think about how a blown hose could destroy a summer weekend, then it might just be worth a read. Of course the more mileage on the road trip vehicle the greater the likelihood that original equipment cooling system hoses could experience a problem.
kinds of hose clamps
There are three main things that should be inspected on all cooling system hoses on a regular basis. These would be (in no special order) leaking, chafing or rubbing and swelling. When it comes to checking for leaking hoses most often a problem that is developing will be visible at the hose clamp connection.
There are several different kinds of hose clamps and all of them are capable of having problems. The factory installed spring clamp can lose its spring force over time and develop small cooling leaks or seepage. A telltale sign of this common condition is a crusty or corroded looking area at the connection just in front of the clamp.
This is an invitation to solve the small car problem before it turns into a large one that requires a tow truck and a change of plans. Read more
Why 300ZX Fails Emission Test
1988 300ZX ( Christine )
The mighty 300ZX failed the emission test the last year I owned it. I was getting ready to sell her and decided to run it through the state inspection early so that prospective buyers could see that she just passed the state inspection. I thought this would be a good selling point.
At the time I was living in the state of New Jersey which has very strict testing that causes vehicle owners to suffer great anxiety when their automobile is due for inspection. The state workers always seem to find something to fail you on, and therefore proving that their job is a necessary evil.
But when it came to my 1988 300ZX (Christine we called her) it always sailed through the yearly inspection. For one thing, the emissions standards that the vehicle had to live up to where the older 1988 specifications. In 1988 some vehicle manufacturers were actually still installing carburetors on new vehicles. This prevented the federal government from stiffening the standards until all vehicles went with fuel injection the next year.
The 3.0 L V-6 Nissan engine not only had fuel injection but it had a computerized system that was ahead of its time or at least on the cutting edge back in 1988. Read more
Engine overheating the other common causes
engine thermostat
When people have an engine overheating condition they often want to head straight for the thermostat. Although this component is a leading cause of overheating it is not the only one. This quick auto repair article is mostly about the other things that can cause high engine operating temperatures.
Often I have been brought a vehicle that was overheating and the customer said go ahead and replace the thermostat. I usually ask them if they would like me to diagnose the overheating or just go ahead and replace the thermostat. The educated consumers usually consent to the diagnosis of the car problem. This also leaves me wide open for the “I told you so”!
In either case if I replace the thermostat I usually go the extra mile and throw the old one into some boiling water and see if it physically opens. Before we move on to other common problems that can cause engine overheating let’s finish up with the thermostat and its technical definition.
Unfair Shop Supply and Waste Disposal Charges
Recommended Maintenance Notice
Shop supplies and waste disposal charges are not new to the auto repair business. But after my recent visit to a General Motors dealership for a recall it reminded me just how out of control these extra charges can become.
I went into a Cadillac dealership to get the SRX recall performed on my 2009 model year crossover. Although I am a certified mechanic I still need to take my vehicle into a dealership auto repair shop for any recalls that are required by the manufacturer.
Keep in mind I do not announce that I am a certified master technician with 26 years experience to the service adviser at the time of write up. So I was not surprised when the service writer approached me with a list of things “the mechanic” thought should be done while the vehicle was in for the recall.
I wrote about this in more detail on last week’s post about my Cadillac recall experience. But what I didn’t mention about the nearly $400 of recommended repairs was the shop supply and waste disposal charges that were included in the estimate of things the mechanic wanted to do.
Recommended auto repairs estimate
2009 Cadillac Recall
Engine Control Module
I got the 2009 Cadillac recall done on my SRX yesterday. I thought that sharing my experience with visitors would be therapeutic for me and helpful to people that are often recommended services by the dealership. I suspect that this recall more than likely affects all Cadillac models with the 3.6 L V-6 engines.
One thing that is interesting about this Cadillac recall (#10287) is that the recall itself boils down to a software type update for the engine control module. Cadillac states the reason for this upgrade is to prevent excessive wear on the timing chain. How often can you connect software with hard engine parts wearing out?
To clarify the upgrade forces the engine control module to recommend more frequent oil changes. Here is a quote from the recall notice that was sent: “we have determined that under certain driving conditions, and with extended oil change intervals, the timing chain could wear prematurely and cause the illumination of the service engine soon light. Timing chain wear can be affected by the age of the engine oil and driving conditions”.
What will the Cadillac recall do
Get the Maximum Fuel Economy
alternative fuels device
To get the maximum fuel economy from your vehicle you have to have an efficient running engine. There must be the correct amount of fuel mixed with the correct amount of air. When the engine is running at maximum efficiency not only do you get the best fuel economy and power but also the least amount of pollutants in the exhaust.
With all of these things to gain and nothing to lose why not make sure that your vehicle is getting the absolute maximum miles per gallon that it should be. Run an actual mpg test on your car to see what your getting. Yes, the reason I am writing this article is because gas prices are on their way up to some scary levels I have not seen since 2008.
Back then I went off the deep end and was trying some crazy things to increase my miles per gallon with alternative fuels. This time around I just want you to think about getting what the car manufacturer states is achievable mpg. I know in the case of the automobiles in my family most of them are not achieving the number that was posted on the window sticker.
This is mainly because of poor driving habits and the word lead foot comes to mind. But in a few cases it may also be caused by lack of maintenance of things such as the automotive air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs and other items responsible for complete combustion.
Problems that reduce fuel economy Read more
Recommended Motor Oil
2002 Toyota Corolla
An ex-girlfriend contacted me on Facebook and was asking me about the recommended motor oil for her 2002 Toyota Corolla. Unfortunately she asked her question after she had her oil changed at a car wash that offered a quick oil change service.
It seems that they had talked her into performing an oil change using the most expensive synthetic oil. They explained to her that this was a much better quality of lubricant and she wouldn’t have to change her oil as much in the future stating it would actually save her money.
The service including a free car wash and was $110 total which is pretty high considering if she chose the conventional motor oil maintenance special it would be around $25 including the car wash. My problem with her going for the synthetic oil change is that I believe firmly in sticking to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended motor oil.
Quick Oil Change Business Model
When it comes to the quick oil change business you can find both good ones and bad ones, just like restaurants. Although this article may focus on the negatives of this business model I know for a fact that there are reputable quick oil change centers out there that provide a valuable and important service for their loyal customers.
car maintenance schedule
The reason I decided to write this article about the subject is a recent visit that my sister had with her Chevrolet Malibu to one of these locations. A few years ago I moved across the country and I am now about 2000 miles away from my sister and other family members.
Since the family is on their own as far as automotive maintenance each member has taken a different approach to needed car repairs. My sister has tried both the dealership service and the aftermarket quick service locations. She called me from the waiting area of a quick oil change business.
She stated that her Malibu had just turned about 22,000 miles and she was there for a regular oil change. The service adviser informed her that the mechanic recommended a few additional services. And that is what leads me to write this story today.
Auto Repair Problems and Bad Mechanics
Auto Mechanic
You can find bad mechanics in the auto repair business just as easily as you can find good ones. This is no different than it would be for the plumbing business or any other skilled or professional trade. I thought I would take a minute to give my opinion on what separates the good and the bad when it comes to solving auto repair problems.
Two things prompted me to write this article. One I received an e-mail from a site visitor that was about a 1000 words that intimately described a bad experience they had with a particular shop and what they considered a group of bad mechanics.
The second thing is I work with a mechanic that is gaining a bad reputation even though he has about 20 years of experience and has certainly taught me a few tricks as I am heading into my 26th year of being a certified master technician. I work with 14 other mechanics and there is a lot of finger-pointing about who does the right thing and who does the wrong thing.
