* Tires- Check for weathering (cracks or sidewall wear) and tread depth. Overly worn out tires will cost you money out of pocket right away and are a huge safety risk.
* Belts- Open up the hood & look for obvious cracks and wear on any belts including the engine belt, serpentine belt, v belt.
* Fluid levels & Condition- Check the engine oil after the car has had a moment to sit, make sure there is enough oil & it has good viscosity, no grit, carbon or dirt. Engine oil is best if it is on the lighter colored side. Transmission coolant should not smell or look “burned”. Radiator fluid should be properly filled & mixed.
* Cosmetic & Body condition- Check the condition of the body & the paint. Make sure all the lights, blinkers & windows work properly. Check the trunk & gas door releases. Make sure you know where these items are.
* Maintenance Records- Even a backyard mechanic can keep receipts from the auto parts store for oil & battery. Ask to see them. As a plus, some warranties are transferable with a vehicle.
* Air Conditioning System- Are there visible leaks? Is there noise when you run the air conditioner? Is it blowing cold?
* Brakes & Suspension- Visibly look at the rotors. Does the car pull to the left or to the right? Pulling is a bad sign. Does the car stop easily? It should. The brake pedal should be firm not spongy.

With so many systems on a car or truck obviously a professional inspection is a great idea. But if you are on your own looking for a used car print the above information and I hope it helps you to make a better used car decision, and helps to save you money in the long run.

Andrew Dale King has been taking things apart and putting them back together long enough to know that if you fix it right the first time it saves a lot of money, effort, and time. A second generation union heavy equipment mechanic he currently operates a mobile mechanic service based in the Henderson & Las Vegas area when he is not working on his wife’s Mustang or fixing the things his children have broken, or his dog chews. His website is http://www.kingautohenderson.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_D_King

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Find a mechanic that will quickly find out what is wrong with your car. They should be able to quickly identify what the problem is. They should also be able to provide details on what is wrong with the car, and what further problems can arise if the problem is not fixed. They should also be able to give you a time-table to tell you whether the repair is urgent or you can wait a little while to repair it.

If there is a problem with your car that comes and goes a good mechanic will try to test it out at different times during the day. If the car does not act up while in their shop they should be able to tell you warning signs to look for. They may also refer you to another mechanic who may be able to help.

Find a mechanic that gives you an upfront quote. A general estimate will be given at first, and an actual quote after they see your car and know what they are dealing with. They should provide you with a receipt so you won’t be surprised by any other hidden fees later on.

Warranties are mandatory. Find a mechanic that trusts their work and has warranties. Better yet, find a mechanic who quickly resolves any problems with issues under warranty, and at no extra charge.

Hard copies of all bills and quotes should be presented to you. Professional Utah auto repair mechanics will have everything in writing. This includes receipts, price quotes and warranties.

If you are dealing with a larger Utah auto repair dealership opt for an employee instead of a contractor. Employees have a reputation they have to keep if they do not want to lose their job. Contractors may have a conflict of interest.

Read reviews before you decide on a mechanic. Find out what people are saying about them before you take your car in. While no business is going to be perfect, stay away from mechanics and Utah auto repair shops that have more negative comments than positive ones.

Master Muffler is Utah’s leading muffler, brake and auto repair shop, and has 13 locations from Brigham City to Provo. Visit or call one of their locations for a free quote on how to improve your miles per gallon up to 30% for your car, truck or van. Visit their website at www.mastermuffler.net.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephan_Marking

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Like it or not the vehicles of today are far more advanced in every way. Functions do not happen simply by mechanical means. There are computers on board which control everything from air flow to the amount of gas which is being used. Having the right balance will make it where the engine can run as efficiently as possible.

If your vehicle has not been to the dealership in the past 2-5 years, or your current repair shop has not offered to check your vehicle for a software update, then you have about an 80% chance of requiring an update. Ask this simple question the next time you see your mechanic, “does your shop have the ability to update my vehicles software if needed?” If they have the famous deer in the headlights look on their face and say no, then you may need to look elsewhere for a repair shop with current training and up to date tools required to properly service your vehicle and keep you safe.

I know a lot of technicians and repair shops that have never performed an update, stating “all that does is mess up the computer, and causes future problems”. They could not be further from the truth. The manufacturers would not spend time and money on correcting their faulty software if they did not need to. With parts becoming more reliable, and vehicles designed to be virtually maintenance free of tune ups until 90,000 miles, we are seeing the need of parts replacement declining as fast as software updates rise.

Recently there were customer complaints of their rear brakes locking up during certain stops, causing loss of vehicle control, which could result in a crash without warning. The vehicle manufacturer inspected the entire braking system, paying special attention to the rear brakes, and found no reason for the brakes to fail. They eventually found the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) computer on about 50,600 vehicles with software programmed to lock up the rear brakes during certain stops. The “Fix” for the Recall consisted of a software update; no special or replacement parts were needed.

As you can see, even cars which are not being enhanced to get more performance are in need of software updates to correct faulty programming. Correcting safety concerns is likely the most important reason to have your vehicle checked for updates. Other issues fixed by software updates may include repairs to the check engine light, transmissions, alternators, and even belt “chirp” noises.

If you are looking for straightforward advice, on all you automotive needs, and would like to deal with people who truly care about you and your vehicle, go to http://www.advancedtireandrepair.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tommy_Nickelson

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When you need to stop your vehicle, you press down on your brake pedal, expecting your car to come to a full stop. What happens next is a mystery to most drivers. The pedal creates pressure within your master cylinder. That, in turn, pushes brake fluid through a network of hoses that lead to each of your tires. Calipers and pads at each tire apply pressure to the rotors and thereby, stop your vehicle.

Below, we’ll take a tour through this entire system. I’ll explain each of the parts involved in more detail, so you’ll understand the process by which your brakes stop your car. I’ll also describe a few common problems that you may eventually confront.

The Role Of Your Master Cylinder

Your car’s master cylinder is located in front of the driver’s seat. It is actually comprised of two individual master cylinders; each one controls the braking units of two wheels. The design is a fail-safe feature. If one of the two sides fails (though such an event is rare), the other side ensures you will still be able to stop your vehicle.

When problems occur, they are usually due to leaks that have formed somewhere in the brake line. A leak will cause the pedal to drop to the floor when your foot is pressing down on it.

The Purpose Of Brake Fluid

Braking fluid allows the entire system to work effectively. The fluid is formulated to withstand low and high temperatures so it avoids congealing or boiling (respectively). As noted above, it flows from the master cylinder through the brake line to the wheels.

You’ll find a reservoir in which you can replenish the fluid located on top of the master cylinder. You should be able to determine how much is in the reservoir without removing the cap. If you notice the level dropping below the two-thirds marker, have a mechanic check the braking system. Worn pads can often cause the level to decline.

Basic Construction

Disk braking systems have largely replaced drum brakes. They’re more durable and last longer than drums. Moreover, they are less susceptible to water and more effective for stopping your car. The assembly consists of pads, rotors, and calipers.

Each caliper has a pair of pads. The pads are fastened on either side of the rotor. When you press the brake pedal to stop your car, the caliper places pressure on the pads, which squeeze around the rotor. The friction brings your vehicle to a stop.

Over time, the pads wear down and must be replaced. The rotor likewise suffers wear and tear by developing grooves from the pressure placed upon it by the pads. When grooves appear, the rotor needs to be machined to make its surface smooth enough to provide the necessary friction for stopping. Rotors can only be machined to a certain point before they become unstable. Once that point has been reached, they must be replaced.

Common Problems

Your braking system can develop a number of different problems. Some are serious and need immediate attention while others can take a lower priority (for awhile). Squealing is one of the most common problems people experience. It is typically caused by vibrations between the pads and calipers. Replacing the former and machining the latter usually resolves the problem.

Other issues include pulling to one side when your brakes are engaged, a “grabbing” sensation, and pulsation. As noted, you might also experience a drop in the pedal when leaks form, or a pedal that feels spongy.

Any problem you experience with your vehicle’s braking system should be inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible. Even low-priority issues (e.g. squealing) can worsen to the point that they become more expensive to resolve.

When looking for used auto parts and used engines consider the leader in parts, Everdrive.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Everette_Jamison

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Studies show that sudden acceleration of a vehicle may be caused by a problem with the electronic throttle-control mechanisms, forcing the vehicle to speed up without prompting from the driver. The problem typically lies with the vehicle’s electronic systems, which means that it is often difficult to identify. As vehicle systems become more complex, manufacturing defects and design problems may be harder to locate and correct.

If you find yourself unable to control the acceleration of your vehicle, there are a few actions you may be able to take to bring the vehicle to a stop. Recommended methods for slowing down your vehicle include:

* Place the car in neutral, so that it is no longer in gear
* Shut the engine off completely
* Use the parking brake
* Take advantage of any kill-switch systems that may be installed in your vehicle

It is important to remember that shutting a vehicle’s engine off while in motion can be very dangerous and may result in an accident. Persons who choose to shut their car or truck’s engine off while in motion may lose power steering control and any electronic brake assistance.

Vehicle owners have reported that the problem can occur at any time, whether the car is accelerating from a stand-still or if it was already in motion. Because the problem can strike at any time, it is important to have your vehicle examined for the serious defect. While some accidents are caused by driver error or poor road conditions, manufacturing defects can also pose a serious risk to drivers and passengers alike.

If you have been injured due to a defective acceleration system in your vehicle, you may be eligible to pursue legal action against the manufacturer. For more information, visit the website of the Toyota sudden acceleration attorneys of Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C.

Joseph Devine

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1) Brake system

2) Oil change/lube

3) Cool system (radiator)

4) Ignition

5) Suspension

6) Fuel system

7) Electrical system

Transmission

9) Air conditioning

10) Exhaust

There are ways to keep your repair costs down. One of the easiest and best ways is preventative maintenance. Regularly schedule trips to your mechanic or service station can save you lots of money from future problems. Most cars have manufacturer’s maintenance schedules or you can ask your mechanic if they have their own.

Being aware of your car is important as well. Keep your eyes ears and nose open. You can visually check your car yourself. Checking all your fluids and making sure they are topped is an easy thing to do. You can inspect your tires for wear and to see if they require rotation. Do you see oil, water or break fluid under the car?

Be aware of how the car sounds. Does it sound loud while driving. Do you hear squeaks while breaking. Do you hear squealing when you turn? Do you smell fumes or smoke or burning wires? Being diligent can help keep repair coasts down.

When you do have to repair or service, make sure you ask for a written estimate ahead of time. Make sure that the mechanic will ask your approval before any repairs are made. So what they suggest and what may prevent future problems. Finding a good mechanic should be done before you need repairs done. But if you are having your car maintained regularly this should not be a problem. Make sure you are using a competent and professional mechanic for your repair work and servicing. Cheap price does not mean good work. As they say you get what you pay for. Check to see if the mechanic uses new or used parts in the repairs. Make sure the shop is clean and orderly as well.

Some problems are foreseeable and can be prevented, other problems cannot. Having a trustworthy mechanic in mind before anything happens can save a lot of headaches. As cars get older wear and tear does take its toll and repairs will be necessary at some point. Just take care and be aware.

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CarInsurance.com’s online insurance marketplace gives an opportunity to consumers and to insurance companies. We offer the ability to shop for car insurance online.

Consumers can receive quotes from many insurance companies, in some states you are able to purchase your insurance instantly, online. You don’t have to drive your car to buy car insurance. Buy online… anytime!

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Pay attention to what is going on if you notice that your cars starter is making some noise that just don’t sound right. You want to take care of the problem before you get stranded somewhere in the middle of running around on a busy day.

Slow cranking can be caused by your battery, battery cables or the starter. You can usually get your battery checked to free anywhere that sells batteries. If the battery is good you need to check all the connections to make sure that they are clean and tight. It is a good idea to check the voltage at the starter end of the large cable that runs from the battery to the solenoid to make sure that you are getting full voltage to the starter.

If you hear a clicking but the starter is not turning the engine over there is a good possibility that the problem is with the solenoid switch not connecting the power from the battery to the starter motor as it kicks in. Again make sure that the battery and the cables are not the problem. Now you cay try jumping the two large lugs on your starter solenoid with a screw driver to see if the starter motor will run without engaging the solenoid. Be sure to put the car in park and set the parking brake first. If the motor spins up and sounds good your problem is with the solenoid and it should be replaced

Another problem that might come up is the starter motor not disengaging with the flywheel. This usually makes a lot of noise and causes a lot of wear on the starter gear and the starter bushings by spinning the starter motor at high speeds. Some times the starter doesn’t disengage even after the engine comes to a stop. If you have a manual transmission you can try leaving the car in great and rocking it forward and back to release the starter from the flywheel. This is usually caused by a broken or weak spring that assists the starter drive to retract when the power is cut to the starting motor.

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Vehicle owners are supposed to know several tips on how to maintain their vehicles in order for them to be safe on the road. A vehicle is made up of several parts and each need to be maintained on a regular basis. One of the common parts needing constant attention is the wheels and tires. It is ideal to regularly check the tire pressure as well as cleaning the dust off the brakes. The tire pressure affects the vehicle’s fuel economy as well as performance and it should be checked about once a week. The brake dust can be best removed with a damp sponge.

The tires should also be rotated approximately after every five thousand miles and be replaced when their tread bars are too low. The Engine is also another important part of the vehicle that should be maintained. There are belts inside the engine that are supposed to be checked after approximately twenty five thousand miles. The engine is also where the oil is and it is not supposed to be too high or well as too low for the best engine performance.

To be able to know the specific amount of oil in your vehicle you should park it in a level ground and wait for the engine to cool down and use the dipstick. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean then put it back until it reaches the end and pull it out to know the level of oil. The dipstick has the high and low indicated on it to be able to know the level. The coolant level should also be checked in the engine. It is important to go through your vehicle handbook to be able to locate your coolant reservoir. The coolant level should also be between the high and low marks indicated on it. The coolant level should also be checked when the engine has cooled. The radiator cap should not be taken off when checking the coolant level.

You should also check the vehicle handbook to find out the recommended fuel for your vehicle and always use what is specified. The vehicle’s interior as well as the exterior also need to look good and to do this you need quality waxes and polishes. Things like bird poop should be washed of as soon as possible. Many cars users would also think of changing the car music system which will involve the battery efficiency. When disconnecting the battery you should start with negative terminal first then the positive. When reconnecting it should be the positive terminal first. It is also good to clean the terminal caps with wire brush.

The vehicle lights are also very important. The indicator lights should be checked from time to time. Headlight bulbs are also supposed to be working properly and an important thing to put in mind is hold the metal bulb holder at the base when changing them. The dash board warning lights are also very sensitive and you should be well familiarized by going through your vehicle’s handbook. These lights include the service engine light, brake warning lights, coolant warning light and oil warning light.

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What do we mean here by “Safety”?

There are two types of safety involved here: safety when actually doing the job and the safety of the vehicle once the job is done. This article addresses both of these. The bottom line is that, whilst fixng your vehicle yourself can be rewarding in terms of both money and enjoyment, getting it wrong can be painful – or worse. Working safely not only keeps you, your friends and your loved ones safe, it will often save you money!

Use the right tool for the job

Using make-do tools frequently ends up in tears because you hurt yourself, break a piece of the car or – more frequently – both.

Use a solid support

If you have to jack the car up, put a solid support – such as axle stands – under it. Gently lower the car on the jack until most of the weight is resting on the stands. You can leave the jack there to take some of the weight, thereby subjecting all the supports to less stress. Whilst we’re here, make sure the jack has sufficient oil in it and if not, only top it up with oil meant for the job – car engine oil will not do.

Know what you’re doing

For all but the simplest jobs, before you start, get the workshop manual and read through the details of what you’re going to do. Make sure you have the right tools. Have a look at the bits you’re going to be working on before even picking up a tool and make sure it matches what’s in the manual. Those books aren’t infallible and your car may not exactly match the book.

Make sure you can see

Especially if you’re working under the car, use a powerful light but make sure you aren’t going to get a hot piece of worklight dripping on your head! Eve in bright sunlight, it can be very dark working under a car or behind an engine. The sunlight makes your eyes’ pupils close down, letting less light into your eyes and so you can’t see the dark parts as well as you expect to. So you need the worklight! Wear eye protection when working under the vehicle (or upside down in a footwell) – dirty, gritty oil in your eye stings and can cause blindness.

Don’t force things

If a fixing won’t move when you try and remove it with the right tool, check the torque that should be used to tighten it. Mostly, the torque to undo it won’t exceed two or two and a half times that (those figures are from my experience and there may be better ones out there somewhere). Use WD40 or a similar unlocking fluid before you try and undo what may be an obstinate nut or bolt. Leave it on for at least an hour – overnight is better – and apply some more before actually attacking it with the tool.

Beware of putting so much force on a tool that you break the fastener. The suddenly-released force when the fixing breaks can cause you to hit something hard with a part of your hand or arm. This can result in nasty gashes, perhaps needing stitches, and even broken fingers and limbs. It’s more common than you may think. In some cases, you can put a folded towel where you might hit your hand if the fixing “lets go”, or wrap it around your hand. Wear work gloves as well.

Use barrier cream and work gloves or rubber gloves

Many of the oils used in motor vehicles are very bad for your skin – they can cause all sorts of unpleasant reactions and, in extreme cases, cancer. A good barrier cream will pretty much prevent such effects. Wear rubber gloves as well when doing precision work, heavy leather work gloves for the brute force stuff.

Use the right fasteners

If you need to replace a nut or bolt – or any other fixing – make sure you use the right one. This is particularly true of highly stressed bolts such as those used on cylinder heads or some suspension components. If the manual says that new fixings should always be used then put the old ones in the recycling bin and get the new ones. Ignoring this will probably lead to expensive damage and can be fatal – especially true of disc brake calliper bolts!

Use a torque wrench

If you over-tighten a nut or bolt then it may fracture under the stress of normal use. Again, this can be expensive but can also be fatal. It is imperative that, for most fixings on a motor vehicle, they are tightened to the correct torque. Buy or rent a torque wrench and get the correct settings for the fixings you are dealing with.

When tightening some bolts, such as on a cylinder head, not only must they be tightened in the correct sequence but it often has to be done in stages. That will sometimes involve not only a torque specification but also turning the bolt through a particular angle at some stage. Failure to observe such instructions when working on modern high-performance engines can easily lead to expensive damage. If you get an engine blowout in the middle of an overtaking manoeuvre, for example, the results are generally not pleasant!

Use thread sealant

This is especially true when dealing with safety-critical fixings and those subject to high levels of vibration. Examples are brake fixing bolts, engine Main Bearing bolts and some major suspension components. It can also be used even when not specified to give an added margin of safety – but be careful as the manual may specify that, in some places, it must not be used.

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When you hear an occasional rattle that becomes persistent with time, identifying the cause can be problematic. In this article, we’ll describe a few reasons why your car, truck, or SUV begins to groan as it ages.

What Causes Rattling And Squeaking?

Rattling and squeaking can come from a number of sources. In some cases, the problem is under the dashboard. Other times, it’s in the brakes. Depending on the age of your car, the noise might be caused by your suspension. The first step in determining the cause is to isolate the general source. Do you hear the rattle under your seat? That suggests the suspension. Is squeaking coming from the rear of your vehicle next to a tire? If so, your brake pads may be worn. Does the noise occur only when driving over large bumps? Your shocks might be failing.

Tracking Down Leaks

Have you ever been annoyed by a persistent air leak while driving with your windows up? Ever heard a tedious drip while driving in rainy weather? Both types of leaks are incredibly difficult to find. You’ll need a friend to help you locate their source.

With water leaks, have a friend remain within the cab of your vehicle while you hose it down from outside. If the leak is visible inside the interior, your friend should be able to easily locate it (a flashlight helps). If water is leaking within the door, he or she can at least isolate it.

Identifying the source of air leaks requires using a special device while driving. Ask your friend to accompany you while you take your vehicle on the highway. Then, ask him or her to use the leak-identification tool while you pilot your car.

Finding The Source Of Vibrations

Vibrations can come from your car’s chassis, drivetrain, suspension, or engine. Those caused by your chassis are difficult to identify because the location seems to migrate over time. By contrast, the drivetrain will send a clear signal by vibrating your entire automobile.

The most common sources of vibrations are the suspension and the tires. Vibrating tires suggest a balancing issue. On the other hand, if you feel shaking in the steering wheel, that suggests the arm bushings, strut bearings, shocks, or joints may be failing.

If you notice rattling, squeaking, leaks, or vibrations, have them fixed. They will not resolve themselves. Instead, they will continue to worsen, leaving you with a higher repair bill in the future

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