Taking your vehicle to the wrong import auto shop could lead to a nightmare situation. Always do your homework before handing over your car keys. Here are the biggest red flags to watch out for.
Doesn’t Have Certified Mechanics Make sure the import auto shop has a team of certified mechanics. Unlike the typical backyard mechanic, these expert repairmen have received hours and hours of professional training. In order to be certified by the ASE, they also must pass a comprehensive exam every five years.
Make sure you see a large blue and white sign stating “We employ ASE Certified Mechanics”. If the shop doesn’t have the proper credentials, stay far away. Remember, even allowing an unqualified mechanic to perform a routine oil change is a big risk.
Can’t Give You an Estimate A reputable import auto shop will have no issue giving you an estimate for a job. Your bill should never be a total surprise. From the labor costs to the price of parts, everything should be written down in advance. If the mechanics discover another problem while performing the repair, you will be notified before they continue.
Instead of providing a quote for their work, shady shops will try to “nickel-and-dime” customers for a greater profit. This unethical practice leads to a lot of innocent people being ripped off.
Bad Reputation If an import auto shop has a bad reputation, take your business elsewhere. There’s a good chance you could end being put through the wringer. Before dropping your vehicle off, be sure to first read the shop’s online reviews and ratings. Consistently poor customer testimonials should definitely raise an eyebrow. While someone is bound to write a negative comment a some point, this should not be a common occurrence.
Credible shops tend to have a lot of glowing recommendations from visitors. They also tend to have plenty of repeat customers.
Poor Customer Service When reaching out to an import auto shop, pay close attention to how you’re being treated from the get-go. Customer service should always be a top priority. If the staff seems rude or unprofessional during your initial call, don’t expect things to go any better once you drop by the shop for a visit.
The staff should maintain a courteous and helpful attitude at all times. They will take the time to fully answer any questions.
Won’t Give Your Old Parts Back Even if you have no use for them, it’s a good idea to ask for your old parts back. The extra peace of mind is well worth it.
Unfortunately, sneaky import auto shops have been known to lie about actually replacing components. Some will also sell the old parts for scrap. They don’t care about the customer losing money.
Don’t Own Up to Their Mistakes Reputable mechanics fully stand behind their work. They will admit when errors are made. Meanwhile, dishonest repairmen will pass the blame on to others.
Make sure the shop provides a warranty. You don’t want to pay for someone else’s mistakes.
Chevy trucks are great for towing stuff. Nevertheless, hauling a load isn’t as easy as you may think. Doing it the wrong way can lead to disaster. Here are six important towing tips for newbies.
1. Stay Within Your Limits
Before you even attempt to pull a trailer with your Chevy truck, first research its maximum tow capacity. This number can vary from one trim to the next. For instance, a new Silverado 1500 can tow up to 13,400 pounds when equipped with its range-topping V8 engine. Meanwhile, choosing the available V6 engine lowers the truck’s rating to 7,900 pounds.
Always stay within the automaker’s suggested limits. When your load is too heavy, this puts extra stress on the pickup’s powertrain. An excessive strain often causes overheating to occur. Safety is an even bigger concern. Not only will handling be poor, but the performance of your brakes will also suffer.
2. Check Your Trailer Tires
Most Chevy owners recognize the importance of routinely checking their truck’s tires. However, they often forget to inspect the tires on the trailer. The last thing you want to experience is an unexpected tire blowout, which could result in a complete loss of control. Taking a few minutes to check air pressure will give an extra sense of security.
If you only use your truck for towing on special occasions, there’s a good chance its trailer will be sitting for most of the year. Unfortunately, this makes the trailer tires more likely to experience dry rot and cracking. Never hesitate to replace tires that looked aged. To be on the safe side, it’s also advisable to bring a spare trailer tire with you.
3. Stay On Top Of Your Truck’s Scheduled Maintenance
Routine maintenance is especially important when using your truck for towing. Because of the extra workload, you may need to change the oil more frequently. Luckily, most Chevy trucks built within the last 10 years feature a convenient oil life monitor. As soon as your “oil change light” turns on, be sure to schedule an oil change within the next 50 miles or so.
Regular air filter replacement is just as critical. When driving with a clogged air filter, your engine is forced to work much harder than it should. Also, don’t forget to check the coolant level before taking a long road trip.
4. Practice Makes Perfect
Chevy truck owners who don’t have any experience towing should practice. When practicing, do so in a low-traffic area. You’ll be able to gradually build confidence before tackling a busy highway. Don’t rush the process. It can take a while for some drivers to become comfortable carrying a trailer.
The added weight has a big effect on the truck’s ability to stop quickly. Develop a habit of staying a few car lengths behind the next vehicle ahead. Newbies must also learn how to navigate sharp turns. Because of the trailer, you’ll have to become accustomed to making wide turns. It’ll likely you take you a little longer to master the art of backing up.
5. Remain Attentive While on the Road
When towing with your Chevy truck, you must maintain a high sense of awareness at all times. New let your guard down. Always pay close attention to the surrounding traffic. Also, periodically peak in the rearview mirror to monitor your load.
To no surprise, rear visibility is often reduced with a trailer. Oncoming vehicles can easily get lost in your blind spot. Make sure your mirrors are properly positioned ahead of time. If you are a bit nervous about towing for the first time, ask a friend or family member to help you navigate.
6. Consider Towing Upgrades
Even in its standard form, your Chevy pickup is a capable towing machine. However, it never hurts to have an extra degree of protection. Ask a mechanic to install a transmission cooler on your truck. This upgrade can enhance the life of your transmission by several thousand miles.
A 360-degree camera system is another great investment. You’ll be able to experience much better visibility in tight spots. Chevy also offers a cutting-edge Transparent Trailer View feature on its newest models, which enables you to essentially see through trailers.
Poor performance issues will make your vehicle far less entertaining to drive. It’ll also make merging onto the highway and passing a lot more challenging. A lack of maintenance is often the culprit. Here are some of the most common reasons why your car could be losing power.
1. Dirty Air Filter
According to auto repair experts, a dirty air filter is one of the biggest reasons why your car owners experience diminished performance issues. For the engine to run strong, it needs a steady flow of fresh oxygen. A clogged filter will result in especially sluggish acceleration.
Although you should replace your air filter at least every 15,000 miles, some drivers go years without doing so. At every oil change, be sure to have your air filter inspected by a service technician.
2. Worn Spark Plugs
Modern spark plugs can last for up to 100,000 miles. Nevertheless, they eventually need replacing. It's not surprising to encounter problems like hesitation and rough idling if you are driving with old spark plugs under your hood.
Because worn spark plugs tend to upset an engine’s air-fuel ratio, the check engine light could also turn on. If you live an area that requires annual emissions testing, your car may fail the NC State inspection. Installing a fresh set of spark plugs will quickly restore your car’s lost performance issues.
3. Weak Fuel Pump
Some fuel pumps can last for the life of the vehicle. However, repeatedly running low on fuel can dramatically shorten its lifespan. This is why it’s advisable to never allow your gas gauge to drop below a quarter tank.
If your fuel pump is on the verge of dying, you’ll start to experience serious performance issues. Aside from causing symptoms like hard starting and troubling climbing hills, a bad fuel pump usually starts to make a distinctive whining noise. First have a mechanic check your fuel filter before opting to replace your fuel pump. It’s a lot less expensive to change.
4. Bad Catalytic Converter
Every street-driven vehicle is required to have a catalytic converter, which is part of the exhaust system. It’s designed to help minimize the amount of harmful gases being emitted into the atmosphere. If the catalytic converter happens to become blocked, your engine won’t be able to breathe properly. This leads to a big drop in performance issues. You should see a check engine light as well.
Because the cost of to replace a bad catalytic converter is often hundreds of dollars, try to prolong its life by servicing your vehicle regularly. Never wait to replace bad oxygen sensors. If these parts fail, they can quickly destroy a perfectly good catalytic converter.
When the summer weather starts to heat up, you’ll likely be using your car or truck’s air conditioner. While the A/C improves comfort on hot days, it can also cause your vehicle to deliver a lackluster performance. The engine is what powers most A/C compressors . When running the air conditioner, cars equipped with a smaller four-cylinder engine are especially prone to losing power.
Low Engine Compression
To operate effectively, your engine must maintain a certain amount of compression. If it happens to lose any amount of compression, your horsepower will also decrease. Leaks from the cylinder heads will definitely cause a loss of compression. In most cases, the only way to fix this issue is to replace worn gaskets and seals. With the use of a compression gauge, an experienced mechanic can quickly track down the root of the problem.
6. Using the Wrong Fuel
Your vehicle is engineered to use a specific type of fuel. Filling the tank with the wrong gas is bound to cause trouble. Contrary to popular belief, high-octane fuel isn’t necessarily better for your engine. Don’t let terms like “super” and “premium” mislead you. If your car isn’t tuned by the automaker to use a higher octane, performance may take a hit. To find out the best fuel for your vehicle, take a peek at the owner's manual.
Inspect Your Vehicle for Maximum Safety
If you spend a lot of time in your vehicle, you know when things don't feel quite right. You may feel some pull in the steering or hear noises that weren't occurring before. The vehicle may feel like it is losing power or not braking as well as it should. Any number of issues can compromise the safety of your automobile. Which is why it's of the upmost importance that Creech Import inspect your vehicle for maximum safety on a routine basis.
Let's consider the top issues that are addressed in a safety inspection below
Inspect Your Vehicle's Steering and Suspension
If your steering and suspension are damaged or excessively worn, it is easy to lose control of your vehicle and crash. The problem may be manageable when you are cruising around town to get groceries on a nice day. However, if you let the problem go, it will magnify on days when the weather is bad or in other traffic situations. Creech Import will thoroughly inspect your vehicle. We check all the ball joints, tie rods, and front-end bushings for excessive play and signs of damage.
Testing the suspension for problems is a little trickier. Traditionally, the rocker test was used to determine the strength of the suspension. The mechanic would simply rock the vehicle up and down to determine if there was excessive travel or play in the suspension. Nowadays, this test is still used but is not as reliable if the vehicle simply has a softer suspension.
Checking the shocks for leakage, corrosion, or damage to the dust boots that prevent this problem is another essential aspect of an inspection. The seals on the struts can get damaged if the dust boots deteriorate. Then, the hydraulic fluid will leak out, and the shocks won't dampen the road vibrations. We also check the springs to see if they are rusted out or broken.
Inspect Your Vehicle's Brake System
Another essential part of any safety inspection is a complete brake system check. At Creech Import, we can check the quality of your brake fluid and flush it if it has deteriorated. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, a fancy term meaning that it absorbs moisture from the air. Because it absorbs moisture so rapidly, it has to be flushed every 2 or 3 years to ensure optimal brake performance. Too much moisture in the fluid will cause it to boil off under heavy braking, which causes pressure losses and a spongy pedal. The moisture will also cause internal corrosion if it is not replaced with fresh hydraulic brake fluid.
We also check the pads for excessive or irregular wear and the rotors for the same. We often find that customers have warped rotors from having poor service performed at other shops. When shops remove your wheel lug nuts, they often lack the specific torque specs to properly mount the tires. They may over-tighten the lug nuts and warp the face of the rotors. When this happens, the brakes will send vibrations through the subframe and steering wheel when you brake hard at high speeds. This is very unsafe and can cause an accident if it goes unchecked.
Brakes can also lose their power if you have a vacuum leak anywhere in the engine bay.........
Your engine produces vacuum (suction power) as an inherent result of the piston downstrokes creating negative pressure. This vacuum pulls in the air needed for combustion in a naturally aspirated engine. If you have a leak in an injector seal, a vacuum hose, or the vacuum brake booster, itself, you will notice a considerable loss of braking power.
If your master cylinder is worn, this can, likewise, compromise the effectiveness of your braking. You may feel excessive pedal travel, a worn master cylinder is usually the case. In other cases, it can be an improper adjustment of the eccentric in a hybrid rotor and drum brake system. These self-adjusting mechanisms may need to be lubricated or replaced to function properly.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the key aspects of a thorough safety inspection. At Creech Import you can rest assured that your vehicle will be among the safest on the roads when you bring it in for service. We have a depth of automotive knowledge to spot any tiny issues and can repair them before they wax worse.
Things to Consider for Your Next Seasonal Road Trip
If you are like many Americans, you love the scenic treats of nature that are all around us. The U.S. is full of relatively untainted nature preserves sitting just a few minutes away from all the conveniences of civilization. The warm weather invites travelers to take those road trips to national parks. Also, they can stay overnight in most of them for free if they have an RV. Experiencing nature up close and personal without having to pay huge resort fees leaves a lot of extra room in your vacation budget for driving around comfortably. You can ensure that your car is running in peak condition by considering the various aspects of the roadworthiness discussed below.
If you are going to be taking a long distance road trip, it always helps to have a quality set of relatively new tires. Tires that are more than 5 years old or sold at bargain prices online make the ride risky and harsh. A quality set of new tires will be like safely riding on a cloud to any destination because they cushion so much of the road vibrations. Of course, it is critical to keep your tires properly inflated to ensure optimal treadwear, gas mileage, and handling. If your vehicle doesn't track straight when you let your hands off the wheel or you notice uneven wear, these are all signs that you need to bring it in for service before setting sail.
Now that the warm weather is approaching, you will greatly benefit from a heavier oil. This oil provides more engine protection at higher temperatures. Because the higher numbers in an engine oil weight describe higher viscosity, you want to run a full synthetic oil like Mobil 1 that is rated anywhere from a 15w-30 up to a 10w-50. Using full synthetic oil and OEM-style oil filter with a bypass valve will make any road trip easy.
#3: Air Filter Upgrade
Installing a performance air filter in your vehicle may be just the trick to make that road trip a little more interesting. You'll be fascinated with how something so inexpensive and small can greatly improve throttle response. Whether you opt for a cold intake system or a simple high-flow cleanable air filter, you will be happy with the results and glad that you made the upgrade. Being able to push the pedal and knowing that there is still plenty of pedal left can help you merge confidently in congested traffic situations.
Being able to stop on a dime is a critical part of navigating new areas. The new roads and new traffic patterns that you encounter make stopping power critical. The majority of accidents that occur have something to do with speeding, tires, weather, alcohol, and/or bad brakes. It is easy to see how bad brakes can cause an accident even if you are paying attention.
Your brake system can suffer severe performance issues if the fluid hasn't been changed in the last two years. Along with that, it could also be from something as simple as a leaky vacuum hose in the engine bay. A leaky vacuum hose or seal affects braking power dramatically because vacuum boosters are installed in most power brake systems.
Various vacuum-powered systems are powered by the suction naturally created by your engine. The vacuum is inherently created during the combustion process when the airtight pistons drop down and create negative air pressure.
A lot of late-model vehicles have brake wear indicators. These indicators will emit acoustic vibrations when the brakes are worn severely and require replacement.
One symptom that many drivers suffer from, however, is warped rotors. Warped rotors will cause your steering rack and mechanical steering wheels to vibrate when you apply the brakes. Accordingly, if you feel a lot of front-end vibration when you brake at high speeds, you likely have warped rotors. This can happen even if you have brand new rotors and pads. This is because unprofessional mechanics do not torque lug nuts properly, which causes them to warp and wear out prematurely.
Before your next Road Trip, Give your friendly guys at Creech a call!
Maintenance Tips - After many of us suffered through an unusually long, harsh winter, we now eagerly anticipate spring. The winter hasn't only taken its toll on our backs from shoveling snow, but our vehicles have paid a price as well. As we look forward to warm-weather driving free of ice and snow, it's time to check our vehicle maintenance to prepare them for the coming season of relaxed cruising. Here are some steps you can take to get your car ready for the new season:
Inspect the Brakes
Because you often need to slow down in inclement winter weather, your car's brake pads and rotors quickly suffer wear and tear. The decreased friction in the system causes the worn brake to work less efficiently. In turn, you need to apply more pressure to the brake, which then endures more heat. Higher pressure or heat can also cause the rotors to bend or warp.
Does it feel strange when you step on the brake, or do you hear odd noises when doing so? If so, it's a good time to have a professional mechanic check the brakes for maintenance. At Creech Import Repair, our skilled technicians can thoroughly inspect your brake system and diagnose and repair any problems to ensure your braking system is safe. We use a high-end machine to repair the rotors while they're on the vehicle. This specialized machine eliminates vibration, which then increases braking power and performance. As a result, your brakes experience less wear and tear.
Inspect the Suspension
One of the most common complaints drivers have during the late winter and early spring is pothole damage, which usually affects the vehicle's suspension and alignment. Does your steering wheel vibrate, or does your vehicle pull to one side or simply doesn't handle well? The issue might be with the suspension or alignment. Icy or snow-covered roads treated with salt can also be a strain on the alignment.
Change the Oil Maintenance Tips
As seasons change, so do temperatures, which have an impact on the engine's oil. That's why it's a good idea to change the oil every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. Each time you change the oil, you should also replace the filter.
Replace the Windshield Wipers
Winter weather can literally destroy your car's windshield wipers. Think of all the dirt, snow, road salt and ice they deal with, but ice is especially hard on the rubber blades. Do your wipers squeak when they're working? If so, they've probably met their match over the winter, and it's time to replace them.
Check the Battery Maintenance Tips
Your car's battery experiences a lot of strain in the cold weather. Low temperatures slow down the chemical reactions that generate electricity, causing the battery to work harder. Most car batteries have a life span of three to five years, but that life can be shortened by the cold temperatures. If you're not sure your battery is still in ideal condition, we at Creech Import Repair have the equipment needed to test its voltage and general health. This is just another great way to check your vehicle's maintenance.
Check the Tires
Your tires have suffered wear and tear during the rough winter. Inspect the treads and look for bald areas and bulges. If you insert a penny in the tread and can see Lincoln's head, replace the tire. It's also a good time to check the condition of the spare. At Creech Import Repair, we carry a wide variety of popular tire brands and can conveniently install your tires within minutes.
Give Your Car a Good Wash and Wax
Winter grime and road salt not only alter your car's beauty but can lead to discolored paint and corroded metal. Erase the build-up with a good wash. Before you wash the body, scrub and use a separate cloth or mitt for the tires and wheels. While you're at it, don't forget to hose off the underside of your car where there's plenty of grime and salt build-up as well. It doesn't hurt to repeat the process; then apply a good coat of wax to the newly-washed paint to preserve the shine and protect the finish.
For more information on vehicle maintenance call us today! Creech Import Repair.
Car Maintenance Tips and Hacks
What maintenance entail? Is it merely getting an oil change, a tune-up, and tire rotation? What else is there? There are plenty of things on a car that need some TLC to keep working. A well-maintained car keeps the air and environment clean and protects other drivers on the road. Here are a few maintenance tips and hacks car owners should know.
Inspect
With owner's manual in one hand and a pen and pad in the other, inspect your car at least twice a month. The owner's manual will list everything to be checked, including the warning lights on the dash.
Walk around the car, checking the tires for pressure and tread depth, the lights and turn signals that the bulbs work, the belts and hoses that they are tight and working right, the battery terminals that they have no corrosion, and checking the fluids. These are basics, but they keep the car running smoothly.
Check Engine Light
The check engine light on the dash come on to alert the driver that something needs checking before it breaks. In most cases, an OBD-II scanner will show a code that tells the driver what to fix. Some automotive stores like Auto Zone have one, and will tell drivers what is wrong at no charge. Should drivers want one of their own, they are available at Home Depot for $40.
Tires
Rotating the tires and having them balanced and aligned saves on fuel as well as worn tires. Worn tires blow out, possibly causing accidents. When tires are unbalanced, the rest of the car works harder to balance the car. Do this every 5,000 miles, or whatever mileage the owner's manual suggests.
Timing
A major part of a car's performance and maintenance is the timing belt. This can be either a chain or a belt. It has teeth that keep time with the crankshaft and cam. It keeps time with the valves opening and shutting when the cylinders fire. When it breaks, it will shoot the rods through the engine, effectively trashing the car. Have it examined regularly?
Air Filters
Two air filters in a car should be changed every 30,000 miles or so. The air filter beneath the hood keeps contaminants from interfering with the workings of the engine. It takes two minutes to replace.
The air filter for the car's cabin is located behind the glove compartment on most cars. It keeps contaminants from being inhaled by anyone in the car. It, too, takes a couple minutes to replace. This filter usually lasts about 100,000 miles.
Windscreen Wipers
Have you ever noticed windscreen wipers break in the middle of a storm? This is not good when it's snowing, either. It's a simple thing to fix. Press the tabs releasing the old wiper. Line up the new wiper and press the tabs again. Done.
Handy Hacks
It pays to have a supply of necessary items in a box in the trunk of the car. Belts and hoses are useless without clamps. When buying extra belts and hoses, don't forget clamps. In a pinch, panty hose work as a temporary belt.
Keep extra bottles of fluids in the box. Oil, transmission fluid, brake and steering fluids, as well as engine coolant are important to have on hand.
A tire pressure gauge and, if it's in the budget, an inflation machine for low tires is handy as well. Fix-A-Flat is good to have in an emergency.
Have a good tire on hand in case of a flat. The doughnut tires only last a few flats. An extra battery, jumper cables, and a battery charger are good items to keep in the box.
In case of dings and scratches, keeping clear nail polish handy will work on those as well as cracks in the windscreen glass. We hope this article about maintenance has helped you!
Most drivers on the road want to keep their car running as long as possible. This is to ensure that they don't need to replace the vehicle too soon. Not all car brands are not created equal. There are still ways to keep the car running for a longer period. When you want to increase your car lifespan, there are a few important steps to take. Here are some tips to keep your car's maintenance up to date.
Drive with Care to Ensure a Long Car Lifespan
Many people don't realize that the way that they drive their car will impact how well it continues to run. After buying a new car, you'll need to break it in with the first 1,000 miles that it's driven. Try to drive under 55 mph and avoid adding heavy loads to the back of the car. You'll also want to prevent it from idling for several minutes at a time. This can cause the oil pressure to drop quickly. Also, it will mean that the parts in the engine won't become lubricated as it runs.
After your car is broken in, avoid accelerating too fast at stoplights or stop signs. It's also necessary to avoid abrupt braking, which can put stress on the car's parts. Speeding will also cause the engine to work harder. This can cause the pistons to work at a higher speed, which can lead to excessive wear. Keep your speed as low as possible while still following the laws to reduce the wear and tear that is put on your engine.
Protect the Interior to Ensure a Long Car Lifespan
The interior of your car may not determine how well it runs in the coming years, but it can become uncomfortable. Use weather mats that will prevent mud or dirt from staining the floors in bad weather conditions. If the car includes leather seats, use a conditioner to maintain the material and keep the windows cracked to prevent it from becoming too hot inside, which can cause the seats or dashboard to crack. It's also important to use a sun visor if you plan to park outside for several hours during the summer season to reduce the amount of heat that transfers into the car.
Tinting the windows will also prove to be beneficial and will prevent the seats from fading due to exposure to sunlight.
The car should also be detailed at least once or twice each year to remove dirt and grime that accumulates over time. Getting the car professionally cleaned will improve its overall condition and can prevent it from depreciating as quickly. While it may not affect your car lifespan, it helps to keep the appearance up.
Protect Your Car From Harsh Weather Conditions to Ensure a Long Car Lifespan
From snowstorms to hail, several types of weather conditions can cause damage to the vehicle and affect its overall condition. Keep the car stored in a garage as much as possible to protect the paint and reduce its exposure to the sun throughout the year. If you have to keep it outside part of the time, invest in a car cover that will protect the exterior and will prevent rust from developing over time.
On cold days, you'll need to allow the engine to warm up for several minutes before you begin to drive away. The battery can have a lower charge in cold temperatures and will need time to get more juice. It's also important to drive it as little as possible on colder days of the year to ensure a longer car lifespan.
Check for Sounds and Vibrations to Ensure a Long Car Lifespan
A typical sign that the car needs to be repaired is if unusual sounds or vibrations develop. Visit a local service center and describe noise in detail to help them. Get an idea of what may be causing the problem. You'll need to communicate how it's affecting how well the car drives and if it only occurs at certain times of the day. Avoid adding any more miles to the car until it's serviced and an expert diagnoses the issue.
Shift Gears Properly to Ensure a Long Car Lifespan
Inexperienced drivers with manual transmissions often shift gears incorrectly as they operate the vehicle. Stay in the correct gear while you're driving to prevent it from shaking and moving too slow. Driving in a gear that is too high will also lead to excess strain on the engine. This can cause damage to the cylinder heads. If needed get training to understand how to shift gears properly.
You'll want to remain proactive with your car's maintenance.
Why it is a Bad Idea to Warm Up Your Engine
Many people wonder whether they should warm up their engines before they drive on a cold day. Some people choose to warm up their cars because they think that it will prolong the life of their engine. However, experts have stated that this is not true.
Gasoline is less likely to evaporate when the engine is cold. The best thing that you can do to warm up your engine is to drive your car. However, it is important to note that driving your car fast can put an unnecessary strain on your engine. That is why you will need to drive less than 45 miles per hour for the first five to 10 minutes. Driving too fast when the engine is cold can cause damage to it.
Breaking the "Car Warming" Myth
The belief that you should warm up your engine before the vehicle is driven has been around for several years. In the past, cars were warmed up for a good reason. Before the 1990s, carburetor engines were predominately used in cars. You had to let an older car warm up before you drove it in cold weather because the car would stall. However, carburetor engines are not used in today's vehicles. The fuel injection method eliminates the need for a carburetor. That is why it is not necessary to warm up your engine.
The Buick Estate Wagon and Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser, which both made their debut in 1990, were two of the last vehicles to use carburetors. Therefore, unless you have a car that was built before 1990, it probably does not have a carburetor engine. Your engine needs to reach a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit. When you warm up your engine it will not help it reach that temperature faster. The best way to warm up your engine to reach that temperature is for you to drive your car.
What the Experts Say
Experts have stated that modern engines are designed in a way that will warm up faster while driving than they would if the car was sitting. The Environmental Protection Agency has stated that warming up a car before you drive it is not only useless, but it is also wasteful. Energy.gov and the Environmental Protection Agency have stated that a car should not be left idle for more than 30 seconds.
There are also some laws that make it illegal for you to leave your car idle for more than a few minutes. Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia and New York are some of the cities that have this type of regulation. If your car is left idle in one of those cities, then you may be charged a fine. The purpose of these laws is to prevent your car from getting stolen.
Benefits When You Do Not Warm Up Your Engine
Every car has a catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is designed to car pollution by up to 90 percent. However, your catalytic converter does not work properly until the engine has warmed up. This means that if you leave your car running and walk away from it, then you will be emitting more pollution into the air.
It is also important to note that if you warm up your engine it can also be dangerous if your car is inside of a garage that is attached to your home. Carbon monoxide could enter your home without you knowing it. You waste money by warming up your car. There was a study done by Energy Policy that showed Americans waste $5.9 billion in fuel because of idle cars. You waste money every second that your car is left idle.
When your car is left idle for a long period of time, fuel residue has a tendency to build up inside of the engine. The more fuel you waste, the more residue will build up inside of your engine. This can lead to a reduction in mileage. It can also lead to poor engine performance. Additionally, this can reduce the lifespan of your engine.
Furthermore, idling cars are responsible for about 1.6 percent of the greenhouse gases. Pollution reduces air quality and creates smog. Air quality could be drastically improved if more people would stop warming up their cars before they got in them.
Vehicle Maintenance Inspection - We all count on our cars to help us get through our daily lives. It is very important that you take care of any problem happening in your car. Also, catching it early on before it becomes a much bigger problem. There are certain signs you can look for before your car's problems become too big of a deal. Noticing these signs early on will help you prolong the life of your car by attacking the issue head-on and getting a maintenance inspection.
Fuel Efficiency is Down
When you have to fill up your car's gas more frequently than normal, this could be a cause for concern. This may be a problem with your fuel line, engine efficiency, or fuel pump. It is a good idea to take your car into the shop. This way we can make sure you do not have any major issues. In the rare case of a gas leak, this could be a very dangerous problem. It would need to be taken care of immediately as it could be a serious risk to your safety. Take your car in for a maintenance inspection as soon as you notice a drop in fuel efficiency. This will help you find out what repairs might have to be done on your car.
Your Engine is Losing Power
Do you remember when your car had all of that get-up and go? You used to be able to put the pedal to the floor and get out of a tricky situation. Also, pass a car on the freeway with ease. When you notice your car is losing power, this could be a sign of some serious engine problems. It is important that you take your car in to get fixed as soon as possible. Try and take care of these engine issues early on. You may be able to save yourself from a complete engine rebuild later down the line if you take your car in for a maintenance inspection.
Electrical problems are frequent
It is pretty normal for your lights to flicker every once in a while or your radio to sound fuzzy from time to time. However, if you are dealing with problems like these on a regular basis, you may have some serious problems with your electrical system. While a buggy radio may not be that big of a deal, if you let electrical problems get worse over time, your car may develop problems that take many hours and quite a bit of money to fix. These electrical problems are much easier to fix when you take care of them right when they start to show up.
Unsettling noises start showing up
A constant noise that you aren't used to is a big indicator of a problem that you may be having with your car. Whether your car is humming, buzzing, or rattling, you need to get vehicle maintenance inspection before you start to have even more drastic noises occur during your driving. Auto mechanics will be able to pinpoint exactly where those noises are coming from and proceed to repair your car accordingly.
Indicators lights on your dashboard
While this seems like something that is completely obvious, many drivers choose to ignore their indicators lights when they come on in their car. It is very important to take your car in when you see any serious indicator light in your car. There are many times where checking an engine light can be fixed by simply tightening a gas cap. Repairs like this are usually free to the driver. Make sure that you take your car in to get a vehicle maintenance inspection before the problems your indicator lights are indicating become much more expensive repair.
Fluid leaks
You most likely park your car in the same place every day when you return home at night. If you notice small puddles of liquids where you park, this is a sign that you are dealing with fluid leaks. It is important to get these issues taken care of right away. What could have once been a simple repair of a hose might turn into a costly cracked radiator repair that would be hundreds of dollars to fix. Make sure that you take your car in for a maintenance inspection and get checked out as soon as you can when you notice that your car is leaking.
Smoke coming from your exhaust
When you are driving and you see any smoke coming from your exhaust, this is a sign of concern. While sometimes this could be as small of a problem as putting in the wrong type of oil in your car, the smoke may also indicate a much bigger problem like bad piston rings or a cracked head gasket. It is important to take your car in right away for a maintenance inspection when you start seeing smoke come out of your exhaust. This will help you to potentially save your engine by not letting a major problem go too long without proper care.