OIL PRESSURE GAUGES Oil pressure gauges are no longer included among the dashboard instrumentation of modern vehicles. We now have oil pressure warning lights. Oil pressure gauges act as indicators of the engine’s overall well-being and as early warning systems. A zero reading with the engine running above idle indicates that the gauge is faulty,
A Non – Starter If a vehicle fails to start when turning the ignition key, the problem could be the starter. Other culprits Other potential culprits can be eliminated by turning on the headlights and trying to start the automobile. If the headlights dim while doing so, a bad battery or corroded battery terminals may be suspected.
PISTON RING MAINTENANCE Piston rings maintain combustion pressure in the cylinder and prevent oil from seeping into the combustion chamber. Ring failure results in white exhaust smoke excessive oil consumption compromised performance To verify the need for piston ring maintenance, the technician uses a compression tester to check for low compression readings. The technician may
CAR WINDOW FAILS When a car window fails to open or close, it can be more than an annoyance. A non-functioning power window compromises personal security. It may also allow precipitation to get inside the passenger compartment. When all the windows are in shut-down mode, a faulty fuse may be the culprit. Otherwise, if the problem
TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT Unlike a timing chain, which is made of metal, a timing belt is made of rubber. While a timing chain only needs to be replaced when there is evidence of wear or other problems, a timing belt must be replaced a regular intervals. Recommended timing belt replacement intervals at approximately 60,000 miles are
Electrical Fault Light While a CHECK ENGINE light or a SERVICE ENGINE light does not necessarily signal the need for immediate action, the electrical fault light is another matter. This warning light usually appears as a battery icon with positive (+) and negative (-) notations at each terminal. This light usually becomes illuminated as the
Steering Rack What it does The “steering rack” is a device that converts the rotary motion of the steering wheel into linear motion by running a gear wheel (“pinion”) over a flat-toothed bar (“rack”). The result is what is known as “rack-and-pinion” steering. Like any mechanical component, the steering rack can wear out, which results
Water Pump Be aware You may need to have your vehicle’s water pump replaced if you notice a coolant leak that seems to be coming from behind the timing belt cover on the engine, or you notice that your temperature gauge is beginning to fluctuate. What it does This impeller pump, which is usually located
COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEMS It is estimated that half of all engine failures are associated with cooling system problems, which is reason enough to have an auto technician analyze the coolant regularly. This coolant analysis should include: radiator pressure-cap test thermostat check pressure test to identify external leaks belt and hose inspection check of system pH
STRUTS If your vehicle seems to wallow over bumps in the road like a ship bobs over waves, it may be time to inspect your struts and shock absorbers. The part of the suspension system known as the strut assembly is basically a shock absorber encased in a spring for added support. A shock absorber
