June 2nd, 2015 by Maryann Croce
PRESERVING HARMONIC BALANCE When mention is made of a “harmonic balancer” some may think it has to do more with the metaphysical properties of healing crystals than a car engine. The fact is, however, that a harmonic balancer is a circular device composed of rubber and metal that is bolted at the front end
May 20th, 2015 by Maryann Croce
Reducing Emissions (EGR) System: Purpose The exhaust-gas-recirculation (EGR) system reduces harmful NOx emissions that contribute to air pollutions by recirculating exhaust gas back through the intake manifold into the engine. There, it acts as a cooling agent to lower combustion temperatures. All this is done with the intention of preventing mono-nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2)
May 13th, 2015 by Maryann Croce
(Steering) Get Back On Track A vehicle should drive where it is pointed. If you experience the following symptoms, certain components should be checked so that the vehicle will track correctly and respond to drive input. Steering symptoms shimmies pulls wanders has excessive play Components to be checked The first check should be for worn wheel
May 3rd, 2015 by Maryann Croce
Ignition Coil – Common Repair According to one manufacturer of automotive diagnostic tools and software, replacing ignition coils ranks among the ten most common car repairs. It is also a very important problem to take care of since ignoring it can cause serious damage to a vehicle’s entire ignition system. Symptoms: The most recognizable symptom of
April 22nd, 2015 by Maryann Croce
ENGINE IDLE (Speculation) When an engine will not idle or run correctly, a vacuum leak may be the culprit. Such leaks allow: Unmetered air to enter the engine Upset the air/fuel ratio leading to a disruption in the operation of the computer system and a wide range of symptoms. An air leak should be suspected
April 12th, 2015 by Maryann Croce
Tire Tread NOT TREADING LIGHTLY – Tire Tread Uneven tire wear may be due to simple over or under tire inflation or problems involving suspension components and wheel alignment. Therefore, as a precaution against tire failure, tires should be checked regularly. Shoulder wear on one side is usually indicative of an alignment problem, often involving
April 5th, 2015 by Maryann Croce
Take Care Of Brakes For Safety’s Sake The brakes on your vehicle are one of the most important parts of your car. Since the dawn of the age of the automobile, drivers have known that stopping is even more important than starting. More complex Now, there is quite a bit more to performing a brake
April 1st, 2015 by Maryann Croce
APRIL – National Car Care Month The Car Care Council, a non-profit located in Maryland is a great resource to vehicle owners as well as shop owners. Their main focus is providing car care, maintenance and repair tips with their car care guide, videos and blog posts. During the month of April National Car Care Month, the
March 29th, 2015 by Maryann Croce
IS YOUR TRANSMISSION SLIPPING? If an automatic transmission fails to shift smoothly under acceleration and is instead making noises, creating vibration, or showing signs of altered shift behavior, a check of the transmission fluid and filter are in order. The transmission’s filter is vital to its performance. If it has not been replaced in a
January 5th, 2015 by Maryann Croce
Woman Auto Repair Shop Owner – part 1 As a young girl, I wanted to be a teacher or a nurse. Who knew years later I would be a woman in a male dominated industry and co-own a transmission automotive repair shop. But hey, life is a journey and here’s how it happen. You see, entrepreneurs/small business runs