Category Archives: Know Your Ride

What is Carbon Build Up?

What is Carbon Build Up?

What is carbon build up? In order to understand where carbon comes from a quick explanation of how an internal combustion engine functions is helpful. Vehicles use air, fuel, and spark to create the boom effect inside the engine. Air is sucked into the air intake manifold by the engine and inside this intake manifold contains fuel injectors that spray fuel into the manifold, the fuel then mixes with the air and is delivered to the combustion chamber through the intake valve, this process is called port injection. Carbon is a by-product of the internal combustion engine and is ultimately unavoidable. Carbon build up happens when fuel in the combustion chamber is not fully burned and leaves a dark sticky residue on the surface it comes into contact with. On older vehicles the carbon build up was not as prominent as it is in newer models. This is because the fuel is delivered within the air intake system, as the fuel runs down the intake valve and is delivered into the ... read more

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What Does Transmission Fluid Do?

What Does Transmission Fluid Do?

If you didn't know already, your transmission is a vast system responsible for carrying the power generated by your engine to your car's wheels. It is a hydraulic system, which means it depends on a fluid to carry out its function (transmission fluid). The liquid is similar to engine oil for the engine; it is intended to keep the transmission system parts cool and lubricated to prevent damage. If your fluid becomes dirty and ineffective, your vehicle will take a significant amount of transmission damage. Transmission fluid is usually pink or red, and it passes through the system from the impeller to the turbine. Here are all the wonderful things it does for your car: Allows you to shift gears Provides hydraulic pressure Lubricates transmission parts Acts as a layer or barrier between moving components  It helps the clutch engage when needed Prevents wear, rust, and corrosion to important components Like the engine, the transmission endures a lot of strain. As a res ... read more

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5 Signs It's Time for a Wheel Alignment

5 Signs It's Time for a Wheel Alignment

Maintaining your vehicle's performance at its peak requires proper wheel alignment. Wheel alignments unfortunately can be overlooked in favor of other maintenance procedures like oil changes and fluid top-offs. Driving a car that is out of alignment can be risky since it might be challenging to control. In addition to being difficult to drive, your automobile will wear out its tires more quickly than one that is perfectly aligned. Here are 5 indicators that a wheel alignment is necessary. The steering wheel of your car ought to be level and centered while you are traveling along a straight, level road. Your car requires an alignment if you notice that your steering wheel is slanted in one way. Your steering wheel should automatically revert to the center after you are through turning. Your car might need to be aligned if the steering wheel doesn't attempt to revert to the center position. It may be time for an adjustment if you find your car pulling to one side while you ... read more

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What Happens if I Ignore My Low Tire Pressure Warning Light

What Happens if I Ignore My Low Tire Pressure Warning Light

Most vehicles manufactured after 2008 are equipped with a warning light for low tire pressure called the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The system alerts you if any of your vehicle's tires have low pressure using sensors to track the tire pressure. However, the sensor only shows when the tire pressure is below 25 percent of the recommended manufacturer's pressure for safe driving. You should, therefore, not substitute regular tire pressure checking with the TPMS. In most vehicles, the warning light is a yellow wheel's cross-section on the vehicle's dashboard. Some vehicles will also display a low-pressure message with the exact tire with low pressure. Why You Should Never Ignore the TPMS Warning Light Driving with a low tire pressure affects your vehicle's handling, performance, and, more significantly, your safety. Underinflated tires tend to flex more and generate more heat which may cause the tire's internal components to overheat and break down ... read more

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Top Signs Your Vehicle Needs Brake Service

Top Signs Your Vehicle Needs Brake Service

Some people are prone to postponing auto repairs, despite the clear presence of a problem. Visiting the auto shop is essential if there is a problem with the vehicle's fitness to be driven, particularly with the brakes. The brakes of your car are its most important safety element, so be careful to maintain them so that they can protect you. If you observe any of these frequent indicators of brake failure, visit the shop immediately. Grinding Noises Strange sounds emanating from the brakes as you slow down usually indicate that the brake pads have worn thin and that metal is grinding against metal. The noise may be characterized as a howl, a grind, or a whine, but regardless of how it sounds to you, it always indicates problems. Soft Brake Pedal A mushy brake pedal usually indicates that the brake pads are low and need replacement. However, this condition might be the result of far larger and more dangerous problems. If your brake pedal is mushy or sits closer to the floor, this ... read more

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