Wednesday 18 November 2015

Hire a Professional: How to Save Yourself from the Hassle and Headache of DIY Car Repairs

If your catalytic converter is bad, you may be tempted to try replacing it yourself or even ignore it all together. These are both bad ideas, and you may be surprised how much money, time and energy you can save by having a catalytic converter and also letting someone else do all the hard work.

Driving without a catalytic converter is illegal. If you are caught without one, you can be fined for up to $2500. Also, in California, a smog check is required for your vehicle every two years. This law makes sure that every vehicle is running within the standards for emission. You will not be able to pass smog and renew your car’s registration without a functioning catalytic converter. How then should you go about replacing yours?

When you decided to replace your bad catalytic converter, you should take it into a mechanic to get it done. While it is possible to install the part yourself, it’s not advisable unless you are a well-seasoned mechanic. Since all four corners of your car need to be raised, replacing your own catalytic converter requires four car jacks or a professional-quality hydraulic lift.

 If you locate the one that needs replacing, and you discover it has been welded on, you will need a reciprocating saw, a welding machine and thorough knowledge on how to use both of them safely in order to get it off. You will need to saw the converter off, and then hammer it out. However, it’s possible to harm your exhaust system, leading to potentially harmful leaks in the future. Putting a catalytic converter into a spot where the previous one was welded on is a job that should be done only by a competent welder. If you don’t know what you are doing, you could end up hurting your vehicle or even yourself. Even those that are bolted on can easily have rusted or partially corroded bolts, making it nigh impossible to get them off without help.

Professionals also have access to equipment that the average person doesn’t. Their equipment makes the job a lot quicker and easier. A catalytic converter replacement job rarely takes more than 3 hours. Of course, you may have to wait longer, depending on the line in front of you. Regardless, taking your car in instead of trying to fix the problem yourself will save you a load of unnecessary hassle and headache. If you are interested in catalytic converters replacement in San Diego, look no further than here http://www.dualtoneauto.com/catalytic-converters

Wednesday 29 July 2015

What Kinds of Chips in Windshields can be Fixed?


 


Sometimes you will have no choice but to completely replace a broken windshield, but it is always easier and more affordable when you are able to just get it repaired. A professional may need to examine your vehicle to determine which option is best, but you should be able to figure out on your own if a chip is able to get a simple fix or if it requires a total replacement.

Size

A crack that is less than three inches long or a chip less than one inch in diameter should be able to be fixed without any problems. Anything larger will require you to go to an auto shop to see what your options are. It is possible for larger chips and cracks to be repaired, but that should be at the discretion of a professional.

Location

Sometimes repairs leave behind mistiness or discoloration on your windshield. This may not be a problem if the chip is somewhere virtually unnoticeable, but if it is right in your line of sight, a simple repair may not be your best option.

The best way to determine the severity of a chip in your windshield is to see if it is impairing your vision in any way at all. Additionally, you should always trust the advice given to you by an experienced auto body technician. Visit this website to learn more about a windshield replacement in Raleigh.

Spot Welder in Action

Working with metal is a very particular profession that requires a lot of precision. This spot welder operated by a trained professional creates seamless welds that look like they came right out of the factory. A tool like this can greatly reduce welding time.

The Car Paint Color Matching Process


 

Do you have a scratch, ding or other area on your car that needs to be repaired with paint? Because finding the exact same shade can be a difficult task, especially if your car is older, it may be best to have a professional do it for you. Here is how the process works:

1. Figure out the color code.

To figure out the color code of the paint on your car, you will need to know the model number, year and manufacturer of your car. You can then go to the manufacturer’s site and find the color code if your car is new enough. You may also be able to find it on your vehicle’s identification plate.

2. Order the paint.

Your technician will then order the paint that matches the color code. Some vehicles will need multiple paint colors because they have more than one tone.

3. Mix the paint.

This is the most important step of the color matching process. Your technician will adjust the hue using variations in darkness and lightness. They will then blend the color to avoid it turning out too dark or too light. Once they have the perfect shade, they are ready to repair your vehicle.

If you have any damage on your car that needs to be repaired with paint, have a technician take a look at it so you can quickly and easily get your vehicle looking good as new. For more information on automobile painting in Raleigh, visit this website.

New Electric SUV from BMW in the U.S.

This new electric, battery-powered SUV from BMW is meant to rival the Tesla Model X here in the U.S. Its sleek design and ultra efficient electric engine should give it a great chance at becoming the premier crossover/SUV in the United States.

Paintless Dent Removal: How Does It Work?


 

Do you have dents on your vehicle that need to be repaired? Consider using paintless dent removal. Whether the damage be from door dings, hail, rocks or other objects that can cause cavities and creases, this process can fix your vehicle's defects as long as the paint is still in tact. But how does it work? Professionals will typically use the following process to remove your dents:

1. Assess the damage.

Before anything else, professionals will want to take a look at the dent and figure out how they can most easily access and remove it. Once they have assessed the damage, they can prepare the area for the repair.

2. Obtain access.

To remove the dent, you will usually need to reach the back side of it. As a result, technicians will probably need to remove body panels and sometimes even tail lights or interior panels.

3.  Get a better view.

Now that the dent is visible from the opposite side of the panel, technicians will shine a special light on it that will help them determine exactly where they need to place their tools in order to remove the dent.

4. Apply pressure.

The last and most important step of paintless removal is to slowly massage out the dent using special tools. Depending on the severity of the indentation, this usually will not take long, with the whole process taking no more than a few hours.

Paintless dent removal is an excellent option for those who have minor vehicle damage that they need repaired quickly and easily. For more information on paintless dent removal in Raleigh, please visit this website.

Crushed Car with Airbags Deployed


Car companies have taken extra precautions when it comes to safety. With both front and side airbags deployed, you can see the level of protection this blue car offers when involved in a simulated crash setting.  With options like this, you never have to put your safety up to chance.


How Much Force Does It Take to Chip a Windshield?


 

Windshield chips typically result from impact by small objects such as rocks or gravel. How hard does the object have to hit the windshield to leave a chip? That depends on several factors, including the mass of the object, the strength of your windshield and how fast the object and your car were traveling. How much force it takes to chip a windshield can vary greatly based on circumstances.

First of all, in order to make a chip, the relative speed of the impact usually has to be quite high. Relative speed, simply put, is the combination of the speed at which your car was traveling and the speed of the object traveling towards your car. So if your car is parked, a rock would have to be either traveling very fast or be very massive to make a dent. On the other hand, if your car is doing 90 miles per hour on the freeway, just getting hit by a bit of stray gravel that was thrown up by your wheels can result in chips.

Another important factor is the type and quality of your windshield. For some types of older glass, even a tiny rock that impacts at the low relative speed of 30 miles per hour can cause a chip. A windshield that has been subject to a lot of stress in the past is also more vulnerable to chipping. Stresses that eventually weaken your glass can include driving over bumpy terrain, past minor car accidents and being subject to extreme temperatures or temperature variations, which weaken the structure of the glass by forcing it to contract and expand abruptly.

On the other hand, most newer windshields are made using technology that reinforces their structure to render them more resistant to various impacts. Technologies are being constantly developed and perfected, so it pays to stay up to date, whether you are shopping for a new car or looking to upgrade your current model.

The amount of damage caused by an object hitting your windshield can also be affected by the shape of the object. A stone with sharp edges is more likely to cause chipping than a round pebble of the same size that impacts your windshield with the same amount of force. This is because a sharp or pointed edge actually increases the amount of force applied to the spot where it hits your glass. As the rock impacts, all the force is applied to a tiny area, as opposed to being spread out.

You cannot control whether or not a stray object happens to hit your windshield. The one factor that is entirely in your hands is the quality of your windshield. Visit this website to learn more about a windshield replacement in Raleigh.

Monday 27 July 2015

Easy Fixes for a Loud Muffler


 

That loud noise that comes from your car is annoying. But is it just a matter of being patient and ignoring it? Or could your car be trying to send you a message so you can drive more safely?

When it comes to noisy mufflers, the latter is more accurate. Those sounds are bothersome and could get you a ticket from the highway patrol, but also they could cause health issues, as they are related to problems in the exhaust system. When a faulty muffler or a dragging tailpipe hits the pavement, it could even create sparks. Combine that with gasoline and the picture is not so pretty.

Hence fixing noisy mufflers is important. The sooner you act, the better. Here are some quick steps you can take to temporarily address the issue.

First of all, do not try to fix your vehicle if you just drove it. Tailpipes can get extremely hot, because fumes from the engine are released from it. Leave your car parked for a while before you act.

Once your vehicle has cooled down, find out if the noise is simply caused by a loose tailpipe. If this is the case, all you need to do is to secure it with an auto clamp. With this method, you can expect to drive around for another month or two.

If you spot small rust holes in the muffler or exhaust pipes, you can patch it with putty, commonly sold at auto parts stores. Also purchase heat resistant cloth to put over the putty patch.If you see holes on pipes that are too close to the engine, do not attempt to patch them with putty. This area of your vehicle heats up too much, so that the patches will not last.


How Your Vehicle’s Suspension System Works



The road isn’t always smooth, so your car has to compensate for the little bumps and big potholes that crop up on the surface. This is where your suspension system comes in. Without the suspension system, every time the wheels of your ride hit any irregularity, you would feel it in the vehicle. The suspension system provides a smooth ride and lets you handle your car safer. Learn more about these two vital operations.

Provides a Smooth Ride

Your vehicle has coil or leaf springs at every wheel, and this, combined with the shock absorbers, dissipate the up-and-down motions that occur when you’re on the road. When you feel like you’re being bumped around from every little abnormality on the road, your shocks and struts are probably wearing out. The longer you wait to get these checked out, the more damage that will done to your car.

Allows Safe Handling of Your Car

The suspension system also works to minimize the hazards when braking or making corners. Without the suspension system, when you turn a corner, due to simple physics, your car could tip over onto the two wheels on the outside of the turn. If your vehicle is considered top-heavy, you may have torsion bars, or anti-sway bars, to help keep you balanced when you make corners.

Enjoy a smooth ride and get your vehicle checked out. It’s easy to put off your car’s maintenance, but not good for your wallet. To learn more about vehicle’s suspension system replacement in San Diego, please visit this website.

The Many Uses of the Muffler


Most people think that mufflers are only good for reducing engine noise. While this is one of their primary functions, the devices are also adept at improving vehicle performance and manipulating the growl of your engine. With so many inherent benefits, a new muffler can do wonders for your vehicle.


The Most Common Types of Mufflers



Performance mufflers not only look cool, but they increase the horsepower you get out of your car. If you want to add a new muffler, you have different choices. Here are three popular types of mufflers, with some pros and cons of each.

Glass Pack Mufflers

A glass pack muffler is probably the simplest muffler design, as it’s a simple tube designed to increase horsepower. With this type of muffler, you’ll get those deep exhaust tones that sound cool, but this could be a problem if you have neighbors close by.

Chambered Mufflers

This type of muffler is the one associated with classic muscle cars. As with the other types of mufflers, you get better exhaust flow, increasing the horsepower, and you’ll see better fuel economy. That rumbling exhaust sound that turns heads is the one that comes with this muffler.

Turbo Mufflers

While the name turbo sounds like it would be supercharged, it’s just a cool name, not an indication that it has to be used on a turbocharged vehicle. You can put a turbo muffler on any ride. With a turbo muffler, your exhaust takes a path through three or less chambers, getting it out of your car quicker. These mufflers are typically quieter than a glass pack muffler, but they do vary in sound quality.

Choosing the Right Muffler

Which one do you want? The muffler that you want depends on your own lifestyle and how you use your car. Racing mufflers are cool, but they may not fit your driving style. To learn more about muffler installation in Pacific Beach, please visit this website.

Power Your Vehicle with a Proper CV Joint



Standing for constant-velocity joint, the CV joint transmits power from a drive shaft at constant rotational speed, without increase in friction. Especially if you use a front wheel drive, maintaining the CV joint is critical.




How to Tell You Might Have an Exhaust Manifold Leak


 

Most people don’t think about their exhaust system until it’s too late. Here in California, you have to take care of it not just for your own benefits, but for the environment. Here are three signs that your car might display when it’s experiencing an exhaust manifold leak.

Lower Gas Mileage

When your exhaust system isn’t functioning properly, you will see that you’re getting fewer miles per gallon. Although there are many other reasons that cause decreased fuel efficiency, get your car to a mechanic to help you diagnose the problem before it gets worse.

Gas Pedal Vibrates

When you accelerate, if your gas pedal vibrates, it’s probably due to an exhaust manifold leak. A small hole, just the size of a pin, can cause your car to vibrate. A bigger leak might be felt through the steering wheel and throughout the car. Don’t wait to get repairs.

Increased Engine Noise

You know the sound of your engine when it runs normal. If it’s getting louder and rumbling when you’re on the road, it’s a sign that something is not right in the exhaust system. The fumes of your car can be hazardous, so you should not wait to take it to the shop.

Don’t Wait to Get Repairs

An exhaust manifold leak could be as simple as a gasket that has deteriorated to a cracked pipe. A mechanic will quickly pinpoint the location and get you back on the road. To learn more about exhaust manifold repair in San Diego, please visit this website.

Thursday 23 July 2015

BMW Unveils New BMW 7 Series with Extensive Use of Carbon Fiber

BMW recently unveiled the all-new BMW 7 Series featuring extensive use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the structure of the....read more

Brake Down

A simple breakdown of a typical car braking system displays how pedals, pads and pistons work together to bring thousands of pounds of steel to a halt almost instantly.

The Benefits of Regular Tune-ups for Your Car


 

Anyone who has ever experienced the expense of repairing or replacing a car that was damaged by poor maintenance knows that there are many benefits to ensuring that your car is frequently subjected to tune-ups. While the name may sound like a routine but unnecessary expense, the value of undergoing tune-ups in a timely manner cannot be beat.

Among the work your mechanic will perform during your car’s routine maintenance are 7 major points.
  • Filter Inspection and Replacement
  • Fluid Analysis and Topping Off
  • Oil and Oil Filter Inspection and Replacement
  • Battery Condition Assessment and Acid Corrosion Removal
  • Inspection of Belts and Hoses
  • Windshield Wiper Correction and Fluid Refill, Wheel Bearing and Alignment Correction
  • Bulb Replacement for Headlights, Tail Lights, Brakes, and Others

It can be easy to ignore these things that seem like little issues until one goes out, but a trained professional is ready to help you make sure each of these problems is met in a timely and efficient manner. Being caught off guard by one or more can cause serious problems for your routine, threat to your safety, and long-term damage to your car. The effects of not replacing your oil, for instance, can be permanently damaging and expensive to remedy.

Whatever use your car is put to, keeping it rolling easily and accurately should be a priority. For all kinds of car tune-ups in Cupertino, please visit this website.

Wednesday 22 July 2015

Description of Catalytic Converter

Want to know what a catalytic converter is? This summary explains the mechanics and purpose of the device, such as the fact that it converts toxic pollutants in the exhaust gas to less harmful pollutants.

Your Exhaust System May Need Replacing If You See These Signs


 


Exhaust systems on vehicles will naturally wear out over time and will need to be replaced. Although most technicians suggest that you get your entire system inspected every few years, there are many signs you can look for that suggest it may be time to get a new one. Here are a few common problems that can occur when it is time to replace your system.

Clogged Catalytic Converter

If your catalytic converter becomes clogged, you will likely need to get your exhaust system replaced. Signs of a clogged catalytic converter include difficulty accelerating, frequent stalling, or a drop in gas mileage. In addition, if it becomes completely clogged, your engine will soon fail as a result of exhaust back pressure.

Damaged Muffler

A damaged muffler is usually easy to notice because your vehicle will become a lot louder while driving.

Leaking Exhaust System

If your “check engine” light ever comes on, you should get it inspected as soon as possible. This could indicate a leaking or flawed exhaust system.

Damaged Exhaust Pipe

When an exhaust pipe becomes damaged, it will cause the emissions to leak. If you ever smell emissions from your vehicle, you should get your pipe checked.

Close-Up of Catalytic Converter




 


From the outside, all catalytic converters look similar to the untrained eye. Therefore, getting professional help from a mechanic with experience is critical. Ask them to spot early symptoms of a clogged catalytic converter.