Archive for April, 2009
The Average Driver's Quick Guide To Power Steering
by admin on Apr.30, 2009, under Car Maintenance, Car Tips
The Average Driver’s Quick Guide To Power Steering
Seldom do we give much thought to the technical aspects regarding how we direct our cars on the road. If we need to make a right turn, we turn right. Older drivers might remember a time when turning a vehicle was practically a battle of wills. Power steering was not an option back then.
Of all car parts and assemblies, your vehicle’s power steering system is one of the most overlooked. We use it each day, yet most drivers never realize how the components which make up the assembly work together. Below, I’ll explain how it is powered, how you can get the most from it, and signs that there may be a problem.
How The Assembly Is Powered
When your engine is turning, it drives a belt. That belt activates a pump. The pump, when triggered, pressurizes a fluid within the assembly which allows you to easily turn the wheel. If you have ever tried to steer your car when the engine dies, you’ll know how difficult it is. If the engine stalls, it cannot drive the belt. As a result, the pump cannot pressurize the fluid which helps you turn your steering wheel.
The most common form of the assembly is called rack-and-pinion. That’s the type you’ll find in nearly all vehicles sold today. It uses a valve to direct the pressurized fluid to one end of the cylinder. As you turn the wheel, the fluid’s flow is directed toward the other side.
The ease with which the wheel turns is controlled by the automaker. Some car manufacturers, in an attempt to make their vehicles’ wheels easier to turn, make them so responsive that you can turn them almost by breathing on them.
How To Get The Most From The System
You can maximize the efficiency of your car’s power steering by keeping the right amount of pressure in the tires. If the tires are underinflated, they’ll be more difficult to turn. Also, consider having them rotated in order to keep healthy treads in the front. Most vehicles are front-wheel drive, so the front tires are affected more than the rear.
Warning Signs Of A Problem
Your vehicle’s power steering assembly should last for years without needing any maintenance. But, like all car parts, it can fail. Fortunately, there are usually warning signs which signal there may be a problem. For example, if you notice uncharacteristic sluggishness, have a mechanic inspect the system. If your car drifts and seems slightly out of your control while you’re turning, that too, can suggest a problem. Finally, if you turn the wheel completely to one side and hear a shrieking noise, drive immediately to a repair shop.
If a problem develops, no matter how small it seems, have it fixed quickly before it evolves into a bigger, and more dangerous, issue.
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How To Get Along With Your Car Mechanic
by admin on Apr.13, 2009, under Car Maintenance, Car Tips
How To Get Along With Your Car Mechanic
From the conversations I’ve had with drivers over the last several years, most people dread taking their cars to a mechanic. I haven’t noticed a marked difference between their anxiety for visiting their dealership’s auto technicians or taking their vehicle to the independent repair garage down the street. They hate going to both. The overriding thought seems to be that they’ll be gouged by padded repair bills and recommended services they don’t need.
I’ve mentioned before that most mechanics are honest, friendly, and professional. If they tell you that your timing belt has 7,000 miles of life in it before it breaks, trust them. The fact is, once you find an auto technician who consistently delivers high-quality work at a competitive price, trusting him can save you an enormous amount of time and money.
Below, I’ll provide a few tips for building a professional relationship with your mechanic while remaining vigilant about the work being done on your car.
Understand Your Auto Technician’s Perspective
It’s important to realize that repairing vehicles and replacing parts isn’t always a perfect science. Some types of work will be easy for your mechanic to predict while others will be based upon estimates. The prices of various car parts and materials are usually set in stone, but the time it takes to do a job correctly may vary wildly.
For example, a brake job should require less than one hour and the cost of the parts should already be known. Rarely do circumstances cause either factor to vary much. On the other hand, suppose your auto technician is rebuilding your vehicle’s transmission. While he may know the cost of a rebuilt transmission, the job of installing it may take several hours. The last thing he wants to do is estimate 3 hours and spend 6 hours doing the job.
There will also be times when your auto technician will discover that doing the main job properly requires doing an ancillary job first. It’s not always possible to tell until he can begin exploring under the hood. If you see an unexplained charge on your repair bill, ask for clarification. But, realize that most repair garages are honest about the work they do and want your business over the long term.
Making The Right Connection
Most people think of their car mechanics in the same manner they think of a cashier at a clothing store – find an item, give the cashier money, and leave. In truth, your auto technician provides enormous value. Whether performing routine oil changes or complicated repair jobs, try to make a connection with him. If he’s a high-quality mechanic, you’ll probably be visiting him repeatedly. Get to know him a bit. When the time comes to fix a blown head gasket or rebuild your car’s engine, you can be confident he’ll go the extra mile to take care of you.