The word “car” describes more than just a motor vehicle. It’s also the term for a horseless carriage.
Be a good car owner by paying attention to the way your vehicle feels, sounds, and smells. Then, when you feel a new vibration, bump or shudder, communicate these changes to a trusted mechanic. Contact San Clemente Auto Repair for professional help.
The engine is the heart of your vehicle, converting fuel into energy that drives pistons and powers your car. A healthy engine can propel your vehicle with ease and efficiency, but if something goes wrong it can cause your car to slow down or even stop working entirely. The good news is that with regular maintenance you can avoid most engine problems and repair them when they do occur.
A car’s engine is a complex web of parts that work together to provide you with safe and reliable transportation, but the complexities of the system make it difficult to diagnose problems on your own. Fortunately, there are many warning signs that indicate it’s time for auto repairs. These include clunks, whines, and rattles. It’s also important to keep track of your dashboard warning lights, as these can indicate the nature of an issue.
Engine repairs often involve replacing worn or damaged parts. A professional mechanic will use specialized tools to locate and fix issues within your car’s engine. When possible, the mechanic may recommend remanufactured or rebuilt parts instead of new ones. These parts are restored to meet original specifications and come with warranties. Remanufactured and rebuilt parts can be a less expensive alternative to new parts, but they should be installed by a certified technician to ensure proper operation.
Other common engine repairs involve the cooling and lubrication systems. These systems remove excess heat and regulate temperatures that could threaten your engine’s performance. The lubrication system reduces friction between moving parts to help your engine run smoothly and efficiently. The key is to regularly inspect your engine and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for oil type and volume.
Transmission
The modern automotive transmission has thousands of moving parts that must work together to shift gears smoothly and reliably. Problems with the transmission can range from a minor slip to a complete failure that requires major repair or replacement.
The best way to keep your transmission running properly is by getting regular oil changes and performing other routine maintenance tasks. When you get a transmission fluid change, the technician should check for signs of damage or leaks. They will also replace the filter and look for other problems like worn clutch components or faulty sensors.
In most cases, the transmission will only require a minor repair or replacement if it has suffered from serious wear and tear. A transmission rebuild is a more involved service that involves detaching the entire transmission from the vehicle, removing and replacing any damaged or worn out parts, then reassembling and reinserting it into the car. Rebuilds usually involve a new transmission pan, fluids, and filters as well as the replacement of some hard parts, such as the bands and clutches.
If you suspect a transmission issue, you should contact an auto repair shop as soon as possible. There are a number of indications that something is wrong, from the smell of burning transmission fluid (which has a faint but distinctive scent) to odd vibrations or sounds while driving. Other common symptoms include revving higher before shifting gears, engaging into overdrive late or not at all, an erratic speedometer reading, and a check engine light that won’t turn off. When shopping for a transmission shop, be sure to ask about any warranties they offer on labor and parts. A good shop will stand behind their work with a strong warranty that shows they are confident in the quality of their repairs.
Brakes
Brakes are one of the most important safety components of any vehicle. The brake system consists of the disc/rotor brakes (which are the large shiny disks you can see through your wheels) and the calipers which clamp onto them to slow or stop the car. It’s important to have a complete brake auto repair done whenever your pads are worn out, as this is an immediate and serious safety hazard for you and other drivers on the road.
If you hear a grinding noise when pressing down on the pedal, or if your car feels like it’s driving over rough pavement every time you hit the brakes, this is a sure sign that it’s time for a brake repair service. This service will involve replacing your old pads with new ones, and may include resurfacing or even replacing the rotors depending on their condition.
It is also important to check the brake fluid levels regularly and change it when needed. A low level can cause the brakes to perform less effectively, and mixing different types of brake fluids can damage the braking system.
The rotors will need to be cleaned and possibly resurfaced, as they can become warped over time due to heat from the friction of your brakes against them. The caliper pistons should also be examined and reconditioned, as they can develop hardened seals over time. This can cause them to push on the rotor instead of applying pressure, which will shorten their life. The caliper’s piston bores may also need to be cleaned or replaced, as they can wear pitted and corroded over time. A caliper rebuild kit usually contains all of the parts necessary to do this.
Electrical
Modern vehicles rely heavily on electrical systems, from starting and charging to lighting and air conditioning. Electrical system repairs include everything from repairing wiring to replacing the battery.
A diagnostic computer is an essential tool for auto repair professionals. It allows mechanics to quickly and accurately diagnose problems with a vehicle. In addition, a computer connected to the internet can provide access to a plethora of technical manuals and information. Paper service manuals have become less common with most shops now using computerized versions.
Ask to see a shop’s certifications — like an Automotive Service Excellence seal. These indicate that some or all technicians meet basic standards of knowledge and competence in specific technical areas. However, certification alone is no guarantee of good or honest work.
Some repair shops use non-original equipment parts. These may be cheaper than original parts or may be of lower quality. Shops must tell you if they are going to use replacement parts that are not original, and you should always get a written estimate before letting them begin the repair.
Oil Changes
Routine oil changes help keep your engine running properly and lubricated to reduce friction and overheating. They also extend the life of your tires by balancing their wear. In addition, some states require oil changes to maintain the warranty on your vehicle.
Tires
The tires are what connects your vehicle to the road, so it is important that you choose a good tire that matches the type and size of your car. The tire’s tread and sidewall should be examined regularly for cracking, snags, cuts, punctures, foreign objects and other damage from daily use. If the tires are damaged or leaking it is recommended to replace them to maintain safe driving conditions.
Most vehicles come equipped with run-flat tires, which allow you to drive a short distance at low speed after a puncture or leak, so that you can get to the nearest repair facility and replace the tire. You should never rely on emergency tire sealants or other quick fix options because they do not provide an airtight repair and can damage the internal structure of the tire.
Tires are complex assemblies of a variety of construction materials that combine to form the black ring around your wheels. On average, a passenger car tire contains over 25 components and uses multiple types of rubber, including natural and synthetic. The process begins with the liquid latex extracted from special rubber trees on large plantations. The liquid latex coagulates and is cleaned with water before being pressed into blocks. These blocks are then formed into a ply that is wrapped around the body of the tire to give it its shape. The ply is then reinforced with cords of various material to add strength.
The inner liner holds the air in the tire and is a critical component of the overall structure of the tire. When a tire is punctured, the technician buffs the area being careful not to damage the inner liner. A one or two-piece plug patch combination is then installed through the injury channel and thoroughly stitched to the inner liner. Any excess plug material is trimmed and the tire is then returned to service. If the injury is so severe that it exposes the nylon or steel belts of the inner structure, the tire cannot be repaired and should be scrapped.
