by Admin | Jun 5, 2022 | Auto Care Blog
Tire safety is a crucial component of driving safely. If your vehicle seems shaky while driving, especially after striking a large pothole, you should schedule a tire service to ensure all is in working order.
If you are unfamiliar with the car maintenance lexicon, it may be difficult for you to differentiate between tire rotation and wheel alignment. Read on to learn more about the difference between tire rotation and wheel alignment to help make things more transparent and ensure that you schedule the correct tire service.
Tire Rotation
When driving, your vehicle may shimmy from side to side, indicating that it needs a tire rotation. Tire rotation involves moving tires from one position/side to another to achieve even wear.
Due to the varying degrees of friction on each tire, it can wear unevenly. Front-wheel-drive automobiles, for example, often have more wear on the front tires than rear-wheel-drive cars; rear-wheel-drive cars, on the other hand, have more wear on the rear tires. Uneven weight distribution can also cause uneven tire wear.
Rotate tires on a regular basis to ensure that they wear evenly.
Wheel Alignment
If your vehicle keeps sliding to one side while driving in a straight line, you may need to get your wheels aligned. The procedure of straightening your car’s front tires to ensure they match up with the back tires and steering is wheel alignment. When your automobile hits a large pothole while driving, it may cause wheel alignment concerns.
Unaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear and impact your vehicle’s performance and ability to steer if left neglected.
Wheel alignments should be performed as soon as possible once a problem is detected.
For safe driving, bring your car to us over at A1 performance auto repair for comprehensive tire safety checks that include wheel alignment and wheel rotation. We assure you the best service if you do.
by Admin | May 20, 2022 | Auto Care Blog, Auto Mechanic
Gas prices are at an all-time high, and you want your car to get as close as possible to the manufacturer estimated gas mileage figures. Your car needs attention if it is not getting quite the miles-per-gallon it should be, or its fuel economy has reduced significantly.
Causes of Poor Fuel Economy
Low tire pressure is one of the most prevalent causes of poor fuel economy, and it is thankfully a simple fix. For every other fill-up, we recommend checking the air pressure in all of your tires (including the spare). Keep a tire gauge in your car and check the pressure while filling up your gas tank.
Your oxygen sensor could also be the source of the problem. If it fails, it might reduce your car’s fuel efficiency by 20%. Because a filthy or clogged air filter can cause the same problems, make sure to replace it at the specified mileage intervals.
Clogged fuel injectors can reduce fuel efficiency. The fuel injectors and spark plugs work together to ignite the fuel in your engine. Your fuel economy will suffer if you don’t change your spark plugs regularly. Spark plugs should be changed every 30,000 to 100,000 miles. This service is dependent on the make, model, and year of your car. Motor oil that is dirty or old might also be a problem. Your vehicle will run more efficiently if you maintain it regularly.
How You Can Help the Situation
You can also inadvertently impair your fuel efficiency. Operating your air conditioning during summer will reduce your fuel economy. If you are driving slowly, roll down your windows.
Driving at a slower speed saves you money on gas. Do not press the gas pedal to the floor, slam on the brakes, and repeat. This action decreases your fuel efficiency as well. Maintain a calm demeanor behind the wheel and be kind to your vehicle.
We recommend you bring your car in for a tune-up every two years for its first 60,000 miles and every year after that. Get your next tune-up done at A1 Performance Auto Repair. We would ensure that this is done professionally by offering you world-class services. Give us a call and be glad you did.
by Admin | Feb 20, 2022 | Auto Care Blog
One of the systems we take for granted when driving is a car’s braking system. The braking system is arguably the most critical safety system in any vehicle today. The braking system comprises various components that must work in sync to slow down or completely stop your car on demand when the brake pedal is depressed.
Most modern vehicles plying the roads today are equipped with disc brakes at the front and rear, with a few having the rear drum brake setup only. Regardless of the configuration, the principle of operation remains pretty much the same. Depressing the brake pedal displaces an incompressible fluid from the brake master cylinder through a circuit to the calipers (or pistons), which presses the brake pads (or brake shoes) against a rotor (or brake drum), using friction to slow down or stop the vehicle.
Maintaining Your Brake System
A lot is usually demanded from the braking system when you need to slow down or stop your car at a moment’s notice. Therefore, it is vital to periodically inspect and repair the brake system components like the master cylinder, brake pads, caliper, brake line, and brake rotors and ensure they are in working order.
Physical inspection of brake components like brake pads and rotors is vital, as these components deteriorate after a while and will require a replacement. Remember that wear and tear occur to these components due to friction. Routine checks are vital as per your vehicle service manual.
A consequence of an effective braking system is heat, and lots of it when the brakes are in use. This heat over time wears out the efficacy of the brake fluid and will attract moisture. This moisture can corrode the metal components of the braking system, reduce the boiling point of the brake fluid and ultimately reduce the overall effectiveness of your vehicle braking system. Your brake fluid should be inspected as per requirements of your vehicle manual and replaced/flushed when due.
Are you experiencing braking problems in your vehicle? Bring it over urgently to A1 Performance Auto Repair. Our Specialists and technicians will ensure you get the best automotive service experience.
by Admin | Feb 5, 2022 | Auto Care Blog
Your car battery goes through a lot during its lifespan. Car batteries experience severe temperature fluctuations throughout their life, which over time deteriorates their capacity. Such phenomenon is usually worse in hot weather conditions where a car battery’s lifespan can be as low as three years, compared to an average of six years in cold weather conditions.
In a running vehicle, the alternator charges the battery. If such a car is parked and left idle for some days (or weeks) without disconnecting the terminals, the battery will discharge to a point where it may be impossible to start the vehicle. Allowing such a scenario to persist will lead to discharge cycles that may render your car battery useless, and you will need a replacement.
Making Your Battery Last Longer
Your car battery is one of the most vital and critical elements needed to keep your car going. It is what powers the starter, spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors, and fuel pump at the first start of your vehicle before the alternator takes over.
One of the killers of a car battery is heat. Heat drastically lowers battery life, as it can cause the rapid deterioration of the battery fluids. Protect your car battery from excessive heat by parking in shaded areas or garages during the summer season. Using battery insulation covers can keep battery temperature at optimal levels, protecting the battery from extreme heat or cold.
The battery under the hood loses its charge when idle for an extended period as it drains rapidly. It is recommended that you start your car and take it for a ride once a week. When a car battery loses its charge completely, it will require a jumpstart to start the car.
Your vehicle should not have any electrical accessories running when the engine is off, like interior lights and the audio system. Ensure that the charging system components like the alternator are in good working order for a proper battery charge.
Following these tips can save you from embarrassing vehicle breakdowns and expensive repair / replacement. If you are not sure of your car battery’s health, bring it over to A1 Performance Auto Repair. Our Specialists and technicians will check your vehicle and give you the best automotive advice to get your car in good running condition.
by Admin | Nov 5, 2021 | Auto Care Blog
Tires provide the only connection you have with the road when driving. They are designed to have good handling, a safe ride, and good fuel economy. Improper tire pressure might cause premature wear to your tires and might become a safety hazard. You should know how and when to check your tire pressure, as this is an invaluable skill every motorist should have.
Preparations: Before You Start
The first information you should arm yourself with is the correct inflation pressure for the tires fitted to your vehicle. The tire’s proper inflation pressure of your car is on the driver-side doorjamb sticker. This sticker displays the tire specifications, vehicle weight restriction, and recommended tire pressure for the front and rear tires.
Another preparation is the means of checking the tire pressure. A tool called a tire pressure gauge gets the correct readings from your tire. The readout is usually in Pounds per Square Inch (PSI). There are three types: digital, dial, and internal slide gauges. These come in prices and features that suit your taste.
Checking Your Tire Pressure
You get accurate readings when checking tire pressure first thing in the morning when the tires are still cold, or 3 to 4 hours after you park your vehicle in a cool, shaded place. Also, ensure it is on a firm, level surface.
To start, get your tire pressure gauge. Ensure it is in good condition.
Get a note and a pen to record your readings. Go to a tire, remove the air valve stem cap, and keep it safe. Press the tire gauge against the exposed valve stem for a few seconds (not more than 5). Hearing a momentary hiss of air when the tire gauge is engaged is normal. Read the air pressure gauge and record value and tire location. Compare this value with recommended tire pressure and location (front or rear).
If the tire is over-inflated, release air in a short burst by pressing against the valve stem (but not enclosing it) and re-measure until air pressure is within specifications. Use a portable tire compressor (if available) to fill and recheck if underinflated. If you do not have one, drive to a tire shop to fill up to the recommended pressure (after checking the other three tires). Replace the tire valve stem cap.
You can repeat this process for other tires, including the spare tire.
When To Check Your Tire Pressure
You can make it a habit of checking your tire pressures once a month or after the vehicle has been parked for a long time (over a month). Also, check if you ever run over a sharp object or hit a curb. Taking care of your tires and checking tire pressure from time to time is good to guarantee safe and dependable vehicle performance.
by Admin | Sep 20, 2021 | Auto Care Blog
There are several moments that are quite embarrassing to the vehicle owner, and an overheating engine is at the top pile. It can cut your summer road trip short and put your family in an awkward position. But it is preventable with regular maintenance.
The combustion process in an engine is extremely hot but necessary to produce power, and the heat escapes the engine compartment through the cooling system. However, this system can experience a problem and cause overheating.
Signs and Causes of Overheating
Several things could go wrong with the cooling system. The radiator fan can stop working, or there could be a leak somewhere, or even the coolant hose could be broken. But whatever the cause, an overheating engine is not something to overlook, rest you end up with a toast for an engine.
A common symptom of an overheated engine is smoking steam from under the hood. Depending on your vehicle model, the engine temperature gauge shoots to red or H, and you may notice a strange smell.
What You can do
Immediately switch off the AC and crank up the heat to reduce stress on the engine. Of course, you will be a bit hot, but that is a very small price to pay compared to a major engine fix. Identify a safe spot to pull over and kill the engine.
Normally, an hour or so should bring down the temperatures completely. Check the coolant level and top it up. This will protect your engine until you can get the vehicle fixed. But this quick fix won’t do much good if there is a clog in the coolant hose, and the same case applies to a broken water pump or radiator fan.
Next, plan to get the vehicle to your mechanic, such as calling a tow truck, a friend, or a local road assistance service. You can also restart the engine and drive to the nearest repair shop. However, keep an eye on the temperature gauge and pull over when the engine overheats.
