by Admin | Jun 20, 2022 | Auto Care Blog, Auto Mechanic, Uncategorized
Early discovery of transmission issues can save you big bucks in repair bills. Transmission failure is not hard to detect when you’re keen enough. Don’t wish the problem away when you notice something is amiss because it will not.
Visit your garage service when you notice any of the following symptoms.
Leaking Fluid
A pool of reddish fluid under your car is the most straightforward indicator of identifying a transmission problem. Let your mechanic know when the trouble starts, and they’ll check the transmission fluid level.
Burning Smell
A burning smell is a powerful indicator of something wrong with the transmission. The transmission may be overheating, or the transmission fluid may be burnt and old.
Dragging Clutch
A failure to disengage the clutch disc when you press the clutch pedal causes a clash of the gears. The leading cause of a dragging clutch is clutch misplacement and mechanical failure.
Difficulty in Switching Gears
When changing gears becomes a daily struggle, your transmission system is in the process of giving in. Sometimes, it could be you’re using the incorrect type of transmission fluid, or the transmission fluid is leaking somewhere.
Slipping Gears
A slipping transmission is dangerous and a telltale sign that the system is broken. A delay in acceleration and general harsh response when shifting gears and revving indicate slipping gears.
Sometimes, the gear change will be unresponsive when moving from park to drive.
Noises when You’re in Neutral
Weird noises when the vehicle is in neutral are not a good sign. At the minimum, it can mean the transmission fluid is overdue for a change, or the system needs a check by a professional.
Other strange noises such as humming, clunking and whining when driving are not good signs. Let a professional have their hands on it immediately.
A1 Performance Auto Repair can check your transmission and repair it if needed. We can also inspect for other problems and ensure your car is whole again for daily use.
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 | Apr 5, 2022 | Auto Mechanic, Diagnose Car Problems, Uncategorized
When a vehicle’s engine is running, it produces a lot of vibration. An engine mount reduces these vibrations to acceptable and comfortable levels for the vehicle occupants.
If you notice an unusual vibration when stopped at a stoplight, it could be that an engine mount is failing. This phenomenon isn’t a cause for alarm, but you have to take care of it as soon as possible. Ignoring the issue could result in higher expenses in the future.
Engine Mount Function
Engine mounts secure the engine and transmission to the car’s chassis. They comprise rubber-coated metal brackets or bolts. The rubber in some of them has fluid-filled chambers. They stabilize the engine and transmission unit while absorbing vibration and resisting torque.
How Can You Tell If Your Engine Mount Is Failing?
When you stop at a red light, the first symptom is a shake in the steering wheel. If you move into neutral and the vibration goes away, this is a sure sign of engine mount failure.
If you ignore the situation, it will only get worse. The engine or exhaust may hit the undercarriage of your vehicle.
Engine mounts failures are difficult to see. However, if you can get your eyes on one (which generally entails going underneath the car), you may discover symptoms of wear, such as cracks or splits in the rubber sections.
Engine mounts can last a long time. You shouldn’t have any issues for at least five years, and some vehicles can last much longer.
What Does It Take to Replace an Engine Mount?
You do this (usually) from the vehicle’s undercarriage. The most critical thing is to keep the engine and transmission supported and off the mounts.
Each mount secures to the vehicle’s chassis and subframe, as well as the engine. To replace an engine mount, undo all bolts and move it out of the way.
Install the new engine mount in the same position as the old one and torque the bolts to the appropriate torque. Remove the air conditioner compressor and starter to access the mount (if required).
On most vehicles, replacing an engine mount is a quick job with the appropriate hoist or lift, engine support, and other tools.
However, if you try to do it in your garage or driveway, it might take several hours and put your finger, hand, or arm in danger of being crushed between the engine and the chassis. Instead, get someone to do it for you. If you require a skilled expert to handle this for you, our professional staff at A1 Performance Repair can help. Phone us right now, and you’ll be glad you did.
by Admin | Dec 20, 2021 | Auto Mechanic, Used Cars
Your car’s engine health is essential to its desired longevity and optimum performance. Engine maintenance is the inspection of various engine systems vital to its operation and replacing worn-out components as necessary, as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. These engine systems include ignition systems, air intake systems, fuel systems, and cooling systems.
A comprehensive tune-up is vital for today’s engines to ensure a cleaner, longer, and more efficient operation. There are many activities involved in an engine tune-up, and keeping track of your car’s maintenance schedule could greatly benefit the overall health of your vehicle.
Benefits of Having a Periodic Engine “Tune-up”
Not performing regular inspection and maintenance on your engine can hamper its reliability and efficiency. A well-tuned engine operates at optimum performance levels. You inspect engine components for wear and replace them as required. For example, in older vehicles, spark plugs work hard to create an electrical spark that ignites the gasoline–to–air mixture in the engine combustion chamber. Worn spark plugs affect the combustion efficiency and can make your engine lose power or even stall in some cases. Spark plug wires are also vital. They have to be able to transfer and withstand the voltage created by the spark plug. If they are old, they can burn out and cause a misfire.
Air and fuel filters are critical components you inspect during an engine maintenance. These two items can affect engine performance and gas mileage. Fuel filters help protect your engine’s fuel system. They trap dirt and other debris in your fuel and don’t allow them to reach your engine. Over time, a fuel filter will clog and won’t allow gasoline to flow freely. That alone can lead to poor acceleration and poor engine performance. Engines also require a free flow of clean air to operate. Outside air travel through the air filter and mixes with your vehicle’s fuel to power your car. Air filters trap the dirt and other debris from the outside air. Air filters can clog up over time, reducing your engine’s efficiency.
We recommend you bring your car in for a maintenance every two years for its first 60,000 miles and every year after that. You can save on labor fees by scheduling your other maintenance with your regular oil and filter change. Get your next maintenance 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 | Oct 20, 2021 | Auto Mechanic
The silicon chip shortage has hurt car sales. New and used cars are scarce to come by, and if you are lucky to get hold of one, their prices are currently going through the roof. There seems to be no end in sight, at least in the short term, so your current vehicle has become highly invaluable as they are now hard to replace.
You need your vehicle to be in a condition that would make it last as long as possible. Learning best maintenance practices to ensure you avoid costly breakdowns and downtimes can go a long way to assure you trouble-free driving during this period.
Treat Your Car Right, And It Would Return the Favor
These days, it is not unusual to see or hear of modern cars clocking 200,000 miles or more with the original engine, transmission, and bodywork. Modern vehicles are well built and are reliable. But getting the best from your car requires that you adhere to its service and maintenance intervals religiously as specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
Some tasks are required to maintain your car. You can check the fluid level and condition of your engine, transmission, coolant, and brakes at least once a month. Change them when due per your vehicle manual. You will be abreast of your vehicle condition and can help you detect potential problems before they arise. Also, all points and parts that need lubricating such as door hinges, and wheel bearings, can help reduce the risk of excessive wear.
Other items such as brake pads inspection, brake discs inspection, battery health, battery charge, parking brake inspection and adjustment, tire inspection, and rotation proper tire inflation pressures can help assure safe driving and reduce suspension wear.
Cleaning your car regularly, including the underside, ensures that no build-up would facilitate rust. Clean the inside, as this provides you with a clean vehicle cabin during your drive time. Wax your car to preserve its shine every six months. Doing this helps in ensuring you have a vehicle that is pleasing to the eyes.
Taking great care of your vehicle is now more important than ever. And it’ll get you through the next year or two. Then you can get a brand new one!
by Admin | Jan 13, 2020 | Auto Care Blog, Auto Mechanic
The most popular vehicles owned in the Silicon Valley are Honda and Toyota models like the Civic, Camry and Corolla. But there is an unusual choice that is up near the top of the popularity chart and that vehicle is the Ford Pickup. Specifically, it is the Ford F-Series Pickup truck. No matter how popular this Ford choice is, it does have its issues. Here are some of the more common problems this vehicle has.
Typical Ford F-Series Truck Problems
Some people prefer the hauling conveniences afforded by driving a pickup truck. But when you don’t need anything big to haul stuff around the San Francisco bay area, you’ll pass on the popular Dodge Ram and Chevy Colorado options. It is the Ford F-Series that the city folk want.
The Ford Pickup truck is always the most popular smaller truck choice, no matter where you live. It has a reputation for being well-made, comfortable and affordable to buy and drive. But it does have its issues.
MyFord Touch feature working improperly
This problem is so common and so problematic that there is a class action lawsuit over it.
Frozen Door Latch
This door latch has been recalled.
Gearshift Recall
It is impossible to shift when this gearshift problem happens. 15,000 trucks have been recalled because of it.
Limp Mode
A malfunction of the Electronic Throttle Body causes a “limp mode” problem. Even if the problem goes away, it is not recommended to drive the vehicle after even 1 incident. This truck will suddenly lose momentum.
Where to Get Help
If your F-Series Ford truck has any of these issues and is still under warranty or if it’s a recall, then go to the nearest Ford Dealer to have it repaired. If you’re no longer under warranty, or you want to check out the truck before you buy it, we’re able to assess the situation. Just give us a call for an appointment.
