Category Archives: Automotive

Car Battery Maintenance Tips For Winter

Few parts of your car are as important as the battery, and winter’s cold temperatures can put a strain on it. A little preventive maintenance can help keep your car’s battery running strong all season long.

Corrosion on the battery terminals creates resistance that forces the battery to work harder. Clean the corrosion with baking soda, water and a toothbrush, then smear petroleum jelly on the terminals to prevent it from returning.

Check the Battery Charger

The battery needs to be at a full charge before the cold weather hits. Frequent short trips, stop-and-start traffic and the additional electrical loads of winter accessories like heated seats and defrosters can leave your battery in a low state. A maintenance charge will help restore reserve capacity and prevent sulfation that can damage the cells within the battery.

Before charging the battery, make sure to remove any mud or other debris from the battery terminals. Also check the points where the cables connect to the battery. If you see excessive corrosion, especially a white or blue powdery substance, this could indicate the cables are not properly connected and should be cleaned or replaced.

Put on gloves, and disconnect the negative cable first (marked with a minus sign or NEG). Then, attach the charger’s red clamp to the positive terminal of the battery, and the black clamp to the negative terminal. Set the charger to its slowest charge rate.

Clean the Battery Terminals

During the winter, corrosion can form on the battery terminals increasing electrical resistance. This can lead to your car battery not starting and is easy to prevent with basic household products. First, make sure your vehicle is turned off and open the hood. Check out Car Battery Maintenance Winter for more info!

Start by removing the battery cables from the battery terminals. Remember to always disconnect the negative cable (marked with a minus, or -) first and then the positive one (marked with a plus, or +). You can use a wire brush while wearing personal protective equipment or consult our Safety First manual for step by step instructions.

Next, use a mix of water and baking soda to clean the corrosion off the terminals and clamps. After you’ve cleaned them, wipe them down with a rag and allow them to dry. Finally, dab a little petroleum jelly on each terminal to lubricate them and help prevent corrosion. You can also buy car battery terminal cleaner at your local Les Schwab.

Get a Thermal Blanket

As batteries age, they lose their ability to hold an electrical charge. This loss of power can cause slow engine cranking or even a failure to start the vehicle at all. If you’re noticing these symptoms, consider having your battery tested to get an accurate read on the battery’s status.

Make sure the ignition is off and all accessories are turned off before testing your battery with a multimeter. Open the battery’s vent caps and carefully place one lead of the meter on the positive terminal and the other on the negative terminal. A healthy battery will show around 12.6 volts with the engine off.

If the battery doesn’t pass this test, it’s probably time to replace it. Some parts stores can also perform a simple battery test that will give you a good idea of your battery’s health and lifespan. Most stores also offer free battery recycling. Just be sure to recycle correctly as batteries contain dangerous acid.

Test the Battery

Ideally, your battery should be tested at least twice a year. It’s important to know your battery’s condition so you can anticipate when it will need to be replaced, especially during winter when cold temperatures and hard vibrations can quickly kill it.

Obtain a digital multimeter that can measure voltage. Be sure to select one with a wide range and that the probes are color-coded (red is positive, black is negative). Wearing nitrile gloves and eye protection, remove the battery’s terminal caps. If there is a lot of corrosion, loosen the terminals using a wrench or automobile-safe pliers and clean them with a solution of water and baking soda.

Place the multimeter’s red probe on the battery’s positive terminal and its black probe on the negative terminal. Observe the reading and make note of it. A healthy battery will display a reading between 12.3 and 12.5 volts under load, while a weak or dead battery’s reading will drop below 9.6 volts.

The Benefits of Regular Car Detailing: Why It’s Worth the Effort

Car detailing helps owners enjoy their vehicles and maintain resale value. It involves cleaning, restoring and protecting interior and exterior surfaces. It also includes paint correction and protection.

Most DIYers start their detailing job by shampooing the carpet, but this pushes dirt from the dash, seats and door panels onto the freshly cleaned carpet. Professionals start at the top and work their way down.

Exterior

Most car owners think of detailing as a simple “wash and wax,” but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. To get your car to shine like the pros, it’s a much more involved process that involves pre-washing with acid-free degreasers and then pressure washing with specialized soaps. It also involves using iron dissolver to eliminate industrial fallout, rail dust and other hard-to-remove contaminants. Then, tar and glue remover is applied to stubborn spots. Finally, a clay bar is used with a lubricant to thoroughly clean the paint one panel at a time.

Typically, an entry-level sealant is applied to protect the finish and provide some UV protection, but for even more shine and protection consider upgrading to a ceramic coating! This coating is long-lasting and withstands harsh weather conditions. The wheels and tires are also cleaned and protected with a rubber, plastic, or fabric protectant. This helps to resist stains, repel water and mud, and looks great!

Interior

A basic car wash may clean the surface of a vehicle, but a thorough detailing job protects a car’s paint and interior so it stays in good condition over time. This helps preserve resale value and makes a car more appealing to potential buyers.

Detailers clean the inside of a vehicle with products and techniques that vary depending on the type of material, such as synthetic fiber carpeting and upholstery, leather or vinyl, wood, and plastics. This includes vacuuming, shampooing, steam cleaning, and the use of special tools to reach inaccessible areas such as between seat cushions.

The paint is cleaned using a variety of methods, including pressure washing and clay barring to eliminate bound contaminants that washing alone can’t remove. Then, a wax or sealant is applied to help protect the finish against the elements. Similar protection is applied to plastics, rubber, and chrome trim pieces. These processes can also correct minor flaking and scratches.

Engine

A clean engine bay demonstrates that you take care of your vehicle, which can increase its resale value. It also makes maintenance easier by making fluid leaks and other problems more visible.

Detailers start by misting the engine bay with degreasing solution and allowing it to dwell for 1 – 2 minutes. Then they use a brush to dislodge any visible buildup and rinse the area with water.

They may also spray a protective wax or sealant on the paint to help prevent future damage. Other services include conditioning the dashboard, cleaning vinyl surfaces and air vents to make sure every inch of the interior is clean.

Unlike car washes that use high-speed brushes to remove dirt and grime, detailing uses microfiber cloths and specialty tools like clay bars to gently break up embedded contaminants without damaging the finish or clear coat. It can even include a paint correction process to eliminate severe clear coat scratches.

Tires

A car’s tires are eye-catching, and a well-done tire detailing shows that you take your vehicle’s appearance seriously. Cleaning them requires a lot more than a simple hose-down, though. Using the right tools and techniques, you can transform your tires into beautiful and captivating assets that elevate the look of your entire car.

Modern tires are made of complex blends of natural and synthetic rubbers, fillers, metals, and other construction materials. Only about a third of a tire is actual rubber, while steel and textiles make up most of the rest.

A tire’s age is typically marked by an indent on the side of the tire with a number inside an oval. The last digits of this number tell the date the tire was manufactured (as required by the U.S. Department of Transportation). This is sometimes referred to as the “DOT code”. This information is useful when purchasing new tires because it will help ensure that you’re getting a tire with the proper load capacity and tread pattern for your car’s needs.

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The Local Detailers – Auto Detailing

Email: info@localdetailers.ca

Phone: 4039039452

Url: [https://localdetailers.ca

]https://localdetailers.ca

412B 36 Ave Se

Calgary, AB T2G 1W4

The Role of Motorcycle Exhaust Systems in Reducing Heat and Improving Longevity

As your car combusts fuel to generate power, it produces toxic gases that need to be removed. A well-functioning exhaust system ensures that these byproducts are mitigated, excessive noise is reduced and the flow of fumes is optimized for engine performance.

Most drivers know about the muffler, but there is much more to your exhaust system than just pipes. Let’s take a look at how it all works together, so that you can be more informed when talking to your mechanic. Click here to find out all about exhaust.

Pipes

The pipes are the most visible parts of your exhaust system. They are long and curved, and they connect the other exhaust system components together.

They route reaction exhaust gases away from the engine, through the muffler and out the tail pipe. They also play a role in engine performance, as well. The diameter of the pipes impacts back pressure, which can affect fuel efficiency.

Pipes are made of aluminized or stainless steel to protect against rust and corrosion. They are shaped and bent to minimize restrictions and improve flow. They can be joined with flanges, hangers and gaskets. Since these exhaust pipes live under your car, they are exposed to a lot of hazards: rocks, dirt, road debris, construction materials, old shoes, boxes and more.

Manifold

Like an exhaust funnel, the manifold collects fumes from engine cylinders and directs them to an exit known as the front pipe. It is the part of the exhaust system that sends toxic engine emissions to a catalytic converter and turns them into less harmful gasses.

The type of material a manifold is made from will determine its fluid compatibility and performance. Aluminum, ductile iron, plastic and steel are common choices.

One of the most dangerous problems a car owner can experience is an exhaust manifold leak. This is usually caused by corrosion or a breakdown in the gasket materials. This can cause the vehicle to stall and lose power. A mechanic can usually fix a leaky manifold by replacing the gasket or repairing the damage to the manifold.

Catalytic Converter

A catalytic converter is the emissions control device that turns noxious gases like carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen into less toxic gasses. This device uses ceramic honeycomb structures coated with precious metals (mostly platinum, rhodium and palladium).

It uses oxidation and reduction chemical reactions to reduce these harmful gasses. The reduction catalysts use platinum and rhodium to reduce nitrogen oxides, while the oxidation catalysts use palladium and rhodium to reduce carbon monoxide.

This is a complex process that happens in an extremely hot environment. It’s no wonder that this exhaust system part is one of the most often targeted for theft! It’s important to note that the catalytic converter works most efficiently after your car has warmed up. This is why your check engine light might come on right after you start your car.

Muffler

The muffler is a noise-reducing component within the exhaust system. It uses a series of chambers to organize and tune vibration sounds, as well as to reduce the flow of exhaust gases in order to maximize fuel efficiency.

The sound of your car engine is determined by the type of muffler and its construction. There are many different designs available for mufflers, including chambered mufflers that use baffles to reduce the sound and offer a balanced tone. Performance mufflers, often used in conjunction with resonator mufflers, are designed to minimize back pressure while reducing specific frequencies to enhance the engine sound.

A muffler can have a dramatic impact on your vehicle’s gas mileage and performance. That’s why it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance and repairs on this essential car part.

Tailpipe

The last component of the exhaust system is the tailpipe, which extends out past the rear bumper and directs the gases away from your car. It may also serve as a decorative element and is often adorned with a chrome tip.

The muffler and resonator both reduce engine noise and help improve gas flow, while the catalytic converter filters out harmful pollutants. These systems are vital to maintaining your vehicle’s performance and improving the environment.

The flanges, clamps and hangers that connect these components ensure airtight seals. If your exhaust system isn’t functioning properly, it can have a significant impact on the vehicle. You might notice dripping liquid from the exhaust system or hear it dragging on the ground when the pipes aren’t connected properly.

When to Seek Professional Help: Signs You Need a Mechanic

Every car will need maintenance and repairs over time. It’s important to find a shop you can trust for the long haul.

Be sure you get a written estimate that clearly shows the work to be performed, the parts needed, and the labor charge. It should also include the odometer reading when the vehicle was dropped off and when the repair order was completed. Click on auto repair for more relevant information!

Engine

The engine is the heart of your vehicle, powering its movement and functionality. It’s also a complex machine with lots of moving parts that rub against each other, creating friction that causes wear. Over time, this friction can lead to poor performance or even engine failure.

A full rebuild involves disassembling the entire engine, then cleaning and inspecting each part for cracks, scoring, or excessive wear. Any parts found to be outside factory specifications are replaced with new, precision-calibrated replacements.

A piecemeal repair is typically used for worn-out or damaged parts that aren’t essential to the operation of your engine. For example, you might replace the oil pump or cylinder liners if their current condition isn’t too severe. Taking this stand-alone approach can help you avoid the cost of buying a whole new engine later on.

Transmission

The transmission is the crucial component that takes power from your engine and transfers it to your wheels. It can be repaired or replaced to restore your vehicle to normal functioning.

Repairing the transmission typically requires the use of specialized diagnostic tools. These can include computerized scan tools to read the trouble codes stored in your car’s computer, which may reveal the cause of your problem. A visual inspection is also conducted to look for signs of damage or wear.

A road test can help your mechanic observe your transmission’s performance while driving the car. This can identify problems that may not show up in a stationary diagnostic test, such as shifting problems or unusual noises. Regular maintenance and immediate attention to any problem can lengthen the lifespan of your transmission.

Brakes

The brakes are one of the most important parts of any vehicle. They must be inspected, repaired or replaced and fully lubricated regularly.

A good test of the brakes is to notice how the steering wheel vibrates when you step on the brake pedal. A shaky car or steering wheel is often due to bad brakes and needs repair right away.

Other signs of brake problems include a hard to press or sinking brake pedal. A burning smell can indicate that the brake fluid is overheated. Brake system warning lights are present on most cars and will tell you when it’s time for a service. However, any brake repairs that go beyond the basic maintenance should be done by a professional. This includes issues within the master cylinder that aren’t easy to see or diagnose.

Body

Using hand and power tools, you remove and replace damaged body panels. You also repair or replace plastic trim and moldings, such as those on the doors and fenders. You may disassemble parts to gain access to areas you cannot reach by other means and use various welding techniques to reshape metal.

You inspect completed repairs for quality, and you work with customers to communicate repair procedures and costs. You also prepare surfaces for painting by sanding and applying body filler.

You are familiar with safety regulations governing the use of paint and thinners, and you follow those standards. You keep your tools and equipment clean and report any problems to management. You work in a well-organized and spacious repair facility. You may work alone or alongside other technicians and professionals.

Electrical

Modern cars are reliant on electrical systems for everything from powering the horn and radio to driving the engine. If one of these components fails, it can lead to a wide variety of problems.

These systems are protected from overloads by fuses, which can only handle a certain amount of current. When a fuse blows, it indicates that the wiring is attracting or carrying too much current, which could potentially harm or short circuit other components.

While some car owners might try to fix their own electrical issues, it’s best to leave these kinds of repairs to a professional. There is a reasonable chance that doing so could damage your expensive electronic components and potentially cause a fire. A qualified auto electrician can fix these problems quickly and affordably.

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Garage111 Performance | Auto Repair & Tires Calgary

Email: info@garage111.ca

Phone: 403-214-0078

Url: https://garage111.ca/

412 36 Ave SE

Calgary, AB T2G 1W4