Saturday, October 31, 2015

Five Factors That Affect Oil Change Intervals


Because modern vehicles are stronger, cleaner, and more durable than those of yesteryear, most automotive experts believe that changing motor oil every 3,000 miles is overkill. Depending on the make and model, some cars and trucks can safely travel upwards of 5,000 miles between changes. Car owners' manuals are starting to reflect this growing consensus with longer oil change intervals. There are, however, exceptions that may affect manufacturer's recommendations. Here are five of them.

1. Hard Driving

Almost as important as the actual mileage is the type of driving an owner does regularly. If he uses the car or truck to tow a trailer or pull heavy loads, that will invariably put more stress on the engine, causing it to operate at higher temperatures. Because extreme heat destroys the lubricating ability of oil through excessive oxidation, it will need to be switched out more often. In addition to towing heavy loads, driving on bumpy, unpaved road surfaces often puts more stress on the motor, causing it to run hotter than it normally would.

2. Environment

For obvious reasons, higher engine temps are more likely when it's warm outside. If you reside in a region of the country that experiences year-round warm weather, oil change intervals should be shortened. This is true whether you engage in hard driving or not. It is also important to note that environments that are very dusty and/or polluted can increase the risk of fluid contamination. In other words, there's a greater chance your motor oil will get dirty and need to be replaced. For those living in dusty desert towns or in polluted cities, it's often a good idea to visit the service station every 3,000 miles.

3. Short Commutes

It might surprise you to learn that a short daily commute may actually be harder on your engine than a slightly longer one. The reason? Because short trips do not give your motor the time it needs to reach an optimal operating temperature, lubricating fluids may be degraded. What actually happens is that excess fuel spills into the crankcase, diluting motor oil. This excess fuel is needed because cold engines require more gas than warm or hot ones. Spilt fuel can also break down the lubricating chemicals in the viscous liquid.

4. High Performance

If you have a turbo-charged engine, it will run hotter, on average, than a regular one. Even if you use synthetic liquid blends, it's probably a good idea to shorten oil change intervals with these vehicles. This is particularly true if you live in a warm environment, drive hard, or tend to travel over the speed limit for protracted periods of time.

5. Engine Age

With all other things being equal, the more miles you have on your odometer, the dirtier your motor will be. As such, the liquid that is used to lubricate moving metal components will get dirtier faster. Because dirty motor oil does not have the lubricating ability of clean fluid, it is more likely to cause friction that can do damage to vital engine parts. For this reason, change intervals should be shorter for high-mileage vehicles.

All drivers should consider these five factors before calculating a safe, reliable service schedule for their vehicle.

To learn more about options for an oil change, visit http://etddiscounttire.com/oil-change-service-new-jersey.
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Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Mercedes-Benz TV: Mercedes-Benz 300 d: “Only Original Once”.



One of approximately forty-five 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 d, Robert and Janet Eng’s “Mercedes Adenauer” is certainly one of the best restored of the original fleet. With an appreciation for the care required to refurbish a family heirloom, JG Francis from Mercedes Motoring helped to bring the “Adenauer” out of its post in the Eng family’s garage, and back out onto the streets where it belongs. Today, the couple has little respite from the throngs of classic car fanatics eager to buy the immaculately restored vehicle.

Sunday, October 25, 2015

4 Maintenance Tips to Keep Cars Running Over 100,000 Miles


When they've just been acquired from a dealership, new vehicles usually run very smooth, the engine giving everything it has throughout the RPM range, shocks are nicely absorbed by the struts and coils wrapped into the suspension mechanism, and fuel consumption sticks to the data found on the brochure. However as years pass, cars tend to grow old just like we do; components start to gain wear and perform with reduced efficiency.

Still, in the same way we take care of our bodies in order to live past the average life expectancy number, proper maintenance can keep a vehicle rolling the tarmac for years and thousands of miles. Here are 4 key maintenance elements to consider if you want your vehicle to run more than 100,000 miles.

1. Oil, Fluids and Filters

In order to run, a car needs fuel. Also, it needs to breathe and to provide minimum friction for the inner dynamic components of the engine. That is why replacing fluids and filters and respecting maintenance intervals are a critical step in ensuring an extended lifetime for any vehicle. Normally, the only fluid that must be changed on a regular basis is motor oil. Others, such as gearbox oil, coolant or brake fluid must be refilled to their optimum level if the level drops; otherwise, there is no need to tamper with them. Don't try to be cheap when replacing motor oil on your car! Go for a product that matches settings written in your car's service manual. Other oils may be cheaper or work better in other vehicles but may produce lower performance on yours.

Replacing motor oil means you will also have to replace the oil filter. Again, don't try to save a few dollars by acquiring a cheaper, low quality product; you will save more on the long run with a performance oil filter. Remember that your car also owns a fuel filter, an air filter and a particle filter. Remember to replace those as well, according to the service interval mentioned in your car's service manual.

2. Brakes

Once you've ensured your car is running smooth and at full capacity thanks to its new filters and oil, it is highly recommended to make sure you can get to a full stop just as well as you can accelerate. Again, take your car's service manual and check the indicated maintenance period regarding the vehicle's braking system. If there's none, make sure to check the wear level of your brake pads and replace them when they become thin. Also, after a few tens of thousands of miles, it is highly recommended to replace your brake rotors as well; they may take longer to wear but they aren't indestructible either.

3. Timing belt

A timing belt that ruptures while the engine is running at a high RPM's is a mechanical nightmare. If it happens, chances are your intake and exhaust valves will damage, pistons may crack and your engine may have to undergo a very expensive repair process. If your car features a chain drive, you don't have to worry about this. Still, since there are many cars using a timing belt, replacing your old belt with a new timing belt kit on a regular basis is highly recommended. Replacement intervals differ between car brands and models, so you'll have to look up yours in the service manual or online. The interval is measured in miles, so check your odometer from time to time.

4. Tires

Your car's enhanced braking system is useless unless the vehicle has a strong grip with the ground. Given that the only elements able to provide such grip are the tires, make sure you keep an eye on their wear level. Use a cheap tread-depth gauge to measure how much tread your tires have left. A low tread increases chances of aquaplaning and tire failure. Depending on where you live, season-appropriate tires should be used; you should own a winter as well as a summer set of tires if you live in a climate with four seasons.

Finally, remember to inflate tires to the appropriate pressure mentioned by the producer. This will ensure it will use the whole treat surface and increase mileage as well as grip.

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Thursday, October 22, 2015

Volvo Cars: A Future With Self-Driving Cars. Is It Safe?



Industry thought-leaders, policy-makers and journalists joined Volvo at the Embassy of Sweden in Washington to discuss the future of autonomous cars.

Monday, October 19, 2015

The Top Eight Check Engine Light Issues


According to CarMD's 2013 Vehicle Health Index, the cost for car repairs has increased 10 percent this year. Putting off car repairs is a bad idea because unfixed problems often lead to repairs that are more expensive. If the check engine light comes on in your car, take the car to a qualified mechanic immediately. Here are the top eight most frequent reasons for the check engine light activation.

1. Oxygen sensor failing

Oxygen sensors keep engines performing at peak efficiency levels, and they manage emissions. O2 sensors monitor gasses leaving the engine. Engines need exact ratios of fuel and air for the most efficient operation. Malfunctions can drop your fuel economy by up to 40 percent. Engine performance is also negatively affected.

2. Ignition coil problems

Ignition coils take electric current from the battery and ignite the spark plugs. Without properly functioning coils and spark plugs, the electric current powering your car's engine are disrupted. All the parts in the car's electrical system take a lot of wear and tear from the electricity passing through them.

3. Spark plugs and spark plug wires

Along with the ignition coils, spark plugs and wires are critical components of the vehicle electrical system. Symptoms of problems with plugs and wires include rough engine idling, engine misses or pings, erratic engine power including power losses and power surges. When engines misfire, fuel economy drops. Ignoring spark plug and plug wire problems can permanently damage the car's catalytic converter, leading to very expensive repairs.

4. Mass airflow sensor malfunctions

The mass airflow sensor, or MAF, measures the air coming into the engine and calculating how much fuel to add to the mix. This data goes to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Without correct information from the MAF, the ECU cannot correctly balance or deliver the right amount of fuel to your engine. The result is very poor engine performance and 10 to 25 percent decreases in fuel efficiency. Replace this critical component immediately if it begins to fail.

5. Faulty vacuum hose or evaporative emission control system

The evaporative emission control system (EVAP) of a car keeps gasoline vapors from the fuel system and gas tank from release into the air. Leaking vacuum hoses and vents, defective valves and faulty gas caps all contribute to EVAP system problems.

6. Exhaust gas recirculation valve and ports are dirty

The exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) controls your car's emissions and helps cars run more efficiently. Rough idling, engine hesitation and misfires can indicate an EGR problem. Worsening performance and fuel economy often result from EGR problems. Often the components of the EGR system are dirty or clogged.

7. Catalytic converter failures

Catalytic converters are often the most expensive mechanical repairs made to vehicles. As a part of the exhaust system, it converts dangerous chemicals in car exhaust into less harmful compounds to release into the air. Catalytic converters should last for the lifetime of the car. Most problems with catalytic converters come from underlying problems such as those that occur with bad spark plugs or ignition coil problems.

8. Dead battery and charging system problems

Most cars have computer systems that monitor voltage in the electrical and battery systems. The computers activate the check engine light when anything appears amiss in the charging system of the car. High temperatures in the engine compartment contribute to rapid aging of batteries.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com
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Saturday, October 17, 2015

The First-Ever BMW M2. Official Launchfilm.



BMW M has a new member in the M family: The first-ever BMW M2 Coupé. Be one of the first to see it. It offers 370HP, 272 KW, 500 NM. The newly developed six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and three-litre displacement accelerates the BMW M2 in just 4.3 sec from 0-100 KM/h. The result: 07:58 min. at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The first-ever BMW M2 Coupé sets the benchmark of outstanding driving exhilaration, instantaneous experience of dynamics and agility in the compact high-performance sports car segment.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Keep Your Brakes Responsive With A Brake Fluid Flush


One of the most important systems on any car or truck is the one that lets us slow down and stop when necessary. Most of us take our brake systems for granted until we find ourselves in a situation where we are driving down a steep grade and need to slow down to stay safe. The brake system is made up of a number of essential components including brake pads, calipers, rotors, brake master cylinder, and brake fluid. Brake fluid has been referred to as the life blood of the system as its job has to do with both protection and facilitation. Let's get familiar with hydraulic brakes and find out why it's important to have the system flushed at scheduled maintenance intervals.

Slowing down and stopping are almost involuntary activities that most of us don't even think about when we're out on the road. However, there are a number of processes happening every time we push down on that pedal. When the brake pedal is pressed, a piston rod is pushed into the master cylinder which allows fluid to move into a hydraulic line. Hydraulic lines or hoses can be made of stiff or flexible materials. Engineers have designed most brake lines with minimum flexibility in mind. This type of construction helps to keep fluid inside the line as expansion is outward instead of flowing towards the caliper.

Calipers work in various ways. Cars with hydraulic brake systems use a disk and the caliper sits on either side of a rotor. The master cylinder connects to the caliper. When fluid goes through the line into the caliper, pistons inside it are activated and move inward to the rotor. Brake pads are located between the rotor and pistons. If your car has hydraulic drum brakes, the caliper or wheel cylinder is inside of a metal drum. Rather than pushing inward, the pistons move outward to depress brake pads on the inside of the drum instead of the outer side of a disk.

When you press down on the brake pedal, you will feel resistance as your vehicle slows down. This pressure is the result of hydraulic brake fluid which provides the required force for all the mechanical processes to take place. This means that brake fluid is also essential for your safety because without it, the brake system on your car or truck will not work properly. This specialized fluid is designed to protect metal brake system components from rust and corrosion by absorbing moisture. Over time, the fluid can absorb so much moisture that it becomes saturated. Brake fluid can also break down over time due to extreme heat. Contaminated and worn out fluid can cause the brake system to be less responsive. The solution to this problem is to have the system flushed..

The basic procedure for flushing a hydraulic brake system consists of pressurizing the brake master cylinder and adding fresh brake fluid. At the same time, the brake lines underneath the vehicle will be opened to allow the old fluid to be drained and discarded. This preventive maintenance procedure will restore braking responsiveness, stop corrosion, and help prevent unnecessary breakdowns. As a general rule of thumb, the hydraulic brake system should be flushed every 30,000 miles. You can also ask your local certified repair shop to test the health of your brake fluid. The owner's manual should also contain a detailed schedule of all necessary preventive maintenance procedures.

http://www.mainstreetshell.com Main Street Shell Service is a full service auto repair shop and STAR certified smog check station in Santa Maria, California. We also offer a full line of preventive maintenance services for your transmission, power steering, cooling system, and brake system. For more information on the hydraulic brake system flush, please visit us at http://www.mainstreetshell.com/preventive-maintenance/brake-fluid-change-santa-maria/
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Saturday, October 10, 2015

Volvo Cars: Developing Our Next Generation



Full control. High-speed stability. Intuitive handling. We’re redefining the next generation Volvo driving experience using the world’s most advanced Vi-Grade chassis simulator.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

4 Reasons Not to Wait to Check Your "Check Engine" Light


I see it all the time. The customer limps his car in, shaking and shuddering every time he pushes the gas pedal. I could almost write a script - "It seemed to be running OK, then all of a sudden..." After asking a few questions, though, it turns out that it wasn't "all of a sudden."

"Has the check engine light been on long?" I ask. "Well, about a month I guess, but it was running fine so I didn't think anything was wrong", they respond. After checking the codes stored in the computer, it reveals a bad oxygen sensor and a failed catalytic converter, which means for whatever reason the air and fuel entering your engine doesn't burn thoroughly enough, potentially causing gas to enter your exhaust. This gas ignites in the exhaust system, which causes your catalytic converter to melt down, which then plugs the exhaust, which basically means you aren't going anywhere too fast. $800 to $2000 or more later and you're back on the road.

The unfortunate thing is if he had checked it a month earlier, a $200 oxygen sensor may have prevented the problem from getting that bad in the first place.

1. Save yourself a lot of money - your check engine light is called a warning light for a reason. Sometimes you may physically feel a problem, but more often than not you won't. Anything left unattended to could possibly cost you big time down the road. It is true - an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

2. Save yourself a lot of time - I had a fleet customer recently who had a crew driving a work truck several hundred miles to a job. Unbeknownst to him, the check engine light was on the whole time, and eventually caused a major engine failure which required a new engine. Not only did it cost him thousands of dollars, his truck was out of commission for over a week, when it could have originally been fixed in an hour.

3. Save yourself a lot of extra work - in many states, a check engine light is an automatic failure when you go to get an emissions test. Once your car fails, you have to have the problem repaired, and then it has to go through something known as a "drive cycle", which basically means your car has to go through several different conditions to verify it is working properly before the computer resets and allows the emission test to pass. This could take days or weeks, depending on how the car is driven. After all that, you then have to start the process all over by getting it retested at the emission inspection station. Hope it passes this time!

4. Finally, save yourself a lot of stress - I don't know about you, but just the thought of the first three reasons stresses me out. Why not go ahead and bite the bullet, figure out what it's going to take to fix the check engine light, and hopefully save yourself a lot of unnecessary money, time, extra work, and stress!

On a final note, if your check engine light is flashing, that is your cars way of saying, "HEY! you better hurry up! This could be bad!" This typically means you have a severe ignition system misfire, and that could add up to a whole lot of number 1-4, when a simple tune up with new spark plugs and wires (or coil boots, depending on your system) might fix everything.

Don't let your check engine light cause you extra money, time, work or stress. Give us a call or check us out at http://www.wtstandard.com
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Sunday, October 4, 2015

Porsche 911 (993) Carrera 2 Varioram Tiptronic LHD Walk Around



Here is a short video of a Porsche 911 (993) Carrera 2 LHD tiptronic we currently have in stock here at Williams Crawford. Adrian Crawford is providing the vocal description.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Techniques To Extend Auto Transmission Life


The transmission system of a vehicle is made up of a huge number of components. Naturally, this makes the system highly complex. For the system to run successfully, there has to a perfect synchronization between all these components. Hence, if in order to make the transmission system work for long, it is necessary to take care of each of the components on a routine basis. Let us discuss some of the techniques that will help in doing that.

Make sure that the level of fluid is maintained

There is a need to make sure that the level of fluid is maintained at an optimal level for the spare parts to work efficiently. Due to usage over time, the fluid level tends to decrease due to use. However, if there is any leak or crack then it may be the reason enough for drastic loss of fluid leading to decrease in the level of fluid.

That is the reason it is imperative to regularly check the level of oil or fluid. There is a pair of dipsticks that you will find in close proximity to each other. They will act as the yardsticks the measure the level of fluid. This will surely provide an indication about the level of fluid that the system contains. However, before the level is checked, it is compulsory to switch off the engine at least a minute in advance.

Besides, there is an ardent need to check the color of the fluid other than the amount. In perfect condition, the fluid will have a reddish tinge. However, if something goes wrong the liquid will turn brownish or muddy. That is a clear enough indication that the fluid needs to be changed. For that, you need to refer to the user's manual and follow each and every step thoroughly. Also, it is wise to stick to the service schedule chalked out by the manufacture to get the best results.

See if there are any leaks

It is necessary to keep a strict vigil on development of leaks, for leaks cause extensive as well as expensive damage to the vehicle. Now the question is how to know about the development of leak or crack? Well, the first and foremost sign is that there will be droplets of fluid falling on the road. That is an early sign and this is to be taken into account. There is need to take care of it and see whether it is the result of any faulty steering problem or a leaking transmission system and take evasive action without any delay whatsoever.

Take care of trivial issues without any delay

The system may at times develop snags and cause troubles which though not major can be quite nagging at times. These may well be the early signs of a fast deteriorating transmission system. Do not ignore them and take evasive actions without any delay whatsoever. This will not only extend the life of the system but will help you in a substantial amount of saving. You must keep in mind that though auto transmission repair is an expensive affair, there are issues that when detected early can be fixed without much expense. After all, "a stitch in time saves nine".

Allen T Smith is an experienced auto mechanic who has specialized in transmissions repairs in Sydney. The person is also associated with one of the most famous repairing company of automotive transmissions in Sydney.
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