Posts Tagged ‘garage’
Sunday, August 8th, 2010
Vehicles on the road today have a much more complex and sophisticated system than in yesteryear. Cars today generally have a four wheel hydraulic braking system, to exert pressure on all four wheels, allowing the car to stop in a straight and even line.
One simple question to ask most motorists. When was the last time you changed your hydraulic brake fluid. Brake fluid, is inexpensive yet deteriorates over time with dirt, moisture and humidity. You would think that simple routine “bleeding of the brakes” to drain out the brake fluid, and then replace it with new fluid would be a standard auto repair service. Hydraulic brake fluid should be replaced on a standard 2 year schedule. More often perhaps in cases of extreme service - taxis, police cars, vehicles in frigid cold winter climes. Yet most vehicles enter the auto junkyard with the exact same brake fluid which filled their car’s brake cylinders, reservoirs and brake lines when the automobile was manufactured at the factory level.
Periodic brake inspections are a must for safe and efficient brake operation You want to maintain your vehicle so that your brake system can stop you quick and straight. This is even more vital for events which deal with roadside and roadway safety. Shinder says that the safety brake inspection must not only be routine and on a regular and ongoing schedule but also more than through. Expert mechanics as well as highly trained and experienced dealership service writers often advise that is the best plant for the technician as well as any supervisory staff who are involved in the actual work or delegation of the brake system safety and wear inspection process develop a checklist in order that no areas of important are overlooked. Pilots have check lists to prepare for their journey and so should you. It is common and prudent sense.
When you step on the brakes momentum throws most of the automobile’s weight in a forward direction. Approximately 60 % of the braking force generated in a vehicle is created and exerted by the front wheels, as opposed to the rear wheel brake system. For balanced braking it is necessary to have greater braking and stopping capacity at the front end of the car. Thus in the development and manufacture of autos and automobile models generally disk type brakes are employed at the front wheels, with less expensive older style drum brakes at the rear.
Lastly when it is all said, done and completed a road test must be performed. Drive the automobile - be it car, truck, bus or S.U.V. to test brake action and confirm that all is in good and safe order overall expert’s advice that the automobile product should stop quick and smooth during the testing drive - quickly as well as smoothly. There must be no tendency to “dive” or pull to one side or the other. Its all about routine maintenance and safety on the roads.
Vancouver Coquitlam Chevrolet Pre-Approved Credit Center
Tags: auto, auto dealer service department, auto insurance, auto repair, auto safety, auto service writer, automobile, automotive, automotive brake systems, dealer, garage, transportation
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Sunday, July 18th, 2010
The last thing on many an avid amateur mechanic’s mind is safety. Yet have a vehicle roll on you, or roll down the driveway to collide with anything else and your day week, or month can well be ruined. Never mind the explanation to auto insurance or MPI autopac insurance agent, adjustor or having to make an unnecessary claim on your home or auto insurance.
First of all take the time to remove all jewelry such as rings, watches and bracelets before starting work. Do not wear loose fitting clothing, ties scarves or coats that might get dangled up in a pulley or drive belt.
What are some safety precautions that backyard and do-it-yourself mechanics and budding service technicians should employ as a matter of standard procedure and course?
It has to be said and driven home to never ever run an engine inside a closed garage. You would think that this would be the first rule of auto maintenance and repair. Yet many try to get away with -”I will just run the motor for a second” is sometimes the refrain and excuse. . Buildup of dangerous and deadly CO, (that is Carbon Monoxide gas), and gas fumes are odorless and color and can be lethal. If you must run the engine, simply open the garage door or alternately vent the fumes outside with a length of tubing or hose.
Similarly when workings with batteries always remember that they contain sulfuric acid, so treat them with great respect when handling them. Be careful not to upset the battery, or to spill acid on the automobile’s finish when installing or removing a battery. Protect your hands with rubber gloves and your eyes with goggles. Corrosion on the outside of the battery case can leave an acid residue that will and can eat holes through clothing so it is best to not use Sunday best when doing battery work. Play it safe out there when working on and repairing autos.
Eagle Ridge General Motors New Cars Specials
Tags: auto, auto finance, auto financing, auto insurance, auto service, auto service centers, auto trades, auto transport, automotive, garage, new car dealership, transportation, travel
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Sunday, June 27th, 2010
A clean and well maintained car sells easier, sells and trades in for more cash and makes any negotiations selling or trading in your vehicle a lot easier and better. So why don’t more auto owners take better care of their automobile overall when it comes time to simple cleaning of the exterior of their vehicles? Is it laziness or is it a matter that they are too busy or simply do not care? The sad fact is that many auto owners’ especially first time buyers simply do not know the simple rules and ease of washing a car. It’s easy and fun if you know how.
Ultraviolet light - U.V. light, can cause in chemical terms oxidation. Oxidation, in chemical terms, can be explained a chemical breakdown in paint pigments. You may well have noticed the results of harmful chemical oxidation on appearance of your vehicle which you drive proudly.
Firstly you can take your auto to a commercial car wash. These can be “full service” that is a full wash with a team of cleaners in and out. This is nice, impresses many women as they have visions of such a “team” fully and thoroughly cleaning their home in such a manner - sweeping through home like a tornado. You will get a clean vehicle but it’s a little bit pricey and if you live in a smaller center you may not have such a full service “car wash” in your area. Next in line you can visit a self service car wash. Usually these have high pressure nozzles, along with a vacuum cleaner to allow you to vacuum your vehicle’s interior fully, wash with the high pressure nozzle with a cleaning brush to wet your vehicle with soapy hot water, spray the vehicle and dirty areas with the high pressure nozzle spraying out hot soapy water, and finally rinsing your auto’s exterior fully. Lastly many commercial do it yourself automobile “buggy baths” provide you with a final spray wax finish to leave a beautiful sheen on your now clean auto.
What are the basic steps of washing your auto? First Park the car in the shade. Second using a garden hose and plenty of cold water, rinse the entire exterior surface of your auto. Third comes the “car washing’. Fourthly the rinse off. If you have been using detergent to wash your car, it is very important to use the hose fully, or alternatively several full pails of clean water and clean towels to rinse each and every panel or section as you go along. You will find that by the time you have finished washing and rinsing your complete car , as well as complexly rinsing each and every section of your vehicle fully, that most cars , not unlike dinner plates in a dishwasher , will be “spotty” and “spotted” - that is water spotted. What to do - rinse your car again and follow the chamois drying instructions in the last paragraph below.
Lastly it is not only your vehicle’s exterior which keeps you traveling down the highways and byways easily, comfortably and reliably. No doubt about it that your car, truck or SUV takes an ongoing beating and pounding day in day out. Make it a regular and ongoing point to conduct ongoing and regular maintenance checks. Professional semi trailer drivers do it as a matter of course and habit and so should you. Check fluid levels for battery, brakes, steering and transmission. Of course check the level of your engine oil and change it regularly according to your vehicle’s manufacturer and your auto’s drivers and owner’s manuals. If it doubts double check at the service or sales dept of your local authorized automobile dealership. Inspect your engine’s hoses and belts for wear, tears and rips. Have these replaced if necessary. Check the air pressures of your tires. If you are unfamiliar again visit the service department of your local auto dealer or a local tire shop. They will be only too happy to assist you. Lastly change air filters - both engine and cabin if dirty or clogged. Preventative maintenance is always safer, less stressful and ultimately less costly and expensive on the auto ownership budget.
Eagle Ridge Chevrolet ChevAuto Weekly Deals
Tags: auto, auto insurance, auto maintenance, auto repair, auto sales, autobody, automobileauto detailing, car, dealer, garage, summertime, truck
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Tuesday, March 30th, 2010
It is often more than amazing. Motorists will spend a fortune purchasing and dolling up their new vehicle but will often scrimp on basic maintenance and care in order to keep their vehicle and its seasonal parts up to snuff.
Generally it can be said that the two most frequent causes of breakdowns are either running out of gas and flat tires. While it can be said that in 2010 with cell phones readily available as a standard communications and safety for most motorists and the general public that help in the form of local CAA, AAA, auto manufacturer or big box store roadside assistance or available tow truck can be had readily easily if not in a flash, that it never hurts to carry an empty, gas can - just in case of emergencies like this. Either it may come in handy for you, or to help out another stranded motorist on the road. A word of caution though. Never carry that gasoline container full of gas. It’s a safety and fire hazard in your trunk.
It seems now that virtually every new engine, transmission or other major components now installed in foreign and now standard North American - USA, Canadian and Mexican made NAFTA vehicles are made to metric standards.
Carry an old towel as well, in these situations and regards, since installing tire chains can be a most wet and dirty job. A word of seasoned advice, from a professional driver well knowledgeable about roads and automotive repairs is that if you have never accomplished this task, under duress, then you may well want to practice ahead of time on a dry day in the comfort of your driveway, or perhaps in a parking lot on a quiet Sunday afternoon. You might even want to keep your tire chains easily stored away in an old duffel or gym back. Old hockey bags are great for this purpose. This way they are easily spotted in a pinch and well will not be a nuisance either in your trunk, or truck storage areas.
No doubt about it. Your basic auto tool kit and first aid setup can both be a convenience and a lifesaver to the average motorist - yourself and your family included.
Edmonton Truck Service Center
Tags: auto, auto insurance, automotive, dealership, diesel, garage, gas, GM, insurance, maintenance, repair, transportation, travel, truck, trucking
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Thursday, December 31st, 2009
The history will never forget how Studebaker created their name in producing wagons in 1852. They started making electric automobile and gasoline-powered cars in 1902. Studebaker stood out in the market because of their quality and reliable cars that became famous in making new speed records. Though they experienced trouble after uniting with Piece-Arrow in 1933, they still able to survive through the released of the 1930s Depression.
How was it that this simple “wagon maker”, well known and respected who actually made Abraham Lincolns horse drawn wagon entered the automotive field? Studebaker was an early innovator experimenting, producing and selling electric and later gasoline powered cars. Indeed Tomas Alva Edison himself (read the well known American innovator and inventor who laid the foundation for the great General Electric GE Company of our day), purchased the second vehicle built a produced by Studebaker. Studebaker lived on, kept innovating, and was known for its reputation of well designed, innovative and reliable American built vehicles.
Studebaker survived the lean economic times of the 1930’s ,merging with the luxury US automaker Piece-Arrow , during this troubled economic time period of the “Great Depression”. Perhaps such spunkiness , stick to it ness and determination might be a business model that the North American based auto industry could take great lessons from in the current shakeup , shakedown and troubled times of the North American auto industry.
Studebaker went on through its history releasing a number of products - some of whose names live on today in the nameplates of other vehicle manufacturers. The “Champion” in 1930 , postwar models with advanced styling and the famed “Starlight ” model with its rear windows enclosed from door to door. Take for example the brand name “Land Cruiser”. This was one of Studebaker’s 3 boxes like models which included the Studebaker “Land Cruiser “, “Commander” and “Champion Models”. All might be considered early on prototypes for current SUV models with extended rear doors, longer wheel bases and hoods alongside incorporated full length front fenders.
Studebaker can never be replaced by today’s high technology cars. They started from a small company and became famous of their quality designs, and reliable models.
Eagle Ridge GM Vancouver Auto Dealer
Tags: auto, auto insurance, automobile, Avanti, carguys, classic, dealer, garage, hobbies, insurance, management, Studebaker, truck, vintage
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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009
The Duesy. The Dusenberg fine automotive creations. These legends have not only entered the American if not European and worldwide vocabulary as “Its a Doozie”. On top of that the impact of the Duesenberg Motor Company live on today in the likes of many replica large touring cars that you may see the likes of Winnipeg’s famous scion Peter Nygard.
The Duesenberg’s were designed by race car builders and hard running pioneers August and Fred Duesenberg. Indeed the great Duesenberg J series cars reflected the pair of brother’s racing backgrounds. Duesenberg J models incorporated such advanced features of their time as straight eight engines, double overhead camshafts and even four valves for each cylinder - which was indeed a power seeking as well as expensive innovation for its day.
The Duesenberg J was the creation of Mr. Errett Lobban Cord , who gained management and ownership control of the Duesenberg Motor Company of Indianapolis in 1926 and made it an integral component of its his Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg empire. This great automotive industry pioneer said himself many times that his vision was to father a home gown domestic American car that was as best as the world could produce. To this day many would still believe that the Duesenberg was of course of European - German, American or perhaps Italian vintage and origins. Even the name of the automotive creation Duesenberg belies this point and viewpoint.
Duesenberg took great effort and detail to make extensive used of the then exotic and advanced high tech metal aluminum in its Model A’s engine. Aluminum was by then virtually unknown in the automobile industries - being in the domain of high tech and advanced aircraft industry domain. The uses of aluminum in the Model A overall mechanical detail included the power train’s piston as well as intake manifolds. The Model A weighed in at approximately a hefty 3700 pounds or 1700 kilograms gross vehicle weight overall. Horsepower was then rated at a generous and racy 87 horse power with a total and full engine size displacement of 4.3 litres. Two valves in the cylinder were actuated by a single overhead camshaft driven by bevel gears with its vertical shaft being at the front of the engine itself.
Yet as is always interesting in the automotive market it was a business people along with marketing staff that brought the wonderful auto creation to fruition not off all things the racing pair of the Duesenberg brothers. Cord immediately initiated the design of the Model J super car. The rest as they say is simply history and historical fact of the future mainstay of the American economy - the automotive industry.
Manitoba Automotive Financing and Vancouver B.C. Automotive Info
Tags: Americana, auto, auto insurance, automotive, bailout., car, carguy, dealer, Duesenberg, Dusenberg, entertainment, garage, Hollywood, insurance, vintage
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Monday, November 23rd, 2009
It amazes many who live in warmer climes that those up north regularly as a matter of course as a vehicle owner have to get their “car ready for winter”. Many think its simply a matter of checking your antifreeze coolant levels in their radiators , making sure that that windshield washer antifreeze is good for 40 below zero , that their batteries hold a good charge ready to start their vehicles on the coldest January Northern Alberta night and lastly that their interior heaters work “just right”. Few think of their tires when it comes to the pre-winter seasonal tune ups at their local garage or auto dealership.
Some people and authorities will hold that all season year round radial tires are “just fine”. Others will say not and that you need a distinct set of tires for the winter-time season , these are referred to as “Snow Tires”. To the greatest extent it depends on what geographic areas that you live in and traverse, your climate and your driving habits and trips. You may have roadside assistance offered as part of a package from your new or used car dealer that you purchased your auto , tires or battery from , but why take the chance of inconvenience and delay ?
One point to note and remember - winter tires , can be noisy on dry pavement - never mind the clicking sound emanating from studded tires at high traffic speeds. On the other side of the road so to speak - the nosier the tread design or designs the overall better performance on the roadway by your wintertime tires in the snow. Compromise to reduce noise also reduces tire and vehicle pulling power in loose snow and mud driving conditions. All in all it can be said by auto service and vehicle safety experts , that full-circle , welded-lug chains provide several times more pulling power than even the most highly rated , and expensive snow tires , but are of course a lot less convenient and even unsightly for automobile owners and motorists.
In terms of tire” studs” as mentioned earlier that due to their destructive affect on highways and roads many locales do not allow the use of studs or “studded wintertime tires” on their roadways. Note though that if allowed in your driving areas - that on both packed snow and ice these devices work very well at reducing stopping distances.
In terms of tire chains the experts state that all considered that the welded lug types are the best type to purchase and choose if you do install and use the chains often. This can well be the case if you live in an area of the Rocky Mountains or are planning a ski trip to Banff , Lake Louise or Montana. Consider also the the overall convenience to motorists of chains involved for simple , simpler and easy to install alternate models, These models are a very good choice for the driving demands of many drivers and motorists that can easily and simply be installed without jacking up or moving your vehicle - be it truck, car or S.U.V..
Wintertime Dodge Ram Truck Winter Tires Studs ChainsNorthern Alberta and Winnipeg Used Auto Info
Tags: auto, auto insurance, automotive, bodyshop, budget, cellphone, dealer, garage, insurance, maintenance, safety, snowtire, tires, winter, women
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Monday, October 12th, 2009
by Syd U. Dithers
Driving along in their vehicles - be they truck , car or van most standard homeowners or automobile owners think little of their automotive cooling system in their vehicle until either disaster or inconvenience results. It might be overheating and a major repair bill at the dealership or it be a cold drive on Alberta winter highways with no heat output from their vehicle’s interior heater.
Its like brake or transmission in a vehicle - be it car , truck or SUV. Few think about their fluid levels or the last time maintenance was done on the vehicle. Add in the fact that the car or truck is second hand or used and its anyone’s guess. Yet it is a simple and easy matter to check fluid levels and the protection afforded to cold weather freeze-up of the coolant fluids.
How can anyone be taught how to check the coolant level. Simply open up the engine hood when your car has been sitting for a couple of hours. Look for a coolant canister . Its the overflow bottle container and looks simply like a plastic jug. If you do not know how to open your hood - often bonnets today can be a puzzle to open - then consult the auto manual that came with the car , online , or at the worst call your factory dealer or local garage. Just have your auto make , model and year available handy. To judge fluid levels simply look on the side of the coolant overflow container. There will be a marking “cold” or “cold fluid level”. Simply compare the two marks - that of the level of the fluid in the coolant container and the mark on the side of the bottle. Do you have an adequate amount ?
Maintenance of proper fluid levels and an adequate amount of antifreeze is everything. You will maintain your engine and transmission within proper temperature ranges. The benefits - less wear and tear on your engine itself , no heat damage or buckling from excessive heat of engines running “hot” as well as the convenience of sufficient heat from your interior heater of your passenger compartment.
Most of the problems we encounter both in life and as auto owners are relatively simple and come down to basics. In this case its a matter of proper ongoing maintenance of your vehicle’s cooling system. If you are unsure of the steps and procedures ask professional help . Your local mechanic , a neighbor or the service department of your local nearby car or truck dealership will be only too obliging to help you out.
Tags: auto, auto financing, auto insurance, automotive, car, credit financing, dealers, family, garage, home, transportation, truck, women
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Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
by Syd U. Dithers
When most drivers think of their autos cooling system all that comes to mind is their radiator ” the humble rad. The cooling system of your car keeps your autos engine within normal ranges and provides you both comfortable maintenance free driving and heat from their interior car heater during the cold winter time or to defrost their windshield.
Its like brake or transmission in a vehicle - be it car , truck or SUV. Few think about their fluid levels or the last time maintenance was done on the vehicle. Add in the fact that the car or truck is second hand or used and its anyone’s guess. Yet it is a simple and easy matter to check fluid levels and the protection afforded to cold weather freeze-up of the coolant fluids.
How can anyone be taught how to check the coolant level. Simply open up the engine hood when your car has been sitting for a couple of hours. Look for a coolant canister . Its the overflow bottle container and looks simply like a plastic jug. If you do not know how to open your hood - often bonnets today can be a puzzle to open - then consult the auto manual that came with the car , online , or at the worst call your factory dealer or local garage. Just have your auto make , model and year available handy. To judge fluid levels simply look on the side of the coolant overflow container. There will be a marking “cold” or “cold fluid level”. Simply compare the two marks - that of the level of the fluid in the coolant container and the mark on the side of the bottle. Do you have an adequate amount ?
Maintenance of proper fluid levels and an adequate amount of antifreeze is everything. You will maintain your engine and transmission within proper temperature ranges. The benefits - less wear and tear on your engine itself , no heat damage or buckling from excessive heat of engines running “hot” as well as the convenience of sufficient heat from your interior heater of your passenger compartment.
Most of the problems we encounter both in life and as auto owners are relatively simple and come down to basics. In this case its a matter of proper ongoing maintenance of your vehicle’s cooling system. If you are unsure of the steps and procedures ask professional help . Your local mechanic , a neighbor or the service department of your local nearby car or truck dealership will be only too obliging to help you out.
Tags: auto, auto financing, auto insurance, automotive, car, credit financing, dealers, family, garage, home, transportation, truck, women
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Sunday, September 27th, 2009
by Lawrence U. Olson
When it comes to that “puddle” under your vehicle - be it car, truck , SUV or even highway transport rig that liquid under the vehicle or oil stain should not be ignored. It can end up costing you transport delays , safety issue and a lot of cash out of your wallet.
Make it a point of your daily driving routine to check for vehicle leaks as well as to verify fluid levels of your vehicle. Its just part of regular preventive maintenance.
Check the fluid in your radiator. Its easy to do spot by the level of the fluid in the overflow tank under the hood. Its more than easily apparent. Never ever open the rad cap when the engine is hot or even on the warm side.
Next in line is brake fluid. Loss of brake fluid can be downright dangerous as you may well have lost braking ability. Transmission fluid loss can lead to mechanical failures down the line. It can be checked via dipstick under the hood. Both transmission and power steering fluids are similar products ” a light oil type liquid usually with a reddish, almost rose color. Gasoline itself can leak from a tank. You should be able to discern and odor if gas leaks. Take great care as gas itself is very flammable, and on top of that a gas leak can lead to an engine fire.
There are a couple of type of engine and auto fluids that can leak, that which though not as common can be troublesome and as well should draw notice and attention. Simple motor oil leaking from the oil drip pan on the bottom of your auto engine. These are downright unsightly and will stain driveways and roadways. Its usually a slow leak, which does not drain the engine but will do damage to property and cause unsightly stains.
All in all , checking fluid levels and watching out for leaks is simple , standard and thorough maintenance. The sign of a good driver.
Tags: auto, auto insurance, auto news, automotive, consumer, dealer, garage, home, insurance, news, suv, transport, truck, usedcars
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