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A mechanic’s auto shop is the perfect place to go when your trusty vehicle needs a fix. Always choose the most trustworthy shop before leaving the car for repairs. Read on to find tips on how to find the best and most economical repair shop.

List down all possible auto shops you may want to visit. You could get information of different auto repair shops through catalogs and on the internet. This process is good since you can instantly pick the best one. This is beneficial because it will also allow you to see which shops are the closest to you.

Call the repair shops you have chosen. Tell them about your vehicle’s condition and ask them the kind of service they could offer. Call them using your landline or email them. Then let them know you are working with a budget. Because if you do that, hopefully it will give them a good idea if they can get you in that price range.

Since you are making a comparison among repair shops, you need to consider the fees and charges they offer. One or more auto repair shops may have the same services but they differ on the price. Our aim is to always be on the economical side.

Check back on your list of shops. Check on the testimonials that others have for the shop. A good and reliable service of an auto repair shop reflects on the comments of previous customers. This would help you make your final decision. Because what previous customers say about a company always is the best way to find out if they are good or not.

always think things through before choosing the shop. Do not just take one repair shop the moment you need to repair your vehicle. Proper selection will always pay of in the end. Choosing wisely would provide you the best way to feel a full satisfying auto repair shop service.

Use the best mechanics with our San Diego auto repair. Get your car smogged at our San Diego smog check.

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Transmissions are one of the most complex systems under the hood. In fact, that’s the reason many auto repair garages will refuse to work on them. Some might perform minor repairs, but will refer you to a transmission shop for anything more extensive. There are a lot of parts involved in the system, and mechanics hate to cause bigger problems.

This level of complexity often makes transmissions one of the least understood components to drivers. Adding to the confusion, they’re designed differently. Some are designed for front wheel drive while others are designed for rear wheel drive. In this article we will look at some of the differences. I’ll describe your transmission’s job and help you decipher the pros and cons of a RWD and FWD.

Understanding Its Job

Your car’s engine generates power through its 4-stroke combustion process. That power must be delivered to your drive wheels in order to turn them. Also, it’s worth noting that your engine has a range of RPMs in which it operates at maximum efficiency. Your transmission has two jobs. First, it needs to deliver the power generated by the engine to the drive wheels. Second, it needs to perform this task while keeping your engine operating within its optimal range of RPMs.

This is accomplished through several gears. In low gears, the engine must turn more quickly in order to power the wheels. In higher gears, it doesn’t have to work as hard. The transmission helps the engine advance from first gear to higher gears while keeping your car moving at higher speeds.

RWD Versus FWD

If your car has rear wheel drive, the transmmission will be located on the back part of your engine. A drive shaft will connect it to the rear axle. As your engine generates power and turns the crankshaft, that power is transferred though the transmission to the drive shaft and ultimately, to the rear axle. The rear axle spins, which causes your tires to rotate.

While the concept behind the power flow is similar, a front wheel drive car works a little differently. The transmission is still located near the engine. With the final drive, it forms a transaxle. A front axle forms a connection with the transaxle, which delivers the power needed to rotate the front tires.

To keep the explanation simple, I’ve ignored the torque converter. In reality, power travels from the engine through the torque converter into the transmission. The other components work as described.

Is One Better Than The Other?

Modern vehicles usually have front wheel drive. An FWD weighs less, costs less to manufacture, and usually delivers higher fuel efficiency. On the other hand, an RWD distributes the weight more evenly across a car’s frame, which improves braking ability. Plus, because the design is less crowded than an FWD, it’s easier to service without taking everything apart. In the end, when choosing between RWD and FWD, consider your driving needs and the factors on which you place a high priority.

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Technorati Tags: automobiles, car maintenance, car repair, Car Transmissions, cars, transmission, vehicles

One of the advantages of keeping your older vehicle is that you’ll avoid the high cost and monthly payments associated with a newer car (not to mention the depreciation). Having said that, components wear out after tens of thousands of miles and several years of use. Finding replacement parts that will put your vehicle back on the road at a price that doesn’t blow your budget can be a challenge. A lot of motorists look toward junkyards as a reliable source of used car parts. But, is it a good idea to buy them there?

This article will explore some of the advantages and drawbacks of purchasing used components at salvage yards. I’ll explain how these vendors have changed over the years and offer a few tips for chasing down the used car parts you need. We’ll also take a realistic look at the potential cost savings.

It’s Not Your Father’s Salvage Yard

If the last time you visited a junkyard was more than a decade ago, you may be surprised by the changes. Long ago, the carcasses of automobiles were strewn lazily throughout a plot of dirt. If you needed to find a particular component, you would spend time looking through the wreckage hoping to stumble upon it. Asking an employee for help was a hit-or-miss proposition; they would often be unaware of the items within their inventory.

Today, everything is computerized with each item stored within a database. Every radiator, passenger seat, water pump, and stereo knob can be accounted for with a few clicks of a button. If you need to find a specific item, you won’t be forced to spend hours digging through a dirty lot. Just ask an attendant to check the database. What’s more, a lot of salvage yards are now connected through a network. If one location cannot find a component in their database, they can check the databases of other locations.

How Much Money Can You Expect To Save?

Every junk yard is a little different with regard to pricing. The amount you can expect to save will vary based on the item you’re searching for. For example, you might save more on car seats than you do on fuel pumps. As a general rule, you should expect to pay 40% to 50% less than you would for a comparable new unit. A brand new “straight-from-the-box” alternator might cost $200. You can expect to pay 0 to 0 for the same brand and model at a junkyard.

An important point should be made here. Buying certain components from a salvage yard is risky because you won’t know whether there are defects. If you’re buying a rear bumper replacement or something else purely cosmetic, you don’t need to worry as much. However, brake systems, water pumps, alternators, and catalytic converters are more difficult to judge. One small defect can lead to a failure. I always recommend buying used auto parts that meet OEM standards. They’re far less likely to fail. Whether they’re new or remanufactured, the peace of mind they offer is well worth the higher price.

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Overhauling or replacing a transmission is expensive. This is partly due to the cost of the assembly (in the case of a replacement) and partly because of the specialized training required to take it apart, clean it, and reassemble it.

Most auto repair shops will agree to install a replacement part, but will refuse to perform a complete overhaul. In fact, many shops that specialize in tranny repairs will strongly recommend a replacement. This is because of the enormous amount of time and effort involved with an overhaul. A new model can cost 00 or more, which can be a problem. Even a remanufactured assembly can cost nearly as much.

Fortunately, many problems can be fixed without overhauling your transmission. In this article, I’ll describe the most common problems drivers experience and how they can be resolved. I will also outline the overhaul process mehanics use.

Leaking Fluids

One of the first signs of a leak is a small pool of reddish fluid on the ground directly underneath your tranny. Repairs may not be necessary if the leak is small and you’re willing to keep a close eye on the fluid levels. You’ll need to check the levels consistently; a loss of fluid can quickly lead to expensive damage.

if it is a substantial leak you should have a mechanic look at it right away. He’ll put your vehicle on a lift to examine the assembly from underneath. Once he identifies the leaks, he’ll reseal them. Most seals and gaskets can be resealed without the need to remove your car transmission. The exception is the front seal; if it forms a leak, there’s a high likelihood that your mechanic will need to remove the assembly to fix it. That can become expensive.

Odd Shifting Behavior

Under normal driving conditions, shifting should occur fluidly. However, when parts become worn, your transmission will begin to behave strangely. For example, hard shifting may occur where gear changes are accompanied by a jolt. Or, you might hear a high-pitched whine.

These are red flags - they indicate that there is something wrong. If your mechanic can address these issues early, he may be able to replace the responsible parts without taking the assembly out of your vehicle. If these problems aren’t taken care of they can lead to bigger (meaning more expensive) problems later. An overhaul or replacement may be necessary eventually.

What Happens During An Overhaul?

During an overhaul, your transmission is removed from your car and completely taken apart. Each piece is laid out, inspected, and cleaned. Parts that have become worn past the point of being useful are replaced. Also replaced are most of the seals, bands, and gaskets. Mechanics will typically discard your torque converter and install a remanufactured unit. Once everything has been inspected, cleaned, or replaced, the entire assembly is reassembled and placed back into your car. An overhaul is normally a long, costly, and labor-intensive process.

The takeaway is this: be aware of fluid leaks and odd behavior. If you notice them, have a mechanic take a look as soon as possible. You’ll prevent further damage and reduce the chances that you’ll need a new, remanufactured, or overhauled transmission.

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Millions of people are fooled into accepting the myths by commercial advertisement and untrustworthy mechanics. For example, the idea that your vehicle must have regular oil changes every 3,000 miles is an absolute falsehood. Similarly, your technician’s advice to have your radiator flushed once a year is more for his bottom line than for preserving your cooling system. Despite this, a lot of drivers spend unnecessary time and money following such advice.

Today, I’m going to describe 2 more common fallacies about car maintenance. These are myths that are perpetuated not only by your local mechanic, but by your dealership’s service technicians. Learn them and save your money.

#1 - Frequent Tune-Ups

Unless you’re driving a vehicle that was built when disco was still the rage, your car’s engine probably doesn’t need a tune-up. The service was performed in order to adjust the engine and moving car parts during a time when carburetors were installed in every model. The newer cars only need spark plug replacements rather then the old time traditional “tune-up”. And those just need to be replaced every 50,000 miles. Everything else - the ignition, fuel injection, and idling of the car engine - is controlled by computers.

Unfortunately, dealerships continue to tell their customers that they need to bring their vehicles in for a tune-up after 60,000 miles. It is not surprising. The bottom line is, it increases their profits.

#2 - New Air Filters

Think back to the last time you took your vehicle in for an oil change. Did the mechanic suggest a new air filter? Did he subtly imply that your car might sustain damage if you neglected to replace it? This is a common mistake. First, the air filter catches debris before it can enter the engine. Over time, the filter can accumulate so much dust and dirt that very little air can flow through. At that point, it’s a good idea to replace it. But, it takes a long time for the air filter to reach that stage.

Of course, that doesn’t stop auto technicians from recommending the replacement every time you visit. From their perspective, you come to their shop ready to spend $20 on an oil change and end up spending $40. It takes money out of your pocket and puts it in theirs?

Auto Maintenance Education Saves Money

Your vehicle requires ongoing preventative maintenance. That’s what helps ensure that it will last. But, it’s too easy to waste valuable time and money following bad advice from mechanics and dealership technicians. Remember, their goal is to increase their sales; many of them are willing to do it at your expense.

Chances are, your vehicle doesn’t need regular tune-ups. Nor do you need to replace the air filter as often as your mechanic might suggest. As always, follow your owners manual. It’s the best way to keep your car in great condition.

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Every minute you’re driving, your vehicle’s engine goes through its combustion process thousands of times. As it does, it produces intense heat. Nearly half of that heat leaves through the tailpipe and dissipates in the air. The other half must be absorbed by the auto parts that comprise your engine. That includes the pistons, the cylinder heads and other car part components.

On their own, these parts cannot withstand the high temperatures generated by combustion; they would start to malfunction and eventually fail completely. Luckily, your car has a cooling system. It is specifically designed to help these components soak up the excess heat without their being destroyed in the process.

Below, I’ll give you a brief overview of the three main car parts that make up your vehicle’s cooling system. I’ll explain the job they do and how they help ensure your engine doesn’t overheat.

#1 - Water Pump

The “secret” behind your cooling system’s effectiveness is the coolant. It circulates throughout the engine and surrounding components, absorbing much of the excess heat along the way. Then, it travels into the radiator which is cooled by constant airflow.

In order to circulate, the coolant must be pumped along its path. This is the job of the water pump. It’s powered by your car’s timing belt, though older models might have a flat belt that powers the pump. If the timing belt breaks, it cannot operate the water pump, which will ultimately prevent the coolant from circulating and absorbing the heat.

#2 - Plumbing

The reference is referring toward the components in which the coolant moves. That includes a network of hoses, valves, and the radiator. It also includes the heater core, but that’s less important for this discussion. We’re mainly concerned with the hoses. Because the hot coolant travels through them continuously, they deteriorate quickly. It is recommended that you replace your hoses at least every 3 years. However, you should check them for cracks and fissures every four months. The hoses are relatively inexpensive, so if you notice crack - even small ones - replace them.

#3 - Sensors And Thermostat

Your car’s cooling system is equipped with sensors, fans, and a thermostat to monitor and control the temperature around the engine. They work in congruent of each other to assure that temperatures stay with in a predetermined limit. If any of these parts fail, the temperature can rise higher than normal. When this occurs, your car’s performance will suffer and emissions will increase.

It is impossible to overstate the importance of your vehicle’s cooling system. When all the car parts are working in sync and perfectly, the engine will perform the combustions process without any problems. However, if the water pump, hoses or valves, or sensors or thermostat malfunction, your vehicle can overheat. And that can easily lead to expensive car engine damage.

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When you drive, your vehicle’s engine heats up. It can withstand a certain level of heat, but if the temperatures rise too high, the engine can become damaged. Your car has a cooling system to help make sure that doesn’t happen. The water pump is an important part of that system. It circulates coolant throughout your radiator and engine, and keeps the heat down. Unfortunately, like any of your car’s parts, it can fail. When it does, it cannot effectively manage the high temperatures that build around your engine.

In this article, I’ll explain how to replace your vehicle’s water pump. If you have never worked on your car, I recommend having a mechanic perform this job. It’s not difficult, but it can take a few hours and require a bit of experience.

The Preliminary Work

Before you replace it, you’ll need to drain the cooling system and get rid of the residual coolant. Place a large pan underneath the engine to drain the fluid. Next, take the drive belt off (you might need to remove the alternator). In order to gain access to the part, you may also need to take the pulley off.

Finally, take off the hoses which connect to the water pump. Keep in mind that hoses can deteriorate quickly. Since you’re removing them, now is a good opportunity to replace them. It is inexpensive and you are removing them anyway.

The Main Job

You’ll likely notice between six and eight bolts that are connecting the component to your car’s engine. In most cases, the bolts will be in two different sizes (automakers like to make these jobs tougher than they need to be). You will need a socket wrench set to remove the bolts.

Make a note of which bolts go where before taking them off. Then, once you have removed them, slip the water pump off the engine. Once it’s off, replace the gasket. You may want to use a little sealer to ensure that it bonds well. Next, install the new water pump and make sure that it aligns properly with the new gasket.

Screw all the bolts back in place manually before securing tightly with yoru wrench. That way, you insure a even tight and secure fit. Re-Connect the hoses you dismantled and replace any parts.e. alternator) that you needed to remove to gain access. Once everything is put back together properly, add new coolant to the cooling system.

Start your car and let it idle for a few minutes to allow the temperature to rise. Also, look underneath the body to make sure there are no leaks. Then, take the car for a 10 mintue test drive and look for signs of overheating.

Replacing your water pump is not a quick job. As noted, I recommend that most people ask their auto technician to handle it. That said, with a little patience, a few tools, and some experience, you can perform the job yourself.

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Being Savvy With Car Maintenance 

Some auto maintenance tasks are critical to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and lasts a long time. For example, getting oil changes every 5,000 miles, keeping the right amount of pressure in your tires, and changing your air filter occasionally are important. That said, there are plenty of car maintenance items that are a waste of your time and money.

The problem is that dealership service centers and local repair garages often give advice that is suspect. Much of what they say is to increase their sales rather than making sure your vehicle operates properly.

Because ongoing car maintenance is so important to the life of your vehicle, I’ll describe the tasks you should be doing as well as those which you can do without.

Mind Your Tires

Despite the myriad of parts under the hood, your tires on the only parts that actually contact the ground (hopefully). Check the pressure every few weeks. Tires will leak air over time; Tires should be filled with air to there standard settings. If they’re underinflated, the treads will wear down and you’ll end up replacing them far sooner than normal. Also, rotate them occasionally. The tires in the rear have more longevity than those in the front. Rotating them keeps the tread wear even.

Tune-Ups: Are They Necessary

If you’re driving a vehicle that is less than 10 years old, you probably don’t need a tune-up. The point of a tune-up is to adjust and recalibrate mechanical parts. These days, most of the parts (i.e. oxygen sensor, ignition switch, fuel injection system, etc.) are calculated by a simple computer. As a result, there is very little to “tune up.”

Regular Oil Changes

Years ago, when engines were less sophisticated and motor oil was less advanced, a trip to the oil change shop every 3,000 miles was a good idea. However, that’s no longer the case. Today’s cars only need to have the oil changed every 5,000 miles.

Maintain Your Brakes

Every time you press down on your brake pedal, your brakes experience a little wear and tear. If you neglect them long enough, you’ll eventually hear a painful grinding sound as exposed metal rubs against other metal. Visit a repair shop as soon as you notice any problems. If you catch it early enough, you may only need to have the pads replaced. If you wait to hear gringing, it's too late, the rotor may be damaged and needs replacement.

Change Your Air Filter

Your air filter has an important job: it needs to catch dirt and debris before it enters your car’s engine. Every time you are on the road, it performs it's job dilegently. The problem is that it gets clogged with debris over time. When that happens, air flow becomes restricted which can affect your engine’s performance.

Check the air filter each time you change the oil. Driving on dirty roads will increase the amount of debris you car sustains. They’re inexpensive, so they can be replaced without breaking the bank.

Your vehicle may handle perfectly, but all auto parts eventually are subject to break down due to wear and tear. Invest time on the auto maintenance tasks above to make sure your vehicle lasts as long as possible.

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Unlike Nickel-Cadmium batteries which are more resilient, lead acid batteries are quite finicky when it comes to working in optimum efficiency. They usually suffer a common chemical reaction called battery sulfation. If your car have repeatedly been hard to start due to battery problems, especially in the winter mornings, then your batteries have undergone sulfation.

Inside a battery, voltage and capacitance is generated between metallic plates and a liquid solution where the plates are suspended. In most common lead acid batteries, the lead reacts with the sulfuric acid found in the electrolyte solution and forms lead sulfate. This reaction is called sulfation.

This could happen to any battery. Those who are most prone to this kind of chemical reaction are those batteries who have been left unused for a long time like in storage rooms or just being displayed and not bought in a store.

The symptoms of battery sulfation are usually the same for most batteries. Your car starts with a little voltage then suddenly dies as if drained immediately of all its energy.

The lead sulfate that has formed from the lead and the sulfuric acid is a kind of precipitate which slowly covers the metallic plates in crust. A precipitate is a kind of rust, which instead of eating away the metal it has formed on, just covers it entirely.

Luckily, there are devices in the market that can reverse this chemical reaction. It “shakes” away the lead sulfate compound off of the plates and you’l find your batteries performing like before. You should ask your local mechanic about battery desulfators and don’t suffer anymore from dead batteries.

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