Tips on Car Suspension Maintenance

What is car suspension?

Suspension is the name of the system that connects the vehicle to its wheel. It comprises the springs, shock absorbers and the linkages of the vehicle to the wheels.  The car suspension is vital in the handling and the braking system of your vehicle which is a big factor in contributing to the safety and driving comfort of car owners.


What is the importance of vehicle suspension?

The importance of a car suspension is basically to provide a smooth ride while maintaining an excellent control of your car. This may seem simple but as the car accelerates, force follows creating great impact once the car gets into bumpy roads. This force then travels through the frame causing a hard bounce with the absence of proper suspension performance. Without the coil springs and the shocks, it may cause the vehicle to jump off the road causing discomfort and danger to the passengers. But with working suspension, you are assured of a smooth and safe riding experience.

The spring and the shock will absorb the strong force and firmly keep the tires steady on the ground providing everyone a smooth up and down bounce without the friction that causes the discomfort.  

What to check?

1. Shock Absorbers – Shock absorbers are important in determining the efficiency of your vehicle’s suspension. Most of the time, shock absorbers are checked every three to five years. Make sure to check for any signs of leaks or cracks of the absorber. If leaks or cracks are visible, then don’t waste your time and have it checked and repaired by your trusted repair shop right away.

2. Suspension Performance – It is important to check the performance of your suspension. You can perform a simple testing to check if it is still functioning well. By simply driving your car to a rough or to an uneven road, turn off the music and leave your windows open. While driving, try to listen to the sound coming from your wheel. If you hear squeaky sounds or screech, then lubricating your suspension can help. But if it’s a loud clunking noise, your suspension needs to be greased.

Next is to check for any vibrations coming from the wheels. If you feel any vibration, first check if the tires are properly inflated as under inflated tires may also damage the alignment or suspension. If after inflating the tires vibration still occurs, then you need to bring your car to your trusted mechanic and have it realigned.

The shock absorbers and the wheel alignment must be checked and repaired by a trained mechanic only. If you want to ensure your family’s safety and experience a smooth ride all the time, then do not leave suspension maintenance to “anyone” but only to reliable suspension experts.

Image Source: red86driver

Top 6 High Mileage Maintenance Tips For Your Vehicle

Anything powered by an engine requires maintenance at some point. This includes any car for that matter. Suffice to say, keeping a close eye to these facts and following a regular scheduled maintenance are vital if you want your car to function properly.

Keeping the high mileage of your vehicle at its utmost performance is an easy task to do. Here are some important tips you should keep in mind:

1.      Spark Plugs are good indicators whether your engine is in good condition or not. Inspect your spark plugs regularly to find out about your engine’s performance. From that, you can also determine where the other problems are coming from. Checking it is more important especially if your car is over 100,000 miles.

2.      Spark Plugs Wire Sets should be tested first prior to replacement. If resistance is palpable, you are sure that your spark plug wire needs replacement.

3.      Distributor Cap and Rotator are both made of plastic and may wear down over time. Having said that, regular maintenance of these parts is vital with the increased mileage of your car.

4.      Oil Filter, keeping them properly maintained prevents untimely engine wear. Keep in mind that oil filter keeps contaminants such as dirt and soot away from your car; hence, keeping them clean and fresh ensures quality and high performance of your engine.

5.      Air Filter, this part is your fuel injector protector and should be frequently checked out. With well-maintained air filter, you are assured that your BMW operates the way it should be…give you a smooth ride.

6.      Fuel Filter safeguards your fuel from dirt, keeping it clean and fresh. Keeping it clean means prevention from experiencing clogs and engine damage. Take note, for best performance, this should be replaced every 30,000 miles.

Those are the top 6 parts that car owners should conscientiously pay attention to. However, that’s not all. There are other parts also that are important in maintaining the high mileage of your car such as ignition wire sets, oxygen sensor, PCV breather filter, transmission filter, vacuum hoses, coolant hoses, temperature sensors, lubricants and belts.

Maintaining a high mileage vehicle is easy but requires your keen attention. However, keep in mind that there are other things you also need to consider on top of those parts I just mentioned above. Of course, you need to make sure to keep your engine clean. Keeping it clean means having a cooler engine and will likely hamper failure to other parts of your car or system.

Plus, make sure that you let a highly trained professional mechanic work on your vehicle. With your trusted repair shop and mechanic, coupled with good maintenance routine, your car will certainly give you a good ride for years.


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5 Car Problems That Only Auto Repair Shops Should Fix And Not Yourself

It is a common practice that car owners like to fix things on their own. This is good but keep in mind that not all car problems can be fixed by you. You may need some expert in this field to help you with these things. There are 5 different car problems that you shouldn’t fix yourself and must be checked by an auto repair shop.

5. Drivability Issues. If you notice that something is not right when driving your vehicle or see some unstable warning lights blinking, don’t just go and try to fix them. Today’s vehicles are manufactured with a more complex system; hence, it is unwise to think that it’s that simple. You may know a lot about cars, no doubt about that, but there are people who are trained to do these things. You may not know that what you consider to be simple and an easy fixing endeavor is actually a money pit for mechanics. For instance, all the while you thought the problem is solved only to find out that another problem emerges. This may have occurred while fiddling with your car’s components and got the system all mixed up instead, thus causing more damage.

4. Transmission maintenance or repair. Automatic transmission repair and maintenance should be left in the hands of a specialized transmission shops and skilled mechanics. Improper cleaning of the connectors and gaskets during transmission flushes may cost you more than having it seen by your usual auto repair shop.

3. Suspension Component Replacement. Replacing the suspension components such as the struts, shocks, control arms and bushings may seem easy to do. Repairs like this require you to have specialty equipment like a wheel alignment rack which you don’t have at home. So you might as well leave it to the pros to get the job done right. 

2. Timing-Belt Replacement. Typically, timing belt replacement is where expenses constantly incur..... The need for replacement usually takes place every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. As such, it is very tempting for homeowners to try and do it themselves. I suggest you don’t, as they are difficult to get to as it lies behind complicated items.  By simply making a little mistake doing this job can double or even triple your cost of a simple timing belt replacement by auto repair shops.

1. Overheating. Maintaining a cooling system is one job that a skilled car owner can easily do, given that they have the right tools. However, if the engine is already overheated, don’t you dare to still do it by yourself. You need a mechanic to properly diagnose the issue and address the damage accordingly.  

With computers that are attached to most everything in your complex machine,  don’t second guess your talent only to find the simple repair  is now going to cost  more than you expected.   Wise decisions are necessary when to know to leave the professionals  handle  certain repairs as in the long running of your car investment.  Remember, that skilled mechanics underwent extensive training and auto repair shops are equipped with the right tools which you don’t have at home. So for risky and delicate repairs, it is best to seek for proper assistance.

Finding Your Ideal Car Insurance Company is Like Searching for an Auto Repair

Just like when you are searching for a trusted auto repair in Arizona, finding an ideal car insurance company is also important.  Doing so is also going to take good research and your valuable time to find an appropriate car insurance company for your needs. As there are a lot of companies today that provide almost the same benefits in their car insurance, it could be quite challenging to find one that suits you. This is especially true since most of these car insurance companies are competing with one another and are willing to go the extra mile to get ahead of their competition. That is why it would be wise to make a list of important features that an ideal provider should offer.

Your list should be organized based on what is most important to the least when it comes to buying insurance. This should be done preferably before you have obtained a quote from any car insurance company. The traits that you should be looking out for from these firms should be things like coverage features that they provide. You could also compare the protection options for vehicles insured in the company, additional coverage and personal injury protection that can be obtained from a plan.

With these ideas in mind, you are able to make a wise decision in choosing a coverage that will give you the benefits you need. After conducting a comparison check either offline or online on the various features provided by each of the companies, you can then start on the different insurance quotes that your potential companies offer prior to you to making your final choice.

Acquiring list of insurance quotes from various sources is important because this is the step where you will be determining the amount of money you are capable of spending for your insurance. This day’s economy should prompt you to make the most out of your investments and making a list of quotes is going to shorten your list as well.

Go over the list of companies again. By now you must have narrowed down your choices and will be easier for you to pick the best. But before that, check their various features again including the money you are able to spend when going over the last few companies in your list for your decision. But one of the most important traits that you should look for in a car insurance company is their integrity. You can learn about this by checking out the reviews that the company gets online and what their customers have to say. These people will share their personal experience to others and is a great tool in deciding the acquisition of a product or service.

All these traits hold true in searching for an auto repair shop in Arizona. Record a list of options, compare, check their services,reading reviews from other people and more. Once every detail has been deliberately considered, then you are ready to pick your best choice and decide.


About the Author:
Howard J. Fleischmann Sr. is the owner of Community Tire Pros and Auto Repair...offering complete automotive repair as well as tire repair and replacement and service to both domestic and import vehicles.

5 To-Do Things When Choosing a Repair Shop

Going to an auto repair shop is a constant obligation we need to do to upkeep the condition of our vehicles. If you want to extend the life of your car and be able to drive smoothly around town or even out-of-town, regular check-up is a must. However, it does not mean that we will just pay them whatever they are charging us. Remember, every penny spent on the maintenance of our car is our hard earned money and we don’t want it spent on something more than what we ought to.

So how do we do that? Choose the right repair shop. Here are some to-do things you need to know before choosing a repair shop:

1.       Word-of-Mouth Recommendations

Compared to advertisements, by word-of-mouth coming from family and friends or acquaintances is by far the best way in finding a reliable repair shop. It’s not the size or the appearance that counts; what matters most is that people are and were satisfied during their visit on that particular shop.

2.       Inquire First

Inquiring smartly, that’s the key. It means before barging in for a repair you need to ask some important facts – Do they have a written warranty? What is its coverage and for how long? You may also want to know more about the business - How long have they been operational? Are there any promotional items or discounts they have? How long do they get things done?

3.       Compare Estimates

Being a potential client, you have the right to gather details and choose the auto shop that carries the best package. With that I mean, getting the most out of your money but it doesn’t mean that the auto shop with the lowest quotation is the right choice. Consider other factors and the overall pricing and determine what benefits you most.

4.       Working Atmosphere

Apart from rates and quality of service, having a friendly atmosphere in the workplace is also one factor you need to consider. You need to feel welcome and important and not like a money dispenser that is being ripped off by some repair shop.

5.       Follow Your Heart

Sometimes we don’t understand it but there are places or new acquaintances we meet that we immediately feel comfortable with. If you have that feeling for a particular repair shop, then follow what your heart tells you. Going to a place where your heart is makes you happy, right?

With these 5 tips, you will surely find the perfect shop that will help you with your car issues at the right price with friendly staff to accommodate your every need. If you are searching for an auto repair shop in Glendale, Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair is the place to go.

About the Author:

Howard J. Fleischmann Sr. is the owner of Community Tire Pros and Auto Repair...offering complete automotive repair in Glendale as well as tire repair and replacement and service to both domestic and import vehicles.

Image Source: Flickr.com

Peugeot RCZ Facelifted – Discover the New Features

If you want to see the new facelifted Peugeot RCZ, here it is…

You will find no changes in the overall shape of this car but details have been added and enhanced.

“The front fascia has been redesigned, the upper grille getting horizontal bars in satin chrome, the lower intake reshaped and stretched to incorporate the six outboard LED daytime running lights that Peugeot says are "subtly sculpted in the form of claws." Two headlight treatments will be available, either halogen set in "Aluminum" or directional Xenon bulbs set in "Titanium."”

You now have eight exterior color choices available to choose from, two of which are new.

“One of the most common items being added to manufacturer options lists is more options, and the RCZ is no different. Outside, Matt (no 'e,' curiously) Black joins the two other colors offered for the greenhouse arches, and customers have a choice of eight exterior colors (two of them new), three decal packs, a Matt or Satin finish carbon roof, laquered black grille bars, and ten alloy wheels in 18 or 19 inches, two of them new, in various finishes. Or they can make things easy and opt for the Black Pack, which gives the RCZ an almost comprehensive blackwash from the Matt Black roof arches to the side mirrors and brake calipers.”

“Inside, Peugeot Connect Navigation migrates from the 508 sedan to an option on the RCZ, bringing a seven-inch screen and all the expected audio and convenience connections as well as the Arkamys sound stage technology. Enthusiasts can choose a Sport Pack that swaps out for a smaller steering wheel, short-throw shifter and a Sound System package devoted specifically to enhancing the engine note inside the cabin.”

“On that engine note, powerplants in 156-horsepower, 163-hp and 200-hp outputs have carried over, but next year will see the introduction of a 1.6-liter THP four-cylinder with 260 hp. The most powerful engine Peugeot has ever put in a production car, it will debut in the matte black and copper RCZ R Concept at the Paris show, and will go into production with the RCZ R toward the end of next year. You'll find more details on the 2013 coupe in the press release below.”

Take a closer look at Peugeot RCZ...

Get to drive the new enhanced style of Peugeot RCZ in 2013 – sporty and elegance combined. 

Article Source: Autoblog.com

About the Author:

Howard J. Fleischmann Sr. is the owner of Community Tire Pros and Auto Repair...offering complete automotive repair as well as tire repair and replacement and service to both domestic and import vehicles.

Warning Signs of Brakes Wearing Down

Safe driving is not only about following the correct speed or following traffic rules – it is more than that. You must have at least an idea of the importance of your car parts particularly the brakes. Car brakes have also their wear and tear; you must know when the appropriate time to have it change or recognize signs of them wearing down.

Being a woman is not an excuse. You might think…oh, it’s my husband’s job to know that. Anyone who drives must be aware of these things. It is not necessary to do it yourself, as long as you know how to detect the need for a brake check-up is far better than driving around, obliviously putting you and your family’s life at risk.

Warning Signs

1.       Weak response when stepping on the brakes

If you notice that stepping on your pedal brakes is not as responsive as it used to then it is something to be considered. Or perhaps, it sinks towards the floor while stepping on it. Experiencing these scenario are indications that brake change is imminent. Reasons for reduced responsiveness of your brakes may include leaking in your brake system, air leak (hose), and brake fluid leak.

2.       Pulling Effect

Pulling effect means, if you try to step on the brake pedal and your vehicle is pulled to one side – it may be because of an uneven lining. There could also be presence of foreign matters in your brake fluid. That being said, your brake system may need adjustment or a need for fluid draining and replacement.

3.       Loud Grinding or Growling Sound

When you hear a sharp howling noise while braking – this means your brake pads are completely worn out. The growling noise is the result of the disc and caliper rubbing together. Ignoring this can scratch your rotors causing the uneven surface which will actually incur bigger expenses. Your mechanic will advise you to have your rotors “turned” or replaced. Turned is a process that evens the rotor surface.

4.       Vibrating or Pulsating Brake Pedal

Vibration is usually a sign of warped rotors although this could also mean a problem with the alignment.

If your anti-lock brakes are not engaged and vibration occurs while braking, this is a sigh of warped rotors. Severe use of your brake system (steep-mountain driving or towing) causes warped rotors. Activities like driving in steep mountains or towing and the like produces tremendous friction which is the cause of warping. And, once the brake pads are unable to grab an even surface, vibration occurs. If being in this situation is inevitable, make sure to take a break every now and then to allow breaks to cool off.

The braking system is the most commonly overlooked section by car owners which is supposedly tantamount to safety. Thus, knowing when to have a brake system check-up or learning the signs of a worn out brake system ensures your safety in as much as avoid possibility of costly repairs. Importantly, circumvent any untoward circumstances or any types of road accidents just because of mere brake system negligence.

photo credit: LVCHEN via photo pin cc

Author Bio:

Howard J. Fleischmann Sr. is the owner of Community Tire Pros and Auto Repair...offering complete automotive repair as well as brake repair and replacement and service to both domestic and import vehicles. 

Soy – Can Make Longer Lasting Tires???

Surprise? Happy? Stupefied? I know that’s how I felt seeing the headline of one of the articles of autoblog.com entitled “Goodyear turning to soy to make longer lasting tires.”

“Goodyear Tire and Rubber is working on a new technology that can help make its tires less expensive to produce and last longer and it involves something that the U.S. has plenty of – soybeans.”

I thought -- how can soy extend the tread life of a tire? If this is true – people should read this good news. Goodyear researchers have done a good job on this one.

“Goodyear researchers have found that using soybean oil in the manufacturing process can extend the tread life of tires and significantly reduce the amount of petroleum required, "up to seven million gallons each year" for the company as a whole. Adding soy to rubber compounds in tire production, the company says, has proven to improve the mixing process, and creates a better rubber compound. The soy helps the rubber blend easier with the silica, a basic component of ordinary beach sand and an integral tire ingredient.”

"Consumers benefit through improved tread life, Goodyear gains with increased efficiency and energy savings and we all win whenever there is a positive impact on the environment." said Jean-Claude Kihn, Goodyear's chief technical officer, in a statement.”

Goodyear, as we all know is the best tire manufacturer in North America. With this discovery, they are not only adding quality tires to their inventory but they are adding credits to their existing good reputation. A toast for them!!! People will surely benefit from this. One thing to wait though – are they selling this lesser or far more expensive than their regular tires in the market??? One question we sure want to know, right guys?

Well, we have that to look forward to since this will be launched hopefully in 2015 yet.

Article Source:  green.autoblog.com

Author Bio: 

Howard J. Fleischmann Sr. is the owner of Community Tire Pros and Auto Repair...offering complete automotive repair as well as tires phoenix and replacement and service to both domestic and import vehicles.  

Common Car Air Conditioning Problems

The Importance of Car Air Conditioning

Owning a car requires love and care. Do you believe that? Just like people, cars also need to be taken care of otherwise its performance may likely deteriorate. The air conditioning system, being one of the integral parts of a vehicle should be well-maintained. If you notice any trouble or anything that may seem not to be functioning well, make sure to get it serviced immediately.

Remember that air conditioning system is your escapade from the pricking heat of the summer while traveling unless it is no longer blowing cold air. So before the damage worsens, it is best to have it checked by a mechanic. As you all know minor repairs cost lesser than major ones, so don’t wait for your air condition to stop producing air at all.

What you need to do is to have your electrical components and controls checked. Controls such as the capacitors, sump heat, contractors, circuit boards, relays and other accessories are your primary concern. Why? Defective electrical components entail decline in performance level and may cause further trouble while in use.

Let me show you common car air conditioning problems:

1. Low Refrigerant Levels.

This will lead to the inefficiency of air conditioner to produce cold air and may cause overheating. Simply put, once you have a refrigerant level that is less than what is required, the system is forced to work harder than normal. Thus, may cause some malfunction in the system. Just like humans do, if we abuse our body by working too hard than what we are able to may lead to some unpleasant conditions.

Lowering of the refrigerant level may be an indication of leakage inside the system that may need immediate repair. You may add more refrigerant but remember this is only a temporary solution. You need to know where the leak is and have it repaired.

2. Blockage or Debris

Make sure to regularly have your condensing unit checked for possible debris or blockage. As such, you are not only attending to the upkeep of your air condition but also preventing any general damage of the car.

3. Unusual Short Cycling Sound

Compressors must also be regularly checked to avoid problem. Typically, if you can hear any unusual sound from your car’s system, that is already a signal that something is wrong and might incur future damage. So, to avoid experiencing major car repair it is best to bring it to auto shops immediately.

4. Filter Blockage

Anything that blocks is not good. It can cause inefficiency on your car system’s performance. Normally, blockage is cause by excessive accumulation of dirt so you need to clean it up also from time to time.

To avoid going into so much trouble, make sure that these problems does not occur by having your car regularly checked and well-maintained. Keep it clean inside and out.

Author Bio:

Howard J. Fleischmann Sr. is the owner of Community Tire Pros and Auto Repair…offering complete automotive repair as well as tire repair and replacement service, car air conditioning to both domestic and import vehicles.