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Learn About the Different Kinds of Vehicle Fluids

February 24, 2021

Vehicle Fluids

If there’s one thing you can say about your car, it’s that it isn’t dry. Automobiles need fluids to function properly almost as surely as they need wheels and a source of power. Read on to learn about the five major different kinds of vehicle fluids.

Engine oil

Undisputedly, engine oil is the most important fluid when it comes to making your car actually work. The engine has many moving parts, and the engine oil ensures they all move as smoothly as can be. It prevents overheating and rust while trapping dirt and other particles.

Transmission fluid

Transmission fluid is characterized by its red color and serves a similar purpose as the engine oil, except for the transmission. Its role is to keep the transmission cool and lubricated and provides hydraulic power for the automatics.

Coolant/antifreeze

The purpose of coolant is to lower the freezing temperature of the water inside your radiator (hence the term “antifreeze”). The mix cycles around the engine during operation, collecting heat and returning it to the radiator, where it is dissipated into the air.

Brake fluid

This is the most important fluid in terms of safety. When a driver presses down on the brake pedal, the brake fluid compresses and the hydraulic force generated is transferred to the pads and shoes responsible for slowing down and stopping the wheels.

Power steering fluid

Yep, even power steering has a fluid! Its job is to provide lubrication for the steering gear and make it easier to steer. When you turn the wheel, a small opening allows pressurized power steering fluid to move in and help you point the front wheels where you want them.

Chelsee’s has you covered!

  • 90-day warranty on ALL of our services.
  • And on repairs we provide a 2-year, 24,000 mile warranty. Nobody in town (that we know of) does that.
  • Come on in for a No Obligation FREE Check-Up.
  • Bring your dogs and we’ll give them free treats! 🐶🐕🐕‍🦺

5-Star Auto Repair in Phoenix, 85033:

Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum LLC
7740 W Indian School Rd #2
Phoenix, AZ 85033
(602) 242-1253

Call us today!

Originally published at: https://thenewswheel.com/learn-about-the-different-kinds-of-vehicle-fluids/

Filed Under: Auto Repair | Phoenix, AZ

How do oil and air filters affect your engine?

February 20, 2021

Car Engine Air Filter - dirtyAs the motivating force behind your automobile, the engine deserves lots of respect and care: if your car engine gives out, you’re going …well, nowhere.

You could also be out a hefty chunk of change, since engine repairs often involve complicated and time-consuming work by a technician. Two unassuming, relatively cheap auto parts can help you keep your engine healthy and smooth-running for a long time. The only “catch” is that they get so dirty you occasionally have to replace them.

We’re talking about air filters and oil filters. It seems you can’t watch a car-related show on TV without some company hawking its brand of filters as superior to the rest. But just how, exactly, do air and oil filters affect your car’s engine? In this article, we’ll filter the facts from the marketing fiction.

First, let’s look at how air filters help an engine breathe more easily. Check the grill and front license plate area of your car or truck after a late-night drive in warm weather. Pretty disgusting, huh? The splattered bugs, sap, leaves and other grime you see on the outside can also make its way into the engine bay. Water can get in there, too. If the bugs and other road-grime make it past the air intake and into the engine itself, it can cause abrasion or corrosion — two things you definitely don’t want.

An air filter catches all the above-mentioned crud long before it can get to the engine. Often, the filter will be protected in a plastic box, to even further guard the engine from contaminants. If you let an air filter get too dirty, it will starve the engine of air, which the combustion process needs to make power most efficiently. Theoretically, an air filter could get so dirty that the engine wouldn’t run. But what’s more likely is that a dirty air filter will deprive the engine of just enough air to hamper performance. Research with modern, fuel-injected cars shows that a filthy air filter can significantly rob an engine of power, but won’t affect fuel economy all that much [source: Norman, et al].

Your typical oil filter, perhaps the size of a coffee mug, performs a crucially important job for such a small package. Much like your own body’s kidneys clean your blood, a car’s oil filter scrubs automotive blood — engine oil — of impurities. Specks of dirt and metal shavings act like miniature sandblasters when they float suspended in engine oil. Their abrasive ways can especially wear down engine bearings, leading to low oil pressure. That, in turn, could lead to big-time engine damage. Over time, an oil filter gets so clogged with impurities that it no longer effectively cleans the oil — dirty oil just keeps recirculating around the engine. In essence, the oil filter shields your engine from harmful floating garbage.

There are certain items on your car that you can procrastinate on replacing — and at worst they’ll just mildly irritate you. That tacky air freshener that lost its scent seven months ago, for instance. But because of how important air and oil filters are to your engine’s health and well-being, they’re two replaceable parts you’ll definitely want to service on schedule. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see how often your filters should be replaced and the proper size for new ones.

Call Chelsee’s any car repair needs:

90-day warranty on ALL of our services.
And on repairs we provide a 2-year, 24,000 mile warranty. Nobody in town (that we know of) does that.
Come on in for a No Obligation FREE Check-Up.
Bring your dogs and we’ll give them free treats! 🐶🐕🐕‍🦺

5-Star Engine Repair in Phoenix, 85033:

Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum LLC
7740 W Indian School Rd #2
Phoenix, AZ 85033
(602) 242-1253

Call us today!

Originally published at: https://auto.howstuffworks.com/oil-air-filters-affect-engine.htm

Filed Under: Engine Repair | Phoenix, AZ

What Does a Car Engine Air Filter Do?

February 16, 2021

Car Engine Air Filter - dirty

A car engine air filter might not be the first thing that comes to a person’s mind when you talk about engines but it plays a vital role in keeping your mill healthy.

All fuel burning engines require a constant supply of air in order to function properly. Air filters clean the air before it is passed through to the cylinders to prevent dust, dirt, grit, and other debris from causing any damage.

To put it in perspective, you can compare an air filter with your nose as it filters out foreign particles before the air reaches your lungs, ensuring that the respiratory system can function properly.

How often should a car engine filter be changed? 

There is no simple answer as to how often a car engine air filter should be changed. It depends on a number of factors, such as how many miles the vehicle has been driven and the environment it is driven in.

Finding Your Car Engine Air Filter

Vehicles driven in rural or dusty areas may need an air filter replacement more often. Alternatively, a filter that is more suited to particularly dusty areas can be purchased.

It is always recommend that you check the air filter whenever an oil change or service is being carried out.

Benefits of a clean car engine air filter

1. Better performance and efficiency
A clean air filter improves the quality and quantity of clean air entering the engine, and this improves the engine performance and efficiency. Dirty air filters will not allow the same amount of air to enter the engine as a clean one would. Studies have shown that fuel economy can be improved by up to 14 per cent with a clean air filter.

Old and New Car Engine Air Filter

2. Extended engine life
Regularly changing the air filter is an inexpensive way to extend the life of an engine. Small particles of dust or sand can cause damage to internal parts such as pistons and cylinders.

3. Inexpensive and quick to change
An air filter is one of the cheapest and easiest parts to fit. In fact, many people choose to change their own air filters themselves.

90-day warranty on ALL of our services.
And on repairs we provide a 2-year, 24,000 mile warranty. Nobody in town (that we know of) does that.
Come on in for a No Obligation FREE Check-Up.
Bring your dogs and we’ll give them free treats! 🐶🐕🐕‍🦺

5-Star Engine Repair in Phoenix, 85033:

Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum LLC
7740 W Indian School Rd #2
Phoenix, AZ 85033
(602) 242-1253

Call us today!

Originally published at: https://www.carandbike.com/news/what-does-a-car-engine-air-filter-do-1248487

Filed Under: Engine Repair | Phoenix, AZ

Car Maintenance Checklists for Phoenix Drivers

February 5, 2021

Phoenix car maintenance mechanics

If you were about to get on a plane and fly overseas, you’d want to believe the plane had been receiving scheduled maintenance checks, wouldn’t you?

And if you were preparing to jump on a roller coaster ride, you would hope that someone had recently checked for loose bolts, electrical integrity and worn bits of track, wouldn’t you?

It’s the same with your car. While Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum can provide you with top notch auto repair and the best auto mechanics in Phoenix if you break down, it’s still an inconvenience being temporarily stuck on the side of the road.

When it comes to your vehicle, prevention is a thousand times better than cure. By maintaining and regularly servicing your car, it’ll be more reliable, safer to drive and less likely to need expensive repairs.

If you ever need help, call us at 602-242-1253. Come in for a free check-up and free treats for your pets!

Car maintenance and servicing basics to increase your vehicle’s longevity

Phoenix car maintenance basics

When it comes to your vehicle, prevention is 1000 times better than cure. Basic upkeep is cheaper than major repairs caused by neglect.

For some reason, lots of people neglect basic maintenance on their car. Their philosophy is “Hey, it’s running, so what’s the problem?” The excuses never end: “I just don’t have the time.” “I don’t know anything about cars”.

There are all sorts of ways to kill a perfectly good vehicle, and one of the most common is to neglect basic maintenance. Driving too long on the same spark plugs, forgetting to change the oil and turning a deaf ear to squealing brakes or mysterious clunking sounds can mean an early trip to the junkyard for your vehicle.

You can also be fined for failing to look after your car. Police at random roadworthy checks can cite you for bald tires, faulty brake lights, a broken seat belt, a cracked windscreen and a whole host of other issues.

Keeping your car in tip-top condition keeps you safer on the road and can save you heaps of money in the long-term. When it comes to your vehicle, prevention is 1000 times better than cure. Basic upkeep is cheaper than major repairs caused by neglect.

Read the owner’s manual

Phoenix car maintenance - your Owner's Manual

Your car service manual may not be quite as exciting to read as the latest bestselling novel, but it’s full of handy information and tips: which fluids to top up (and how often), how to check tire pressure, what to do when your engine overheats and how to change the bulbs in your blinker lights. It will tell you how to perform basic maintenance jobs the correct way.

Don’t skip your scheduled service

Phoenix car maintenance - regularly scheduled checkups

Your owner’s guide will tell you when your scheduled services are. These usually involve a thorough check of the vehicle and immediate attention to anything that needs replacing: spark plugs, timing belts, etc.

Scheduled servicing through your dealer has two major advantages:

  • You know you’re getting genuine parts and expertise
  • There’s a written record of the car’s service history, which becomes important for buyers when you want to sell the car in the future.

Car maintenance and servicing checklists

Phoenix car maintenance checklist

Vehicle technology continues to improve all the time, and car engines of today are much more advanced than what your parents grew up with. With modern, computer-controlled engine management systems, the old days of popping the hood, grabbing a wrench and having a ‘she’ll be right’ moment are long gone.

Even though modern car engines are a bit more complex now, the list of simple things you can do to keep your car running right are largely the same as they were half a century ago.

But even though modern car engines are a bit more complex now, the list of simple things you can do to keep your car running right are largely the same as they were half a century ago.

Basic car safety checklist

  • Seatbelts — check tension and belt buckle operation
  • External Lights — replace bulbs if necessary
  • Handbrake — ensure that it can hold the vehicle on a slope
  • Windscreens & mirrors — check windscreens and mirrors for cracks
  • Windscreen wipers — check wear on wiper blades, replace if necessary
  • Horn — ensure this works
  • Fluids — check engine oil and engine coolant levels
  • Tires — ensure tires are at the correct pressures, check treadwear
  • Spare tire & jack — ensure they are operational, check toolkit

Fluids checklist

  • Engine oil
  • Radiator coolant
  • Brake fluid
  • Power steering fluid
  • Windscreen washer fluid
  • Clutch fluid (manual cars)
  • Gearbox oil
  • Differential fluid

Tires checklist

  • Tire pressures
  • Treadwear and tread depth
  • Spare tire
  • Car jack and tools

Lights checklist

  • Headlights
  • Indicators/hazard lights
  • Brake lights
  • Reverse lights
  • Park & Fog lights

Other general things to check

  • Radiator hoses — check for leaks and cracking
  • Engine air filter — check that it is clean
  • Battery — look for corrosion around terminals
  • Fan belts — ensure none are loose or squeaking on start-up
  • Unusual engine noises — hard to start, ticking, hissing or clunking
  • Ensure that child seats are fitted correctly

Car maintenance item #1: Fluids

Phoenix car maintenance - fluids

Check fluids regularly, and replace when needed.

Fluids are the lifeblood of your vehicle. If your mechanic asks you when you last changed your power steering fluid and your answer is “I’m not sure” or “What’s power steering fluid?” you probably need to brush up on the fluids your car uses.

Most cars will use the following fluids: engine oil, radiator coolant, automatic transmission fluid, windscreen washer fluid, brake fluid, clutch fluid, power steering fluid, battery electrolyte fluid (distilled water) and possibly more depending on the vehicle type. Check fluids regularly, and replace when needed.

Car maintenance item #2: Tires

Phoenix car maintenance - tires

Having your tires inflated to the correct pressure increases the life of your tires and reduces fuel consumption.

Tire gauges are cheap and easy to use. If you feel your car pulling to one side when you drive, you may be overdue for a wheel alignment and balance as well.

And a good way to extend the life of all your tires is to have them rotated regularly to reduce uneven wear.

You can also prepare for flat tires by reading our guide to changing a car tire.

Car maintenance item #3: Wipers

Phoenix car maintenance - windshield wipers

If Barack Obama was President the last time you changed the rubber on your windscreen wipers, it may be time to splurge on some new wiper blades.

Wiper blades should be changed at least once a year – and sooner if you’re having trouble seeing through your windshield properly.

Spend that little bit of extra money on some quality blades – you’ll notice the difference.

Car maintenance item #4: Engine air filter

Phoenix car maintenance - air filter

Think of your air filter as your car’s lungs. If it’s clogged up with dust, it will be letting dirty air into your engine, reducing its performance.

Some air filters are easy to reach and change yourself while others are less accessible, in which case you might get the local auto shop to do it for you. Your owner’s manual will tell you how often it needs changing.

Generally, the more stop-start driving you do and the dustier the roads you drive on, the more often it’ll need a change.

Car maintenance item #5: Cleaning

Phoenix car maintenance - cleaning your car

Your car’s exterior should be washed regularly, especially if you park under sap-dropping trees.  Sap can ruin your paint job if not removed quickly.

An untidy car interior can attract cockroaches, turn off your hot date and make your car smell funny. Enough said.

Car maintenance item #6: Battery

Phoenix car maintenance - battery health

Car batteries have a habit of conking out when you need them most, so it pays to (a) keep track of how old they are, (b) check the terminals for corrosion whenever you open the hoodand (c) top up the battery fluid when necessary. Use distilled water and don’t overfill.

Infrequent use of a vehicle can result in battery drain, so always run your car now and again. And be careful of that flaky powder around a corroded battery terminal — it’s dangerously acidic.

If your car battery is old and you want to change it yourself, read our guide to replacing a car battery.

Common mistakes that can cause damage to your vehicle

As a proud car owner, you want your vehicle to last as long as possible. In looking after it, the first rule is ‘do no harm’. Here are some blunders to avoid:

Riding your brakes down a long hill

Brake pads wear faster when they heat up, and a sure way to get them super-hot is to ride them all the way down a long hill. A better method is to alternate between braking and letting off the brake.

This is much easier on your brake pads, which won’t keep you safe if they’re worn down to nothing.

Using a pressure washer on your engine

Pressure washers are great for cleaning the grime off your concrete driveway – but not so great for cleaning your car engine, which is a complex piece of equipment with all sorts of small wires, sensors and components.

A high powered jet of water can dislodge electrical bits, hoses and rubber seals in an instant, and is simply a bad idea.

A few rags and some degreaser fluid is all you really need to clean a grimy engine and you probably only have to do this once or twice a year.

Forgetting to change your oil

This must be the most common mental lapse for car owners – leaving their oil change until the engine’s lubricant looks something like sludgy black molasses.

Old engine oil does your car no good at all, so you should change your oil as often as your car manual suggests (and this frequency varies between models). And don’t forget to change the oil filter now and then too.

Neglecting to use the parking brake

Whether you’re parked on a steep hill or reasonably flat ground, you should always use the parking brake.

Aside from obvious safety reasons, using the park brake takes the strain off your transmission — which is not designed to hold your car steady. Something as simple as getting into the habit of using your park brake can potentially add years to the life of your car.

Ignoring those funny sounds

If you let it, your car can talk to you. And if you listen carefully, you can work out what it’s trying to say. That squeak every time you open the passenger door means you need to oil the door hinges. That thumping sound can mean a loose exhaust pipe.

That whining noise can indicate a worn transmission. And that high-pitched squeal you hear when you put on the brakes is serious — it’s a sure sign your brake pads need replacing. Always listen to your car — it will often give you a clue when something isn’t working right.

Shifting from Reverse to Drive before you’ve come to a full stop

What’s one of the best ways to add months of unnecessary wear to your transmission within just a few seconds? It’s by being in too much of a hurry and switching from Reverse to Drive (or vice versa) while your car is still slowly moving.

You’re basically putting an incredible amount of strain on your gears by asking them to perform the same function as a brake. This can lead to a worn transmission, damaged drive shafts and sloppy suspension handling.

Putting stress on your car engine when you start it

When you start your car, you should ideally have your windscreen wipers, radio, air conditioning and any other accessories off. That way, your engine doesn’t have to work so hard to get going.

The maximum wear on a car engine occurs when you start it, so give it a break when you’re turning the ignition key. Also, don’t rev your engine to ‘warm up the car’ in winter.

This does more harm than good, because it doesn’t give the engine oil time to work its way through the system.

Instead, just idle the car normally for a minute or two before heading off. Car engines, like people, don’t respond well to quick, extreme temperature changes.

Continuing to drive when the car is overheating

Here’s the scenario: you’re driving along the road and notice your temperature gauge has climbed into ‘HOT’. You could stop right then and there and call a tow truck, but you keep driving in the hope that the car will be okay until you can get to a repair shop.

Before you know it, coolant is gushing out of the overflow tank and the engine overheats so much that the vehicle stalls and won’t go any further. So you end up having to ring a towing service anyway.

When your car suddenly overheats, stop ASAP, because the longer you keep going, the more damage you can cause and the more it will cost you.

So, it turns out you’ve got a cracked cylinder head and a blown head gasket. If you had stopped at the first sign of overheating, you might have just had to pay for the installation of a new thermostat. Instead, you end up having to pay a bill of over $1000.

The moral of the story: when your car suddenly overheats, stop ASAP, because the longer you keep going, the more damage you can cause and the more it will cost you.

Things you can do at home

While there are certainly a number of maintenance-related procedures that should only be handled by a trained and licensed mechanic, not every process has the same complexity. If you don’t have a lot of money to give to your local mechanic, there are a number of maintenance procedures that can be done at home.

All it takes is some common equipment, a few minutes of spare time, and a little know-how, and you’ll be saving money on maintenance issues that would otherwise be eating away at your bank account. Here are some maintenance procedures that you can easily do today from home:

Replacing headlights

Phoenix car maintenance - changing a headlight

Headlights aren’t built to last forever. In fact, most are nothing more than incandescent bulbs mounted on the front of a vehicle, so eventually they’re going to burn themselves out.

To replace a headlight, you first need to open your car’s hood (make sure that the car is not running). Remove the plastic backing from the back of the headlight. While wearing insulated gloves, remove the electrical connectors from the back of the bulb. The bulb should be removable at this point. Don’t remove your gloves; oils from your hands can actually damage the new bulb, so be sure to only handle it with gloved hands. Place the new bulb where the old one had been, and replace the electrical connector and the plastic backing. Once everything is secure, turn on your car’s headlamps so that you can be sure that the new bulb is working properly.

Changing a battery

The average car battery has a life-expectancy of 3.5–5 years, meaning that you’re probably going to have to deal with the process of replacing one at least once during your ownership of your car. Replacing a defunct battery is not difficult, but can be dangerous. Be sure to wear insulated gloves and protective eye-gear, and to consult your vehicle’s owner manual before you begin the process.

Make sure that the car is turned off completely before beginning the procedure. Start by opening your car’s hood and locating the battery. Use battery pliers or a battery wrench to loosen the nut holding the black cable in place. Twist the black cable while pulling up on it to remove it from the wire (if the cable doesn’t come free, you may either have to scrub away some of the corrosion holding it in place, or use a battery terminal puller, so as not to damage the cables). Using the same method, detach the red cable.

Use a socket wrench to remove the clamp holding the battery in place. Lift the battery free from its housing, and set it aside (do not throw the battery away; instead, take it to a local automotive store and have them recycle it). If there is corrosion left behind after removing the battery, use a mixture of bi-carbonate soda and water to scrub it away. Allow the casing to dry. Place the new battery in the tray, and re-secure the holding clamp. Attach and secure the red cable to the positive (+) connector, and then attach and secure the black cable to the negative (-) connector. Make sure that both cables are totally secure and immovable. Test the battery connections by starting your car. Close the hood.

Replacing windshield wipers

Windshield wipers are only designed to last for about a year (give or take, depending upon your local weather conditions). Replacing a windshield wiper may be the easiest car maintenance procedure you’ll ever do.

Despite this, many car owners still prefer to pay mechanics and automotive dealerships to replace the wipers for them. To replace a wiper, start by purchasing your replacement blades. Not all blades are the same, so know beforehand the exact make and model of your vehicle. Find a pair of blades that are compatible with your car.

Pull your car’s wiper assemblies up and away from the windscreen. Turn the blades so that the hinge is visible. Pull on the tab that is located on the hinge of the blade so that it disengages from the wiper. Pull the wiper down towards the windshield to separate the wiper from the arm. Remove the blade completely. Attach the new wipers in the same way that the old ones were attached (consult your car’s manual if you’re having trouble). The wiper hinge should make an audible click once the wiper is secure. Do this for both wipers, and then lay the entire assembly back against the windshield. Clean the windshield with a quality glass cleaner before testing the new wiper.

Replacing an air filter

Air filters make it possible for your engine to draw clean air into itself free of debris. Dirty air filters can reduce fuel efficiency and cause strain to other parts of your engine. To replace an air filter, first make sure that your car isn’t running. Open the car hood, and locate the air filter housing (your car manual can show you where to find it, and what it looks like). Open the air filter housing, and remove the old filter. Using an old rag, clean out the air box. Place the new filter into the housing, and then replace and secure the lid. Close the hood.

Of course, if your car starts having problems and you’re not sure what to do about it, it’s usually best to take it to a professional. After all, the last thing you want to do is make matters worse by tinkering around inside your car when you don’t know what you’re doing. Car maintenance is a complex issue—one that requires an in-depth understanding of how a car works. Understanding the facts associated with automobile maintenance may give you a clearer understanding of that complexity.

Conclusion

Phoenix car maintenance

If you look under your hood regularly, listen for unusual car noises, check underneath the car for new and mysterious leaks now and then, follow the service schedule in your owner’s manual and take care of small problems before they become major ones, you’ll be well ahead of the game as far as keeping your car running smoothly.

And remember that even a perfectly maintained vehicle can break down unexpectedly. If that happens, call Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum and we’ll take care of you like family.

Sources

https://www.motoring.com.au/advice/2014/tyres-when-should-i-change-my-tyres-35057
https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/road-safety/maintaining/
https://www.cbs.sa.gov.au/sites/default/files/resource-files/autocheck-car-guide.pdf
https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/how-to-maintain-your-car-23579#.Vd1MS_mqocU
https://www.carbibles.com/maintenancetips.html
https://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/the-truth-about-car-servicing-costs-20140725-zvhwu.html

This article was originally published at: https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/roadside-assistance-australia/guides/car-maintenance.html

Filed Under: Auto Mechanic | Phoenix, AZ

6 Indications That Your Car’s Oil Needs Changing

January 27, 2021

Oil change in PhoenixChanging the oil in your car is usually a quick and painless procedure when performed at a modern automotive service center. Lubricating oil in your vehicle is something that is vitally important to its well-being. Good, clean oil improves the performance of your car and extends the life of the engine, so why do many people delay in replacing their oil until there’s a visible problem?

A lot of drivers rely solely on mileage as a gauge of when their oil needs to be replaced, but other factors come into play as well, such as the quality of the oil, the age of the car and how the car is driven. Fresh, clean oil optimizes your vehicle’s performance by lubricating parts and keeping the engine clean and healthy. However, over time, the fluid breaks down and has difficulty performing its duties. Once this begins, your car likely will exhibit at least one of the warning signs below.

1. Check Engine or Oil Change Light

The most obvious alert that there’s an issue with your oil will come from the car itself. The oil change light in your vehicle will illuminate when there’s not enough oil in the system, so check the dipstick to see what’s happening. In worse cases, the check engine light will illuminate. This is your car warning you that things have gotten so bad that the engine is at risk of damage due to problem parts or lack of lubrication.

2. Engine Noise and Knocking

Oil provides a protective layer between engine parts, avoiding metal-to-metal brushing and keeping the engine quiet. If your oil isn’t doing its job properly, the engine noise will increase. In severe cases, you may even hear knocking or rumbling sounds that signify your engine is tearing itself apart bit by bit through lack of lubrication.

3. Dark, Dirty Oil

Clean oil is amber in color and slightly translucent. As it is used, it becomes filled with particles collected from the engine and turns darker. It will not be obvious when this begins to happen, so you must be vigilant and check your engine oil at least once a month. To do this, remove the dipstick and wipe it off before returning it to the oil tank. Now take it out a second time. If you cannot see the dipstick through the oil, it is time for an oil change.

4. Oil Smell Inside the Car

If you smell oil inside the car, it can often signify an oil leak. If you also smell gas or exhaust fumes, the vehicle may be overheating. Either way, you will want to schedule maintenance immediately.

5. Exhaust Smoke

Some translucent vapor will always come out of your car’s tailpipe, but if this changes to smoke, it’s time for an engine check-up. You may have faulty engine parts or an oil leak.

6. Excessive Mileage

If you’ve traveled a lot of miles in the last month, consider whether you need an oil change sooner than your normal schedule. Every car is different, but most should have their oil changed every 3,000 miles or three months. New vehicles usually require a change of oil every 6,000 miles or six months. Check your owner’s handbook for specific guidelines. Consider a high-mileage oil for older vehicles.

Change Oil Promptly

Oil changes are simple and inexpensive, and one of the most important things you can do to keep your car from aging prematurely. Having the right level and quality of oil will prevent excessive wear and tear on your engine, ultimately resulting in fewer repairs down the road.

Article originally on: https://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/30787/oil-change-signs

Filed Under: Services

Everything To Know About Spare Tires

January 3, 2021

Everything you should know about spare tires

These days, car manufacturers are not required to include a spare tire with a purchase of a new vehicle. Many cars aren’t large enough to carry a full-sized spare mounted in the trunk, so smaller, temporary spare tires, or “donuts,” are much more common. Knowing what your vehicle has in case of an emergency is important, as is the maintenance of a spare tire. These facts about spare tires will help make sure you have what you need in case of an emergency.

Compact Spare Tires

Pulling a spare tire out of a hatchback vehicle - Chelsee's AC & Brake Emporeum

A compact spare tire or “donut” is the most common type of spare tire and the kind that is usually included with your car. It fits into the base of the trunk, already mounted and inflated, on a small-diameter wheel. The compact spare corresponds to the specifications of your vehicle, but since they are lightweight and have less tread, these are only used in temporary emergency situations. It is recommended that you drive straight to a mechanic to have a proper replacement put on.

Driving Distance and Speed Limitations

If you have changed a flat tire to a compact spare, try not to drive any farther than 50 miles. In terms of speed, 50 miles per hour is the suggested maximum. This means no high-speed expressway driving; drive only on municipal roads where you do not need to exceed past the recommended speed. Driving over that limit or past the suggested distance can put stress on the compact tire, causing it to burst or break as well, leaving you stranded.

Drive Control Issues

Because of their small design, compact spares will also disable drive features like ABS and traction controls. The narrow tires reduce the amount of traction, which means you have to be careful not to stop too fast or take any quick, unpredictable turns and maneuvers. Note that if you are towing a trailer, you’ll have to unhitch since compact spares can’t handle the same load as regular tires. There are other mechanical issues that can occur with prolonged use, including too much stress on your car’s differential if the smaller tire replaces one on the drivetrain.

Safe Air Pressure for Compact Spares

Checking a tire's air pressure - Chelsee's A/C & Brake Emporeum

A compact spare tire should be inflated to a pressure of 60 pounds per square inch (PSI). Pump more air into your spare if it is below this pressure. Think about keeping a small inflation device somewhere in the trunk or car storage areas, in case of emergencies. Keep in mind that a normal lifespan for any tire is six years, and a new spare should be replaced regardless of type or wear after that time.

Full-Size Matching Spare

A “full-size” spare is less common than a compact because of the amount of space it consumes in your vehicle. If you can make the room, it’s a great option if the fifth tire matches the current set of tires on your vehicle. If you’re using a full-size matching tire as your spare, remember to make it part of your vehicle’s tire rotation pattern. Another pro is you won’t have to drive to a mechanic at all if you replace with a matching full spare tire.

Full-Size Mismatching

Although a mismatched tire could be a full-size tire, it still may not be the same size as the ground tires. If you have a full-size but mismatching tire, you will be able to drive it longer than a compact or donut tire, but it will still have to be replaced by a proper matching tire and should not be included as part of your vehicle’s tire rotation pattern. This might be an okay option for a spare if you find a good deal or have an extra tire lying around, however, it may not be a smart item to purchase since it will still take up space and have to replaced sooner than a full-sized matching spare.

Full-Size Temporary Spare

The third kind of full-sized spare tire is a lighter-weight and shallow tread spare tire which should be used as a temporary tire like the compact spare. Similar to the compact, it usually matches your vehicle’s tire specifications, but since it is a full-size tire, it most likely won’t affect ABS or other drive and traction controls. The other bonus is that this kind of tire won’t add a whole lot of extra weight to your vehicle in storage. Keep in mind, however, that since it’s lighter in weight than the other tires, it is still only good for temporary uses in emergency situations and will need a quick replacement like the compact spare.

It’s always a good idea to check your car to see what kind of spare you have — or know if you have one at all. Don’t take it for granted that a new car has one, since according to AAA, 28 percent of all 2017 model year vehicles were sold without a spare. Take the time to check for the other necessary items for changing a tire as well, including a jack, lug wrench, and a vehicle owner’s manual. Those items should always be included with any car purchase, but they won’t do you any good if you don’t have a proper spare tire in tow.

Article originally on: https://www.doityourself.com/stry/5-facts-about-spare-tires

Filed Under: Wheel Alignment | Phoenix, AZ Tagged With: spare tire

5⭐ Phoenix Brake Repair 85033

December 16, 2020

Brake Repair in Phoenix, AZ 85033

Our 5⭐ shop is close to you!

Our Phoenix brake repair shop address is:
7740 W Indian School Rd #2
Phoenix, AZ 85033
602-242-1253

See our Google Maps here.

Phoenix brake repair shop
At Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum, we’re proud to provide high-quality brake repair services to clients from Phoenix and Glendale.

We appreciate our clients tremendously, and we always do our best to exceed their expectations with everything we do, such as brake providers and brake repair. Taking care of the braking system is potentially the most important auto care task, and one which we’re completely prepared for.  It’s in our name, after all!

We are excellent at diagnosing brake issues by listening to the driver tell us how the vehicle has been behaving differently, followed up by a hands-on review of the braking system to confirm our suspicions.

The following is our comprehensive list of signs that drivers may see, hear or feel if their vehicle is in need of brake repair:

Sticking

A spongy feeling when you press the brake probably means there’s air in the brake lines. You’ll certainly need to get this seen about because a leak in the brake lines can easily disable the vehicle’s brakes.

Squealing

There are particular indicators which will squeak if your brake pads are wearing down. This is an integrated safety feature in most modern vehicles and a warning that shouldn’t be ignored.

Grinding

Grinding when you use the brakes could indicate that there is grit in the caliper, but it can also be a warning sign that your brake pads are completely disintegrated. It is always best to have something like this checked out to prevent future problems.

Brake Light

It’s possible that you get a very direct sign from your vehicle in the form of the brake light coming on. When this happens, it’s a sure sign that you need to bring your vehicle to Chelsee’s for a free check-up right away.

We frequently ask drivers if they have noticed any of the preceding things to begin our diagnosis of your vehicle’s issues, narrowing down what might be a brake issue or another problem.

We appreciate customers who pay attention to how their brakes are functioning, but we fully understand that some drivers simply don’t have the knowledge or forethought to focus on these things until there’s a problem.

Brakes are one thing that you want working efficiently each and every time you get behind the wheel. When you notice that your brakes are not working the way they should, it’s time to bring your vehicle in immediately!

Whatever the sort of car or truck you have that needs better brakes, Chelsee’s has the tools required to get the job done right. We have professional diagnostic equipment that can help us locate the issue, and then we also have the resources to make repairs that are effective, and of course the skilled staff we have to make these diagnoses and repairs!

But don’t worry if you’ve got no idea what’s happening! If the light comes on and you have no idea why, or if your mechanic mentions that it is probably time to replace the brake pads on your vehicle, you can trust us to handle the repairs and perform the work honestly each and every time!

Don’t just wait for an avoidable accident to take a toll on your car or truck or, worse, your family’s safety, especially when Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum is ready and waiting for your call!

Paying attention to the way your car is stopping when nothing is wrong can help you determine a problem sooner. There are many ways that your vehicle will attempt to inform you that there is a issue long before the brakes go out.

We need your vehicle to be entirely safe to drive, so we perform all of our work in an extremely meticulous manner and use the proper components and tools to make certain that our results stand the test of time. All repairs are done on site, many of these while you wait.

With Chelsee’s AC & Brake Emporeum, you’ll have the flexibility to schedule your brake services and brake repairs when it is convenient for you, not when it fits into our schedule!

Call us today for a free check-up and free treats for your pets!

602-242-1253

Filed Under: Brake Repair | Phoenix, AZ

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Chelsee's AC & Brake Emporeum LLC
7740 W Indian School Rd #2 Phoenix, AZ 85033
(602) 242-1253