MY
BREAKING DOWN CAR MAINTENANCE
AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION
There’s never a good time to have a car breakdown. It always seems to happen when people are running late,
short on cash or heading to an important appointment. Taking some preventive steps can minimize the chances of
drivers being caught unprepared and ensure they aren’t “taken for a ride” when a repair is necessary.
HOW DOES IT HANDLE?
Difficult handling, vibration and poor performance are just some of the following symptoms drivers can feel:
Brakes
There are several drive indications of brake problems, including: the vehicle pulls to one side when stopping; the brake pedal sinks to the floor when even pressure is maintained; scraping or grinding is heard or felt during braking; and the “brake” light is lit on the instrument panel.
Engine
The following symptoms indicate engine trouble: difficulty starting the engine; the “check engine” light is lit; rough idling or stalling; poor acceleration; poor fuel economy; more than one quart of oil is needed between oil changes; and the engine continues running after the car has been turnedoff.
Shock Absorbers
Worn shock absorbers or other suspension components can contribute to poor cornering. To gauge when to replace shock absorbers or struts, try this test: bounce the vehicle up and down hard at each wheel, let go and count how many times the vehicle bounces. Weak shocks will allow the vehicle to bounce twice or more. Another sign is if the vehicle rocks when braking.
Springs
Do not normally wear out or need replacement unless one corner of the vehicle is lower than the others. Damage to springs is caused by overloading a vehicle.
Steering
Misaligned front wheels and/or worn steering components, such as the idler or ball joint,
can cause wandering or difficulty steering in a straight line. If a vehicle has a tendency to steer to the left or right, it can be a sign of something as routine as under-inflated tires or as serious as a damaged front end.
Tires
Unbalanced tires cause a vehicle to vibrate and prematurely wears steering and suspension components. Improper tire inflation can contribute to poor cornering.
Transmission
Some common symptoms of transmission problems are: abrupt or hard shifts between gears; delayed or no response when shifting from neutral to drive or reverse; failure or delay to shift during normal acceleration; slippage during acceleration; and the engine revs up, but the vehicle doesn’t respond.
1
MY
BREAKING DOWN CAR MAINTENANCE
DID YOU HEAR THAT?
Don’t dismiss new noises. Beyond the occasional road noise, here are some common noises and what they
indicate:
Click
A slight, sharp noise can indicate a loose wheel cover, a loose or bent fan blade, a stuck valve lifter or low engine oil.
Clunk
A random thumping sound can be caused by two things: a loose shock absorber or other suspension component; or a loose exhaust pipe or muffler.
The best time
to choose an
auto repair shop
is when one
isn’t needed.
Heavy Knock
A rhythmic pounding sound can be caused by a worn crankshaft or connecting rod bearings, or a loose transmission torque converter.
Ping
A high-pitched, metallic tapping sound is usually caused by using gas with a
lower octane rating than recommended. Switch to the octane-rated fuel recommended in the car owner’s manual.
Rumble
A low-pitched, rhythmic sound can indicate a defective exhaust pipe, converter
or muffler, or a worn universal joint or other drive-line component.
Screech
A high-pitched, piercing metallic sound is caused by brake wear indicators designed to let drivers know it is time to replace the brake pads.
Squeal
A shrill, sharp noise can indicate a loose or worn power steering, fan, serpentine or air conditioning belt.
CHOOSING A REPAIR SHOP
The best time to choose an auto repair shop is when one isn’t needed. This allows car owners to avoid being
rushed into a last-minute decision when stress is high.
Here are a few tips for picking a technician:
• Ask for recommendations from friends, family and other trusted sources.
• Look for shops that display various certifications such as an Automotive Service Excellence seal.
Remember, certification alone is no guarantee of good or honest work.
3
MY
BREAKING DOWN CAR MAINTENANCE
• Ask if the technician or shop has experience working on the same make or model of vehicle.
• Ask how the shop prices its work. Some shops charge a flat rate for labor on auto repairs. This published rate is based on an independent or manufacturer’s estimate of the time required to complete repairs. Others charge on the basis of the actual time the technician worked on the repair.
• Find out if there is a diagnostic charge. Many repair shops don’t charge for diagnosing the problem if the work is performed there.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Once a mechanic shop has been chosen and the time has come to have auto work done, ask for a signed, written
estimate that identifies the condition to be repaired, the parts needed and the anticipated labor charge. The
estimate should instruct the shop to contact the owner for approval before doing any work exceeding a specified
amount of time or money. Also, have the estimate specify the condition of the repair parts to be used. Where
possible, insist on warranty parts. The condition of parts can fall into three general categories:
New
These are new parts that are made to original manufacturer’s specifications, either by the vehicle manufacturer or an independent company–the quality and warranty of these parts vary widely.
Remanufactured, Rebuilt, Reconditioned
These three terms generally mean the same thing: parts have been restored to a sound working condition. Many of these parts are covered by a warranty.
Salvage
These are used parts taken from another vehicle without alteration. Rarely do these come with a guarantee and are often used only as a last resort when parts are scarce.
PREVENTION IS THE KEY
The more car owners know about their vehicle, the more likely they’ll be able to head off major repair problems.
Many parts in a vehicle work in tandem with others. Ignoring one problem can lead to the break down of other
parts, adding to repair costs and possibly causing an entire system failure. Staying informed is the key to
prevention.
4