Wednesday, September 24, 2014

FILTERS AND FLUIDS

What Is It?
Your car's filters are important to the longevity of your car and interior comfort.  Maximize your car investment by replacing filters regularly.

What does It Do?
The oil filter traps contaminants, allowing the oil to flow through the engine unrestricted.  The fuel filter separates harmful contaminants that may cause problems with carburetors or intricate fuel injectors.  The air filter traps dirt particles, which can cause damage to engine cylinders, walls, pistons and piston rings.  The air filter also plays a role in keeping contaminants off the airflow sensor (in fuel-injected cars).  The cabin filter helps trap pollen, bacteria, dust and exhaust gases that may find their way into a car's ventilation system.

Typical Wear And Tear
Filters are normal wear items that require regular checks and replacement.  Fators that affect replacement intervals include:

  • Mileage
  • Driving habits
  • Driving and road conditions
  • Type of filter
  • Vehicle type
Symptoms
  • Poor gas mileage
  • Hesitation while accelerating
  • Musty odor in the cabin

Don't let your air filter get this dirty


Call today (530) 621-4591 or schedule an appointment online at www.theautoanalyst.com.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

EXHAUST SYSTEM

What Is It?
Your car's exhaust system has come a long way from the old days of exhaust pipes and mufflers.  Today, the exhaust system is safety and emissions control rolled into one.  Have your car's exhaust system inspected regularly and check it immediately if you suspect any problems.

What Does It Do?
The exhaust system routes dangerous exhaust gas from the engine out and away from the car to keep from affecting the occupants.  Next, the exhaust system reduces exhaust noise from the engine.  The catalytic converter reduces the level of harmful pollutants in the exhaust.  finally, the oxygen sensors mounted in the exhaust system monitor the level of exhaust gases to maintain efficient engine operation and to monitor the converter's operation.

Typical Wear And Tear
Maintain a safe car with regular exhaust system checks.  Factors that affect replacement requirements include:

  • Driving habits (short trips take their toll on exhaust system life)
  • Road conditions (salt, road spray, bumps)
  • Vehicle type
  • Age of exhaust system parts
Symptoms
  • Loud noise
  • Rattling noise when starting, accelerating or braking
  • Drowsiness while driving
Are you Aware?
Carbon monoxide from your car's exhaust is odorless, colorless - and lethal.  If you have any suspicions of a leak, have it checked out at once.

Visit our website at www.theautoanalyst.com

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Engine Cooling System

What Is It?

The engine cooling system affects your car's overall dependability and engine longevity.  cooling systems have advanced over the years with new coolant formulations and new radiator designs and materials.  If you suspect a problem with your cooling system, you should check it immediately.

What Does It Do?

The key parts of the cooling system remove heat from the engine and automatic transmission and dissipate heat to the air outside.  The water pump circulates coolant through the engine.  The coolant absorbs heat and returns it to the radiator where heat is dissipated.  The thermostat regulates the coolant temperature to keep it consistent for efficient engine operation.

Typical Wear and Tear

Factors that affect the replacement of cooling system parts include:

  • Driving habits
  • Operating conditions
  • Type of vehicle
  • Type of coolant
  • Frequency of regular maintenance such as coolant changes
Symptoms
  • Overheating
  • Sweet smell
  • Leaks
  • Repeatedly need to add fluid
Are You Aware?

You should check the condition of the coolant each Spring and Fall to make sure the additives that protect against corrosion still function.

Give us a call today and schedule an appointment (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com to schedule an appointment.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Engine

Are You Aware?

If you car requires major engine work, it may be more economical to have your engine rebuilt rather than buying a different car.

Rebuilt Engines

When a car or truck suffers major engine damage, the first reaction of most vehicle owners is to buy a new or used car or truck.  This makes sense in some cases, but often, it isn't necessary.  Repowering your car or truck's worn out engine with a rebuilt/remanufactured engine can also be considerably less expensive than buying a new or used car.  A rebuilt engine is one that is remanufactured to prescribed standards and specifications by highly-skilled machinists using state-of-the-art equipment and components.  During this process, many of the new components installed meet or exceed original equipment performance standards. Frequently, rebuilt engines are superior to new car engines because better parts are used, or design changes in parts correct problems with the original engine.  Rebuilt/remanufactured engines are dependable, reliable and backed by warranty programs.

The savings from engine repowering is notable when compared to the prices of new cars and trucks.  A rebuilt/remanufactured engine purchased and installed at an average cost of $2,700 - $4,000 is a sound and attractive investment.

For more information please give us a call at (530) 621-4591 or visit our website at www.theautoanalyst.com