News Letter on Auto Care and Service Tips Welcome to Steve's Tips; first and most importantly thank you for allowing us to help you maintain your vehicles. Anytime you have questions concerning your automobile please stop in or call one of our
service advisors, our main service goal is to provide you with the information you need to safeguard your vehicle.
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It's All in the Timing
With automotive engines as with many aspects of daily life, timing is critical. One vehicle component often overlooked during routine maintenance is the engine-timing belt. If it fails, the engine will stop and the car will coast to a stop. The lucky motorist will only have the inconvenience of being stranded on the side of the road until the car can be towed to a repair facility to have the timing belt replaced. On
the other hand, the engine might suffer severe, if not catastrophic, damage to its internal components.
This potential disaster can be avoided easily and relatively inexpensively by replacing the timing belt within the required replacement interval.
Timing belts resemble an engine accessory serpentine belt in appearance, only they typically have square teeth on the inside surface. They usually are constructed of rubber reinforced with nylon. The timing belt transfers the rotation of the crankshaft to the camshaft. The rotating camshaft activates the valves, which provide air and fuel to the cylinders and expel combustion gases to the exhaust system.
The valves and pistons are constantly moving up and down at very high speeds. When the pistons are down, the valves are open; when the piston is at the top of its travel, the valves are closed. Some engines don't allow clearance between a valve at its lowest point and a piston
at its highest. The timing belt, therefore, is the critical link to ensure that these components don't collide. If collision occurs, damage to the valves, pistons, cylinder head and cylinder walls can result. This canbe an expensive repair.
Timing belts usually are protected from foreign objects by a cover, making visual inspection impossible.
Many domestic vehicles built within the last several years and the majority of imports are equipped with a timing belt. Other engines rely on a timing chain rather than a belt. Refer to your owner's manual or take your car to a repair facility if you are unsure. The owner's manual maintenance schedule is a source of timing belt replacement intervals, typically every 60,000 to 90,000 miles.
Timing belt replacement usually requires removal of the engine drive belt that operates the alternator, water pump, power steering pump
and air conditioner. Consider replacing this belt, or multiple belts, when having a new timing belt installed.
Q: Are Dirty Cabin Air Filters Preventing You From Breathing Easily in Your Car?
During the hot summer months, contaminants, such as pollen, dust, mold spores and smog, can easily enter a vehicle's passenger compartment through the air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems, making the air in the car six times dirtier than the air outside, cautions the Car Care Council.
Motorists can protect themselves and their passengers from these containments by replacing the vehicle's cabin air filter annually or more often in areas with heavy containments, or whenever heating or cooling efficiency is reduced. Cabin air filters clean the incoming air and remove allergens - especially beneficial to people who suffer from allergies.
If your vehicle is model year 2000 or newer, there's a good chance it is equipped with a cabin air filter. If the cabin air filter is not replaced, it can cause musty odors in the vehicle, and over time, the heater and air conditioner may become damaged by corrosion. A dirty or clogged cabin air filter can also cause containments to become so concentrated in the cabin that passengers actually breathe in more fumes and particles when riding in the car compared to walking down the street.
Q: If a dashboard warning light comes on, should I pull over and call a tow truck?
It depends on the color of the light. A red light means you need to seek service immediately. There are two courses of action to take here. If it's a warning light related to your engine, such as an oil pressure or engine temperature warning, pull over as soon as it's safe, turn off your engine and call your auto service provider. This can be the difference between an inconvenient tow and catastrophic engine failure.
On the other hand, if you see a red battery or alternator light, your best bet is to drive directly to a repair facility. Your vehicle is detecting a problem with the charging system and may not start again if the engine is turned off.
An amber light, such as the "Service Engine Soon" message, means you need to seek service, but this can be done at your earliest convenience. Unless the light is flashing or the engine is hesitating or bucking severely, you can bide your time-a bit.
Two other notes on your dashboard warning lights: · Do you know what each of the lights on your dash means? If not, your owner's manual can provide a basic explanation. · All of your warning lights are designed to illuminate momentarily when you turn the key in the ignition. This is a test cycle for the bulbs. Occasionally watch to be sure all of yours are working properly. |