Galvanic Corrosion: The TPMS Killer
Some parts of the country are plagued by car-destroying corrosion. Whether the acceleration is caused by proximity to the ocean or by chemicals used for road treatment, corrosion can really take a toll on vehicles and the people who are dependent on them.
The Fundamentals Of Color
There is no magic bullet when it comes to color matches. A review of the fundamentals, however, and seeking solutions and not excuses can help us get to the promised land.
Solving Carbon Deposits In Direct Fuel Injection Engines
When the early direct-injection engines hit the three-year or 30,000-mile mark, some developed driveablity problems due to carbon buildup on the necks of the intake valves.
Automotive Fuel Pumps Continue To Evolve
On most applications, the pump runs at a constant speed (typically 3,000 to 7,000 RPM depending on the design). However, on many newer vehicles pump speed is controlled by the PCM and will vary depending on engine load and speed. The most common type of electric fuel pump today is the turbine style pump. An impeller ring with many small blades is attached to the electric motor inside the pump.
Bench Testing Can Reveal If The Alternator Is The Problem
Today’s computer-controlled charging systems tailor the charging rate not only to the electrical demands on the battery and alternator, but also to changing driving conditions. That makes diagnosis much more difficult when something goes wrong.
Cool Under Pressure: Choosing The Correct Coolant For The Job
Modern coolants, in their many colors and compositions, have helped extend the service intervals and replacement schedules of cooling system components. Driven in part by the OEMs longer powertrain warranty, many components are engineered to last beyond this “magic number,” sometimes up to 100,000 miles.
Focus On Brake Friction For Safety
There are no recommended replacement intervals for brake pads because pad life varies widely depending on how a vehicle is driven, the type of brake pads on the vehicle, the driver’s braking habits and even the design of the brake system.
Brake NVH: What Is That Noise?
Friction material failure is not necessarily predictable, but without close inspection, it might be overlooked.
Spring A/C Repair Do’s And Don’ts
As vehicle owners in many parts of the country begin using their air conditioning systems for the first time this year, some will be surprised to find their A/C system is not functioning properly or isn’t blowing out cold air like the past summer.
Modern Charging Systems – Cover All The Bases During The Diagnostic Process
To quote a familiar situation: “My customer’s car is now on its third alternator in six months and my jobber store refuses to warranty a fourth.” In other words, the parts supplier believes that an underlying problem is causing these alternators to fail and, therefore, won’t warranty more alternators. While we occasionally experience a sequence
Plastic Intake Manifolds: Checking For Leaks
Most late-model engines come factory-equipped with plastic intake manifolds. Plastic saves weight and cost, and conducts heat much more slowly than aluminum or cast iron. This helps lower the temperature of the incoming air for a denser, more powerful air/fuel mixture.
The All-New Ford EcoBlue Engine Is A Diesel Game-Changer
Ford has revealed the first new EcoBlue advanced diesel engine that will offer optimized fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 and NOX emissions for customers, using sophisticated technologies and innovative design.
