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Signs That Your Brakes Need To Be Checked

Last updated on November 21st, 2019

The reason some of us are guilty of postponing our car’s maintenance for as long as possible, is how much of a hassle it can be. With various faults having several potential root causes, being sure that your brakes are at fault can be somewhat of a mind boggle. Here are surefire ways of knowing when to check your brakes:

Leaks or Rust in Rotor or Pedals

To check for leaks in your brake fluid, you can put a piece of paper underneath your brake rotor, if you find residue of colorless liquid, similar to cooking oil, then the fluid is leaking. As for checking for worn out rotors or pads, it is fairly easy to spot the rust when it hits. This brings us to a crucial point, choosing the best replacement parts for your brakes. While there may be various options available at your local mechanic, it’s always recommended to know what equipment you’re buying. The manufacturers of EBC brakes are sure to have their kits tested and have integrated them with efficient engineering. This is mainly what you want to be looking for when investing in a brake kit. You need to ensure that it’s top quality.

Response Time and Coming to a stop

The best way to be sure of the state of your brakes is noting the sequence of events that happen while pushing on the pedal. The sequence observed with healthy brake systems: once you press the pedal the car decelerates proportionally to the rate at which you pushed on the pedal, continuing to do so till the car completely stops. Whether you’re a Nascar racer or just a normal driver, you must know the distance it takes for your car to decelerate, then stop. Driving your car regularly causes you to subconsciously memorize your car’s dimensions and its acceleration and deceleration rates. Once you start noticing it taking a bit longer for you to stop, head to your local mechanic ASAP. 

Vibrations after Pedal Press

When you press the brakes and start noticing unholy vibrations in your car, your car brakes are most probably at fault. While it may not always affect the act of stopping or slowing your car, it stems from faulty hydraulics, leaking brake fluid, worn out brake pads or rotors, which, in hand, are a sign your brake efficiency are becoming critically low. This mostly happens in cases where the brakes have exceeded the recommended duration of time or number of miles driven without undergoing a checkup. Most manufacturers and mechanics state that most brakes have a life span of 2 years or 30,000 miles. Additionally, they recommend you not waiting till the 2-year mark for a checkup, rather 3 months before the end of their life span.

Having up and running brakes at all times is something that shouldn’t be dismissed. It isn’t just about your own well being, it’s also about the well being of the people that ride with you and other drivers on the road.  These signs can help you understand the root of the most common brake issues you face and will hopefully make you feel more knowledgeable when discussing the issue with your mechanic. Always remember to drive safely and never drive a faulty vehicle.

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The Ultimate List Of Car Code Reader Codes

Owning a car might just be one of the most fulfilling achievements in your life You’ll notice that most people treat them as they would their own children, with a ton of love and care. There’s something about the relationship between a car and its owner that is just special. This is why it’s extremely troubling for an owner when their car malfunctions or has any kind of problem. You want to fix it as soon as possible to be back on the road again. But for that to happen, you need to understand what the problem is, which means you need to understand the car codes. 

Diagnostic trouble codes 

These are basically generic fault codes that come with any car so that any device can figure out what is wrong with the vehicle. What happens is the device reads the code, and based on a preset code added by the manufacturer, it decodes the numbers and letters in front of it and identifies the problem. 

OBD2 codes

You’ll most likely come across the term OBD codes quite often when dealing with your car, and you need to understand what it means. OBD stands for onboard diagnostics, and it’s basically the car’s electronic system performing self-diagnostics and figuring out the problem. There is an OBD2 code list that you should get acquainted with because it is likely that whatever is wrong with your car will be found on that list. You should understand how these trouble codes work so you can pinpoint the problem with your car and fix it. 

The first letter

To understand an OBD code, you should know what each letter and number mean in the code. Each has a different classification, and based on that you can pinpoint the exact problem and work on fixing it. 

P: Powertrain, which includes the engine, gearbox, and so on.

C: Chassis, including mechanical systems like steering, braking, and suspension. 

B: Body, which mainly covers the parts found in passenger compartments. 

U: User network, and that is the functions that are managed by the onboard computer systems. 

The first digit (second character)

After the first letter, you’re going to find that there is a number that serves a very important function. It shows you whether or not the code is a standardized code, also known as a generic code, and that is referred to by 0. The other option is a manufacturer code, and that is referred to by 1. 

The second digit (third character)

This digit shows which particular function of the car is malfunctioning, and you’ll find eight systems numbered from 0 to 7. You have 0, 1, and 2 indicating problems with air and fuel mixtures, 3 for ignition systems, 4 auxiliary emissions, 5 engine idling, 6 computer circuit, and 7 for transmission. 

There are also two more digits between 0 and 99, and those define the exact problem you’re dealing with. An example of code would be P0008, which means that the engine control module has some timing issues. You should try to acquaint yourself with these codes because you’ll most often come across plenty of them. 

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Electric Car Maintenance

Besides being eco-friendly, electric cars have another benefit of requiring less of your money and time to run smoothly. And even though their initial cost is relatively higher, they are efficient in the long run since they require less checkup and repair than the vehicles with Internal Combustion Engines. However, like any automobile, electric cars aren’t maintenance free. Despite having fewer components and moving parts, they should be checked from time to time to maximize their utility. Here are a few items you should check out when conducting electrical car maintenance.  

1.The Battery  

In an electric vehicle, the battery takes most of the space in the hood. And since it is expensive, bulky, and valuable, it needs to be maintained in its pristine conditions to enhance the car’s future residue value. While an electric battery doesn’t require day-to-day maintenance, it is your responsibility to know that as time goes, the less charge it holds. And although there is nothing you can do about this, you should check to see if your battery starts to lose its power when it is within the warranty range, which is usually 8years. If it has outlived its warranty, you will need to replace it.  

2.The Brakes  

One interesting fact about electric cars is that they boast a regenerative braking system, which ensures that the vehicle rotors and pads don’t wear and tear quickly. They may even last twice longer than those in ICE vehicles. However, the frequency of servicing your brake pads and discs is contingent upon how hard you drive, the terrain you use, and the type of regeneration settings you utilize. Nevertheless, having a specialist to look at your braking system from time to time is highly beneficial.   

3.Asses the Tires  

While tires need to be maintained regularly whether you are driving an EV or an ICE car, tires on electric vehicles need special attention for several reasons. For starters, they support more weight than the ICE vehicles due to the bulky electric battery. Secondly, EVs deliver instant torque, which can be tough on the tires. Therefore, it is vital to check the inside edges of the treads to make sure that they are not damaged. Additionally, make sure you check your tire pressure as good pressure guarantees a smooth ride and extended tire life. It is vital to keep the tire pressure slightly above the recommended value to avoid ruining the tires. You should also make sure that your wheels are aligned after every 6 to 22 months.  

4.Check and refill the fluids  

Since electric cars come with massive batteries which shouldn’t be over or under heated, you should ensure that the coolant is replaced according to the user manual. This ensures that the thermal management system is optimal, and, in turn, asserts that the vehicle will be functioning correctly. You also need to attend to the brake fluid even though EVs do most of their stopping through regenerative braking. Also, make it a habit to replace the windshield wiper fluid taking into account temperature variations in different seasons.  

5.Software Update  

With most of the EVs hitting the market having several technologically inclined gadgets, it is critical for you to schedule regular updates. As soon as you hear about a new feature, make sure you deliver your car to the dealership for software updates as they help your vehicle runs smoothly and last longer.   

While EVs have fewer fluids and far less moving parts than ICE cars, they generally don’t need overboard maintenance. However, performing the simple maintenance practices in this article can help you avoid complications and increase the longevity of various parts such as the battery, tires, and the braking system, among others.

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Key points to keep an eye on before taking the car emissions test

When you want to register your car in the US, one of the key requirements is for it to pass the emissions test. If the car fails the emissions test, repairs must be made within 30 days so that the car can be inspected again. There are certain issues that may cause the car to fail the emissions test and we bring you some of the most common malfunctions that may cause these issues.

Sensors

If the O2 sensor fails, it will not measure the correct oxygen levels in the exhaust system. This can result in failing the emissions test since the exhaust fumes become more toxic. Faulty sensor can can also cause a lot of different problems. It can cause power loss, fuel consumption increase and engine overheat. It is advised that you make sure the O2 sensor is working properly in order to avoid costly repairs.

Fuel

Make sure that the fuel mixture is right. This means checking the fuel system to make sure all the components are working properly. If the mixture is too rich, your car will surely fail the emissions test. Why? Because the levels of carbon monoxide increase and the measurements will then be above the allowed limit.

Exhaust system

Check the exhaust for any leaks. If there is a leak in the exhaust, the O2 sensor will read wrong data, meaning that once again the levels of toxic gases will be above the allowed limit. You should also check the gas cap, vacuum hoses and the valve. All the components must work properly if you want your car to pass the emissions testing.

We hope that this info can help you and if you are preparing your car for the emissions test, you can also read these tips that will help you pass the emissions testing.

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How to improve fuel mileage – tips and tricks

A lot of times drivers are unaware that the way they drive significantly increases the fuel consumption. In most cases the driving style can help make the car more efficient and improve fuel mileage. In this article we will share some simple tips and tricks on how to achieve better fuel economy.

Driving style

Most of the time aggressive driving will significantly increase fuel consumption. Accelerating suddenly and breaking hard are usually the main culprits for increased fuel mileage. If you adjust your driving style to the circumstances, you will surely benefit. Plan ahead as much as possible. Don’t drive too close to the car in front and you will be able to maintain steady speed regardless how the driver in front of you behaves on the road. Try not to chase green lights and if you see that the red traffic light is on as you approach the intersection, release your foot from the throttle so that the car engine slows you down instead of hitting the brakes. If your car comes equipped with cruise control, use it whenever you can.

Fuel and oil

We all know that it is always better to use the highest quality fuel and oil you can get, but there are certain things that you should keep an eye on even if you use top quality products. It it advisable that you don’t let your car run on low amount of fuel. Experts say that the car tank should be filled up to the max whenever possible. If the tank is empty all the time, it may corrode and this can result in fuel system malfunction caused by debris that ends up in the fuel. It is advised that you never let fuel level get below half a tank mark. Another thing that you should check is the fuel cap. If the cap is not tight enough, the fuel can evaporate and you would be wasting fuel even when the car is not running.

When it comes to oil, always go with the manufacturer recommended oil. This helps increase you mileage by a few percent because the engine runs smoothly and is being properly lubricated at all times. If you live in the area where extreme weather conditions (too hot or too cold) occur frequently, synthetic oil is the usual recommendation.

Other useful tips

  • Check the tire pressure. Over inflated tire may improve fuel mileage, but they tend to be dangerous in wet conditions because they offer less grip. On the other hand, under-inflated tire causes more friction and therefore increases the fuel consumption. You should keep the tire pressure somewhere in between the two for optimal performance and safety.
  • Wash you car regularly. Clean and polished car reduces drag coefficient and helps you save a few bucks in the long run.
  • Don’t rev the car. Revving wastes fuel and can easily damage the engine, especially if the engine is still cold.
  • Replace the filters regularly. This includes air, fuel and oil filters. Every component of the car will run much better if the filters are nice and clean and this will surely improve fuel mileage.
  • Don’t idle the engine. If you have to stop for longer than a minute, it is better to just turn the car off. Most modern cars come with the start/stop system that automatically turns the engine off when the car stops.

We hope that these tips can help you save fuel and money. You can also visit our blog for more information and advice.

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Tips to pass the car emissions testing

In the United States it is required that the car passes emissions inspection. The car cannot be legally driven on the road until it passes the testing. We bring you some tips and tricks to help you pass the emissions testing.

Check engine light

If the check engine light is on, your car will not be able to pass the testing. The light may disappear after a few days, but if it persists you will have to take care of the cause in order to pass the test.

Oil change

If the engine oil is old, it may cause an increase in CO emissions.

Fuel

Get the best petrol you can get. More octane means better burning process. This should increase your car’s chances to pass the emissions testing.

Spark plugs

We suggest that you replace your spark plugs too. New is better, as simple as that.

Air filter

You should change it prior to testing. If it’s dirty it can cause increased levels of CO emissions as well. Same as above, just get a new one.

Gas cap

The gas cap should have no cracks and it must be tightly closed. You will hear a clicking sound once the cap is properly tightened.

Tire pressure

If the testing includes dynamometer you should make sure the car’s tires are inflated properly. The proper tire pressure will result in a more constant performance.

Drive around a little bit first

Don’t go in while the car’s engine is still cold. Warm up the engine first. This helps optimise engine performance resulting in better fuel burning and more efficient performance.

 

These are just some of the tips that might help you get your car ready to meet the requirements and pass the emissions testing. If you need any more information about requirements for your area, you can find it here. Just select your state and proceed.

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Lowering the levels of carbon dioxide from car emissions by planting more hedges

Last updated on April 23rd, 2021

In urban areas and crowded city centers with high levels of car emissions, the hedges are a much better solution than trees when it comes to coping with carbon dioxide and other pollutants, because the hedges are planted level with car exhausts.

Scientists claim that this helps in lowering the effects of harmful carbon emissions. Profesor P. Kumar from the Surrey University states that the hedges are a lot more efficient in stopping harmful air particles coming from the car exhausts for one reason only – they are planted much lower and therefore absorb exhaust emissions much faster. This way people are less exposed to polluted air.

The plan

He also suggests that cities should plant a lot more hedges between the sidewalks and the roads, if there is enough space for that. His team of scientists from the United States and the European Union are still searching for the plants that would be the most efficient in absorbing carbon dioxide, the main cause of global warming. They are also researching what wold be the best height for these hedges to make them as efficient as possible. They stress that  these statements are not directed towards reducing the number of trees in urban areas, but towards the efficient combining of both trees and hedges. The trees absorb great amounts of CO2 and they are extremley useful, but the hedges would be significantly helpful in making this green system more efficient. Serving „at the front line“ between car emissions and the people living in urban areas, the hedges could help in preventing diseases and health hazards that harmful car emissions cause.

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Car emissions cause heart damage, study shows.

A scientific research showed that car emissions can cause heart damage and even lead to premature deaths.

The scientists have discovered that long term exposure to car emissions can cause an inflammation which leads to heart thickening, lowering its ability to pump blood through the body. This also leads to narrowing of the blood vessels which causes high blood pressure. It is well known that high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack and heart failure. The research points out that less educated people are more prone to these diseases since they are not familiar enough with the dangers and problems that car emissions can cause. It was stated that more should be done in the field of education to make sure people become more aware of the problem.

This research was carried out by Queen Mary University in London where 4,255 people have been tested. These people were subjected to MRI scans monitoring their heart functions. The results were then presented to the European Society of Cardiology for further research. This should greatly help with further research regarding the harmful effects of car emissions, helping the cause for better understanding and control of harmful car emissions.

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Lowering car emissions – Germany to ban diesels!

The Leipzig Regional Administrative Court ruled that German cities can ban older diesel cars with high emissions. The ban affects diesel cars up to ecological standard of Euro 6.

The Federal court’s decision was made on appeal against the decision taken by the provincial courts in Stuttgart and Dusseldorf last year to ban the diesels manufactured before 2015. Mandatory changes are to be made on diesel engines that have Euro 4 (from 2005 to 2009) and Euro 5 standards (from 2009 to 2015) to meet the current eco-standards. Diesel engines manufactured before 2005 were already virtually eliminated in German cities due to the increased emissions. It is estimated that there are more than 12 million such cars in Germany.

This decision of the Federal court has legal effect throughout Germany and each city will be able to ban diesel cars in its urban areas, depending on the air pollution levels in their region. For now, excessive emissions of N2O and carbon, which are the main issues with diesel cars, have been measured in 60 German cities including Munich, the largest German city that joined the cause for diesel ban.

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It’s not just car emissions – cars affect our health in many different ways!

Last updated on April 23rd, 2021

You are surely aware that car emissions have a huge impact on our health and environment, but did you know that there are many other harmful micro-particles being produced by poor car maintenance and aggressive driving?

The invisible killer

Along with car emissions, one of the biggest issues in urban areas is noise level. Cars produce so much noise that it actually affects the quality of life in those areas. But there is also an invisible health threat to which we are being exposed daily. If you are an aggressive driver, you might want to think twice. Aggressive driving usually requires aggressive braking and this tears your car’s tires and breaks, especially brake pads. Now you might say „I’ll just buy new tires and brake pads“, but what if I told you that this is not about the money, but about your health?! Tearing down tires and brake pads produces micro-particles that end up flying around. These particles are divided into two main groups: PM 10 and PM 2.5 (PM – particulate matter). PM 10 are particles with 10 or fewer micrometers in diameter. Research has shown that high exposure to these particles can lead to them finding their way to our lungs and even cardiovascular system, and they are often cancerous. The PM 2.5 particles are even more dangerous since they can access our bodies through our skin and cause respiratory and cardiovascular health issues.

Although one car cannot produce sufficient amount of these particles for them to be dangerous, we need to be aware of how many cars are on the roads today. We all should put some effort in reducing the negative effects. Proper car maintenance and responsible driving help to prevent harmful effects. By being a responsible driver you save your car from wear and tear, you save your money, but most importantly you save your and the health of everyone around you.

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