Archives for August 2020

What is the Car Brake Caliper?

August 29, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Modern cars now land with brake discs in the front and yet others have disc brake behind also. The brake caliper is a part of the brake system itself. How does the caliper work? Each time the brake pedal is pressed, the car brake fluid is made to flow to the calipers via the master’s cylinder. The pressure from the brake pedal is then transferred to the brake fluid that in turns pressurizes the piston inside the calipers that presses the brake pad against the rotors to either reduce the car speed or halt it. Usually a car has 2-4 calipers. If the car is made to have rotors on all four tires then it has four rotors. Where it has just two rotors and two drums it has only two calipers that are found in the front. The brake caliper may corrode and begin leaking brake fluid. Also in view of the fact that brake caliper gets lots of heat produced by the brake system, seals in it can get bad weaken or worn out inside the caliper. To prevent this, ensure that caliper is serviced or fixed together as a routine brake job.

Works performed on brake caliper comprises also brake pad repairs. If the calipers are worn out, it is likely that the brake pads also have been worn out also.

What is the Fix

Detach and replace brake pads and calipers.
Routinely inspect car .brake rotors
Conduct a routine check also on brake hoses and lines.
Be sure that brake fluid is replaced as and when due
Inspect brake system to ensure zero leaks
The brake system should be bled
Wheels should be torqued to specified factory requirements.
Observe car brake performance.

It is imperative that you follow the regular brake repairs as stated by the manufacturer. Also if you are given to driving with a thin, you are likely to ruin the calipers. Ensure prompt replacement of brake fluids (Every 30. 000 miles). In any situation where you observe clear fluid on your driveway or tires and a variation in your brake pads braking ability, be sure to have your car braking system checked.

What are Signs of A Bad Brake Caliper

A car pulling either left or right during braking
Spongy brake petal feeling. A brake pedal that goes all the way down during braking.
Leaking brake fluid.

Consider all car services associate with brake repairs are essential and therefore should be handled by a professional.

What Are The Benefits Of a Brake System Flush

August 28, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

As we are all aware, the brake fluid has a great role in the entire brake operations of a car. It is the brake fluid that pushes the brake pad against the rotor anytime the brake pedal is pressed making way for an effective braking or stopping system. The brake fluid in the discharge of it duties absorbs the likes of air, moisture and other contaminant that makes the fluid dirty.

A brake fluid therefore is the removal of the contaminated fluid from the brake system and replacing it with a new and fresh brake fluid. A brake system flush is integral to a good braking experience and adds to the lifespan of your vehicle braking system.

Important Facts about Brake System Flush

The brake system flush can be performed using a handheld vacuum pump to take out the fluid. Also an atmospheric pressure instrument can be used to suck out this fluid. While others may go for a pressure bleeding instrument, the handheld vacuum still remains the industry recommended tool for the job.

How To Perform Brake System Flush

With the use of the aforementioned instrument, take out the contaminated brake fluid.

When done with removing the contaminated fluid, bring in and pour in the new brake fluid.
Use a clean rag to wipe out any area where the brake fluid spilled during the repair process.
Visually inspect for any kind of fluid leaks.
Check and confirm the condition of brake hoses, brake pads and the brake rotors. Then proceed to test run the car.

Although people decide when to schedule their car repairs, it is good practice to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guide and schedule. It is recommended that fluid replacement be done every 36 months or 24,000 miles. Ensure the fluid you use is the exact recommended by your manufacturer.

How Do You Know When to Replace Brake Fluid?

Perform this when your brake fluid changes color to black or brown. This color change shows that the brake fluid has been contaminated.

Spongy brake pedal feeling. You press the brake pedal and instead of the normal firm pedal, your pedal now feels spongy, most times going all the way down without the expected braking.
Reduced braking experience.

Is brake system flush essential?

The brake is a safety feature of the car and must be given proper attention. A brake system flush is important as you are likely to pay more on costlier repairs if you ignore the signs to replace old fluid. Where allowed to stay, the contaminated brake fluid will make other parts of the braking system fail and create leaks thus resulting in expensive repairs.

Essential Dirt Bike Gear You Require

August 23, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

A dirt bike enthusiast, you are already familiar with the wide array of dirt bike gears to choose from. As with other gears, you need to be well-schooled to be able to know which of the dirty-bike and motor cross gears works for you considering that the gear you choose has to conform to safety, comfort and also the utility want of the rider.

Helmet (Full faced)

This gear is very vital as it serves to protect the jaw area of the rider. This is equally a requirement for other classes of Motocross.

The essence of the full faced helmet is not just for the protection of the jaws but also for the prevention of brain injuries. It equally safeguards the teeth in the event of a crash. While making your helmet decision, it is imperative to consider the below listed factors concerning them;

The Ventilation

There’re lots of fancy helmets that do not offer provision for proper ventilation. It is very important you go for a multi-ventilated helmet reasons being that absence of ventilation will cause severe sweating and heat up the inside quicker.

Type of Material

It is recommended that you opt for the helmets made with carbon fiber. This type of helmet comes stronger and lighter.

Vision Area

When it has to do with motocross riding, proper vision does it all. Having a good vision area coupled with a good pair of goggle that gives you a great riding experience.

Appearance

The moment you are guaranteed about your safety, the looks can be tailored to your interest.

Motocross Boots

You cannot boast of having a complete riding kit if you fail to use a good pair of a riding boots. This offers protection not just to your feet but is equally very imperative during rides on unpaved roads. This boots must be built for this rough riding. This class of boots will not only offer comfort but also safety to the rider. However before selecting any particular riding boot, there are something’s to give considerations to namely;

Protection

A rider will require protection from rock strike during the ride and often time’s also making contact with grounds or surfaces. Since your feet have soft places that can twist when in contact with a hard surfaces, it is fine you opt for a sturdy designed boot with a good brand name in the industry.

The Size

You require a fitted boots or none. Without a fit sized boot, you wouldn’t have the right protection, support and stability a boot is built for. Ensure you only pay money after taking care to try and know that it’s your size and if it’s an online purchase, ensure you specify the right size so the manufacturer send the right size to you.

Ergonomics

In view of how important comfort is to a dirt bike rider, before making any purchase, ensure to check the ergonomics of your choice. Be sure the boots are not too huge so this does not encumber your riding in any way.

Riding Pants

Investing in a good riding pant is worth the investment. This keeps you from having your favorite jeans been ripped off every now and then. Most types come in sporty designs also.

Riding Shirts

This should be a full sleeved riding shirt that covers your skin. In view of the rough terrain you are to navigate where you may be in contact with dirt’s, tree branches etc., it is a riding shirt that will keep your skin off abrasions and other bruises. Before buying a riding shirt be sure to give attention to the below listed factors namely;

Type of Cloth

Never be carried away by fancier designs instead get a dirt bike jersey. This takes care of the roughness associated with riding and has more anti abrasion material than the standard dirt bike shirt offered.

The Size

As with the dirt riding pant, a well fitted dirt riding jersey is very vital. An oversized shirt should be avoided to forestall being trapped by something while riding. Bear in mind also the chest protector. Although some people like wearing it under, others prefer having it on top.

What are Required Accessories?

While the above stated are not the only required, there are some others to have in mind. Read more to see some other accessories you need.

Riding Goggle

Clear vision is imperative while riding. Usually, when on high speed, your vision becomes blurred because of the resistance of wind. If you intend to go on a high speed, then you should make a choice of a riding goggle. Apart from the vision, the goggle equally offers protection to your eyes against sands, dirts,debris, bugs,branches etc during the ride.

Gloves

The riding gloves are another very important accessory to invest in. This in very practical terms works in terms of utility. It protects against debris, stones and other. They protect against abrasion.

Braces and Other Devices

There are basically four required braces name; Knee, Elbow, Torso and Neck. In as much as there requires both sleek and practical designs, it should be designed to protect against injuries.

Light weight protectors are usually the recommended, however, ensure that these do not just offer protection to the affected body part but also conforms to safety guidelines.

Now you are set to blaze the trail.

What Should You Do When Your SRS light Comes On?

August 20, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

The SRS light usually shows on the dashboard instrument cluster. Seeing this light come on can really get a driver pissed. As such most people seem to ignore the, which can lead to disastrous consequences. Anytime your SRS light pops on get it diagnosed and fixed immediately as ignoring it can result in a fatal accident. At this point you are bound to ask the full meaning of the SRS and why it plays such great role that it has to be fixed immediately there is a fault with it.

What Is the Meaning Of SRS

The SRS usually known as airbag light refers to ‘Supplemental Restraint System’. This is a system built up of sensors, a specialised module used in the interpretation of signals and then an airbag that gets activated by just a charge on the bag. This is simply a warning light that alerts you to a problem with your airbag control unit, disabling the system. The implication of this malfunction is that in the situation of an accident, the airbag will not get activated and deployed. The usefulness of the airbag In situations of accident can never be over emphasized. Besides the already stated function of the SRS is that it is configured to work with the seat belt. Once you put on your seat belt, the SRS gets to be a component of the seatbelt system and in the event of an impact collision; the computer thus tightens the seatbelt. This minimizes of keeps the people inside the car from physical danger.

What Can Trigger On the SRS Light?

Please bear in mind that the moment your engine is started, the SRS conducts a self-test for some 15 seconds and during this time the SRS will be on. This should not create any form of panic as the SRS light is bound to go off afterwards. However you should be worried where the light persists after that time. This light staying on signals a fault in the system. Being a safety issue, this matter should not be taken lightly and diagnosis and a fix should be sought immediately.

You are likle bothered about the reason for the triggered light. As already stated, the light is there as a signal that all is not well with some parts of the Supplemental Restraint System. Below are some of the faults in the system that can get the light coming on.

A bad crash sensor that requires resetting
Damaged clock spring inside of the steering wheel
A faulty seatbelt switch
A weak car battery can also cause the light to stay on.
A module that is wet or has been corroded may also trigger on this light.
A faulty seatbelt system that has developed as a result of regular us of the buckle or a buckle that has a metal substance like coin inside it that alters the signal sent to the SRS system.

There is a situation of a flashing SRS light. This should be given immediate attention to avoid catastrophic consequences.

How Safe Is Driving With The SRS Light On?

The SRS light coming up does not entirely mean your car is not safe for driving. It is however best to have it fixed first because of the danger involved in driving it that way; not something to play with. But suppose as you driving you observe the SRS light coming up, what should be your reaction? First you might want to have this troubleshot using the OBD2 scanner. This will diagnose the particular problem, otherwise you may want to visit a mechanic to diagnose and fix this safety driving concern.

As advanced as today’s technology is, you do not really have to be visiting the mechanic each time your car has an issue. In the situation of an SRS light coming on, if you are a DIY person and have your OBD2 scanner all you need is change into your work cloth, link your scanning tool to your car onboard computer and have the problem codes displayed on the scanner interface. In most cases also, the scanning tool may display the meaning of the error codes. Simply decide if it’s a thing you can handle on your own and you are able to run a fix, the next step will be to clear the light by just clicking on a button on the OBD2 scanner you used. This will do the resetting. If you are not able to do this using this scanner, you can run it manually, simple turn on you ignition and just when the appearing ARS light wants to go off you turn off the ignition. Repeat this process several times until the light stops appearing.

What is the Difference Between Coolant and Antifreeze

August 20, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

The regular combustion engine functions by burning a mixture of oxygen and fuel and high temperatures above 200 degrees. This explains why the combustion develops heat as it has to complete the fuel and oxygen burning process for more than 2000 times in a minute. To assist with expelling these hot gasses is the exhaust system, but to be expected the engine metals still absorb this heat thus requiring the engine antifreeze or the coolant that functions with the engines cooling parts.

The automobile engines are configured with the engine cooling system that assist circulate the coolant or antifreeze through the entire engine thus making for and optimum operation of the engine.

What You Should Know About Car Engine Coolant or Anti-freeze

Car engine coolant and antifreeze are produced out of great heat absorbing materials ethylene glycol and or polypropylene glycol to assist with getting heat off the engine parts. It is against this backdrop that distilled water and engine coolant get mixed at a 50/50 ratio. The engine coolant should be replaced and given a flush as the car manufacturer recommends.

Also there are chemicals in the engine coolant that keeps it from freezing on extremely cold temperatures; exactly where the ‘antifreeze’ term is derived from. Bear in mind that where the mixture of your coolant has more liquid than antifreeze, there’ll be the less effectiveness in reducing the freezing point during extreme temperatures.

People from some quarters assume that your engine running very cool is a function of increasing the ration of antifreeze to the distilled water when mixing itt but remember that the chemicals present in the antifreeze are made to expand as the heat. Where this happens the coils in your radiator are likely to break thus posing a greater overheating threat to the car. The recommendation is to blend your antifreeze with the distilled water at the normal 50/50 ratio.

What Are The Other Functions Of The Antifreeze and Engine Coolant?

The engine coolant/antifreeze have a wide array of duties other than just regulate the engine temperature. Let us consider some.

This prevents the freezing of your coolant during the winter seasons.
This lowers the boiling point of the engine coolant during the summer and keeps the coolant from boiling
Keeps off corrosion on the metal parts of the cooling system
Keeps the rubber and plastic parts intact.
Assists in the reduction of electrolysis.

What is said to be An Antifreeze Electrolysis?

During the process of transportation through the engine in the cooling system tubing, water breaks down and some of its natural acidity is lost. This leads to the coolant getting charged this is the process referred to as electrolysis. Although it not much amount of charge in the coolant, it can result in wear out of some components like the aluminum. This situation causes a faster wear out than the usual. This situation can be avoided with a regular coolant flush as recommended by the manufacturer.

Is there a Difference between the Antifreeze and the Engine Coolant?

Although most people feel like they are the same thing, the antifreeze and the engine coolant are distinctively different. While the engine coolant is just a liquid substance that travels through the engine into the radiator and then goes back into the engine, the antifreeze is but a compound of a chemical that is put in the engine coolant to lower heat and the possibility of the engine coolant freezing in extremely cold seasons. Engine coolant or antifreeze has two types

The Inorganic Acid Technology (AIT): This is locally referred to as yellow or green antifreeze. This type is used commonly and has the mixture of distilled water and often has a lifespan of 36,000 mile or three years.
Organic Acid Technology(OAT): This is thought to be the longest life antifreeze or orange coolant. People think it can lost a long time upto 150,000 miles however it is advised you follow your manufacturers recommendation of coolant flush.
Hybrid Organic Acid Technology(HOAT): The HOAT combines the AIT and the OAT and is usually termed the ‘global’ resulting from the rating of its certification that begins with the G.

Reasons Why the Toyota Fortuner Check Engine Light Gets On

August 18, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

What Is the Check Engine Light?

The check engine light acts to monitor the operations of the vehicle and other inclusive car systems like the emission control. This came to force in the middle 1980s in cars sold in the United States. This is linked to the OBD2 scanners and other diagnostic tools available in cars from the mid-1980s.

The car onboard computer triggers on this check engine light whenever a car diagnostic sensor provides and off range reading.

In the car world, the OBD shortened from word ON Board Diagnostic and the OBD2 second generation onboard diagnostic capture a code that can only be decoded by a specific code scanner. The OBD2 is configured to continuously check some car sensors and when it finds something out of range; it turns the check engine light on and then stores a five digit code in the onboard computer memory.

Why does the Toyota Fortuner Check Engine Light Come On?

Suffice to state that regular car maintenance is the key to keeping the check engine light away from your car. Having the check engine light come on your car dashboard can produce fears as to what the actual fault might be. Thus diagnosing this to ascertain the real cause can be your best first step before you are pushed into some more expensive repair. Read more to find out the possible triggers of your check engine light.

A loose or Damaged Fuel Tank Cap

Once your gas tank cap is tightly closed or covered, pressure in your fuel tank gets retained thus leaving out the possibility of fumes break out. If your cap breaks or doesn’t lap properly, your check engine light will not only be triggered on, but you will lose fuel through evaporation.

An Oxygen Sensor That Is Bad

Before launching into any form of repair, it is vital to confirm if the oxygen sensor is still working normally or requires a replacement. The oxygen sensor is configured to measure the quantity of the unburned oxygen left over in the car exhaust system. It is vital that a defective oxygen sensor be replaced and the continued us of a defective oxygen sensor can lead to excess burning of fuel, reduced fuel mileage and ultimately the wearing out of your car catalytic converter.

A Bad or Damaged Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter is an environment friendly component meant to protect the environment by changing carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide and where there a failing in its operations, the check engine light is triggered on. The wear of the catalytic converter could be as a result of a poorly or no maintenance. The catalytic converter being in good working order is your passport to passing the car emission test.

A Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor

Another area to go to if there check engine light is triggered is the Mass Airflow Sensor. This inspects the volume of air circulating around the car engine, the importance of this is that the proper quantity required to run the car engine is determined. Having a bad mass airflow sensor can hamper the otherwise smooth operations of the car engine resulting in the or total damage of catalytic converter, oxygen sensor and indeed the spark plugs if there is no fix or replacement made.

Bad Spark Plug or Spark Plug Cables

As a vital part of the car engine system, the spark plug does the job of igniting the fuel mixture while spark plug cables convey the power to the engine. If any of these parts goes bad; the check engine light is bound to be triggered. If this fault is allowed to fester, there can be a reduced supply of energy to the engine and a bad mileage

How Safe Is It to Drive When the Check Engine Light is on?

For as much as you need to immediately get your car for diagnosis and fixing, it is important o note that there is no need to panic when the check engine light pops up. The check engine light is programmed to pop up once something goes wrong with the array of complex sensors. If the check engine comes on while you are yet driving, take time to observe if there is any unusual car operation different from the normal. Observe to see if there is any bucking or surging of the car while in motion.

If there is no unusual operation, keep calm and continue driving. The check engine light can be triggered by a wide range of components from a bad catalytic converter to a worn MAF sensor. To be sure, have the check engine light examined and a fix recommended by a professional mechanic. Continued driving of a car with a bad oxygen sensor for example can result in the destruction of your car catalytic converter over time. Handling this repair can be more expensive than having fixed the initial fault.

If it is that you drive a newer car model and your car check engine light just triggered after you fueled up at a gas station, it is possible that the tank cover has not been firmly shut. Pull over, take off the gas cover and put it back firmly. Get into your car and then drive a short while and check to see if the light has disappeared. Bear in mind that sometime you will be required to restart your car for several times before the light disappears. If after doing this your check engine light still does not disappear, it could signal and underlying in the emission system. Find your way to a mechanic who will use a scan tool to decode the code stored on your onboard computer. Ensure you follow the recommendations he makes after examining the stored codes and where he calls for the replacement of any defective part, do so immediately to avoid having to face a more expensive fix.

Car Challenges faced by Drivers and their Prevention

August 18, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

In recent times, most people find travelling or moving from one place to another a very serious challenge. This is borne out of the fact that most people do not stay close to the road where they can directly access a cab so walking a long interval to the bus stations present s a challenge. However this stress would have been avoided with just calling a private cab, but trust me the cost of getting a private cab can be outrageous. Thus owing a personal car or truck becomes a sought after by every one desirous of comfort. Owing a private car implies that you can just wake up anytime, hit the road anytime without the worry of getting a public transportation means.

As the saying ‘every good news comes with responsibility’ goes, buying a new car whether very expensive or a cheat one is definitely going to expose you to another kind of challenge.

Older drivers with years of driving experience with lots of ideas about cars seem to handle the vehicle issues that keep them away from expensive repair costs, while the newer less experienced drivers seem to be facing uphill repairs and car maintenance issues. Below is a list of some car challenges experienced motorist whether experienced or inexperienced.

A Dead Car Battery

A car battery could be said to central in the entire car operations thus if it fails, you are stranded especially on automatic transmission cars. Thus even when you have all engine components working great but have a bad or dead battery, your car will not respond to ignition. Possible causes are parasitic components draining your car battery. Some of this include your car lights,radio,alarm system etc. Also your car battery has a specified lifespan as such be sure to check to confirm when to perform your next car battery replacement to avoid being stranded on the road.

Worn Or Bad Car Starter

This particular issue one of the commonest issues faced by motorist. Whenever you have a good battery and you turn on the ignition and do not have the engine starting, instead what you hear is just some clicking sounds. This could be a fault directly associated with your car starter or other electrical components or wiring. Do not try diagnosing this if you do not have a good knowledge of car repairs. Have a car electrician check to see if the fault is from the starter motor or failure of another electrical component and repair the damaged part as applicable.

Spark Plugs

How do you know when a spark plug is bad? First if you feel a reduced speed and or a poorer feel mileage on your hands, it is that you may be facing a bad spark plug problem. Like the car battery and other car components, the spark plug also has a lifespan that if exceeded can result in some engine failure and reduced or poor gas mileage.

Car Alternator

The car alternator is the only energy source to your car battery. Its primary work is to make sure your car battery is fully charged at all times. In view of the fact the car battery uses much charge to get the engine started; it becomes imperative that the battery must remain charged to cater for other driving operations. Thus the alternator has a very great function to the battery so the its failure has great impact on the car. The alternator can wear out anytime and fail thus requiring replacements. Look out for a battery that is not charging as one of the signs of a bad alternator and have a professional diagnose and fix it for you.

Flat Tire

Every driver has passed through this phase at one point in time. While this is usually very annoying, it is usually the easiest fix you can handle on your own if you have a spare tire. Of course carrying a spare tire is a legal requirement in some countries. As simply as this fix maybe, it usually is annoying when you have to get on the ground to loosen, mount the tire. This could result in you having dirt or grease stains on your expensive cloth. To prevent being caught up in the web of a flat tire, ensure you drive around place that do not have sharp objects that could puncture the tires. Also, ensure your tire has the manufacturers recommended air pressure at all times.

Brake Problems

Issues with your car brake can observe as the brake begins to wear. For example you can observe your brake going bad or failure signaling when there is a reduced braking performance in your car. You begin to have this spongy feeling when you press your brake pedal instead of the otherwise firm brake pedal and an instant braking performance.

Issue with brake failure can range from leaking brake fluid to a dirty brake fluid, Worn brake pads. It is advised that you replace your brake fluid after every 40000km/s. Also replace your brake pad when they is this squealing noise from your brake. Allowing this to persist can result in your brake rotor being damaged and this could result in total brake failure. Have a professional mechanic check out your car brake to ascertain the real fault and repair it at once. Always remember that your brake is a safety component that must not be played with to avoid loss of life. If you feel your brake is badly damaged, have the car towed safely to a mechanic.

Leaking Oil

This is yet another silent car destroyer. You go into your car turn it on and then discover some dark puddles of oil under your car hood. This could signal a potential danger. It could be the transmission fluid, engine oil, power steering oil or the brake fluid. Either way, ignoring this this stains and zooming off could put you in harm’s way. Since the engine, transmission, steering etc only function with this fluid; driving it that way will mean allowing the fluid to drain completely which then affects the components it was meant to lubricate. This could lead to a costly repair or a complete replacement of the affected part.