Posted on 10/15/2021
Deep Breathing In Norfolk: Engine Air Filter Your vehicle engine really needs clean air to operate efficiently. It takes about twelve thousand gallons of air to burn a gallon of gas in your vehicle engine. And clean air is much better than dirty. When your air filter's dirty, it simply can't trap any more dirt, so the dirt just passes through into your air intake system. From there it can get into the vehicle engine combustion chamber. And burning dust and pollen in your engine as you drive around Norfolk does you no good. The verdict: When your engine air filter needs to be replaced, it needs to be replaced. How often depends entirely on how dirty the air is in VA where you drive. A simple visual inspection by a friendly and knowledgeable Carmasters Automotive technician will tell you when you need a new engine air filter in your vehicle. When you look at the air filter on your furnace in your home and see it's all clogged up with ... read more
Posted on 10/7/2021
Timing Chain Oct 7th, 2021 All engines have either a timing belt or a timing chain to synchronize the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves. This keeps the engine running smoothly and efficiently. If the timing is off, it may not run at all. Timing belts need to be replaced on a schedule. A broken or slipping timing belt could cause extensive engine damage. Timing chains are being used more and more in modern engines. They are more durable and usually do not have a recommended replacement interval. However, timing chains and their associated components do wear over time. The tensioner and guide rails can wear causing the chain to be loose. A tooth on a cam sprocket could break allowing the chain to slip. You don’t want to wait for a complete failure (and possible extensive damage) so you need to watch for the signs of impending failure. You may notice sluggish performance, reduced fuel economy, or diffi ... read more
Posted on 9/21/2021
Damage taken to your windshield can be just as dangerous as (if not more) internal, mechanical problems. Whether it is a sizable cracked streak or a minor blemish, you may be tempted to overlook it to avoid the cost of getting the repair. Most people do not know, however, that glass damage can spread fast and quickly. So, is it really worth the risk? Worsen with Moisture - Throughout the seasons in Norfolk, VA, it may rain, fog, or snow. The moisture from the wet weather will trickle into the chip or crack. And if the water molecules remain enclosed in the area in freezing temperatures, you'll be faced with a larger crack! Intense heat can do the same too. Impaired Vision - If your cracked windshield is blocking your line of sight when driving, then you need to get it corrected ASAP. It's not worth putting yourself and others on the road in danger because you will likely be forking out more money if you get into an accident. Serious Injuries - Auto glass isn ... read more
Posted on 9/20/2021
Carmasters Automotive Tech Question: I'm David in Norfolk, VA. For the last year and a half I've had some battery problems. I had trouble starting my car so I bought a new battery at a parts store in Norfolk. At first everything was fine, then about six months later I had problems starting my car again, so I got a new battery. Again, everything was fine for another five or six months then I had trouble starting my car again. I went to get another battery and the parts guy said why do you need another battery, weren't you in a few months ago? So he tested my battery and it was OK. Apparently I've been replacing good batteries. What's wrong with my vehicle? Carmasters Automotive Answer: Look, we can't fault David for not knowing what's wrong with his vehicle – he just didn't have enough information. And frankly, neither do I. Let's talk about where our friend went wrong and what he could have done. First, he wa ... read more
Posted on 9/16/2021
Sep 15th, 2021 Distracted driving causes a lot of motor vehicle accidents. Well, according to one study, twice as many are caused by people not using their turn signals. Drivers have a lot of excuses for not signaling. About a quarter of drivers in one survey said they were just too lazy to do it. Others think they really don't have to use a turn signal, even though traffic laws in most areas require it. There are drivers who think they don't have enough time to do it because they make last-minute decisions; not the kind of driving that experts consider safe. An insurance company surveyed young drivers and more than two-thirds of them admitted they didn't regularly use turn signals. Here are a few reasons drivers should use their turn signals. When you signal a turn or a lane change, it lets drivers around you know what you intend to do. That way the other drivers can anticipate your actions and take whatever measures they ... read more
Posted on 9/6/2021
Sep 5th, 2021 Question How do I know when I need a wheel alignment? Answer When your wheels are properly aligned, they all point in the same direction. When they are out of alignment, most people notice a couple of things. First the car pulls to one side when driving. It could be slight or severe. If your wheels have been out of alignment for a while, you’ll also start to see uneven tire wear – the shoulder on either the outside or inside of the tire is worn down more than the other. A whole bunch of steering and suspension components are joined together. Everyday driving can cause your wheels to go out of alignment over time just from the joints loosening up. That’s why most manufacturers recommend an alignment check every couple of years. Depending on where you live or the conditions you drive in (off-road driving, harsh winter conditions, poor pavement, etc.) – an alignment inspectio ... read more
Posted on 9/3/2021
Sep 3rd, 2021 Let's talk water pumps for autos in Norfolk, VA. The engine is cooled by coolant/antifreeze mixed with water. This mixture circulates around the engine, absorbing some of the heat. The coolant then flows through the radiator where air cools it down for the return trip back through the engine. Your vehicle's water pump is what drives this process. Cooling system problems are the number-one mechanical failure in Norfolk. So the water pump plays a pretty important role. You can't get very far in VA without a water pump. After all that distant and years of pumping coolant, water pumps just wear out. You might notice a whining or grinding sound coming from the water pump. Or maybe see coolant leaking from the pump itself. The precise location of the water pump varies depending on the vehicle. Some have the water pump attached to the outside of the engine where you can see it. With these, the water pump is driven by the serpentine belt. Some have the water ... read more
Posted on 8/29/2021
Aug 24th, 2021 If you've been paying attention, you've noticed that VA vehicles are getting more and more powerful and at the same time are getting better and better fuel economy . Much of that's because of better transmissions. To get a understanding of why that is, let's turn to gear experts – Norfolk bicyclists. A cyclist's cadence is the number of times per minute he or she pedals. Their ideal pedal speed is the zone where they can most efficiently generate power over a sustained period of time. The experienced cyclist uses his gears to keep his pedal speed in the ideal zone whether he's climbing a steep Norfolk hill, cruising on a flat stretch or killing a downhill. Look at how it works: if you have a 1-speed bike, you really have to pump hard to get up to speed. And your top speed is limited by how f ... read more
Posted on 8/29/2021
Aug 21st, 2021 Getting into a car accident can ruin a lot more than just your day. So, consider these tips to make sure the damages aren't worse than you originally think: 1. Make sure everyone is ok, and call 911 to report the accident. Not only will this help in case of serious injury, it will also enable official documentation - which may save you a lot of frustration and money later. 2. Call your insurance agent to find out what information he/she needs. Listen to any advice based on their experience and based on your coverage and role in the accident. 3. Exchange insurance and contact information with the driver of the other vehicle. If you can, take your own photos of the scene and damage with your cell phone. 4. Follow the directions of your agent to file a claim, if necessary, and consider the repairs that might be needed. But remember, if your insurance agent tells you that you have to use a certain shop, check the laws in VA. Many states prohibit insu ... read more
Posted on 8/16/2021
Whether it's a chip or crack, you have to be careful with auto glass damage. You might be enticed to neglect it if it's not blocking your line of sign when driving. However, it is crucial to know that even minor cracks or chips need to be repaired. Windshield damage can spread super fast if not taken care of and can pose other safety hazards. The Damage Can Worsen With Wet Weather - When it rains, fogs, or snows, moisture can seep into the chip or crack. If that moisture remains embedded in the affected area in freezing temperatures, the crack will develop into something bigger. Cause Car Accidents - If your cracked windshield is preventing you from seeing the road in any way, then you need to get it fixed pronto. It is not worth putting yourself and others at risk of getting into an accident. Major Injuries Can Occur - Auto glass contributes to the structural integrity of your vehicle. Your windshield serves to transfer the force of frontal collisions down its b ... read more