Monthly Archives: May 2021

Transmissions

Let’s talk transmissions.  Transmissions are heavy duty pieces of equipment that are designed to last a long time.  But like any other machine, they’ll eventually wear out and need repair. So, let’s focus on what you can do to push that day off as far as possible. The first thing you can do is to make sure your transmission always has enough fluid.  Transmission fluid cools and lubricates the transmission.  When there’s not enough fluid, the transmission will run hotter and wear out sooner.  The transmission fluid also provides the pressure needed to transfer power from the engine to the transmission.  Not enough fluid, and your transmission won’t shift properly. Your service center will check your transmission fluid level with a full-service oil change and top it off if needed.  If you see any transmission fluid on the driveway – it’s a reddish color – have us inspect it for a leak.  A gasket, ho ... read more

The Carmasters Automotive Guide To A Long Lasting Vehicle

May 18th, 2021 Let's say you've got a nine-year-old vehicle with plenty of distance on the odometer. What can you to do make it last another year or two? Let's start with the premise that there's no reason that a modern car can't run for 200,000 miles or 320,000 kilometers in Norfolk with proper care. The engineering and manufacturing quality is there. Of course, some parts will wear out along the way, but there's no reason for a catastrophic meltdown if you stay on top of your recommended maintenance even beyond the end of the printed schedule. For example, if a service is recommended every 15,000 miles or 25,000 kilometers when the vehicle is new, you can just keep getting it done at least every 15,000 miles or 25,000 kilometers after you go forth. But, it gets more complicated because older engines lose some efficiency, are dirtier inside and are just more stressed. That means it's very important to not miss any scheduled services. Skipping just one oi ... read more

5 Car Noises You Shouldn't Ignore

5 Car Noises You Shouldn't Ignore

From indicating it's time for a service through to a warning of fast-approaching mechanical failure, the noises coming from your car can provide a wealth of information. If you've had your car for a few months, chances are you'll be familiar with its usual sounds. This means that when a new noise starts, you'll quickly recognize that your vehicle needs attention. Here are five common noises to look out for, along with an explanation of what they might mean. 1. Hissing In most cases, hissing will be due to the escape of steam from an overheated radiator. In these circumstances, stop as soon as it's safe to do so and seek professional assistance. Driving with an overheated engine can cause serious damage. 2. Metallic scraping when braking If you hear squealing or metal-on-metal when braking, it frequently means your brake pads have worn right down to the underlying metal. Get the pads inspected immediately and replaced if necessary. If the brakes are worn to the m ... read more

Service Intervals

May 9th, 2021 Question: I'm really confused about auto service intervals for various items on my car. Help! Carmasters Automotive Answer: The simple answer for Norfolk residents is to follow the vehicle's recommended service intervals listed in your owner's manual or in your service center's database. But the team at Carmasters Automotive in Norfolk sympathizes with Norfolk residents because of the confusing intervals for modern vehicles. The days of simple rules of thumb that applied to most vehicles are long gone. For example, let's look at an oil change: manufacturers' recommendations run anywhere from every 3,000 miles (5,000 kilometers) to 15,000 miles (24,000 kilometers). This big range comes from engine design and recommended types of oil - so Norfolk residents really do need to read and follow the recommendations for their specific ... read more

Distracted Driving

May 6th, 2021 When asked, most people think they are good at multi-tasking.  Scientific studies, however, reveal that only around 2% of the population can truly demonstrate the capacity to effectively multi-task.  For the rest of us who are not so biologically wired, no amount of practice can increase our effectiveness at multi-tasking.  Turns out, multi-tasking is almost a superpower.  Think of fighter pilots: capable of maintaining their orientation in three-dimensional space, performing specific and highly complicated functions while accessing life threatening situations, and coming up with an appropriate response.  Admit it – you can’t do that. Yet when it comes to driving, we seem to think we are very capable of safely operating a motor vehicle with a myriad of distractions.  77% of young adults feel somewhat confident that they can safely text and drive while 55% claim it’s easy to text and drive.  Can they possibly be right ... read more

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