Oil Pressure Testing

Oil Pressure Testing is another strong  indication of your engines overall internal health. Just as blood  pressure can be used to determine the health of a human being.

The oil pressure test is used to determine the wear of an engine’s internal parts. The testing procedure is performed with a mechanical gauge that measures the pressure of the oil as it circulates through the engine.

Basically, the pressure of the oil depends on the efficiency of the oil pump, along with the clearances through which the oil will flow.

 

Excessive  clearance is most often caused by worn bearings and will cause a  decrease in oil pressure. The most common worn bearings would be either  the crankshaft main bearings or the connecting rod bearings. In some  cases I have also seen worn camshaft bearings cause a  low oil pressure reading.

Reasons for oil pressure testing

 

A loss of engine performance, flickering pressure warning light, excessive engine noise, and even poor starting can be caused by abnormal or low oil pressure

When the engines oil pressure is too low, premature wear of its internal parts can be one of the results. Any of the above listed problems mentioned will cause me to break out my mechanical pressure gauge and get a reliable reading.

Personally I do not trust the oil pressure gauge on the dash. This is because there is a lot of room for error between the electronic sending unit and the gauge itself.

 

Oil pressure testing procedure

 

The easiest way in my opinion, to be sure that you will get an accurate mechanical reading from your

oil pressure tester is to remove the factory installed sensor. Whether your vehicle has an idiot light or gauge, you will have an oil pressure sending unit .

You will want to make sure that you follow the instructions provided with the fluid pressure tester. The tester I own on the right does both transmission and engine oil. 

 

Remember if you do not have a good connection you may have a large mess to clean up. I use Teflon tape on the connection fittings. You should also look up the specifications for your engines pressure in a car repair manual.

 

Also note that the pressure is read when the engine is at normal operating temperature and results are recorded at idle speed, and usually around 2000 RPMs.

Excessive bearing clearances are not the only possible causes for low oil pressure readings. Sometimes they can be oil pump related problems. An example would be a restricted pump pickup screen.

 

This can be commonly blocked by sludge from lack of maintenance. Also note that a week or broken pressure relief valve, low oil level, contaminated oil, or even a low viscosity oil (wrong weight) can all cause low-pressure readings.

For More Details Information visit San Jose Auto Repair 

Car Safety Tips for Kids

We all want to be safe drivers, especially when our kids are with us.  Sadly, however, the leading cause of death among children is from auto accidents.  But by following some simple safety precautions every time we drive, our kids will have the best protection possible.

Ride in the Right Seat.  Look at your child’s age and height to determine where he/she should sit.  Children should ride in a rear facing car seat until age 2 or they outgrow the height and weight limits of the seat.  Then they should ride in a front facing car seat with harness until these height and weight requirements are met.  Until the child is 4’9’’ he/she should use a booster seat in the back of the car (usually age 8-12).  The child should not ride in the front of the car until at least age 13.  Be sure these safety precautions are followed in any vehicle your children ride in, not just your own.

Ensure Your Car Seat is Safe.  Any car seat over 6 years old shouldn't be used, and never use a car seat that has been in an accident or contains cracks or damage.  If you have a car seat that’s no longer safe be sure to destroy it so no one else uses it by mistake.  Take extreme care when installing your car seat to make sure it is done properly.  Otherwise, the safety benefits diminish.

Buckle Up Correctly.  We all know we need to wear our seat belts and our kids do too, but make sure everyone is buckled properly.  This means the lap part of the belt is snugly across the upper hips (not across the belly) and the shoulder part of the belt is sitting snugly across the chest and collarbone (not under the arm or across the neck).  Getting this right for kids may take some extra adjustments.  Make sure that the fit is proper, not just in your car, but any car your kids ride in.

One Seat belt Per Child.  Double buckling might seem harmless when taking the soccer team out for ice cream but it’s dangerous no matter how short the trip.  Each child must have his/her own belt and seat.

Maintain Your Vehicle.  Driving around with bad brakes or tires is dangerous, even if everyone’s wearing a seat belt.  Make sure that your vehicle is properly maintained to ensure a safe ride for everyone.  If your car or truck is having a problem or you’re not sure if it’s safe, have a qualified mechanic check out your vehicle as soon as possible.

Set the Example.  Children often copy adults, so set a good example.  Always wear your seat belt and drive safely, including staying off your cell phone while on the road.  That way when your kids are old enough to drive they’ll do the same.


Safe and Happy Driving to the Whole Family!

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What Does Your Engine Air Filter Do and When Should it be Replaced?

If you never thought of your car as a living, breathing thing then this blog post might change your mind about that. For example, did you know that your car needs to breathe clean air in order to operate efficiently? It’s true. Without that air, you’re going to spend more money at the pump and your car’s engine will perform poorly.

Understanding How Your Car Engine Operations

Your engine operates on a mix of fuel and air. Oxygen is what makes fuel burn so that it can power your engine. But there’s a small catch. The air has to be clean – otherwise, you can get all sorts of dirt and debris into your engine. That’s no good. A dirty engine is an engine not long for the earth. The solution? An air filter, which keeps the majority of particulates (up to 99 percent) out of your engine.

What Happens When You Don’t Replace Your Air Filter?

Car engines don’t just need air. They need a certain amount of it. They’re built to require a specific ratio of air to fuel in order for their engines to run properly. If your engine’s not getting enough clear air – as can happen when your air filter is either clogged up or isn’t filtering properly – this can strain and damage your engine.

When Should You Replace Your Air Filter?

Knowing when to replace your engine’s air filter can be as easy as eyeballing it to see if it looks dirty. This isn’t always a scientific method, though, and a lot of shops will recommend that you change your air filter every time you change your oil – which some experts say is excessive. For a good guide, check your owner’s manual. Usually, manufacturers recommend changing your engine air filter every 60,000 miles or every few years, whichever comes first.

Exceptions to the Rule

Knowing when to change your engine air filter also greatly depends on how you use your car and where you live. Here are a few rules of thumb that could cause you to have your air filter changed either more frequently or less frequently.

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Truck and Car Washing Mistakes to Avoid

Your vehicle is an important asset that requires consistent care and routine maintenance. To increase the performance value, a car or truck owner has their vehicle serviced regularly. They will have the oil changed, the windshield wipers replaced, and more. These factory scheduled services are crucial to maintain the performance value, quality, and lifespan of the car. When it comes to the aesthetic well-being of the vehicle, the same degree of attention is required.

Avoid Using Dish  Detergent

Dish detergent has been a popular, but consequential, choice for many car owners over the years. Although it may not seem to damage your vehicle after every use, it does. Dish detergent is simply too harsh for most waxes and paint coats. It wears the car wax thin over time, and will eventually fade the paint job. Be sure to always use a cleaning solution that is specifically intended for car washing and shampooing. Leave the dish detergent for the dishes.

Avoid Using Improper Equipment

The right tools will ensure a safe and effective car wash. It is important to have proper cleansing cloths, brushes, and sources when it comes to DIY car washing. For instance, a rag or old t-shirt are not appropriate materials to use when washing your vehicle. These items contain harmful components, such as nylon, that can damage the surface of a car. It can reduce the luster of the paint and implicate tiny scratches and imperfections as well. Instead, purchase a high grade car wash mitt, or something similar, that is manufactured for washing cars. These products are more effective and safer for cars.

Do Not Let Your Car Air Dry

It is a common mistake for car owners to let their cars dry in the sun after a wash. This is harmful and cosmetically undesirable. When a car is washed in the sun, the paint can suffer burn marks. It is recommended to wash a car in the shade. When a car is dried in the sun, or air dried outside, it will appear as if your car was never washed at all. This is because still water dries in place and creates water spots all over the vehicle. This can be harmful because the water is most likely tap, which contains materials like calcium, magnesium, and other metals; which are difficult to wash away with ordinary car shampoo. Use a drying cloth or chamois that is designed for car care, and manually dry the outside until the finish is shiny and clear.

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Why Women Hate Auto Repair Shops

We know, another article about how women run the world While auto repair shops tend to be a male-dominated enterprise, much of their success is driven by women. If you own or work at a shop, you know this to be true.

We have recently heard some interesting stories of the female experience with auto shops. Here is one which really resonated with us.

Maggie walked in the door of her local auto repair shop, diaper bag on one arm, baby in the other. She explained the noises her car had been making upon braking to the auto tech behind the counter. The auto tech promptly asked to take it for a test drive to give a diagnosis.

Agreeing to hand over the keys, Maggie took a seat on a small, uncomfortable chair. As she looked around the room, she noticed there was a small coffee maker in the corner. Not bad, except there were open sweetener packets and spilled powders all around it.

She decided to try to find a magazine to read, but all of the magazines were auto-related and ragged to the touch.Apparently, driving across town to pick up her baby after work before taking the car to the shop took a toll on Maggie’s bladder. She spotted the bathroom and made her way over, baby in hand. Flicking the light on, Maggie immediately deemed the small room too gross to do anything.The five minute test drive felt like an eternity for Maggie, as she sat in the uncomfortable lobby awaiting the mechanic.

Strolling into the shop, the mechanic informed Maggie that he’d need to put her car on a lift to get a closer look. She asked how long it would take, the tech replied, “about a half hour”. Obviously, Maggie had no desire to stay a moment longer with baby-in-tow and a full bladder.Maggie let the tech know she didn’t have time now, but would be back later. Though in her head, she knew she wouldn’t be. She thanked him for his time and scurried away as fast as she could.

The women are increasingly taking responsibility for the maintenance and repair of the family vehicles. In fact, the Institute estimates more than 65% of customers who take their vehicle to an auto repair shop for service are women.Other surveys show a slightly lower number but there is no doubt that women increasingly make the decisions regarding automotive service and repair.

It is vital, therefore, for auto repair shops to understand the needs of women and how to communicate with them. Nine out of ten women responding to a recent survey said they believe auto repair shop operators treat them differently because they are women.

5 tips to Keep Your Women Customers Coming Back to Your Auto Repair Shop

1. When explaining issues, be sure to use in laymen’s terms (lose the tech speak)
2. Be sure to always be polite and respect the fact a woman may feel out of place
3. Keep your waiting area and restroom clean and make it as comfortable as possible
4. Consider adding some kid-friendly features like coloring books
5. Always follow-up after the repair; a phone call or email can go a long way in cementing the relationship

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4 Tips for Getting Your Car Ready for Your Summer Road Trip

So, you are getting everything ready for that summer trip – packing the cooler, snacks for the road, making reservations to make that trip flow smoothly and enjoyably.  Don’t forget to prepare your vehicle before you leave – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially if you are stranded on the side of the road in the heat, with a few unhappy children (or spouse)!  Don’t ignore any engine lights or maintenance required lights that might be on your dash –have them checked before you leave.  A few other important items to check before you leave on that happy road trip:

Be sure your regular maintenance is up to date!  When was your oil changed last?  If you will be over the recommended 5000 miles between oil changes during your trip, it is worth the time to have your oil changed prior to leaving your driveway.  Changing your oil on a regular basis is your best insurance for maintaining consistent engine temperature, while preventing problems associated with excessive heat.

Tire Inspection and/or Rotation:  Putting more miles on your vehicle than you usually do will put additional wear and tear on your tires.  Having the correct tire pressure will insure your tires will wear as evenly as possible.  If you notice uneven tire wear, you need to rotate your tires and have your alignment checked.   If new tires are indicated, take care of that prior to hitting the road.  A blown tire at highway speeds is dangerous for you and other drivers.    

Inspect Your Brakes:  Stopping becomes very important, especially when it doesn’t happen as quickly you would like.  Have your brake pads inspected, and be sure they are replaced if necessary.  If the pads become too worn, metal on metal damage to the rotors can become much more expensive.  Be especially aware when you apply your brakes – are you hearing any squealing or grinding, or do you feel any vibration or shudder?  Those are signs that your brakes need attention.

Check your Fluid Levels (brake fluid, coolant, washer fluid, engine oil, power steering fluid, transaxle and differential oils):   Keep an eye under your car (where you park) for any leaking fluids, and have your fluids checked for adequate level and condition - cloudy, dirty fluids are not as effective in doing their job and they cause accelerated wear on components that they were designed to protect.

Stay ahead of the maintenance game by having your car serviced by your favorite Honest Accurate Auto Service technician.  Courtesy inspections made during your regularly scheduled oil service will help to keep your overall vehicle ownership costs to a minimum, while insuring your safety and your vehicle’s reliability.

San Jose Auto Repair 

Cars Care & Tips

Oil Changes are Very Important

I can never stress enough how important oil changes are, especially in cars nowadays. I've seen too many times customers who neglect to keep their oil changed regularly and it ends up costing them a fortune. Oil changes are the life of your engine! Most vehicles nowadays have overhead cams and they need allot more oil pressure to pump the oil to the top of the engine to lubricate critical parts. The oil ports in the block and the cylinder heads are quite a bit smaller than older style overhead valve engines. Therefore, the oil needs to be clean at all times to prevent slugging and stopping up the oil ports. Once the ports are stopped up, the oil pump can't do its job and it ends up losing oil pressure and that's it for the motor. A very costly mistake.

The Importance of anti-freeze or engine coolant

The purpose of antifreeze, or engine coolant as it's also called, is #1 it keeps the water in your engine from freezing in the winter and causing severe damage to your engine block and #2 it has anticorrosive in it to prevent your cooling system from corroding and becoming clogged.

If your cooling system is filled with just water and it freezes, the water expands and will crack your engine block. As far as corrosion goes, most engines today are made from aluminum, which when using just water will cause corrosion and clog your cooling system.

Another Important Tips

If your car is losing coolant and you suspect a leak DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT put stop leak in your cooling system. Leaks are very critical and need to be repaired, bring your vehicle in San Jose Auto Repair  . As I explained, all cars today have very small coolant ports, both in the radiator and the engine. Once the stop leak gets inside and hardens, it stops up most of your radiator ports and water ports in the engine, and your car will likely continue to overheat even after you get the leak repaired. There is no fix to get the stop leak out, other than rebuilding the engine. I've seen lots of people ruin a perfectly good engine by using stop leak. It actually used to be O.K. to use on older style engines years ago, but not todays engines.

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Getting Your Car Repaired: Tips And Tricks

Are you interested in learning what you need to do in the case of auto repair? Have you considered fixing the problems yourself? You might just want to better understand how to choose a mechanic. If you would like to learn more, continue reading.

You want to be sure that the mechanic working on your vehicle is A.S.E certified. This indicates passage of written testing and experience of no less than two years. This also means that you have an experience, knowledgeable repair person working on your car.

Keep car records handy. Keep these documents in a solid folder inside your glove compartment. Auto repair mechanics and professionals will need the records. This will help to diagnose any problems.

Every time your car is repaired, regardless of how minor the problem was, make sure you keep a record. If you have problems with your vehicle later on, you will find it helpful to have some records for the next technician to look at. If you do not have documentation, you may have duplicate services performed.

Read online reviews of local body shops. This can tell you about the public views of their skills in customer service and how well they can solve a problem. After gathering information, you can select the right shop for you.

See if you can predetermine your vehicle’s issue prior to attending at the mechanics. You can save lots of money if you can diagnose the problem yourself. It also ensures that the mechanic won’t try to pull a fast one on you. As you have probably heard, there are mechanics out there that will be dishonest so they can charge you more money.

Assemble an auto repair kit and put it inside of your trunk. The basic tools you will need include the tire changing equipment which should have come with your car. A lug wrench and a jack are essential. Also, it is wise to have screwdrivers, a ratchet set, Phillips head screwdrivers and wrenches. Don’t buy inexpensive tools. Get good, sturdy tools that won’t break when you need them the most.

If you are having extensive repairs done, make sure that you get several estimates. Although shops are generally trustworthy, you may end up paying for extra repairs you don’t need. Search for trustworthy shops that are experienced in repairing your car’s make. Your car is more likely to be repaired properly at these shops.

Ask about prices and labor rates before you give your keys to a mechanic. Some shops have their rates in conspicuous places, so read carefully and ask questions if you don’t understand something. You have a right to know how much a repair will cost and what it will consist of. Some shops have estimated repair times that are established by specific manufacturers. Repairs that seem minor may take all day long.

Do not believe that you are stuck with not knowing anything about car repairs. You really need to take your time and think over what you have learned here so when it comes time to do it, you can act. You should now see how staying within certain limits will help you save money.