Engineworld

What is the Alternator all about? The alternator is the component that charges the battery in your car. When you use electrical components in your car (stereo, lights, etc.), the battery loses power. The alternator recharges the battery, replenishing the lost battery power. The alternator is located in the engine compartment. If the alternator is not working properly, your car will only stay running for as long as the battery has power stored. Once the battery loses power, your car will not start. Normally, a malfunctioning alternator will turn on the battery warning light or will have a low volt gauge reading. Keep in mind: The mechanic should check the entire charging system before installing a new alternator, including checking battery cables for corrosion and the condition of the battery. MY recommendation: Ask your mechanic to inspect the condition of the charging system during every major service. Mechanic should also clean and tighten the battery cables

Car Air Pump Check Valve  What is the Air Pump Check Valve all about? In a secondary air injection system, air must be injected into the exhaust system, but exhaust fumes must not be able to escape. This is accomplished by using a one-way air pump check valve. Think of it as a one-way street -- air can enter, but exhaust gases can't leave. These secondary injection systems are used to ensure a fuller burn of spent exhaust gases, which both improves fuel economy and eliminates pollution from the vehicle exhaust. It’s an important part of your emissions system. Generally, the air pump check valve is mounted near the top passenger side of the engine, although this can vary. Some vehicles have more than one check valve, as well. Over time, the air pump check valve is subject to not only high heat, but also other forms of damage. It can deteriorate and degrade. While there is no set lifespan for these components, they can and do fail. Keep in mind: The air pump check v

What is the Air Diverter Valve all about? Most vehicles today use some sort of secondary air injection system to help control emissions. All use some form of air pump, whether electric or belt driven, and all inject air into the exhaust stream to enhance re-burning for emissions control. Some use an air pump check valve to keep exhaust in the system but allow air to be pumped in, but others use an air diverter valve. This serves the same purpose and works in essentially the same way. The air diverter valve is operated by the air bypass solenoid, and opens to allow air into the exhaust system, but closes to prevent exhaust from escaping. Keep in mind: The air diverter valve is not inspected during any maintenance or service unless there’s a problem. Over time and through normal use, the valve can wear and eventually fail. Many pump assemblies include the air diverter valve and must be replaced together. My  recommendation: Without a functioning secondary inject

Oil Change Service  What is an oil change all about? Engine oil is the lifeblood of the engine. The oil resides in the oil pan, which is under the car attached to the bottom of the engine. All internal (moving) parts of the engine need to be lubricated by the engine oil. Inadequate lubrication will cause the parts to wear out faster and eventually lead to engine failure. An oil filter keeps the oil clean and free of debris. If the filter is not replaced on a regular basis, it will get clogged and will not be able to pass oil into the engine. Keep in mind: When the oil is changed you should always replace the oil filter. Replacement oil should always match the required specifications for your vehicle. After your oil has been changed, it’s a good idea to run the vehicle for a few minutes to make sure that there are no leaks. How it's done: Remove and replace engine oil and filter. Check the condition of all fluids. Perform basic safety inspection. Star

   What is the Axle/CV Shaft Assembly all about? Axle shafts are commonly referred to as “CV axles” or “half-shafts.” An axle shaft is a narrow, pole-like part that connects a wheel to the gears in the transmission. Axles are part of the system that enables the wheels to rotate. One end of the axle shaft is connected to the transmission and the other end is connected to the wheel. The transmission rotates the axle shafts, which rotates the wheels. Without the axles, the tires will not rotate and the car will not move. Axle shafts are comprised of four components: shaft, CV joints, grease and the boots (grease container). The most common reason for the axle to fail is because of the torn boots (grease leaking out). Without the grease, the CV joints will not get lubricated, dirt will enter the joint and the whole axle will eventually wear out. Keep in mind: Your car has multiple axle shafts, but in most cases, only one will need to be replaced. Even if the CV join

What is the Air Bleed Housing Assembly all about? Coolant is essential to engine operation throughout the year. It carries away heat that would otherwise kill the engine during operation, but it also protects against freezing during winter – normal water can freeze solid inside an engine, causing immense damage from expansion. However, coolant degrades over time and must be changed. Changing the coolant allows air into the system, which must be removed in order for the engine to operate correctly. Air in the coolant lines can cause many problems, including overheating and severe engine damage. The air bleed housing assembly, or air bleeder housing assembly if you prefer, is a simple setup generally found near the back of the engine that allows you to combat this problem. It is usually the highest point on the cooling system. It’s nothing more than a small housing with a bleeder nut attached. By opening the valve while the engine is running after a coolant change, air escapes

What is the Accelerator Pump all about? What is the Accelerator Pump all about? You may not be familiar with the term “accelerator pump”. They’re not part of modern vehicles, but they were widely used on older cars. An accelerator pump is part of a car’s carburetor system and is responsible for spraying fuel into the carb. Essentially, it did part of the job of today’s fuel injectors. While accelerator pumps might not be part of modern vehicles, there are plenty of carbureted cars still on the road, from classics to hand-me-downs, and they all require an operational pump. In a carbureted car, the accelerator pump is responsible for increasing and decreasing the amount of fuel supplied to the carburetor. It works in tandem with the vehicle’s vacuum distributor, which provides a timing advance to handle acceleration. The accelerator pump ramps up fuel delivery as the throttle is depressed, providing smooth acceleration. Over time and through us

Bad drivers and bad driving habits can cause strain on car parts, especially the tires, brakes, body, and electrical and steering systems. Generally speaking, after your housing, your car is your biggest financial investment and responsibility. Whether you're using an old beater or have a brand new model fresh from the dealer, virtually everyone wants to make the most of their vehicle and keep it in reasonable shape for as long as possible. Unfortunately, however, there is a laundry list of bad habits that drivers regularly do that can needlessly strain and even damage aspects of the vehicle. Although there's no way of ensuring a vehicle will be completely safe all of the time, there are a few things to keep in mind whenever you're behind or around your driver's wheel. Brakes It's possible that you subscribe to the "stop and go" technique when it comes to braking. This is incredibly common in areas that tend to get traffic overflow; driv