Posts Tagged ‘garage’
Sunday, August 15th, 2010
Vehicles on the road today have a much more complex and sophisticated system than in yesteryear. Cars today generally have a four wheel hydraulic braking system, to exert pressure on all four wheels, allowing the car to stop in a straight and even line.
What occurs when you put on the “brakes” The pressure that you apply to the pedal is transmitted to the brake system master cylinder (either directly or through a booster assembly by means of hydraulic brake fluid to the wheel cylinders fundamentally through a series of steel lines and flexible hoses.
As the pressure is supplied to the wheel cylinders, it causes the cylinder pistons to move and pressure is applied to the brake drum or discs through the brake shoes or pads. The friction that then exists between the brake shoes or pads (which are lined with friction materials) and the brake drum or disc is what stops the wheels from turning round. Hence your wheels will stop rotating and your vehicle should slow down and come to a stop.
What topics should be on such a list for the technician, mechanic or service writer to check off? First the brake pedal and master cylinders must be checked. Check the brake pedal “free play”. There should be ample travel; the pedal should be firm and not spongy. The master cylinder should not be leaking and the fluid levels of the braking hydraulic fluids should be adequate or topped up. Next check the stoplight switch. Check switch operation by inspecting rear brake lights when brake pedal is applied. A helper of set of mirrors can be of assistance. Wheel cylinders and brake shoe assemblies require periodic inspections. Of course brake drums must be checked for out or round or tapered conditions. Along with that and thorough visual inspection of seals, brake lines and hoses must be completed. In the case of disc brakes brake pads should be checked for wear. Along with that check the rotors or discs for scoring, cracking, uneven wear or warping. Lastly caliper pistons should show no signs of leakage at all.
On some luxury premium vehicles four way disc type brakes are offered either as a standard safety or as an option. Along with that brake and braking systems have become much more sophisticated with time. A good majority of cars now sold are equipped with ABS anti-lock braking systems. Actually rather simple in electronics, ABS systems allow for the vehicle not to stop in a shorter distance but allow the motorist to be able to steer away from danger in emergency driving situations.
Edmonton Chrysler Avenger 2010
Tags: auto, auto dealer service department, auto insurance, auto repair, auto safety, auto service writer, automobile, automotive, automotive brake systems, dealer, garage, transportation
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Tuesday, July 20th, 2010
The owner of a chain of auto dealerships remarked to a customer that he has always had battles with mechanics concerning preventative maintenance on vehicles. Overall prevention is preferable when it comes to automotive maintenance and upkeep. Once the damage is done, parts repair and labor are more extensive than if the work or driving wear and tear is caught in the bud. To the credit of the repair shops of this auto dealership group, “customers just love these shops” and bookings are often some time into the future. Yet if a person goes to a small shop or even prefers to do the auto maintenance and repair work themselves - either for cost savings or simple enjoyment of a hobby one factor often forgotten or certainly not emphasized is “safety on the job”.
You would be amazed. More than one amateur mechanic has produced sparks or even open flames near leaky gas tanks or wet fuel lines. How downright dangerous a practice indeed. Included in such events are the use of electric power tools, grinding, welding as well as using propane torches to loosen rusted fasteners around these leaky or leaking fuel tanks and gas lines. Experienced and well trained mechanical and auto service department experts such as Shinderpal Jandu state to always fix the leak first and foremost. Then do the other repairs work or sets of task to complete the repair and fixing process fully.
What are some safety precautions that backyard and do-it-yourself mechanics and budding service technicians should employ as a matter of standard procedure and course?
First of all after raising an automobile product, you should take the care to place a jack stand (better yet a pair of jack stands) underneath the auto to support the vehicle’s weight. Sure most vehicles are light weight to save on gas mileage, as compared to older vehicles which were made substantially with metal, real chrome and even real metal bumpers. Today in 2010 just look at and examine the lightweight even flimsy plastic and plastics which are so common and prevalent in auto construction. Still any vehicle still packs a lot of dangerous weight, especially if it drops a distance to gain acceleration. The jack stands should always be positioned and placed under a strong part of the chassis - such as the frame rails , control arms, rear axle or bumper supports - and the jack lowered so that the weight is supported by the jack stands, not the jack. If you do not have jack stands, use something that can safely support several thousand pounds, for example concrete blocks or wood four by fours. Never use milk cartons, footstools, garbage cans or boxes.
Similarly when workings with batteries always remember that they contain sulfuric acid, so treat them with great respect when handling them. Be careful not to upset the battery, or to spill acid on the automobile’s finish when installing or removing a battery. Protect your hands with rubber gloves and your eyes with goggles. Corrosion on the outside of the battery case can leave an acid residue that will and can eat holes through clothing so it is best to not use Sunday best when doing battery work. Play it safe out there when working on and repairing autos.
Alberta Vehicles Finance
Tags: auto, auto finance, auto financing, auto insurance, auto service, auto service centers, auto trades, auto transport, automotive, garage, new car dealership, transportation, travel
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Monday, June 28th, 2010
A clean and well maintained car sells easier, sells and trades in for more cash and makes any negotiations selling or trading in your vehicle a lot easier and better. So why don’t more auto owners take better care of their automobile overall when it comes time to simple cleaning of the exterior of their vehicles? Is it laziness or is it a matter that they are too busy or simply do not care? The sad fact is that many auto owners’ especially first time buyers simply do not know the simple rules and ease of washing a car. It’s easy and fun if you know how.
Aside from mechanical aspects of your automobile, the majority of professional used car appraisers , auto auction professional buyers or just plain Jane run of the mill late model auto purchasers look first and foremost in their first impressions for rust , dents on the body of the vehicle and also the condition of your auto upholstery and carpeting.
Firstly you can take your auto to a commercial car wash. These can be “full service” that is a full wash with a team of cleaners in and out. This is nice, impresses many women as they have visions of such a “team” fully and thoroughly cleaning their home in such a manner - sweeping through home like a tornado. You will get a clean vehicle but it’s a little bit pricey and if you live in a smaller center you may not have such a full service “car wash” in your area. Next in line you can visit a self service car wash. Usually these have high pressure nozzles, along with a vacuum cleaner to allow you to vacuum your vehicle’s interior fully, wash with the high pressure nozzle with a cleaning brush to wet your vehicle with soapy hot water, spray the vehicle and dirty areas with the high pressure nozzle spraying out hot soapy water, and finally rinsing your auto’s exterior fully. Lastly many commercial do it yourself automobile “buggy baths” provide you with a final spray wax finish to leave a beautiful sheen on your now clean auto.
Yet there is nothing nicer than washing your car in your driveway on a sunny afternoon. While being convenient with “one stop shopping” - that is hot water , soap, a high pressure cleaning nozzle as well as cleaning brush and vacuum all in one place a buggy bath may overall be not such a great bargain to you as an auto owner both in terms of time , convenience and cost. The car wash may be crowded at peak times when you are free and off work - weekends for example. Secondly you may be rushed in your efforts both in terms of time allowed by the coin meter feeding the hot water to wash your car. You may not notice imperfect cleaning until you are out in the sun, away from the cleaning away, drying your vehicle.
It can be said that if you have the time and the place to wash your car outside, along with a hose or pails or hot water, along with soap and a drying chamois nothing could be a nicer way to spend your free time on a weekend or evening.
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Tags: auto, auto insurance, auto maintenance, auto repair, auto sales, autobody, automobileauto detailing, car, dealer, garage, summertime, truck
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Sunday, March 28th, 2010
If you drive a car, sooner or later an emergency or emergency situation will occur on your travels or on the highway or freeway. Count on it. Of course you cannot anticipate each and every possible mishap. However being prepared is the basic rule of thumb for most experienced motorists and professional drivers.
For example when it comes to winter driving as you might find in the colder northern climes of Northern Minnesota, and the colder more frigid regions of Alberta & Manitoba Canada that those who own tire chains often even neglect the care and attention of these road safety and handling devices. Often the “chains” are put away in the back and recesses of the garage - so that when their appropriate and necessary time comes that they are nowhere to be found or located.
It seems now that virtually every new engine, transmission or other major components now installed in foreign and now standard North American - USA, Canadian and Mexican made NAFTA vehicles are made to metric standards.
Carry an old towel as well, in these situations and regards, since installing tire chains can be a most wet and dirty job. A word of seasoned advice, from a professional driver well knowledgeable about roads and automotive repairs is that if you have never accomplished this task, under duress, then you may well want to practice ahead of time on a dry day in the comfort of your driveway, or perhaps in a parking lot on a quiet Sunday afternoon. You might even want to keep your tire chains easily stored away in an old duffel or gym back. Old hockey bags are great for this purpose. This way they are easily spotted in a pinch and well will not be a nuisance either in your trunk, or truck storage areas.
When it comes to roadside emergencies and road-side repairs nothing makes up for a little bit of preparation, foresight and planning ahead of time. A major function of city and municipal fire departments is not only fighting fires - it is preventing tragedies and difficulties with necessary as well as essential tools, practice and training.
Fort McMurray Truck Service Center
Tags: auto, auto insurance, automotive, dealership, diesel, garage, gas, GM, insurance, maintenance, repair, transportation, travel, truck, trucking
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Friday, January 8th, 2010
Studebaker, better known as one of the largest manufacturers of horse back drawn vehicles, began producing wagons at the blacksmith shop of Henry and Clem Studebaker in 1852. However, the company started producing electric automobile in 1902 then quickly changed to gasoline-powered cars. Still the merit of their electric car products were of such high caliber that Thomas Edison purchased factory release product number # 2. Studebaker was famous in manufacturing class and reliable cars that stand out in creating new speed records. The company joined with Piece-Arrow then experienced annihilation in 1933, but the company survived with the released of 1930s Depression to the market. Into the 1950’s the auto firm survived yet again an automotive industry corporate remake being purchased and integrated into the mighty motorcar engineering and design innovator - The Packard Motor Company of Detroit Michigan.
How was it that this simple “wagon maker”, well known and respected who actually made Abraham Lincolns horse drawn wagon entered the automotive field? Studebaker was an early innovator experimenting, producing and selling electric and later gasoline powered cars. Indeed Tomas Alva Edison himself (read the well known American innovator and inventor who laid the foundation for the great General Electric GE Company of our day), purchased the second vehicle built a produced by Studebaker. Studebaker lived on, kept innovating, and was known for its reputation of well designed, innovative and reliable American built vehicles.
The company produced quality cars, better known to be “coming or going cars.” Humorist couldn’t differentiate the front from the back because the front and rear side of the car were alike. Studebaker released their three-box designs in 1949. It includes Land Cruiser, Commander and Studebaker Champion. Meanwhile, Commander and Land Cruiser had the same technology of the Champion models such as extended rear door, front fenders, longer wheelbase and hood.
Studebaker cars were famous to be “coming or going cars.” The front to rear were alike that humorist couldn’t identify the front from the back. The company released their three-box post war model in 1949. They were the Land Cruiser, Studebaker Champion, and Commander. Land Cruiser and Commander had several features of the Champion models such as front fenders, extended rear door, longer wheelbase and hood. Studebaker models had some features of the prewar designs. The 2.8 liter model has an 80 horsepower six-cylinder engine that was used by the Champion model. Meanwhile, the 3.7 Liter Commander/Land Cruiser was released in the early 1930s. Studebaker designs had not changed until the release of “bullet nose” models in 1950. However, other car manufacturers outrun the company’s style during the same year. Studebaker had some outstanding models such as Hawk series and Avanti with their advanced styling, fiberglass bodies, and such introduced such innovative features as safer faster “disc brakes”, as well as optional “turbocharged” turbo engines. But they experienced extreme difficulty because of several independent car producers and lost its fame and luster in 1966, culminating in the closure of their Canadian auto assembly in the Canadian steel town of Hamilton, Ontario.
Studebaker can never be replaced by today’s high technology cars. They started from a small company and became famous of their quality designs, and reliable models.
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Tags: auto, auto insurance, automobile, Avanti, carguys, classic, dealer, garage, hobbies, insurance, management, Studebaker, truck, vintage
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Saturday, December 19th, 2009
Old man or woman winter is on its way. You can count on that 100 %. Be reassured. With winter time coming you do not want to be stuck in the snow or ice on an isolated roadside, even with modern cell phones being at the beck and call of most motorists. What about snow tires, chains and even studs for wintertime driving?
Many think that in these days of cell phones for roadside emergencies and dealer offered and provided road-side assistance that changing their tires come winter time with an entirely different set of tires is not necessary any more and even a worn out tradition from earlier “more quaint” driving times , when vehicles were not as rugged or hardy. Think again. You never can be too safe when it comes to wintertime , wintertime driving safety . Many a motorist on a trip has never given a second chance to the overall reliability of his automobile or to packing a good coldweather parka and wintertime emergency kit to be packed away in his trunk. Its downright cold and frigid out there.
One point to note and remember - winter tires , can be noisy on dry pavement - never mind the clicking sound emanating from studded tires at high traffic speeds. On the other side of the road so to speak - the nosier the tread design or designs the overall better performance on the roadway by your wintertime tires in the snow. Compromise to reduce noise also reduces tire and vehicle pulling power in loose snow and mud driving conditions. All in all it can be said by auto service and vehicle safety experts , that full-circle , welded-lug chains provide several times more pulling power than even the most highly rated , and expensive snow tires , but are of course a lot less convenient and even unsightly for automobile owners and motorists.
If you decide that you need the all out gripping and hence stopping powers of cold weather seasonal tire chains first all take the time to either order your tires early from your big box automotive store or auto factory local dealer. Shop early - way ahead of the winter season. Why - first availability . Its a case of the early bird gets the worm - or in this the reduced price and availability of winter time snow chains. When the blizzards hit you can bet that your local suppliers will be plum out of wintertide automotive products. Never mind the long waits in line or the holdups in installation on your vehicle or fleet of vehicles.
If its a simple matter of occasional tire chains for a one time trip for a skiing vacation to Calgary or for relatively light non demanding snow and icy road conditions then you might well consider the easier to set up , though offering less traction and gripping power , easier to set up and install tire chain varieties. For occasional use around the city, or one time use per through the Christmas and ice rut seasons of dead cold January , motorists and vehicle owners might well consider the advice of their trusted local garage mechanic and consider the early and prudent purchase of two or three strap-or-buckle on chains rather than full-circle type of tyre chains. Be prepared - do not wait to look around in the deep recesses of the trunk of your car - for chains when you are stuck in the snow.
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Tags: auto, auto insurance, automotive, bodyshop, budget, cellphone, dealer, garage, insurance, maintenance, safety, snowtire, tires, winter, women
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Tuesday, December 1st, 2009
The Duesy. The Dusenberg fine automotive creations. These legends have not only entered the American if not European and worldwide vocabulary as “Its a Doozie”. On top of that the impact of the Duesenberg Motor Company live on today in the likes of many replica large touring cars that you may see the likes of Winnipeg’s famous scion Peter Nygard.
What is interesting and of great note , is that it was not that early innovators of this fine automotive tradition - the pair of the two world renowned car racing Dusenberg brothers - that resulted in this ultra fine luxury stable of products - but rather business and marketing staff and future factory owners. Indeed the model that the Duesenbeg family produced was a rather staid product. Their “Model A” was introduced at the’20 New York Auto Show and then went into full production in December’21. This Dusenberg Model “A” was from the designed from the same name racing vehicle that had won the French Grand Prix race , where its innovative hydraulic brakes had proved to be the most decisive factor in the automotive racing circuit. The A was of a most durable design and overall construct that it would later appear in the Indianapolis 500 mile race as late as’34 .
There is no question about it. The tradition and great technical innovative effects of the Model A Doozies are with us in the worldwide and US auto markets even to us in this era of 2009 / 2010 . Early mechanical and engineering starts and triumphs are fully the record of the Duesenberg A roster and include fully four wheel hydraulic brakes, which used a mixture of both water and alcohol as brake fluid and fluids. At the point in time , that the Dusenberg Models introduced full hydraulic braking mechanisms what were commonly used were standard mechanical brakes - not dissimilar to what you have installed on your bicycle.
Duesenberg took great effort and detail to make extensive used of the then exotic and advanced high tech metal aluminum in its Model A’s engine. Aluminum was by then virtually unknown in the automobile industries - being in the domain of high tech and advanced aircraft industry domain. The uses of aluminum in the Model A overall mechanical detail included the power train’s piston as well as intake manifolds. The Model A weighed in at approximately a hefty 3700 pounds or 1700 kilograms gross vehicle weight overall. Horsepower was then rated at a generous and racy 87 horse power with a total and full engine size displacement of 4.3 litres. Two valves in the cylinder were actuated by a single overhead camshaft driven by bevel gears with its vertical shaft being at the front of the engine itself.
While it can be considered that the legacy of the Doozies were the wonderful “boats” , extreme luxury vehicles popularized by the likes of European Royalty as well as American “Royalty” in the form of Hollywood movie stars it was after all the more simple and basic initial products of the Duesenberg Motor Company that overall had the greatest and lasting effects on the American and indeed worldwide European and Japanese Asian automotive industry and products. The straight eight motor power plant went on to become the auto industry base standard against which all other motors were compared and related to . It was first Packard and Buick that followed this trend , and then later with the introduction of the short stroke overhead valve V-8 engine by the General Motors G.M. divisions of Oldsmobile and the luxury vehicle of its time - the namesake Cadillac.
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Monday, November 2nd, 2009
Who ever takes care of their vehicles radiator and cooling system on a regular and ongoing basis. Few is the answer. Yet with a small amount of simple care and attention on a regular basis you can extend the life of your automotive vehicle and as well provide years more of trouble free service on the roads and highways that you traverse. If you do not have the knowledge or inclination of radiator and cooling system routine maintenance simply ask your auto dealer or local garage who provide maintenance to your vehicle or vehicles.
In most cases little is thought of the fluid levels of the humble radiator of most vehicles , nor is the antifreeze concentration or concentrations proper or even adequate for the season driven. Different times of year may require less glycol , severe winter weather such as in northern Alberta Canada or Winnipeg Manitoba require substantially higher glycol antifreeze percentages. Take advantage of seasonal changes great . Forget about changing your fluid for the severe 40 below winter time temperatures and you risk a cracked engine block or worse.
When it comes to checking fluid levels of the radiator cooling levels many motorists are downright mystified and intimidated they need not be. If they are simply consult your local mechanical genius or at the worst your local competent garage or automotive dealership.
Maintenance of proper fluid levels and an adequate amount of antifreeze is everything. You will maintain your engine and transmission within proper temperature ranges. The benefits - less wear and tear on your engine itself , no heat damage or buckling from excessive heat of engines running “hot” as well as the convenience of sufficient heat from your interior heater of your passenger compartment.
Simply put take care of your automotive cooling system and maintain fluid levels and you will be rewarded with more trouble free driving , longer vehicle engine life and comfortable fall and cold wintertime heat in the comfort of your vehicle.
Alberta Auto Truck Traders
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Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
by Syd U. Dithers
When most drivers think of their autos cooling system all that comes to mind is their radiator ” the humble rad. The cooling system of your car keeps your autos engine within normal ranges and provides you both comfortable maintenance free driving and heat from their interior car heater during the cold winter time or to defrost their windshield.
In most cases little is thought of the fluid levels of the humble radiator of most vehicles , nor is the antifreeze concentration or concentrations proper or even adequate for the season driven. Different times of year may require less glycol , severe winter weather such as in northern Alberta Canada or Winnipeg Manitoba require substantially higher glycol antifreeze percentages. Take advantage of seasonal changes great . Forget about changing your fluid for the severe 40 below winter time temperatures and you risk a cracked engine block or worse.
When it comes to checking fluid levels of the radiator cooling levels many motorists are downright mystified and intimidated they need not be. If they are simply consult your local mechanical genius or at the worst your local competent garage or automotive dealership.
Maintenance of proper fluid levels and an adequate amount of antifreeze is everything. You will maintain your engine and transmission within proper temperature ranges. The benefits - less wear and tear on your engine itself , no heat damage or buckling from excessive heat of engines running “hot” as well as the convenience of sufficient heat from your interior heater of your passenger compartment.
Most of the problems we encounter both in life and as auto owners are relatively simple and come down to basics. In this case its a matter of proper ongoing maintenance of your vehicle’s cooling system. If you are unsure of the steps and procedures ask professional help . Your local mechanic , a neighbor or the service department of your local nearby car or truck dealership will be only too obliging to help you out.
Tags: auto, auto financing, auto insurance, automotive, car, credit financing, dealers, family, garage, home, transportation, truck, women
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Monday, September 21st, 2009
by Lawrence U. Olson
Do a walk around each and every time that you get into your automobile. Fluid on the ground can indicate safety issues as well as unnecessary repairs down the road. Its just routine vehicle maintenance simple as that.
It is fairly standard to state the all drivers, and even their passengers are advised and recommended to periodically check the underside of their car as well as the pavement over which the car, truck or SUV is parked as an early guide to leaks. Checking all fluid levels on a regular basis is a must as well ” not an option.
What fluids should you check on a regular and ongoing basis? First is the radiator ” or what is referred to as the rad fluid. The radiator dissipates engine heat so that your engine temperature stays just right. Radiator fluid is a varying combination of glycol antifreeze and water. It is usually colored as well, so that leaks are fairly obvious as to origin and also their liquid appearance. Too little rad fluid and your car will run hot. In addition if your radiator fluid level is low your heater may not give you the heat you need to stay warm in your car in the cold Canadian winter time.
Brake fluids are another major safety issue. No brake fluids and you will not be able to stop safely in an emergency . Your braking times and distances will increase greatly. Check your brake fluid canister , that it is filled to a proper and essential level on a regular basis.
There are a couple of type of engine and auto fluids that can leak, that which though not as common can be troublesome and as well should draw notice and attention. Simple motor oil leaking from the oil drip pan on the bottom of your auto engine. These are downright unsightly and will stain driveways and roadways. Its usually a slow leak, which does not drain the engine but will do damage to property and cause unsightly stains.
Make it a practice to have your oil level checked via the dipstick under your hood when you fill up with gas.
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