Archive for September, 2011

Listening to what your car tries to tell you

Friday, September 30th, 2011

Specific noises and peculiar behavior is a symptom that the car is trying to put across to you some message. A tick noise upon turning from a car with front wheel drive indicates that the constant velocity joints have suffered wear. High pitched squeals means that the accessory car belt is frayed or has cracks on it. A rhythmic ticking noise says that the car is low on gas and the fuel valves need a check. A clunking sound from car’s bottom while negotiating a bump signifies that the suspensions or shock absorbers are at fault.

A roaring sound from the car’s exhaust system shows that the exhaust pipe has submitted to the rust and broken. A knocking thump while accelerating or slowing down warns of steering or suspension problem. A vigorous knocking on engine side may be omen portending defective piston or faulty bearing that may damage the engine. A profound understanding of the sound system from a mechanic will help in protracting the car’s life.

Preventing Replacement Tire Size from affect braking Handling and Odometer

Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

Replacement Tire can be prevented from hampering the performance of brake and odometer by ensuring that the similar tire size and type that came bundled up with the vehicle during initial factory setup is purchased. The tire diameter significantly affects the functioning of wheel speed sensors that have a bearing on the brake and traction control mechanism. Mismatched front and rear tire size will thwart the performance of antilock brakes.

Adequate drive balance between axles can be maintained if the replacement tires are of same size as that of original, otherwise the risk of slippage between axles arise which lead to improper vehicle control and wearing out of tire prematurely. The accuracy of odometer reading will be at stake if replacement tires turn out to be wider than original. A radial tire and a bias ply tire respectively on the driver’s and passenger’s side front should not be used. Tires should always be purchased in sets of four.

Choosing the right driving school for teens

Monday, September 5th, 2011

Making the right choice of instructors at the driving school is critical as it could draw the defining line between life and death. One should not be swayed by unabashedly subjective sales tactics which end up in a dismal show. The instructor should persistently accompany the student while the practice session is underway and keeping a close vigil on his moves must come up with identified opportunities for improvement that needs to be immediately redressed.

The institution should not only focus on theoretical classroom sessions by keeping the learner away from actual road lessons for inordinate time. An in depth evidence based inquiry should be conducted into the reputation of institutes, professional credibility of instructors and affiliation to Government motor department before trusting the children in their care. Reputed institutions with considerable brand equity should be preferred after thorough background checks. This will make driving around safe and pleasurable experience.