Author: Jay Vasdewani

WHERE CAN YOU FIND TRUSTED MECHANICS TO WORK ON YOUR CAR?

IN THE LOCAL SURROUNDINGS
Handing over your car to someone for repair is not as easy as it sounds as people don’t trust others with their car until they are completely sure about it. The first place to find trusted mechanics to work on your car is in your locality. Each locality has their own auto repair specialist where everyone from the area gets their car repaired or serviced. The best way to find a trusted mechanics is to ask a friend or family member about their personal experience with the auto repair shops they have visited and then make up your mind about the one you want to choose.

The local auto repair shops have experienced mechanics who can be trusted. You should check their certification just to be sure though. Another important thing to check is the equipment they have and the infrastructure. The local auto repair shops are the best way to get your car repaired by finding mechanics near you. This is one way to find trusted mechanics which is a bit time consuming and not everyone might like to do it.

ON THE WEB
This is another way of finding trusted mechanics near you. Just search online for mechanics near you and find the best results with customer reviews to choose from. This will not only help you search for auto repair shops but the mobile auto repair service providers as well. The mobile auto repair service providers are mechanics who come to your home or office to provide hassle-free and convenient auto repair service for all car related problems. Searching on the web helps you read the reviews by local people who have used the service of the auto repair service providers and judge for yourself which one you want to choose. It makes it easier as you don’t have to call or go to people to ask their reviews about auto repair shops.

The mobile mechanics can be hired online by booking them through their website by just providing few simple details about yourself and the car. It is a better option as you get the quote upfront which helps you decide whether to book the service or not. The pricing of such service providers is always reasonable and the quality of service they provide is incomparable. Mobile mechanics can totally be trusted with your car.

CALL MOBILE MECHANICS
This is another option which can be used in case of emergencies. Call a mobile mechanic to come to you wherever you are. Whether you get stuck on a highway, the car is not starting in the morning or any other problem that you need to solve immediately without changing your busy schedule. The mobile mechanics are just a call away. They can be trusted completely with their services and have certification and vast experience to back up the claims.

In recent years, the mobile mechanics have taken over the auto repair market with a storm. They provide all the auto repairs service in quick time, take your convenience, and at a reasonable price which has cemented their place in the market as trusted mechanics. There seems to be no stopping the growth of mobile mechanic service providers as the mobile app and web booking service they provide make it easier for people to connect with them and vise-versa. As the number of mobile users is increasing and people like to get things done sitting at home, this is a great way to hire trusted mechanics near you.

DIY
The person you can trust the most is yourself when it comes to cars. There are many auto repairs that can be done at home if you have basic knowledge and tools to get it done. Auto repairs like battery replacement, oil change, coolant flush, and others can be easily done at home. If you don’t know how to do it, just search for a video tutorial online to get to know the steps of how to do it and the tools used to get it done. Be your own mechanic to ensure that you don’t have to pay extra and you will be satisfied with the quality of work. Plus learning new things and gaining more knowledge is always beneficial.

HOW TYRE REPLACEMENT IS BENEFICIAL

SAFETY WHILE DRIVING
When you get the tyres replaced, you don’t have to worry about any uncertainties while driving for the next 60,000-100,000 miles. How long the tyre will last depends on the tyre rating and also on how you drive. The new tyres improve the driving experience and make it easier to turn, stop or go. Every 5-7 years, you should consider getting the tyres replaced for safety and better driving experience. It costs a bit more than other auto repairs, but this one is completely worth it.

BETTER PERFORMANCE
The grip on the road matters the most and new tyres assure that you don’t have to worry much about it. The car needs more distance to stop when the tyres are worn out and can’t make short turns at normal or a bit higher speeds. New tyres make the driving easier by improving the performance. Tyres nowadays are made for better and long-lasting performance with stickier compounds and tread design that improve the road grip. When you go to buy tyres, be clear in your mind about the purpose of the seasons you car might face in the near future or at that time. As there are tyre options for different reasons and seasons.

BETTER MILEAGE
The mileage is greatly affected by the condition of the tyres. If the tyres are worn out and have been uneven, the mileage will suffer a lot as the car will have to work harder to maintain a grip on the road. To get better mileage, the tyres need to be well mounted and balanced. Also, keeping them inflated is necessary. Another thing you need to do is to get the wheels aligned whenever you get the tyres replaced. Make sure to get the tyres replaced by a professional mechanic near you for best results. The tyres won’t get worn out prematurely and the car would be able to provide the best mileage.

BETTER TRACTION
Make sure to get the right tyres for the right seasons and driving purposes. If you leave in a place where it snows a lot, the softer tyres are better which have the tread designed for that particular purpose, but the same tyres will cause problems during summer. The best thing to do is to select a tyre with the perfect combination of both that can provide you best driving experience by maintaining traction in all condition and seasons. Always do proper research, get a professional opinion from mechanics or take the suggestion from the auto repairs shop or mobile mechanic you hire to get the tyres replaced.

TIPS TO MAKE BRAKE PADS LAST LONGER

Here are some tips that professional mechanics would suggest to help brake pads last longer.

SPEED CONTROL
The brake pads get most affected when you press the brake to stop at high speeds. The higher the speed, the more heat the brake pads would have to deal with. It causes the brake pads to wear out quicker and needs to be stopped in order to make the brake pads last longer. Brake pads replacement is one auto repair that people don’t like to get done again and again but want it to last longer. Hence, taking some precautionary measures are better than regretting paying and visiting auto repair shops.

PEDAL CONTROL
People often ignore using the right foot to press the brake pedal. The brake pedal and accelerator should be pressed using the same foot by taking the force of one and pressing the other. If you use the left foot, their brakes might wear out sooner as the brake and accelerator are simultaneous without the driver knowing that he is making the mistake. You can notice that some cars when passing by having their brake lights on which happens to due people being unaware of the problem and using different feet to press the pedals.

SMOOTH DRIVING
Driving smoothly at a constant speed or going for a cruise rather than short drives is always better for brake pads. On long drives and cruises, you don’t have to press the pedal as often as you have to in the city. Don’t wait till you reach the bumps to press the brakes. Instead, keep an eye out for it and slow down according to prevent unwanted braking which causes unnecessary wear and tear to the brake pads.

KEEP THE CAR LIGHT
Make sure you don’t carry any unnecessary weight in the car. An overloaded or heavy car causes the brake pads to wear out quicker as it has to take more pressure. Avoid carrying any unwanted things in the car and just keep a basic emergency kit. If the car is heavy, it causes a problem to the tyres and affects the fuel economy.

BRAKE FLUID CHANGE
The brake fluid plays a really important role in the braking system and it needs to be changed on a timely basis to avoid brake pads from wearing out soon. The brake fluids keep the temperatures in control when there is excess heat generated due to emergency braking and high-speed braking.

Brake pad replacement doesn’t cost too much. But if you do the rash driving, you might require getting this auto repair done a lot. So follow few simple things and save money as well as time.

WHY WIPER BLADES ARE IMPORTANT AND WHAT KIND OF WIPER BLADES TO USE

Wiper blades are used to clean windshields in different types of weather conditions and if the wipers are cracked or damaged, it can damage the windshield. They need to be maintained and replaced just like any other part of the car.

SEASONAL REQUIREMENTS

The wiper blades are immensely useful in different weather conditions. They are most useful in rainy, humid and dusty conditions. During the rainy season when it pour really hard making it difficult to see while driving, wiper blades help improve the road visibility. The same thing happens when the weather is stormy and dusty the wiper blades help see the road clearly by cleaning the windshield. It also allows the drivers to adjust the speed of the blades to make it easier during light or heavy raining conditions. Professional auto mechanics always suggest you to check and change the wiper blades if necessary after every seasonal change.

HOW TO KEEP IT IN GOOD CONDITION

Wipers take a lot of wear and tear over the time as they get affected by different weather conditions over the period of time as they are exposed to season changes. Wiper blades can get damaged in summer due to excessive heat. In summer, the wiper blades can crack as the blades are made of rubber.

There are many signs that indicate the wiper blades require replacement. The wiper blades when past their capability begin to squeak, skip, smear or streak that reduces driving visibility. To avoid it from getting worn out quickly it is good to take a wet towel and rub it on the edges of the blade to get the dust, grime, dirt of the wiper blades. This also helps improve the efficiency of the wipers to clean the windshield. By doing this on regular basis you can also keep a check on the condition of the wipers.

Visibility is the main thing required for safe driving and the wiper blades help ensure it. The wiper blades should be replaced every 6 months or whenever required according to the use of it as in some places it rains or snows a lot more than other places. After every season change, it is good to check the wiper blades to make sure they are in good condition as it might damage the windshield if the wipers are cracked or rough. It is good to check, clean, and replace the wiper blades if necessary for safe driving.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

Over the past decade or so, the cars have developed tremendously in the technology and there are basically signals and light for every little thing to notify and alert a driver about the car’s components.The check engine light of a car is connected to the car’s central computer system that helps it light-up for a wide range of reasons. It does not always mean that there is a major problem in the car or engine. It can light up due to minor issues as well like a loose gas cap.

CAUSES AND PROCESS

The check engine light signal appears on the dashboard (OBDII). It is a sort of monitor that looks after the performance of the parts connected to the engine light. If there is a problem with air pressure, air temperature, engine temperature, climate control, braking system or the electronic system the engine light might show up. When a problem is diagnosed in any of those areas, the check engine light will show up to notify and warn you. When you get notified the computer saves a “trouble code” in the memory as well. The code stored in the memory helps identify the component that has malfunctioned. The code is then read with a special scanning tool. This is how the check engine light functions and gives you signal of a malfunction or problem in the above named components.

HOW TO RESOLVE IT

When you see the check engine light on and if it is blinking, take the car immediately to an auto repair shop or hire a mobile mechanic to get it diagnosed. The expense of getting it diagnosed is reasonable, but the final expense depends on the problem that gets diagnosed. When you hire a mobile mechanic or take the car to an auto repair shop, the mechanic scans the trouble code to identify the problem. The diagnosis and repair do not take much time and can be solved on the same day as the repair might even be as simple as a wire change. This shows that you just need a day to get the check engine light problem diagnosed and resolved.

These are the basic things you need to know about the check engine light so that you don’t get scammed or too worried about it. It helps you get and idea of what to do in such situation.

HOW TO GET CAR BUMPERS FIXED IN A COST EFFECTIVE MANNER

Bumpers are an integral part of the car that can be easily damaged. There is not much we can do to save it either as you might be driving safe but someone else might bump into you or apply short brake ahead of you that leads to minor or major accidents.

IMPORTANCE OF BUMPERS

People have a misconception about the function of the bumper. It is believed that it helps prevent the damage and injuries during severe crashes. The fact is that bumpers are not build to provide safety to the drivers and occupants. The real purpose of the bumpers is to reduce the damage to the car during low-speed crashes. The bumpers are there to protect the hood, trunk, grill, fuel, exhaust and cooling system during the accidents. The bumper acts as a shield to protect those parts. A bumper is generally made of steel, aluminum, rubber or plastic. These reasons that make the bumpers an important component of the car.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN GETTING IT FIXED

When the bumpers get damaged it is necessary to get it fixed as soon as possible. The bumpers cannot always get fixed as most of the cars have bumpers made of steel. If the bumper is made of plastic and it got caved-in you can fix it yourself. The materials to DIY a caved-in bumper are a hair dryer, jack and jack stands, crowbar, safety gloves etc. With the help of these tools, you can repair a caved-in bumper. But if the bumper has suffered more damaged it needs to be replaced. You can check with your local mechanic if the bumper can be repaired or not. You can even hire a mobile mechanic to replace the bumper. Bumper damages are of many types like scratches, caved-in bumper, paint damage etc. These types of bumper problems can be repaired easily at any auto repair shop or by a mobile mechanic at a reasonable price. The bumpers can be fixed or replaced if the damage is minor and you can even get them repainted if required to make them look as good as new.

A damaged bumper looks really bad and can cause problems to the tyre and silencer so it is better to get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Bumpers save the other fragile parts from getting damaged and require no maintenance at all. Hence, never ignore the bumper repairs as they can be solved through DIY, by going to an auto repair shop or by hiring a mobile mechanic.

HOW TO KEEP CAR HEADLIGHTS IN GOOD CONDITION

All car drivers need good visibility of the road to drive safely and headlights are placed in the front of the car for that particular purpose. It helps to see at night and during rainy and dusty weather which justifies why they should be kept in good condition. Any auto repair shop or car mechanic would suggest you to keep the headlights clean and in good condition for clear visibility while driving.

WHY HEADLIGHTS ARE IMPORTANT

The purpose of lights is safety and communication. The headlights ensure that the driver can drive safely and communicate with other drivers through signals using the headlights, sidelights and tail lights. The headlights make sure that the road is visible to the driver under any sort of driving condition be it snowy, stormy, dusty, rainy, foggy etc. It is really important for a driver to make sure that the low and high beams are working fine and there is no fog or dust on the headlight. Headlights are important for a driver’s safety as it helps the driver drive under any sort of bad light condition. It also helps other drivers coming from the opposite side see you. These are the reasons why headlights are important.

IF DAMAGED, HOW TO RESOLVE IT?

Maintaining a car’s headlight is not a difficult job to do. The headlights face many problems which can be solved by taking some simple steps and measures.

  • If the headlights are dirty, you can use headlight cleaners to clean the headlights. Dirty headlights can cause problems seeing at night. It is good to clean the headlights whenever you wash your windshield.
  • If the headlights suffer from condensation, you can deal with it by removing the headlight and drilling a small hole in it. Make sure to drain the water out completely before putting it back again.
  • If the headlights turn yellow due to extensive UV exposure, you can use the haze clearing products available on the market it cleans it. This usually happens as the headlights are made of polycarbonate.

The most important thing to do to keep any component of a car in good condition is to maintain it. If you follow these steps when it is necessary, the headlights will stay in good condition and you will be able to drive safely and see the road clearly. Headlights should be checked every now and then and replaced annually for best results. Just getting your car serviced won’t clear the headlights, you need to get it done separately.

These are the ways a headlight can cause problems and the ways to resolve it to help you drive safe under any lighting condition.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRADITIONAL AUTO REPAIR AND MOBILE AUTO REPAIR

These are the major differences between Traditional auto repair and Mobile auto repair.

REPAIRING TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT
The traditional auto repair was done by mechanics who might or might not be certified or trained. In mobile auto repair, the mechanics are highly trained professional with years of experience. The techniques and equipment differ a lot as the auto mechanics have now developed to auto technicians with the innovative concepts and improvements taking place in the automobile industry. Years ago the cars were more mechanical, but now the cars can be connected to a computer to figure out the problems under the hood. The advanced and computerized equipment need proper training to use. Both traditional and mobile auto repair have their advantages as some things have been made easier while some more complex.

AREA OF REACH
The traditional auto repair was limited in many ways. The clients need to take the car to the auto repair shop to diagnose the problems and then get an estimate. The consumers only knew the local shops and trusted their local mechanics with their cars. Now, the times have changed. The mobile auto repair industry is slowly taking over the market. Mobile auto repair covers a wider area as they go to the clients. The clients can book them through their website or mobile application and get the estimates before booking. In terms of reaching people and providing convenient service, mobile auto repair outdoes the traditional auto repair.

TIME CONSUMPTION
Traditional auto repair consumes way more time than mobile auto repair. It requires you to take time out from your busy schedule to visit the auto repair shop and wait there till the problem is diagnosed and repaired. The mobile auto repair service lets you book it according to your convenience for when you are free or even at the office. The mobile mechanics will come to you and the get problem solved while you are on your job.

COST DIFFERENCE
The cost is transparent in mobile auto repair compared to traditional auto repair. In traditional auto repair, the mechanics give you an estimate, but it is not final amount to be paid. They can charge more or less according to their wish. Whereas in mobile auto repair the price quoted is the final price to be paid. Hence, there is no chance of getting scammed or need to pay extra money for the service as a tip.

ARE CHEAP OIL CHANGES GOOD FOR THE CAR?

When planning to get an oil change, people always look for a cheaper option thinking it doesn’t make much difference. But is it so? This article might help you understand the types of oil and their effect on an engine.

TYPES OF OILS
There are basically two major types of oils regular oil and synthetic oil. Regular oil is distilled and refined from crude oil. Whereas synthetic oil is an artificial oil created molecule by molecule from chemical compounds with the sole purpose of maintaining the modern engines.Synthetic oil protects the car better compared to the regular oil by improving performance under extreme temperatures and it also lasts longer. There are also oil blends made by mixing regular and synthetic oil which can be considered for the maintenance as well. Blends might not be the best option but are definitely a better option or an upgrade from regular oil. It doesn’t last as long as the synthetic oil but gives better protection and performance than the regular oil.

EFFECTS OF CHOOSING WRONG OIL
Oil degrades over time and leaves harmful deposits which create sludge. It causes harmful effects on the engine’s performance and reduces its lifespan. Synthetic oil is more resistant to impurities and sludge formation and keeps the engine cleaner to operate better and perform better. Regular oil, on the other hand, is not that resistant and degrades quickly leading to performance issues, mileage problems, and sludge formation. Regular oil doesn’t protect the engine better than synthetic from friction, wear and tear, and can lead to breakdowns. The synthetic oil is tailored for the car to handle all sorts of conditions like extreme weather whereas the regular oil doesn’t perform well under extreme heat and lead to breakdowns.

WHICH IS BEST?
There is no doubt that synthetic oil is better for a car in all terms. Here are a few things that you may consider before making up your mind. The synthetic oil change charges nearly double than regular oil but lasts twice than regular oil making up for it while protecting the car better. Regular oil charges less but requires changing more often than synthetic oil. Regular oil lasts around 3000-5000 miles while synthetic oil lasts at least 7500 miles.

It is better to choose the synthetic oil to protect the engine and improve its lifespan as it doesn’t cost more than regular oil when you think about it and improves performance and mileage of a car.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS

People tend to get confused when they hear the words brake pads, brake rotors or discs thinking they are similar or have the same function. This article will help you better understand the functions and importance of brake pads and rotors in the braking system.

WHAT ARE ROTORS?
Rotors are discs made from steel and iron. They connect to the axel and use brake pads and Calipers to control braking system. Brake rotors are also known as brake discs. Brake pads, rotors, and calipers together manage the braking of a car. The rotors absorb a lot of heat generated while braking.

WHAT ARE BRAKE PADS?
The part of the braking system which needs to be replaced more often than other parts. Brake pads are made of many components such as iron, copper, steel, and graphite combined together. They connect with the rotors and squeeze them to reduce the speed of the car and to stop it.

THEIR FUNCTIONING
Brake pads and rotors need to function together to reduce the speed or stop the car. The caliper is what binds the brake pads and rotors together for the proper functioning of the braking system. The caliper is like a clamp that connects the brake pads and rotors. When you press the brake pedal, its the caliper that forces the brake pads onto the rotors to stop the car. The calipers last for a long time.

The brake pads are the ones that need to be replaced on a timely basis due to constant wear and tear it takes. The brake pads last 25000-50000 miles and depend mostly on how you drive a car. Braking unnecessarily and applying short brakes can cause more damage to the brake pads. The same goes for rotors, they also take a lot of wear and tear but are built to last longer. The rotors get damage when the brake pads wear out but you don’t get them replaced. It causes the smooth surface of the rotors to become rough and causes it to lose grip and create squeaking sound.The rotors should be diagnosed every time you get your brake pads replaced and should be resurfaced or replaced if necessary. The rotors usually last around 30000-70000 miles.

The main difference between brake pads and rotors even though they work for the same cause is of its functionality. One applies the pressure, while the other absorbs the heat created by the pressure to stop the car.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CHANGE DIFFERENT BELTS OF YOUR CAR?

There are various types of belts in a car and have different functions. Here is a list of different types of belts with its importance and an idea of when they require being changed.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BELTS

V-BELTS – Old cars used to have v-belts. The v-belts act as transmission belts for a car. They help transmit force from the engine to other parts such as the alternator, air conditioning compressor, the hydraulic pump, and water pump. As the cars kept becoming more powerful, the requirement of belts increased to 4 for each gear. With constant improvement and innovation in the automobile industry, it became clear that it was time upgrade.

SERPENTINE BELT – It is kind of a v-belt ribbed on one side. It is thinner, flexible, it can move, bend, and wrap around small mechanical parts of the engine. It consumes less space in the engine compartment making it even better. It last longer than other drive belts and can weave around different accessories as it is flexible. This belt is so important that if it fails, the whole engine fails.

TIMING BELT – This belt is also known as camshaft drive belt. They can be found alongside the engine for a specific configuration. Its purpose is to maintain timely camshafts and cranks. It helps keep the valves and cylinder head in sync with the pistons and crankcase in the engine. It is the most important part of a car that should be well maintained.

WHEN TO CHANGE THEM
The belts are made of durable rubber-based materials that last really long, but they still do wear out over time. It can be observed by the cracks or a specific part of belt getting worn out. It can be identified by the squeaking sound it makes while driving the car. A car cannot function without these belts.

Most belts generally last around 45000-70000 miles and if you hear a sound or feel like the belt is cracked get it checked immediately by a Professional Mechanic or call a mobile mechanic to diagnose it. Belt problems should not be ignored and should be dealt with seriousness as it can lead to engine failure. Getting a professional opinion helps you understand the problem and how to resolve without causing harm to the engine.

All these belts are an important part of the car and require proper attention and maintenance for better performance of the car and longer lifespan of the engine.

Types Of Filters In A Car And Its Importance

Your car has different types of filters for different functionalities. Filters are required for different types of operations in a car whether it is related to engine, fuel, oil or air. Here is a list of the types of filters in a car and their importance.

AIR FILTER

The air filter in engine cleans the air that goes into the engine for combustion. The air filters are made with different materials like paper, foam or cotton. It cleans the air going into the engine and prevents any dust from entering. It helps in smooth combustion and improves fuel efficiency. As it prevents the dirt, debris, and contaminants from entering the engine better performance is ensured. The engine air filter should be changed every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.

OIL FILTER

Oil filter makes sure that all the oil transferred to the engine is clean and of good quality. It prevents any abrasive particles from entering the engine that can wear the engine excessively. It also helps improve the efficiency of the car. Oil filter keeps the engine in sublime condition to function quickly and effectively. The oil filter should be changed every 5000 to 7500 miles to keep the engine safe.

FUEL FILTER

It filters the dirt and rust particles from the fuel. The fuel filter is found in the most internal combustion engines. It helps in the smooth running of the fuel pump and the engine as it catches particles, debris, and impurities before entering the fuel tank. It makes sure that the fuel that reaches the fuel pump is clean. The fuel filter change interval varies in different cars, but auto mechanics suggest to get it changed after 20,000 miles.

CABIN AIR FILTER

Cabin air filter cleans the air entering into the interior of a car through air conditioner, heating, and ventilation. It prevents dust and other impurities from entering that can make sitting in a car unpleasant. The cabin air filter is recommended to be changed after 12,000 to 15,000 miles by auto mechanics and mobile mechanics.

EMISSION FILTER

The emission filter and emission valve work together to move the toxic fumes created by the engine back to the combustion chambers to re-burn and help increase the fuel efficiency. It also helps to keep the air pollutants down. The emission valve makes sure that engine gets enough air while the emission filter removes the oil vapors.