Car Parts Archives

Tips to Maintain Your Car’s Air Conditioner Throughout the Summer

As the hot summer months continue, it is important to keep your car’s air conditioner functioning optimally. Perform these preventative maintenance tips every two weeks throughout the summer to keep from having to have your car’s AC serviced.

Do a simple test of the air conditioner to be sure it is working properly. Turn on the AC while the car is running. Put the flow setting on fresh air (not recirculated). You should feel cold air blowing out of the vents into the car. The air should not start cold and turn warm or blow warm air intermittently. Then, change the air pressure settings to see if the airflow changes accordingly. Open and close each of the vents to be sure that all of them are blowing out air. Listen for any unusual sounds coming from the AC. Finally, smell the air coming out of the vents for any strange odors that could indicate a leak.
Clean all the carpeting and mats in your car. Dirt and grit from inside the car can get into the AC duct and clog it. Vacuum the carpeting, spray it with a carpet cleaner, and scrub it with a hard-bristled brush. Rinse with water and pat dry with clean towels. The car mats can be removed and cleaned with warm water and some laundry detergent.
Check the AC filter. The filter catches carbon and dirt particles to make sure the air inside your car doesn’t become polluted. If the filter has debris built up inside, it will no longer function properly. Cleaning an AC filter requires removing it and using an air compressor with the right amount of pressure. If you are not able to do this properly, having the filter replaced is a relatively inexpensive solution.
Look under the hood at the AC compressor. If the air pressure is normal but the air coming out of the vents is warm, there might be a problem with the compressor. Visually inspect the compressor clutch to see if it is engaging properly. The compressor is usually located towards the front of the engine, just inside the grill of the car. The tension on the belt of the compressor should be tight. If it is loose, your car needs a new compressor belt.
Check for any leaks in refrigerant. Look for any oily residue on the hoses that attach the components of your car’s AC. If you find any oily spots indicating a leak, you will need to hire a professional to repair it.
Check for freezing. If your car’s AC blows cold air initially but then the air stops being cold after a while, this could indicate freezing of the system components. This can only happen if moisture has gotten into the AC’s system, indicating faulty hoses, pipes, or seals. If this is the case, bring your car to a mechanic to perform a full leak check of the AC.

If you have found any problems with the functioning of your car’s AC, give Virginia Auto Service a call today at 602-266-0200 or schedule a visit with us online at your convenience.

Reasons Why Your Car Heater is Blowing Cool Air

Living in Phoenix, you might not think much about the heater in your car. But if you are taking a trip to Flagstaff, Prescott, or any other cool weather place in Arizona, you’ll want to make sure your heater is working before you need it.

How Do Car Heaters Work?

First, it is important to note that the explanation below pertains to cars with a liquid-cooled engine. Things are a little different for vehicles with an air-cooled engine and those with electric heaters.

Now, the heater of your car is directly linked to your engine’s cooling system. It utilizes the heat generated by your engine. Therefore, it usually takes only one minute (although in the cold it can feel like much longer!) after you start your engine for the heater to begin producing hot air.

When the engine coolant heats up, the thermostat allows it to flow through the heater core. While this happens, hot air runs over the coolant and absorbs the heat. The hot air is then blown through the output vents in your vehicle by a fan.

Common Reasons Why Your Car Heater is Blowing Cold Air

a. Problematic Thermostat: One of the most common reasons a car heater may be blowing cold air is that the thermostat is stuck.

The thermostat is a small device located between the engine and the radiator. It is designed to allow the coolant flow to the radiator after your engine has heated up to its operating temperature.

Once the engine of your car heats up, a valve opens and allows the coolant to flow out of it. If the thermostat is problematic and fails to open, the heating system of your car will blow cold air instead of hot air. Also, this may cause your engine to overheat and lead to other issues.

b. Blocked Heater Core: Another reason why your car heater may be blowing cold air could be a blocked heater core. The heater core of a vehicle looks and functions very much like a radiator. As indicated above, the hot coolant from the engine of your car flows through the heater core where air flows over it.

If the tube in the heater core is blocked for any reason, the coolant won’t be able to flow through it properly. As a result, you will not get hot air. There are many ways to fix this issue. The best way is to flush the tubes in the heater core.

c. Low Coolant Level: If the level of coolant in your car is low, it may also blow cold air. As you may have already deduced from this article, the coolant is responsible for transferring the heat from your engine to the heater core where air blows before coming out of the ventilation ports in your vehicle.

When the coolant level in your car is low, it will not be able to transfer heat from your engine effectively. As a result, your car heating system may blow cold air.

There are many reasons why the coolant level in your vehicle may be low. For example, there could be a leak in the hose in the engine or heater core of your car. A blown gasket head or a malfunctioning radiator cap can also lead to a drop in the level of coolant liquid in your engine.

Other Reasons Why Your Car Heater is Blowing Cold Air

Apart from the issues mentioned above, some other reasons why your car heater may be blowing cold air include the following:

1. The fan in the heater core is not working.

2. The heater controls in your car aren’t working.

3. The blend door of your vehicle is not working.

Possible Engine Issues

It is essential to have your car inspected regularly by experts to ensure the different components of the cooling and heating system are functioning properly. This is the only way to guarantee that your car’s heater is in suitable condition.

Remember, the heating system of your car is closely linked to your engine cooling system. Therefore, a fault with your heater could indicate a problem with your engine. Don’t just sit there shivering! Take action immediately if you start to notice something is wrong with your heater.

Experienced Mechanics That You Can Rely On!

If you are looking for trustworthy mechanics in Phoenix to work on your car, Virginia Auto Service is your answer. We have been in the business for more than 25 years, and we take pride in providing our customers with the best service. Give us a call today at 602-266-0200 or book an appointment online.

4 Signs Your Coolant Temperature Sensor is Faulty

4 signs your coolant temperature sensor is faulty

The coolant temperature sensor is responsible for monitoring the temperature of the coolant in your car engine.

Monitoring of the engine coolant is necessary as the engine’s fuel requirements are higher when it is cold, and lower when the engine is warm.

Upon measuring the coolant temperature, the sensor passes on a signal to the car’s computer. This signal is then used to adjust both the engine timing and fuel injection. This allows for optimal engine performance.

If the computer detects that the engine is heating up too much, the performance settings will be adjusted to prevent overheating.

Faulty Coolant Temperature Sensor – 4 Common Symptoms

It’s important to know that if the coolant temperature sensor of your car is failing, it could damage your car engine. Don’t ignore the following signs–

Fuel Consumption Increases

One of the very first indications that you might have a faulty coolant temperature sensor is when you notice a drop to your fuel economy. The reason this happens is as follows:

The faulty sensor might send a wrong signal to the computer, leading to a miscalculation in the engine timing and fuel calculation.
If the computer keeps receiving a cold signal from the faulty sensor, it will interpret this as if the engine is cold and continue to inject more fuel.
This action will not only lead to poor fuel economy but more importantly, it can impact engine performance.

Check Engine Light Flashes

If your check engine light starts flashing, this could also indicate a faulty coolant temperature sensor. Any time this warning light comes on, our advice to car owners is to have it checked out immediately to avoid potential engine trouble.

If you are unable to figure out the trigger for the “check engine light” warning, visit a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

Engine Overheating

If the coolant temperature sensor malfunctions, it could cause your car engine to get overheated. While sometimes a faulty sensor sends a permanent cold signal to the engine, it can also send a permanent hot signal.

The computer will again miscalculate the signal and cause the engine to heat up instead of cooling it down. When this happens, the car might misfire, or it could lead to engine knocking.

Black Smoke from the Exhaust

Black smoke coming out of your car’s exhaust pipe could be another indication that your car’s coolant temperature sensor is faulty or failing. Here’s what happens:

Faulty readings from the coolant temperature sensor can cause the engine to miscalculate the air-fuel mix in the engine.
Any time the air-fuel mix ratio is not in proportion, and if the fuel mixture becomes too rich, the fuel will not be able to burn up inside the combustion chamber.
As a result, the fuel will burn up in the car’s exhaust pipes which causes the exhaust to release black smoke.
If the amount of black smoke coming from a car is excessive, it is best not to attempt to drive the car.
If you notice this with your car, get your car checked out by a pro ASAP.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

The coolant temperature sensor is a crucial component for ensuring your engine performs at an optimal level. It is based on the signals from the sensor that the car computer calculates engine timing and fuel injection. If the signal is wrong, this important calculation will be misjudged.

If you notice any of the above signs, have your car checked immediately to avoid potential engine trouble.

Reliable Car Maintenance with Professional Auto Experts!

If you suspect a coolant temperature sensor issue, visit us at Virginia Auto Service for a fast diagnosis and resolution of the problem. If you need any other car repair service or even if you are looking for routine maintenance, we can help.

Give us a call today at 602-266-0200 or schedule a visit with us online at your convenience.

How to Identify Car Alternator Issues

how to identify car alternator issues

The car battery is responsible for generating the initial electrical charge to power up the ignition. However, to keep the car running, a lot of power is required.

The battery cannot sustain the required supply of power over extended periods of time. This is where the alternator plays a pivotal role. The job of the alternator is to charge the battery and power the electrical system of the car.

It’s not a stretch to think of your car alternator as a generator. Here’s why – an alternator belt is fitted around a pulley which is connected to the alternator. The crankshaft is connected to the other end of the pulley which allows both the crankshaft and alternator to rotate together to generate energy.

This energy is essential to running the car’s electrical system. Any time the alternator fails or malfunctions, it can lead to a break down or high cost repairs. You can avoid alternator trouble by watching out for certain signs.

5 Signs of Alternator Trouble

All mechanical parts and components experience wear and tear in the normal course of their functioning. The alternator is susceptible to damage as well. The following signs are a good indicator that you could be facing potential alternator failure.

Dim or Flickering Lights

The alternator is vital to the electrical system in your car for the simple reason that it delivers power to run the starter, ignition, and various other electronic accessories. If the alternator starts to die, here’s what could happen:

Your headlights and/or dashboard lights start to dim.
Dimming lights are one of the first indications of a potential alternator issue.
You might also notice that other electric-based operations such as your power windows tend to respond slowly.
The dimming or flickering of the lights will happen for a while before the power completely shuts down.

Warning Lights

You might notice the warning light on your dashboard go off alerting you of possible alternator failure.

The light could either say GEN (generator), be shaped like a battery, or simply show up as ALT (alternator).
Using all the electrical components in your car, could also trigger the light to come on; this of course depends on the longevity of the alternator and the amount of electricity being consumed.
If you notice the light come on, it is best to shut down any extra power accessories and have the issue checked as soon as possible.

Weak or Dead Battery

Your car battery comes with a shelf-life of 3-5 years. The alternator will of course charge the car battery as long as the car covers a sufficient amount of distance, enough to complete the battery charge.

If, however, the battery is weak, old, or impacted by other issues such as climate, the ability of the battery to get charged can be affected. To distinguish if the issue is with the alternator or the battery do this;

Jumpstart your dead car and remove the jumper cables.
If the car dies again, then the issue is with the alternator.
If the car continues to run, then it could indicate an issue with the battery.

Burning Rubber Smell

If the alternator belt is unable to run or if the running is not smooth, it could lead to friction which in turn could heat up the belt. If this happens, you will notice a burning rubber smell. Keep the following in mind:

If you notice this burning rubber smell it could be because the belt is slipping or is loose on the alternator pulley which in turn will impact the functioning of the alternator
The simple fix to this issue would be to tighten the alternator belt.
If the situation does not improve even after the belt has been tightened, it is best to have it checked-up by a professional mechanic.

Grinding or Whining Noise

Multiple parts work in conjunction inside the alternator in order to generate electrical energy. An issue such as regular wear and tear with any of these mechanical parts could generate a grinding or whining noise.

When the bearings inside the alternator wear out, you will hear a grinding or whining noise.
Again, bad or faulty bushings on which the alternator is mounted will also generate similar noises.
If this is the issue you are facing with your car’s alternator, the entire system will have to be replaced as an assembly.

Alternator Factors

The alternator is crucial to your car’s electrical system. If you notice any of the above-mentioned issues, it is best to have your car checked by a professional car repair service as soon as possible.

Faulty or failing alternators might cause harmless slow starting issues at first. If, however, the issue is not fixed, it could leave you with a dead car.

Reliable Car Maintenance with Professional Auto Experts!

Alternator issues can land you in serious trouble. If you have noticed any of the above indications or signs with your car, give Virginia Auto Service a call today at 602-266-0200 or schedule a visit with us online at your convenience.

11 Tire Facts That You Probably Didn’t Know

You know that properly maintained tires are vital to the safe operation of your vehicle, but we bet you didn’t know the following 11 tire facts.

Early tires were white. Manufacturers added zinc oxide to the rubber for strength which had the side effect of turning them white.

In the early 1900s, tire color changed to black. In the early 1900s carbon black was added to the tires to increase tire durability and longevity.

White wall tires were first made in 1914. A whitewall tire is created when a carbon black tread is combined with a zinc white sidewall.

Original whitewalls were on both sides of the tire. Early cars had open fenders and pedestrians were able to see both sides of the tire when they drove by.

Run-flat tires can drive for a time without air. Run-flat tires will go around another 100 miles after losing tire pressure. They are designed to go around 50 miles when driving at 50mph, but if you drive at slower speeds you can get many more miles out of them. BMW uses the most run-flat tires.

Used tires produce a lot of waste. Every year there are more than 250 million used tires discarded. To help combat this problem, there are recycling programs that will melt the tire down to be used in asphalt. The tires may also be shredded and used in garden mulch. Sometimes new tires are made from the old. There are also crafty ways to recycle old tires like making them into planters, dog beds, swings, and other playground equipment.

Most new cars don’t come with a spare tire. Many vehicle manufacturers, in an attempt to shed weight, stopped putting spare tires in new cars. Instead, they sell them with a patch kit and a can of compressed air.

Michelin is currently working on a new tire known as the “tweel.” It is described as an airless wheel and tire that comes in one piece. They hope to offer the reality of no flat tires and replaceable tread.

Lego is the leading tire manufacturer. They produce over 306 million mini tires a year.

The modern tire contains over 200 materials. The common materials in a tire include Kevlar, nylon, rubber, and steel, yet there is a lot more that goes into the manufacturing of a tire. They consist of metals like titanium and cobalt to help the compound bond to the steel belts. Silica and saline are also used to help enhance performance. Citrus oil and other “green” materials are also used.

You can find the World’s Largest Tire in Michigan. It is 80-feet-tall and weighs 12-ton and was originally used as a Ferris wheel at the 1964-65 New York’s World Fair. It was later moved to Allen Park in 1966.

We hope you found these facts about tires interesting! And remember, if you have any concerns with your vehicle you can call the automotive repair experts at Virginia Auto Service. Call 602.266.0200 or schedule an appointment online.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Fuel Pump

Your vehicle is made of many components that work together to keep it running smoothly. One such component is the fuel pump.

Most people are aware of the existence of the fuel pump, but they don’t give it much thought. However, as the fuel pump plays an important part in ensuring your vehicle operates efficiently, it should not be ignored.

What is the purpose of the fuel pump?

As you know, your engine is on the opposite side of your vehicle than your fuel tank. The fuel pump, which is located either next to or inside of the gas tank, is meant to bring fuel to the engine of your vehicle. Modern vehicles are equipped with an electrical fuel pump which transfers a continuous stream of fuel at the correct pressure and volume from its fuel tank to the fuel injection on its engine. This is what allows the engine to perform properly under various driving conditions and degrees of fuel consumption. If your fuel pump is properly cared for, it can last for the life of your vehicle.

How can you take care of your fuel pump?

As we stated above, your fuel pump is likely to last for the life of your vehicle, so long as it is properly cared for. But how do you take care of a fuel pump? The answer is actually very simple- keep your car fueled up. It is recommended that you never let your fuel level drop lower than a quarter of a tank. The fuel that is in the tank helps to keep the fuel pump cool. If your tank is allowed to get to empty, the fuel pump can overheat. If you continuously allow the tank to get too low the fuel pump will eventually wear out.

Another way to help maintain your fuel pump is to change your fuel filter, which is located in the fuel line, as recommended. You can find specifics on your vehicle in your owner’s manual, but a general recommendation is around every 50,000 miles. The fuel filter helps clean the fuel that goes to the injectors. The less dirt and debris that collects and builds up on your fuel pump, the longer it will last.

How can you tell there is something wrong with the fuel pump?

There are a few things that indicate there may be a problem with your fuel pump including:

A noise coming from the pump area
Long engine crank before starting
Lack of power
Stalling
Vehicle fails to start regardless of the motor turning over

Unfortunately, in some cases, there may not be any warning signs. However, if you are performing regular maintenance and keeping your gas tank filled past a quarter of a tank, you shouldn’t have any problems with the fuel pump.

If you are noticing any of the above complications with your vehicle or to schedule regular maintenance, we invite you to schedule an appointment with the experts at Virginia Auto Service. Call us at 602-266-0200 or schedule your next appointment online.

How to Change a Flat Tire

If there is one thing every driver should learn to do, it’s how to change a flat tire.

Today, with technology like cell phones, getting help in an emergency is a lot easier than it used to be, but knowing how to help yourself is still important. There is always a possibility that your phone may be dead or that you are beyond the range of service. So, even if you have roadside assistance, there may come a time when you simply must know how to change a tire yourself.

The good news is changing a flat tire really is not that challenging when you are properly prepared.

The Tools You’ll Need

Every driver should keep a roadside emergency kit in their vehicle at all times. Among other items, the tools you’ll need for a tire change should be included.

Your vehicle owner’s manual
Working spare tire
Lug wrench
Jack
2 in. x 6 in. piece of wood to secure the jack
Wheel wedges
Rain poncho and/or winter coat
Flashlight and working batteries
Gloves

We always stress the importance of checking your spare tire’s inflation along with your others, and when it comes time to use it you will understand why. The last thing you want when you have a flat tire is to also have a flat spare!

How to Change a Tire

With a little know-how, changing a flat tire is not overly complicated. Review your owner’s manual to learn steps that may be specific to your vehicle. Also, consider practicing changing your tire at home in your driveway a few times, just to make sure you can handle it when you need to. In total, changing your tire shouldn’t take any more than 15-30 minutes.

Here are 18 steps to changing a tire:

Reduce your speed. If you are driving when you develop a flat tire, the first thing you need to do is start slowing down. Do not slam on the brakes, instead, slowly reduce your speed by gradually removing your foot from the brake.

Turn on your hazard lights. Your hazard lights, or emergency flashers, should be turned on the moment you begin slowing your speed to pull over. This helps to alert other drivers that you are likely trying to make your way off the road to pull over, allowing them to maneuver accordingly.

Pull over to a safe location. Look around you for an expanse of road that is straight and level and has a broad shoulder. If you can make it to one, a parking lot or something similar would be the ideal place to change a tire. You want the ground to be level to help prevent your car from rolling while you change it. Avoid pulling over where the road curves and choose a straight stretch so other motorists can see you more easily. Do not change your tire on a constricted shoulder where there is bound to be traffic. Stopping in too narrow a spot will increase your chances of being hit by another vehicle. Instead, move at a slow pace until you locate a spot with a wide shoulder for safety. Driving on a flat tire may increase your chance of damaging your rim, but that is preferable to endangering your life.

Engage your parking (emergency) brake. Using your parking brake will help minimize the chances of your car rolling while you are changing your flat tire.

Place the wheel wedges. Wheel wedges are to be used for your safety, again preventing the vehicle from rolling. You place the wedges either in the front of or behind your tires, depending on the location of the flat. If your flat tire is in the back of the vehicle, place the wedges in front of the tires at the front of the vehicle. If the flat is in the front of the vehicle, then place the wedges behind the back tires. If you don’t keep wheel wedges in your vehicle, large stones or bricks are a good substitute.

Take off the hubcap. Most tires have a hubcap over the lug nuts, which is more easily removed before you lift the car with a jack. Removing the hubcap using the flat side of your lug wrench works on most vehicles, however, some require another tool. Refer to your owner’s manual to learn the correct way to remove your hubcap ahead of time so you are properly prepared when the time comes.

Loosen (but don’t remove) the lug nuts. With your lug wrench, rotate the lug nuts to the left (think “lefty loosey, righty tighty”) until you notice a break in resistance- about a quarter to one half of a turn. It may be necessary to use a lot of muscle, which is just fine. Put all your weight behind it if you need to. Do not fully remove the lug nuts at this time.

Place and use your jack. Position the jack under your car’s frame next to the tire that is flat. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct placement of the jack on your vehicle. Place the two-inch by six-inch piece of wood beneath your jack before you lift your vehicle. This will help to keep it from settling and becoming unbalanced. Doing this is exceptionally helpful on the asphalt. Once the jack is properly and safely positioned begin raising your car until the flat tire is around six inches off the ground. For your safety, do not go under the vehicle while the vehicle is raised.

Remove the lug nuts. It is at this point that you should finish removing the lug nuts. Because they have already been loosened, they will likely come loose easily by hand.

Remove the tire. Grab the flat by its tread and gently pull it until it comes off the hub. Set it down on its side to avoid having it roll away.

Place your spare tire on the hub. After the flat has been removed you can put the spare tire in place. To do this, line up the rim with the lug bolts. Gently push the tire until the lug bolts are showing through the rim.

Begin tightening the lug nuts. After the tire is placed you can begin to tighten them by hand. Tighten them as far as you can get them manually.

Begin to lower your vehicle and finish tightening the lug nuts. Using your jack, lower your car down to where the spare rests on the ground without the weight of your car resting on the tire. Then, tighten the lug nuts the rest of the way using the lug wrench. Use your whole body and tighten them as much as you can.

Finish lowering the vehicle. After the lug nuts are nice and tight, lower the vehicle the rest of the way to the ground and then remove the jack. Then, use the lug wrench on the lug nuts one more time, ensuring that they are as tight as you can get them.

Place the hubcap. If you had a hubcap to remove, now is the time to replace it, if it fits with your spare.

Pack away your tools. If your hubcap doesn’t fit on your spare place it, the wheel wedges, your jack, wrench, and flat in the trunk or other storage space of your vehicle.

Check the spare tire pressure. You want to make sure your spare is safe to drive on by checking its pressure. Mini or temporary spares usually need 60 psi. If your spare needs air, slowly drive to a gas station to fill it right away.

Fix or replace your flat tire. Don’t delay in replacing your flat tire. The temporary mini-spares aren’t made to drive at high speeds and shouldn’t be driven on for long. Cautiously drive your vehicle to a professional tire technician as soon as possible. They can determine if the tire is salvageable or if it needs to be replaced.

Having the knowledge you need to change a tire is important, however, regular maintenance can go a long way in preventing a flat in the first place. Remember to always keep your tires inflated properly, watch for tread wear, and rotate your tires per the guidelines set in your vehicle owner’s manual. You may not be able to completely prevent a flat, but these things will certainly help to extend your tire’s life.

If you have any automotive concerns, please don’t hesitate to call on the experts here at Virginia Auto Service. Call 602.266.0200 or schedule an appointment online.

What to Do If You Have a Radiator Leak

Most people are guilty of putting off auto repair at one point or another. For some issues, this may be okay for a short time. For others, you never want to delay repair. One such item of repair that you never want to delay would be a leaking radiator.

Your radiator is a key component in your vehicle’s cooling system, which means it helps to keep the engine running cool. If a leaking radiator is not repaired quickly it could result in your engine overheating- which could mean expensive engine repair or even replacement. Should you at any point notice the temperature gauge rising on your dashboard and/or steam coming from under the hood, you should pull over and shut off your vehicle immediately. Even overheating for a short time can result in head gasket damage or possibly even engine failure.

What causes leaking radiators?

In most cases, radiator leaks are a result of failing to regularly maintain the vehicle with things such as coolant flushes- which permit oxidation of the cooling system. Another major cause of radiator leaks is over-pressurization. This occurs when the thermostat sticks, or a head gasket fails.

Most radiator leaks are found at a joint that is between the radiators tank and core. To make vehicle’s more fuel efficient, today they are made with materials like “plastic-based” composites, which means they can crack easier. If the tank is cracked it could be from a blown head gasket which lets highly pressurized exhaust be pushed into the cooling system.

How do you know if you have a radiator leak?

Low coolant levels. When you are performing regular maintenance on your vehicle, such as oil changes, take a moment to check to see if your coolant level is sufficient. If you notice lowered levels of coolant, it is possible that you have a leak.
Fluid under the vehicle. If the leak is bad enough, you won’t have to look under the hood to know it’s there. Instead, you will see a pool of yellow/orange, pink, or green fluid under your vehicle.
Increased engine temperature. If your engine temperature rises it is usually a warning sign that you have a radiator leak.

If you think that you have a leak in the radiator it is important to have your vehicle inspected by a professional as soon as possible. The automotive repair experts at Virginia Auto Service can help determine how large your leak is and where it is located.

Should you use radiator sealant?

To use these products is like using a band-aid when you need stitches. They don’t quite get the job done, and we certainly don’t recommend them for long-term use. Not all the glue will make it to the location of the leak and will stick to other places, potentially causing a blockage. If you are going to use them, only do so in the event of an emergency to help you get your vehicle to our mechanics.

Dealing with radiator leaks quickly can prevent further and more expensive damage to your engine. If you experience complications with your vehicle, contact the automotive repair experts at Virginia Auto Service today. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

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When to Replace Your Water Pump

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, your water pump may be out of sight, but don’t let it be out of mind.

The water pump is an important part of your vehicle’s cooling system. When your vehicle is running, your drive belt helps to operate the water pump allowing it to continuously pump water and coolant into your engine. Without a properly working water pump, your vehicle would overheat, which could easily result in expensive engine damage.

Tucked out of sight under the timing belt cover, the water pump is easy to forget about. For this reason, as far as maintenance and repairs go, the water pump will not often cross a vehicle owner’s mind. Water pumps are, thankfully, built to last for quite some time. Depending on what vehicle you have, a water pump should last you between 60,000 to 90,000 miles. (You can refer to your owner’s manual for guidelines specific to your vehicle.) Unfortunately, there may be times when the water pump will stop working early, without notice. Regular maintenance and automotive check-ups can help you spot a failing water pump before it has the chance to do some serious damage.

Signs That it is Time to Replace the Water Pump

There are a few ways you can spot a failing water pump including:

Coolant leaking from your vehicle onto the ground
Coolant leak near the timing belt
Vehicle overheats – or a sudden change in the temperature gauge
The water pump makes a squeaking noise
When you look under the hood, you see coolant -even if it’s just a little bit- dribbling out from the water pump weep hole

Other factors that can affect the functionality of your water pump include a loose shaft and bearings or the pump impellers fail. If the bearings and shaft are loose, when you pull back and forth on the water pump pulley there will be some play, or it may actually move back and forth. If this is happening, then the water pump will be ineffective. If the impellers have failed, the water pump will still pump or spin, but it will stop moving water and coolant through the system.

Water Pump Replacement

As they are located under the timing cover, there is a lot of work involved in replacing a water pump. It is not a simple garage DIY.

Timing belts and water pumps have about the same lifespan. So, if a mechanic needs to change one, they will likely change the other at the same time. With the water pumps placement where it is, this only makes sense. You may not have to replace the water pump at the same time as the timing belt, but it is more cost effective to do so. Changing the water pump is labor-intensive and therefore can be a little expensive. If you have your timing belt replaced then later have to go back in and replace the water pump, you are spending money that could have been saved had you done both at the same time, as you are paying for labor twice.

When you deal with water pump problems quickly, you can prevent any further damage to the cooling system or engine. If you notice any of the signs listed above or experience other complications with your vehicle, please get in touch with the automotive repair experts at Virginia Auto Service today. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

What Causes the Brake Warning Light to Come On?

There are many drivers that are in the habit of ignoring their dashboard warning lights when they appear. For the safety and longevity of your vehicle, this is never a good idea.

The brakes are your vehicle’s most important safety feature. When the brake warning light appears, you need to have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible. The light often implies that the brakes are becoming worn and will need to be replaced soon. However, in some cases, it is possible that your vehicle’s brake system is leaking brake fluid, which is an urgent problem that needs attention right away.

In modern vehicle’s there are usually three different brake warning lights. One light is for the parking brake and it is usually red or yellow in color. Another brake light is for the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and it is usually yellow in color. And, finally, there is one for the actual brakes. This one is red in color and if it comes on it could indicate that there is a serious problem. If your vehicle only has one brake light, take time to check the parking brake before you panic and attempt to diagnose other possible problems.

These are some of the reasons why your brake lights may turn on, and what you should do about it:

Low brake fluid/Worn brake pads

Often, the brake warning light is telling you that your vehicle is low on brake fluid, which is a result of worn brake pads. Carl Roberson, owner of the highly rated Carl’s Cool Cars, a service center in Las Vegas, explains the situation well, “As the pad wears, the brake caliper piston extends further to keep the pad in contact with the rotor. The brake fluid fills this extra area inside the caliper as the piston advances, and eventually the level in the master cylinder drops.” For this reason, when the brake fluid is low, most mechanics will not only recommend filling the brake fluid but suggest the brake pads be replaced as well.

Brakes leaking

The brake warning light will sometimes come on because of leaking brakes. Without brake fluid, your brakes will not be capable of stopping the car. For this reason, it is very important to have your vehicle inspected when the light illuminates on your dashboard. You don’t want to be a danger to yourself, your passengers, or other motorists and pedestrians.

Faulty speed sensor

There is a device inside of your wheel that determines the speed at which your tires are rotating and sends its readings to the ABS control module. This device is known as the speed sensor, and it is a part of the ABS. If it isn’t working properly the ABS light will come on and your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system will not function properly. When the light comes on it could indicate that either the speed sensor needs replaced, or simply that it needs to be cleaned- which our professional mechanics can easily do.

The automotive professionals at Virginia Auto Service, are pleased to help you with your auto repair and service needs. If your brake warning light comes on schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.