Engine ≤ Auto Repair Phoenix, Arizona | Auto Repair Near Me

Ask the Car Guy: How Can Carbon Build-up Impact My Engine?

Matt Allen, Owner of Virginia Auto Service, cohost of Bumper to Bumper Radio

Dear Car Guy,

I keep hearing about carbon build-up and that it can hurt my car. Can you please explain what carbon build-up is and how it can impact my engine?

Thank you,

Bill Q., Phoenix, AZ

Hi, Bill,

Many car manufacturers are now using direct-injection (DI) technology in their new designs because it increases fuel efficiency (meaning MPG).

This technology, which was initially created to make diesel engines quieter and more fuel efficient, changes the way fuel enters the engine. This change allows carbon, a black sooty dust, to build-up on the engine’s intake valve and other surfaces inside the engine.

In port-injection engines, the fuel enters the engine before the intake valve. This means that the fuel is flowing over the valve as part of the engine’s normal operation. Most gasoline sold today contains additives whose sole job is to help remove carbon from the intake valve and other parts of the engine and these additives do their work as the fuel flows into the intake valve. But DI bypasses that process, injecting the fuel directly into the cylinder. This means the additives in the fuel never come in contact with the surfaces most likely to experience carbon build-up.

When carbon builds-up in the car’s engine it can cause a couple different problems. First, the engine will lose power. One of the main problems carbon build-up does is to change the ratio of fuel to air in the engine. This can happen if sensors stop functioning properly because of carbon build-up or if build-up keeps the intake valve from closing properly. This can make the engine sluggish and cause it to stall. Carbon build-up can also significantly degrade fuel efficiency, causing the car to get fewer miles to the gallon than it should be getting.

There are some things that will cause carbon to build-up faster that those with cars that are prone to carbon build-up problems should avoid. Filling the tank with low grade gasoline which is less purified and usually has a higher concentration of contaminants can increase carbon build-up in the engine. If the ratio of fuel to air is off, as mentioned above, carbon will accumulate more quickly. Using the car primarily for short trips can also increase problems with carbon build-up as the engine doesn’t run long enough or hard enough to get hot enough to burn any of the carbon off.

The cars that are at the highest risk for carbon build-up problems are those that use DI, although not all cars that these types of fuel injection system have experienced this issue. Audis, Mini Coopers, and some VW and BMW models are the cars that seem most prone to carbon build-up. For owners of these cars, the carbon build-up problem means they must invest in additional maintenance on a regular basis to have the carbon cleaned from their engine.

When cars experience issues with carbon build-up, the build-up must be cleaned out of the engine. Most auto repair shops can perform this kind of service but it can be costly, depending on the type of car and the work required to remove the build-up. If your car is having any of these problems, have your repair shop check it over and recommend what can be done to solve the immediate issue and over the long term to protect your engine and keep your car on the road.

What Repairs You Can Put Off and What Repairs Never to Ignore(Virginiaautoservice.com)
Vehicle Safety: What Consumers Need to Know (virginiaautoservice.com)

Why does my car sputter on acceleration?

Does your car sputter when you step on the accelerator? If yes, it could be because you are low on gas.

However, if your tanks are full, then it could indicate a different kind of car trouble starting from either the fuel system in your car or a faulty exhaust or even worn out parts.

It is important to note that the problem will not self-correct over a period. If left unaddressed, it can lead to expensive repair costs which are not appealing even in the age of lower taxes.

Why does my car sputter on acceleration?

Here are five of the most common reasons why your car sputters when you accelerate.

1. Failing Catalytic Converter

If your car has a faulty or a failing catalytic converter, the engine will sputter or run rough.

When the catalytic converter is faulty, its ability to burn hydrocarbons within the exhaust get hampered which means the breakdown of sulfur produced by the engine will no longer happen.
For this reason, you may get a smell akin to rotten eggs if the catalytic converter is failing.
Another symptom that your catalytic converter is failing is when your dashboard lights up with the “check engine light.”
If the catalytic converter gets completely blocked, the car will not start.

2. Dirty Fuel Injectors

The job of the fuel injectors is to supply the cylinders with required fuel which mixes with the air and ignites. This ignition is necessary to power up the engine.
However, over a period, the fuel injector nozzle can get blocked leading to the engine sputtering when you accelerate.
Timely cleaning of the fuel injectors can prevent any kind of clogging. If, however, the fuel injectors are not routinely cleaned, they can get damaged and will need to be replaced.

3. Dirty Spark Plugs

If the spark plugs which help the fuel ignite within the combustion chamber are damaged or dirty, they will not be able to ignite the fuel.

When this happens, the engine will sputter, or you may experience a misfire. At this point, the spark plugs will have to be cleaned or replaced based on the level of damage and you don’t want to be doing this on the side of the road in a Phoenix summer.

4. Faulty Oxygen Sensors

The job of oxygen sensors is to keep a track of exhaust gases for how rich or lean they are at the point of leaving the combustion chamber.
This information is then passed on to the computer which then makes the necessary adjustments to the quantity of fuel inside the engine.
If your oxygen sensors are damaged or dirty, they will not be able to pass on this critical information to the car’s computer which means the computer will not be able to adjust the fuel entering the engine leading to the engine sputtering.
If you take your car for routine maintenance, your car technician will ensure they are replaced as and when required.

5. Leakage in the Exhaust Manifold

If your exhaust manifold which is responsible for collecting the exhaust gases springs a leak, you may experience your car engine sputtering upon acceleration.
Your engine will also become very noisy and its overall performance will drop.
The danger of a leak in the exhaust manifold is that the hot gases can damage the surrounding car parts, or the exhaust fumes could also enter the cabin of the car.
One of the first signs to watch out for is the “check engine light” flashing on your dashboard.

Notify a Professional

If you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is best to have your car checked up by a professional car technician at the earliest.

Keep in mind that the sputtering will not go away; in most cases, if the engine sputters on acceleration, it could be symptomatic of a wide variety of serious car troubles.

If you ignore the problem, over a period, your car will suffer from dropping engine performance and eventually not start at all.

Routine maintenance can help address most of the car troubles that you face. During a service visit, your car technician will carry out a complete checkup of all car parts and make necessary repairs or replace the parts as and when needed.

Reliable Car Maintenance with Professional Auto Experts!

Does your car sputter upon acceleration? Are you facing any of the above-mentioned warning signs?

If yes, you can visit us at Virginia Auto Service for a speedy resolution to all your car troubles. You can also reach us at 602-266-0200 or schedule a visit with us online as per your convenience.

Why Maintaining the Right Mix of Fuel and Air is Crucial to Your Car Engine

The right air-to-fuel ratio is an important aspect of good engine maintenance. When this ratio is maintained, the circumstances inside the internal combustion chamber of the engine are ideal for ignition and general functioning of the car engine.

It is the job of the control unit of the engine to control the various components, including the air flow sensors, oxygen intake and fuel injectors, as well as emission sensors.

In case there is an issue with any of these components, it could impact the amount of fuel injected into the combustion chamber.

If too much fuel is injected, and the ratio of the oxygen is poor or less than the ideal amount, the fuel mix inside the combustion chamber is said to be a “rich fuel mix.”

Signs Your Car Engine Has Rich Fuel Mix

The car engine is designed to run on a set air-fuel mixture. Any time this ratio shifts in proportion (too much fuel and less oxygen), it can be harmful to the running of the engine and impact the overall performance of your car. Here are a few important signs to watch out for which indicate “rich fuel mix.”

Check Engine Light

Any issues with the engine will light up the “check engine” signal on your car’s dashboard. Keep in mind:

There is no way of knowing what exactly is causing the “check engine” light to light up on your dashboard until you have your car checked by a professional mechanic.
In several instances, when car owners ignore the signal for too long, the engine damage can be significant.
Repairs or engine replacement costs are among the highest, which is why our advice is to seek professional help as soon as possible.

Poor Gas Mileage

Excess fuel in the combustion chamber will have a direct impact on the way your car consumes gas. You will notice the following if the air-fuel mix in your car is rich:

Mileage per gallon rate will drop substantially, and this is no good in a city like Phoenix where everything is rather spread out.
You will have to refuel far more often, even when running the same distance or for shorter distances.
Addressing the rich fuel mixture issue is the only way to reverse the poor mileage.

High Level of Carbon Emission

An excess of carbon emission levels from the engine is a pretty good indicator of rich fuel mixture. It is good practice to get your emissions tested as part of routine maintenance.

Faulty oxygen sensors could also be the reason for failing an emission test. Either way, it is best to test the carbon emissions and identify the root cause of the issue in case you fail the test.

Dip in Car Performance Levels

The presence of too much fuel and insufficient oxygen will impact the performance of the engine leading to an overall dip in the car’s performance.

The air-fuel mix might still be able to power the ignition and provide steady compression, however, the car’s performance will take a gradual hit.
Over a period, the condition will get worse and eventually start impacting the engine performance.
The engine’s running will not feel smooth.
You might also notice rough idling (the car feels bouncier while driving).
Remember, when the car engine performs undress stress, it has a cascading effect on other parts of the car, including the mechanical and electrical parts.
Keep an eye on the tachometer – the needle will go crazy (bouncing all over the place) if there is a rough idling issue.

Key Symptoms

Low fuel efficiency is a major irritant not only because of the cost factor, but also because a car guzzling fuel at a fast rate will eventually develop all kinds of engine problems.

A drop in the car’s overall performance, low fuel efficiency, and any of the above-mentioned symptoms should worry you if you want to avoid engine damage.

Addressing the rich fuel mixture issue early on will help you save hundreds or thousands of dollars in the long run.

Reliable Car Maintenance with Professional Auto Experts!

If you noticed any of the above-mentioned issues with your car, don’t delay. It is best to have your car checked up by a professional mechanic.

For a quick diagnosis and fast resolution for any kind of auto trouble, give Virginia Auto Service a call today. You can reach us at 602-266-0200 or schedule a visit with us online to have the issue fixed as soon as possible!

What is Motor Oil Sludge – And How Can You Prevent It?

Motor oil is often considered the lifeblood of your vehicle. Having regular oil changes is probably one of the most important maintenance tasks performed on your vehicle.

Motor oil lubricates the moving parts of your engine, reducing friction and keeping the engine cool. When the oil is new and unused it is a transparent and easily flowing liquid that combines a base stock with various additives. The additives hold soot and other particles while maintaining the consistency of the oil. With use, the oil builds up contaminants such as fuel, dirt, water, coolant, etc. It also oxidizes due to the intense heat of the engine. The combination of contamination and oxidization turns the oil into “sludge,” a gel-like fluid that can seriously damage your engine.

A basic understanding of how motor oil works:

Motor oil is either synthetic or conventional and absorbs and protects the engine from contaminants. However, after a period of time, the oil will reach its absorption capacity. When this happens, instead of carrying contaminants away, it will deposit them on the engine surfaces and any other parts in which it circulates. It will stop lubricating the engine and reducing friction and, instead, cause heat to build up in the engine. Clean motor oil acts as a sort of coolant for the engine, however, when it becomes oxidized sludge, it acts as the opposite. When the oil becomes overly oxidized and contaminated, turning into this sludge, you will notice that the oil pressure falls and that you get lower gas mileage.

Motor oil sludge development:

Motor oil sludge first accumulates on the top of the engine, in the oil pan, and the valve cover section.
Then it blocks the oil screen siphon and prevents oil from circulating in the engine.

When motor oil sludge develops you risk serious engine damage as well as damaging the timing belt, gaskets, radiator, and cooling system. If not taken care of, motor oil sludge could cause the engine to stall completely.

How motor oil turns into motor oil sludge:

When it is exposed to oxygen under high-temperature conditions, the motor oil oxidizes. The oxidation occurs more quickly when the motor oil is heated for longer time periods.
When the oil oxidizes, the motor oil molecules break down and combine with the dirt, metallic particles, fuel, gases, and other contaminants forming the thick, sticky sludge.
Heavy stop-and-go traffic can contribute the buildup of motor oil sludge, as well as frequent short trips.

How to avoid motor oil sludge build up:

Have regular oil changes performed per the intervals laid out in your vehicle specific owner’s manual.
When you start your car, check the dashboard for the Check Engine light and/or the Oil Change notification light. Either light may indicate the need to replace your motor oil.
Avoid driving in stop-and-go driving as much as you can. Also, avoid taking too many short distance trips. Walk, bike, or consider public transportation when possible.
If the gauge on your dashboard shows that your vehicle is heating up, make sure your mechanic checks for motor oil sludge.
If you see the oil pressure is low, avoid adding engine oil and instead have your vehicle inspected for motor oil sludge. If the oil pressure light is on, you should have it inspected and/or replaced completely as soon as possible.

The most important thing you can do for your vehicle is to make sure that you are always following the maintenance guidelines laid out in your owner’s manual. This is especially important when it comes to the motor oil, or you risk serious and expensive engine damage.

If your Check Engine light or Oil Change notification is on, schedule an appointment with Virginia Auto Service. We will check the engine for signs of motor oil sludge build up and let you know if your motor oil needs replacing. We may also check for other reasons why the light has come on. We will relate any findings to you and thoroughly go over your repair options and costs.

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Why Your Engine Overheats

We’re sure you’ve seen it, a car pulled off to the side of the road, steam pouring out from under the hood. Maybe it has even happened to you. This unpleasant phenomenon is caused by an overheating engine. It is a common occurrence in Phoenix, Arizona, especially in the summer months.

Heat is, by far, your engines worst enemy. Making yourself aware of the reasons for a vehicle overheating -and understanding the necessary preventive maintenance routines- can help you avoid major engine damage. There are some common problems that cause an engine to overheat, including a bad thermostat, blocked radiator, failed water pump, and a leaky cooling system. Some conditions are simple, straightforward repairs, and others require hours of work and expensive parts.

What is Overheating?

Your vehicle’s engine functions properly within a certain temperature range. Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, that range is usually between 195 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit. Overheating occurs when the temperature of the engine climbs to a point where mechanical damage can occur- usually a sustained temperature of over 240 degrees Fahrenheit.

An overheated engine can cause serious damage to pistons, cylinders, bearings and valves, as well as other vital engine components. For this reason, you should never ignore the warning signs of overheating. You should shut down your vehicle at the first indication that your engine is operating above the preferred temperatures.

Signs that your vehicle may be overheating include:

Steam coming from the engine area
Temperature gauge spiking to the red zone
Engine warning lights – often shaped like a thermometer – illuminated on the dashboard

4 Reasons Why the Engine Overheats

Most of the causes of overheating come from a lack of circulation- which can be caused in different ways.

A leak in the cooling system. The leak itself isn’t usually what causes the engine to overheat, it’s the air that enters the cooling system. When there’s a leak, the level of coolant drops below recommended levels and air is sucked into the system and circulated. Air is, of course, lighter than coolant, and rises to the top of the cooling system. When this happens, it is what we call an airlock. An airlock is a large air bubble that cannot be pushed through the cooling system. Because of this, the cooling system stops circulating effectively and the coolant that is left becomes overly hot.
Cooling system blockage. As overheating is due to the lack of coolant circulation in the engine, a blockage would technically be an indirect cause. If the cooling system is blocked, the coolant can’t circulate to disperse heat, and the engine gets too hot. Some common cooling system blockages include:

Mineral deposits blocking the radiator
Foreign object in the cooling system
Thermostat not opening when it should

Water pump failure. A failed water pump is probably one of the most regular causes of overheating. The water pump is responsible for maintaining coolant circulation and is the most active component of the cooling system. After a period of time, the impeller in the water pump can break or wear out and no longer turn. Shortly after this happens, the engine overheats.
Too little engine oil. It is not as widely known that the engine oil plays a large part in engine cooling. The oil lubricates the internal parts of the engine to prevent friction- a main cause of heat in the engine.

How to Prevent Overheating

To avoid overheating, watch your temperature gauge and coolant levels and regularly inspect your belts and hoses. Make sure the radiator cap is working properly and replace it if needed. Remember to never remove a radiator cap when it is hot. Other ways to prevent overheating include:

Flushing the cooling system as recommended in your vehicle owner’s manual, or sooner if needed
Have coolant leaks repaired as soon as you notice them
Change your engine oil and oil filter at the recommended intervals

Watch the temperature gauge on your dashboard, if it goes into the red, or the “hot engine” light comes on, pull over and shut off your vehicle to prevent damage. Remember that if your car overheats even one time something is wrong with your vehicle and it needs to be fixed.

If your engine has overheated, Virginia Auto Service is here for you. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

What You Should Know About Engine Misfire

What is engine misfire? When your vehicle’s check engine light appears on your dashboard, your engine is misfiring.

CarMD states that a misfire is when one or more of your engine’s cylinders are not providing power to the vehicle, with raw fuel possibly running into the catalytic converter. To avoid expensive repairs or possibly even a car fire, you should treat engine misfire as a severe condition that requires immediate attention. The longer you leave the engine to misfire the more damage will occur.

According to CarMD, there are three common reasons why this could be happening, and they all vary in cost and severity.

Ignition System Defect. This is the most common and usually the least expensive. Examples of items that fail to cause this type of misfire are: spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor, ignition wires, and coil(s)
Fuel System Defect. This type of repair can be more expensive due to diagnostic and repair times, and parts tend to be more costly. Example: fuel Injectors.
Internal Engine Defect. This is the worst-case scenario. Internal engine components are expensive and tend to be labor intensive to change. Example: cylinder head, pistons and rings, and timing belt/chain.

The occasional misfire may go by unnoticed, but regular misfire is hard to miss. The engine will feel rough, lack power, and use more gas than usual. At times, a misfire may feel like a vibration. A misfire can also cause an increase in hydrocarbon (HC) emissions.

If it’s time for your vehicle to have its emissions tested, and you’re dreading the hassle of waiting in line at the inspection station, we can help with our “Emission Valet Service.” It’s easy, all you need to do is schedule an appointment and drop the car off. We’ll take you to work or home and pick you up later. We do a couple inspections to make sure the car will pass, then we take it for testing. After you pass all you need to do is go online and complete the registration. No waiting. No hassle. Easy as pie! The cost for the Emissions Valet Service is only $49.95, and that includes the state test fee!

Note: Your car will not pass emissions with the check engine light on. You need to bring it to the shop for a check engine light diagnostic and we can tell you what’s going on.

Ignoring an engine misfire because the vehicle appears to drive “just fine” could lead to more damage, and costly repairs- like catalytic converter or engine replacement. Also, misdiagnosing engine misfire yields pricy results. The parts that are required to repair engine misfire are expensive, if you replace the wrong parts, you have wasted some money and will end up spending more on the right ones. Also, you fail to address the actual cause of the misfire, which could lead to further damage of the vehicle. So visit a professional, in the long run, your car and wallet will thank you.

If you suspect that your engine is running rough due to the engine misfiring, please feel free to contact Virginia Auto Service with any questions, comments or concerns you may have. And remember, that by addressing issues like engine misfire quickly, and performing regular routine maintenance, you maintain your vehicles safety and longevity.

Top 10 Things That Are Bad for Your Engine

The engine is the heart of your vehicle. And, just like your own heart, if you aren’t taking proper care of it, things can go wrong.

Here are 10 things that are bad for your engine:

Not Enough Oil

Oil not only keeps your engine lubricated and running smoothly, but it also provides cooling, cleaning and other such jobs. When oil is low and whatever limited oil is in the engine is pushed around, it becomes hotter and hotter because the oil isn’t allowed enough time to cool down a little before it makes its way back into the engine. Because of this, the oil wears out even faster leading to more oxidation, thermal degradation, and compressive heating at a faster rate. This breakdown of the oil results in: tar, sludge, soot, etc. These start to coat parts of your engine like the bearings, cylinder walls, and rings. This coating is often referred to as carbon build up and causes a lot of friction on engine parts. If you allow this to continue, the parts will begin to wear and you could eventually find yourself needing a whole new engine rather than just a simple oil change.

When your vehicle is running on little to no oil the engine oil light should come on. If this is the case, you should not be driving your vehicle until you correct the problem to avoid costly damage or even complete engine failure. Keep your engine healthy by always completing oil changes on time according to your vehicles owner’s manual.

Too Much Oil

Engines are made to operate on a specific amount of oil. Your oil pan has baffles that are designed around the normal oil level. When you put too much oil in your engine, you run the risk of the oil “frothing” because of the connecting rods and crankshaft pushing air into it. The air bubbles that get into the oil interfere with the oil’s ability to keep metal parts from rubbing together- not good. Also, over filling can result in “splashing” causing parts of the engine to become coated in burnt oil and minimizing that parts effectiveness. Stick to your vehicles recommended amount of oil to avoid costly damage.

Using the Wrong Oil

When you use the wrong oil in your engine, it can lead to reduced lubrication and a shorter engine life. You should always use the oil specified in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. The brand itself doesn’t matter, but the viscosity grade (10W-30, for example) does. Also, if your owner’s manual says that you should be using synthetic oil, then you should do so.

Dirty Air Filter

The air filter is exactly what it sounds like. It filters the air of dirt and debris before it mixes with the fuel and burns in the engines cylinders. Dirty or worn air filters allow dirt and debris to enter your engine which can cause premature wear to things like the carburetor, cylinders, and pistons. Dirty air filters reduce the performance level of vehicles and may cause an engine to overheat.

Overheating

When an engine overheats, many of its parts will expand, and they can warp, bend, and even break if you continue to drive in this condition. Prolonged overheating can fully destroy the engine, rendering it unfixable and useless. As soon as you notice your vehicle’s thermostat needle indicating a high engine temperature you need to take steps to cool the engine. Here are some steps to take provided by reference.com:

Turn off the air conditioner and open the windows to reduce the load on the engine.
Turn on the heater and blower to transfer heat from the engine to the passenger compartment.
If stuck in traffic, rev the engine slightly to increase air and coolant flow through the radiator.

If you see steam coming from the hood you need to pull over immediately. Do not continue to drive your car in this condition.

Revving the Engine

Revving puts unnecessary stress on the engine. It is worse on an engine when it has first been started and is cold with all of the oil still down in the oil pan. The metal parts of the engine haven’t been lubricated yet and revving can cause the parts to wear. Revving repeatedly will eventually damage the engine, potentially costing thousands of dollars in repairs.

Driving Before the Engine Warms

Oil doesn’t lubricate the engine well when it is still cold, and the parts of an engine are made to operate in a certain temperature range. After you start your car, wait a minute or two before driving off to allow your engine to have some time to warm. If you start and immediately drive away, you put unnecessary stress on the engine.

Using Only Water in the Radiator

The heat of summer, can cause untreated water to reach its boiling point quickly, causing the engine to overheat. And, in the winter, if the untreated water freezes, it can expand and crack your engine block. It is safest for your vehicle to use a 50/50 mix of coolant and water.

Driving Through Water

If you drive through large, deep, puddles of water, you run the risk of some water being sucked into your engine’s cylinders. Cylinders contain air and fuel droplets that compress so when the pistons squeeze, the pressure goes up. Water does not compress, so when the piston tries to squeeze it, it cannot do so. If this happens parts that are connected to the piston can break or bend, resulting in expensive repairs.

Ignoring the Check Engine Light

It is often mistakenly believed that the Check Engine light isn’t serious and can be ignored. Though it doesn’t always signal immediate danger, it does indicate that there is something wrong with the engine. It could start out as something minor, but left unchecked can turn into something major and costly.

Having regular maintenance done on your vehicle -following the schedule recommended in your owner’s manual- is the best thing you can do to keep your engine performing efficiently and smoothly. If you are due for regular maintenance or have any concerns with your vehicle, call Virginia Auto Service, (602) 266-0200. We are happy to help.

How to Identify the 6 Common Fluids That Leak from Your Vehicle

You pull out of your parking spot and you see it, a puddle of fluid has built up under your car. This is not a good feeling. Thankfully, with a little know how, you can easily determine if these spots are a harmless leak, or something that you should have fixed right away.

Analyzing the location, color, and consistency of the spot will help you determine the cause and severity of your leak problem. There are six fluids that are the usual leak suspects.

Engine Oil

Light Brown to Black with Medium Consistency

Due to the many gaskets and seals where a drop can seep out, spotting a little bit of this amber-to-brown/blackish fluid is probably not a big deal. However, if the spots are frequent or are becoming larger, it’s probably a good idea to track down the origin and have it fixed before a tiny leak becomes a big issue. Have your vehicle looked at right away if you initially found a larger spot as this could be a sign of a serious issue.

Transmission Fluid

Reddish and Thin or Brown and Thick

These stains, drips, or puddles may look similar to engine oil leaks, but are usually thicker and are located near the center of the car. Some newer model vehicles transmission fluids are thinner, but easy to identify due to their reddish color. Transmission leaks should be looked at right away as they are most likely coming from a failing gasket or seal.

Power Steering Fluid

Reddish or Light Brown and Thin

Because transmission fluid can also be reddish and thin, you may be thinking that you will get these two confused. However, they can be identified easily based on their location. The power steering fluid will be found near the front of your vehicle, whereas transmission fluid will be located at the center of the vehicle.

Coolant

Yellow, Pink, or Green and Slimy

Because of its bright colors, coolant is probably the easiest fluid leak to identify. With late model cars, you shouldn’t ever see coolant on the driveway. If you do, this spells trouble and you should have it looked at right away. You could have a leaky water pump or leaking hoses. Failing to check and replace your coolant levels and repairing leaks can leave you stranded and overheating on the side of the road.

Brake Fluid

Clear, Slightly Brown and Slick

Brake fluid is one of the most dangerous leaks to worry about. Have your vehicle looked at right away if you notice a brake fluid leak. New brake fluid will be clear, almost like mineral oil. After time, though, due to dust, rust, and other contaminates it can turn a brownish color. If this is the case, to help distinguish it from other fluids, you will need to remember that it is much more slippery to the touch than transmission fluid or engine oil would be.

Water

Clear, Shiny and Very Thin… it’s water

Have you ever driven to the store and when you come back to your car after shopping notice a puddle of water under the front, passenger side of the vehicle? If so, you had most likely been running the air conditioner. The spot is most likely water that has condensed on the air conditioning hardware and is totally harmless.

If you notice a leak, you should bring your vehicle in for an inspection and repair to avoid causing further, and costlier damage to your vehicle. You should also make sure that before you take any long road trips, you have any leaks looked at and repaired. If you are concerned with your vehicles performance, you can call Virginia Auto Service at 602-266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

5 Signs That Your Spark Plugs Need Replaced

How often do you think about your spark plugs? If you are like most people, chances are it’s not very often. Though often overlooked by car owners, the spark plug is an important component of any finely tuned engine. The condition of the spark plugs can affect the power that your engine puts out, how good your fuel economy will be, and how smoothly your engine runs. Like your car’s oil, and other important parts, the spark plugs should be maintained and changed when necessary.

What is a spark plug?

Spark plugs are a fundamental part of the ignition system. They screw into the top of an engine’s cylinders where they receive a high voltage electrical current from the ignition coil(s). They then create the electric spark that is required to ignite the compressed air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. They will also transfer heat away from the combustion chamber. These events happen over a thousand times per minute when you are driving. It is this constant ignition that keeps your car moving on the road. The number of spark plugs your car has depends on how many cylinders there are. If you have a four-cylinder engine, you will have four spark plugs, and so on.

How do you know if your spark plugs need replaced?

Preventative maintenance is key to the over-all health of your vehicle. The spark plugs are no exception. Spark plugs usually need to be changed every 30,000 miles. There are, however, some high-performance plugs that can last as long as 100,000 miles. You should always check your owner’s manual for your vehicles specifics. When you replace your spark plugs, you should use the same type of spark plug that your car was originally equipped with. For example, if it has double platinum spark plugs originally, then double platinum spark plugs should be used to replace them, as this is what the vehicle manufacturer intended the vehicle to use. If you notice that your fuel economy has decreased, or that your engine runs roughly, or you are driving a vehicle with a lot of miles and simply don’t know the last time they were changed, your engine could probably benefit from new spark plugs.

Here are five signs that your spark plugs need replaced:

Trouble starting your car

Most people are not aware that having worn spark plugs can cause their car to have troubles when starting. Usually they assume it is a flat battery or being out of fuel. Having worn spark plugs will cause the ignition system to work harder. Faulty spark plugs can also cause your battery to drain. Harsh weather conditions increase the chance of worn spark plugs preventing the engine from turning over. If you notice your car struggling to start, you may want to take a look at the spark plugs as a possible cause.

Engine misfire

It is easily recognizable when an engine misfires. A misfire causes the car to halt for a split second then it continues on at its normal pace. How serious your misfire problem is will determine how often this will happen. Engine misfire means that the vehicle is not functioning as well as it should because one or more of its spark plugs aren’t firing properly. This could lead to a reduction in fuel economy, reduced engine power, or increased exhaust emissions.

You notice a rough idle

Idling occurs when your car is stationary, yet the engine is running. While idling, your engine runs at a lower RPM. When an engine has spark plugs that are performing properly, the sound should be continuous and smooth. When they are not working as they should, the engine will sound jittery and rough and it will stumble and produce a vibration that can be felt throughout your vehicle. You need to have this checked right away as ignoring this symptom can lead to costly and serious damage being done to your car.

Poor acceleration

It is easy to tell if your vehicle is accelerating poorly. When you put your foot down on the gas and it feels like it doesn’t want to respond, or it does, but slower than normal you are experiencing symptoms of poor acceleration. Your car may also feel like it is trying extra hard to move. You may find that servicing your vehicle with a spark plug change fixes this sluggish feeling.

Consuming more fuel

Having spark plugs that function properly help keep the emissions coming from your vehicle at a minimum. Spark plugs that are deteriorated can lead to a decrease in your vehicle’s fuel economy due to incomplete combustion. So if you notice that you are filling up more often, have your spark plugs checked.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, or have any other vehicle related concerns please call us at 602-266-0200. We here at Virginia Auto Service are happy to help you with your car care needs.

4 Basic Parts that Make Your Engine Go

The engine is a complex contraption with many parts vital to keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Of all these parts, the crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, and cylinders are basic to every truck and car engine.

Cylinders

The cylinders of the engine are essentially tubes. Most cars will have at least four cylinders. The more cylinders the more “powerful” the vehicle’s engine is. It is inside these tubes that the magic happens. Everything that the rest of the parts described below do, is happening within the cylinders.

Pistons

Each one of the cylinders have a piston that pumps inside of it. The piston has to handle thousands of explosions each time you use your vehicle. When it pushes up into the cylinder, the fuel/air mixture that is in it gets compressed, then a spark plug makes it “blow-up.” The explosion occurs to push the piston back down fast and powerfully. Once the piston is pushed down the connecting rod will push against the crankshaft to keep the engine turning. Pistons have a top and a bottom. The explosions happen at the top end which is smooth, often with indentations in the surface, so that the piston won’t hit a valve.

V8 engine pistons on a crankshaft

Connecting Rods

Connecting rods are connected to the bottom of the pistons. The bottom of the piston is hollow, and inside it is a thick steel pin (wrist pin) that connects the connecting rod and the piston. This makes the rod twist slightly back and forth while remaining securely attached to the bottom of the piston. This is an essential function as it causes the crankshaft to rotate.

Crankshaft

Essentially, what we learned above is that there is an explosion that occurs in the cylinder that causes the piston to be forced downward towards the interior of the engine. There is a connecting rod at the bottom of the piston that connects the piston to a certain point on the crankshaft, which transfers the energy from the explosion from an up/down movement of the piston to a rotational movement in the crankshaft. Every time the explosion occurs, the crankshaft turns a little more. Every connecting rod attaches to the crankshaft at different points, which means a different part of the crankshaft is always being pushed in the rotation. This is happening thousands of times a minute, resulting in a powerful engine that is able to move your vehicle down the road.

*You must remember that in order to run smoothly your engine needs lubrication. Make sure that you are keeping your oil at proper levels and that you change it regularly. For best results refer to your owner’s manual for the right time to have it changed. If you don’t keep up with regular oil maintenance, you risk seriously damaging your engine.

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