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4 Common Power Steering Problems to Watch Out For

common power steering problems

Make sure you know these warning signs to keep your power steering operating smoothly.

The job of the power steering unit in your car is to make steering easier and the various components work together to achieve this goal.  The power steering unit is a hydraulic system that uses the build-up of pressure to push the wheels in the direction indicated by the steering wheel.  If one of the components isn’t working properly, the pressure may not be able to build-up properly instantly making the car much more difficult to steer.   But loss of pressure isn’t the only power steering problem your car can experience.  Here are the most common power steering problems so you know when it is time to see your repair technician.

  1. A Leak in the Power Steering Unit

A leak within the power steering unit is the most common power steering problem.  There are some easy to recognize signs that you have a power steering fluid leak.  The first is that you will see fluid on the ground on the driver’s side of the car after it has been parked there for awhile, similar to what you would see with an oil leak.  Another sure sign that you have a leak is a car that makes a grinding noise whenever it is turned.  This indicates there is a serious problem with the level of power steering fluid that must be addressed before the car is driven.  Failing to do so can cause serious damage.

  1. A Drive Belt that is Slipping, Worn, or Loose

The second most common power steering problem is a slipping, worn, or loose drive belt.  If you hear a loud screeching noise whenever you make a sharp turn, there is a very good chance your drive belt is slipping.  In newer cars, this may be a problem with the serpentine belt, which is used instead of a drive belt.  Get this problem fixed as soon as possible to avoid damage.

  1. A Cracked, Peeling, or Worn Hose

One of the most common sources of power steering fluid leaks is damaged and worn-out hoses.  The hoses convey the power steering fluid throughout the system.  Over time, they can become cracked or damaged, begin to peel, or simply wear out.  If you are driving and it suddenly becomes very difficult to steer, there is a good chance a busted hose is to blame.  The best way to avoid a leak is to routinely inspect your power steering hoses, especially once your car has been in use for several years.

  1. The Hose Coupling is Creeping Off

Over time, the coupling on the hose that carries the power steering fluid throughout the unit can begin to creep off.  You should be able to identify this problem with a simple visual inspection.  If the coupling creeps all the way off, you will lose power steering fluid and experience the problems above.  If the coupling seems to be creeping, take it in and have the tech at your repair shop check it out.

Related articles
  • 7 Signs You Need Your Brakes Checked (virginiaautoservice.com)
  • What Repairs You Can Put Off and What Repairs Never to Ignore(Virginiaautoservice.com)
  • Vehicle Safety: What Consumers Need to Know (virginiaautoservice.com)

Filed Under: Maintenance Tagged With: Auto repair Phoenix

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.

 

Filed Under: Car Care, Car Parts, Maintenance Tagged With: Auto Care Phoenix Arizona, Auto repair Phoenix, automotive repair Phoenix, Car repair Phoenix, fuel pump, fuel pump maintenance and repair, Phoenix Arizona auto maintenance

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.

 

Related Posts:

Why Your Engine Overheats

Top 10 Things That Are Bad for Your Engine

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Car Care, Car Parts, Maintenance Tagged With: Auto repair Phoenix, Car repair Phoenix, leaking radiator, maintaining your radiator, radiator leak, radiator maintenance

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.

 

Filed Under: Car Care, Car Parts, Maintenance Tagged With: Auto repair Phoenix, automotive repair Phoenix, Car repair Phoenix, vehicle cooling system, water pump, water pump replacement

The Top 5 Reasons Your Car Won’t Start

You rely on your car for a lot of things, such as getting to work on time and transporting the kids to and from soccer practice. It’s easy to see why problems can arise if your car refuses to start.

There are literally dozens of reasons why your vehicle may not start. However, it can be fairly easy for our expert auto repair technicians to diagnose the issue depending on the symptoms.

The following are the five most common offenders of automotive no-start situations, and advice on how to ensure your vehicle stays in tip top shape.

 

You Have a Dead Battery

The most common reason for a car not starting is a dead battery. It is especially common after a long, hot summer. There are several factors that can contribute to a dead battery in a vehicle including its age, loose wires, leaving the lights on, and more. If you determine that your car is not starting because the battery has died, your first step would be to check and make sure the terminals are clean and connected tightly. If they are good, you will want to try and jump-start your vehicle. If the jump-start is successful, then your battery wasn’t completely dead but is on its way out. At this time, you should consider bringing your vehicle in and having the battery inspected by an automotive technician.

You Have an Empty Gas Tank

Sometimes the obvious answer is the right one. If your vehicle was running on fumes and you forgot to refuel, you may not have enough gas left in the tank to get it started the next time you need it to. Try not to be embarrassed, you aren’t the first driver to let your gas level get too low. Though it is embarrassing and more than a little inconvenient, it is a very fixable and affordable problem. Grab your wallet and a gas can then catch a ride to the nearest gas station. And, don’t let it get so low next time.

You Have a Clogged Fuel Filter

If your fuel filter is clogged, the gasoline won’t reach the engine. The fuel filter is responsible for keeping the fuel lines clear and blocking dirt and debris from reaching the engine. When the filter is clogged, several problems can arise, including a vehicle that won’t start. Most fuel filters require changing every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. For details specific to your vehicle, you should refer to your owner’s manual.

You Have a Bad Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is the area in which you insert your key, and it can malfunction. This may be the case if you know your battery is fine, yet your car isn’t turning over. If you are unsure, you can try turning on your headlights. If they work, then the battery is fine, and the ignition switch is the likely culprit. If you have a broken ignition switch, this kind of repair can be proven to be difficult. It is made that way to prevent theft. Bring your vehicle to us and we’ll fix it for you.

You Have a Broken Starter

A broken starter is another common reason your vehicle won’t start. The starter is a small motor that provides the turning force necessary to get the engine running. If you hear a clicking noise when you turn your key, it may indicate a broken or weakened starter. This problem may be temporarily fixed with a jump-start, but to completely fix it, you will need to bring it in to be repaired or replaced.

If your car won’t start, chances are it’s because of one of the above five problems. Whether a dead battery or a bad ignition switch is to blame, you can trust the certified automotive technicians at Virginia Auto Service to fix the problem. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

Filed Under: Car Care, Maintenance, Uncategorized Tagged With: auto care, Auto repair Phoenix, automotive repair, car car, Car repair Phoenix, car won't start, reasons car won't start, why won't my car start?

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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Filed Under: Car Care, Engine, Maintenance Tagged With: Auto repair Phoenix, automotive repair, Car repair Phoenix, engine oil, engine oil sludge, motor oil, motor oil sludge, oil sludge, preventing oil sludge, vehicle maintenance

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for the Monsoons

Ready or not, here they come! Though the monsoons have been slow to start this year, they are on their way. Make sure you take the extra time Mother Nature has given you this monsoon season to help ready your vehicle for the dust storms and torrential downpours headed your way.

Driving during the monsoons poses bigger risks just a longer commute. In fact, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation, more than 5,000 crashes occurred in 2015 due to rain in Arizona. For this reason, it is important that you have your vehicle ready to handle the roads as safely as possible.

Before the monsoons start, check off these seven items on your vehicle maintenance to-do list:

  1. Check your tires. Make sure your tires are rotated and aligned every 6,000 miles. Check for the proper inflation levels, your vehicle specific recommended psi can be found in your owner’s manual. The tire pressure should be checked at least once a month. Inspect your tire tread and replace your tire if it is worn down to 2/32 of an inch or less. Don’t forget to inspect your spare!
  2. Change your wiper blades. The wipers are an often-overlooked safety feature of the vehicle. They are what allow motorists to see the road clearly in a storm. It is recommended that you check your wiper blades every six months and replace them once a year, or whenever you notice a decrease in visibility. Replacing wipers before the start of the monsoons is a good idea, as being caught in a storm with failing wipers can be extremely dangerous.
  3. Inspect the battery. A dead battery is not a pleasant experience, especially during monsoon season. Check that the battery is clean and free of corrosion and that everything is tightly secured. Have your battery tested to make sure it is properly holding its charge. If your battery is over three years old, you may want to consider having it replaced. Remember to never handle a battery unless you know how to do so safely.
  4. Check the lights. Visibility is extremely important during the monsoons. You need to make sure you can see, and that you are seen. Make sure all exterior lights (head, tail, reverse, and indicator) are working correctly. Repair cloudy headlight lenses, and for even better visibility, consider using high-intensity halogen headlights.
  5. Inspect your belts and hoses. Make sure there are no cracks, tears, or glazing, and that everything is tightened properly. Summer heat is hard on the hoses and belts so it is important to monitor them closely this time of year to avoid any potential damage.
  6. Check the air filters. It is dusty this time of year, which is hard on both your cabin and engine air filters. Have them checked then replace if needed.
  7. Inspect your brakes. Being able to stop safely is extremely important at all times, however, in inclement weather conditions, we rely even more heavily on the abilities of our brakes. Before the rains start, have a brake expert inspect your brakes to make sure they are in top condition. Your life and the life of other motorists depends on it.

Virginia Auto Service is here to help you make sure you are driving a vehicle that can safely handle monsoon weather conditions. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

Related Posts:

  • 14 Monsoon Road Safety Tips
  • Improve Visibility by Taking Care of Your Windshield Wipers
  • How to Check Your Car for Water Damage
  • How to Get Your Car Unstuck from Mud

Filed Under: About Arizona/Phoenix, Car Care, Holiday/Seasonal, Maintenance Tagged With: auto care, Auto repair Phoenix, Car repair Phoenix, monsoon auto maintenance checklist, monsoon season, Phoenix Arizona auto maintenance, vehicle monsoon preparedness

Nature is Calling: 5 Great Hikes in Phoenix

Residents know this to be true, Arizona is GORGEOUS! We have stunning and diverse landscapes that cover nearly every inch of our state, it’s no wonder that you can’t seem to go a day without running into someone itching to get outdoors. What is great about living here is you don’t have to go far to find somewhere beautiful to visit. In fact, we have found five great hikes that are in Phoenix -or right next door- for you to try the next time you need to get out for some sunshine and fresh air.

View From Camelback Mountain

View From Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain

Located at Camelback Mountain are two different hiking trails, Cholla and Echo Canyon. Both trails are rated difficult, while Cholla is longer and Echo Canyon is steeper. These are very popular hiking destinations, and if you arrive after 6AM you may have difficulty finding a parking spot.

 
• Echo Canyon Trail– This trail is an extreme and challenging anaerobic hike for the entire 1.23 miles to the top. For less experienced hikers the hike can take you anywhere from one and a half to three hours. You will scale a total of 1,280 ft. in that time. Remember to bring plenty of water, and pace yourself to prevent injury. The first rail section of the trail is the most difficult and steepest part of the trail. Between the first and second rail you will have about 200 feet of low grade hiking. Once you are past the second, less intense, rail section there are large rocks, and exceptional views.
• Cholla Trail– This trail is less crowded of the two, and offers a better chance of viewing wildlife. On Cholla trail you get magnificent views and a terrific workout all at the same time. On Cholla, you gain 1,300 feet in close to a mile and a half. You get a winding hike with unbeatable views of Phoenix and Scottsdale. For the first mile you are trail hiking. After you reach what is known as “the saddle”, the hike becomes much more difficult and is more scrambling to the top.

 

Papago Park

Located by the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden, Papago Park is a great family hiking spot. Dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed. There is a 2.2-mile loop trail that features a cave and is good for all skill levels. You are surrounded by huge, beautiful sandstone buttes that almost feel other worldly. There are other recreational activities that people can partake in at Papago Park such as mountain biking, picnicking, fishing lagoons, an exercise course, and an archery range.

 

Piestewa Peak

There are several trails on Piestewa Peak. We are giving credit to are the Freedom Trail. This trail is Camelback’s Echo Canyon Trail’s meaner sister. It is all uphill and the stairs and switchbacks that help you do end part of the way up. There is a rail to hold on to near the top to help you reach the summit, but if you get queasy, you may not want to look down. Though this trail is well traveled, it gets less traffic than Echo Canyon, so it is a strong alternative. The mountain fools you into thinking you reached the peak when you really haven’t. At this point you go to the left and continue hiking until you reach the official survey marker. You can get to the trailhead from the Apache picnic area at the far end of the parking area in Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area. The hike is around 3 miles with amazing views. Remember to bring a lot of water. There is not much shade available on desert hikes and you can dehydrate quickly.

 

Woman Hiking in Desert

Woman Hiking in Desert

Pinnacle Peak

The Pinnacle Peak Park Trail has an elevation gain of approximately 1,300 feet and is considered to be a moderate hike. It is a relatively smooth trail with several ups and downs over the course of the 1.75 mile (each way) trail. It takes most hikers around two hours to complete this hike. If you like wildlife, this is the place for you. Pinnacle Peak is a wildlife sanctuary. You are likely to run into jack rabbits, quail, antelope ground squirrels, lizards, and the occasional road runner on your journey. Sometimes people get lucky and catch a glimpse of the larger mammals like mule deer and javelinas. Once in a while a coyote, bob cat or mountain lion may amble through, but they are much more shy and tend to stay away from human visitors. Watch your step, this is the desert and there are snakes. The trail winds up a boulder covered mountain, littered with giant saguaros and offers amazing views of the McDowell Mountains, Four Peaks, Granite Mountain Pinnacle Peak Park Trail.

 

South Mountain

The South Mountain Park area has numerous hikes. We are going to talk about the National Trail. This is the most diverse as well as the longest (14.3 mile) trail at South Mountain. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horse riders all frequent this trail. There are several locations you can access this trail from, however Pima Canyon is the primary location. This trail crosses almost the full length of South Mountain Park. There are amazing views on the interior of the mountain as well as on the ridgeline, and the hike presents various levels of difficulty throughout. You have to walk a mile from the parking lot to even begin the trail, but have no fear the trek is flat. At the start of the trail make sure you stay to the left. If you head to the right, you may end up on the Mormon Loop. Stay on the marked path as it is easy to become disoriented and lost, and bring plenty of water.

 

 

* More than 200 hikers annually are rescued from City of Phoenix desert and mountain parks and preserves. Make sure you follow safe hiking practices so you can avoid becoming one of them. Watch the weather, wear the proper clothes, bring plenty of water and food for fuel, don’t push yourself/know your limits, never hike alone, and stay on the trails.

Filed Under: About Arizona/Phoenix, Just For Fun, Things To Do In Arizona Tagged With: Auto repair Phoenix, hiking, hiking near Phoenix, Phoenix hikes

6 Worst Crimes You Can Commit Against Your Car

Some people are conscientious car owners.  Some people are not.  Do you know which kind of car owner you are?  Many people don’t realize just how bad they are at taking care of their cars because today’s cars are built do well and contain so many safeguards to protect themselves against negligent owners.  For example, there are now cars that will shut down the engine if the oil level gets too low in order to protect the engine from damage.  But even the most advanced cars will suffer if their owners aren’t taking good enough care of them.

Car repair

To find out which kind of owner you are look at this list of the 6 worst car maintenance crimes and see how many you are guilty of committing.

1. DIY-ing Inappropriately

While there are still some things you can do on your own to keep up with the recommended maintenance schedule for your car, there are some things that need to be done by a tech.  Owners who try to do things that are better left to technicians risk doing damage to the car they are trying to maintain.

2. Failing to Change the Oil on Time

Changing the engine according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule is one of the most important things you can do to take care of your car.  If you are constantly putting off getting the oil changed or pushing the 3,000 miles between oil changes to 4,000, 6,000, or more you are decreasing the longevity of your vehicle and risking damage.

3. Not Taking Care of Tires

The tires are literally where the rubber meets the road and if you aren’t taking care of your tires and replacing them as needed you are compromising your ability to safely operate your car.  Improperly inflated tires or tires that are bald affect everything from how the car steers to how the car stops.

4. Ignoring the Check Engine Light

Perhaps car manufacturers have done us all a disservice by using a single indicator light to alert us to a range of problems as this makes it easier to ignore it.  Unfortunately, some of those problems can be very serious and ignoring the light can result in serious damage to your car.

5. Failing to Change the Filters

There are several filters used to keep impurities that are outside your car from making their way inside the engine and other components.  There is the oil filter that cleans impurities out of the oil, the air filter that cleans the air, and the fuel filter that takes care of the fuel.  All of these filters need to be changed on a regular basis in order to perform their intended function.  When they aren’t changed, they can become clogged which affects how your car operates.

6. Not Following the Manufacturers Maintenance Schedule

All car manufacturers provide a recommended schedule of regular service and maintenance tasks that should be completed to keep the car in good shape.  This schedule is generally provided in the owner’s manual.  Failing to follow this recommended schedule can decrease the life of your car and result in significant and/or costly repairs that could have been avoided.

Filed Under: Car Care, Maintenance Tagged With: Auto repair Phoenix, Car repair Phoenix

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Auto Repair Phoenix, AZ
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