Maintenance – Stacks Auto Service

Can Water Damage Your Cars Alternator?

bthomas — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 09:07:31 +0000

When you have a car, you need to know how to take care of it. You’ll want to make sure that you understand the various things that can go wrong with it and when you need to get it repaired. One of the parts of a car that you need to keep an eye on is the alternator. The alternator is a vital part of the car. Inside your vehicle, the alternator is taking mechanical energy and turning it into available energy by a spinning pully, and it’s stored in the car’s battery.

The alternator is not waterproof

The alternator is not waterproof and when/if it is submerged, you will need to get it looked at. The repairs will be necessary so that your car can work properly. If you have your ignition on, you will see that a battery light will appear on your dashboard. It may also come on while you are driving, and this means that you will need to get it looked at. The alternator can also go bad when there are plates in the car that are not working correctly.

getting the car the attention it needs

Sometimes, you may notice that your headlights or the dashboard lights are dimming or going out completely. This happens when the car is idling. You will find that while the engine is turned on, they will get brighter. If this is happening with your car, you may have a bad alternator. You will want to find out if it is the alternator or a battery that is going bad. Regardless, getting the car the attention it needs is the best thing that you can do for yourself. You’ll want to make sure that your car is operating well at all times. It can make a huge difference for you now and in the future.

Do more

Since the 1980s, car manufacturers moved away from using carburetors to a more advanced system – the electric fuel injectors. As such, the car is fitted with sensors that measure the outdoor ambient temperature. This system allows the electric fuel injector to adjust the air-fuel mixture to account for the cold weather. Typically, an electric fuel injector will create a fuel-rich air-fuel mixture by releasing more gasoline, compensating for low evaporations levels.

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With this in mind, when you idle your car, you are burning more fuel with little to no benefit. After all, your car’s engine has been optimized to operate in cold temperatures without the car stalling. The only reason to idle your car is to warm up the cabin and defrost the windshield, which should take about 3 minutes.

Idling your vehicle for 10 to 15 minutes before starting your journey will increase pollution. With a lot of the fuel exiting the engine unburned or partially burned, your car will release a lot of toxic fumes.

Why Many People Think Idling Cars During Winter Is Paramount

Internal combustion engines run by mixing gasoline with air within the engine’s cylinders. Once the air-fuel mixture is compressed, the mixture is ignited by the spark plug, which moves the pistons. In the years past, specifically before the 1980s, a carburetor controlled the mixing of fuel and air. One shortcoming of the carburetor was its inability to control the fuel in the air-fuel mixture precisely.

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Given that gasoline has a hard time evaporating in cold weather, the carburetor was susceptible to releasing a lot more fuel than necessary.

The fuel-rich mixture increased the potential for engine damage once ignited.

Car owners are advised to idle their car for a few minutes to allow the engine to warm up, and, therefore, make it easy for the carburetor to supply the right fuel mixture.

When do you need repair?

The mechanical parts of the alternator are sealed, but the sitting water can damage it as the lubricator wears away. Repeated exposure to water can cause damage to the brushes by the electrical arc and wear out. Early detection is always better. Check your dashboard signals while you drive, if the ignition is on it will show a battery light on your car dashboard. This means you need to look at it quickly. Likewise, inoperative plates in the car can be the reason for battery failure.

Our Recommended Tire Safety Checklist

bthomas — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 09:04:20 +0000

Tires should never be neglected. The safety of your vehicle depends on it. Your car’s brakes, along with the tires, are two of the most crucial components of your vehicle. Ensuring you are driving a safe vehicle is important not only for your own safety but for other people on the road as well. Having a tire safety checklist is an important part of making sure you are driving a safe vehicle.

tire safety and maintenance checklist

Regularly check your tire safety and maintenance checklist for some of the common issues your tires can have. Tires take more abuse than almost any other component of your automobile. They have direct contact with the road and all its elements that may cause them to wear, lose pressure, or puncture. Your tires may be easily inspected for wear and damage. How well you maintain your tires will impact your safety, vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, and repair costs.

Tread Depth

Having a sufficient tread depth is vital to ensure that your car can grip the road properly. Your tires should have a minimum safe tread depth of 2/32 of an inch, or roughly enough tread to completely cover Lincoln’s head on a penny when held upside down between the ribs of your tire. Tread depth is important to ensure safety when accelerating or braking, especially in slippery or wet conditions.

Tire Air Pressure

All your tires should have the correct air pressure. Under- or over-inflated tires can cause erratic vehicle behavior and affect handling and grip, which can be dangerous while driving. Proper pressure in your tires will ensure you have a smooth ride, improve traction, better handling, and optimum fuel economy.

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Keeping up with your manufacturer’s recommended tire services is necessary for the efficiency of your tires. You can follow the service intervals or pay attention to signs of imbalance, misalignment, or premature tire wear.

Tire rotation, wheel alignment, and tire balancing services help prevent irregular wear, boosting the longevity of your tires and increasing fuel efficiency.

Wear and Tear

Your tires are exposed to the road and it is normal for them to suffer from some general wear and tear. Inspect your tires regularly. Look out for irregular wear, damages, including cuts, bulges, cracks, or items stuck in them like nails, glass, or small rocks. If you find any problems, be sure to get the tires replaced or repaired.

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Following the suggested maintenance provided by your vehicle manufacturer will help to keep your tires effective for longer.

Use our recommended checklist and perform a visual tire safety check at least every week.

If you find that you need new tires or your tires need service, contact us today!

When do you need repair?

Tips for Winterizing Your Vehicle

bthomas — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 09:01:46 +0000

Winter driving conditions can be hazardous due to factors such as snow and ice on the road. While it’s important that you are prepared for winter driving, it is also important that your car is up for the challenge. Follow the recommendations below before the winter season to make sure your car can handle winter road conditions. Before you hit any harsh winter conditions, have your vehicle serviced to prepare it for the challenges winter can pose.

SWITCH TO WINTER TIRES

If you live in a place that experiences extremely cold winter temperatures, it is recommended that you install winter tires when winterizing your car. When the temperature consistently hovers around or below freezing, the rubber compounds in non-winter tires harden, decreasing the tire’s ability to grip the road. Winter tires use special compounds engineered to resist hardening in cold temperatures, providing better traction in ice, snow, slush, and even dry pavement.

MAINTAIN TIRE PRESSURE

Every 10° change in ambient temperature could mean a gain or loss of 1 PSI. This means you should check pressure more regularly during winter and refill your tires as needed. Appropriate pressure for your tires can be found on the tire placard in the driver’s side door jamb or in your vehicle owner’s manual. Before going out for a long winter drive, check to see how temperatures may change while you’re out. Changing temperatures can affect both your traction and driving ability if there is a sudden change that you’re not prepared for.

INSTALL WINTER WIPERS

Replace your windshield wiper fluid often. A single snowstorm can exhaust a large amount of this fluid, so refill the washer reservoir frequently with windshield wiper fluid formulated for winter conditions. If you’re unsure if your washer fluid is the right formula for low temperatures, add a bottle of washer fluid antifreeze to the reservoir. You’ll find it at most auto parts stores.

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PACK A WINTER SAFETY KIT

Before heading off on a trip, store common tools and supplies in your car in case of an emergency. Use this infographic below to know what to pack before heading out into the snow. Fill up often! Keeping gas in the tank is more important in winter than in summer. Why? For one thing, a full tank reduces condensation, which can prevent gas line freeze ups. Not only that, but if you’re ever stranded, your engine may be the only thing to keep you warm until help arrives.

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Being unable to see behind you could create unsafe driving conditions.

That’s why several states have laws stating that all your windows must be clear of condensation and debris.

When winterizing your car, check your rear-window defroster before cold weather arrives to be sure it’s working properly.

When do you need repair?

Why Are My Headlights Foggy?

bthomas — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 09:00:11 +0000

When you drive at night, do you have a hard time seeing the road? The sun, rain, and road conditions may have taken their toll on your acrylic headlights and caused them to turn cloudy. Severely foggy headlights can reduce visibility by up to 50 percent. On top of this, hazy headlights are just plain ugly. Let’s uncover the reasons why your headlights get foggy and what you can do to stop it.

What Makes Headlights Cloudy?

Oxidation: Acrylic headlights oxidize when exposed to UV light. Headlight lenses come with a clear top coat to help prevent this, but eventually, the coating wears off, and sunlight turns the hard plastic yellow. Water vapor: Headlights are manufactured with a watertight seal, but wear and tear can cause this seal to break. Condensation then forms inside the lens where you can’t wipe it away. The water droplets scatter the beam of light, further impairing nighttime visibility.

How to Keep Headlights from Turning Yellow

Park your car in the shade: If possible, park in the garage or under a shady tree. If you don’t have that option, face your headlights away from the sun when parking outside to reduce UV exposure and slow the oxidizing process. Wash your car: Every three months, wash the headlights with automotive soap to clean away dirt and chemicals that promote fogging. Polish the headlights: Use a non-abrasive polishing medium and a microfiber cloth to polish your headlight lenses and remove early signs of yellowing.

DIY Treatments for Foggy Headlights

To restore your headlights yourself, start by washing the lenses with automotive soap so you have a clean surface to work with. Then, try any of these techniques to remove the haze from your headlights: Baking soda paste: Mix 5 tablespoons of baking soda with enough water to form a paste. Apply liberally to both headlights with a sponge and polish with small circular motions. Rinse the headlights to reveal the results.

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The results from DIY headlight cleaning only last about a month. The abrasive chemicals remove the oxidation, but they don’t protect against future yellowing. Professional headlight restoration is more effective. Now that you know what makes headlights fog, it’s clear that the best treatment option is professional headlight restoration.

Our results are long-lasting for safer nighttime driving. Contact us today to schedule headlight restoration services.

Why Many People Think Idling Cars During Winter Is Paramount

Most auto supply stores stock at least a product or two that are designed specifically for cleaning headlight lenses when they’ve become fogged up from UV exposure. Look for products marked as “headlight restoration kit” or “headlight lens restoration.” Using these products is a straightforward way to clean your vehicle’s foggy headlights.

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People who need to clean foggy headlights immediately have a few other options that can also work.

Toothpaste and baking soda can be effective cleansers for cleaning headlights. Both products are abrasive enough to take off the fog without scratching or damaging the headlights.

Polishing compounds such as Rain-X might also be effective enough to remedy UV damage.

When do you need repair?

Your Brakes And Why Preventive Maintenance Helps

bthomas — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 08:56:33 +0000

The brakes on your vehicle work hard every time you drive. When you slow down in traffic, stop at a red light, or must maneuver a quick hard stop because of an obstruction in the road your brakes are at work. Over time the use of your brakes causes normal wear and tear, which can render them ineffective or useless. It’s important to have regular maintenance performed on your braking system to keep it in tip top shape, and provide safe driving conditions for you and your family.

What Makes a Brake

The brake system in your vehicle is comprised of a disc, also called a rotor, a caliper, and the brake pad. From inside the car, it seems like all that happens is a push on the brake pedal, and the vehicle stops. But inside the car, this depressed pedal sends brake fluid through the brake lines as a piston moves in the master cylinder. As pistons in the caliper are initiated, the brake shoe pushes against the rotor, causing friction on the brake drum.

Why Choose a Mechanic?

Brake pad replacement is one of the minor jobs that many DIY car owners decide to try themselves. While it’s certainly one of the easier fixes to master over time, it’s important that you know exactly what you’re doing if you attempt this at home. When it comes to something as important as your brakes, we at Glenn’s Auto Repair, always recommend a certified mechanic over a DIY job.

You may save yourself a few bucks, but if the pad isn’t fitted properly, or damage occurs to the caliper or other brake components during the fix, your vehicle may be rendered unsafe on the roads. If your brakes are squeaking, sticking, or seem to take much more pressure than usual to engage, it’s time to see a mechanic.

Price Points to Ponder

Unfortunately, the friction of your brakes causes your brake pads to wear down over time, and they will need to be replaced time and time again. This is a normal part of the preventative maintenance routine you should include with your braking system. Of course, this means spending some money to keep your vehicle in working order and get you home safely every day. So how much money are you looking at spending for brake repair?

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The average price to replace a brake pad runs anywhere from $100 to $300 per axle, depending on the shop you work with. This might seem like a lot in the moment, but consider the alternative. To repair or replace the brake caliper, if the pad goes forgotten and further damage ensues, it could cost you anywhere from $300 to $800, even going so high as $1000 for some garages.

Similarly, to replace a brake rotor is somewhere in the range of $406 to $559.

Why Choose Us

Brake Pad replacement is one of the simplest jobs that car owners try to do on their own. However, if you are not well equipped, you should not try it and instead, should leave it to the professionals. You may save a few bucks by doing it yourself, but if the pad does not fit properly, if the caliper gets damaged, then your car will be rendered unsafe on the roads. So, you should seek professional help and AAA Services Center are experts in doing such repairs.

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Given that gasoline has a hard time evaporating in cold weather, the carburetor was susceptible to releasing a lot more fuel than necessary.

The fuel-rich mixture increased the potential for engine damage once ignited.

Car owners were advised to idle their car for a few minutes to allow the engine to warm up, and, therefore, make it easy for the carburetor to supply the right fuel mixture.

When do you need repair?

The Biggest Wintertime Myth: That You Need To Idle Your Car Before Driving

bthomas — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 08:54:00 +0000

A popular belief among car owners is that they need to let their car warm-up for several minutes before setting out on their drive. The idea behind this is to let the car’s engine get up to temperature by running idle for a few minutes, all to protect the engine’s longevity and performance. The reality of things, however, are different. Idling your car for a few minutes wastes not only your time but also wastes valuable fuel.

It’s advice from the carburetor age!

Whoever told you that you need to idle your car on a cold morning to “heat things up,” could be stuck in a bit of a time warp. Before 1980, most cars had carburetors, and these engines did need to warm up in the winter. Why? Carburetors regulated the air-fuel mixture within the engine and could not accurately adjust the air to fuel ratio in cold weather.

Electric Fuel Injection Systems

Nowadays, practically every car sold in America has an electric fuel injection system that helps maintain the perfect air-fuel mixture needed for a combustion event, no matter the ambient temperature. Ergo, warming up the car before driving on a cold day has become a thing of the past. The sensors in your car’s electronic fuel injection system are regulating the air-fuel mixture in real time, regardless of the temperature outside.

Reasons to Avoid Idling in Winter

It Causes Engine Damage: Wondering why your check engine light is on? Could be due to engine damage from idling in the winter. “Idling your car in the cold not only wastes fuel, but it’s also stripping oil from critical components that help your engine run, namely cylinders and pistons,” says Stephen Ciatti, a mechanical engineer who oversees the combustion engine work at Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois. Less oil means more friction, more wear and tear, and a shorter life for your engine.

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Typically, an electric fuel injector will create a fuel-rich air-fuel mixture by releasing more gasoline, compensating for low evaporations levels.

Why Many People Think Idling Cars During Winter Is Paramount

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This system allows the electric fuel injector to adjust the air-fuel mixture to account for the cold weather.

Typically, an electric fuel injector will create a fuel-rich air-fuel mixture by releasing more gasoline, compensating for low evaporations levels.

With this in mind, when you idle your car, you are burning more fuel with little to no benefit.