Car Parts 101 – Car Chassis

We talk a lot about the inner workings of your vehicle's engine and drivetrain. We've gone over the various parts and components required to run your engine. And we have passed along a few helpful tips to help you care for and keep your car on the road. But today, we are going to talk about the foundation for your vehicle — the car chassis. What is the Car Chassis? With upwards of 30,000 parts and pieces making up your vehicle, none of that would be possible without the chassis. The chassis is a combination of many parts that act as the car's platform. They include names you may already know: The Frame Suspension Components - struts, shocks, springs, and control arms Transmission & Drive Shaft Axles Steering Gear Controls Tie Rods & other steering components But, when most folks hear "chassis," they think about the frame. Initially, cars were built on a body-on-frame construction. After the chassis was built, the vehicle's body would be fitted on top and [...]

By |2022-04-21T09:54:09-06:00April 21st, 2022|Car Parts|0 Comments
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Is it the Battery, Starter, or Alternator?

When you've got places to be, but a car that won't budge, it leads to some strong feelings of frustration — and confusion! Your next question is probably, "is it the battery, starter, or alternator?" With all three having the ability to cause your engine not to start, 1/3 isn't seeming like good odds anymore. A little knowledge can go a long way in helping you diagnose the issue (and how much effort it will be to get your car going again). Car Parts 101 - The Battery, The Starter, and The Alternator While the three parts work in tandem to get your car moving, they all have separate (but equally important) roles. Car Battery Your vehicle's battery is the first spark that ignites the engine into action. Once the ignition switch is engaged (either by turning the key or pressing the start button), the battery sends voltage to the starter to help it get the gears turning. It also lets you crank the tunes without having your car [...]

By |2022-04-12T09:06:41-06:00April 12th, 2022|Car Parts, Car Questions, Damaged Car|0 Comments
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The High Cost of Car Technology

Gone are the days of the most prominent technology in the car being the ability to roll down the windows. These days, cars are jam-packed with the latest in car technology advances. And it's not just for your entertainment or to enjoy a hands-free conversation on your commutes; driving functions also rely on computers and information systems. When it comes to these technological advances, we all pay for them. New cars are only getting more expensive. And with recent advancements and added-on technologies, it leads to more repairs. Those repairs can be just as costly. And with so many supply-chain issues, getting the necessary replacement parts to repair those pieces of car technology could take some time. Most Common Car Technology Repairs When it comes to vehicle technology, there is a trend. A trend of common technology repairs that we see in our shop include: Backup Camera Blind Spot Sensors Lane Assistance Bluetooth Navigation Audio Systems Performance Sensors With so many new features, it's important to do what you [...]

By |2022-02-10T14:30:29-06:00February 10th, 2022|Car Parts|0 Comments
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Diesel vs. Gasoline

We all know that gasoline and diesel fuels are different. We know not to put diesel into a gas engine and vice versa. But, do we know the "whys" behind that rule? When it comes to diesel vs. gasoline, not only are the fuel types different, but the respective engine types are different. And each fuel engine comes with its benefits as well as disadvantages. Diesel vs. Gasoline Gasoline engines were invented in 1876 and were ground-breaking — but they weren't efficient. The four-stroke combustion engine only utilized 10% for the fuel, while the other 90% produced heat and burned off. So, in 1892, Rudolf Diesel created the combustion power engine (also known as the diesel engine). While gasoline engines have had many technological advances that led them to be more efficient than the original model, they operate slightly differently from their diesel engine counterparts. Diesel and Gasoline Engine Differences Both engines use internal combustion, with cylinders compressing air and fuel mixtures to create mechanical energy turned into motion [...]

By |2022-01-19T14:52:20-06:00January 19th, 2022|Car Parts, Car Questions|0 Comments
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Fuel Injectors and Signs They Aren’t Working Well

We all know that we have to stop at the gas station when the gauge creeps towards empty to keep our car moving. But, do you know what happens with that fuel once it enters your vehicle? The job of distributing the gas to your engines falls on the fuel injectors. And their job is not as simple as stop and go. How Do Fuel Injectors Work? Your vehicle's injectors have the vital task of delivering fuel from your gas tank to your engine. And it all comes down to the timing. Fuel injectors inject the ideal amount of fuel into the combustion chamber at just the right time. They are commanded by the vehicle’s PCM (Powertrain Control Module) or computer. Allowing the correct mixture of air-to-fuel, creates the perfect condition for combustion and keeps your car running well. Controlled by a computer, there is one fuel injector per cylinder in modern vehicles. Initially, injectors sprayed gas into the intake manifold. Moving to your car's cylinders helps your vehicle's [...]

By |2021-10-08T10:43:43-06:00October 8th, 2021|Car Parts|0 Comments
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Vehicle Oxygen Sensors – What Do They Do?

Let's talk oxygen. Not only is it vital for humans, but your car also needs it to function as well. Without the optimal oxygen ratios, your vehicle isn't going to run at its top performance levels. That's where your car's oxygen sensors come in... What Does An Oxygen Sensor Do? Oxygen sensors optimize performance and emissions by monitoring the oxygen ratios in the exhaust system and reporting the Aforementioned to the P.C.M. (vehicle’s main computer). Too much oxygen read by the oxygen sensor is a lean mixture and generates nitrogen-oxide contaminants. Extremely lean conditions may cause overheating and engine damage. The opposite is known as a rich mixture and can cause pollution and an engine that misfires or runs rough. Oxygen levels vary from outside factors like altitude, temperature, load weight, engine temperature, barometric pressure, etc. Oxygen sensors will calculate the ratio of oxygen to fuel in the exhaust and communicate that information to your car's computer. The computer will then adjust the gasoline inputs based on the balance to keep it at optimal [...]

By |2021-09-22T11:40:28-06:00September 22nd, 2021|Car Parts, Car Questions|0 Comments
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Thank Goodness for Power Steering Systems

Before 1951, driving was a workout. There was no need for arm day at the gym. When drivers needed to turn right or left, they had to crank on the wheel to get their vehicles to move in their desired direction. There was no assistance to move the weight of the car. And there was no assistance to make the turns and steering smoother. It's no wonder that once power steering systems hit the market, the car industry was quick to include the system in all new cars. And as time goes on, car power steering systems continue to improve. What's the Point of Power Steering Systems? The point is simple: it helps drivers turn the steering wheel and stay on course. While the "why" is easy to see, the "how" varies. Steering happens when the steering wheel and gear system work together to go in the desired direction. How this works depends on the type of power steering system. Hydraulic Power Steering The original power steering system, [...]

By |2021-08-25T14:48:48-06:00August 25th, 2021|Car Parts|0 Comments
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How Does the Car Exhaust System Work?

Few people think about their car exhaust system unless it is causing problems. But it is an integral safety feature of any vehicle. The exhaust system converts harmful gases produced by the engine into breathable gases. It also moves them underneath the car, instead of in the cabin, and out the tailpipe. Without an exhaust system, it would be hazardous, if not impossible, to drive because of all the harmful gases that would get trapped inside your vehicle. Let's take a deeper dive into everything this vital component does for you and your car. The Car Exhaust System The exhaust system is responsible for dissipating gasses produced by the engine. It cleans emissions as they exit the vehicle and dampens engine noise. It can also affect your vehicle's overall performance, including fuel efficiency and engine power. The system consists of several parts; an exhaust manifold, oxygen sensors, a catalytic converter, a muffler, a resonator in some vehicles, and a tailpipe. Each component plays a role in the safety of [...]

By |2021-06-24T14:50:33-06:00June 24th, 2021|Car Parts|0 Comments
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Cooling System Maintenance

Your vehicle's cooling system is not something that comes to mind very often. However, it is an essential system to keep your vehicle functional and safe. Neglecting it can be costly in many ways, affecting your car's efficiency and possibly requiring expensive repairs (including a complete engine replacement in extreme cases). The good news is that cooling system maintenance isn't complex. You just need to know how to do it. The Vehicle Cooling System The cooling system, simply put, keeps your engine cool. It regulates the temperature of the engine to keep it from overheating or from freezing. It consists of a series of tubes that bring liquid, usually a mixture of water and antifreeze, through the whole engine block, circulating as needed by a water pump. This liquid draws heat from the engine, moving it to the radiator to be cooled before circulating back to the engine block. There is a thermostat in the cooling system that regulates the flow of coolant. When the thermostat opens, it allows the [...]

By |2021-05-17T14:25:52-06:00May 17th, 2021|Car Parts, Car Service & Maintenance|0 Comments
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8 Transmission Maintenance Tips

Your transmission is one of the integral parts of your vehicle. It is what communicates between the engine and the wheels, sending engine power to move your vehicle. It also allows quick acceleration of your vehicle and disconnects your engine from your wheels so it can continue to run when your vehicle is stopped. If your transmission has problems, you will not be going anywhere in your vehicle. To prevent large costs and inconveniences from transmission repair or replacement, here are some simple transmission maintenance tips that even the least car-savvy driver can manage. 1. Get Regular Car Check-Ups Transmissions vary in type and model, therefore each transmission should be on a different maintenance schedule. Check your vehicle manual or the manufacturer transmission service recommendation for how frequently you should take your car into your mechanic to get your transmission checked and possibly serviced. You can also discuss your transmission maintenance schedule with your mechanic, asking any questions and setting up maintenance appointments if needed. 2. Use the Right [...]

By |2021-02-23T14:39:22-06:00February 23rd, 2021|Car Parts, Car Service & Maintenance|0 Comments
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