Car Maintenance
November 17th, 2006 at 04:11pm By Mike Lambert
Under Car FAQ: Car Maintenance: Engine
Modern fuel injection systems are far more efficient then their carbureted ancestors. However, fuel injection systems do require cleaning every now and then, and there are some points to remember when doing so. A fuel injector is like a small nozzle, and after a period of time it can get clogged with deposits, decreasing engine performance and efficiency. This “period of time” is different for every car, and can be anywhere from 20,000 to 30,000+ miles. If you use quality “in-the-tank” cleaners, those numbers can change as well, as they usually remove some deposits. However, a proper fuel injector cleaning done with a machine in a shop should be done some time. If you think about it, getting fuel into your car is extremely important, as it supplies one of the three main elements needed to make your car run (air, spark and fuel). Cleaning the fuel injectors can restore performance and increase your gas mileage, and if your injectors are severely clogged, a proper cleaning could make a huge difference. Although it is hardly an exact science, keeping you fuel system clean is an important task that all modern cars require.
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November 17th, 2006 at 04:09pm By Mike Lambert
Under Car FAQ: Car Maintenance: Engine
Most people do not often think about changing their fuel filters these days as a part of routine maintenance. This is because your car’s fuel filter lasts much longer then it did 30 or 40 years ago due to many reasons, such as the use of unleaded gas (to learn more, see my tip “The Modern Tune-Up”). In the old days, the fuel filter might need to be changed every 10 to 15,000 miles! However, modern fuel filters can last significantly longer, some past 50,000 miles. While the longevity of modern filters will save you time and money, the fuel filter should always be changed at about this interval unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer (often, the maker does not give a specific date for the filter to be changed). The fuel filter is very important to your car, as it keeps debris and other deposits from entering your engine through the gas it burns. A clogged fuel filter can hurt engine performance and gas mileage, and will eventually lead to more serious problems. As your car gets older, say over 6 or 7 years, the filter should be changed more often (possibly every year). This is because the fuel tank can corrode and build up debris inside over the years, which can clog the fuel filter significantly faster. For more information on your fuel system, see my tip “Fuel Injectors”.
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November 17th, 2006 at 04:07pm By Mike Lambert
Under Car FAQ: Car Maintenance: Engine
Your car’s engine is basically an air pump. The more efficiently it can suck air in and expel spent gases out, the better it will perform. The first step to keep this cycle going properly is to change your air filter. As the name suggests, it filters out harmful particles before they enter your engine. You should check your air filter with every other oil change, and replace it if it appears to be dirty. You should replace the air filter every 15,000 miles or so, as they are generally inexpensive.
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November 17th, 2006 at 04:06pm By Mike Lambert
Under Car FAQ: Car Maintenance: Engine
One of the most common reasons for a car to refuse to start is a dead battery. The battery is obviously an essential element to a car’s operation, as it allows it to be started. Because of this, you should check you battery with every oil change, or when ever you happen to have to hood open. A sure sign that might suggest a dying battery is a hesitation to start, but you can often diagnose a battery’s health by looking at it. If the battery’s casing is cracked, the battery cables are frayed, or there is any leakage from the battery, it is a good idea to replace it. You should also clean off any corrosion that is on the terminals, as this can prevent the car from starting as well. If you can’t even remember how long your battery has been in your car, it is a good idea to replace it, as you don’t want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere. Always be very careful when doing anything with your battery, as they can be very dangerous.
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November 17th, 2006 at 04:04pm By Mike Lambert
Under Car FAQ: Car Maintenance: Engine
Should you be concerned if you see blue smoke in your exhaust? YES! This means that your engine is burning an excess of oil, which could mean that you have worn valve guides, piston rings, etc. If you start to burn an excess of oil, this will cause problems for other parts of your engine, such as the spark plugs, causing them to go prematurely bad. Also, you will be making an incredible amount of pollution, and this will cause you to fail emissions testing. However, if your engine does make a lot of blue smoke, it could mean that it needs major work, which means major money. You should definitely check into this before the problem gets even worse, which means even more money out of your pocket.
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