August 2015 – Affordable Auto Service

Common Muffler and Exhaust Problems

Is there a deep or loud rumbling sound coming from underneath or the back of your vehicle? If so, you likely have an issue with your muffler or your exhaust system. If the byproducts of burning gasoline can’t escape the fuel system, you’re going to notice a dip in your miles per gallon, and bigger problems can arise if left untreated. Today, we’re going to look at some signs of exhaust problems, and how to fix them.

Car Exhaust Issues

As we mentioned above, one sign of a problem with your exhaust is a noticeable drop in MPG. This could also be a sign of another issue, like a clogged fuel line or improperly inflated tires, but your car won’t get the same gas mileage if it can’t correctly get rid of emissions. ThreeÂ other ways to check for an exhaust issue involve using your ears, fingers and nose.

Loud, Rattling Sound: If your car is making more noise than normal, you’re probably dealing with a damaged muffler. Police can ticket you for disturbing the peace if your broken muffler is causing a lot of noise, so don’t just deal with the noise, get it fixed.

Vibrations: Weird vibrations in the steering wheel or when you press the gas pedal are another sign of an exhaust problem. A vibrating car can make it difficult to control the vehicle, so the problem shouldn’t be ignored.

Bad Smell: Â As we mentioned in a previous blog post, there are several different smells that signal something is wrong with your vehicle, and same goes for your exhaust system. That foul odor could be caused by carbon monoxide, and if it’s leaking into your cabin, it can be fatal. Any prolonged smell should be an immediate red flag.

Fixing Exhaust Issues

The biggest hurdle of fixing your own exhaust problem is that there are so many different issues that could be causing it.Â Most of the time it’s either a clog or a leak that’s causing the issue, and it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly where the problem lies. And even if you do locate the source of trouble, unless you’re well versed with a welder’s torch, you might not even be comfortable tackling the issue on your own.

In all, exhaust issues are typically best handled by trained mechanics. They have the tools to pinpoint the problem, and unless it’s an issue with your catalytic converter, most times the repair work isn’t going to be too expensive. Now, if you ignore the problem until your car breaks down, your bill will likely be much higher. As we always preach on the blog, taking care of small problems are the best way to avoid a huge repair bill down the road.

If you notice a weird smell coming from your car, or it’s loud and vibrating, contact a certified auto body shop today.

The Benefits of an Engine Flush

Your engine is the lifeblood of your vehicle, so it makes sense that you should take extra care of it. Considering all the tasks your engine is asked to preform, it’s no surprise that junk and debris can build up over time in your engine system. One way to get rid of that excess build up is to preform an engine flush. Today, we look at the engine flush and why it is beneficial for your car.

Flush Your Engine

Before we explain the benefits of flushing your engine, we’ll explain how the process works.

When you bring your car in for an engine flush, the mechanic will begin by draining your oil and pouring some chemicals into your engine. He’ll then start your car and let it idle for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the cleaning product to reach everywhere that oil would normally reach. Once the mechanic is satisfied that the cleaning agent has done its job, he’ll turn off your car and drain the chemicals. He’ll then pour the new oil back in your vehicle, and you’ll be all set.

Here are a few benefits of a full engine flush:

Remove Buildup – Stop and go driving takes a toll on your engine, and this type of driving can cause particle buildup inside your engine. These deposits inhibit normal oil flow, and can cause problems with your engine and other systems. The engine flush will help remove these particles.

Helps Keep Oil Clean – If you flush your engine, the oil you put in it right afterwards is going to go into a freshly cleaned compartment. This will obviously help keep the oil fresh and your engine running cleaner for longer periods.

Get The Small Stuff – Your oil filter is designed to sift out some troublesome particles. The filter removes particles bigger than 1/1,000th of an inch, but smaller particles exist in the engine component, and they too can cause problems. Flushing your engine can remove these microscopic particles that were missed by the oil filter.

Clean Engine Components – If the buildup in your engine gets too bad, other parts of your engine can get gummed up. The engine flush removes junk in all parts of the engine, which helps it run better as a collective unit. This can help your car’s power and fuel efficiency.

It should be noted, though, that some newer engines are designed in such a way that owners don’t need regular engine flushes. Consult your owner’s manual or do an online search if you are unsure if your newer model could benefit from an engine flush.

What is Leaking From My Car?

To a car owner, there are few worse feelings than noticing a puddle of liquid underneath your car. Obviously something in your car is leaking, but just how big of a concern is the dripping fluid? Today, we take a look at some of the more common leaks that occur in your vehicle.

Common Car Leaks

Looking at the color of the puddle is one of the easiest ways to determine what’s leaking fromÂ your vehicle. Here are a couple of colors to look for.

Yellowish/Green – This is an indicator of a problem with your coolant or antifreeze. If your car can’t adequately stay cool, it could lead to major car problems down the road. This liquid could also be pink in color.

Light Brown/Black – This is a sign of an oil leak, and it may be coming from a variety of different places. It could be a sign of problems with your oil gasket, oil filter, oil coolant line or with your oil pressure.

Reddish Brown and Thin – This is a sign of a leak in your power steering, and time is your biggest enemy against a power steering leak. As cars age, you could spring a leak in your O-rings and seals. Simply replacing these seals can solve this problem.

Reddish Brown and Thick – A thick reddish stain is an indication that there’s a leak in your transmission. This is another issue that can cause serious problems if left untreated, so call a mechanic right away if you see a thick reddish substance under your vehicle.

Clear/Gray/Brown – This likely means their is a problem with your brake fluid, and can inhibit your ability to stop. Again, address this issue immediately.

Clear – A clear leak could also indicate that water is dripping from the radiator. If you just got back from a drive and you were running the air conditioner, the water could just be condensation from your radiator. If there’s a significant leak and you weren’t running your AC, you’ll want to swing into a mechanic.