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The Tune Up
Tune Ups One of the biggest myths in the auto repair industry is “The Tune Up”. The term actually harks back to the dark ages of mechanical ignition systems. A standard tune up in 1969 consisted of replacing breaker points, condenser, distributor cap, rotor, spark plugs and spark plug wires. In the twenty first century, computers and solid state ignition have replaced those bulky, unreliable mechanical systems. Better engineering and materials have greatly reduced the maintenance intervals required to keep a car running in top condition. I have concluded that the average driver is sadly misinformed about the standard maintenance required on a vehicle. Let’s explore the tune up myths together and separate fact from fiction. Myth #1 A “check engine” light means it is time for a tune up. Fact: An MIL, or malfunction indicator lamp, means that an error code has been generated by the ECM, or engine control module. The ECM is the computer that monitors and controls the internal combustion process in an engine. A MIL code must be read by a diagnostic computer that communicates with the ECM. Error codes generally indicate the system where a failure has occurred. However, just downloading the error code may not pin point the entire problem. Take, for example, a misfire code. A misfire may be caused by three or four different conditions. A diagnostic technician must troubleshoot various systems to discover the actual cause of a misfire. At Uptown Auto Service in Alliance OH, we take the mysteries out of car repair and maintenance. We utilize the latest computer diagnostic equipment. Our technicians are trained and certified in most brands of automobiles, mini-vans and light trucks. We take the time to explain the problem in a manner that is easy to understand. We give you a complete description of parts and labor costs with no hidden fees. And, last but not least, we “guarantee the best price in town”. Myth #2 Tune ups must be done every 30,000 miles. Fact: Today’s computerized ignition systems should last the life of the vehicle. Advances in design and materials, such as platinum and iridium, provide most spark plugs with a life span of 100,000 miles. The fuel delivery system actually needs more maintenance than the ignition system. Fuel injectors are exposed to the high stress environment of the combustion chamber. This causes deposits to form on the injector nozzle. A cleaner should be run through the fuel delivery system periodically to remove these deposits. Myth #3 Anyone can perform a tune up. Fact: Since the advent of computerized engine controls in the late 1970s and early 1980s, cars have become increasingly complex. Regular maintenance such as fluid changes, tires, and other wearable parts replacement is very important for the longevity of the vehicle. However, the ignition and fuel delivery system needs very little maintenance for the first 100,000 miles. If the MIL is illuminated, it indicates a problem that must be diagnosed by a qualified technician. [...]
Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning Service
Servicing motor vehicle air conditioning, or MVAC, is not always a straight forward matter. It is a complex system of electronics, compressor, heat exchangers, valves, filters, aluminum piping, and rubber hoses all working together in a high-stress environment. It is one of the most difficult automotive systems to troubleshoot. A large majority of MVAC failures are due to refrigerant loss. Today’s refrigerant is an odorless, colorless gas. To be able to locate a leak, a fluorescent dye is added to the refrigerant. When a leak occurs, the dye leaves a stain that is detectable with an ultra-violet, or “black”, light. This simplifies diagnosing and repairing a faulty component. Most refrigerant leaks are caused by internal corrosion due to moisture in the system. In order to repair a faulty MVAC system, each component must be checked with an electronic refrigerant “sniffer” and a black light. If no leak is detected, the system is evacuated to remove any refrigerant, moisture and debris using vacuum corresponding with the manufacturer’s pressure specifications. The system is then filled with refrigerant, dye added, and pressurized according to the manufacturer’s specifications. It must then be operated at full capacity for several hours to disseminate the dye throughout the system. The pressurized refrigerant allows the electronic pressure switch to activate the electrical system. For this reason, the system must be pressurized before any other diagnostics can be done. Uptown Auto Service in Alliance, OH, specializes in motor vehicle air conditioning. Our technicians are trained and ASE certified to service and repairs all types of automotive air conditioners, both foreign and domestic. If your car is blowing warm air out of the vents on a hot summer day, give us a call at 330-821-3065 or contact us through our website, www.uptownautoservice.com. We’ll have your car’s interior cool in no time. The second leading cause of MVAC failure is the compressor clutch. A belt, connected to the engine crankshaft, drives the compressor. When the MVAC system is turned off, an electric clutch disengages the compressor. If this clutch fails, the compressor is unable to pressurize and pump the refrigerant through the system. On most models, the electric clutch is replaceable. On others, the compressor unit must be replaced. The receiver/dryer is a component that filters the refrigerant and removes moisture. This component may become plugged with impurities and occasionally needs replaced. This is especially true with a major component failure such as a compressor or heat exchanger that may allow dirt and debris into the system. As with all automotive systems, a regular maintenance program is the best defense against MVAC failure. Have the system checked annually by a qualified technician. This is the best way to discover any potential problems. Systems should be evacuated and recharged annually to prevent internal corrosion. [...]
Auto Air Conditioning
Automotive air conditioning, once considered a luxury, is now standard equipment on most passenger cars, mini-vans and light trucks. It was a cumbersome, expensive addition to the automobile when first introduced in the 1940s. It used a toxic, highly flammable ammonia gas which led to disastrous consequences when a leak occurred. As time passed, technological innovations and new materials made air conditioning safe, reliable and less expensive. Cooling the interior of the vehicle for summertime comfort is now as ubiquitous as heat in the winter. Air conditioning works by applying basic rules of physics, namely heat transfer, evaporation, condensation, and pressure. Cold is the natural state of the universe in the absence of a heat source. When something is cold it means the heat has been removed. Nature, in an attempt to create balance, is constantly transferring heat from warmer to colder areas. The greater the temperature difference, the faster heat moves. This type of temperature exchange will always occur when an object’s temperature is different from the air temperature surrounding it. The rule of evaporation states that in order for a liquid to boil, or expand into a gaseous state, it must absorb large amounts of energy in the form of heat. A simple example of this is a pot of water boiling on a stove burner. As the water absorbs the heat, vapor rises from the surface of the water. Converting liquid into gas greatly increases the volume of the liquid. An interesting thing happens when liquid is pressurized in an enclosed system. More energy must be absorbed by liquid before it reaches its boiling point in higher atmospheric pressure. This is the purpose of engine coolant systems being pressurized. More heat can be absorbed by the coolant without boiling. Condensation is the exact opposite of evaporation. Releasing gas from a pressurized system allows the stored heat energy in the gas to be released. This allows the gas to convert back to a cooled liquid form. The condensed liquid is proportionally reduced in volume. At Uptown Auto Service, in Alliance, Ohio, we specialize in automotive air conditioning systems. Our technicians are trained and certified to maintain and repair all types of automotive air conditioning, both foreign and domestic. Keep your car cool and comfortable this summer by having Uptown Auto Service maintain your car’s air conditioning system. Remember to ask about our “best price guarantee.” The following explains how the laws of physics are applied in automotive air conditioning. At the beginning of the cycle, the compressor pressurizes the refrigerant. This pressurization stores large amounts of energy in the form of heat in the refrigerant, turning it into superheated gas. This hot gas flows through high-pressure lines into the condenser where cooler, outside air absorbs and disperses most of the heat stored in the gas. As the refrigerant cools, it condenses, turning into a warm, high-pressure liquid. The liquid then flows into the drier, a small canister of desiccant located in the engine compartment. The drier filters out impurities and removes water from the refrigerant. The warm, high-pressure liquid then leaves the drier and flows through an expansion valve. This valve releases the high pressure liquid through a small orifice into an unpressurized evaporator or heat exchanger, located inside the vehicle. The result of this action transforms the warm liquid into a mist of tiny droplets. The heat energy stored within these droplets is released causing the liquid to cool rapidly. A fan circulates warm interior air through the heat exchanger and over the fins of the evaporator, where heat is removed from the air and absorbed by the refrigerant. The temperature of the air drops significantly. The fan blows the cool air out through the vents in the dash, while the low-pressure liquid travels back to the compressor and the whole cycle begins all over again.[...]
Automotive Fluids
Most automotive fluids, from gas to engine oil, are products of crude oil. The various fluids and oils differ only in refinement procedures and additives. Gear oil and motor oil have the highest viscosity (resistance to flow) and are designed for heavy-duty lubrication of moving steel parts. Lower viscosity oils are used in various automobile systems as hydraulic fluid. These include transmission, power steering, and brake fluid. The exceptions are windshield washer fluid and engine coolant. Washer fluid is a mixture of water and ethanol with blue dye for color. Coolant is a solution of water and ethylene glycol as an anti-freeze and is mostly colored green. Diverse car makes and models today require a wide range of oil grades and formulations. At Uptown Auto Service in Alliance OH, we specialize in fluid changes. We use computerized maintenance schedules for all makes and models to confirm fluid change intervals. We verify the correct oil viscosity required for your car when performing an oil change. We utilize power equipment for transmission and power steering flushes. This ensures all contamination and used oil is removed to provide smooth, quiet operation. Our brake fluid flushes provide your car with the inner corrosion protection so critical to safe, reliable brake function. Coolant flushes clean and protect your car’s coolant system to prevent summer boil-over and winter freeze-up. Lubricating oil has a dual purpose inside the automobile engine. The friction of steel parts sliding past each other at high speeds produces tremendous heat. Oil molecules bond to steel surfaces and form a protective, slippery barrier between two parts. This is called lubricity. It reduces friction and protects the steel parts from wear. It allows the engine to operate for long periods of time without doing harm to bearings and other components. The oil also absorbs and disperses heat as it circulates throughout the engine and the oil reservoir. Common viscosity ratings for engine oils are 5W-20 or 10W-30. The “W” stands for winter grade. 5W-20 oil has a viscosity rating of 5 at cold temperatures and a rating of 20 at 100 degrees Celsius. Dual viscosity ratings are designed to provide low viscosity lubrication at cold start-ups and high viscosity protection at extreme temperatures. Engine oil looses its lubricity over time due to heat and contamination. It should be replaced at regular intervals, along with a new oil filter, to protect the engine from excessive wear. Four-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive vehicles have gearboxes that transmit power to the front and rear wheels simultaneously. These gearboxes, called transfer and differential gears, are filled with high viscosity oil that constantly bathes the gears in a protective film. This oil generally has a viscosity rating of 80 to 140. These oils also need to be replaced at regular intervals. Check the owner’s manual for viscosity and change intervals. Most hydraulic oils contain some combination of rust preventatives, anti-foam additives, detergents, dispersants, anti-wear additives, anti-oxidation compounds, surfactants, cold-flow improvers, high-temperature thickeners, gasket conditioners, and petroleum dye. The formulation of these oils is based on the performance required by individual system applications. The oils are often colored with dye to indicate which system they are to be used in. Transmission fluid is colored red, power steering fluid pink, and brake fluid yellow. As with all oils, hydraulic fluid also looses its effectiveness over a period of time. It needs to be replaced, along with the applicable filter, at regular intervals. Once again, check the owner’s manual for recommended system formulations and change intervals. Call Uptown Auto Service today (330) 821-3065 or visit us at www.uptownautoservice.com for all your auto maintenance needs. We service and repair all makes and models, both foreign and domestic. Ask about our famous “best price guarantee!”[...]
The Replacement Tire Market (the facts)
The recession of 2009 hit the entire automotive industry hard. New car sales dropped by an average of 40%, resulting in huge lay-offs and the closing of dealerships all over the country. Huge job losses in the parts and tire manufacturing sector contributed to the economic meltdown. One bright spot amidst all the doom and gloom has been the burgeoning used car market. Although the complete figures for 2010 are not available yet, it appears that used car sales have more than made up for the precipitous drop in new car sales. This boom in used car sales drove the replacement tire market to heights not seen since 2005. This trend is expected to continue through 2011. In 2010, replacement tire sales topped out at $32.1 billion dollars. This reflects an average price increase of 11.3% over the two year period. Of the millions of tires sold, 76% were sold by independent tire dealers with only 8% sold by tire company stores. The other 16% were sold by big box stores, gas stations and auto parts stores. (Source: Modern Tire Dealer) Reasons why more than three quarters of all replacement tires are sold by independent dealers is largely due to price and established relationships with the consumer. Consumers shopping for replacement tires need to be aware of shady pricing methods practiced by some tire retailers. Many times the first price quote given is for the tire only. After the customer agrees to a price, which may be a 100% markup over cost, hidden fees are added. Suddenly, the consumer is presented with a bill that may be as much as 50% higher than originally quoted. Most consumers are unaware that state excise tax is levied on wholesale tires only and is simply passed on to the consumer by the retailer. At Uptown Auto Service in Alliance OH, we are an independent dealer in every sense of the word. We are not tied to one manufacturer but retail all brands. We do not have gigantic warehouses or huge, unwieldy inventories. This allows us to pass the cost savings to our customers. We are connected to our suppliers via the internet and most orders are same day delivery. Our tire prices have a very modest markup. A fee is added for mounting the tire on the wheel, computerized balancing, a new valve stem and for disposal of the old tire. We add the sales tax, and provide the consumer with the exact price. There are no hidden fees and state excise tax is not charged to the consumer. We bring this same concept of honesty, integrity, and forthrightness to our automotive service and repairs. Our customers are our friends and neighbors. Come, visit us at 2075 W. State St. or www.uptownautoservice.com and experience how it feels to be treated like family.[...]
Technology and Wheel Alignment
The inundation of computer technology in all phases of manufacturing has become especially prevalent in the automotive industry. The development of computer aided design and analysis software has taken automobile manufacturing to a level never before seen in history. New designs in suspension and steering components have greatly improved the ride and handling of the modern automobile. Some early improvements were four-wheel independent suspension and rack and pinion, power steering. Although these technologies have been around since the 1950s, they did not become standard equipment for the family sedan until the late 1980s. Since that time, these systems have been constantly fine-tuned and improved. Today’s automobiles are quieter and more comfortable than ever. Handling is much more responsive and tires last as long as eighty thousand miles. A major aspect of ride, handling and tire longevity is proper wheel alignment. Gone are the days of using a string, bubble and measuring tape. Today’s alignments are measured in one hundredth of a degree by using computerized, 3-dimensional, alignment technology. At Uptown Auto Service in Alliance OH, we utilize the latest Hoffman computerized, optical alignment equipment. Our technicians are trained and certified in the latest, 3-dimensional, alignment technology. We specialize in maintenance and repair on all types of suspension, steering linkage, and computerized ride control. Wheel alignment is measured and adjusted on an axis (a line around which an object rotates). The four axes of alignment are camber, caster, toe-in, and thrust angle and all are measured in degrees of an arc. With optical alignment technology, the manufacturer’s alignment specifications are entered into the computer. A target is placed on each wheel. The target is a flat surface with numerous reflective circles embedded within. Ultraviolet light is shone on the target. A camera reads the reflected light and the computer analyzes the shape of the circles in three dimensions. Based on the vehicle specifications entered in the alignment application, the computer accurately reads the target data within one hundredth of a degree. This allows the technician to make incremental adjustments and translates into the most precise wheel alignment possible. Here is a good way to demonstrate how three dimensional alignment works. Stand in front of a mirror holding a dinner plate at chest height. Hold the plate at various angles to the plane of the mirror. Notice how the profile of the circle changes as the angle of the plate is changed. Light is reflected from the mirror to the eye. The eye sends the image of the circle to the brain. The brain analyses the shape of the image and determines whether it is oval, oblong or a perfect circle. At Uptown Auto Service, the future of wheel alignment is now! Stop in at 2075 W. State St. and ask about our Lifetime Alignment Package. For an affordable up-front cost, wheel alignment is free for as long as you own your vehicle.[...]
DiscountGuru
This weekend Uptown Auto Service will be the featured business on DiscountGuru. Logon at www.discountguru.com Friday, Saturday and Sunday for terrific savings on auto services. These low, low prices are not available anywhere else. Check it out![...]
Automotive Computers IV (what they do)
In previous installments we learned how the engine control module (ECM) controls the internal combustion process. Now, we will learn how the emissions generated by this process are handled. The three main pollutants produced by the process are, Carbon Monoxide (CO), a poisonous gas that is colorless and odorless, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), produced mostly from evaporated, unburned fuel and Nitrogen Oxides (NO and NO2, together called NOx), a contributor to smog and acid rain. The Catalytic Converter is the final component in cleaning exhaust emissions. A catalytic converter is a chamber filled with ceramic material in a honeycomb configuration plated with platinum and rhodium as the catalyst elements. As the exhaust stream passes through the chamber, the catalyst separates the NO and NO2 molecules from the NOx and frees the oxygen (O2). The catalyst also reduces CO and VOCs by oxidizing, or burning, the VOCs and combining CO with the remaining O2. O2 sensors, one mounted upstream of the catalytic converter and one downstream provide data to the ECM. It uses the combined data to control VOCs and CO emissions by injecting precise amounts of fuel into the combustion chamber, maintaining the stoichiometric ratio of 14.7:1, or one pound of gasoline to 14.7 pounds of air. This has been a simplified explanation of how a single computer module controls and monitors the typical automobile engine. Complex computer controls make diagnosing and servicing most vehicles difficult for the average vehicle owner. At Uptown Auto Service, our technicians spend many hours in classroom study and at hands-on training. They are certified through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). This is to provide you, our customer, with the assurance that your vehicle is in capable hands when you bring it to Uptown Auto Service for computer related problems or any repairs and services. Located in Alliance OH, Uptown Auto Service is a full service shop providing engine and transmission repairs, brakes, suspension, tires, and fluid changes. Visit us at www.uptownautoservice.com or call 330-821-3065. Our shop is located in the west side commercial district at 2075 W. State St., Alliance, OH.[...]
Automotive Computers III (what they do)
In previous articles we learned about the intricacies of the internal combustion engine and the advent of computer monitoring and control systems. In this installment, we will explore how the computer controls the ignition of the fuel/air mixture within the engine’s cylinders. In automobiles built before the mid-1980s, the ignition process was entirely mechanical. Many car owners, or “backyard mechanics” were able to “tuneup” the engine with little training or skill. Today’s computerized automobiles require highly trained technicians to diagnose and repair any problems. Engine Diagnostics refer to problems with the engine when the “check engine” lamp is illuminated. ABS Diagnostics refer to problems with the computer controlled anti-lock brake system. BCM Diagnostics refer to the Body Control Module which controls power windows, door locks, safety restraints, etc. At Uptown Auto Service in Alliance Ohio, our technicians are trained and certified in computer diagnostics for all computerized systems, including all Domestic, European, and Asian models. We use cutting-edge diagnostic systems which are constantly updated and kept current. In mechanical ignition systems, Electric Current flows from the Battery to the Coil, then to ground. The coil is a simple voltage transformer with primary and secondary coils, grounded to the engine block. Mechanical Breaker Points, operated by the cam shaft, interrupted the flow of current through the primary coil. The magnetic field of the primary coil collapses. The secondary coil is engulfed by this magnetic field and induces a high-voltage current. This voltage can be as high as 100,000 volts, depending on the number of coils in the secondary winding. This high voltage spike travels to the Spark Plug, also grounded to the engine block, via the Distributor. The distributor is a simple, cam shaft driven, mechanical device that sends the high-voltage current to each spark plug at the proper time. The spark plug, mounted in the cylinder head, has a pair of electrodes with a gap between the two. The current arcs over the electrodes, causing a spark which ignites the fuel/air mixture in the cylinder. Except the spark plugs and individual coils for each cylinder, the Engine Control Module (ECM) replaces all mechanical devices with a solid state system, even though the principles of ignition remain the same. Ideally, the combustion process peaks as the piston reaches the top of the compression stroke, or Top Dead Center (TDC). This maximizes the pressure within the cylinder, producing the most power possible. The fuel/air mixture, under compression by the piston, burns at a predictable rate, regardless of the engine RPM. This means the spark plug must fire, beginning the combustion process before the piston reaches TDC. This is known as Spark Advance. The degree of spark advance changes constantly with the RPM of the engine. The faster the RPM, the more spark advance required. Mechanical advance devices were not accurate enough to maximize fuel mileage and reduce exhaust emissions. The ECM constantly calculates the degree of spark advance based on various data factors such as engine RPM, provided by the CPS, load requirements, provided by the MAP sensor, temperature, and fuel volatility. [...]
Automotive Computers II (what they do)
As described in the previous installment, an internal combustion engine is a complicated machine that requires diverse components working together in perfect synchronization. Before the introduction of computers, the process was strictly mechanical. Anyone with minimal skills was able to perform simple engine repairs and “tuneups” by replacing spark plugs and ignition points. In the early1980s, computers were first utilized in an attempt to cut exhaust emissions and increase fuel efficiency. In modern automobiles, computers exclusively monitor and control the engine and many other automotive systems. However, when a problem is indicated by the “check engine” light, a trained technician must perform computer diagnostics with specialized equipment. At Uptown Auto Service in Alliance, Ohio, our technicians receive highly specialized training and ASE certification in automotive computer diagnostics. They use the latest, cutting-edge equipment and are able to diagnose all domestic, European, and Asian models. Engine Control Module (ECM) The combustion cycle begins in the throttle body where outside air is inducted. The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) detects the volume of incoming air. The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor reads its temperature, humidity, and density. The Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor indicates the required power needed to meet the load on the engine. Two more sensors providing critical data at this point are the Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS) and the Camshaft Position Sensor (CmPS). The CPS informs the ECM of the position of each piston. The CmPS reports the position of each valve in the cylinder head. All this data is combined with data reported by other sensors like engine RPM and vehicle speed (MPH). The ECM then calculates the amount of gasoline the Fuel Injector mixes with the incoming air. The Fuel Injector is essentially a valve operated by an electromagnet. One end is mounted on a steel line called the Fuel Rail. The Fuel Rail is pressurized by the Fuel Pump. The nozzle end of the injector is mounted in the cylinder head above each intake valve. When the ECM actuates, or “fires” the injector, the nozzle sprays atomized fuel into the incoming airstream. This is the air/fuel mixture drawn into the cylinder during the intake stroke of the piston. In order to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize exhaust emissions, the ECM must calculate the stoichiometric ratio of the air/fuel mixture. The stoichiometric ratio is the point where the exact amount of air combines with the exact amount of fuel that allows all the carbon and hydrogen from the fuel to combine with all the oxygen in the air during combustion. An important component the ECM uses to calculate the ratio is Oxygen (O2) sensors in the exhaust stream. For most gasoline burning engines, the correct ratio is 14.7 kilograms of air to each kilogram of fuel. This ratio is dependent on factors such as temperature and load. If too much O2 is indicated in the exhaust stream the air/fuel mixture is Lean. It does not contain enough fuel to supply the power needed to meet the load requirements. If the O2 level is low, the mixture is known as Rich. This decreases fuel efficiency and increases exhaust emissions. It is crucial to keep the fuel injector nozzles clean and free of contaminates and deposits in order to provide accurate fuel delivery. Annual fuel injector cleaning service is adequate for most vehicles. At Uptown Auto Service, we use a superior 3-Step Fuel System Cleaner that cleans the entire fuel delivery system. The above is a brief summary of a single aspect of automotive computer controls. Engine repair is no longer for the “back yard” mechanic. Specialized training and certification in computer diagnostics is an absolute prerequisite for any technician repairing today’s high-tech vehicles. [...]
Automotive Computers I (what they do)
Introduction: Most experts agree that the two greatest inventions of the twentieth century were the automobile and the computer. In the late 1970s, the two were brought together in a marriage made in the laboratory. This was primarily to find a way to combat increasing air pollution caused by the hydrocarbon burning, internal combustion engine. In many ways it was a successful marriage resulting in a cleaner atmosphere, more efficient engines, and less costly repairs. The computer processes thousands of calculations per second while on the morning commute to work. It incorporates an ingenious tool known as the Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD). The OBD warns the driver that a problem has been detected when the “check engine”, light is illuminated on the instrument panel. When this occurs, the computer must be diagnosed by a trained technician. Just as technicians are trained in engine repair, transmission repair, brake repair, or wheel alignment, they must be trained in all aspects of computer diagnostics. At Uptown Auto Service in Alliance, Ohio, our technicians are trained and certified in automotive computer diagnostics. Computers monitor and control various aspects of a vehicle’s operation such as fuel economy, braking on slippery roadways, and even the interior climate. The “check engine” light signals a potentially serious problem with any of these systems. An illuminated “check engine” light should always be diagnosed by a trained, competent technician. The Engine: In order to understand what an automotive computer such as the Engine Control Module (ECM) does, one must first have a grasp on the hardware it controls; the internal combustion engine. The primary component of an engine is the piston. It moves up and down inside the cylinder block. It transmits power via a connecting rod to a concentric shaft known as the crankshaft. Mounted on top of the cylinder block is an arrangement of valves contained in a structure known as the cylinder head. These valves are operated by a shaft with concentric lobes known as the camshaft. The camshaft is operated by the crankshaft via a chain or belt. There are four distinct stages of operation as the piston moves up and down within the cylinder. First, is a down-stroke known as the intake stroke. As the piston moves down, the intake valve, mounted in the cylinder head, opens and allows a mixture of fuel and air to be drawn into the cylinder. When the piston reaches the bottom of the cylinder, the valve closes and the piston move up again. This is known as the compression stroke. With the valves closed in the cylinder head, the piston compresses the air/fuel mixture into a small space at the top of the cylinder under tremendous pressure. A spark, provided by the spark plug, ignites the compressed mixture. The resulting explosion drives the piston down in what is known as the power stroke. This down-stroke causes the crankshaft to turn, providing power to operate the vehicle. As the piston moves up again, another valve, known as the exhaust valve, opens in the cylinder head. The up-stroke of the piston forces the gases resulting from the air/fuel combustion out of the cylinder. With the crankshaft turning at 3000 revolutions per minute (RPM), this process happens faster than the human eye can perceive. The roar of an unmuffled engine is the rapid succession of these individual explosions blending together. Next, we will examine how the Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors and controls every aspect of the internal combustion process and how the computer is diagnosed when an error occurs. [...]
Thank You
I would like to express my appreciation for all the well wishes from friends, customers, and co-workers during my recent illness. Thanks to your thoughts and prayers, I am back at work and feeling fine! Earl[...]
Brakes
Brakes Inertia or momentum, as described by Newton’s Law of Motion, is the tendency of an object to remain in its current state and resist change. It is measured by an object’s mass when stationary, its mass and velocity when in motion. How do these laws of physics relate to the average commuter? It’s simple. Engineers use complicated algebraic formulas relating to the Law of Motion to design the braking system on your particular vehicle. Therefore, you have a reasonable expectation that your car will stop when you step on the brake pedal. Keep in mind, however, that brakes are a wearable item, meaning that certain components of the braking system will wear out before the rest of the car. These components are: Brake Rotors - Brake rotors are flat steel discs mounted vertically to the vehicle’s axel. They are approximately nine to ten inches in diameter and one inch thick on most domestic, passenger vehicles. Many rotors are designed with vanes sandwiched between two friction surfaces. This is to dissipate excess heat when the brakes are actuated. Brake Pads - Brake pads consist of friction material on a steel backing plate. The pads are mounted stationary on the brake caliper. When the brakes are actuated, the stationary pads clamp both side of the spinning rotor. This causes friction which in turn produces thermal energy, or heat. The frictions of the pads on the spinning rotors cause the rotors to slow which in turn slow the vehicle’s wheels. This friction and heat cause microscopic particles to be lost on both pads and rotors each time the brakes are actuated. Brake Fluid - Brake fluid is a misnomer for hydraulic oil especially formulated to be used in certain types of hydraulic brake systems. Hydraulic brake components consist mostly of steel. Brake fluid is hygroscopic. This means that all water molecules have been removed in order to prevent internal corrosion of the brake parts. However, this causes brake fluid to attract moisture. This is the primary reason to periodically replace the brake fluid. Check the owner’s manual for the replacement schedule or have your service professional check for rust in the fluid. Your ability to commute safely day in and day out is literally riding on the condition of your car’s brakes. All highway systems and accompanying traffic laws are designed on the premise that vehicles can stop at certain points. Without this ability our roadways would be dangerously chaotic. Have your car’s brakes checked often. A good rule-of-thumb is to perform a visual brake inspection each time the tires are rotated, or every 5,000 miles. [...]
Internet Brake Special
Uptown Auto Service in Alliance, OH is offering its visitors to the company website a special, low, low price on new brakes. Go to the Coupon page and print out this special internet coupon, bring it to Uptown Auto Service between now and March 31, 2011 to recieve special pricing on new brakes. This offer is not available anywhere else. The offer applies to most domestic, passenger cars and mini-vans. Uptown Auto Service offers a best price guarantee for brake service and repair on all vehicles both foreign and domestic. This includes cars, vans, and light trucks. Call 330-821-3065, or visit us at 2075 W. State St. for our famous best price guarantee on brake service and repair![...]