Most drivers have probably heard of a catalytic converter – but do you really know what it is and what it does? In this article, we cover some basics about the catalytic converter and ways to keep it operating effectively in your vehicle so you can avoid catalytic converter repair.
Anyone who has ever had to drive a long stretch of desert highway certainly understands the value of the cruise control in their vehicle. With a flip of the switch, you can relax your driving leg and let the car do the work. No doubt, a modern feature in our vehicle that we might take for granted. Believe it or not, cruise control has been around for about 80 years! While cruise control is not an auto pilot – it is a function of our vehicle that provides us with the convenience of maintaining a safe driving speed while helping lower our fuel consumption. When it doesn’t work properly, you need to schedule cruise control repair.
If you have ever done any type of plumbing home repairs, you are probably familiar with gaskets. While a gasket may be a small part to your overall plumbing fixtures, it plays an important role in creating a seal and preventing catastrophic leaks between critical parts. Similarly, your vehicle’s engine is a complex set of critical parts that also require the use of gaskets. There are a variety of gaskets in your engine but one of your more critical gaskets is called the head gasket.
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Most of us take for granted what happens when we turn our vehicle’s ignition key or push the starter button – we may not consider the intricate system of wires and coils that send electricity through the vehicle to make it operate. Understanding the basics of your vehicle’s electrical system is essential to maintaining safe and effective operation of your car.
There’s nothing worse than getting into your car on a cold winter’s morning and turning on the car heater, only to have nothing happen. Or even worse, the air blowing through the vent is coming out cold! This is especially true in Ft. Collins, Colorado, where the morning temperatures can be downright frigid! Car heater problems can arise when you least expect it, and if not addressed, can result in further damage of your vehicle engine.
When most of us think of ongoing vehicle maintenance, we tend to only focus on oil changes, wipers or wiper fluid, or tire air pressure. While these are important to check regularly, there are some other important maintenance items that are often overlooked and neglected by vehicle owners.
The five most commonly overlooked items are below with some explanation on the risk of not addressing them, signs that you may have a problem, and what can be done to ensure proper maintenance is completed.
| What’s the Risk? | Early Warning Signs | What Should You Do? | |
| Power Steering |
Power steering fluid is the hydraulic fluid that transmits power in your vehicle’s power steering. Over time, power steering fluid may get dirty and could easily clog the components of your steering system. |
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If you think your power steering fluid might be low, have it checked by a professional who can determine if fluid needs to be added, or there’s a possible leak in your power steering rack. |
| Wheel Alignment |
Alignment refers to your vehicle’s suspension and its connection to your wheels. Pot holes or bumpy roads can throw your wheel alignment off, resulting in quicker wearing of your tires. |
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Check your tires for any uneven or excessive wear. You should have your wheels aligned at least once a year. |
| Transmission Fluid and Filter | While newer vehicles have reliable transmissions, it is still possible to have issues with your fluid or filter. Transmission fluid can become dirty with particles over time and clog your transmission filter. Or, your transmission fluid could have a leak, leading to further complications with your vehicle’s transmission. |
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Stick to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule for changing transmission filters or fluid. If you have a burning smell or smoke, get it into a repair shop as soon as possible. |
| Timing Belt | The timing belt is an important part of your crankshaft system that helps open and close the vehicle valves during operation. Typically, a timing belt will break and cause major damage to your engine. Belts break as a result of wear and/or cracking. |
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Stick to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule for replacing a timing belt. If you notice any of the signs, get it into a repair shop as soon as possible, otherwise, you may risk engine failure. |
| Cooling System | Your engine’s cooling system is what keeps the vehicle from overheating during use. Sometimes coolant can become clogged, which then affects your radiator and the ability to cool the engine. Coolant may also leak, which could lead to engine corrosion and further complications with your engine’s health. |
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Replacing coolant may only be a temporary fix to prevent the vehicle from overhearing. If you have any issues with leaking coolant or overheating, get your vehicle into a repair shop as soon as possible. |
Remember, having a safe and efficiently working vehicle takes ongoing maintenance. Stay alert to the signs that your vehicle’s engine might be telling you to take action. Get in touch with a service technician today at Campus Repair, Fort Collins, Colorado, if you would like us to review your vehicle for any of these five maintenance issues.