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There are a few different types of electric cars, and how an electric car works will vary depending on the type of car it is: 

• HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicles are motorized by both an internal combustion engine and used the battery-stored energy for an electric motor. This electric car can’t be charged with a battery charge, but instead requires regenerative braking and an internal combustion engine.
• PHEV: Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles are motorized by batteries and either gasoline or diesel that powers an internal combustion engine. This type of electric car charges the batteries through both charging equipment and regenerative braking.
• EV: All-Electric Vehicles are plugged into a charging point, using the same electricity we do for our homes and store the electricity in rechargeable batteries that make the car move. 

Do electric cars need repairs often?

The EVs cars (all-electric) require less maintenance because the battery, motor, and all associated electronics require little to no maintenance. There are fewer fluids that need to be checked or have routine maintenance, like motor oil and with the regenerative braking, less maintenance is needed. Because there are fewer moving parts, electric car repairs are fewer too. 

The maintenance needs HEVs (hybrid electric vehicles) and PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) are comparable to conventional vehicles. An EV (all-electric vehicle) requires fewer maintenance needs for all the same reasons, and they have fewer moving parts than a conventional gas-powered engine. In all types of electric-powered cars, the manufacturers have designed these vehicles with safety at the core and vehicle maintenance second. 

Are electric cars expensive to repair?

Well, you know that purchasing an electric car will cost you more than purchasing a gas-powered car, But, in the long run, when it comes to electric car repair and maintenance, you’ll save money. 

A study that was conducted found that with fewer moving parts, by the 3^rd year of ownership, they were the more economical choice of vehicles. Here are some numbers to consider: 

• Fuel-powered car over 3 years ownership, $800 in service and repairs.
• Electric-powered car over 3 years ownership, $500 in electric car repairs and services. 

That is a saving of over 30% less, however, in the first year of electric car repairs, the diagnostic costs made them the more expensive choice. 

Is charging an electric car cheaper than gas?

Like anything, when comparing costs of ownership, there are several factors to be considered, and that is true of electric cars. The following factors should be considered when answering this question: 

• The type of engine is a key factor role.  

• The size of the vehicle is a consideration too. The heavier the car, the more fuel to make it move. 

• Per vehicle fuel economy as to how far it can go on a certain amount of fuel. 

• Government regulation and the taxes you’re paying at the pump. 

• For the electric car, home charging versus public charging stations.

• Energy prices versus EV charging.

• Fast charging options costs. 

What are the pros and cons between an electric vs hybrid car? 

When it comes to making the purchase, it is a personal choice, however, we have do have some pros and cons for you to consider before purchasing a hybrid car: 

The Pros: 

• Environmentally friendly
• Saves money
• Quiet
• Less maintenance

The Cons:

• Higher upfront to purchase
• Electric car repair and maintenance is rare but can be expensive
• Still produces fossil fuel emission

What is the most reliable electric car?

Each year, car manufacturers are coming out with more models, giving you the choice between the average car, luxury, or even a sports style. Here are seven of the most popular electric cars on the streets for 2022: 

• Kia Niro EV
• Chevrolet Bolt EV
• Honda Insight
• Hyundai Kona Electric
• Nissan LEAF
• Toyota Prius Prime
• Ford Mustang Mach-E

What is the lifespan of an electric car?

There have been Tesla owners reporting over 400,000 miles, but every driver will have a different experience, just as with gas-powered cars. The average lifespan of an electric car has been reported to be fifteen years with over 160,000 miles on the road. 

What are the indications that it is time for brake repair? 

While it is important for the engine, transmission, and wheels all to be in good working order, the brakes are just as important, maybe even more so. The average time between brake pads being replaced is every 25,000 miles to 65,000 miles, and brake rotors typically need to be replaced between 30,000 miles to 70,000 miles. The driving conditions and the driver’s style will cause a difference in these numbers. 

A good thing about car brakes, is there are symptoms that will let you know it is time to schedule a car brake repair appointment. The key is for you to be aware of these five symptoms and not ignore them: 

1. Squeaking or Squealing 

As brake pads near the end of their life, they will begin executing a squeaking or squealing sound when you activate them. This is usually because the brake pads are worn down. You will hear a grinding noise eventually if you keep driving, which can cause more damage and it becomes more dangerous to be driving too. Scheduling a car brake repairs appointment sooner than later is recommended.

2. Grinding

As we just mentioned, ignore that squealing and squeaking sound, you will begin hearing a grinding sound when you press on the brakes. This noise means the brake pads are worn and your brakes are what is called “metal to metal”, meaning there is no brake bad left. You need a car brake repair now; waiting is no longer an option. 

3. Vibration 

If you feel a vibration from your brakes as you press on them, the brake rotors have warped after you’ve ignored the other signs, and a professional car brake repair is your only option. 

4. Slow Stopping

As you apply your brakes, if they aren’t stopping right away, it may be because the brake fluid level is low. Take your car to the mechanic and have them check the fluid. If they add fluid and the brakes start having a slow response again, you may have a leak in the brake line, or the master cylinder may be going out. Can you repair a brake master cylinder? 

Yes, the master cylinder is a common car brake repair. It is usually a matter of replacing the seals. Once that is done, the mechanic will “bleed” the brakes, which is getting all air out of the lines. Can you repair brake hoses? The brake line will need to be replaced. Again, once the line is replaced, the mechanic will “bleed” the air from the brake system. 

5. Brake Light 

Cars today come with a warning light when the brakes need attention. There is the ABS (anti lock braking system) light, the emergency brake light, and the main brake system light. When these lights won’t go off, you need to have your car’s brake system inspected for possible car brake repair. 

Can you repair brake calipers?

Brake caliper kits are expensive car brake repairs that expand the lifespan of a car’s braking system. By 75,000 miles or a car that is 10 years old, it is time to have the entire braking system inspected and possibly rebuild or replace the brake calipers. By that time, the rubber seals have hardened with age, and the caliper could begin to leak or stick, becoming ineffective. 

Can you repair a brake switch?

Yes, and it is one of the easiest car brake repairs possible. The brake switch is found near the tip of the brake pedal, easy to reach and the new brake switch simply snaps in. There aren’t any special tools needed and many car owners can do their own for under $20. Or if your mechanic does the job, it may cost $50.00 for labor and part. 

How much is a full brake repair?

The make and model of a car will be a factor in car brake repair jobs, as well as the problem with the brake system. Some brake repair jobs can cost up to $1,000 with an average between $300 to $800. 

How much is brake repair on a BMW?

Yes, BMW car brake repairs are common, and very likely will be one of those $1,000 or more brake jobs. A BMW front brake pads and rotors repair job can range between $500 and $900 while the rear brake pads and rotors can cost between $450 and $800. 

What is the most important maintenance for a car?

Any part of basic vehicle maintenance is important. Fortunately, some of these maintenance tasks can be done by you in your garage. But some maintenance tasks should be done by a professional mechanic. A vehicle maintenance checklist should include:

Taking Care of the Tires

The tires are essential to your safety and for better handling on the road. Tires in poor condition can be dangerous for you and your passengers. Things in your tires that should be maintained include: 

• Tire pressure
• Tire rotation
• Tire condition
• Uneven wear
• Spare tire 

Checking and Changing Fluids

The following fluids should be checked and/or changed by a professional every 5,000 miles and checked for a refill about once a week: 

• Motor oil
• Brake fluid
• Antifreeze or coolant 
• Transmission
• Power Steering
• Washer fluids

Checking the Battery

Having a dead battery when you need to get to work is not fun. Part of routine vehicle maintenance should include checking the battery to make sure it is in proper working order. This includes checking to be certain the cables are clean and firmly connected. A mechanic can check the amount of power output the battery has stored.

Checking the Lights

One easy vehicle maintenance task you can easily do on your own is checking the exterior and interior lights. Make sure that all headlights, brake lights, blinker lights, and fog lights are in working order. Get a new light immediately if you notice a problem.

The Annual Inspection

Most states require an annual inspection, making it one of the most important parts of your vehicle maintenance. This allows a trained mechanic to check that all components are in working condition. This can be a good time to get the spark plugs changed, radiator flushed, the timing belt checked, and the fuel filter changed. 

 What needs to be changed when servicing a car?

In a proper vehicle maintenance program, the first thing that should be changed is the motor oil following the car manufacturer’s recommendations. Other basic fluid changes during routine vehicle maintenance include the following: 

• Brake fluid
• Engine coolant
• Power steering fluid 

Checking the radiator for anti-freeze concentration is also crucial in keeping a car well-maintained.

What is vehicle maintenance and repair?

The difference between vehicle maintenance vs repair is that vehicle maintenance will keep you from needing vehicle repair! By having the fluids checked, changed, or added, along with taking care of tasks such as checking the tires and the different filters in a car, you can avoid most vehicle repair needs. 

If you have kept up with maintenance, vehicle repair is typically only needed when there is mechanical trouble, like the engine overheating or if you’ve noticed a knocking sound in the engine. With routine vehicle maintenance, those things are far less likely to happen.

How long can you go without servicing your car?

This can vary between different cars and how well they are built. Your driving habits and styles will also make a difference in how long a car will last, with or without vehicle maintenance. Most engines can tolerate skipping vehicle maintenance for up to 5,000 miles on average.

Does vehicle maintenance save you money?

Absolutely! With routinely scheduled vehicle maintenance, the engine will run better. ith By having the oil changed, your gas mileage will improve. With the right air pressure and a new air filter, you could see far greater fuel efficiency. 

Can you service your car yourself?

A DIY car owner that is handy with automotive equipment and tools can do most of their own vehicle maintenance. Many “shade tree” mechanics prefer to do their own. If you own a brand new car, you’ll need to keep receipts of when you take care of tasks like the oil change and other basic vehicle maintenance jobs for warranty purposes. 

Under the Hood

Getting a visual on the following is your base starting point:

• Battery
• Belts
• Vacuum hoses
• Any obvious broken, frayed, loose, or missing bolts, nuts, studs, or wiring 
• Any signs of fuel, oil, or other liquid leaks
• Check the oil
• Check the coil, distributor, PVC valve, spark plugs and wires (if applicable) 
• Check the radiator for dirt, rust, etc.

Pretesting Procedures

There are some engine testing procedures that the ignition needs to be disabled. A mechanic will connect a remote starter before beginning the engine performance process. 

Start the Engine

Sometimes, a lot can be determined about the engine performance just by hearing it start and run. Things you want to note are: 

• Uneven cranking sound
• Rattling sounds
• Squealing sounds
• Rumbling sounds
• Smoke from engine or tailpipe (note the color black, blue or white)
• Hissing sounds

 Alternator, Battery, and Starter Testing

Prior to starting the engine, a mechanic will perform some basic tests at the same time to get an accurate test. This will include recording the battery voltage, disabling the ignition system, record the starter draw, battery crank voltage and the cranking rpm. 

These steps give the mechanic an overall general view of the battery capacity, starter condition and the combined ability of both components in cranking the engine at a acceptable speed. Any sign of weakness during this preliminary testing can often be an indicator of the engine performance issues. 

After starting the engine, the mechanic will record the alternator’s performance, starting with the recovery voltage and amperage. With the engine running at 2500 rpm, they will record the CO, CO2, HC, and O2. Getting a combined reading of these four gases are key in troubleshooting an engine performance. 

Compression, Power Balance and Vacuum Testing

Several basic engine performance problems can be determined checking these three things. The idle at a low cruising speed of 1800 to 2200 rpm, and the idel at a high cruising speed of 2500 to 3000 rpm.

Cylinder Leakage and Ignition Testing

Cylinder leakage testing is used when the mechanic finds a weak cylinder with the previous tests. If further testing finds the cylinder is leaking, this will affect engine performance and an engine teardown will be required. When putting the engine back together, other things will be assessed, and performance engine parts can be used to improve the engine performance. 

How can I add more horsepower to my car?

Maybe you can’t afford a professional mechanic to get more from your car’s engine performance. Or you just like doing it yourself, with a few extra dollars and a weekend with no other plans, the following 5 steps will improve your car’s engine performance: 

• Upgrade the Air Intake: First step in getting more power from your car’s engine performance, improve the cold-air intake. How does a cold air intake improve performance? The engine is basically a large air pump. The more air that comes in, the more power goes out. Eliminating and minimizing restrictive air passages, like sharp bends, increased the airflow that will trigger the engine computer to give the car fuel in the air/fuel mix, meaning more horsepower.  .
• Upgrade the Exhaust: When there is more air going in, more needs to exit. Upgrading to a performance level exhaust system. If your car has a catalytic converter, you want to upgrade that to a high-flow model.  
• Engine Tune-Up and Performance chips: The performance chips are tuners that plug into the diagnostic port and modify the fuel and timing which increase the engine performance. You’ll lose your fuel economy in most cases.  
• Install a Boost Controller: If the car engine is equipped with a turbocharger the factory setting allows it to deliver a specific amount of boost per square inch. An engine boost controller installed will adjust that boost level for engine performance.  
• Use Synthetic Oil: The boosted horsepower will improve the engine performance, but it may be able to handle the harmful deposits that occur naturally. By upgrading to a synthetic oil, the engine will be lubricated by the synthetics, and improve the wear and tear on the engine because the internal friction is lessened. 

How can I improve my engine performance?

In addition to the things we’ve mentioned above, like getting an engine tune up, adding performance chips, upgrading the air intake and exhaust, for ways on how to improve car engine performance, look online or visit your neighborhood auto parts store for small engine performance kits. Other things you can do for better engine performance are: 

• CHANGE THE SPARK PLUGS – Spark plugs are inside the cylinder heads. They are what ignites the fuel to create the combustion that makes the engine run. Without spark plugs, you aren’t going anywhere. Over time, the spark plugs corrode and get dirty, start to wear out. While they are still doing their part of making your car go, they aren’t doing it as efficiently as they should, which affects the engine performance. With regular spark plug changes, you will improve your car’s engine performance. 
• RECUDE THE WEIGHT – No, this won’t give your car ore horsepower, but it will improve the engine performance because it isn’t having to move the car AND everything inside the car and trunk. Clean out unnecessary stuff in the trunk, and if you never have passengers, the only seat you need is the driver’s seat. You don’t see race cars with passenger seats! 
• EXHAUST HEADERS & MANIFOLDS – Better engine performance is all about better airflow, coming in and going out of the engine. The stock exhaust manifolds from the factory are required to meet government mandated emissions requirements. These requirements will not give optimum engine performance. Change out the header to a long-tube style and you’ll notice immediate improvement in the horsepower and with the RPMs.

These are things you can do yourself at home but having a professional comprehensive tune-up once a year can give you the engine performance you want. Call 609-737-7226 today for your car performance service in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ.

What causes a car’s electrical system to suddenly stop working?

When it comes to cars, a car electrical system with problems are the most difficult to determine, even though there are a few possible issues it could be.  The main components that can create the loss of electrical power are indicated in these ways: 

• Alternator: Lights dim, engine dies.
• Battery: Car slow to start or won’t start.
• Fuses and Links: Car won’t start or car loses all power. 
• Ignition Coil: Car won’t start or die while going down the road.
• Starter or Solenoid: Car won’t start due to loss of power.

How do you know if you have electrical problems in your car?

An older car electrical system problems typically will be the battery. A car electrical system in a new car is more complicated. The technology in today’s car has made our driving experiences better, but they have also brought us challenges with that complexity because they rely on the electrical system more than older car did. Issues with the car electrical system can be misdiagnosed, but the following can give you a guideline for those issues that can help you determine, ” Why did my car lose all power?”: 

Engine Starting Incorrectly

Electrical power is required for a car engine to start, and that power comes from the battery. The battery ignites a spark with the engine’s fuel mixture. When the car doesn’t start right, it could be a bad battery, the alternator or another electrical matter that is unrelated.

The most common indication of a car electrical system problem is a clicking sound when starting the car. That clicking sound is telling you there isn’t sufficient energy to battery for the engine to turn. This can be the battery has lost power or has died. It could also be the alternator or starter. A grinding sound while trying to start the car, it is typically the starter or the flywheel. 

A Battery Problems

A dead or discharged battery is one of the most obvious car electrical system problem. When you open the hood, if the battery cables are corroded or not connected to the battery, that will be the first thing you notice. Before replacing the battery though, it should be checked by a professional mechanic with a battery tester. The average lifespan of a car battery is five years, so if the battery has reached that 5 year mark, a replacement may be necessary. Under 5 years, it could be the alternator.

Lights Malfunctioning

All the lights on your car are necessary to be operated safely. The lighting system includes brake lights, headlights, and taillights as well as the turn signals. Each of these lights are how drivers communicate on the road.  The interior lights assist a driver in operating the car as well. When you notice the lights dimming, it is usually an indication of a low voltage or failing battery. Other car electrical system issues can be the alternator belt or loose wires.

Fuses Blown 

The fuse box in your car is there to minimizing any over-voltage or  short-circuiting from occurring. The purpose of the fuse is to break the circuit and shield any fragile electrical components getting too strong of a current. There are indiscernible reasons that can cause a fuse to blow, however, if it is a constant issue, there could be a more severe issues with the car electrical system. 

Burning Plastic 

If you notice the smell of burning plastic along with any of the electrical symptoms we’ve described here, park the car, and call a mechanic immediately. 

Yes, every car manufacturer has a recommended schedule of brake service check and brake repair, usually every 25,000 to 70,000 miles. Depending on your driving habits and style, the brake pads may need to be inspected more frequently by an authorized mechanic. 

For most drivers, too many driver, don’t think anything about the brakes of the card as long as they are stopping the car when needed. When the pads and rotors become worn out, they can’t stop your car as quickly, leading to a dangerous situation. Besides the apparent danger of having brakes inspected for any needed brake repair, when ignored, it can cause more damage to your car’s wheel system. 

This is why a routine brake maintenance service is recommended before your brakes quit working. Waiting until you’re having issues of your car not stopping as quickly and securely as it should, then getting a brake repair job, is dangerous. A brake repair job should be scheduled as soon as you notice any stopping issue with your car. 

What does brake service include?

Authorized and fully equipped brake repair shops will provide a full inspection of your car’s entire braking system. This goes beyond checking and adding brake fluid and changing the brake discs or pads. This will include disassembling the brake system and checking all parts for brake repair or replacement needs. A good brake check and brake repair isn’t done is just a matter of minutes. 

An experienced auto mechanic will perform the following: 

• Replace hoses that are broken, cracked, chaffed, or swollen.
• Replace any hoses that are leaking.
• Replace corroded, damaged, kinked, or leaking steel brake lines.
• Perform brake repair or replacement of leaking or worn caliper or wheel cylinder.
• Repair or replace brake seized guide pins or seized pin caliper.
• Check for uneven bake pad wear.
• Check master cylinder for leaks.
• Check if brake pedal is sinking to the floor.
• Inspect brake drums and rotors by measuring the wear and tear.
• Check brake drums and rotors for heat cracks, rusting, warping, or other damage .that requires brake repair or replacement .
• Replace any brake hardware needed while replacing brake pads or brake shoes.
• Replace drum brakes retaining clips and return springs.
• Replace corroded or frozen brake self-adjusters.
• Brake repair service the wheel bearings if applicable.
• Lubricate brake caliper slides and shoe pads.
• Bleed and flush brake fluid, replacing with new brake fluid. 
• Inspect and adjust parking brake.
• Inspect any ABS system fault codes, repair or replace any components needed, including accumulator, hydraulic modulator, or wheel speed sensors. 

How do you know when your rear brakes are bad?

Every part of the braking system has a lifespan and knowing if your car needs a brake repair job or when to repair brake pads or other parts of your car’s braking system is important. The brakes on your care an important safety component and not something to take lightly or dismiss any of the following indications. 

• The Brake Light: When a red or yellow brake light indicators comes on, check that you r emergency parking brake isn’t on and if it isn’t, then it is time to take  your car in for brake service or brake repair. Do not ignore this light. Today’s car’s have electronic sensors that know when something is going bad before it reaches a danger point. 
• Noises: Any squeaking, squealing, or grinding noises from the brakes needs to be inspected by a mechanic, the sooner the better. A high-pitched noise while applying the brakes usually indicates the brake pads are wearing out and a brake repair job is needed to replace the brake pads. A grinding sound is an indicator of several different issues with the brake system and a brake inspection is recommended. 
• Scraping, Vibrating, or Wobbling Brakes: A shaking, vibrating response from your brakes could mean your car needs brake repair of the discs or rotors. 
• Brake Fluid Leaking: If the brakes seem “soft” when you press on them or you notice brake fluid under your car, you need to take your car in for a brake repair service immediately. 
• Soft, Spongy Brake Pedal: Again, if you have a soft and spongy response when pressing on the brakes, take your car in for a brake repair service immediately. 
• Car Pulls to One Side When Applying Brakes: This is an indication that your car needs a brake inspection and adjustment, or possible brake repair service.  
• A Burning Smell: A car should never have any type of burning smell while driving. Especially if you notice a sharp chemical smell after applying your brakes hard in a sudden stop. 

How much does it cost to get your brakes fixed?

Brake repair prices can vary between brake repair shops throughout the New Jersey and Pennsylvania areas, but the average cost of a complete brake repair service can start around $300 and go as high as $1,000. 

What is engine failure?

Engine failure could be anything from the engine simply dies and won’t start again or you could have run out of gas. You’ll know has happened as you’re driving because your power steering locks up, the power brakes aren’t working, and not matter how much you try to give it the gas, it won’t speed up. 

With this type of engine failure car,  what to do is important to know so that you can remain safe. As you notice losing engine power, it will take a lot of strength, steer the car to the side of the road. Coast to the safest place possible and exit the car through the door that is not in traffic, then call a tow truck or 911. 

You’ll need your car towed to your mechanic where they can inspect the engine and determine the problem. Once they have found the problem and provided you a written estimate, you can approve it and have them begin the needed engine repair. 

How do you know engine is blown?

Your car could have multiple symptoms and problems, but that won’t necessarily mean the engine is blown up. Many problems that may seem major can be corrected with some engine repair work. Some common signs that your engine may be blown are: 

• Dense White Exhaust: White smoke coming from the tailpipe usually indicates that the coolant or water from the engine has seeped into the combustion chamber. The white exhaust will linger where normal exhaust dissipates. in the air unlike that of normal exhaust smoke.
• A Blue Exhaust: This is often indication of an engine that is about to blow up or already has because water has gotten into the combustion chamber. 
• Knocking Noises: When your car’s engine has noises coming from inside the engine like banging, knocking, or rattling, something is seriously wrong. If the engine hasn’t already blown, it is going to at any time. This will definitely require an engine rebuild or a new engine. 
• Coolant and Oil Mixed: The coolant and oil should never be mixed together in a car engine. When coolant has got into the oil, the engine is blown, and the only engine repair is to rebuild it or buy a new engine. 
• Car Wont’ Start: When your car won’t start, it could be anything from a dead battery, the starter went out, or any number of things. Among those things, it could be engine problems like the timing or heating, either one of those gets really bad, engine repair is not enough. 

What causes a blown engine?

Any of the following could be the cause of a blown engine: 

• A Blown Piston- A common cause of blown engines and it isn’t specifically the piston, but the piston rings. 
• Hole in the Engine Block – This is a catastrophe and is usually caused by a blown rod that literally can blow through the side of an engine block, leaving a hole. An engine repair is going to fix this. 
• Engine Seized – When the engine doesn’t have enough lubrication, aka motor oil, the engine will seize up.  
• Timing Belt or Chain Broken – A rubber belt or steel chain is what keeps your car engine working with the crankshaft and camshaft. When either of these break, the cylinder head valves will move by themselves instead of with the pistons. 

What are the signs of a blown head gasket?

A car engine operates in extreme heat and if it becomes too hot, it will overheat, and the head gasket will blow because that extra heat can result in too much expanding of the cylinder head and engine block. Indicators that are telling you that your car has a blown head gasket are: 

• White smoke out of the tailpipe
• Bubbling from top of radiator and reservoir
• Coolant loss but no bubbling or leaking
• Milky white engine oil
• Engine is overheated

Does insurance cover blown engine?

No, routine maintenance and upkeep of a car is the owner’s responsibility and as such, auto insurance does not cover any mechanical failure that results in a blown engine, including but not limited to engine repair, engine rebuild, or engine replacement. 

• Water-coolant engines
• Air-coolant engines
• Electrical engine heating 

Most  vehicles today, the heating system is from water-coolant engines, with a basic, simple principle of how the heat is generated. As the engine gets warm, the coolant absorbs some of that heat and gets it warmed up to a certain temperature.  It then travels through a thermostat and goes to the radiator, where the temperature is reduced to keep your vehicle from overheating. 

For the car heating portion of your vehicle system, some of that heated coolant travels  through a component, the heater core, a radiator type component. From there, that heat then travels to inside your vehicle by a fan. 

If your vehicle heater is blowing cold as soon as you start your vehicle, that is because the coolant hasn’t had time to get warmed up because the engine is still cold. However, if your vehicle has been running for some time and the heater is still blowing cold, it could be one of the following reasons: 

• The thermostat is malfunctioning: A malfunctioning thermostat could be stuck opened or closed. If it is stuck closed, the engine will overheat, and this can damage the engine beyond repair if not addressed promptly. If stuck open, the coolant will run continuously through the thermostat, and never heat up. This would cause the car heating selection in your vehicle to blow cold air. 

• The coolant level is too low: The coolant fluid is a major part of the heating system, so if there isn’t adequate coolant, your vehicle’s heating system isn’t going to get the heat it needs to blow war air inside your vehicle. There could be a leak with the various connections, hoses, the radiator, or any of the engine’s components that work the cooling and heating system.

• Air bubbles in the system: Cold air will blow instead of heat if the coolant has air bubbles. With air bubbles, the coolant can’t heat up and travel through the system properly. 

• The heater core has issues: Your vehicles car heating may be blowing cold air if the heater core is stopped up. There are narrow passages in the heater core and if any of them have blockage, it will keep the coolant from passing through and warming up. 

• The heater controls: If your car heating system is blowing cold air, make sure the controls in the right position for heat. If they are, and the possible issues we’ve covered above are all in proper working issue, then there may be a problem with the controls inside your vehicle. With time, they can break, become clogged with gunk, and get stuck. 

How do you know when your car heater is going out?

The following things are hint that your  car heating broken and needs professional mechanic attention: 

• There is little or no heat blowing inside your vehicle, even after it has been running for a while and the temperature gauge reads in normal range.  
• You smell coolant inside the car, a fruity, sweet smell, while the motor is running. 
• The windows are fogged up, even with the defroster on.
• There is a leak under the dashboard.
• Your vehicle is low on coolant and the engine is running hot.

How can I get better heat in my car?

A few tricks to try to get your car heating fixed and heating faster: 

• If your vehicle’s climate control system has an auto setting, set the thermostat the highest setting and you’re done. 

• If your vehicle has remote start, start your vehicle 10 to 15 minutes before you plan to leave. This will all the coolant to start warming up and that will heat the interior of your vehicle. 

• Turn the temperature setting to cold, then turn the fan off. This may seem like you’re doing just the opposite of heating the car, but the cooling/heating system in vehicle will get hot faster. Once you have driven the vehicle a while, move the temperature setting to hot and the fan to full blast. 

• Drive your vehicle and as you drive, it will warm up. Most vehicles today are heated up in thirty seconds. 

Does engine heating work with off?

The fan for your vehicle heating is powered through the accessory’s connection at the ignition switch. When the vehicle engine is turned off, it doesn’t get any power. Otherwise, if the fan is on and the engine isn’t running, it would drain the battery within 30 minutes. While we hope nobody is driving around during a New Jersey winter without car heating, we hope there was helpful information for you. Call 609-737-7226 today for your car heater service in Hopewell and Pennington, NJ.

By following the vehicle’s manufacturer recommended tire rotation schedule, this will assure that your tires have even tread wear. What does even tread wear give you? It improves the car’s handling, reduces noises and vibrations, extends the tire’s life, and protect the tire warranty. These are things that keep you from having to buy new tires and give you the best driving experience possible. 

What happens if you never rotate your tires?

Without regular tire rotations, the tread wears unevenly, creating a rough and unstable tire surface for driving. Unevenly worn tread will decrease yours and your passenger’s safety while on the road. NHTSA reports that inadequate tread depth has been found responsible for over 25% of all car accidents related to tires. Ignored tire rotation can cause the following: 

• Heat Buildup: When a car is moving, it creates friction between the tires and the road, generating heat.  While tires are designed and manufactured to withstand heat, they still need airflow space to cool down. When tires get too hot, they are prone for having blowouts and the tread begin separating.  
• Hydroplaning: Tire tread’s deep grooves channel water away from the surface. This enables the tires to maintain a solid grip on the roadway. When the tire tread is inadequate, the tires can slide across the road and skim across the water, making controlling, handling, and steering the car dangerous and even impossible. 
• Poor Traction: With tire tread that is deep, sharp, and wide, and has more irregular treads, like snow tires, it improves the traction by design to grip into packed snow. Insufficient tread makes winter condition driving risky with possibility you can spin out of control and slide on the icy roadway.
• Blowouts and Punctures: Without regular tire rotation, the excessive strain your tires are under will create a worn spot that will start to wear thin. As tires get thinner in those worn spot, the risk of glass, nail, a sharp rock or any sharp object could puncture the tire, causing a blowout. 

Can rotating tires mess up tire alignment?

A tire rotation should not affect the tire alignment if you have the tire rotation on a routine schedule as recommended by the tire manufacturer. 

How do I know when to get my tires rotated?

If you notice any of these things while driving your car, they are indications that your car needs a tire rotation: 

• Tires Wearing Uneven: Examine all of the tires on your car and you notice that the tread is wearing differently on each tire, a tire rotation would be a good idea. 
• Tire Vibration: When driving 45 mph or faster, if you feel a vibration from the tires, you could have a tire out of balance, your tires could need tire rotation, or your car may need a wheel alignment.  
• Tire Pressure Loss: If one tire is losing air pressure faster than the other three tires, it is probably a leak in that one tire. Taking your car in for a Vehicle inspections and tire rotations will allow the mechanic to check all issues like leaks and get your car secure for the road again.  

The lifespan of an automatic transmission can vary based on various factors, primarily how the vehicle is driven. The typical life expectancy is approximately seven years or up to 200,000 miles. There are five things a car owner can do to extend the life of an automatic transmission: 

1. Have Services Regularly: Like your car’s engine, the transmission need its oil and filter changed in specific intervals as recommended by the manufacturer. Typically this is between 20,000 miles and 30,000 miles, or an average of every 18 months.  A newer vehicle’s automatic transmission should have a transmission flush every 40,000 miles to 50,000 miles or average every two years. 

2. Fluid Checked Regularly: The purpose of transmission fluid is to remove heat from the transmission’s internal components. When that fluid is allowed to get too low, the transmission will overheat and could damage it irreversibly. It is recommended to have your transmission fluid checked once a month. 

3. Synthetic Transmission Fluid: Use the transmission fluid type as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. However, as a car ages and is driven, the organic compounds of the transmission will  eventually break as the vehicle is driven, becoming less effective. Synthetic transmission fluid is more beneficial at this point, especially if you live or drive through heavy traffic or in hills and mountains. 

4. Install a Transmission Cooler: Transmissions do not like heat, over exposed to heat will cause a transmission to quit working and cause severe damage that can’t be repaired. There are coolers that fit a transmission and will lower the temperature as it operates so that it won’t wear out as quick.

5. Good Driving Practices: Be smart with your driving style and techniques based on these three things:  

• Avoid aggressive driving. 
• Let the engine and transmission warm up 
• Don’t shift gears while the vehicle is in motion  

Can a transmission go out without warning?

Not usually, there are indicators and warning signs that a driver should be aware of signaling that their vehicle’s transmission is beginning to fail. If any of those indications or warnings are exhibited and ignored, you could be causing damaged to the transmission that is not repairable, meaning you’ll need a new transmission or rebuild the existing transmission. 

What are the signs that your transmission is going out?

Some warning signs that the transmission in your car needs attention are: 

1. Weird Odors: A burning smell coming from the transmission could indicate it is overheated, which can overheat the engine. Other things that can cause a transmission to emit weird odors is something wrapped up trapped around the transmission or it has antifreeze dripping from it. 
2. Unusual Sounds: The cars breaking down on television with a big clunk sound is one of the things that happens in real life. An unusual sound coming from the transmission usually means trouble. Those sounds could be clunks, buzzing or humming, or a whining sound. 
3. Noisy: Excess noise could be indicating a problem like a bumping noise while in neutral. It may simply need transmission fluid,  but why? This needs to be checked out by your mechanic. 
4. Check Engine Light: Too many drivers ignore the check engine light, but the purpose of that light is to let the driver know there is a problem, and it isn’t always with the engine specifically. It could be an issue with the transmission that is affecting the engine. 
5. Unresponsive: An unresponsive transmission will not slide into gear as it is designed to do, and that hesitation or lack of response is a strong indication that something is wrong. 
6. Transmission Fluid Leak: There are six main fluids in a vehicle that are for cooling, lubricating, braking, steering, and cleaning the windshield. If the levels are kept up to where the manufacturer suggest, there are parts of the car that won’t function correctly, and the transmission is one of the main ones. 
7. Car is Shaking: When a car starts shaking as it switches gears, you need to get to your mechanic to have the matter checked out. 
8. Won’t Go In Gear: If your car won’t go in gear, it is usually indication of low fluid and is usually fixed by adding fluid. If you’re having to do this frequently, you should have a mechanic check the transmission for other problems. On newer cars, it could be in the computer, which can be fixed by disconnecting the battery for 30 minutes and reconnect.  This is equivalent to rebooting a computer. 
9. Gears Slipping: When the gears of a transmission is slipping, it can often be because it is low on transmission fluid. 

This can be dangerous if this happens in traffic, and it is damaging the engine and transmission. 

Can you still drive with a bad transmission?

No, when a transmission has begun to have problems, the only place it should be driven to is a mechanic shop. It is only a matter of mileage and timing before a bad transmission goes completely out and leaves you stranded.