Auto Repair Tips & Troubleshooting Blog

The Importance of Your Fuel Pump

March 6th, 2013

If your engine is the equivalent of your car’s heart, your fuel pump is pretty much the heart of your car’s fuel injection system. Its function is to pump the fuel from your gas tank to your car’s injectors, and to generate enough pressure so the injectors can deliver the right amount of fuel necessary for any driving condition.

If a fuel pump does not meet the minimum pressure requirements for your car, it can cause emissions problems, and also impair driving. Your engine could literally be starving for fuel, and this can cause hard starting, lingering when accelerating, loss of speed, etc. Bad pressure can also cause lean misfire, producing much more HC (hydrocarbon) emissions. (Many times, cars with this condition don’t pass enhanced emissions tests.) And like almost every issue, low fuel pressure will usually trigger a dashboard warning light to come on.

Driving on “empty” can damage your fuel pump.

Fuel pumps, like your heart, are running constantly. After years of service, they will naturally experience wear. Such wear is exacerbated if rust or debris happens to get past the inlet filter sock. Sometimes, a pump stops working because sediment has jammed it, making it burn out its motor. Other times, driving with a next-to-empty gas tank will damage the pump; your fuel pump needs gasoline in order to remain lubricated and cooled. Depriving the pump of enough gas will damage it.

If your fuel pump stops working altogether, check the pump’s electrical connections. Sometimes a loose wire or a blown fuse may be the issue. A low battery, too, will impair the pump. If one of these easy fixes is not the culprit, a static pressure test usually follows, as well as examination of the fuel flow volume. If either of these values is less than your car manufacturer’s specifications, it’s time for a new fuel pump.

If your fuel pump did fail, be careful when replacing it; make sure your new fuel pump meets all of the OE fuel performance requirements. You’d be surprised, but many brands of fuel pumps do not! These cheaper pumps can cause additional harm to your fuel injection system, so be aware. A quality service center like MOTEC Auto Care Clinics in San Diego can quickly and easily perform free diagnostic tests on your vehicle, plus install a proper fuel pump if necessary–one that meets OE requirements! When in doubt, consult the professionals. Your car will thank you for it.

Tags: car fluids, diagnostic testing, driving problems, fuel pumps, troubleshooting
Posted in Diagnostic Tests, Gas Mileage | No Comments »

To repair, or not to repair: that is the question.

October 6th, 2011

As we all know, buying a new car is expensive. Whether your vehicle is new to you (secondhand), or whether it is fresh off the dealer’s lot, purchasing any new or previously-owned vehicle is costly. When cars start to have problems (funny noises, smells, driving issues, dashboard light warnings and accompanying dings), it can be easy to panic and think the worst.

The majority of car owners, when faced with multiple car troubles simultaneously, throw in the towel prematurely and splurge for new vehicles. However, the good news is that, considering the cost of purchasing even a previously-owned car (and the less-than-ideal trade-in value for most cars), almost all cars can be adequately repaired. What does this mean? In the hands of a good mechanic, you’ll likely save yourself thousands of dollars you would have spent on another vehicle with its own set of potential problems.

If your car is behaving strangely, making odd noises, etc., it’s definitely worth it to take it to a quality repair center to diagnose the problem(s) before jumping the gun to get another vehicle. Sometimes, what sounds like a major problem requires only a minor fix.

At MOTEC Auto Care Clinics in San Diego, all consultations are free. If you’re debating about repairing or trading in your current car, stop in and talk to one of our expert mechanics. While some repairs can be put off for a little while, others are more urgent, and waiting on some repairs may make them even more costly when they are eventually performed. When in doubt, get a professional opinion! Remember, though, that it’s almost always more cost-effective to repair your current vehicle than to purchase a new one. Just about every car is worth repairing.

female mechanic making repairs on an engine

Mechanic Image from Oklahoma Technical College Blog

Tags: diagnostic testing, driving problems, engine problems, preventative maintenance, repair vs replace
Posted in Engine Problems & Repairs | No Comments »

Depreciation and Your Car

September 28th, 2011

Are you planning to buy another car? Are you leaning toward purchasing a new car, or a used one? Most people begin their driving adventures with used cars. In fact, it’s common for us to start off as teenagers owning secondhand or hand-me-down vehicles. (For one thing, they are less expensive to purchase!) But perhaps, now that you’ve landed your dream job, you’re excited to make the plunge and become the first-time owner of a new vehicle! If so, read on…

Unlike an investment that increases with age (most property, houses, stamp collections, fine antiques, etc.), making an “investment” in a new vehicle is the total opposite. In fact, your new car depreciates as soon as you drive it off the lot. That’s right! Its value is instantly slashed.

red and white used cars banner

Three key factors come into play when determining a car’s actual depreciation value: purchase price, current age of vehicle, and the time the vehicle was owned. In fact, if you purchase a new car at $30,000 and drive it off the lot, your car’s value will have dropped by almost $2,700. (Gasp!) And there’s more. After just four years, your car will be worth less than half of its value. (That’s $14,700, in this case.) And after five years, your “investment” is worth about 37% of what you initially paid for your new car at the dealership. What’s the message? Simply put, don’t ever expect to get much money back for your vehicle.

Think of your car like a piece of exercise equipment. No one pays top dollar for a 6-year-old used treadmill that lacks a heart rate monitor, has a slightly-crooked belt, and wakes the neighbors when walked on. (If you’ve ever tried to sell such a machine, you may have actually had to pay people to take it!)

Not all cars depreciate at the same rate, but the example mentioned above is close to the norm. If you can handle being a second owner, perhaps a safe, affordable (but still snazzy-looking) two or three-year-old model would suit both you and your wallet the best?

Of course, “new” is always an option if you can afford it, but is it necessary? Ask yourself this question, and do the math the next time you’re deciding on purchasing a new or used vehicle. Why pay for something that will depreciate when you can fix up what you already have, for less? Think your current vehicle may get you by with minor repairs? Perhaps the car you drive now is still the perfect one for you! Want an expert opinion? Bring your car to MOTEC Auto Care Clinics in San Diego for a free consultation.

Tags: car prices, car value, depreciation, new cars, used cars
Posted in Purchasing | No Comments »

Don’t Get Ripped Off For a Check Engine Light!

September 21st, 2011

smog check symbol for california If you read our previous post, Check Engine Light Woes, this follow-up post piggybacks on one of its most important points: your check engine light will come on if anything is remotely off.

From a half-closed gas cap, to tires that are unevenly inflated, your car’s computer is just ready to flash that annoying little light at you if it detects anything even slightly out of the ordinary.

The worst mistake people make when their check engine lights come on is to take their cars back to their dealerships. Dealers often charge $150 or more simply to analyze what’s causing a check engine light to come on.

At qualified service centers like MOTEC Auto Care Clinics in San Diego, this check engine light scan is FREE!

Smog checks and the law.

Most people don’t realize that if the check engine light is on when you bring your vehicle in for a smog test in CA, your vehicle will automatically fail. Even worse, a smog technician can’t refuse to test your vehicle even if he or she notices your check engine light is on! (Believe it or not this is California law.) According to this law, the technician (who is fully aware your vehicle will fail automatically because this light is on) will simply take your money and fail your vehicle. So going in for a smog test with your check engine light on accomplishes nothing, and simply robs you of cash.

In short, a check engine light just means you car’s computer sees something funny. That’s it. Why pay to have the problem diagnosed when you can bring your car to MOTEC for a free diagnostic test? And never go in for a smog test with your check engine light on!

Tags: car routine check-ups, check engine light, computer diagnostics, diagnostic testing
Posted in Diagnostic Tests | No Comments »

Tire Speed Ratings

September 14th, 2011

All tires are not created equal. Think of your car’s tires like shoes. You wear different shoes for different occasions: office shoes, tennis shoes, running shoes, etc. Your shoes are chosen based on what activities you’ll be partaking in, and often your decisions revolve around speed…

Speed: Tires have speed ratings, meaning certain tires are designed for maximum speeds. For example, if you’re traveling at 115mph with tires ranked “Q” (up to 100mph), you may be in for trouble. Here are the government speed ratings for tires:

Tires (image from Wikipedia)

Q: Up to 100mph
R: Up to 106mph
S: Up to 112mph
T: Up to 118mph
U: Up to 124mph
H: Up to 130mph
V: Up to 149mph
W: Up to 168mph
Y: Up to 186mph
Z: 149mph and beyond

Even if you don’t plan to travel above 149mph, why would one opt to purchase tires with lower speed ratings? There’s a good reason: wear. The faster a tire is rated, the softer its rubber so that it can better grip the road with that malleability. Thus, faster rated tires wear out quicker than slower rated tires. Back to the shoe analogy, you would never wear dress shoes to play tennis, but your tennis shoes will probably be replaced more frequently than your dress shoes because of the material they’re made of. When choosing your car’s tires, consider your diving habits, speed, and how much “grip” is necessary for the roads you frequently travel. This will help you make an informed decision about just how fast and flexible your tires really need to be. If you’re constantly replacing tires because of wear, examining their speed ratings could save you a bit of money in replacement. If you want an expert opinion, the technicians at MOTEC Auto Care Clinics in Dan Diego are ready to help! Give us a call, and get fitted for tires that best suit your lifestyle.

Tags: choosing tires, preventative maintenance, tire safety, tire varieties
Posted in Tires | No Comments »

Steering & Riding Issues

September 7th, 2011

When operating correctly, your car should steer with ease, providing a nice and comfy ride. Sometimes, however, something breaks. This is usually because so many components of your car’s suspension system are located at driving level! Rough roads, sudden turns, the elements–these all work against your car, encouraging its parts to wear out and break at a faster rate. If your car is experiencing steering problems, or if a ride in it feels like being in one of those inflatable “Bounce Houses,” chances are your suspension system is in need of some TLC.

Image of "Little Tykes Shady Jump 'n Slide Inflatable Bouncer"

If your car is very difficult to steer, first make sure there’s enough power steering fluid. If you’re filled up and the steering problem persists, you may have a loose power steering belt, a bad power steering pump, or a leak in your power steering rack. If the steering wheel keeps jiggling back and forth while being held, check your power steering fluid, again. In addition to the previous possible problems with a power steering pump, steering belt, and leaking rack, you could also have a broken steering rack mount. All of these issues will require diagnosis and repair by a qualified technician.

If your car keeps gravitating to one side while being driven, chances are the issue lies with the tires or braking system. Check to be sure all tires are properly inflated, and replace worn or uneven tires. Have the alignment, tie rods, and steering rack inspected. Also, check the brakes for uneven wear and replace as necessary. If your car makes a “crunching” sound when going over speed bumps, potholes, or any sort of bump, this is an indication of worn out shocks or struts, bad strut bearings, or worn out ball joints.

Lastly, if your car is making you feel like you’re bouncing up and down as you’re driving along, you probably have worn shocks or struts, or possibly a busted leaf spring. Even if you think you’ve isolated the problem, a qualified service center, like MOTEC Auto Care Clinics in San Diego, will be able to easily fix the issue in no time.

Tags: car fluids, driving problems, power steering, shocks, steering, suspension, tires, troubleshooting
Posted in Suspension | No Comments »

The Big One: The 60K Check-Up

August 31st, 2011

Similar to turning “The Big 5-0,” your car reaches a major point in its life when it reaches 60,000 miles. Like it or not, this is one of the most essential times to take it to an authorized mechanic for regular preventative maintenance. When a car has only 30,000 miles on it, we tend to think of it as a “new” car, even though it’s not. Frequently, people forget about (or purposefully dismiss) recommended 30,000 mile maintenance. Because of this, however, minor problems left undiscovered can grow into major ones by the time your car reaches the 60,000 mile mark. These problems often require major repair, and cost much more than the standard 60K maintenance–thousands more! Even if you were good to your car, taking it in for proper maintenance at 30,000 miles, routine 60K car maintenance is still essential. Why? Many car batteries, by this time, have aged substantially and may require replacement. But even more important is your car’s timing belt. This is the belt that the internal parts of your engine (like valves and cams) require to operate. If this belt should break because of age and wear, the damage done to your engine will be monumental. Qualified mechanics providing routine 60K maintenance will replace all of your car’s old or worn-out components, including your battery and timing belt. In addition, spark plugs, wipers, and anything else that is becoming old and unsafe will be replaced. A qualified service center, like MOTEC Auto Care Clinics in San Diego, will also check all your car’s fluid levels (oil, power steering, transmission, coolant, etc.) By taking care of regular 30K and 60K maintenance today, you could save yourself thousands in major repairs in the future. And any tune-up at MOTEC comes with a lifetime parts guarantee. Treat your car like your body, checkups and all, and it will live a long, healthy life.

A Timing Belt, Image from Wikipedia

Tags: 30k checkup, 60k checkup, car battery, car routine check-ups, preventative maintenance, tune-ups
Posted in Routine Maintenance | No Comments »

Do I Hear Brake Pads?

August 17th, 2011

Your car’s brake system consists of a variety of components. In addition to the brake pedal your foot depresses, you may have heard about disc brakes, anti-lock brakes, brake lines, your car’s master cylinder, the booster, emergency brake, and drum brakes. Brake pads are also important parts of this system.

Driving with brake pads that need replacing can be dangerous. Thankfully, most disc brakes have a “wear indicator” that will inform you your brakes need replacement. Unlike a dashboard warning light, the “wear indicator” is a piece of metal that begins to touch the brake rotor once the pad wears down over time. The result? An audible screeching sound every time you apply the brakes! If you hear such a noise, it’s time to get your car’s brakes checked out, fast. In addition to the annoying, high-pitched, fingernails-on-the-blackboard warning sound, a worn-out brake pad often makes deep scores in the brake rotor. (Scores look kind of like the grooves on old records.) If you see them, you definitely need new break pads, and if they are especially deep (because you failed to take your car in for recommended, routine maintenance) the rotor may even need to be replaced; a set of rotors comes at a price.

Brake pads last an average of 10,000 miles, but this varies based on your vehicle and driving style. Avoid tailgating, “riding” your brakes, and driving too fast (then slamming on the brakes), to lengthen the life of your brake pads. If you travel down steep hills a lot, try using a lower gear, too, instead of just braking all the time. Your brake pads will thank you!

If you hear squealing when you apply your brakes, or if they are not responding the way you think they should, stop in at MOTEC Auto Care Clinics’ San Diego location. MOTEC will make sure your braking system is in tiptop shape. (This system includes your brake pads, too!) And all brake pads from MOTEC come with a lifetime parts guarantee. Why wait? Be safe, and stop by today!

Tags: brake maintenance, brake pads, brake safety, car routine check-ups, preventative maintenance
Posted in Brakes & Brake Pads | No Comments »

I See a Dashboard Warning Light, But What does it Mean?

August 3rd, 2011

Your car’s dashboard has several indicators, including the Check Engine Light, that light up to inform you about certain problems (or problematic conditions) your car is experiencing. Sometimes these lights are temperamental, coming on for minor reasons only to turn off again during your next drive. More often, however, they are sure signals something is wrong, or about to go wrong. Therefore, you should not ignore them.

The Battery Light looks like a mini battery, often complete with “+” and “-” symbols. If this light appears while driving, it’s important to pull over immediately when safe. This light alerts you that the alternator is not generating electricity and your entire car is being run solely by battery power. Turning off unnecessary electrical equipment, like your car’s radio, air conditioner, GPS, etc., can help you preserve a little power, but the scary thing is that you’ll never know how many more feet you can drive until your battery is fully drained.

If you use your emergency brake, a “Brake” or “Park” light will appear on the dashboard. This is just to remind you that this brake is “on” so you don’t drive away with it still engaged! If this light appears when you haven’t engaged the emergency break, chances are it’s a friendly reminder to add brake fluid. If, after you check the level and add fluid, the light remains on, it’s a good idea to take your car to a qualified service center for a diagnostic test.

We’ve written about the check engine light before, and this light can signal anything as simple as a loose gas cap, or something more serious. Like we said before, a diagnostic check engine light scan is essential for safety and peace of mind.

The Oil Light, often in the shape of an oil can, may look harmless enough, but it’s one of the most important lights to heed. If your oil light comes on, it’s imperative you stop your car ASAP! Letting your car operate with inadequate oil pressure means it won’t be lubricated. When run for just a few minutes, an improperly-oiled engine will be seriously crippled. Very few people realize the extent of such damage until they see massive bills for engine repair. This damage can be avoided by stopping the car immediately, checking the oil, and adding some if necessary. Afterwards, if the light remains on, it’s time to have the car serviced.

Sometimes, you can fix the problems the lights are informing you about yourself. Sometimes, you’ll need the assistance of an expert team. MOTEC Auto Care Clinics in San Diego is fully qualified to replace your alternator or alternator belt, change your battery, check all fluid levels (including your brake fluid level), and even provide free diagnostic tests using the latest up-to-date technology to pinpoint and correct any problems. If your battery, brake, check engine, oil light, or any other light comes on, bring your car down and receive a thorough examination by the pros. Ignoring a problem never makes it go away, so take care of maintenance problems immediately before they grow and complicate! You’ll be safer, and often save money in the end.

Tags: car battery, car routine check-ups, check engine light, diagnostic testing, emergency brake light, oil change, oil light
Posted in Diagnostic Tests | No Comments »

Is it Time to Change the Battery?

July 20th, 2011

While it’s nice to believe your car’s battery will last for 100,000 miles, such “super batteries” are very rare! In fact, almost all cars will require at least one battery change during their lifetimes, if not more.

How often have you turned or left your headlights on while your car was not running? Have you kept your trunk or side door, each with an “automatic” light, open several minutes while unloading groceries? Have you used a GPS, listened to the radio, or rolled down a window with the engine off? If so, know that each of these actions drains a bit of your battery. When your car is in motion, the alternator restores power to the battery while it turns, but if your car’s battery is used for a few hours without being recharged it begins to weaken. A long drive, or a battery charge, can often bring a weak battery back to life, but sometimes a battery is just too weak to hold a charge. You’ll usually become aware of this problem when you try to start your car. You may hear a clicking sound, indicating the battery is not fully charged. Often, you’ll need a jump to get started. Sometimes, a bad alternator is the issue. Other times, it’s the battery. If you attempt to start your car and absolutely nothing happens, chances are it’s the battery. (First, check to make sure you didn’t accidentally put your car in Neutral instead of Park!)

Harsh, cold conditions also impact batteries dramatically–not that most of us in SoCal have this problem! If your car is going to be in a frigid environment for a while, you may need to invest in a new battery powerful enough to turn a frozen flywheel. If you bought your car from a warm, sunny beach lot in San Diego, it’s possible your battery was not meant for the cold, and the energy required to start your car in the cold exceeds your current battery’s power. If you frequently spend time in chilly mountain conditions, think about investing in a battery rated at least “600 cold cranking amps”.

And if your battery’s casing is ever damaged, usually in an accident, you should replace your battery ASAP. Cracks in the body can leak dangerous chemicals, including sulfuric acid.

If you are experiencing battery trouble, a simple test can determine if your battery needs replacement. Bring your car to MOTEC Auto Care Clinic in San Diego. There, the experienced technicians will test your battery to see whether or not it is still usable. Almost every car will see at least one battery change during its lifetime, so don’t feel bad if your car is due. Get the right kind of battery for the weather conditions your car will be in most of the time, and limit battery use to when you’re driving; you’ll help extend your new battery’s life.

Tags: alternator, battery life, car battery, car routine check-ups, diagnostic testing, jump start
Posted in Routine Maintenance | No Comments »

Auto Tips

Smog checks and the law.