How to Check Tire Pressure With a Tire Pressure Gauge

Maintaining proper tire inflation is relatively simple and essential to the overall tire performance of your vehicle. A properly inflated tire will provide longer life, quicker steering response, better fuel efficiency and a smoother ride than an improperly inflated tire. Both underinflation and overinflation can cause headaches like premature treadwear and possible tire failure. The best way to ensure you’re getting the most out of your tires is to check your tire pressure on a monthly basis.

Knowing how to use a tire pressure gauge is very simple. Here’s how to check tire pressure and refill your tires.

Items You Need When Checking Tire Pressure

Tire pressure gauge

Air compressor

Pen and paper

Your tire pressure gauge can be digital or standard. Auto parts stores typically carry both. Many auto parts stores sell portable air compressors that run from your car battery or 12v power port. Alternatively, you can use the air compressor found at most gas stations. They usually cost $0.50 or $1.00 to use.

HOW TO CHECK TIRE PRESURE

1. START WITH COLD TIRES IF POSSIBLE

Vehicle manufacturers specify PSI – literally “pounds per square inch” of pressure – assuming tires are cold. Tires are considered cold when the vehicle has been parked for three hours or more, or if the vehicle has been driven less than a mile (1.6 km) at moderate speed. PSI is the unit your pressure gauge uses to provide readings.

2. CHECK THE MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDED PSI

Look on the driver’s side door jamb or your owner’s manual to find the recommended cold tire PSI for your front and rear tires.  If you cannot find it, you should consult your vehicle dealer, manufacturer, or a qualified tire professional.

3. WRITE DOWN THE PSI FOR EACH TIRE

If your front and rear tires require different pressure levels, write down the correct PSI for each to avoid getting confused as you move around your vehicle checking tire pressure.

4. CHECK TIRE PRESSURE WITH YOUR GAUGE

Remove the valve cap from one of your tires. Then place the pressure gauge on the valve stem and press down hard enough so the hiss sound disappears and your gauge provides a reading. With a standard gauge, the air pressure will push a small bar out from the bottom of the gauge. Measurement units are etched into the bar. A digital gauge will show you the reading on a screen.

Write down the reading and repeat this process for all four tires.

5. FILL TO THE RECOMMENDED PSI

Use an air compressor to refill any tires with low pressure. Many air compressors are different, so read directions carefully to be sure you’re using it correctly.

If you’re using the air compressor at a gas station, be sure to park so that the hose will reach all four tires. Insert change into the machine until you hear the motor running. Fill each tire by placing the end of the hose over the valve stem and pressing on the lever.

Using a gas station air compressor means your tires might be “hot.”  If it is necessary to adjust inflation pressure when tires are “hot”, set their pressure to 4 psi (14 kPa) above the recommended cold inflation pressure. Recheck the inflation pressure when the tires are cold.

After filling your tires, use the gauge to check pressure again. At this point, it’s ok if you overfilled the tires because you can always let some air back out. Never drive on overinflated tires. Overinflation can result in decreased traction, premature wear, and decreased impact absorption.

6. REPEAT: CHECK TIRE PRESSURE MONTHLY

Make the above procedure a monthly ritual. Regularly checking your tire pressure is the best way to ensure your tires never dip far below the optimal PSI.

 

TIPS

4 Facts you might not know about Bumper & Accent Colors

What if we told you that your bumper color is different from the body color? Or your trim pieces are different from the body color? You might think that sounds absurd, right? How is it possible for the bumper and trim to be a different color from the body color? Well we at Central Texas Collision Services are here to clarify this for you. See our 4 Facts you might not know about Bumper & Accent Colors listed below.

 

  1. Colors vary based on the substrate on which it is painted. For example, the bumper and trim can be plastic, but the body can be metal. Having these 2 different substrates, but using the same color paint can cause a slight variation due to the evaporation rate for the paint. A longer evaporation rate gives a spec pigment additional time to “float” and can darken the color. This can happen with both older and new cars.
  2. Depending on the angle and lighting available on the curved and flat surfaces, you may notice a slight color change.
  3. During the mixing process, adjustments made can create a lighter or darker color, or causing the metallic or mica elements to lay down differently.
  4. Another scenario can be that the body was painted at one factory, while other parts, such as the bumper and trim, were painted at another factory using a different paint method.

 

(bodyshopsaustintx)

TIPS

How to Clean Your Car’s Air Filter

Keeping your car clean on the outside protects the paintwork; keeping it clean on the inside makes it a nicer place to be. Keeping it clean under the bonnet can help maintain its performance and save you money.

If you’re looking to take the next step in car cleanliness, have a think about cleaning your air filter. Filters prevent dust, dirt and debris from being drawn into the engine through the air intake pipe, and they need to be cleaned fairly regularly to maintain the performance and efficiency of the engine.

Here, we show you how to clean a car air filter so you can save money and do it yourself. We’ve also covered the essentials of air filter maintenance, so you know when and how to approach the job.

How to Clean a Car Air Filter

Cleaning the air filter is easy if you have a good idea of where everything is positioned under the bonnet of your car. You can use a couple of different methods to get the job done, and we show you how in our step-by-step guides below.

Before getting started, you should ensure you have a few materials to hand. These include:

  • Screwdrivers
  • A vacuum with hose attachments/handheld vacuum
  • A torch (or natural light will work, too)
  • A bucket
  • Water
  • Laundry detergent
  • A clean towel

Locating the Air Filter:

You’ll find your car’s air filter on top of the engine where it’s easy to reach. If you can’t find it, take a look at your car’s manual, which should label all the different engine components.

Don’t have the manual? Head online, as there’s likely to be a digital version or a YouTube video showing you where it is. Failing that, you should ask a mechanic to point it out next time your car is in for a service.

Removing the Air Filter:

Air filters are normally found in a plastic or metal housing, which you’ll need to open up before you can remove the filter. In newer cars, they’re normally just clipped down, making them easy to remove, but you might need to unscrew or unbolt a section of the housing if your car is older.

When you’ve opened the air filter housing, it should just be a case of pulling the air filter out.

Cleaning the Air Filter with a Vacuum Cleaner:

The easiest way to clean a car air filter is with a vacuum cleaner. Connect the hose attachment to your standard household vacuum, and you’ve got the perfect tool for getting into the ridges of the filter itself.

Vacuum both sides of the filter for about two minutes, making sure you’ve got all the visible dirt and debris. When you’re done, hold the filter up to a bright light, as this will show any bits you might have missed. Go over the filter once more, then you’re ready to replace it.

Cleaning the Air Filter with Water:

If your car’s air filter is very dirty and you have a bit more time on your hands, you can clean it with water. Cleaning an air filter with water takes a lot longer, especially when you factor in the drying time, but it will get you great results.

Start by filling a clean bucket with water and a small amount of laundry detergent. Submerge the filter in the water and swirl it around, using your hands to aggravate dirt and dust out of the filter material. Then, remove it from the water and shake off any excess, before rinsing it under running water.

When it’s clean, place the filter on a clean towel and leave it to dry. Depending on where you dry it, the filter could take up to 24 hours to dry completely, so make sure you give it enough time before you plan to use your car again.

Remember – the filter must be totally dry before you replace it. If it’s even slightly damp, it could cause serious engine problems because dust and particles will cling to it and block the airflow. Make sure it’s bone-dry before replacing it.

What Does a Car Air Filter Do?

A properly functioning car air filter helps prevent contaminants from getting into the engine. It’ll block things like insects, dust particles, and other debris that could hinder the combustion process or damage moving parts.

When your car’s air filter is clean and fully functioning, it can help extend the life of your engine, enhance vehicle performance, and improve fuel efficiency. If it’s clogged, you’re likely to experience reduced performance and efficiency, and in the worst cases, even stalling and reduced power output.

How Often Should You Clean a Car Air Filter?

Aim to clean your car’s air filter every 15,000 miles or so. Your car’s manual will recommend a service schedule for the air filter, so you should stick to it. You may need to clean the air filter more often if you live in a rural area, where there’s usually more dirt and dust on the road.

The air filter can also become clogged quickly during the summer months for the same reasons. If you tend to spend lots of time behind the wheel at this time of the year, then you might want to consider cleaning or even replacing the filter before the warm season hits.

If you don’t drive much, we’d still recommend cleaning the air filter at least once a year as part of a regular service, as this will guarantee the performance and efficiency of the engine. You should also replace the air filter every three years, as they can become brittle and won’t work as well over time.

Cleaning your own car air filter regularly is a great option that can help you save money while also doing your bit to lower emissions.

What Are the Commons Signs of a Dirty Car Air Filter?

Air filters are often overlooked as part of regular maintenance, but it’s important they’re kept clean in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you drive with a dirty air filter, you might notice the following:

  • Reduced fuel economy
  • Unusual engine sounds
  • Reduced power
  • Check Engine Light on
  • Black smoke from the exhaust
  • Misfiring engine
  • Strong smell of petrol or diesel when starting the car

If you experience any of the above and can’t figure out what’s wrong, don’t forget to check the air filter. A thorough clean may instantly solve the problem, or you might need to replace it. Remember, if it’s very dirty, cleaning the filter with water does give better results than simply vacuuming it – just make sure you leave it to dry thoroughly before replacing it.

Maintenance

How to Fix a Small Dent in a Car

Small dents and dings can ruin the appearance of a vehicle. Whether caused by a shopping cart, the door of another car, or a baseball thrown by a neighborhood kid, it is essential to promptly remove dents to help maintain the vehicle’s overall resale value. As long as there is no significant paint damage, there are several ways to fix a small dent in a car, either by hiring a professional or using some simple tricks at home.

Professional Dent Repair

Dealerships and franchise body shops will fix minor dents, but their rates are generally very high compared to those of smaller outfits that can provide the same quality level. And because many dent specialists are mobile these days, having repair work done can be quick and convenient. Most will come to your home or work and fix a dent in 20 minutes or less. If there are multiple dents, it will, of course, take longer.

When hiring a dent specialist, always check their online reviews. Reading comments from previous customers is the best way to tell if they do good work. Then compare prices by calling at least three different vendors. Most quarter-size dents will cost between $60 and $110 to repair, but this fee may be higher if the dent requires touch-up paint. Each additional dent may cost between $40 and $75. So, if you have multiple dents, it makes good sense to get them all repaired at once and possibly negotiate a lower overall price.

Larger dents that are six inches or more in diameter can cost anywhere from $200 to $350 to repair depending on the dent’s location and the make and model of the car. But if the paint is damaged, large dents may not be in the scope of a mobile dent specialist. In this case, an auto body shop may be necessary.

Do-it-Yourself Dent Repair

If a dent is small and there is no damage to the paint, some car owners may consider repairing it themselves. There are several do-it-yourself methods to fix dents using everyday household items. None of them are guaranteed to work, but they are all worth trying if saving money is a priority. If the DIY effort is unsuccessful, a specialist is just a phone call away.

The first method leverages the way sheet metal behaves under hot and cold temperature variances. The required items are a hairdryer, aluminum foil, and a small block of dry ice. First, heat the dent with the hairdryer approximately six inches away for about 30 seconds. Then cover the dent with a piece of aluminum foil and rub dry ice over it. The rapid change from hot to cold should make the dent pop out within a minute or so.

Another temperature trick involves boiling water. This approach is geared more for dents on plastic parts, such as bumpers. Pour boiling water over the dent and then push the dent out from the backside of it. This method will only work if you can reach behind the dent. If the dent pops out, pour cold water onto the same spot to quickly re-harden the plastic.

An ordinary plunger can also repair certain dents, especially those that are a little wider and shallower than the typical one-inch ding. Aside from clearing drains and pipes, a plunger’s ability to act as a suction cup can potentially pull sheet metal back into place. Simply pour water over the dented area and use the plunger in a gentle push-pull motion. Continue this action until the dent pops out, but if it does not work within the first five or six pulls, move on to another method.

You can also use a vacuum cleaner to create a suction effect. First, make a hole at the bottom of a food storage container. Place the container over the hole and let the vacuum cleaner suck out the air through the hole. The dent should pop out in less than a minute.

If none of the household methods work, it is time to invest in a dent removal kit. These kits are successful at popping most minor dents. You can purchase one at an auto parts store, and it will cost far less than hiring a professional. Plus, you can use these kits for future dents.

Maintenance

HOW TO CHECK BLIND SPOTS WHEN DRIVING

A blind spot is anywhere around your car where your mirror cannot pick up. Most of the time, students think that if they’re checking the mirror, there is no need for them to check the blind spot, and that’s where they go wrong. So, when you’re enrolled in a driving school some instructors will teach you how to check blind spots when driving so you to be safe when on the road.

The blind spot is very critical when you’re driving and when you’re taking your road test.

How to Check Blind Spots

Checking your blind spots involves looking in the mirror and then over your shoulder. It’s that easy. Also, check the view out the window, and ensure there are no obstructions on the road.

Do not turn all round while checking the blind spot. This is because you want your entire focus to be on the direction where your car is headed to.

It won’t be long until it becomes completely natural to include it in your everyday observation practice.

Moving Off

You should look in every direction before stepping off the road. You will learn how to do this maneuver in a clockwise direction as part of your driver’s education. However, you need to check out:

  • Over the left shoulder
  • Look in the left-wing mirror
  • The rearview mirror
  • Your right-wing mirror
  • Over the right shoulder

After an Emergency Halt

Before making a sudden stop, you won’t always have the opportunity to double-check your rearview mirror.

As a result, before you start driving again, you must ensure that your blind spots and mirrors are checked thoroughly.

Getting Back On the Road After Being Stuck In Traffic

Before going forward in traffic, you must double-check all three mirrors. In this situation, you don’t need to peek over your shoulder into your blind areas.

However, you should be aware of bicyclists or motorcyclists who could have come up beside you while you were stopped and pay attention to their presence.

At Junctions

When approaching intersections, the pillars on each side of your windscreen will obscure your view.

Therefore, you’ll need to:

  • Reduce your speed as you approach to do the necessary observational checks on time.
  • Tilt your head ever-so-slightly forward and look further ahead to see over your A-pillars and into the blind zones.
  • Make sure to look left and right at least twice since this will give any approaching cars enough time to enter your field of sight.

When in Motion

When you’re behind the wheel, it’s best to keep your head facing in front. If you turn your head too frequently, it might throw off your lane alignment.

Because of this, there are mirrors so you can maintain a general watch on what’s happening behind you with a fast glance.

However, a simple glance in the mirror isn’t always sufficient. When switching lanes or another vehicle is merging in your lane, you should check your blind spot by looking in your mirrors and over your shoulder in the direction that is relevant to the situation.

Note that:

  • Before you do anything else, look in your rearview mirror
  • Examine the mirror located on the relevant wing
  • Look over your shoulder

That should take up the whole region behind you, allowing you to switch lanes without preventing anyone from securely.

What are the Blind Spots While Driving?

Some areas your mirrors don’t quite reach, though they display most of what’s happening behind you.

Additionally, your vehicle can also obscure some portions of the road from view. These sections are the ones we call blind spots.

Every automobile has two primary blind spots, even though their dimensions change based on the automobile’s make, model, and size.

  • Diagonally behind you. You can see vehicles much further back in your rear or side mirrors, but if traffic moves up in a lane beside you, they are obscured from view.
  • Diagonally at the front. Your line of sight is obscured by your vehicle’s bodywork, namely the A-pillars on each side of your windshield.

When Is the Best Time to Check Blind Spots?

When you’re behind the wheel, you should constantly be aware of what’s happening around you. In most cases, you should be able to accomplish this by focusing on the roadway in front of you and often checking your mirrors.

Nevertheless, there are certain circumstances in which it is essential to swivel your head and check if there is anything in the areas you can’t see. These include:

  • Before moving. You must confirm that you will not be going off directly into another person’s path.
  • Before making a lane change. Motorists or cyclists may have drawn up beside you when you’re trying to pass another vehicle or get into the correct lane at an intersection.

It is not enough to stare in your mirrors and hope for the best while driving on multi-lane roads such as highways since other drivers may be changing lanes behind you.

  • When other cars are entering your lane from an adjacent one. Drivers who wish to pull out from slip roads or merge into your lane in any other way require a clear distance in which to do so.

You have to make sure that you are not preventing anyone from entering the lane that you are in. If that’s the case, you need to adjust your speed or switch lanes to account for the situation.

  • Making a turn into a secondary road. Before turning off a road, you should examine your blind spot, especially if you have just passed a bike. If you do not do this, and the cyclist is following you closely, you risk colliding with them as they continue in the same direction
  • At crossroads. Your A-pillars may be hiding traffic approaching from the left or right. Before turning, you must ensure that you have performed the necessary observational checks.

 

 

(https://pierrepauldriving.com/)

TIPS

6 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Brake Pads

As a car owner, paying attention to the sounds and signals your vehicle is giving you is essential.

The brakes are one of the most critical parts of your car’s safety system; if you neglect them, they can lead to costly repairs and even accidents.

When Should You Change Brake Pads And Rotors?

On average, brake pads should be replaced every 25,000 to 65,000 miles, while rotors typically should be changed anywhere from 30,000 to 70,000 miles.

However, the exact number can differ depending on driving conditions and styles.

The good news is, you’ll likely experience minor symptoms when your brake pads are getting towards their end of life, making diagnosis and repairs easy.

What are the signs that you need to change your Brake Pads and Rotors?

1. Squeaking or Squealing Coming From Brakes

If your brake pads are near the end of their useful life, the first symptom you’ll begin to notice is a squeaking or squealing noise coming from the brakes. Squealing brake pads are typically caused by excessively worn-down pads.

Once you’ve worn down your pads enough, you’ll start to experience a grinding noise, at which time you’ll also begin to damage your rotors, making the repair cost even more expensive.

2. Grinding Sound When Braking

As we stated above, if you’re experiencing a grinding noise while you’re applying pressure to the brake pedal, your brake pads need to be replaced ASAP. Some brake pads have built-in metal wear indicators, which are designed to make a loud noise and alert you that it’s time to replace the pads.

If you leave the brake pads to continue grinding, you’re opening yourself up to a lot more damage and higher repair costs.

3. Vibration When Braking

If you feel your car shaking when you press the brake pedal, it means that there’s something wrong with the brakes. It’s probably because the rotors that help stop the car are not smooth anymore, causing the brakes to work unevenly.

You should take your car to a professional to fix it.

4. Taking Longer To Stop

Another major sign that your brakes need to be checked out is loss of performance when applying the brakes. If you’re experiencing less than ideal-stoppage times while applying your brakes, it may mean your brake pads are worn down completely or that your brake fluid is low (oftentimes due to a leak).

For a true understanding of what’s going on with your brakes, you’ll want to get to a brake mechanic as soon as possible to ensure you keep all braking abilities.

5. Brake Pad Indicator Light Comes On

Most modern vehicles come with brake warning lights that appear on your dash. One is your Antilock Braking System (ABS) light, and the other is your brake system warning light.

Your brake light won’t always come on when there is an issue — it’s also the light that appears on your dash when your parking brake is engaged.

But if you’re seeing a brake warning light and your parking brake isn’t engaged, it’s time to have a brake expert look at your system to diagnose your issues.

6. Your Brake Pads Appear To Be Thin

One way to easily check on your brake pads is to inspect them visually for wear. To do this, look between the spokes of your wheels and locate your brake pad.

If it appears to be less than a ¼ inch or 6.4 mm thick, you’re probably due for a set of new brake pads.

TIPS

Avoid the dangers of spring driving with these tips

Spring is just around the corner, and that means longer days and warmer weather. Spring also means no more snow- and ice-covered roads (hurrah!).

Since we don’t have to worry about sliding on slick roads or getting stuck in snowstorms, most drivers assume that better weather makes for safer driving conditions.

Spring brings a number of new hazards to the road that drivers need to pay attention to, and this article will address some of the most important points to remember to ensure you and your family arrive safely, including:

  1. Potholes that form during winter months can damage your vehicle and cause accidents. We will look at how to identify and minimize damage during your drive.
  2. Sun glare is a serious concern for many drivers. We will look at how to maintain your car to minimize sun glare and other items to help keep you safe.
  3. Increased motorcycles and bicyclists with warmer weather could mean more risk of injury. We will discuss several simple and effective tips to keep everyone safer on the roads.
  4. Careful driving in neighborhoods is necessary as more children will be out playing and could dart into the roads without warning.
  5. More wildlife activity, especially in rural areas, means that you need to pay more attention to the road to avoid hitting animals while driving.
  6. Frequent rainstorms bring beautiful flowers but standing water also makes the roads slick and could hurt your eyes. We will discuss several ways to drive safer and reduce eye strain while driving.
TIPS

10 Things You Should Never Do While Pumping Gas

Whether you fill up your gas tank just once a month or several times a week, safety should be top of mind when you’re at the gas pump. While static electricity-related incidents at the gas pump are uncommon, there are some things you can do to stay safe when filling up. Here are 10 things to keep in mind when pumping gas.

Don’t Leave the Engine Running

Make sure you put your vehicle in park and turn the engine off before pumping gas. You should also switch off any auxiliary 12-volt power sources such as phone chargers and cigarette lighters because, while rare, they can be a potential igniter of a fuel fire.

Don’t Get Back in Your Vehicle

Don’t get back in your vehicle when re-fueling. A small amount of static electricity can build up and cause a spark when you touch the metal, which could be dangerous when mixed with gasoline vapors.

Don’t Use Your Cellphone

Gas stations are busy places. While you probably won’t cause an electrical spark when using your cellphone around a gas tank, you should avoid using your phone so you stay more alert and focused on what you are doing.

Don’t Overfill

Stay alert and be sure not to overfill your gas tank. Most fuel tanks shut off automatically when the tank is full, so trust the tank so you don’t end up spilling gasoline everywhere.

Keep Gas Off Skin, Eyes

If you do get gasoline on your skin, wash the affected area in lukewarm water and soap. If you get gas in your eyes, according to the Mayo Clinic, you should flush them with tap water for at least 15 minutes and remove contact lenses. Avoid rubbing your eyes.

Keep Children in the Car

While you should stay outside the vehicle when pumping gas, children should be left inside the car. Not only will this help them stay away from toxic fumes, but it will help you keep your attention focused on what you’re doing.

Of course, never leave children alone in the car if you have to walk away from the pump.

Don’t Smoke

Never smoke around the gas pump. And this should be obvious, but never ignite lighters or light matches anywhere near a gas pump.

In Case of Fire

If you do experience a fire when refueling, back away from the vehicle. Leave the nozzle in place and notify a gas station employee right away.

Use the Right Container

If you are filling a container with gas, make sure it is an approved portable container. Leave it on the ground when filling and then place it in the vehicle. Make sure the cap is tightly closed and remove the container from your car as soon as you reach your destination.

Transport Gas Safely

If you are transporting gasoline in a portable container, make sure it is secure in the vehicle so it doesn’t tip over and spill. You should also never leave gasoline in sunlight or in the trunk of a vehicle.

TIPS

WHAT CAN CAUSE HEAVY STEERING?

Heavy steering can be an irritation. But not only can it require more strength to turn your wheel, the causes behind heavy steering mean it could be impacting the safety and performance of your vehicle, too. Learn what can cause heavy steering and solutions to avoid it from our detailed guide.

What is heavy steering?

Heavy steering refers to when the steering wheel of your vehicle becomes stiff, making it difficult to turn. This can be caused by a number of things, such as tyre pressure, lack of fluid oil and tyre alignment. Heavy steering means that it is more difficult to steer your vehicle, and the performance of the car can be compromised by a stiff, unreactive steering wheel.

Steering wheel hard to turn? Learn why

So, what causes heavy steering? Some of the most common reasons behind why your steering feels heavy can include:

  • Tyre pressure – often, if your tyres are not pumped up to the recommended air pressure, this can cause heavy steering. This is especially common in underinflated tyres, as it can mean the grip between the tyre and the road surface is compromised due to incorrect tyre pressure, and steering becomes more difficult.
  • Wheel alignment – if your wheels are not aligned properly, this can also affect steering. If the front-end alignment is out of place, this can lead to uneven tyre wear on the front tyres – making the vehicle pull to the side, which can create heavy steering.
  • Lack of fluid oil – lack of fluid oil in your vehicle, or a fluid leakage, can lead to heavy steering. If there is a lack of fluid oil, or a leak, this can reduce the pressure in the system, meaning the steering wheel does not receive enough supply of fluid to perform freely.
  • Thick fluid oil – on the other hand, thick fluid oil can lead to problems, too. Powering steering fluid can collect debris and dirt over time, which can mean it becomes too thick to flow freely and lubricate all parts of the system. This is a common cause for heavy steering at low speeds.
  • Irregular servicing – when was the last time you booked in for a car service? Without having your vehicle regularly serviced, it means important checks, like the above, will get missed, and you’ll be unaware that you have a problem.

How to avoid heavy steering wheels

However, heavy steering is preventable in some cases. A few of the ways to avoid issues with your steering can include:

  • Checking your tyre pressure
  • Identifying any tyre damage that could be affecting steering
  • Checking wheel alignment
  • Checking the fluid level of your vehicle
  • Booking in for your car service
TIPS

What the Color in Your Exhaust Means

If you own a car with a modern diesel engine dated 2008 or newer, your vehicle shouldn’t emit any smoke while your vehicle is running. Modern diesel engines have exhaust after-treatment systems that prevent this from happening. Even older car engines dated pre-2008, which do not have exhaust after-treatment systems, should emit only a small amount of smoke. 

A little white smoke isn’t anything to be worried about. You’ll likely see white smoke shortly after you start your engine during colder temperatures. After a few minutes, your engine will reach its average running temperature, and the smoke should dissipate. Other than this scenario, you shouldn’t see any other smoke come from your exhaust. If you notice smoke of any color coming from your car’s exhaust, take your vehicle in to see a mechanic who specializes in diesel and auto repairs.

Different colors of exhaust smoke are indicative of different issues. Learning what different smoke colors mean will help you better identify your engine’s problem. Let’s take a look at the most common smoke colors and the issues they represent. 

Black Smoke

If your car emits smoke that is black or dark grey, there is partly-burned fuel blowing out of your car’s combustion chamber. If your car’s fuel is only burning partially, you may have overloaded fuel into your vehicle. Black smoke is also a sign that your car engine doesn’t have enough air for proper combustion. This may also mean that there isn’t enough time given to burn the fuel.

When your car emits black smoke, you may notice that your car is lacking power or that you’re having problems with fuel economy. Taking your car in for repairs will help to alleviate these issues and improve your engine’s performance.

White Smoke

White smoke is a result of unburned fuel particles passing through your car’s combustion chamber and out of the exhaust pipe. As previously mentioned, white smoke is related to lower temperatures in the combustion chamber. When the chamber isn’t hot enough, some fuel particles fail to ignite. Don’t worry too much if you see white smoke in colder climates. Your car’s engine will warm up as you drive, and your combustion chamber will begin to burn all of the passing fuel particles. 

Blue Smoke

If your car emits blue smoke, there is engine oil burning in your combustion chamber. This could be due to worn out piston rings, broken valve sleeves, or failed turbocharger seals. In cases of blue smoke, auto repair professionals usually opt to run a compression test on the car’s cylinders. If the car passes the test, they then look into the car’s turbo intake piping to check for oil. 

TIPS