Top 6 Tips for Cracked Windshield Prevention and Repair

All it takes is one small chip in the windshield before it becomes a full-fledged crack. Even though a chip may appear small, it can quickly become a more serious issue. Here’s how to prevent a windshield crack from escalating into a more serious safety concern.

1. Decide whether it needs immediate attention

First, where’s the crack located? Is it off to the side, or is it obscuring your view? If it interferes with your ability to see the road, you should deal with even a tiny crack immediately.  However, if it’s not impairing your ability to see the road, grab a ruler and measure the length of the chip or crack. This can help determine whether you can repair the windshield or need professional repair or replacement.

2. Determine whether it needs to be repaired or replaced

If the chip is smaller than the size of a quarter or up to 2 inches in length, it can often be repaired. However, the shape of the chip or crack, such as bullseye, star, or half-moon, can limit the type of repair. Every crack or chip is unique, and consulting an expert is important. The goal is to prevent a crack from getting bigger or in any way compromising safety.

3. Avoid dirt and debris

One of the most important things to guard against is dirt. If dirt gets into the crack, it can complicate a simple repair. But that doesn’t mean you should head for the car wash or reach for a bucket. If water seeps into the crack, what began as a small repair can easily become a complete replacement. Instead, you can temporarily keep dirt and moisture away from the crack by cleaning the damaged area and applying a piece of clear packing tape, which is strong but won’t obscure your view. Another short-term solution for protecting the chip from dirt is to apply super glue evenly throughout the crack and wipe off any excess.

4. Park indoors to avoid the elements

Sun, snow, and rain all have the potential to cause the chip or crack on your windshield to grow. If possible, park your car inside, where it will be protected against the elements, especially the sun, which can cause the windshield to heat up and allow the crack to expand. If you don’t have a garage, try parking in a shaded spot.

5. Avoid temperature cold extremes

Likewise, extremely cold weather is not good for a cracked windshield because glass contracts when it gets cold. Refrain from putting your air conditioner or defroster on high. If necessary, use the heater moderately to defrost the windows gradually.

6. Drive carefully

Another way to keep the crack from getting larger is to drive with extra caution. That means safely avoiding potholes and staying away from rough roads. Jostling the car is the last thing you should do when driving with a cracked windshield, and you also want to avoid slamming the doors or the trunk.

Above all, keep safety in mind at all times. The sooner you get the windshield in for replacement or repair, the better.

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How to Make Your Tires Last Longer

After making the big purchase of new tires, you may be interested in knowing how you can make them last as long as possible. Here are our top 8 tips to help make your tires last:

1. Maintain and monitor pressure

If the pressure is wrong in your tires, it can lead to increased stopping distance, increased wear and tear, and increased risk of a blowout. This is why it’s important to check your tire pressure every month, especially during the winter and summer when colder and warmer temperatures can lower and increase the air pressure.

2. Align tires

If you’re noticing your car drifting or pulling to one side while you’re driving, this could mean it’s time to get your tires aligned. This means correcting the subtle tilt in your car’s chamber. It’s recommended to take your car to a professional so they can use specialized equipment to adjust the alignment, often to fractions of an inch.

3. Be cautious while driving

When you’re on the road, make sure to watch out for potholes as they might have sharp rims that can damage your tires. Try also to avoid skidding or peeling out. Speeding up or slowing down very quickly can damage the tread in your tires. Lastly, avoid driving on gravel roads because the sharpness of the gravel can damage your tires.

4. Balance tires

Tires can become unbalanced from typical wear and tear and when driving on uneven roads. If you notice your steering wheel vibrating or shaking when your car gets up to 60 or 70 mph, you may need to take your car in and have your tire balance checked.

5. Rotate tires

It’s recommended to rotate your tires about every 6,000 to 8,000 miles,  depending on your car, to increase their lifespan. Cars wear tires unevenly over time based on numerous factors. You can combat that uneven wearing by rotating the tires as recommended by the manufacturer.

6. Check the tire tread

Unsure of when to replace your tires? Here’s a tip: Stick a penny (Lincoln’s head side down) into the tread groove of the tire. If the top of Lincoln’s head is visible, it’s time to take your car in and replace the tires. It’s recommended to check this at least once every 2 months.

7. Park the car with care

Scraping the sides of your tires on a curb while parking shortens their life drastically. If you continually bump into curbs while driving or parking, this can wear the sidewalls and shoulders of your tire quickly.

8. Protect and clean tires properly

Cleaning your tires helps prevent the buildup of dirt and grime, which can cause the finish of your wheels to peel or even make the rims more porous. Try and clean your tires twice a month to keep them lasting for years to come.

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10 Ways to Get Better Gas Mileage

There are a lot of ways to reduce your fuel consumption, even if your car has been in the driveway for a few years. Planning for a more efficient road trip, no matter how short, can save you money with fewer stops at the gas station. Here are our top 10 tips to improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and ultimately save you money:

1. Schedule regular car maintenance

Regular oil changes and tune-ups will help keep your car running at peak performance.  Regularly servicing your car can help the engine run smoothly and use less fuel. If you can’t remember the last time you took your car in, it might be time to get it serviced.

2. Get your wheels aligned

If your wheels get misaligned by even a fraction of an inch, it is comparable to dragging your tires sideways for 102 miles every 20,000 you drive. Misaligned wheels can impact gas mileage, cause wear and tear, and reduce drivability. Want to check your tire alignment before taking it into the shop? Buy a tread depth gauge and measure.  If one tire is more worn than the others, it’s likely time to get your car’s wheels aligned.

3. Drive conservatively and accelerate more slowly

Accelerating and braking quickly can make your engine work harder and burn more fuel. Avoid slamming on the brakes or accelerating rapidly, except in emergency situations.

4. Clean out your car

Extra junk in your trunk weighs down your vehicle, which means you use more gas to get around. As little as 100 pounds can reduce your fuel economy. Make sure to keep an emergency kit in your car, but remove heavy items that you don’t regularly use. Check the outside of your car for extra items that you aren’t regularly using, such as roof racks and bike racks.

5. Carpool

Not only does carpooling help save you money, but it reduces the wear and tear on your vehicle, helps reduce stress, and typically leads to increased fuel efficiency. Starting a carpool with friends or neighbors helps reduce the number of vehicles on the road and the amount of emissions.

6. Use the recommended tire pressure

If your tires are consistently underinflated, you could be wasting a lot of money on fuel. Underinflation also leads to premature tire wear and can shorten the life of your tires. Make sure to check the air pressure of your tires with a digital pressure gauge and fill your tires to the recommended pressure.

7. Limit how long your car idles

When your engine is running, your car is burning fuel. If you don’t have a newer car that automatically shuts your engine off at a stop, and if you are idling for a few minutes, consider shutting off your car to save fuel and limit emissions.

8. Replace your car air filters

A dirty air filter in your vehicle can increase fuel usage by nearly 10 percent. Make sure to check the filter when you change your oil and replace it at least once a year, or more often if you frequently drive in dirty, dusty conditions.

9. Drive within the speed limit

When you speed, your vehicle tends to consume more fuel. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a vehicle’s gas mileage generally decreases rapidly at speeds exceeding 50 mph.  Keep that in mind when driving on the highway. Driving 5 to 10 mph slower can help your car use 7%–14% less fuel.  But just as highways have speed limits, nearly all localities have speed minimums for highways.  Driving very fast or very slowly on the highway can be dangerous to you and the other drivers.

10. When possible, use cruise control

Try to use cruise control as much as is safely possible. This keeps your speed constant and helps reduce your fuel consumption by avoiding harsh stops and accelerations.

 

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10 TIPS FOR CHANGING SPARK PLUGS

Old and failing spark plugs can cause a host of problems in your engine, and it should be expected that you’ll have to change them at least a few times during the life of a vehicle. Luckily, it’s a pretty straightforward DIY that requires close attention, but not many tools. With the right know-how and a few tricks up your sleeve, changing spark plugs is a simple job with big payoffs in fuel economy and performance.

1. SOLID PREP

Get all your tools together so you don’t have to search for them in the middle of the job. This includes a few specialty tools such as a spark plug puller that will make your life easier. Also, though it is tempting to use a regular socket to remove plugs, a specialized spark plug socket (of the correct size) is the way to go because it has an interior rubber component to protect the delicate ceramic housing.

2. KEEP YOUR COOL

Always let your engine cool down completely before starting work or be prepared to get burned

3. KEEP IT CLEAN

Before removing any plugs, take a vacuum and remove any dirt or debris in the area around the spark plug. The goal is to keep dirt from falling into the combustion chambers when the plugs are out. You might also take a bit of carb cleaner just for a really nice work area that isn’t going to drop grime in if you bump it while working.

4. GO TO YOUR HOME

If you have to remove anything such as vacuum hoses, coils, or other components that might easily get confused, make sure you label before disconnecting so they can be easily reinstalled.

5. ONE BY ONE

Remove and replace plugs one at a time. This will save you the frustration of having to figure out where each wire goes later.

6. GADGET INSPECTOR

Inspect each plug as it is removed. Look for excessive carbon buildup, oil, unburned fuel, or damage to diagnose unseen engine problems. Any of these indicate a bigger problem you’ll want to figure out ASAP.

7. MIND THE GAP

Most plugs these days come pre-gapped, but you’ll want to check to make sure the gap is correct with a gauge (carefully, especially if it’s iridium) and that there is no preexisting damage.

8. KEEPING THE SPARK ALIVE

There is much debate as to the use of anti-seize coating on spark plug threads. The decision mostly comes down to the manufacturer and type of spark plug, so consult with your local store before dabbing it on. Also, throw a dab of dielectric grease at the end of the plug wires.

9. SPARKING JOY

Start each plug into the engine by hand to avoid cross-threading at all costs. Once you get it in securely by hand, use a torque wrench to torque precisely as indicated by your owner’s manual.

10. WELL ADJUSTED

Make sure when the wires are installed on the new plugs that they seat fully. You’ll feel a small pop to know that they’re in.

 

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5 Reasons Your Vehicle’s Engine May Stall While You’re Driving

It’s bad enough when your vehicle won’t start, but it’s even worse when it suddenly stops while you’re driving. This can be a frightening experience, but staying calm can help you act with a clear head. Using the momentum you have from driving, steer to the side of the road. Once you’re there, you can try to turn on your car, or simply get out and call for a tow truck.

Stalling like this isn’t very common. But when it does happen, there are a number of possible causes. We’ll go into detail on some of the more common ones below.

5. Trouble with Transmission

If you’re driving a car with a manual transmission, this may be an easy problem to fix. After all, braking too hard while the clutch is engaged can cause the car to stall, as can disengaging the clutch too quickly. If you’ve done this, simply restart your vehicle.

But if you’re driving a car with an automatic transmission, stalling can be a sign of a more serious problem. The torque converter is the automatic equivalent of a clutch; it’s a piece of machinery that connects and disconnects the transmission and the engine. If it fails to engage and disengage as it should, it may be what causes the engine to stop.

4. Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor

Your engine needs a steady supply of air in order to keep functioning. In modern fuel injected engines, a number of components are required to inject the precise mixture of fuel and air into the combustion chambers. The ECU, or engine control unit, gets information from a number of sensors and adjusts the injection based on this information. The mass airflow sensor, or MAF, is the sensor that’s responsible for telling the ECU the mass of the air that’s coming into the engine. If the MAF isn’t functioning as it should, the ECU may get incorrect information. If this happens, the ECU may direct less fuel to be injected, which can cause the engine to stall.

3. Fuel System Problems

If you’ve ever run out of gas, you know from experience just how quickly a lack of fuel can cause your car to stall. An empty gas tank is certainly one way that your engine might fail to get fuel, especially if you have a gas leak that’s making you lose fuel faster than expected. However, it’s not the only potential cause. The fuel pump helps move the gas from the fuel tank to the engine itself, so a fuel pump that fails while you’re driving can cause your car to stop. In addition, fuel injectors that are malfunctioning may keep enough fuel from reaching your engine.

2. Failed Alternator

The alternator plays several key roles in your vehicle’s functioning. It recharges the battery so that you can start your car when you need to, but it also runs the electric components of your vehicle. Among other things, it keeps the spark plugs sparking, which is a vital part of combustion. If the alternator begins to fail, the spark plugs may only sometimes function, causing rough and weak performance. An alternator that fails completely can cause the engine to stall, since the spark plugs won’t be creating any spark at all.

1. A Broken Timing Belt

While most Toyota models these days have a timing chain, many older vehicles were equipped with timing belts. These belts synchronize the strokes of the valves and pistons by making sure the camshaft or camshafts are synchronized to the rotation of the crankshaft. If the timing belt breaks in a freewheeling engine (that is, an engine where the pistons never occupy the same space as the valves), your engine will simply stop running. If your vehicle has an interference engine, your vehicle will also stop running . . . but the engine itself will likely be destroyed.

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Everything You Need To Know About Your Car’s Radiator

Engines often tend to heat after a prolonged use of the car. Every time you go on a long ride, you would notice the engine becomes heated, isn’t it? It is the radiator which controls the heating of the engine with the help of coolant. It can be concluded that the radiator is one of the critical components of the engine as it performs a crucial role of controlling the heat inside the engine box. Let’s understand more about it and its functions!

What Is A Radiator In A Car?

Radiator’s main job is to cool down the engine and thus it becomes critical to keep the radiator in good condition. Generally, the coolant is inside the tank of the radiator and from there it travels through the core. With the help of the fan, it further flows through tubes to cool the engine down.

How Does A Radiator Work?

Radiators in the car work primarily to eliminate heat from the engine and its chamber. The process starts as soon as the thermostat detects excess heat. That’s when the coolant and water get released automatically from the radiator and flow towards the engine to absorb this excess heat and to cool the engine down.

Radiators work on the heat transfer principle called convection. So when the water inside the radiator chamber is heated, the surrounding air also heats and further flows around the pipes as the air circulates.

Signs You Have A Bad Or Failing Radiator

There are plenty of tell tale signs to know if you are a failing or under performing radiator. Some of the crucial signs are as follows:

Vehicle Is Overheating

One of the first and the foremost signs of a malfunctioning radiator is the overheating of the engine. Every time the engine gets heated, it should ring a bell that there may be something wrong with the radiator.

Vehicle Is Leaking Coolant

Another crucial sign behind a failing or poor radiator is the leaking of coolant. Functioning of coolants is directly linked with the radiator. Hence if there is anything wrong with the radiator, coolant may not flow through the pipes of the engine box.

Sludge Build Up In Radiator

With regular use, there is likelihood of sludge build up in the radiator or its passage. You should get the car regularly serviced to ensure all the components are working smoothly. Any such build is an indicator that there is something not right with the radiator.

Low Coolant Levels

Check the level of the coolant after a regular interval. Low coolant level can be a sign that the radiator is not functioning well and it could result in overheating of the engine.

5 Tips To Maintain Your Car’s Radiator

You can always follow some best practice and expert recommended tips to keep your car’s radiator healthy and running.

Perform Regular Radiator Checks

You should get your car regularly serviced as recommended by the auto expert. Make sure you perform regular radiator checks to see if it is working effectively or not. You can then take necessary actions to replace or repair the components. This would ensure there are no last-minute hiccups and you can enjoy your ride seamlessly.

Avoid Overloading Car

We often make the mistake of overloading the car which can cause problems when it comes to the performance of the radiator and the engine. Make sure you avoid overloading it as much as possible.

Top Up With Engine Coolant

Top up the coolant after every 20000 to 25000 miles or as recommended by the service engineer. It varies from car to car depending upon the use and driving habits.

Check Your Fluids

Regularly check the fluid levels and take corrective actions. Make sure the level of coolant is appropriate and check the oil levels too. Low levels of fluid can create problems in the long term and impact the performance of your car.

Maintain The Hoses And Check For Leaks

Keep an eye on all the key components of the engine including the hoses and pipes. Look for any potential leaks from the pipe and engine box. Get the car serviced and checked by an expert as soon as you find any unusual sign.

 

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3 Common Symptoms Of A Bad Engine Oil Pressure Sensor

The purpose of engine oil pressure oil is to measure the amount of oil pressure in your car to optimize fuel injection, ignition timing, and other critical engine parameters. This sensor plays a crucial role in your engine, so what are the common signs of a bad engine oil pressure sensor? Let’s find out the potential causes behind its failure and the implications it can have on the vehicle’s operation.

What Does The Oil Pressure Sensor Do In Your Car?

The oil pressure sensor also known as the oil pressure switch has the primary function of controlling the oil pressure within the car engine and sends data to the ECU or instrument cluster. From that, the driver can easily know the amount of fluid being pumped into the system. If the oil is pumped adequately, it will provide a good lubrication effect, reduce friction, and dissipate heat. Depending on the pressure level, the ECU will send a signal to turn on the warning light on the dashboard so that the driver knows and takes timely measures.

It’s clear that the oil pressure sensor has two obvious functions:

  • Make sure the engine gets adequate oil pressure for proper lubrication.
  • This sensor serves as a safety feature by warning the driver If the oil pressure drops below a certain threshold.

So, where is the oil pressure sensor located in your car? The oil pressure sensor is typically located near the engine’s oil pump or on the engine block, and it is connected to the engine control unit (ECU) or the instrument cluster.

3 Symptoms Of A Bad Oil Pressure Sensor You Should Know 

As an important part of the car sensor system, directly affecting the starting and acceleration process of your car, the oil pressure sensor is required to operate correctly. If any problem occurs with this sensor, the ECU cannot do a good job of controlling the engine. A malfunctioning oil pressure can manifest in various signs. Here are the oil pressure sensor symptoms:

  • Oil pressure sensor light

One of the most obvious indications is the illumination of the oil pressure warning light on the car dashboard. This light typically looks like an oil can or an oil drop. If the warning light comes on but the engine oil is still at the standard level, the cause may be a faulty sensor. When this sensor malfunctions, the results obtained will be inaccurate. In some cases, it also indicates that the oil pressure has dropped below the recommended level.

  • Errors in the oil pressure gauge 

Currently, most new cars are equipped with an oil pressure gauge on the dashboard to give oil pressure information to drivers. If you detect that the gauge shows a very low level of oil pressure or fluctuating readings, it means the oil pressure system is faulty. This affects the system’s operation, reducing the accuracy of displayed results. This is one of the common signs of a problem with the oil pressure sensor. Please note that a properly functioning oil pressure gauge should display a stable pressure within the normal range. Any deviations from the normal reading may indicate a problem.

  • “Check engine” light 

The engine control unit (ECU) monitors various sensors, including the oil pressure sensor, to ensure the engine is operating within optimal parameters. If the ECU detects a problem with the oil pressure sensor, it may trigger the “Check Engine” light to alert the driver of a potential issue.

When the oil pressure sensor malfunctions, it may send incorrect signals or no signal at all to the ECU. As a result, the ECU may interpret this as a problem with the engine’s oil pressure and trigger the “Check Engine” light.

However, the “Check Engine” light can show off for various causes, so it’s better to have the diagnosis for trusted mechanics to retrieve the specific error codes stored in the ECU.

If diagnosis confirms that your oil pressure sensor is bad, there are several methods you can apply:

  • Monitor the engine oil pressure: Make sure that oil pressure readings are within the normal range.
  • Check the oil level: Inspect that the engine oil level is within the recommended range.
  • Replace the oil pressure sensor If necessary

  • How To Replace A Bad Engine Oil Pressure Sensor?

    Replacing a new oil pressure sensor is the recommended method If this sensor has an issue. Here is a general step-by-step guide to changing the oil pressure sensor you can refer to If you have a bad one:

    Step 1: Prepare the necessary tools

    Before starting the process, the car owner needs to gather the tools required for the job such as a set of screwdrivers, a soft towel, specialized glue, and a set of wrenches.

    Step 2: Locate the sensor 

    Depending on the vehicle’s design, type, and engine structure, the location of the pressure sensor on each car may be different. Typically, this sensor is installed near the bottom of the cylinder head inside the engine block or oil pump. You can read the owner’s manual to know the exact position of the sensor.

    Step 3: Disconnect the car battery 

    To prevent any electrical accidents, disconnect the negative terminal of the vehicle’s battery. As the next step, you should carefully disconnect the electrical connector from the oil pressure sensor. You may need to press or squeeze a lock tab to release it.

    Step 4: Remove the oil pressure sensor 

    Next, the driver needs to use a wrench or socket to remove the oil pressure sensor to inspect and determine the cause of damage. The oil pressure switch is installed where there is pressurized oil, so repairers should be extremely cautious when doing so. Take note of any sealing washers or O-rings that may need to be replaced.

    Step 5: Replace it with a new sensor

    After completing all these steps, you proceed to install the new sensor in the correct position and tighten it. Then, install the electrical connector after tightening it with a wrench. Attach the electrical connector to the new oil pressure sensor, ensuring a secure connection. Finally, the car owner just needs to start the engine and observe the oil pressure indicator to make sure the sensor is operating stably again. Additionally, check for any oil leaks around the sensor area.

TIPS

4 Ways to Show Your Car Some Love This Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s day is here, and that means it is time to pamper your true love with attention and affection. That means you may want to book a time at the car day spa for a fluid replacement and wash and wax. What are your date plans for your 4-wheeled love this Valentine’s day? No plans? Here are some ideas. Many people schedule annual, biannual or quarterly services for the new year, but this can cause scheduling problems because everyone else is doing it as well. Waiting until February, you are past all the new year’s schedules and can have an easier time getting service done, so schedule annual Valentine’s service and cleaning so your car is ready for the date.

Car detail

This is a simple way you can show your baby you love her. You can even do it at home. It is always a good idea to have a once in a while complete cleaning for your car. If you have a date for Valentines, you will want your car to be perfect for a special night, and if you don’t, you have nothing better to do than spend the day on a deep detail cleaning at the car wash! Single or not, it is a good idea.

Fluid replacement

Oil should be changed every 5,000-10,000 miles depending on the type of oil, so at the beginning of the year and then again before a summer road trip or 4th of July are good times for most regular drivers. Transmission, power steering, and differential oil every 3 years, so if you are approaching 3 years, now is a good time. Power steering fluid is recommended every two years, but some add it to an annual service because it is easy enough to all do at once. So, if your car is coming up on three or six years old, this is a definite for your to-do list.

Tire service

Tires need an occasional rotation as well. Most recommend every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, which puts it in at the same time as an oil change. So, while you are getting those fluids done, add a tire rotation to it.

Annual service

Any high-performance BMW, Mercedes or other vehicle needs an annual inspection. Recommended is every 10,000 miles. This is a good time to do many of our ideas mentioned here as well as have a full overall inspection for incoming problems. Make sure your electrical and other systems are in good shape and not wearing down. It is better to have an annual inspection and find something before it breaks than wind up on the side of the freeway a month later

 

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8 Causes For Blue Smoke From Exhaust

Excessive blue exhaust smoke can present itself for several reasons.
Here’s what to look out for:

1. Blown Head Gasket

Blown head gaskets are famous for leaking excess oil onto hot surfaces.

Blue smoke indicates that lubricating oil has made its way into the hot exhaust system or other connecting engine parts.

2. Oil Leak

Oil leaks from engine components such as gaskets, worn engine oil seals, cylinder heads, and the engine block are common. Leaks can drip onto hot surfaces, like the cars exhaust and drivetrain, which causes burning oil.

When this happens, you can expect blue smoke and a nasty smell. You’ll likely notice this blue smoke when the car is idling or accelerating.

3. Oil Mixing With Fuel

Unfortunately, engine parts like a piston ring and valve seal don’t last forever.

If you don’t follow a rigorous oil inspection routine, the oil will do a poor job of reducing engine friction. Excessive engine heat or friction can damage a gasket and valve seal over time.

Damaged piston rings and valve stem seals will inevitably leak excess oil into your engine’s combustion chamber, allowing it to mix with the fuel.

When this mixture burns in the combustion chamber, it turns the normal grey exhaust smoke blue.

4. Stuck PCV Valve

Another likely cause for excessive blue exhaust smoke is a stuck positive crankcase ventilation valve (also called a crankcase breather).

The crankcase breather is responsible for releasing fuel pressure build-up in the crankcase. This fuel pressure is diverted into the intake manifold for fumes to be re-burned.

When the PCV valve gets stuck, it forces lubricating oil to mix with pressurized air and other gases. This fume mixture eventually gets burned, creating blue smoke.

5. Blown Turbocharger

If your car has a blown turbocharger and emits blue smoke, it’s not a coincidence.

You’ll likely notice a large blue cloud of smoke right as your turbo blows. This results from a damaged turbo casing or a broken oil seal inside the turbo itself. Both causes allow oil to seep into the engine’s air intake manifold, causing oil to mix with the fuel.

6. Faulty Transmission Modulator

Commonly found in older vehicle models, a transmission modulator controls shifting in vacuum-controlled automatic transmissions.

A faulty component in the transmission modulator, like a failing diaphragm, can cause the engine block to pull in transmission fluid.

Here’s the kicker.
Burned transmission fluid creates blue smoke!

7. Bad Glow Plug (Diesel car)

If your diesel car produces blue smoke during start-up, there’s a good chance you have a bad glow plug. Another common sign of a bad glow plug in a diesel engine is longer cranking times than usual.

8. Cylinder Head Valve Guide Issue

If you notice blue smoke happening during deceleration, you probably have a cylinder head valve guide issue.

This means that the valve stem (valve guide) is leaking oil out of the cylinder wall of the combustion chamber. Oil may drip from the valve stem onto the exhaust pipe, and in some cases, even the fuel injector.

Both instances result in either blue smoke or black exhaust smoke, depending on whether the oil has mixed with fuel or not.

With a firm understanding of the causes of blue exhaust smoke, we can now cover its diagnostics procedures.

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5 Reasons Why Your Steering Wheel is Shaking

Many drivers are frightened when they notice a shake or vibration in their vehicle, but it’s important to avoid jumping to conclusions. Why is your steering wheel shaking, really? There are several potential issues at play; however, the most common cause is unbalanced tires. When your car’s tires are unbalanced, the steering wheel will often vibrate—the entire vehicle might feel like it’s shaking. Read on to learn more about the causes of a shaking steering wheel and how we can help!

f your steering wheel shakes, it can most likely be chalked up to one of the five following problems:

 

  1. Unbalanced Tires: When your car’s tires are unbalanced, weight distribution is also unbalanced. This causes the vehicle to vibrate, especially at highway speeds. In this case, steering wheel shaking is even more noticeable if the car has a lightweight suspension system. Failing to address this issue can result in damage to your car’s suspension components.
  2. Misaligned Wheels: Your car’s wheels also need to be properly positioned. If you’re usually careful when crossing railroad tracks and take care to avoid potholes, you can more easily avoid throwing your wheels out of alignment. One tell-tale sign that your wheels are misaligned is uneven tread wear.
  3. Bad Wheel Bearings: When the wheel bearings become damaged or aren’t properly lubricated, the resulting friction can cause steering wheel shaking. If this is indeed the problem, the wheel won’t shake all the time — just during turns. Sometimes, simply cleaning the bearings can stop the shaking, but if there’s damage, you’ll need to bring your vehicle in for service.
  4. Suspension Problems: Damaged or loose suspension components or an imbalanced driveshaft can be the causes of steering wheel shaking. Whatever the case, you shouldn’t postpone these repairs. They’re fairly simple fixes, and our team can have you back on Rye roads in no time.
  5. Brake Problems: Does your steering wheel shake when you slow your speed? If so, the problem may be the brake system. Warped brake rotors or damaged brake calipers, pads, discs, or shocks can be the cause.
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