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Tag Archives: Engines and Transmissions

5 Signs Of A Bad Transmission

5 Signs Of A Bad Transmission

Are you hearing or feeling unusual noises or vibrations while driving? Is your car having trouble shifting gears or are the RPMs climbing abnormally? These are all symptoms of a transmission going bad - ignoring them can result in costly repairs or even transmission failure.  But how do you know if your transmission is failing? Early detection of transmission problems can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars while also preventing further, more serious damage to your vehicle. Here's a list of five of the most common symptoms of a bad transmission to help you out. 1. Check Engine Light The most obvious sign is your trusty dashboard check engine light. While it's not the most pleasant of views, it can save you from disaster. The check engine light can be a warning for many things. One of them is transmission problems. If you see this light turning on, make sure to have it checked out at your local repair shop. ... read more

What Is A Hemi Engine?

What Is A Hemi Engine?

If you have ever heard of a Hemi engine, you probably only know that it's put in the fast muscle and race cars or something along the lines. Well, partially true it's also used in a lot of other vehicles. That's because it pushes a lot of horsepower while being just like a normal engine - with a slight change hinted at in its name. Read along to find out what Hemi stands for and its pros and cons. Hemi Engines Explained The Hemi or Hemispherical V8 engine differs from all other engines with its cylinders' shapes. The top of the cylinders is a flattened hemisphere at the center, which is a spark plug, fuel/ air injectors, and an exhaust valve. This particular shape provides a much lower loss of heat, therefore, more power.  The first Hemi engines were equipped with hemispherical cylinders, which were not that good. That's why today's Hemis have a flatter cylinder design than their predecessors. The first one was introduced in 1953 on the Dodge Red Ram, fo ... read more

5 Reasons Why Your Check Engine Light Is On

5 Reasons Why Your Check Engine Light Is On

A vehicle's  check engine light (or "service engine soon" light) usually indicates a problem with the ignition, fuel, transmission, or exhaust system. Often, it comes on for one of the following problems below: Gas Cap  This is the easiest and quickest fix, which is why most people hope that is why their engine light came on. When you forget to screw your gas cap all the way, or it is damaged, your car will detect a “leak”. The cap is supposed to keep the fuel vacuum sealed.  Spark Plugs Worn spark plugs or plug wires can initiate the check engine light. These are necessary to ignite the engine. If they’re over 100K miles, your car is most likely due for new ones. And you may experience misfires until you replace them. Mass Airflow Sensor  This component measures the amount of air entering the engine to ensure the right fuel-to-air ratio gets burned. If this sensor is on its las ... read more

Signs That You Need a Coolant Flush

Signs That You Need a Coolant Flush

To drive smoothly and seamlessly, your car’s engine needs to stay at a stable temperature range. To make that happen, a fluid called coolant/antifreeze gets pushed throughout the engine to regulate the temperature. Unfortunately, the coolant doesn't stay effective forever. Over time, contaminants and grime can build up in the cooling system. A coolant flush can solve this problem and protects the engine from corrosion, keeping it in the best shape possible. Besides a simple inspection, how can you tell when you need a coolant flush? Low Coolant   You can pop open the hood and visually check your coolant levels. If the fluid looks too low, you may have a leak. Be sure to check if any bright-colored fluid is around or under your vehicle. We can also check for you when bringing your vehicle into Airpark Auto Pros. Bad Coolant Quality  Another sign that may trigger a need for a fluid flush is if you find the coolant to be contaminated or discolored.  Eng ... read more

Does Coolant or Antifreeze Go Bad?

Does Coolant or Antifreeze Go Bad?

The cooling system is a vital system in our automobiles – it keeps the engine safe and operable by stabilizing its temperature. A key part of the system is coolant/antifreeze. Over time, the solution will break down and become less effective at cooling.  Can Coolant Expire in the Bottle? When you buy coolant at an auto supply shop, it typically has a shelf life of 1-5 years, depending on the product. The manufacturer is required to put an expiration date on the bottle, so don’t worry if you forget. Always look at the expiration date before adding the solution to your car. Can Coolant Expire in a Car? Coolant degrades over time in your engine. As it flows in and out of the engine, it can pick up metals, dirt, and debris. Most automakers recommend flushing your coolant every 30,000 miles. Dirty coolant can corrode cooling system components and cause leaks. Old and ineffective coolant can also have a reduced boiling point, which can lead to engine overheating. Signs ... read more