How to Stop the Carbon Killer that May Be Lurking in your Vehicle

If you count every part down to the smallest screw, there are about 30,000 components that make up the average car. That’s a lot of parts and just like the human body, if not maintained, many things can go wrong.

One of your vehicle’s hardest working parts is the exhaust system. According to Wikipedia, an exhaust system is usually piping used to guide reaction exhaust gases away from a controlled combustion inside an engine or stove. The entire system conveys burnt gases from the engine and includes one or more exhaust pipes.

The job of the exhaust system is to reduce noise and carry exhaust toxic gas away from passengers in the vehicle.

This toxic gas is mostly carbon monoxide, a very dangerous gas which can cause death if it is inhaled in even moderate doses.

It’s important to have your exhaust system checked for leaks because if there is a leak, the carbon monoxide gas could be entering your vehicle through holes or openings in the floor, rear of the vehicle, or through the vents.

Each year people die from sitting in an older car that is idling (with a leaking exhaust system) and there have been reported deaths of children riding in pickup trucks under a topper from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Even a small leak can cause elevated carbon monoxide levels in the body and studies show that this will interfere with driving ability.

Carbon monoxide intoxication will impair your ability to operate a vehicle, cause confusion plus slow and/or irrational thinking.

A leaky exhaust system can cause anything from a small ticking noise to a very loud sound so it is not always obvious.

Depending on the the materials used in your vehicle’s exhaust system it can start rusting through in as little as 4 years. It is smart to have your exhaust system checked as it is better to be safe.

AAMCO of Bonita Springs is a Napa Auto and Truck Service Center and would be happy to check out your exhaust system to see if there are any leaks. Just give us a call or request an appointment online.

It’s All About the Brakes!

Just imagine a car or truck with no brakes, it would be impossible to drive safely as there would be no way to slow down or stop when you wanted or needed to so this makes the braking system a very important part of any vehicle.

Most vehicles today have braking systems that place heavy reliance on the brake pads (A). Brake pads contain friction material and are configured to fit into a brake caliper.

When you press the brake pedal, the brake pad is forced against the brake rotor, bringing the vehicle to a stop. This action creates heat and possibly noise.

Worn or under-designed brake pads should be replaced to assure quiet, effective stopping power.

The brake rotor (B), provides the solid surface for the brake pad when stopping. Brake rotors will wear from repeated braking over time. Brake rotors may warp or crack from overheating. Today, worn rotors may require replacement rather than being “turned” or machined.

Precision engineered rotors, along with quality break pads, are vital for safe quiet stopping.

Some vehicles have brake shoes and brake drums on the rear axle which perform a similar braking function. Most vehicles today have ABS braking systems (Anti-Lock Braking), which help eliminate skidding from locking up the wheels.

The brake system should be routinely inspected every 12 months/12,000 miles.

Here are some signs you may need new brakes or your brake system checked:

  • You hear a screech like noise when stopping
  • When you press the brake pedal you notice it sinks down more than usual
  • You feel a pulling to one side when pressing the brakes
  • You hear a grinding sound when braking
  • You feel vibration when pressing the brake pedal

It is important to have your brakes inspected on a regular basis to ensure they are functioning properly. Often, if a problem is caught early, the fix will be much less than if you wait until more damage is done.

AAMCO of Bonita Springs is a NAPA Auto and Truck Service Center and offers repair and maintenance services for all vehicles including brake systems.

Schedule your appointment today!

 

Tips To Avoid Road Trip Drama

When you hear the word “road trip” some things that come to mind are getting away, exotic locations, sight seeing and freedom of the open road.

It is just about that time of year when seasonal residents of Southwest Florida will be returning to their winter homes. Some will fly while others will take the journey with their vehicle.

Although road trips can be fun, there are some things to consider when taking a long road trip.

Depending on your starting point and route, a gas station may not be available when your vehicle’s gas gauge is approaching empty. Don’t wait until you are running out of fuel to re-fill your tank. It is better to fill up when you can rather than when you must.

Try to time yourself so that you are not passing through any major cities during rush hour traffic. If you notice that you will be approaching a major city during rush hour, plan to stop for lunch or take a rest break before getting there to allow time for the rush hour traffic to pass.

It is much more comfortable to spend 2 hours at a roadside restaurant where there is a bathroom and you can walk around than to be sitting for 2 hours in traffic.

Now, you know there are some people whose company you enjoy more than others. Don’t take a long road trip with someone who you cannot tolerate being around for long periods of time.

When you pick traveling companions, just remember you will be cooped up with them in close quarters for hours and it will be more pleasant to travel with people whose company you enjoy or
at least can tolerate without feeling stressed out or wanting to pull off and leave them at the last road stop.

Download a good map app like Google maps to your smart phone but also have a paper map on hand in case there are areas without a cell phone signal so that you can still keep track of your route.

Pack a fully charged smart phone portable charger for your trip. If your phone’s battery dies then you can easily charge it again. This is especially helpful if your car breaks down because if your car isn’t running, the car phone charger isn’t working.

Let someone know your progress. It is a good idea to keep someone informed of your whereabouts as you drive in case anything happens your last location will be known.

Pack drinks and healthy snacks in a cooler so that you will be able to stay hydrated and nourished on your journey.

It is a good idea to put some thought and planning into a road trip especially if it is a long one to help avoid problems and inconvenience.

Lastly, make sure your vehicle has been checked out by a reputable mechanic to help avoid breakdowns.

AAMCO of Bonita Springs will check out your vehicle before departing for a road trip or after returning from a road trip to help you avoid breakdowns and to help your vehicle stay on the
road.

AAMCO of Bonita Springs is a NAPA Autocare Center and NAPA Truck Service Center working on all makes and models. They offer a 24 Months, 24,000 Miles Nationwide Warranty It’s a written
warranty that is honored at more than 14,000 locations nationwide – more than any other automotive repair brand.

So – no matter where your travels take you – if you ever experience a problem with a covered repair, you can count on a NAPA AutoCare Center being nearby.

Schedule your vehicle’s check up today!

Symptoms Signaling Brake and Front End Trouble

Many of us use our vehicles daily as a way to get to work, back home, go shopping, for visiting friends and family and the list of places we travel goes on and on.

If your vehicle breaks down, it is usually a big inconvenience. Not only because you don’t have a ride but there is a cost to have a mechanic fix the issue that caused you to break down.

When it comes to your vehicle’s brakes and front end, there are signals that you should pay attention to and have checked as soon as you notice them occurring.

Often, when you notice a new sound or feel something different with your vehicle and you do nothing until your vehicle breaks down, the cost will usually be much more than if you had it checked right away.

Here are signals that can alert you to a possible problem.

Grinding, screeching and rubbing – Brake pads and brake shoes may need to be replaced because if you wait, they can wear through and damage other parts of your brake system. This will cost much more than just replacing brake pads and shoes.

Steering wheel vibrating – This can be caused by metal on metal rubbing of brake rotors and needs to be checked out asap!

Play in or loose feeling steering wheel – Could be any of a number of things including worn tie rod ends.

Fluid leaking – Just like our bodies need fluids to keep us running, your vehicle has fluids it needs to run efficiently. There are many different reasons for fluid to leak from your vehicle but anti freeze/coolant is one of the most common fluids that is found when there is a leak. If you notice any fluid or coolant leaking from your vehicle, take it to an auto shop right away to help avoid your vehicle overheating.

Vehicle leaning to one side when turning – This can be caused by any of a number of reasons the most common include, a binding shock absorber or strut, a bad spring or torsion bar, bent suspension parts or a twisted chassis.

Regular vehicle maintenance will often catch problems in the early stages which will usually cost less to repair than waiting until the problem becomes much worse. Also, you want a safe vehicle to drive and there are parts that if they wear or break, can cause your vehicle to become a safety hazard for you to drive.

AAMCO of Bonita Springs is a NAPA Auto and Truck Service Center. AAMCO of Bonita Springs offers a NAPA nationwide warranty that covers parts and labor on qualifying repairs and services for 24 Months/24,000 Miles.

Quality auto and truck maintenance and repair for your car or truck at reasonable prices. Schedule an appointment.