The most important part of a wintercheck is a weekly walk around. Start by turning on your lights and emergency flashers. Starting on the driver’s side check the wiper and tire go to the rear and check the rear tire and continuing on check the rear lights, now you know why we turned the flashers on.Dont forget the license plate light. Going to the passenger side check the tires and wiper, check the front lights, turn off the flashers. With some help have someone apply the brakes check the brake lights and turn signals, go to the front check the turn signals and flash the brights.Under the hood, check the battery terminals, all fluid levels, if you have ABS be sure to bleed off the pressure before removing master cylinder cover, pay attention to not only the fluid levels but also condition.Do a visual inspection of the engine compartment, looking for leaks, loose parts, hoses etc. and belt condition. You will usually find several items you only want to keep eye on for possible future problems. Many suggest a penny to check for tire wear, I prefer to use the, if they look worn out time to replace. If you tend to be a little anal as I am I would also purchase a few test strips for the brake fluid this can prevent a spendy ABS repair. Here again if in doubt with a fluid change it. 2 fluids I would also smell as well as a visual inspection are the trans and power steering. I was against fluid changes for a number of years but as the cost to repair and the refinements to the systems I am now a fan of fluid replacements. Replacing the brake fluid has cured many an ABS problem and we expect a lot from our transmissions, do not flush but drain completely and replace the filter. I used to do this every Sunday but since I have retired I tend to do it when I am puttering around. The most important thing is to do it; it will prevent many problems from catching you unprepared.
All posts by John
ESC
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) helps drivers to avoid crashes by limiting the danger of skidding and losing control as a result of over-correcting the steering. ESC becomes active when a driver loses control of their car. It uses computer controlled technology to apply individual brakes and help bring the car safely under control. ABS and Traction control are integral components of an ESC system. Every car with ESC has ABS and Traction Control, those with ABS and Traction control do not always have ESC.I would like to first state I am not a big fan of ABS, true I am a control freak and I like to be in control of my vehicle. I know that ABS will help me maintain control in a skid, ESC will help in a slide and Traction Control will help me if I get stuck. I just like to be able to do some of this myself, the computer may perform with more efficiency and safer but I would like the ability to make a choice here. I don’t like to just stomp and steer. Research has shown that ESC can reduce passenger car crashes by 25% and SUV by 51%, that is by more than 12. I think many of the SUV’s on the road today are an accident waiting for a place to happen. The manufactures are trying to make them ride like a car and they are to top heavy to perform violent maneuvers whether they are on purpose or by accident. One instance I think ESC would help is when hitting the shoulder. I just don’t see the advantage on ice or snow. When my wife got her Bonneville stuck last winter we had to turn off the traction control to get it out and I know when I slid into a car, a few years ago with my Bonneville, at about 3 MPH I could have stopped quicker without ABS.I think drivers need to drive smarter and not depend on a computer system to get them out of trouble however I am glad my Grandkids will have many of these features available when they start driving.
Head Bolt Replacement
This is a recent post on Forums and I thought it was worth posting here as many DIY are doing head gaskets on older vehicles.Some techs think that head bolts on all turbo engine should be replaced I agree with this to an extent. Depending on price, some head bolt sets are spendy, then i would use the old. All stretch to torque should be replaced, check manual if they have one torque then they don’t have to be replaced if they have a torque followed by a series of tightening specs usually in degrees then replace the bolts. There is no spec as to length Sealant should be put on any bolts that enter the cooling system, oil should be used on the remainder, do not over oil so you have oil in the bottom of the threads as this can affect the torque, also all threads should be cleaned and or chased with a bottoming tap. Be sure all coolant is removed from the threads as this can cause a premature failure. On stretch to torque the original torque is often quite low so it doesn’t take much to affect the tightening sequence. You are also going to have to clean the cooling system of the oil residue. Dawn detergent works the best for this and flush and then flush some more and then again and again. I would also change the oil and again at 200 miles, Oil should be changed at 200 miles after any head gasket repair as it is almost impossible to keep a small amount of anti freeze from entering the oil.
New Tires
With the leaves falling and the mornings turning cooler I felt it was time to pop for tires on the wife’s Bonneville. I knew the Goodyear Eagles did not have enough tread to keep her from getting stuck this winter. Actually 2 of them were fairly new but the other 2 were getting down on tread and they were not that great in snow to start with, also I could buy 4 tires for the price of 2 Eagles. Having owned my own shops for years I am not used to shopping for tires. After a lot of internet searching and a few phone calls I decided on the Goodyear Assurance Comfortred Touring. Did not need the Touring but they only came in her size in the Touring. Originally I was going to stick with Toyo but heard a few bad experiences with them recently. After shopping for the best buy I purchased 4 on sale from sears after a $80 rebate and free mounting, balancing, valve stems and bead seal which many shops charged for I think I got a good deal. Don’t see why shops would charge for bead seal on aluminum rims it sounds like a invitation for trouble.The tires have been great fantastic ride, quiet and are holding air. We will see how they do in snow but they are very highly rated. After the Eagles anything would be better. I was surprised they did not try to sell me nitrogen for a couple bucks I may have tried it. One thing that impressed me was they put chrome sleeves and valve stems on and it really dressed up the wheels.
Tranny Problems
Hot weather seems to bring on 2 types of repair, the major being the cooling system, and followed closely by transmission. Don’t panic if you are having transmission problems chances are it may only be a solenoid or low fluid. Be sure to check your owner’s manual on how to check the fluid level they vary greatly. If the fluid is OK but looks dark I would take it to a tranny shop and have it scanned, if no codes are present then have them drop the pan and check for debris. There should be NC for a code and road test. If there are no debris in the pan then have them change the filter fill with fluid and recheck. Be certain they use the correct fluid for your vehicle. For instance some Chrysler transmissions are so finicky about fluid that only Mopar ATF Plus 3, Type 7176 will perform correctly. If the fluid looks extremely bad then and only then would I consider a flush and fill, usually if it is this bad there will be some debris in the pan and most tranny shops will be able to tell if you need a rebuild or not, bad news is they usually will. Many shops will install a rebuild and repair your transmission when they have time for a flat fee. This is a simple way to go and usually is about the same cost as a rebuild. I don’t recommend used transmissions due to the cost of R&R and you don’t know how long they have sat around. Remember don’t panic until the service writer comes at you with a clipboard and smile. Also at any time you have the option to stop the process and get a second opinion, or estimate. In many parts of the country prices vary greatly locally, they are about the same where I live except for one shop that tells you up front they may use some used parts, I have used them on several occasions and have had good luck, but shops like this are hard to find.
ECO-BOOST
Ford is going to have a tremendous leg up in the mileage race with its new eco-boost engine. They were able to develop this engine because they had money to spend on R&D when the other 2 were trying to survive and pay back the government. They ran this engine in real life conditions, including a stint in a logging camp, and tore it down in front of spectators at the auto show and it showed very little wear. One valve was carboned but this was due to cheap gas I think. The electric car, be it full or not, is going to fill a niche but folks as myself who need to go farther than 120 miles, are going to take a serious look at this option. I live in North Dakota and many here go farther than that round trip to do serious shopping. The 3 cylinder may have a hard time getting started as many are going to be hesitant to buy a 3 cylinder. For years we have been told odd cylinder numbers do not work out and run rough. Remember the Chevy with a 3 cylinder, it was a fiasco.The fact that it is diesel powered may also be a hindrance but I would expect a gas powered model in the near future. Diesel is OK for trucks and pickups but soccer moms shy away from it. Time will tell but I think the eco-boost system is going to be the power train of the future.
Gas Saving Devices
Like the sun rising in the east rising gas prices bring gimmicks out of the minds of hucksters. They plug into your lighter, wrap on your fuel line line, or a pad you sit on, kidding about the pad. They are always some item of technology withheld by the big 3 and big oil. Believe me they do not talk about such small items if it does not mean a billion in profits they don’t waste their time or resources on itOne such item plugs into your cigarette lighter and claims to condition electrical current so everything works smoother. Makes some sense but the device is only a circuit board for powering 2 lights. Of course it is tested and shown to be effective when paid for by the parent company. It sells for $59.95, won’t help gas mileage but you will have 2 pretty blinking lights. Actually I can see this being of some use as the blinking lights will keep your mind on saving gas.There are many factors involved in better mileage and they all add a small percentage but when added together can amount to a savings. Tire pressure, scheduled servicing, observant of how much extra weight you are carrying in your trunk, among many other small items will amount to a saving. You can always send me the $59.95 and I will guarantee $5.00 saving on your next 5 fills when I return $50 to you and keep the $5.95 for my trouble. I hope no one takes me seriously on this offer. one piece of advice I have read recently is to move your seat closer this will help prevent jackrabbit starts and stops. Tried it but did not feel right so I moved it back.
AC Servicing
They are selling AC service kits everywhere but in the grocery store. They make it sound so easy and it generally is except when you run into problems. It is impossible to troubleshoot your AC using only one gauge; you need to know the low and high pressure and the difference is the most effective way to find a problem. When you hook up your kit if the gauge reads low it is OK to add Freon until the pressure reaches the normal area. If it does not increase as you add Freon or goes high quickly then I suggest it is time for a pro. You can do serious and expensive damage and may even cause some bodily harm. Safety is key to servicing AC always wear gloves and a facemask, Freon is COLD and will freeze skin on contact and believe me it hurts. The 134 connections are better than the old R12 screw on connections but accidents can happen very quickly. Many times the high and low side are confused but it is simple to tell them apart. The low side is the larger of the 2. Do not hook up to the wrong line.If you do have a problem visit our forums, I can sometimes help by knowing the temps of hoses or if some are frosting up. 9 times out of 10 AC repairs are quite simple and can be performed by a competent DIY
Flood Damaged Vehicles
With the recent rash of floods and bad weather around there is going to be flood damaged vehicles on the market. Most reputable dealers will not knowingly touch a flooded vehicle with a 10 foot pole. So how do you know if a car has been flooded? Carpeting is the item that usually causes the most problems. Lift up the carpeting and check the pad this is impossible to get clean after a flood, also if it has been replaced check further.Smells are an indication of problems, after sitting in the sun for awhile there will be a noticeable odor. Or too much of a scent can also be a clue. Of course a carfax should always be checked before buying any vehicle but there are other sources National Motor Vehicle Title Information System and VINCheck from the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Remember through that not all repairs are reported. Most insurance companies will total a car if the floorboards are flooded some will only total if the dash is touched by water. With the number of computers in today’s cars many are installed under the seats so I think the floorboards should be a industry standard. If the deal sounds to good to be true it probably is. Whenever you buy a vehicle it is a good idea to know the reason it is being sold, there are many good deals out there brought on by financial problems, and other reasons. Many are also sold because they have problems or have had a history of repairs. There are also many overpriced vehicles that the seller could not get what they wanted dollar wise for there trade in and decided to sell it themselves. There is also the vehicles that the owner owes more than it is worth and trying to dump it. Always check Kelly or several other sources fro true value, I don’t think you should ever pay over private party price if buying from a dealer or more then trade if buying from a private party. O f course there is the exception of the car you really fall in love with but here again be careful and use common sense.
Ford Spark Plug Problems
Ford is having some major spark plug problems. The 5.4 before 2004 is the worst but there are several other engines having the same problem. When the heads were machined the spark plug threads were not cut to the bottom of the hole and this causes a plug to blow out. Usually a tap or in worse cases a heli coil will fix the problem. 99% of the time cranking the engine over will blow out the majority of the material left in the cylinder. Be careful the crud comes out with a lot of force. When Ford corrected the problem they used a plug with 2 pieces and a little too long causing carbon to build up on the end and making the plug almost impossible to remove if left in for the 100K recommended replacement. To remove a stuck plug warm up the engine so the head just feels barely warm to the touch. Spray a penetrating oil, I use sea Foam deep creep do not use WD40, to fill the hole and back out the plug a 1/8 of a turn then let it sit for an hour or so. When removing the plug you may have to turn in and out while applying more chemical. If you do break it off there are several tools available to assist in removal. Be sure you use the newest Ford part as a replacement they are of 3 piece construction. Using anti seize is personal preference but be sure to torque them.