10 Timing Belt Tips
Here are the some key installation and service tips to make your next timing belt job just a little easier.
Understanding Diesel Exhaust Filters
The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is a ceramic filter that has thousands of tiny channels or honeycomb-shaped openings that trap the soot onto the channel walls and prevent the particulate matter (down to 1 micron) from exiting out the tail pipe.
A Look at Next Generation Import Start/Stop Systems
Although stop/start idle systems have been used on hybrid vehicles for many years, a growing number of non-hybrid late model import models are also being equipped with this fuel-saving technology. For 2015, almost every major automaker offers one or more models with stop/start idle control. Many experts predict that within the next two years, over
Snap-on Offers Top 13.4 Reasons To Upgrade To Latest Diagnostic Software Release
The newest Snap-on diagnostic software upgrade offers 47,400 new codes, tests, tips and data going back to 1998 for all major makes, plus new 2013 domestic and Asian model year coverage for GM, Infiniti, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan, Scion, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota.
Ride Control Systems: Matching The Components To The Application
During the fall of 1989, when I was working as a mechanic for an off-road desert racing team, we raced the famous Mint 400 held in Las Vegas. By mid-race, our truck came into its pit stops with the shock absorbers so overheated that the polyurethane bushings were literally melting out of the shock mounts. Worse still, as the shock absorbers began to fail, so would the leaves in the truck’s leaf-spring suspension. Despite the suspension problems we experienced during the race, we were lucky enough to win our class. But the lessons I learned about the importance of matching the shock absorber to its application endure to this very day.
Diagnostic Solutions: Ride Control System Protocol – Matching The Components To The Application
Import Specialist Contributor Gary Goms recalls his days of working as a technician for an off-road desert racing team and notes this lesson learned that holds true to this day: matching a shock absorber to its application.
Brake Manufacturers Point Out They Are Part of the Solution to Reducing Copper in U.S. Watersheds
The Brake Manufacturers Council (BMC) of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) recently issued a statement in response to recent media reports and PR regarding the negative impact of the use of copper in brake friction products as it affects U.S. waterways.
Tech Tip: VW’s Check Engine Light is On with Fault Code P0411
When diagnosing various VW and Audi vehicles, the Check Engine Light (MIL) is on and fault code P0411 (16795) is stored in the fault memory.
Tech Feature: Mazda6 and Mazda3 Driveability Diagnostics and Electronic Throttle Control
Drive-by-wire throttle control systems are pretty much trouble-free but have to be taken into consideration as you perform routine service and diagnose problems, and it changes the way you service these cars when it comes to cleaning the throttle plates, advises Bob Dowie, import specialist contributor, who also covers electronic throttle control’s tie in with ABS and VSC systems.
Tech Feature: Fueling the Future – Can You Fill Up with Alternative Fuels?
Currently gas prices have stabilized at around $1.83 a gallon, a price at which most Americans feel comfortable driving their SUVs, trucks, race cars, tow vehicles and other motorized toys. But when gas hits $4 and $5 a gallon, driving guzzlers becomes a challenge for many. It was only a few months ago that a barrel of crude oil was well over $100, a price that seemed to embed itself into the minds of most of us as we drove to wherever we were going. It felt like we ate a big triple scoop of ice cream way too fast as our wallets and gas monster SUVs were forced onto extreme diets ….