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Basic Car Air Conditioning Repairs

Because there are so many components to car air conditioning, the hardest part of fixing it is figuring out what needs fixing. There are the same basic car air conditioning parts on most cars. Those parts consist of the compressor, the condenser, and the evaporator. Without all three of them working at their full capacity, your car air conditioning won’t cool the way it should. Three of the most common problems are: 

• Refrigerant Needs a Recharge

This is the most common cause of a car air conditioning system not blowing cold. If you can get the refrigerant your system needs, you can recharge it yourself with equipment from the local auto parts store. If not, a professional mechanic has the proper refrigerant and equipment to do the job right, and with a guarantee. 

• A Refrigerant Leak

When your car air conditioning system develops a fluid leak, it can be difficult to find it because refrigerant evaporates instantly as soon as air hits it. Again, a professional mechanic will have the specialty equipment and tools that will find the leak, allowing them to know what needs to be repaired. 

• Fan Motor Failure

Another common problem with car air conditioning systems is the fan motor going out. Most cars have two fans and if one isn’t working, your car air conditioning system isn’t going to blow cold air. 

Does car air conditioning need servicing?

Auto mechanics recommend having your car air conditioning service once a year just before summer starts. Not only will you enjoy having cold air blowing through the vents, but you’ll enjoy better gas mileage in an environmentally-friendly car too. 

How do I make my car air conditioner colder?

If your car air conditioning isn’t getting cold enough, here are a few tips to help.

REPLACE THE CABIN AIR FILTER

This can be done by the lube center when you have your oil changed. This filter keeps dirt, dust, pollen, and other pollutants from coming inside your car when the air conditioner is running. When it gets too dirty and clogged up, it blocks the cool air flow too. 

CHOOSE SHADED PARKING

Yes, here in Texas, we cherish that shaded parking spot, so this may be a challenge, but do your best. When your car is parked in the sun, it can get up to 172°F inside when the outdoor temp reaches 100°F. Use the windshield shades that are available at auto parts stores to cover the dash vents from the direct sun. This also protects your dashboard too. Cracking a window may help ease the heat some, but it isn’t the safest way to keep your car cooler.

SUPERCHARGE THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

Have your mechanic check the refrigerant level, as it may be getting a bit low, or your system may have a leak in the lines. Better to find out now before your car air conditioning totally quits working. 

DON’T GO MAX AIR IMMEDIATELY

You’re hot, the car is hot, and turning the car air conditioning to max is tempting, but don’t. Even at max setting, the system is still pulling in air over hot vents, even hotter than it is outside. Setting it on maximum cool is just making it work harder, not cooler. Set the fan at max speed and let it blow out the hot air for a few minutes, then turn the setting to “recirculate” for a minute or two, then switch to the maximum cool setting. 

AVOID MIXED SIGNALS

Once all that hot air is forced out of the cabin, crank the temperature to the coldest setting. The middle setting will simply make your car use more gas and the car air conditioning system overall isn’t working at its best either. Use the fan adjustment to minimize the amount of cold air you’re getting. 

What should car air conditioning temperature be?

The refrigerant in a car air conditioning system is an oil substance and critical in the system cooling and working properly. If the system is running with the refrigerant too low, it causes the compressor to fail because it isn’t getting the lubricant it needs. 

To see if your A car air conditioning system is performing at its top level, measure the temperature at the vent with a thermometer. First, drive the car with the air conditioning set on “max”. If the outside temperature is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature at the vent should be between 35 and 48 degrees. If it isn’t, take your car to your mechanic and have them check the system out. 

How long does it take to fix AC in a car?

When it comes to car air conditioning repairs, you can’t set a specific time on the job. The labor, the replacement parts and the supplies are unpredictable. A normal time range is between three to five hours, some could take less time, some could take longer. 

How long does car AC last?

With normal use and annual service checkups, the car air conditioning compressor can last between 8 years and 10 years. Most car owners won’t ever need a new compressor because they trade the car in on a new one every 3 to 5 years. 

Does car air conditioning use gas?

Yes, the energy for your car air conditioning system comes from the alternator, which uses energy from the engine, which takes gasoline. This is why an annual service checkup for your car air conditioning is recommended. If the air conditioning system is having issues, it causes your car to use more gas. 

AUTO AC IS COOL BUT NOT GETTING COLD

When you have your car’s  air conditioning set on ‘max cool’ and the fan on high, but you’re only get cool air, not cold air: 

• Check the cooling fans to make sure they are running. These are located on the condenser or radiator.
• Check for bugs, dirt, or leaves blocking the condenser.
• Check the cabin air filter make sure it isn’t clogged.
• If you have a manifold gauge, check the pressure settings to make sure not too high or too low.
• THE AC COMPRESSOR

When diagnosing an auto air conditioner issue, the compressor is often the problem identified by any of the following. If you determine it is one of these, you need to call an auto ac repair shop and get quotes on repairs:  

• With the car motor running turn the air conditioner on max with the fan blowing high. Is the compressor clutch engaging?  
• If the clutch is not engaging the refrigerant level is okay, check the voltage to the compressor with a voltmeter.
• If the voltage is good, the refrigerant is good, then it is probably the clutch.
• If there isn’t any voltage, it could be a fuse or insufficient refrigerant. 
• ANY LEAKS

One of the biggest problems that auto ac repair shops see is low refrigerant because of a leak. You can do your own search for a leak, then you can call a few ac auto repair shops and see what it will cost to fix. 

• With an UV A/C leak detection kit, follow the instructions and inject the UV dye into the auto ac system. If there is a leak, it will show up around any of the following areas: 
• The fittings – you can tighten these yourself and see if that stops the leak. 
• The compressor hose manifolds.
• The front seal, O-rings at the pressure switches.
• Make sure the hoses aren’t crimped at the fittings.
• Look for leaks at the Schrader Valves.
• Look for leaks on the compress from pin holes.
• Look for any leaks at the evaporator drains.

Why did my car AC stop blowing air?

Some frequently common issues that are why the cold air isn’t blowing in your car could be one of the following:  

• A clogged air intake is keeping air from getting inside the car.
• A clogged air intake is keeping the air from circulating. 
• The ventilation system has a blown fuse. 
• Electrical issues. 
• Blower motor is damaged or frozen.
• Blower resistor is malfunctioning.
• A broken hose within the ventilation system.

You may be able to clear and clean out any clogs an get your auto ac blowing cold again. If that doesn’t help and you aren’t sure how to check fuses, schedule an appointment with your auto ac repair shop. In the meantime, quit using the system, that can cause more problems. 

Why is my car air conditioner not blowing cold air?

Three reasons that can keep an auto ac from blowing cold: :

#1 The AC Refrigerant Needs Charging

When an auto ac isn’t getting cold, a common problem is the refrigerant is low. Today, because of EPA laws and regulations, you’ll need to have an auto ac repair shop charge the system. 

#2 The Refrigerant Leaks

This could be fixed temporarily by recharging the system, but if there is a leak, that expensive refrigerant is going to leak out again. Take your car in for ac auto repair and they will use a dye kit as we mentioned earlier to check for leaks. The technician will fix the leaks and recharge the system. 

#3 The Fan Motor Failed

If the fan motor is frozen or simply quit working, this will keep your auto ac from blowing cold air. This unit is typically found at the front of the car motor. If you have the ac unit on and the motor isn’t kicking in, you’ll need to take your car to a professional ac auto repair shop. 

Fluid Leaking

If there is fluid leaking other than water when you have you auto air conditioning on, it maybe the refrigerant leaking from compressor and the internal bearings. If that is the problem and you keep running the ac, the bearing are going to go bad and burn the compressor up.  

Clutch Stuck 

Auto ac has a clutch, just like a manual shift car does, and that clutch is what connects to ac to the engine for power. If the clutch goes out , the compressor isn’t able to pull from that power and cool your car. 

Like you have your oil changed and tires rotated on routine schedule, you should the air conditioning system checked once a year before the hot weather arrives. Getting the problems early on will keep you cool when that humidity and temps get the 80s and higher. Call 469-608-5410 today for your car ac repair in Dallas, TX.

In most cases, a transmission doesn’t just turn off and stop working. It will start giving you some indications, so you need to know what those indications. These indications tells you to get your car to the mechanic as soon as possible, and hopefully, it isn’t anything more than adding fluid or changing the screen. However, is transmissions rebuild is needed, you don’t want to be caught on the roadway immobilized. Ten indications you should be aware of possible transmission problems are: 

1. Weird Odors

Going down any road, you can notice different odor, but when an odor is coming from your car engine, it isn’t something to ignore, especially if is a burning odor. 

When a transmission is low on fluid or is wearing out, it will overheat and begin to burn. An overheated transmission will cause the engine to overheat because it is trying to compensate.  Or the odor could be coming from something that has wrapped around the exhaust or other areas of the undercarriage, like plastic. 

It could be the engine has overheated and that odor is antifreeze, the heater core, or a number of issues. The best thing to do is have a mechanic check your car over for the odor. 

2. Peculiar Sounds

On television, when a car breakdowns, it jumps a lot and has clunking sounds. That isn’t always the case, but sometimes, in real life, when a car is breaking down, you will have jolting and noises, especially if it is the transmission. A clunking, humming or whiny sound coming from an automatic transmission is something that a mechanic should inspect. 

3. Excess Noise

Any excessive noises from a car should be checked, and if your car is in neutral making noises, definitely have your mechanic examine your car. It may be nothing more than the transmission needs fluid,  or if you or somebody else has added fluid recently, it could be the wrong fluid was used and now your transmission can’t function as intended. It could also be from the gear teeth are worn, something that transmissions rebuild can remedy, or  a transmission replacement is needed. 

4. The Engine Light

It can be too easy to ignore the check engine light, but that is one indicator that shouldn’t be ignored. When that light is a steady red or blinking red, you need to have your car checked out by a mechanic ASAP. 

A car has several sensors as part of the warning system. That blinking check engine light can be something as minor as the gas cap is loose or off. The transmission can also cause the check engine light to activate, and this could be a more serious issue. 

Check engine lights and any jerks or shaking of your car going down the road at the same time could be signals from the transmission sensors. This is time to be concerned and have your mechanic inspect the issue, the sooner the better. 

5. Unresponsive

When a transmission is functioning correctly, it will go into gear easily. If it has any hesitation or is unresponsive, then there is definitely something wrong. It could be low on fluid, the screen is clogged, or transmissions rebuild may be needed if this happening with an automatic transmission.

A manual transmission that has a delay in shifting along with the RPM surging with loud engine noise, it could be the clutch has gone out. Or it could be the transmission is going out and transmissions rebuild, or replacement is needed. 

6. Leaking Fluid

A vehicle has six main fluids that either work the brakes, cool, or lubricate the engine, steer the car, or clean the windshield. If any of these  fluids breakdown or start to leak, refill or replacement needs to be done immediately if the engine is expected to keep working.

This is especially so when your car has an automatic transmission, and the fluid is leaking. You will know this by a sweet smelling  red color fluid under your car.  If that fluid is dark and smells burnt, a transmissions rebuild probably isn’t going to fix your problem, but this is something an experienced mechanic can examine and advise. 

7. Clutch Dragging

A clutch dragging isn’t an issues for an automatic transmission, but a manual transmission with a dragging clutch is an indicator you have problems. If the clutch has extra slack, then it isn’t disengaging and is the clutch will keep spinning. This doesn’t allow the clutch to transfer the power from the engine to the drivetrain and change gears. Your vehicle may need transmissions rebuild or replacement or it may simply need the clutch replaced. 

8. Shaking

A car that shakes  as it shifts gear isn’t a good thing. A normal working transmission should shift smoothly,  not bouncing as it shifts. You may only notice this once every so often, but it should go uninspected because the more it does this, the worse the potential problem can get. Any gradual increase in jerking as your car shifts gears in an automatic car should be inspected by a mechanic. A manual transmission car, this jerking could indicate the clutch needs adjusting or replacing. 

9. Not Going In Gear

Maybe your car won’t go into gear, it could be low on transmission fluid or the transmission screen needs to be changed. With a manual transmission, it could be clutch linkage, or the cables have broken. It could also be the computer, which you can diagnose yourself by disconnecting the battery for 30 minutes then reconnect, start the car, and put into gear.  This often reboots the computer and things begin working again. 

10. Gears Slipping 

Your car relies on yours or the engine input to tell the transmission to shift gears. If your car slips between those gear changes, or changes gears without yours or the engine’s input, it needs to be examined by a mechanic.  If it isn’t a fluid or screen issue, your car may need transmissions rebuild or replacement. 

What happens when you rebuild a transmission?

Transmissions rebuilding begins with the transmission being removed from the car then it is dismantled.  The parts are then placed in a parts washer with specific chemicals.  The transmission is then put back together using all new gaskets and seals. Then the mechanic will replace the transmission rebuild grease, new screen, and new fluid as the transmission is replaced in the car. 

An automatic transmission will  often fail when it reaches 80,000 and could last up to 150,000 miles. A manual transmission will fail sooner because of the moving parts.  than that, especially when routine maintenance is neglected.

If the car has 150,000 miles on it already, a new transmission would be the better choice. However, if you can’t afford a new one, transmissions rebuild would be your next option. Buying a new car is a huge investment that will require a payment every month, higher insurance rates, and more. Is this something you can afford? Call 469-608-5410 today for your transmission rebuild needs in Dallas, TX.

Yes, but to give you the cost of a Mercedes suspension repair isn’t possible, in fact, you can’t quote that for any make or model of a car, only a vague ballpark figure. A Mercedes suspension repair should only be done by an authorized Mercedes technician, which, yes, that will cost more than an average mechanic garage, but there is a reason. Mercedes trains mechanics, often the mechanic is sent to the factory for training to become a certified Mercedes technician. 

The cost will include not just the factory trained labor, but the parts, which will be Mercedes brand parts if the technician is doing their job correctly. Using off brand parts on a Mercedes is only providing your Mercedes suspension a temporary band-aid that could encourage further damage.

Any mechanic may try to save you money by only repair the side of the Mercedes suspension you’re concerned about. A factory trained technician will know that repair and replacing both sides is s must for proper repair that will last. 

What causes suspension damage?

If you’ve had your Mercedes suspension repaired multiple times, you may be wondering why does car suspension break so frequently? Is it a poorly made car? Believe it or not, it is more likely due to how you’re driving.  

Certain driving habits and manners can ruin a Mercedes suspension over time and right away. Yes, there are the potholes and road debris that can’t be avoided, but there are things  you can do to give your Mercedes suspension, and the entire car, a longer lifespan: 

• Avoid Slamming the Brakes: Unless  the need is absolutely necessary, avoid do not slam on the brakes. That action locks the wheels, or it can engage the anti-lock braking system when it’s not necessary. If you are a driver that tends to tailgate while your foot is on the brake, change your driving habit and style. 
• A Speed Bump Is for Entertainment: A speed bump isn’t meant to be a form of entertaining by flying over them as quick as you can. When speed bumps are hit hard, it is a hit to your Mercedes’ suspension and can damage it as well as blow out the tires. 
• Watch the Weight Limit: Yes, your Mercedes, or any vehicle, has a weight limit that the engineers designed the car to handle with ease. When exceed that maximum weight limit, you’re putting stress on your Mercedes suspension. 
• Preventative Maintenance: Your Mercedes wasn’t a cheap investment and taking care of that investment includes preventative maintenance. This is getting the oil changed regularly, having all the fluids checked, the tires rotated, and more. Yes, it can be an  inconvenience for an hour or so, but not as inconvenient as have your Mercedes suspension repaired, taking a week or longer. 
• Limit Your Adventures: The everyday basic Mercedes suspension isn’t meant for off-roading. If that is your hobby, have a off-roading vehicle just that purpose, never drive your Mercedes on a terrain it isn’t designed to be driven. 

What does a bad suspension sound like?

  If your Mercedes car suspension is squeaking, it needs to be inspected by a Mercedes technician immediately.  A squeaking sound from the suspension is a telltale signs of a worn out suspension system. When it is ignored and not addressed, it can wear down to a metal on metal and become a louder knocking sound. 

What Problems Do Land Rovers Have?

Are you wondering what problems land rovers have? If this is the case, you will want to review the following list to discover what problems land rovers are reputed to have.

• Head gasket failure.
• Heater core failure.
• Leaking oil.
• Leaks around oil cooler lines.
• Leaks around valve cover gaskets.

If you have experienced any of these troubling problems, it is important for you to seek out a land rover mechanic expert. 

How Often Does a Land Rover Need an Oil Change?

Oil changes are extremely important for vehicles. Oil lubricates the moving parts of the engine, ensuring that it will perform despite the prevailing weather conditions. Your car owner’s manual, which should be located in your glove department, will reveal all the information you need pertaining to when you should get an oil change. Generally speaking, you should get an oil change every fifteen thousand miles. For your 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport oil and filter should be changed every fifteen thousand miles, while synthetic oil is supposed to be changed every seven thousand five hundred miles to ten thousand miles.

What is Covered Under Land Rover Warranty?

Are you wondering what is covered under your land rover warranty? Let’s go over a few basic details. An extended warranty will cover Land Rovers for up to ten years or one-hundred thousand miles, whichever milestone comes first. This warranty will include all electrical and mechanical failure defects to all or most factory-fitted components. It will also cover certain consequential failures.

How Often Should You Service a Land Rover Discovery?

Are you wondering how often you should service a land rover discovery? According to the Land Rover dealership website, it is recommended for individuals to bring in their Land Rover discovery into the dealership to have it services every fifteen thousand miles. You could even bring in your vehicle with more frequency. As the website stipulates, there is no harm in bringing your vehicle in to get an oil change before fifteen thousand miles hits.

How Much Land Rover Service

Your Land Rover should run well for many years to come. If you have observed one of the common problems that occurs with land rover service, then it is important for you to get your vehicle to the auto repair shop immediately. Annually, the cost for your vehicle to be operated on can be costly. That is why it is important for you to save some money for repairs on a yearly basis.

How Do I Know if My Land Rover Has a Service Plan

Are you wondering if your land rover has an applicable service plan? It is important to understand that every Land Rover vehicle that is protected by prepaid maintenance receives the care that it needs. You can purchase a pre-paid maintenance plan before the first service. This maintenance plan will cover checking and topping off the fluid levels, among other maintenance cares. Moreover, these fluids are the brake fluid, the coolant fluid, the windshield fluid, and DEF.

Is Land Rover Service Plan Worth It

If your dealership is offering a Land Rover Service Plan, you may absolutely wonder if it is worth the added cost. According to a leading Land Rover authority, the warranty that is offered by Land Rover is a fair deal and is worth the cost of the coverage. It’s also vital to remember, however, that the dealership will over a service plan that will be more expensive than a third-party alternative. If you happen to find a verified auto mechanic that can work on your Land Rover, it’s worth looking into. Your money is important, and investing it wisely will reap good dividends.

When you need land rover repair in Dallas, TX, you deserve a consultation from the experts. You can always reach our office at 469-608-5410.

How do you scan a BMW?

The diagnostics for BMW will produce a fault codes retrieved from the vehicle’s computer memory system. There can be more than one computer unit in some cars, each controlling a different aspect of the car, among those units are: 

• Brakes
• Engine
• Suspension
• Windshield Wipers
• And more

With proper BMW diagnostics equipment, the mechanic is able to identify the precise cause of the problem the BMW owner is having with their vehicle. A BMW diagnostics test can expose several problems within a BMW, including these area and more: 

• Cooling System 
• Engine
• Exhaust System
• Gas
• Oil
• Transmission

How long does a diagnostic test take for a car?

Today, the tools used to scan and read BMW diagnostics are instrumental in a mechanic being able to isolate the problems. However, even though the tools used to read a BMW diagnostics are helpful, there are some instances that even with the BMW diagnostics rans, the mechanic may not be able to determine the cause and problem that the dashboard lights are indicating, or why a BMW broke down. 

The time for standard diagnostic testing will typically take between one to two hours. If there are more complicated problems, further BMW diagnostics is needed, and some components may need to be removed for the mechanic to gain access for further testing. In this case, BMW diagnostics can take up to three hours depending on the issue and its severity or if multiple issues are discovered that were underlying of what would be obvious. 

What is the best diagnostic tool for BMW?

Professional mechanics trained to service a BMW will likely have a BMW diagnostics tool the prefer or the dealership provides one they want used. If you’re a car enthusiast that prefers to work on your own BMW, or you’re looking for a way to save some money, the scan tool used by BMW mechanics is priceless in value. You don’t have to choose the most expensive one either, because over time, regardless what you spend on a BMW diagnostics tool, you’ll find that it is worth the investment. 

A BMW diagnostics tool is referred to as an OBD machine. OBD is abbreviated for on-board-diagnostics and is a  code reader that gives your mechanic, or you, the ability to check and troubleshoot the various features and systems of your BMW.  The OBD can scan the airbag, anti-lock brake system, engine, transmission, and other components. Here we list what we consider to be the three best BMW diagnostics tools:  

• BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scanner: It is considered by mechanics to be the best for affordability and provides the professional diagnostics needed. Although this unit does not have a built-in screen, it will transmit your BMW diagnostics data to your mobile device which probably has a better screen resolution.

• Autel MaxiCOM MK808 OBD2 Scan Tool: This BMW diagnostics tool is more expensive than many, but it also offers more, including a seven inch LCD touchscreen.

• Autel Maxisys Elite Professional Auto Diagnostic Tool: This unit is expensive and typically purchased by large garages and dealerships for professional mechanic’s use. 

Additionally, BMW remote diagnostics are possible by a BMW mechanic if the owner of the vehicles activates two services through their iDrive operating system installed at the BMW factor and are for BMW use only: 

• BMW Teleservices Diagnosis
• BMW Teleservices Assistance 

• Wiper Blades: Over time, wiper blades dry out and become cracked and split. This gives you wiper blades that are slow and squeaky and almost useless, which is not what you need when you get off work and have to drive home in the rain or snow and on ice.  Check with your mechanic for the best type of blades to have for winter weather driving. 
• Tire Air Pressure: Have your mechanic check the tire pressure as recommended by the tire manufacturer for your specific vehicle. When the roads get icy, you want good tires with proper air inflation so that your car is stable on the road. 
• Tire Tread: Speaking of tires, have your mechanic check the tire tread too. You could have the right amount of air, but that won’t do you much good if the tread is thin. This part of winterizing your car is important, even though it may seem minute. 
• Winter Tires: In areas where there are constant ice and snow, winterize your car with snow tires or all-season tires to get extra traction on icy, snow-covered terrain.  Your mechanic should advise you if your tire tread is sufficient or if you need a different winter tire. 
• Winter Tools: Winterize your car by supplying it with booster cables, an ice scraper, gloves, and other winter tools that are in easy access. If you live in areas where the snow tends to get deep, put a cat litter and a shovel in your trunk. 
• Battery Check: It’s always been thought that winter is the hardest on a car battery, and while that is true to some extent, summer is harder. The scorching temperatures can drain a battery, so make sure your battery is full of charge and ready for winter. Have your mechanic check the cables and the connections, and if your battery is on the cusp of its expiration date, consider buying a new one now before you get stuck roadside in the dark. 
• Oil Change: As motor oil ages, it becomes thicker and, in the winter, even thicker. When the oil is too thick, it can’t work like it needs to. Winterize your car, have the oil changed before winter arrives, and ask the technician to check all the fluids. 
• The Doors: When the weather is really cold, sometimes car doors get stuck. Do a thorough cleaning with oil in the keyholes and hinges.  This goes for the hood and trunk too.
• The Coolant Fresh: It isn’t called antifreeze for nothing! Another important thing to winterize your car is to make sure your car has ample amount recommended by the manufacturer or your mechanic. If it hasn’t been completely changed out in a while, it may be time to have it drained, and fresh antifreeze added. 
• Heater Flush: Flushing the heater will winterize your car engine by cleaning the heater core out. The engine coolant can’t work right if it can’t circulate, which means your car isn’t going to warm up very quickly on those cold mornings. 

Does my car need antifreeze in the winter?

Yes! For winter driving, make sure you have your car’s cooling system checked, and it has the proper amount of antifreeze is an essential part of the process of winterizing your car. The cooling system includes the heater core, hoses, radiator, thermostat, and water pump.  Without antifreeze, the water in the motor will freeze and crack the engine. Antifreeze contains anti-corrosion agents that keep the heater core and radiator from having a limescale build-up inside. When that happens, your car’s interior can’t heat up quickly or not at all.

Should you warm up your car?

Well, there are mixed opinions on that matter. Before 1980 to 1990, older cars were carbureted, and warming up period was needed for the car to get the proper air and fuel mix to run right. Today, cars are fuel injected, and that warming up period isn’t necessary. 

However, regardless of the car’s age, there are car enthusiasts, some mechanics, and shade tree mechanics that say you should allow your car to run for a minute before putting it in gear and driving off. Why?  It gives the oil a chance to get up to the top of the motor (internally) and get the pistons, rods, and valves lubricated.  During winter, oil tends to thicken up, so warming could be more crucial in some cars.  This is why getting the winterize your car process should include getting the oil changed, so the oil is fresh. Again, this is a back-n-forth opinion, and best to read the owner’s manual for your car and/or ask your mechanic. 

How often should I start my car in cold weather?

To keep the battery healthy, a part of winterizing your car should include daily starting is recommended by most mechanics, even if you don’t drive it daily. Simply letting the engine run for a few minutes each day will keep the battery charged. If you have an old battery, daily starting won’t do it much good, and you can probably expect to buy a new battery before winter is over. 

To winterize your car for storage and keep the battery healthy is to disconnect it from the cables. This will require you to reset the clock and your radio stations when you bring the car out again, but your battery should be charged and healthy! 

Is frost bad for car paint?

Winter conditions aren’t good for a car, especially if it has a poor paint job. If there are any inconsistencies in the paint job or the protective layer, cold temperatures, frost, or ice can cause the paint to bubble and warp. 

In addition to the temperatures, the salt on the road can erode the paint and the undercarriage. The best solution to winterize your car and prevent this from happening is to keep your car in the garage and not drive. Unfortunately, that isn’t feasible for most of us, so keep your car washed off as much as possible during the winter to get the salt off the pain and undercarriage. 

So, yes, there are some car repairs that can be done without replacing the part in question, like electrical components of your transmission, or the external components like bushings and shifter cables.  Some bad news for you: everything with your car’s transmission cannot be  fixed from the outside.

The transmission is built with a melody of gears, levers, synchro, and other devices. While attempts can be made to fix a transmission by only fixing easily parts accessible on the exterior, the issue may not be addressed. 

This what we would refer to as a “band-aid” fix, which would have limited warranty, if any, and any future problems won’t be covered. You could end up having a true transmission rebuild or worse, replacing the transmission. 

Is it worth fixing my transmission?

Depending on the car make, model, year, and which transmission it has, a transmission rebuild can cost a rather good amount of change, starting around $2500 and up. While that is a lot of money for the immediate time, it can save you money over the short-term and keep a new car payment at bay. 

That initial cost of a transmission rebuild may be worthwhile for you and not your neighbor, everyone’s budget is different. It goes without saying of course, that you want to choose a mechanic that has the experience and knows how to rebuild a transmission. This isn’t something that you want a novice mechanic to attempt.

Is it better to rebuild or replace a transmission?

When your car quits rolling because the transmission died, it is an unplanned expense. Your mechanic gives you some options, one being a transmission replacement vs transmission rebuild, but which one is better? 

Is the problem a big  enough problem that the only option is to replace it with a new transmission? Or will a transmission rebuild, changing a few components inside it, be enough? Which way is the better way? Why repair or rebuild a transmission?

Sometimes, mechanically, the option for repair isn’t possible because enough of the parts have quit, or there is damage to the transmission, rebuild isn’t possible.  So, with that in mind, you have to trust your mechanic’s advice, or seek a second opinion. 

Financially, immediately, a transmission rebuild is the less expensive way to go when using new factory parts like the bands, clutch, gaskets, and seals. Once the mechanic gets your transmission out and taken apart, they may find it needs a new torque converter and solenoid, which will raise the cost. 

So, with all this information, you’re probably wondering, “Can I rebuild a transmission on my own?”, and we recommend that you don’t. If you’re a shade tree mechanic, backyard buddy mechanic, you may have a working mechanical mind, but do you know what goes into a transmission rebuild? 

If the vehicle isn’t something you need to get back and forth to work, a transmission rebuild project can be a worthwhile experience. However, with all the internet research, you may find yourself overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask a seasoned mechanic for help. Call 469-608-5410 today for your transmission replacement in Dallas, TX.

The oil pan is an external, vital part of the engine’s lubrication system. An engine needs oil to circulates through the parts of the engine, so they stay lubricated. That lubrication reduces friction and keeps all the engine parts working smoothly.

Without oil, there would be friction between the engine parts and, in a short time, destroy the engine, aka, blow it up. The oil pan is essential in keeping the oil from leaking out, keeping it contained within the lubrication system. There is a gasket that fits on the oil pan and against the engine that creates a seal.

Is a oil pan leak bad?

You never want your car to run out of oil. As we covered earlier, the oil is necessary to keep the engine running smooth. If the engine runs out of oil, all those metal parts that depend on the oil can’t get oil to them. A disaster is in the making.

So, yes. An oil pan leak is terrible, but the better news, it is usually not the pan itself leaking, but the oil pan gasket. Remember, the gasket seals the oil pan to the engine to keep the oil in the engine and the oil pan.  Here, we offer a few signs that are telling you that your car has a possible oil leak that needs immediate attention: 

1. Vehicle is Smoking: If your vehicle has a loose or worn oil pan gasket, you may see the engine smoking as the oil is leaking from the oil pan and landing on the exhaust manifold. The smoke from your vehicle can cause components like the oxygen sensors to malfunction if they become covered in oil, which could make our vehicle run bad or not run at all.
2. Overheating Engine: The engine oil not only keeps the metal parts lubricated, but it also keeps the engine cool along with the radiator coolant. When there is an oil pan leak, the oil level will drop, and that causes the engine to overheat. An overheated engine that isn’t attended to will cause extensive damage that could result in needing a new engine.
3. Oil puddles: Oil puddles under a vehicle are not normal and could be that leaking oil pan gasket is because the gasket has reached its life expectancy and is beginning to deteriorate. The oil pan gasket is exposed to heat that your vehicle generates with the engine and the roadways. Because it is a rubber-type material, that heat will dry it out over time, and eventually, it can begin to leak.
4. Low Oil Levels: Sometimes, oil pan gasket leaks exceedingly small, almost undetectable. There is a warning light on the dashboard of your vehicle is essential to your vehicle maintenance and ownership. When the oil is below the ‘normal’ full level, that light will come on, and that is when you need to take your vehicle to your mechanic and have it checked.      

Can you drive without an oil pan?

Yes, drive your vehicle without an oil pan, but it isn’t recommended.  Not only would you be putting your vehicle’s engine under stress, but you’ll lose the aerodynamics of your vehicle too. There are air inlets in the belly tray where the oil pan is located. It also helps your car remain stable at high speeds. It also keeps the oil inside the pan cool, so the engine doesn’t blow up.

Sometimes an oil pan is leaking from the gasket. Again, this is something you can take to your mechanic or an oil lube shop.  Or you can do it yourself, using the following steps:

1. Make sure your vehicle is on level ground and put an oil drain pan under it.
2. Unscrew the drain plug and let the oil run out.  
3. Remove any car accessories that are in the way of accessing the oil pan.
4. Remove all the bolts from the oil pan. The owner’s manual may tell you how many bolts there are, or you can do an internet search.
5. Use a solvent to clean the oil pan and check the oil pan for cracks and holes.
6. Install a new gasket following the package instructions.
7. Replace the oil pan, making sure you get all the bolts installed without cross-threading them.
8. Add new oil then start the vehicle. Allow it to run a couple of minutes, then turn it off.
9. If you see any oil leaks, check the drain plug and oil pan bolts, making sure they are tight without overtightened or cross-threaded.
10.  If there is still a leak, your vehicle may need a new oil pan, or it could be a more internal problem.

How does an oil pan get damaged?

Your mechanic tells you that your vehicle’s oil pan is cracked or has a hole. How did that happen?! The oil pan is under a lot of stress these days with a person’s driving style, the weather, the roadways, and the condition of the oil inside the engine.

As you drive on the roadways today, you’ll notice more of them need repair – yes, it is all around the country, not just the roads in your city or state. As you drive down them, debris and rocks fly up and hit the underside of your car. It can be just one rock or stick hit the oil pan precisely in the right spot, and you got a leak! Call 469-608-5410 today for your auto service need.

Which BMW is the Most Reliable?

Are you wondering which BMW is the most reliable of the league of excellent vehicles that BMW produces? It’s important to note that although the BMW E90 325I and 328i are apparently some of the most reliable BMWs, they are not fault-proof. Each BMW engine that was made after 1990 came with VANOS. VANOS is known as a variable valve timing system. It is used by BMW on various automotive engines and has been in use since 1992.

Why are BMWs So Unreliable?

Unfortunately, BMW’s have attained a reputation for not being very reliable. But is this assessment well-deserved? According to Consumer Reports, BMW has not scored above average since 2007. The BMW 5 Series came third in that list. Furthermore, Consumer Reports recorded that cars between four and eight years old are more likely than any other car to be off the road, with the 3 Series being the likeliest car to be so.

What Year is the Most Reliable BMW 3 Series?

Among long-term car owners, it is generally agreed that the most dependable Series since the E46 is the F30, between 2012 and 2018. The F30 may be the most reliable Series since the E46, but it may not feel as solidly constructed as some of the old versions.

What is High Mileage for a BMW 3 Series?

BMW, which stands for the Bavarian Engine Works Company, has a long line of great cars with high-mileage marks. It is a universally recognized fact that with regular engine maintenance and oil changes, that a vehicle will last longer on the road. With that in mind, a BMW 3 Series can last two-hundred thousand to two-hundred and fifty thousand miles with good maintenance.

What are Common BMW Problems?

Most Common BMW Problems

Are you looking for a list of the most common BMW problems? If so, please review the following list to discover more about the four most common problems and repairs on BMWs.

• The engine cooling system. The engine cooling system is critical for the health of a vehicle. This is no less true for BMWs. When the vehicle overheats, it is generally due to a coolant leak or a faulty water pump. A certified BMW technician is the best person to get to the bottom of the issue.
• Oil leak. If you notice a puddle of oil underneath your car’s engine, it will be important for you to get it checked out as soon as possible. The same is true if you smell burning oil while you are driving. An oil leak can be caused by many factors, including a leaky valve cover gasket or a defunct fuel pump.
• Your steering wheel is vibrating while you brake. This is a common problem in the BMW 3 Series. One of your thrush arm bushings could be at fault.
• Your tail lamp assembly. If your vehicle has triggered a notification that states
  “Check Rear Lamp/Brake Lamp”, it means that there is probably a bad bulb connection at the tail lamp circuit board.

Common BMW Issues

As previously mentioned, there are many common BMW issues that can be addressed. The best person to consult in such circumstances is a trained BMW technician. He or she will be familiar with BMW vehicles and be able to maneuver through the problems quite seamlessly.

If you are experiencing any common BMW problems in Dallas, TX, please feel free to give our experienced mechanics a call. We are here to help and are always available at 469-608-5410.