All Posts in "Car News"

Car Diagnosing Problems That Trigger Engine Noise

Engine noise suggests a problem has developed that will worsen over time. Unlike a catalytic converter that fails suddenly, pinging, knocking, and clicking sounds tend to slowly build in intensity. If the root causes are addressed during the early stages, they can often be resolved without extensive repairs. On the other hand, if you allow them to persist, you risk exposing your engine to severe – and expensive – damage.

In this article, I’ll describe the most common forms of engine noise and explain what causes them. We’ll take a look at clicking, knocking, pinging, and detonation. If you notice any of the following noises coming from your engine, have the underlying problems fixed quickly. Otherwise, you may unwittingly set the stage for a costly overhaul.

Oil Pressure And Worn Parts

Low oil pressure can cause a clicking noise that grows louder as your RPMs rise. The easiest item to check is your oil level. If it’s low, replenish it. If low levels persist, check for leaks. If you’re unable to find any, have a mechanic check to see whether you’re burning oil.

Next, look at the pressure gauge. If the pressure is low, the valvetrain parts may react noisily. Low oil pressure may be due to an oil pump that has developed a blockage or become worn, or a filter that has become clogged. If you live in a cold area, valvetrain noise may be partly due to using an oil with a heavy viscosity. Switching to a lighter … Read More ...

John Preslar by — August 22, 2020 in Car News
Don’t Overheat! How to Protect Your Car Engine in Summer

The summer is a great time to take your car out for a ride – The wind in your hair, beautiful weather, and exhilaration of speed is what every serious driver lives for. However, before you hit the road this summer, be sure that your car is adequately prepped to deal with the hot climate. Most cars are prone to overheating, especially during the summer climate. By properly caring for your engine, you can avoid being stuck in hot situations.

How Often to Change Your Oil

If you neglect to change your oil regularly, sludge will accumulate in your engine, greatly diminishing performance, gas mileage, and even causing premature engine failure. Oil changes are especially important in the summer months because oil is used quicker in hot weather.

It is recommended that you change your oil every 4-5 months or 4-5 thousand miles. In summer months, however, you may want to do an oil change every 3-4 months or 3-4 thousand miles. Changing your oil is especially important if you find yourself stuck in traffic in hot weather. Engine sludge accumulates around engine cylinders, pistons, and other engine surfaces – This results in damage to the engine and decreases performance. Also, don’t forget to change your oil filter when performing an oil change! The filter keeps dirt and other harmful materials out of the engine components – a clogged filter will greatly diminish engine performance.

Depending on the prevailing weather, one may choose either a lighter or heavier grade of … Read More ...

John Preslar by — August 14, 2020 in Car News
Hurricane Sandy: The Devastation of New Jersey and Its Impact on the Car Industry

While it cannot be denied that Hurricane Sandy caused serious destruction along its path, there is certainly one good thing that exited it – it brought the very best away from people. So, as it caused immense physical injury to property and business interruption enough to be considered since the second-costliest Atlantic hurricane after Katrina, Hurricane Sandy inevitably strengthened a lot of people’s faith within their fellowmen.

Like most industries, the auto industry was also suffering from the disaster. A lot of cars were either flooded-out or tree-flattened through the height in the storm’s fury. So, exactly what does it mean for the industry? Let us take particular notice.

Another Look at Hurricane Sandy

While Hurricane Sandy started being a Category 1 storm, it quickly became a Category 2 storm which made a good part of the Caribbean, mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States devastated. It likewise affected the Southeastern and Midwestern states to your slightly lesser degree. This horrific natural disaster caused $65.6 billion in losses and claimed the lives of 131 people everywhere in the United States.

However, Sandy’s tale of disaster is not confined inside the United States. It wrought havoc in six other countries, including Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and Canada where it also caused considerable harm to life and properties.

The Impact of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey

New Jersey was one of the states that took the worst beating from this natural disaster. For the record, over 70,000 homes and … Read More ...

John Preslar by — June 13, 2020 in Car News
Auto Parts – Your Budget Saver

Auto Parts - Your Budget Saver

Finding great but affordable auto parts can be a hassle and for families searching for ways to reduce their costs, it can mean a world of difference to find parts that they will not have to replace again after a few months, as well as conditioning a good price to begin with.

After Resolving The Major Budget Busters

It takes some time and expertise to find the hidden costs that can be reduced significantly. Very few of us are qualified to perform major work on our automobiles, so most of us use qualified mechanics for a variety of routine auto maintenance. By browsing the net for good parts before leaving it to your local mechanic can be a wise thing to do, since a repair shop always takes out a hefty margin profit on parts from their stock.

Each Person Comes Equipped With A Different Experience And Skill

When it comes down to automobile maintenance that they can perform by themselves. But most of us, given the time to look into it, can replace light bulbs or covers, windshield wipers, changing oil, replacing fluids, and a variety of other maintenance acts. Those who are more adept at automobile maintenance can perform more complicated tasks.

On Occasion, We All Find Ourselves In A Situation Where We Need Spare Parts Quickly

We normally have some advance notice when we need a new battery. Sometimes it may be difficult to start, or the pretty obvious one when you find your battery dead and … Read More ...

John Preslar by — February 27, 2020 in Car News
Thailand’s Automotive Industry Recovers and Prepares for Export Growth

Thailand's Automotive Industry Recovers and Prepares for Export Growth

Thailand is the ASEAN Automotive Hub, with the largest vehicle assembly capacity and high-quality parts manufacturing capability from any country in the region.

Rebounding from last year’s flood crisis, Thailand’s automotive industry which was devastated including parts and accessories saw potential growth in the export market through increased production and innovation.

Manufacturers such as Honda, Toyota and Chevrolet have been fast in their recovery, which ultimately increased investment and demand from the global economy.

Innovation and New Product Development

As there has been speedy growth, new products are being launched by car-makers with attention towards Eco-friendly or hybrid cars in support of Thailand to be an Eco-car production powerhouse. The top 5 companies taking part in this initiative are Honda, Toyota, Suzuki, Nissan and Mitsubishi.

Current popular hybrid or Eco-cars are:

• Nissan March

• Honda Brio

• Suzuki Swift

• New Honda Jazz hybrid

Also recently this year, Mitsubishi launched its first and new global compact car – Mirage with exports to Japan in July this year and then to the ASEAN, European and other markets respectively.

Auto parts

There are around 1,800 automotive parts suppliers in Thailand, of which around 700 are available as OEMs.

For exports, the auto parts industry is rather complicated and difficult. Many automotive manufacturers in Thailand already have exclusive contracts with their customers and cannot produce for their competitors also. Also small manufacturers cannot cope with large and specialized orders.

However, the Thai Department of Trade, just this year hosted the Thailand Auto … Read More ...

John Preslar by — December 8, 2019 in Car News