Mike’s Auto Tips

The luxury car you drive may seem to be work fine, but you do need to “stay in touch” if you want to avoid problems that could leave you stranded. Having the car towed to a mechanic you never worked with has its own set of worries so remember to pay attention while driving. Then you can nip problems before they start and let your usual certified mechanic do the repairs. How can you stay in touch with your car? It’s easy.

What You Hear, See, and Feel is the Key

In today’s world we get in the car and go. The kids have their many devices to keep them occupied and as a driver we have the radio, Bluetooth cell phone, and even talking emails. All of these distractions may lead to you not hearing your engine, wheels, or exhaust system tell you when something goes wrong. Get into your car alone and start the engine. Give it a listen. Then go for a short, no communications drive.

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We like to think every month is the month to take care of cars. However, October is ‘car care month’ and for good reason. The coming winter means your car better be ready to go and not give you any trouble; especially if you’re traveling far from home visiting relatives or on business. Even if your car is in great shape, prepare for the worst with an emergency kit that contains warning triangles or flares, some snacks, gloves, a hat, ice melt, flashlight, batteries, and a snow shovel.

Winter Auto Maintenance Tips

All your fluids need to be checked before the winter. Summer driving can do a number on the levels. Now that air-conditioning use will end, it’s time to think about the heater and defroster. You should have your radiator checked, flushed and refilled to get ready for the winter. And don’t forget to add windshield washer fluid and check the hoses leading from the reservoir.

Wiper blades should be replaced as the summer heat alone can wear them, and bad wipers can dangerously reduce visibility during rain and snow. All hoses and belts should be inspected as well. The tires are one of the most important winter checks. Check tread and inflation to ensure good traction and safe handling during winter driving.

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The best motor vehicles in the world still need to be cared for. Nipping problems in the bud is the still best maintenance schedule known to mechanics. The bad tie rod can have an effect on steering and in a sudden stopping scenario. You may lose enough control to hit the curb or another object while you’re braking and trying to avoid an oncoming car. The worn out tie rod end has even caused some vehicles to lose a wheel while driving, but that’s a worst-case scenario.

The most common signs of tie rod problems are the following:

• You’re slowly making a turn and you hear a clicking or knocking noise,
• Your car is pulling to one side or the other when braking,
• The steering wheel resists returning to center after a turn.
• Bad tire wear; faulty tie rods can lead to wear on the inside or outside tread of your tires.

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Sitting in your car during hot weather can be miserable. With the windshield magnifying the heat in the cabin, you feel like you’re in a greenhouse. In the 1930s, Packard Motor Car Company offered a weather conditioner in some models (it was a $274 Option), but there were problems in the design and it was discontinued during the war. Chrysler and GM in the ‘50s began offering air conditioning. Today it’s a standard option, not a fancy upgrade, and considering the Pacific Northwest’s weather this year automotive air conditioning is more vital than ever before. Just like every other working part of the car, A/C maintenance is necessary for your car to stay cool and efficient this summer.

Keeping Things Cool Inside the Air Conditioner

The main working items for your car’s air conditioner are the compressor, condenser, and the coolant. You’re A/C works by removing some of the heat from the air and sending cooled air back into the cabin. This system is a refinement of the process used by your refrigerator. Like any machine, this part of your car needs regular auto maintenance to keep working well.

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The timing belt on your European car is very important. A broken timing belt can do much more than just stop your car. If your automobile has what is known as an interference engine, a snapped timing belt could lead to major piston or valve damage and a much more costly repair. For example a BMW 325i or 525 both have an interference engine and there are many other American and Japanese cars that also have this type of configuration.

The timing belt, or timing chain as some vehicles have, is a turning belt that synchronizes the camshaft and crankshaft movements. This ensures proper opening and closing of valves during the combustion and exhaust strokes. It may also drive your water pump. When it breaks, your engine will stop and require a tow. The pertinent question is how do you know when to replace your timing belt to prevent this damage?

Warning Signs that the Timing Belt is Wearing Out

There are three signs that you may need a timing belt change.

• A loud whining or whirring noise when you start the engine
• Look at the belt and if there are signs of wear or oil spots you could be ready for a new belt
• Difficulty starting the car may indicate one of many problems including a worn out belt ready to break.

The timing belt can be changed by a mechanic. You should find a well-rated specialty shop if you own a German or British made automobile. For instance some vehicles need other parts replaced when changing the timing belt. Some do-it-yourselfers and even experienced mechanics may forget these parts when trying to save money on the job.

You can have your belt checked when you have your oil changed or when you get a tune-up. If you have purchased a used car this should definitely be done by a mechanic – especially if you don’t know when or if the belt has ever been replaced.

Trust your foreign auto repair in Mukilteo to the Star-certified professionals at Classic Motorsports. We specialize in German and British automobiles and serve Snohomish County with the best parts available while keeping our repair prices lower than those charged at the dealership.

Edited by Justin Vorhees

BMW Timing Belt Replacement in Mukilteo, WA