Category: Automotive

Automotive Cooling System

Overheating is a serious problem for a car. When your car overheats and you see its temperature gauge has red-lined, you should stop driving right away. Ok, your car may not be blown up or bursts into flames, but continuing to drive while your engine is overheating can severely damage your vehicle.

In such a situation, the best thing to do is to pull over and address the problem immediately. If you insist on driving, you’ll be taking too much risk, which can lead to more serious damage or even a disaster that could threaten your safety.

Incorrect Circulation of Engine Coolant

If the antifreeze and water mixture doesn’t circulate properly, the engine will begin to overheat. The mixture acts as a deterrent to both overheating and overcooling conditions, which are equally detrimental to the engine. It’s better to check your cooling system regularly to make sure that it works as it should be.

Just because there are no leaks doesn’t mean everything will always be alright, because the coolant can evaporate overtime. To temporarily stop your engine from overheating, you can add about half a cup of water to the antifreeze reservoir before you head to an auto shop for a proper repair.

The Cooling System is Leaked

If you see constantly-low coolant fluid levels, it’s an indication that there’s a leak in the cooling system. If this is happening to your car, you can contact us today to book an appointment. We’ll locate the leak and provide an inexpensive estimate for the repair.

A Hose is Due to Replacement

Hoses are an important part of the cooling system since they circulate hot coolant. It takes just a partial blockage in hoses to make them work improperly and cause a problem. When they’re not circulating the right amount of coolant, heat will build up inside the engine. If you visit our shop, we’ll also check for this issue during an inspection.

There’s a More Serious Malfunction

If your engine overheats but you don’t notice any abnormal levels of water and antifreeze, then your engine may have a severe malfunction. You should take your car to a professional mechanic as soon as possible. We can identify problems to help avoid more costly repairs in the future.

Things To Do When Your Engine Overheats

To cool down an overheating car engine, you can do the following things:

● Turn the AC off. By doing so, you’re reducing load on your engine.
● Turn on the heater. It takes some heat from the engine into the car. You may not like doing this on a hot day (which is when most cars overheat), but it does help transfer heat away from your engine.
● Rev your engine in neutral or park. This causes the water pump and the fan to run faster, drawing more water and air through the radiator and dissipating more heat.
● Raise your car hood. By leaving the hood open, you allow the heat under it to escape quickly and let fresh air come in to cool down the engine. However, you should be careful when opening the hood, as superheated steam may come out.

Last but not least, you must never try to remove the radiator cap while the engine’s temperature is high. It can cause the hot coolant to spray out and scald your whole body. Get Leahy’s Auto to handle these matters for you. Don’t hesitate to contact your local branch before its too late.

The coolant is a liquid used by vehicles specifically in the radiator, and is distributed through all the cooling channels of the engine block, and fulfills the function of preventing unwanted temperature rises that damage the engine itself. It also prevents the car’s cooling system from freezing on the lowest temperature days during the winter.

The coolant acts on the internal pipes of the engine causing a significant decrease in the formation of corrosion as its characteristics efficiently inhibit the formation of rust in this part of the engine.

It is not enough to emphasize the importance of constant and timely review of this liquid in the car’s radiator. The engines can often present leaks of the coolant, and this is due to a diversity of reasons. Read the entire article and you’ll discover the consequences of coolant leaks on your vehicle.

Causes of Coolant Leaks

Damaged camera packaging

If this gasket deteriorates, the coolant passes into the cylinders of the engine block, and when it joins the oil, it causes the oil to lose its lubricating qualities. It also creates rust on the walls of the cylinders, creating the danger that the pistons no longer work properly and therefore the engine may become stuck.

You may find that this gasket is deteriorating when the car spills coolant when the car is parked. When this type of leakage occurs, the engine will not be cooling properly and will overheat very quickly causing total engine damage.

The Radiator is broken

It can be the second reason for the coolant leaks, it happens that the normal corrosion of the components of this device of the car produces holes in the metal of the radiator where the liquid leaks easily, it can also be caused by a direct hit to the radiator caused by the sudden fall in a pothole on the pavement, or in some maintenance session that is accidentally hit by the mechanic and does not notice the crack.

It is easy to detect that this occurs because during the frequent check of the coolant tank the lack of liquid will be noticed. Spillage of the fluid will also be noticed when the vehicle is parked.

Coolant tank is cracked

The good thing about this type of leak is that it is easier to detect, as it can be discovered with a check on the tank. However, it requires prompt attention because it can cause the engine to overheat due to a lack of sufficient coolant.

Cracked radiator hose

These spare parts have a specific life span, because of the component in which they are made and the high degree of heat they can withstand, they must be checked frequently to detect that they are causing leaks of the coolant. As they are made of rubber, they are prone to cracking, so the clamps used to fasten them to the radiator must also be constantly checked.

Learn about other causes

We have referred to the most frequent reasons, but what about those that do not occur so often? They are undoubtedly more complicated to discover, but still represent the same risk of danger. Normally they occur in basic components of the cooling system, they can be:

● Damaged water pump
● Damaged Manifold or Intake Manifold gaskets
● Heater core not working well

A damaged water pump causes loss of coolant and poor circulation of this liquid throughout the system, causing risks to the engine. In this way, the packaging of the damaged manifold is also harmful, generating the danger of overheating.

The small radiator that forms the core of the heater is another element to be checked to prevent coolant leaks.

Performing a proper and thorough check of the cooling system and all its components will prevent significant damage to your car’s engine.

If when being in march you notice excessive increases of temperature of the car, the most prudent thing is that you stop the car, and request the services of a crane to transfer it to the workshop, this way you will be saving time, money and avoiding to cause greater damages to the motor of the car.

Leahy’s Auto can check your car for leaks and work on fixing them right away. Give us a call and schedule a checkup soon.

Your car is one of the most valuable assets you have. Therefore, you should ensure it is well maintained at all times. One of the best ways to service your car is by detecting and repairing any issues before they escalate and ground your vehicle. Observing the color of the emissions coming out of the exhaust is one of the easiest ways to tell any problems with your car. The color of the emissions from your car has meaning. The following is an overview of common exhaust smoke colors to help you understand when there is something wrong with your vehicle and when you shouldn’t panic.

1. Blue Smoke

When you experience blue or grey smoke from your car’s exhaust, you may be having an oil leak problem. Leaking oil ends up in the combustion chamber where it mixes with fuel resulting in a bluish smoke. Recent addition of the engine’s power output may be the cause since it may have added stress and the damaged the piston rings. This results in an oil leak.

The valve seals and cylinder walls might have worn out resulting in the bluish smoke. Take note when you are experiencing the bluish smoke. If it happens during acceleration, then the piston rings might have malfunctioned. If when you decelerate is when you encounter the smoke, then, the valve guide seals are to blame.

2. Grey Smoke

Having a think grey smoke may be a sign something is wrong with your car. This smoke can be a sign of a damaged cylinder head, damaged engine block, or a leaking head gasket. If the problem is the head gasket, you may end up with coolant in the combustion chamber, which will be burnt and evaporated. This will leave the engine without coolant which will make it overheat. In case of an engine block or damaged cylinder head, your engine may fail altogether. That is why you should seek the services of a professional when you notice persistent emission of grey smoke from your car.

3. Black Smoke

When you experience black smoke coming out of the exhaust, it means something is outrightly wrong. This may be a sign that the air filter is clogged, the manifold is blocked, or the fuel injection system is failing. Your car is burning more fuel when you are experiencing black smoke from the exhaust. Seek professional assistance to determine and fix the problem causing this problem.

4. White

White smoke should not worry you especially if it’s during the cold days. The vapour from the combustion causes whitish emission. However, if the smoke remains white even after the car has warmed, it means you may be facing something serious. You should consult a professional auto repair technician to diagnose the problem causing the white emission.

When you encounter odd smoke coming out of your car, you should stop driving. This is because you will do more harm to your car; hence, require more money to fix it. You should contact us immediately to help you out in diagnosing and fixing the problems causing the odd smoke. Don’t wait until your car breaks down – identify the small issues that may be developing before they escalate. Our blog can help you to understand your vehicle better and any problems that may be developing.

What would you do if your car failed to start? This disgusting moment can really ruin your day. For years now, cars have become more efficient. However, with numerous moving parts, even the best-maintained cars are sometimes frustrating. In this article, we shall have an overview of the most common occurrences and how to go about them as a car owner, in the event that you are not a mechanic.

You turn the key and nothing runs.

Carefully listen to your vehicle. Even when it is arrogant enough to fail to start, it is still kind enough to give you pointers of why it won’t start. In the event that you turn the key and the engine does not turn at all, the situation may not be that wanting (you can take it to the bank!). The issue most likely would be the battery, especially when the weather is very cold.

When your car just remains silent or just clicks.

•Switch on the car lights. If they are giving out dim light, either the battery is dead or its connections are messed up. Did you forget to switch off your headlights or interior lights yesternight as you left the car? It so happens to a lot of car owners.
•Reinforce and clean the battery system and give it one more try. They could either be loose or even corroded. Cleaning the battery can be done with an old toothbrush, water, and baking soda.
•Jumpstart the vehicle. In the event that it is successful, then have your battery well checked immediately, especially if it is not in a new condition. Leahy’s Auto would be more than glad to help you have your battery checked free of charge and we can even change it for a new one if you need it done when we help with your tow. The situation could be worse still, you probably have a spoilt starter or alternator, then you may require a mechanic or tow service.

What happens when the car cranks but the engine does not start?

In the event that the starter turns, but the engine does not start, the issue can be cumbersome to identify and deal with. During winter, one of the most common challenges is a frozen fuel line, (some open areas near the desert can get so cold!) so be sure to have your fuel tank maintained at half full. If water builds up in your fuel line, the condensation freezes, which means your car will not start.

In the event that you have been frequently driving your car in wet surroundings, either wet engine parts or spark plugs will keep your car from starting. If you don’t succeed, you may want to hand over the problem to your qualified and trusted mechanic here, give us a call today. Essentially, if your car does not start, the problem either lies with spark or gas.

Taking care of your car’s engine is one vital process if you want your vehicle to last for a longer period. Cleaning your engine is one way to prolong your car’s life. It also helps you find the issue if there’s any. Proper engine care should be done now that the number of cars on the road is increasing. The secret to do it? Use an engine degreaser plus an engine protector!

There are a couple of steps on how to properly care for your engine. First, you need to prepare your car before applying the engine degreaser. Shut off your engine and let it cool down. You also need to cover the sensitive parts of your car like the air intake and electrical wires. After that, apply the engine degreaser. This cleaning solution is perfect to clean the belts and hoses without damaging the plastic components of your engine.

Next, let the degreaser sit on it for 10 minutes. You will need to spray water to remove the engine degreaser. Give your engine time to dry so that you can start the repair and diagnostic. After this step, you can then apply the engine protector.

The last step would be the application of an engine protector. On a clean and cool engine, spread the engine protector evenly. Like the engine degreaser, you need to let the solution sit on your engine for a few minutes before you wipe it out. The protective layer will serve as protection so that dirt and grime won’t dig in too deep in your engine. What’s good about engine protector is that it makes your cleaning faster and your engine shinier.

Cleaning your engine is not something you should avoid as this will help you maintain your car. Integrate this into your cleaning routine so you won’t have to deal with car problems in the future. Leahy’s Auto can help with your engine care. Don’t hesitate to give us a call today!

If you’re stuck in traffic and the temperature gauge is a `BIG RED’, your car is overheating. While this is rare with modern vehicles, even a well-tuned car can overheat. Generally, overheating occurs when the cooling system prevents the absorption or release of heat. Although the car will not explode immediately, an overheating engine may cause serious damage to your vehicle. To avoid expensive repairs, you should pull over and deal with the issue.

What could be wrong with your car?

A leak in the cooling system

If there’s a leak in the water pump, radiator, thermostat housing or head gasket, your engine won’t cool off properly. Don’t attempt to seal the leak on your own – you should take the car to the mechanic.

Low level of oil

The engine oil prevents an excess buildup of heat and keeps the various parts lubricated. This, in turn, reduces friction and subsequent overheating. A low level of oil will make the engine overheat.

Coolant issues

If the coolant to water ratio is off or you’ve put the wrong coolant in your vehicle, the engine will have problems staying cool. To combat this problem, you should flush the system and add the coolant as recommended by the manufacturer.

Broken water pump

The water pump propels the engine coolant into the cooling system. While any issue associated with the water pump may cause the engine to overheat, common problems include eroded impeller or shifting of the pump shaft.

Radiator issues

If there’s a clog in the radiator and the heat can’t escape easily, then the temperature in the engine will rise. A mechanic will diagnose and correct the problem.

What do I do?

If your car engine overheats, you should turn off the air conditioner and run the AC. Next, turn the heat to HOT. While this may not be comfortable during the summer, it will cool the engine down. After that, park your car and put the engine in rev. This makes the fan and the water pump to work faster and pull more air into the radiator. Avoid opening the cap when the engine is still hot. You can also give us a call at Leahy’s Auto to have a professional handle it for you. Keep in mind that if you ignore this problem, it may cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

Even the best vehicles eventually break down over time due to regular wear and tear. Choosing to regularly service your vehicle is always a good idea to prevent small issues from developing into a significant problem. Understanding the cost of the most common type of auto repairs is essential to avoid paying too much for repair work.

Here are a few examples of the most common auto repairs and the price you can expect to pay.

#1 Dead Battery

A dead battery is a common problem that will most likely need to be replaced. The cost of a new battery can range anywhere between $50 to $300, depending on the type of vehicle. Many repair shops will install the battery without additional labor costs if you purchase the new battery from them.

#2 New Tires

Keeping your tires well-maintained is essential for safety on the road. The average lifespan of a tire is dependent on a variety of factors. Tires should never be left on a car for more than ten years, as five years is the usual lifespan for most tires. You can usually expect to pay somewhere between $50 or more than $100 for each tire, as this price is primarily determined by the brand of the tire.

#3 Wipers

Wipers are another common repair, as they are essential for driving in wet conditions. You may need to eventually replace the wiper blade or the entire wiper motor assembly for a more serious problem. Typically, replacing a wiper blade is around $30, while more extensive work can cost you more than $250.

Understanding the average cost of auto repairs is always a good idea before you take your car into the repair shop. Doing your research beforehand will help you find the best deal available and avoid paying too much money for repair work. Give us a call today to schedule a repair.