Tips for Replacing Shock Absorbers

Shock absorbers are essential in all cars to protect the mechanisms. Depending on what type of car you have will determine how much spring the shocks will have. These nifty and important parts also keep the tyres in contact with the ground. They also help to control the movement of the suspension and springs.

The devices work on hydraulic pumps that control the impact the car makes against the road. You will notice that an off-road vehicle will not pick up small imperfections on the road because it has such a powerful device. It also ensures that you have proper braking response to avoid hectic accidents.

Checking your shocks should be done if you dive during heavy braking, hit bumps very hard, or the car is leaking shock fluid. Normal driving can also affect the quality of the shock absorbers over time.

You may need a spring compressor to remove the springs on the shock absorbers. The compressor is necessary if the springs are interrelated or integrated. You will need to be careful when doing this as the springs are loaded with high pressure and sudden releasing could be dangerously damaging.

Using a jack stand to lift the car will help you when replacing the parts. You will need to lift the one side of the car at least thirty centimetres off the ground to make the process easier. Similar to changing the tyre, you will need to remove the wheel too. You will be able to see the shock absorbers as they look like springs. This is where you will need to use the spring compressor for safe removal. You will also come across three bolts that will need to be removed using a socket wrench.

Installing new parts is the simple part. You will need to use a torque wrench when tightening the bolts to ensure stability. Putting the wheel and tyre back in place will complete the replacing of the shock absorbers.

It is important that you take the car for a slow drive to test the stability of your work. If you start to notice strange sounds it would be wise to have a mechanic check out the problem. Wiggle the car and go over humps as well to test if the shocks have been installed correctly.

Lack of properly working shock absorbers could result in damaged wheels and wheel axles then you'll need to visit a wheel supplier for a new set of wheels. The wheel axle is part of the drive shaft and could lead to a hectic repairing fee if damaged.

A1 Wheel and Tyre is a private family owned and operated company specialising in the warehouse and distribution of wheels and tyres to the automotive fitment trade. The company has a well established operation in Johannesburg, South Africa.

All About Auto Glass Repair

Poor driving, bad weather conditions or even some man-made reasons can become the cause of the damage to your vehicle's windshield or even the other glass windows or the back glass. However, the first question that arises in our mind as soon as we see a crack or damage to the glass is its repair or replacement cost. However, the cost might vary as per the quality of repair or replacement along with the availability. Before that, let us know in brief about the auto glass repair services. Along with that, also let us know the conditions where you must opt for a repair and where you should prefer to go for a replacement instead.

Repair or Replace?

Gone are the days when even a small crack in the windscreen would demand a whole replacement of the windscreen along with leaving a hole in your pockets. However, with the advancement in the modern technologies, not only has it become possible to repair the windscreens with perfection, but the process is cost-effective too.

However, if your windscreen faces a major damage, which can be a considered as a length of more than 3 inches, most of the service providers might advise a replacement. Moreover, along with the extent of damage, the factor that might affect the repair of the glass might also be the location of damage. Damage at particular places might not be able to be repaired or might have chances of spreading rapidly. For the exact repair information, consulting a professional might be the best option.

The Repair Process:

Unlike the replacement process, which includes the removal of the entire glass and installation of a new one in its place, the repair process includes the curing polishing of the damaged portion. If the crack is small, the repairs are mostly successful along with providing efficient strength and clarity, making the glass as good as new.

The cost of Repair?

In terms of cost-effectiveness, a repair is much cheaper than a full repair, and for small damages, for the same reason, a repair is advisable. However, if the damage is big or there is a chance of re-occurrence of the crack or damage, going for repair would cost you double fold as you would be required to replace the glass anyhow.

However, if you have decided to go for a repair for your damaged windshield or glass, do not wait till the damage actually starts to become an issue. If the minor damage is not treated immediately, it is most probable that the condition will worsen and even might make the repair not possible and you would be forced into going for a replacement and paying much more, even if when you could have had it done for much less money. Moreover, there are several service providers that might provide a mobile service and come up to your home space or office to repair your damaged windscreen, without you, having to take out time from your busy schedule.

Tips to Buy a Quality Power Brake Booster

What is a power brake booster? In case you don't know, this is one of the most important parts of your vehicle. While driving, when you apply the brakes of your vehicle, you feel a pressure. This pressure is generated by the brake booster. On the other hand, if you don't feel the pressure, know that the device is not doing its job in an efficient manner. In this case, what you need to do is get it fixed or replaced. Let's read about some tips that can help you buy one.

How do they work?

The brake booster starts its job as soon as you hit the pedal to reduce the speed of your vehicle. If you open up this device, you will see two chambers divided by a strong diaphragm. When you hit the gas pedal, the chambers become free of air. What happens is that the system sucks all the air out based on how hard you hit the brakes. The higher the pressure, the higher the amount of air that is sucked out of the chamber.

How to buy one?

If you are interested in buying this device for your car, know that they come in two types: hydraulic and vacuum. If you are a beginner and have no idea about which one is good for you, we suggest that you follow the tips given below. They will make it easier for you to choose the best device to meet your needs.

Hydraulic

These devices can be seen working in engines that are fueled by diesel and comprise a steering pump. This pump is full of a hydraulic fluid that is put in an accumulator.

As soon as you put pressure on the pedal, air pressure gets released. This process generates a tremendous amount of pressure, which can be as high as 2,000 psi. However, there is a disadvantage of this system. This system cuts down on the horsepower as it makes use of a good deal of electric power to work optimally.

Vacuum

Another type of brake booster is known as the vacuum power brake booster. When you step on the brake pedal, the air inside the diaphragm is forced out. As a result, your vehicle slows down to prevent a possible crash or accident. So, they can be a great choice for your vehicle, especially if you own a large vehicle for commercial purposes.

The biggest benefit of using a vacuum power brake booster is that if the engine of your vehicle stalls, you can still use the brakes. However, in this case, you will have to push with more force. You may want to ensure that your units are tested for vacuum for reliability.

So, these are two types of power brake boosters for a vehicle. If you are going to buy one, make sure you know the type of device your vehicle needs. If you have no idea about it, you can consult an expert. Lastly, if you want to maintain your vehicle, make sure you keep the power brake booster in the best condition.

Best Practices for Proper Headlight Maintenance

Your vehicle's headlights are a vital safety component being that they are one of your first lines of defense while navigating the road at night. Without proper visibility, drivers have trouble seeing where they are going, putting them at risk of collision. It is critically important to regularly inspect your lights for any needed adjustments or repairs, and to follow the best practices for vehicular headlight safety.

Continue reading to learn what you should be doing to make sure your headlights stay in great condition, and where to get expert automotive advice you can trust.

Choose Quality Headlights

You can opt for basic headlights, but keep in mind that there is a whole market of higher-quality parts to choose from. Higher-grade headlights come with options such as whiter lights, enhanced visibility, extended depth perception, reduced glare, improved contrast, and more. Depending on your individual needs, you may be safer with a higher quality headlight set.

Don't Let Them Burn Out

Replace your headlights before they have a chance to burn out completely. Check them regularly, at night, for differences in brightness and color. If you notice a decrease in vibrancy, or simply cannot remember when the last time your headlights were replaced, get them replaced immediately.

Always Buy in Pairs

Even if only one headlight is burnt out or dim, it is important to always replace them both at the same time. This is more cost-effective and safer. A new bulb paired with an older bulb can produce uneven lighting on the road. This is not only dangerous for a driver and their passengers, but for other drivers on the road as well.

Install Headlights On Your Own

You don't necessarily need to spend extra money on professional headlight replacement services if you are a handy person. There are several online tutorials that will show you how to replace headlight bulbs with ease. However, if you are not a project-type or handyman-type person, it is not recommended to install headlights on your own.

Talk to a Mechanic

Even if you are a handy person, or know a thing or two about auto repair, it is best to talk to your trusted mechanic about proper automotive maintenance and care. They will guide you in the right direction, and recommend a maintenance schedule that you can do on your own.

Finding Your Auto Repair Shop

Every household in urban and suburban cities own at least one automobile. They are an important part of the family. With time, automobiles have become advanced and complex technological beings. It is not as easy to maintain them at home as it used to be. With the advancement in computers and engine systems, it is critical that an expert with ample experience and training get involved. This is also because the consumers lead a very fast life. Therefore, it is important to identify a trusted and reliable auto repair shop for your vehicle needs.

Before looking at how to find a resourceful auto shop for vehicle repairs and maintenance, let us understand the difference between these two terms. Maintenance items are shared with the owner at the time of purchase. These are to be checked as part of preventive maintenance at regular intervals. Repairs deal more with a problem that has to be fixed. Both go hand in hand. If you have a good auto repair shop who can do the maintenance check well, then the need for car repairs will reduce. Scheduled maintenance can also be done at your dealership.

A key thing to remember is to find a suitable auto repair shop as soon as you get a car. Do not wait for the need to arise. This will give you less time to choose a shop. If you already have a trusted mechanic, then stick to that shop. An internet hunt can let you know the auto repair shops in your area with reviews and customer responses. Try to avoid choosing a place that is too far away and becomes inconvenient during emergencies. Another option is to do this old style. Talk to friends, family and even directly to different mechanics.

Look for an auto repair shop that suits your car brand. Many shops today have a brand or model of vehicle they specialize in. Use this information to narrow down the shops that will work for you. Once you decide on a shop, ask for two important things -

1. Ask them about guarantees and warranties they offer. See if the options are making   sense to you as a consumer.

2. This is important, ask for the shop's certification. The auto repair shop should be certified and have relevant authorization.

The final thing that you can do is to try out two to three auto repair shops for maintenance. A car is a long-term asset. Therefore, invest time in finding the best auto repair shop for your car.

A Checklist For Your Auto Maintenance

Auto maintenance is the most important duty that a vehicle owner has. Any proud car owner can tell you that. If you want your car to live a long life and perform well, then you want to ensuring regular maintenance checks are key. Other than ensuring a lasting life for your vehicle there are also many other reasons to do timely car maintenance. Keep reading to understand why auto maintenance is important. You can also find below a list of the things that go on your checklist to make better keep tabs on this process.

The first and most important reason is safety. Any fault in the car such as worn out tires, faulty brakes or engine issues may not be obvious to the owner until it is too late. Regular maintenance helps get this out of the way and ensures your safety. A well-maintained vehicle also gives better performance and reliability. With regular check-ins at the auto shop, your visit for repairs will reduce. This makes things easier and more cost-effective. Especially because of preventive maintenance costs lesser than actual repairs.

As the old saying goes, "An once of prevention, is worth a pound of cure." In other words, take care of your vehicle and it will cost you much less to own in the long run. Also, it is much easier to plan and budget for maintenance than it is for when a breakdown happens at the worst time and causing you to be greatly inconvenienced. Not to mention the expense that was not planned and usually at a much higher expense.

Regular maintenance also keeps the car looking fresh and stainless. Dents, scratches, faded paint are also things that can be taken care of during a regular maintenance routine. A well-maintained car is eventually much easier to sell. If you would like the option of being able to sell your car at a good price to be open, then auto maintenance will do that for you.

And finally, all of us are aware that vehicles can emit harmful gasses. A car that has its engines, automotive fluids, and emissions checked regularly causes lesser harm to the environment. Of course, there is always the option of purchasing hybrid automobiles that are environmentally friendly. Few automobile companies such as Tesla, Ford, and Toyota offer this.

Below is a basic checklist for your auto or car maintenance. The table below may not be an exhaustive list. The list can be printed out and used to check with at the auto maintenance workshop before picking up your vehicle. Remember, a well-maintained vehicle means a happier and safer driver behind its wheels.

Items on your checklist

Mark as done/not done

Engine lights

Lights

Tire pressure and condition

Windshield washer fluid

Air filter

Transmission fluid

Battery and cables

Belts

Exhaust

Fuel filter

Hoses

Oil filter

Power steering fluid

Chassis lubrication

Wiper blades

Polish

Antifreeze

Spark plugs

Steering and Suspension

Auto Repair: Know When to Repair a Windshield

When thinking of different things that keep us safe during a drive, we rarely even think about the windshield. But the truth is - the windshield of your vehicle is more important than you think. Anyone who has been driving for a long time would have come across this situation: a dented or cracked windshield. Early drivers tend to ignore this because it does appear to be something that could cause any major damages to the vehicle or the driver. And you would postpone the repair until there is time and money to do this. But that time will never come. Getting your windshield fixed is an easy part of an auto repair. It is important and can be done even from home.

Cracked Windshield

The windshield is a two-layered laminated glass. This laminate is made of vinyl plastic which is very strong. The windshield accounts for nearly 20% of the strength of the car. It plays a major role in keeping you safe. With the advancement in technology, the process of placing the windshield has become a computer controlled process. It has been designed to work with the other safety devices in the car. For instance, the airbags need a strongly bonded windshield in order to work correctly. Thus, it is important to get even a tiny crack on the windshield repaired. Ignoring it may put the life of the driver in danger.

AUTO REPAIR:

The costs for replacing the entire windshield costs $300 and repairing a crack or a chip in the windshield could cost around $100 or lesser. There are also many kits available for you to repair the windshield yourself. These kits can be purchased from Amazon and in large stores that sell auto parts such as Wal-Mart, Kmart, Sears, and AutoZone. The kit will consist of the adhesive seal, windscreen repair resin, curing film, pedestal and a safety razor. Once you have the kit, park your car in your garage or somewhere indoors. Use a pain to clear out any broken glass from the windshield and leave it to dry. The instructions on how to use the kit will be available with the package. If the directions are unclear, the best option is to take the car to an auto repair workshop.

Another consideration is your car insurance. If you carry comprehensive coverage, then windshield repair can be included in your coverage. Be sure to check your deductibles as this will be required to be paid first. In some states, there is no deductible for windshield damage, as it is considered a safety related repair.

At the end of the day, the important thing is that any windshield repairs are fixed immediately and you are no longer vulnerable to any potential accidents.