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Question & Answer: High Mileage Vehicles

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 06:22:22 GMT

Question & Answer: High Mileage Vehicles

Question:

What do I need to do for my high mileage vehicle?

Answer:

This question gets asked a lot more these days. The median age for vehicles on the road is now over 11 years. Regardless of your reason for keeping your vehicle around, the good news is that it’s capable of going 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more with proper care.

Here are some tips for making your vehicle last:

First, follow all your regularly scheduled maintenance routines. Things like oil changes, transmission and cooling system service are critical for avoiding expensive damage. This reduces your overall cost for keeping your vehicle for a long time.

Next, regular inspections are critical. Look, those parts are starting to get old and will become worn out over the miles. Thorough inspections of various systems will uncover things that are nearing the end of their service life, like suspension, brake and steering components. Replacing worn parts early not only prevents breakdowns but relieves stress on related components so they will last longer as well.

Another thing to consider is the use of special high mileage fluid formulations. For example, high mileage engine oil has special additives that condition those old seals and gaskets. It also has extra detergents to help keep that older engine clean inside. High mileage oil, transmission fluid, etc. cost a little more but can really head off some of the problems that are typical of older vehicles.

One last thing would be to consult with your service advisor about the overall condition of your vehicle and your driving routines. It may be advisable to follow your manufacturer’s severe service schedule.

Even with the occasional unexpected repair associated with an older vehicle, you can still enjoy good, reliable transportation if you take good care of your ride.

Give us a call! We’d be happy to set up an appointment to look over your high mileage vehicle!

Used Vehicle Inspection

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 07:30:26 GMT

Used Vehicle Inspection

It’s always exciting to get a new car – even when it’s used. But it can feel like you’re going out on a limb a bit when you buy a used vehicle. I mean, people sell vehicles for a lot of reasons. Maybe they just wanted a new car, maybe there was something wrong with it, and maybe there was something really wrong with it.

It’s a great idea to order a report from a vehicle history service. This can uncover title problems and may reveal serious accidents or flood damage as well as any recall notices for the vehicle. Maintenance and repair records are a plus, but most sellers don’t have them.

Of course the best thing is to get a professional to perform a used vehicle inspection. The inspection will go much deeper than just how good the vehicle looks and drives. You’ll get a feel for the vehicle’s overall condition, the status of major safety systems and an indication of how well it has been maintained. You’ll get a good idea of any work that needs to be done – and that will help you determine an appropriate value for the vehicle.

It’s pretty easy to see how a used vehicle inspection is worth the cost. If problems are uncovered, you can either steer clear of the vehicle or bargain for a better price. If everything is OK, you’ll have a plan for addressing any routine services that should be done, not to mention a whole lot of peace of mind.

It’s easy to fall in love with a vehicle – just don’t let your feelings cloud your judgment. Have us perform a used vehicle inspection so that you’ll know if you’re getting a peach, or a lemon.

Pump it Up (Signs fuel pump is failing)

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 09:45:12 GMT

Pump it Up (Signs fuel pump is failing)

You don’t have to be an auto expert to know what a fuel pump does: it pumps fuel. The fuel pump happens to be one of those vital parts of your vehicle that can leave you stranded when it isn’t working the way it should. Here are a few things to be aware of that might indicate your fuel pump is about to give up the ghost.

One thing to watch for is something called “heat and stall.” If you see your vehicle’s temperature gauge go up and then your vehicle stalls, your fuel pump could be weakening.

If you stall, but your fuel gauge shows you have plenty of fuel, that’s another sign. Also, if you are giving your vehicle a stress test (hauling a big load, going uphill, going at highway speeds) and your engine sputters, the fuel pump may be failing to deliver the fuel pressure your engine needs.

Here are a couple more possible symptoms: your engine suddenly jerks or your fuel economy plummets. Finally, if you have trouble starting your vehicle, your engine may simply not be getting enough fuel to fire up, and the cause may be a bad fuel pump.

Other problems could cause these symptoms as well of course, which is a good reason to have one of our highly trained technicians to check it out. The fuel pump is located in the fuel tank on most modern vehicles, so sometimes the fuel tank has to be lowered to gain access to the fuel pump. This is a good time to clean sediment out of the tank and check for corrosion.

One thing you can do to prolong the life of your fuel pump is to keep your fuel tank at least a quarter full since the fuel cools and lubricates the pump. Don’t be that person who constantly waits until the “low fuel” warning light comes on before stopping at the gas station. Running out of fuel just once can permanently damage the fuel pump. Help your fuel pump keep its cool.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, give us a call and set up an appointment for an inspection. We can properly diagnose any problems and make the necessary repairs.

Air Conditioning Service

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 09:54:42 GMT

Air Conditioning Service

Most people don’t service their air conditioning until after it fails. Maintaining your air conditioning system means that you always have enough refrigerant to properly do the job. Small leaks in the air conditioning system allow the refrigerant to escape and the system can’t cool the air as well.

Along with the refrigerant, a special oil circulates in the system. The oil lubricates air conditioning components and keeps the seals resilient. Low refrigerant and lubricating oil mean that the air conditioning parts will wear out prematurely, and we all know that air conditioning repairs can be costly.

Air conditioning service starts with a visual inspection of the components for signs of damage or leaks. The compressor is driven by a belt from the engine, most often the serpentine belt, so it’s inspected for cracks or wear.

The air conditioning compressor and other components are checked for proper operation. Then comes the leak test. If a leak is detected, often in a hose or connection, it’s repaired, and the system is retested. Our technician will also perform a temperature drop test.

If needed, the old refrigerant is evacuated, and the system is recharged with clean, fresh refrigerant. A final test ensures that the air conditioner is working, and you’re on your way.

How often this should be done varies from vehicle to vehicle. Your owner’s manual will have the manufacturer’s recommendation and, of course, our highly-trained service advisor can tell you, however, it’s typically every two years. Feel free to give u a call.

Quality Replacement Parts

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 10:10:00 GMT

Quality Replacement Parts

Let me tell you about an experience at a well-established Italian restaurant that had changed hands a few months ago. The previous owners were an Italian couple that used old family recipes and fresh ingredients to make their pasta and sauces from scratch. They enjoyed stellar reviews for decades.

The new owners were taking a different approach. The cooks followed the same recipes, but were required to use bagged salads, canned sauces and vegetables, frozen meat and boxed pasta. Needless to say, there was a night and day difference between the before and after dining experience – and their online reviews reflected the decline.

Same chefs – same recipes. Poor ingredients.

Now, you can imagine how important high quality replacement parts are for vehicle repairs. The parts need to deliver the performance you expect right out of the box – and over the long haul. We feature quality auto parts. They meet or exceed the original manufacturer specifications so they fit and function as they should.

It’s important for a business to stand behind its work and we do everything we can to stand behind ours. We employ highly trained service technicians and equip them with the diagnostic and repair tools they need to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape. We deliver on our promises to you with high quality replacement parts that help your vehicle run safely and efficiently.

Skilled technicians and quality replacement parts: that’s a recipe for motoring satisfaction!

Getting the Right Wheels and Tires

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 06:27:17 GMT

Getting the Right Wheels and Tires

A lot of people want custom wheels. When you do this yourself (over the internet . . .) you could run into trouble if you’re not careful. Sometimes they just don’t fit right: The tires rub in turns or over bumps. Consulting our highly trained tire professional can ensure you get the right fit. First they’ll ask you a series of questions about your driving needs and what you want in your new wheels.

Now, not every wheel can go on every vehicle. Care must be taken so that tires and wheels are not too large or that the wheel is centered too far towards the outside or the inside. If you don’t want to make any modifications to your car, you would need to focus on a wheel and tire combination that would fit. With trucks, some folks like much bigger tires so they need a suspension lift.

Also, most drivers don’t realize that you need to keep the rolling diameter of your new tires – that’s the overall height of the tire – very close to what came from the factory in order for your anti-lock brakes and stability control systems to work properly.

The computers that control these systems are calibrated to a certain size tire. When you go bigger or smaller, the computer doesn’t know what changes you made so it can’t tell how fast you’re going. This, of course, means it sends commands to the brakes and traction control that are based on the wrong sensor information.

If you go with a different rolling diameter, your vehicle control computer can be reprogrammed for the new tire size.

Either way, there are hundreds of wheel and tire choices to choose from. You can pick the style of wheel you want and then talk with our tire professionals about how big the wheel should be – and select the right tire to meet your style, performance, ride and handling needs. The best way to do all this is to have your tire specialist see your vehicle in person so you can avoid mistakes.

Give us a call.

Water Pump

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 06:29:44 GMT

Water Pump

Let’s talk water pumps for vehicles in Charlotte, NC. The engine is cooled by coolant/antifreeze mixed with water. This mixture circulates around the engine, absorbing some of the heat. The coolant then flows through the radiator where air cools it down for the return trip back through the engine. Your vehicle’s water pump is what drives this process.

Cooling system problems are the number-one mechanical failure in Charlotte. So the water pump plays a pretty important role. You can’t get very far in NC without a water pump.

After all that distance and years of pumping coolant, water pumps just wear out. You might notice a whining or grinding sound coming from the water pump. Or maybe see coolant leaking from the pump itself.

The precise location of the water pump varies depending on the vehicle. Some have the water pump attached to the outside of the engine where you can see it. With these, the water pump is driven by the serpentine belt.

Some have the water pump driven by the timing belt. The timing belt cover often hides the water pump with this setup, so you can’t see the pump without removing the cover.

When you have one of our highly trained certified techniciansWatere replace the water pump on one of these, you really should replace the timing belt at the same time. We’ve already gotten things taken apart and besides, the belt’s likely been contaminated by coolant. And timing belts usually need to be replaced every 60,000 to 90,000 miles, or 100,000 to 150,000 kilometers, anyway, so it just makes sense to do both jobs at once.

The opposite is true too; when you change the timing belt on this type of engine, replace the water pump while you’re at it. The water pump will eventually fail and getting to it is an expensive project. For not that much more you can take care of both the timing belt and the water pump at the same time.

Trailer Wheel Bearings

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 06:31:47 GMT

Trailer Wheel Bearings

You try to take real good care of your vehicles. But there is something that you may be overlooking: wheel bearings on your trailer. Whether it’s a small utility trailer or toy hauler up to a big work trailer, boat or camp trailer, they all have wheels with bearings that need to be serviced from time to time.

Wheel bearings allow the wheel to spin freely. They are packed in heavy duty grease that can withstand the heat generated by the spinning wheel and keep protecting the bearings.

When your technician services the bearings on your trailer, he’ll remove the wheel bearing assembly and inspect the bearings themselves. If they are damaged or corroded they will be replaced. He will then pack fresh grease around the bearings, replace the seals and put the wheel back on.

We actually expect a lot from trailer bearings. They may sit unused for an extended period of time – but when we hitch up that trailer we need the bearings to be in top shape to meet the demands of highway miles, heavy loads and even very dirty conditions. A bearing failure will sideline the work or fun you had planned.

Excessively worn bearings may result in uneven tire wear. Wheels can wobble which may hurt handling. Extremely worn bearings can even seize, causing the wheel to lock-up; obviously that can be dangerous.

Boat trailers require special attention. The bearings are quite hot after the trip to the lake and then you back into the cold water. The extreme temperature difference draws moisture into the bearings and forces out some of the grease. A good practice is to have boat trailer bearings serviced at the end of the season so that they don’t rust during the winter.

Talk with our service advisor at Joey’s Truck Repair Inc. about your trailer and how you use it. He can recommend the proper bearing service.

EVAP System

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 06:37:42 GMT

EVAP System

The oil and fuel in your vehicle give off vapors that are very harmful to the environment. Evaporative emissions control systems – EVAP for short – are mandated in all cars and trucks. The job of the EVAP system is to capture these vapors and direct them into the engine to be burned – kind of an on-board recycling program.

The EVAP system is a complicated network of hoses, valves, filters and such. Issues with the EVAP system are in the Top 5 reasons for a Check Engine Light to be illuminated. A qualified service technician pulls the trouble codes and begins a diagnostic procedure to isolate the fault. With the proper equipment, the technician can test the valves in order to trace a blockage. A low-pressure smoke test can be performed to find any leaks. The necessary repairs are then made to get the EVAP system working again and to reset the Check Engine Light.

While EVAP problems don’t generally lead to vehicle damage, the fact that they trigger the Check Engine Light can mask other more serious problems if left unaddressed. After all, there are hundreds of conditions that can trigger a Check Engine Light – but there is only one light. So, if the light is on because of an EVAP issue you haven’t fixed and another problem arises, you won’t be alerted to the new condition because the light is already on.

Of course, if you live a jurisdiction that requires emissions testing to register your vehicle, you won’t pass the test until you make the necessary repairs. An EVAP trouble code could be caused by something as simple as a loose or worn gas cap or a leak in a hose to problems with a purge valve of even a rusty fuel filler pipe.

When your Check Engine Light comes on, bring your vehicle into the shop and let us check it out. A trained technician will be able to diagnose the issues and work out a plan to address any problems that are uncovered. There’s peace of mind that comes from knowing what is wrong and taking care of it.

Emergency Shopping (Vehicle Emergency Items)

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 06:33:51 GMT

Emergency Shopping (Vehicle Emergency Items)

“Emergency Shopping” is not to be confused with a “Shopping Emergency.” This one is encouraging you to go shopping for a few items that could help you out if you ever have an emergency in your vehicle. They’re all things carried in emergency vehicles.

This goes beyond the old standards like a first aid kit, a blanket, jumper cables and the like, though those are all great things to have on board. But consider purchasing these additional things to keep in your vehicle in case you find yourself stranded in a dangerous spot.

Emergency vehicles carry road flares, and for a good reason. They burn a bright red light, visible both at night and during the day. Flares provide one of the most effective ways of getting the attention of drivers who are approaching a disabled vehicle. Don’t be intimidated by them; they’re easy to light, and they can truly save your life by preventing another vehicle from crashing into you. They come in kits with a carrying case, or you can get them individually.

Another item emergency vehicles carry is a fire extinguisher. Special smaller ones are made for non-commercial vehicles. The type to look for is one that can put out different kinds of fires, such as electrical and petroleum (oil, gasoline) since many different kinds of fires can start in your vehicle. Some have a mounting bracket to keep them from moving around.

At night, if you have a flat tire or need to attend to someone who’s injured, you need to be able to see what you’re doing. So, get an LED flashlight designed for automotive use. Many not only have a beam to aim at something; they also have a built-in lantern to light up a bigger area. It’s a must-have light to read instructions on jacking your vehicle or helping to bandage a cut after an accident. Don’t think your cell phone is going to do the job; plus, you need that for communication – save the battery.

The final item is a no-brainer, but it’s a basic when it comes to staying alive. Have a supply of drinking water and some snacks on hand in your vehicle. If you are ever stranded, you don’t want to have to resort to eating bugs and drinking melted snow. Power bars and bottled water are the easiest way to go on these.

Here at Joey’s Truck Repair, we may have recommendations on which brands will work best for your situation and where they can be purchased. Emergency crews carry all these things for a reason. You should, too. Not only could they save your life, but they could also help you save someone else.

Wired! (Battery Cables and Maintenance)

Tue, 25 May 2021 07:07:01 GMT

Wired! (Battery Cables and Maintenance)

Chances are you’ve had the power go out in your neighborhood at some time, and you know how helpless you feel. No lights, no microwave oven, no cold refrigerator: Yikes, it’s like living in another century.

Well, your vehicle is also highly dependent on having power for it to run properly. When your battery cables are failing, that power is not transferred as it should be.

Battery cables are essentially the wires that connect your vehicle to its battery. The positive cable supplies the power to various components that use them and the negative grounds the system to the vehicle chassis. This setup allows you to have power throughout your vehicle.

When a battery cable fails, your vehicle may not start, your starter may turn over very slowly, or you may hear a clicking noise. And you may see your battery warning light go on. Just like a house with no power, a vehicle with no power needs to get it back for things to work the way they should.

It’s important to keep your battery cables clean and maintained. You may have noticed a greenish white substance building up on the battery terminals. This corrosion can start to move inside the battery cables. Corroded cables don’t conduct electricity well. One of our highly trained ASE cettified technicians can disconnect the cables, check them and clean the cable ends and the battery terminals. This preventive maintenance will help extend the life of your battery and battery cables.

If you are noticing signs that the power in your vehicle isn’t acting the way it usually does, head on over or give us a call and one of our technicians will check it out. More power to you!

Suspension Wear

Tue, 18 May 2021 07:20:41 GMT

Suspension Wear

Your suspension system keeps your car up off the road. From there, it’s responsible for a smooth and comfortable ride around Charlotte, NC. It also keeps your wheels firmly planted over bumps and through curves.

Your suspension system has many critical parts that do a big job. They should be inspected for damage and excessive wear at least once a year. A good time would be when you get your semiannual alignment check.

Here are some warning signs of suspension problems: the car pulls to one side, wandering, erratic steering, uneven tire wear, leaning, shocks bottom out, poor ride or handling, oil leaking from shocks, and excessive bouncing.

Now suspension parts just wear out over time. Shocks and struts eventually lose their ability to control your ride. If you’re in an accident, your suspension can be damaged or knocked out of alignment. Even a minor accident, like hitting a curb, pothole or large rock, can mess things up. If you suspect suspension problems, give us a call and set up an appointment for an inspection and let us set things right.

Tech Question on Your Transmission

Tue, 18 May 2021 07:17:41 GMT

Tech Question on Your Transmission

Question:

My name is Suzanne. We were taking a camping trip over a three-day weekend. About half way to our campsite, the transmission went out on our SUV. It took all weekend to get towed out and get back home.

What can I do to prevent transmission problems in the future?

Answer:

Transmission repairs can be expensive. On top of that poor Suzanne was out in the middle of nowhere. Her vacation weekend turned into three days of car repairs.

Look, transmissions are tough and durable. All you must do to maintain them is replace the fluid on schedule. The fluid gets contaminated with bits of clutch plates and metal. Dirty transmission fluid under pressure acts like liquid sandpaper, eating away at important gaskets and seals.

Then your transmission doesn’t shift as well. It can start to leak and overheat. And then you could end up like Suzanne.

Another thing: if you carry heavy loads or tow a trailer, your transmission is working much harder and running hotter than under normal conditions. Your transmission fluid may need to be changed sooner. Check your owner’s manual for your severe service schedule or talk with your service advisor about when you should have your transmission serviced.

If you do a lot of towing, consider adding an external transmission cooler to reduce transmission operating temperatures and extend its life.

Oxygen Sensor

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 07:23:05 GMT

Oxygen Sensor

Many people hear the term “oxygen sensor” and figure it must have something to do with sensing oxygen. But they don’t really know much beyond that. Let’s break it down; your vehicle has an oxygen sensor in the exhaust manifold that measures how much un-burned oxygen there is in the exhaust. The sensor reports its findings to the engine control unit (ECU), which knows how much oxygen there should be in the exhaust. Based on that information, the ECU will adjust the amount of fuel it sends to the engine.

This feedback and adjustment loop is non-stop. The goal is to have the optimal air to fuel ratio for performance, efficiency and to lower harmful emissions.

Now there is a second oxygen sensor located in the exhaust pipe after the catalytic converter. It also measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust after it has been treated by the catalytic converter. As this measurement is reported back to the ECU, the computer compares the oxygen levels before and after the catalytic converter to determine if the converter is still functioning properly.

Four-cylinder vehicles have two oxygen sensors. V-6 and V-8 engines have four sensors, two for each bank of cylinders. As you can imagine, the oxygen sensor lives and functions in a pretty hot environment so they do wear out over time. Substances in the exhaust can also damage them, leading to failure. Outside elements like water and road salt can corrode an oxygen sensor. When the sensor goes bad it simply needs to be replaced.

You may be interested to know that oxygen sensors are often replaced needlessly. When the oxygen sensor returns a measurement that is out of the specified range, it may trigger a trouble code in the ECU, and the Check Engine light is illuminated. Inexperienced do-it-yourselfers or parts store employees may read a trouble code that reports an out-of-range sensor reading. That could mean that the sensor is bad, but it could also mean that the sensor is accurately reporting a condition caused by some other malfunction. A skilled diagnostician can sort this out and will only replace the oxygen sensor when it has truly gone bad.

When you have a Check Engine light come on and stay on, it’s good advice to have it checked out by one of our qualified service technicians… The cause may be minor or quite significant, so it’s best to play it safe and let the professionals weigh in.

Disc Brakes

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 07:26:41 GMT

Disc Brak es

Your brakes are extremely important. Having good brakes just keeps you out of trouble. You’ll want to carefully maintain your brakes. With disc brakes, brake pads rub on a disc – or rotor – to slow the wheels. The pads are attached to a caliper that squeezes the pads against the rotor. It’s kind of like how squeezing the handbrake on a bicycle pushes the brake pads against the wheel of the bike.

Now pads just wear away with use – kind of like a pencil eraser wears out. The good news is that replacing brake pads is a straight-forward repair.

If you hear squealing or grinding when you use the brakes, have your service advisor check them out. He’ll have a technician perform a thorough brake inspection to see what needs to be done. He’ll check for signs of brake problems and go over other brake components to see that they’re working properly.

He can tell you if it’s time to replace the pads or if there are other issues with your brakes that should be addressed. Some people ignore the warning signs and keep driving long after the pads are completely worn out. When that happens, metal brake components will grind on the rotor, damaging it enough that it needs to be resurfaced or replaced.

Rotors can also warp or crack, in which case they’ll need to be replaced. Brake calipers also wear out over time. They can develop leaks, or the caliper pistons can freeze open or closed – either way it’s not good. When this happens it’s time to replace the calipers. A thorough brake inspection will reveal worn bearings or seals as well.

The new pads we put on your vehicle will restore your brakes to manufacturers’ specifications. Or, we can install upgraded parts to increase your stopping power and reduce brake noise and brake dust. We have several options to meet your braking requirements and your budget.

Taking care of your brakes keeps them working safely – and you could prevent premature brake repairs down the road.

Tips on TPMS

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 07:24:33 GMT

Tips on TPMS

When you step on the accelerator, you expect your vehicle to speed up, not slow down. But, what if it doesn’t? That can be a big problem.

The answer may be a problem with the sensor that helps your vehicle determine that the proper mix of air and fuel for your engine. It’s called the TPS, or Throttle Position Sensor. Here’s how it works.

Your vehicle’s throttle opens when you need more air to accelerate and closes when you need less. The throttle position sensor does pretty much what its name says: it senses the position of the throttle. That reading, along with air flow measurements, is sent to the vehicle’s computer. The computer factors in air temperature, how fast the engine is turning over, and air flow to determine how much fuel to supply the engine. If everything’s working correctly, you’ll get the acceleration you want along with the fuel economy you expect.

However, if the TPS fails, your vehicle won’t accelerate properly or have the power you expect when you push down on the accelerator pedal. Your vehicle could even accelerate on its own. Another symptom could be reduced engine power. You also may see your Check Engine light come on.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s wise to get over to see us soon. When your TPS stops working correctly, it can leave you behind the wheel of a vehicle that is not safe to drive. In case of a total TPS failure, most vehicles have a “limp home” or “limp in” mode that will allow you to at least get off the road to a safer spot.

Your qualified technician can diagnose the problem and install the correct TPS replacement part. The new unit may need to be reprogramed to work in harmony with other software in your vehicle.

Let’s face it; computers are a big part of today’s vehicles. It’s important to keep them—and the sensors that provide them information—working right so you can travel safely down the road.

Gasoline Direct Injection

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 07:29:39 GMT

Gasoline Direct Injection

Question:

My new car has a “GDI” engine. What does that mean to me and other Charlotte vehicles with this new type of engine?

Joey’s Truck Repair Inc. Answer:

GDI stands for Gasoline Direct Injection. It’s a type of fuel injection system that is becoming very popular on modern engines.

Let’s talk about the two most common forms of fuel injection. Port Fuel Injection has been common in Charlotte vehicles for the last several decades. With this type, there is a small port just outside the cylinder on the engine.

• The fuel injector squirts a bit of gas into this area just before the intake valve opens

• When the valve opens, air enters the port and mixes with the gas, then flows past the valve and into the engine

• The gas and air mixture is compressed by the piston

• The spark plug fires, igniting the gas which pushes against the piston, thus powering the engine

With Gasoline Direct Injection the process is a bit different.

• First, there is no port outside the cylinder

• When the intake valve opens, air is drawn into the cylinder

• The air is compressed by the piston

• At the correct time, the engine management computer signals the fuel injector to spray gasoline directly into the cylinder (hence, Gas Direct Injection)

• The pressurized gas and air are ignited by the spark plug, powering the engine

So why move to GDI? Well, by injecting the gas directly into the engine, the management computer is able to time the injection event more precisely. Also the gas sprayed directly into the engine cools the compressed air enough to allow for better combustion. This adds up to more power and better for a given engine size.

Now these two types of fuel delivery systems call for different kinds of fuel injectors. Port fuel injectors squirt their fuel at 40 to 65 pounds per square inch – that’s like the pressure in a bicycle tire.

GDI injectors operate at over 2,000 pounds per square inch. Of course it’s always important to keep your fuel injectors clean – but it’s even more important for GDI injectors. When they become contaminated, the performance and fuel economy diminish.

Speaking of fuel system cleaning, different cleaners and cleaning processes are required for GDI engines. Intake valves get a fair amount of carbon build-up over time. With port injection, some gasoline flows over the valve when it opens to let in the gas and air. This has a cleaning effect which doesn’t occur with GDI. So pouring a bottle of fuel system cleaner in your gas tank will not reach the backside of those intake valves. A professional fuel system cleaning process here will take care of that concern.

So GDI will continue to be more prevalent in NC on everything from compact cars to pick-up trucks. Give us a call & ask if your vehicle could benefit from a fuel system cleaning.

Give us a call.

Light into Darkness (Vehicle Lighting)

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 07:32:17 GMT

Light into Darkness (Vehicle Lighting)

You need to be able to see at night and have other vehicles see you as well. Spend a few minutes to check and make sure all your vehicle’s outside lights are working. It might help to have a friend assist you since there are a few bulbs to check that are much easier to do with two people.

With the vehicle running (and the parking brake applied), walk around to make sure no bulbs are burned out. That means headlights (both high- and low-beams), side lights, fog lights, taillights, and brake lights. Also, test each turn signal and make sure they are blinking properly, both front and rear. Try the emergency flashers, too.

Don’t forget about the backup lights. Have your friend put the vehicle in reverse and see if they are working and clean (don’t stand directly behind the vehicle, just in case). You don’t want to be blind when you’re backing up at night, so all backup lamps should be lit. With rear view cameras now very common, back up lights provide an extra measure of light so that you can avoid obstacles, animals, kids, etc.

Check the inside lights, too. The instrument panel lights should be working so you can see important things like your speed, fuel level, engine temperature, etc. The dome lights should come on when the doors open and when the switch is activated.

If you have any bulbs out, you can give us a call to come in & we can replace the lamps. Some are tricky to get at, plus the pros will know exactly the right replacement bulb to install. This is also a good opportunity to make sure your headlights are aimed correctly. You don’t want to blind oncoming drivers. And you want to be able to see as far as your vehicle is designed to see.

One driving tip when it comes to headlights: Make sure you have enough stopping distance to be able to come to a complete stop within the area your headlights can light up. Precipitation, fog, and dust can all reduce night visibility, and you want to reduce your speed to be able to stop in time.

Hope you find these suggestions “illuminating!”

Battery

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 07:35:27 GMT

Battery

Batteries are a huge part of modern life. I mean, how many battery chargers do you have?

Of course, our purpose here is to talk about your car battery. When people come into our service center and need a new battery, they’re not that happy about having to spend the money. But the fact is that 70% of batteries don’t make it for 4 years.

There are some things that you can do to extend the life of your battery. First, keep it clean. If you see it getting dirty or greasy, let us know and we can clean it off. A dirty battery runs hotter and that shortens its life. If your battery terminals are corroded, let us look at that too. We can clean them, and if the corrosion has gotten into the battery cables, we can replace them.

Also running your battery way down is bad for it. Things like running the headlights or watching a DVD player with the car turned off can deeply deplete your battery. The typical battery can only take about 10 of those deep cycle depletions before it gives up the ghost.

Because we often take short trips around town with lots of stops for errands, our batteries can end up not getting fully recharged just by driving around. That also shortens battery life. You can hook up a good quality automatic battery charger at home from time to time. We recommend charging once a month during hot months and every three months during cold months.

Now when it’s finally time to get a new battery, we can help you find the right replacement. We’ll always make sure to meet your manufacturer’s recommendations. Now if you have special needs – like live in a very cold climate or run a lot of electrical accessories, we can look at an upgrade that’ll give you the power you need.

Care About Your Spare

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 07:41:44 GMT

Care About Your Spare

Most of us don’t worry about getting a flat tire. After all, it rarely happens, and if it does, we might think we can just call someone and have them put on the spare. That’s all fine and dandy if your spare is in good shape. But how many of us even think twice about the condition of our spare tires?

The spares that take the biggest beating are those mounted outside, like those on SUVs and trucks. They might be on the tailgate or underneath the vehicle. These get exposed to water, dirt, salt, and road debris. The mounting hardware can become so corroded that you may not even be able to get the spare out of its holder, leaving you with no usable spare at all.

When you get your tires rotated, ask us to check the condition and inflation of the outside-mounted spare and its holder. A little lubrication and maintenance periodically can help keep them fit for action. Often the spare on an SUV or truck is the same size as the other tires and may be included in the regular rotation – check your owner’s manual.

How about those compact spare tires that are sitting in the trunk, out of sight and out of mind? They can have low air pressure too because, over time, the air can slowly escape. It’s a good idea to have your service facility check the spare’s pressure and condition at least twice a year, if not more frequently. What good is a spare with inadequate air pressure?

And then there are the vehicles that don’t have spares at all. They may have an inflator kit. That needs to be kept in good shape, too. Know that an inflator kit can’t fix many tire punctures and failures. They frequently have a sealant in them that attempts to plug leaks and holes. That sealant has an expiration date and should be replaced when it expires. Again, Ask our Service Advisor if your inflator kit is up to date and working.

Be fair to your spare and show it you care.

How Time Flies

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 07:37:34 GMT

How Time Flies

Funny how the mind can play tricks on you when it comes to your vehicle’s service. If you’re not keeping track closely, time can slip away.

A driver recently took his 10-year-old vehicle into his AutoCare Center for an oil change. Knowing the colder weather was approaching, his technician took the opportunity to check out a few components that are vital for a vehicle to work correctly in the winter months.

One was the battery. They performed a battery test to determine the battery’s health and ability to hold a charge. The service technician found this battery was not holding a charge well. The Service Advisor asked the driver how old the battery was, and he thought he’d replaced it “a couple of years ago.” The battery said otherwise. Most batteries have a manufacturing date stamped on them, and the technician was able to determine it was five years old. That’s about when most batteries begin to fail. The technician also checked to see if the vehicle’s charging system was sending enough current to charge the battery; it was.

The diagnosis and recommendation: a new battery. The driver realized if the technician hadn’t run that simple test on the old battery, he might have wound up stranded on a cold day because the battery didn’t have the cranking power to start his engine. With so much to keep track of these days, it’s easy for a driver not to be able to remember when the battery had been replaced, or many other services were performed last.

That’s why it’s important to stay on top of your vehicle maintenance. It helps to save your service records. We keep record of what services you’ve had done here, and which need doing. Time marches on, and so will your vehicle if you make sure all its systems are kept up to date.

TSB Not USB

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 07:44:25 GMT

TSB Not USB

You probably know that USB is a computer term (it stands for Universal Serial Bus). But do you know what a TSB is? You should, because it could be important for your vehicle.

A TSB is a Technical Service Bulletin. Once a new vehicle is introduced and starts being driven by thousands of real-world users, weaknesses in parts or design are revealed. So, automakers send out TSBs, so service technicians will know to look for those problems. A TSB can be issued for things such as a loud noise when the vehicle turns or a minivan power door that won’t close properly.

A TSB is not the same as a recall. If a vehicle has a defect that could result in people being hurt or illegal emissions, that vehicle is recalled. The manufacturer must pay for a safety defect to be fixed, usually at a dealership.

When a Technical Service Bulletin is issued, it’s an acknowledgment that the vehicle manufacturer has noticed a pattern of something not working the way it should. They also suggest the proper repair to address these known issues. The cost for a TSB is usually only covered by the manufacturer if the vehicle is still under warranty.

If your vehicle is no longer covered by a warranty, but a TSB has been issued on a certain problem, any service facility can perform the service. Ask your NAPA AutoCare Service Advisor about TSBs that may have been issued for your vehicle. Those TSBs can be helpful for the technician to diagnose any problem you are experiencing. The TSB will also guide the technician on the best repair procedure to get your vehicle working the way it should. We’re committed to maintaining your vehicle’s performance, safety, and fuel economy. Trust your vehicle to Joey’s and to NAPA.

5 Tips for Buying a Used Car

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 07:46:47 GMT

5 Tips for Buying a Used Car

Here are 5 tips from Joey’s Truck Repair Inc. for used car buyers:

1. Ask for service records. Most owners who document regular maintenance service take care of their vehicle.

2. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly. Check for uneven tire wear, alignment, suspension issues, strange sounds and funky odors.

3. If everything checks out up to this point,you can bring it to us for a thorough used car inspection. Your friendly and knowledgeable service advisor can give you a heads up on any pressing issues or emerging problems that will need to be addressed eventually. If the seller won’t let you do this before you buy, move on.

4. Buy a CarFax report. This will show any major accidents and title status concerns including whether it is a salvaged vehicle. You don’t want a car that was underwater for a week after Hurricane Sandy.

5. After you buy, stay on top of regular maintenance (and save the records). We will help keep your car running well and you will enjoy not having a car payment.

As always, give us a call if you have any specific questions. We are happy to help!

Exhaust

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 07:50:51 GMT

Exhaust

We’ve all heard a car or truck that needs a new muffler. But there’s more to the exhaust system than just the muffler.

The exhaust system has three main functions:

To safely get hot exhaust gas from the engine out the tailpipe

Treats the exhaust to remove harmful pollutants

Muffle the engine noise

Exhaust gas is poisonous. You don’t want it getting into the passenger compartment. For example, carbon monoxide can be deadly. That’s why you should never run your engine in a closed garage. If you have a leak somewhere in the exhaust system, exhaust could get into the passenger cabin and make you sick or even kill you.

If you smell exhaust in the vehicle, roll down your windows and get it inspected. You may smell or see exhaust coming from the engine compartment or under the vehicle if you have a leak. Sometimes the sound from an exhaust leak is loud and obvious. Sometimes it’s a ticking sound when you start the engine that goes away as you drive. That could be a small crack or a bad fitting that leaks when it’s cold but seals up when the metal heats and expands.

Now, let’s address the environmental issues. Exhaust gas contains several pollutants and particulates. The catalytic converter scrubs some of those harmful substances. And diesel vehicles have systems to deal with soot. Catalytic converters eventually wear out and need to be replaced. They’re expensive so you want to help them last as long as possible by keeping the fuel system clean and replacing your air filter. These components need to be tested for function with an emissions test from time to time.

And that leaves the muffler. The beauty of getting a new muffler is that you can suit your taste: Some want whisper quiet and others like a little rumble. And some like a roar.

How Long Will My Brakes Last?

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 07:57:16 GMT

How Long Will My Brakes Last?

If you feel a slight shudder or vibration coming through your brake pedal when you stop, it could be a sign you need some brake work done. That gets you thinking, how long should my brakes last anyway?

It depends on a lot of factors. But for discussion’s sake, let’s talk about the components that wear out most often, the pads and rotors.

One factor is how you drive. If you drive on highways a lot, you won’t use your brakes as much as, say, someone who lives in the city and is in the middle of a lot of stop-and-go traffic.

Do you drive a lot in the mountains? Do you tow a trailer or haul heavy loads? Those driving habits will all wear down your pads and rotors more quickly than someone who doesn’t put that extra friction on their brake components.

Do you love jackrabbit starts and squealing stops? That will wear out your brakes more quickly than smoother driving habits.

Do you drive a hybrid or electric vehicle? In that case, you may have regenerative brakes that help your vehicle stop and may reduce wear and tear on the pads and rotors.

How long will your brakes will last depend on all these different things, and there’s no hard and fast rule. In addition to that pulsating feel we mentioned at the beginning of this, here are a few other signs you might need some brake work:

You must push harder on the brake pedal than you used to.

Your brakes squeak, grind, or rattle when you apply them.

Your vehicle pulls to one side when you put on the brakes.

We can inspect your brakes and tell you when it’s time to or replace your brake pads or rotors. A technician will also check the other wear components in your brake system that may require repair. When it comes to brake issues, it’s a lot better to know: and it’s better (and can save money) to know earlier rather than later.

joeystruckautorepair

Question & Answer: High Mileage Vehicles

Question & Answer: High Mileage Vehicles

Used Vehicle Inspection

Used Vehicle Inspection

Pump it Up (Signs fuel pump is failing)

Pump it Up (Signs fuel pump is failing)

Air Conditioning Service

Air Conditioning Service

Quality Replacement Parts

Quality Replacement Parts

Getting the Right Wheels and Tires

Getting the Right Wheels and Tires

Water Pump

Water Pump

Trailer Wheel Bearings

Trailer Wheel Bearings

EVAP System

EVAP System

Emergency Shopping (Vehicle Emergency Items)

Emergency Shopping (Vehicle Emergency Items)

Wired! (Battery Cables and Maintenance)

Wired! (Battery Cables and Maintenance)

Suspension Wear

Suspension Wear

Tech Question on Your Transmission

Tech Question on Your Transmission ﻿

Oxygen Sensor

Oxygen Sensor

Disc Brakes

Disc Brak es ﻿

Tips on TPMS

Tips on TPMS

Gasoline Direct Injection

Gasoline Direct Injection ﻿

Light into Darkness (Vehicle Lighting)

Light into Darkness (Vehicle Lighting) ﻿

Battery

Battery

Care About Your Spare

Care About Your Spare

How Time Flies

How Time Flies

TSB Not USB

TSB Not USB

5 Tips for Buying a Used Car

5 Tips for Buying a Used Car

Exhaust

Exhaust

How Long Will My Brakes Last?

How Long Will My Brakes Last? ﻿

Tech Question on Your Transmission

Disc Brak es

Gasoline Direct Injection

Light into Darkness (Vehicle Lighting)

How Long Will My Brakes Last?