What does white smoke from exhaust pipe mean? White smoke from exhaust on cold startup is usually not a problem When you start a cold engine, the computer commands a rich fuel mixture. The exhaust produced from a cold engine and rich fuel mixture produces a lot of hot water vapor from the exhaust. As soon as that hot water vapor his the cold air, it condenses, forming thin white smoke. It’s not really smoke. In fact, it like like a very thin mist of white vapor. If the white … Read More
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Here’s what can happen if you overcharge an auto AC system Overcharging your AC system can cause serious problems More refrigerant is not better! Overcharging by as little as 2-oz can decreased cooling Too much refrigerant in the system can lead to less cooling. The system will become less effective at removing heat, leading to warmer cabin temperatures. Overcharging your AC system leads to extremely high pressures Overcharging can cause excessive pressure in the system. High pressures can strain and possibly damage system components like the compressor, hoses, and seals. … Read More
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The Mechanic Doctor – Resources for Amateur and Pro Auto Mechanics
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, none of us anticipate the possibility of a car accident. Yet, when
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The Mechanic Doctor – Resources for Amateur and Pro Auto Mechanics
Are you facing DUI or drunk driving charges in California? It’s crucial to understand the laws surrounding these offenses and
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How much torque to remove lug nuts You’ll need at least 150-ft/lbs of torque to remove lug nuts The required torque to remove lug nuts largely depends on the vehicle specifications and how much torque was applied when the lug nuts were last installed. Typically, passenger vehicles have lug nuts torqued to a specification ranging from 80 to 100 ft-lbs (foot-pounds) for steel wheels and slightly higher for alloy wheels, typically around 90-120 ft-lbs. Trucks and larger vehicles will often have higher specifications, usually 120 to 150 ft/lbs. But once … Read More
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How to diagnose a worn wheel bearing noise Worn wheel bearing noise Typical worn wheel bearing noise humming that increases/decrease with vehicle speed growlingthat increases/decrease with vehicle speed roaring noise that increases/decrease with vehicle speed Noise is typically louder during turns. Testing a wheel bearing for play Many sites tell you to wiggle the tire and check for wheel bearing play by moving the wheel in/out at 12 and 6 and 9 and 3. HOWEVER, most wheel bearing that make noise won’t show any play. In fact, a wheel bearing … Read More
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A Guide to Exhaust system flex pipe replacement cost and replacement options What is a flex pipe? An exhaust system  flex pipe is a type of flexible tubing that connects the engine to the exhaust system while allowing for engine movement, especially in FWD vehicles with transverse mounted engines. In those applications, the engine tends to rock toward and away from the firewall, so the exhaust system must have some way to handle that movement. That’s where the flex pipe comes into play. How a flex pipe works A flex … Read More
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What is a core charge? A core charge is a deposit When you buy a rebuilt part, the auto parts store charges you a core charge. It’s simply a deposit. When you return the broken/worn out part, you get the deposit back. The auto part store then returns the broken/worn part to the rebuilder so it can be rebuilt. Core charges encouraging recycling Core charges encourage customers to return their old, used parts for recycling or remanufacturing. Recycling old automotive components is environmentally responsible, as it reduces the need for … Read More
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Does corrosion on car battery terminals mean the battery is bad Corrosion on car battery terminals does not necessarily mean the battery itself is bad, but it does indicate an issue that needs to be addressed. Corrosion can occur for a number of reasons: Electrolyte Leakage Causes Battery Terminal Corrosion Sometimes the battery can leak acid if there’s a gap between the plastic battery case and the battery post. The acid can cause corrosion on the terminals. Hydrogen Gas During Charging Can Cause Corrosion of Battery Terminals Batteries can release … Read More
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