August 2019 – Car PFA

Troubleshooting Car Vibration – The Three Types Of Driveline Vibration

Posted on August 31, 2019 by blogger

There are several different possible causes for a driveline vibration. Your wheels, tires, axles, driveshaft, transmission, clutch or torque converter and engine components are all rotating at a high rate of speed, and any one or more of these components can create a vibration if they are worn or out of spec. Worn or broken engine or transmission mounts can transmit normal vibrations that usually aren’t ever felt, and accidental body contact with the engine, transmission, or exhaust can also be misinterpreted as a driveline vibration. The first step in diagnosing a classic car vibration is to determine exactly when and under what conditions the vibration occurs.

There are three basic types of vibrations:

1. Engine RPM related – If the vibration is related to engine RPM, it will occur in all gears (and possibly even sitting still) at a particular engine RPM or above. This vibration usually can be attributed to the engine itself or anything else that turns at the same speed as the engine, such as the harmonic balancer, flywheel or flexplate, pilot bearing, pressure plate, torque converter, or transmission input shaft. It is also possible for body contact with the engine, transmission, or exhaust to cause an engine RPM related vibration. Worn or broken engine or transmission mounts can contribute to this problem. When driving the vehicle with the vibration present, maintain vehicle speed and try shifting to a lower or higher gear. If the vibration changes or goes away while maintaining the same vehicle speed, then the problem is not related to engine RPM.

2. Vehicle Speed related – If the vibration is related to vehicle speed, it will not be present until you reach a certain speed, and then it will usually start gradually and then become worse as speed increases. In some cases, it will decrease at some point, and then come back again at a higher speed. This type of vibration could be related to your wheels, tires, axles, differential, driveshaft runout, balance, or angles, universal joints, or transmission output shaft. Try the same driving test as above. If the vibration is present in third gear at 50 mph, but shifting to fourth gear at 50 MPH makes the vibration go away, then it is not going to be vehicle speed related and you can usually rule out any rotating component that is further back than the transmission output shaft. At a given MPH, your output shaft, driveshaft, axles, wheels and tires are all turning at a constant speed, no matter what gear the transmission is in.

3. Accel/Decel/Cruise related – A vibration that changes depending on whether you are accelerating, decelerating, or cruising at a steady speed could have quite a few different causes. Generally, this will be related to driveshaft angles or a worn or broken part, instead of something being out of balance. Think about what changes when the engine is under load. The engine and isolator mount loads shift; the load on the pinion bearing changes; your driveshaft angles change, possibly more than they should due to a broken engine or transmission mount; your exhaust, shifter, transmission, etc. could be contacting the body only on accel or decel; if the car has been lowered (or raised), your suspension snubbers could be contacting the body prematurely.

A vehicle works as a system, and you have to understand the relationships between all the different parts when you are trying to diagnose a driveline vibration. Determining if the vibration is related to engine speed, vehicle speed, or engine load will help you narrow down the list of possible culprits, and keep you from wasting your time looking in the wrong places.

Car Wax Vs Car Polish

Posted on August 30, 2019 by blogger

Every car owner wants his or her car to be in the best condition. There are several products in the market that can help the car owners to maintain their cars in the best condition. People who are even looking to sell used car can also fetch higher price by making there car bright and shine. Many car owners often wonder what the best product for their car is. Shine and texture of the car color plays a vital role in enhancing the overall appearance of the car body especially if one looking to be the first one in buying cars like Nissan Evalia or Renault Scala. Wax and polish are two of the most popular products that can help in enhancing the aesthetics and appearance of the car. Car owners often wonder which of these two products are better for their car. Both these products need to be used in sync with each other for best results.

Polish is a coarse product that is used to sand the surface of the car. It works by sanding the surface in order to bring luster to the body surface. Main objective of using a polish is to smooth the surface of the car body. It takes off any irregularities on the paint and allows the coat to shine effortlessly. Polish is generally required for old cars. It is recommended by the mechanics when the coat of paint loses its shine. This happens due to wear and tear of the car. Sunlight also causes the paint to go flat. Environmental factors also cause oxidation, which leads to degeneration of the paint. Polish is used with an objective of restoring the shine and finish of the body paint.

Wax is a smooth product that is used to seal the paint of the car. Wax works like a protective coat on the car’s body. Wax is used to seal off newly painted car body. One must use car wax appropriately. Wax should be applied by professionals or mechanics only. Wax is used after applying polish. Waxing is a process that is undertaken to protect the car’s body from environmental factors and regular wear and tear. Waxing also prevents the process of oxidation and thereby augments corrosion of the body exteriors.

One must understand that wax and polish are essential to protect the car and enhance its appearance and can be great if buys at time of delivery of new cars in India. One must buy these products from authorized dealers only. It is best that one seeks help from an authorized service personnel or a local mechanic for choosing the appropriate product. One must not ignore the role of these two products in enhancing the life of one’s car.

Car Hire Tips

Posted on August 28, 2019 by blogger

Car Hire Tips For Driving In South Africa

South Africa is a beautiful country and popular tourist destination. With an excellent road infrastructure and numerous attractions spread far and wide, it is also better to self drive than making use of public transport. If you follow the car hire tips provided below you will be able to save money and have a safe as well as pleasant journey.

Major Cities

The best pick-up and drop-off locations for car hire in the country are the airports. Major airports are located in Johannesburg, Nelspruit, Cape Town, Durban, George, East London, and Bloemfontein.

Car Hire Tips for Safety

The roads are relatively safe, but be vigilant, especially when driving at night or on small roads. Dont stop for picnics at the roadside picnic spots, unless at one of the fuel station and refreshment centres. Beware of potholes also in the city areas and dont engage in conversation with people at the intersections. You will find street vendors and beggars at many of the intersections. Be careful as some of them are involved in smash and grab attempts and hijackings and simply use the begging or hawking to disguise their real intentions. Keep your windows rolled up and dont leave any valuables in sight. Drive with vehicle doors locked and be sure to let someone know where you are going.

Driving In South Africa

Driving is done on the left side of the road and both manual gear and automatic drive vehicles are allowed. If you are not used to manual gear, rather rent one with automatic gears. You must be in possession of a valid South African drivers license or a recognized international drivers license. The drivers age will have a big influence on the rental price as will the drop-off location. South Africa has strict regulations regarding drinking and driving and it is recommended that you refrain from any form of alcohol usage before driving in the country.

The speed limit on highways is 120 km per hour and mileage is measured in kilometres. In the mid-city and residential areas you can expect the speed limit to drop to 50-70 km per hour while other roads have a speed limit of generally between 80 and 120 km depending on the road conditions. Two types of fuel are used that of diesel and unleaded petrol. Make sure that the fuel station attendant fills the tank with the correct type.

Although hooting is prohibited unless to prevent an accident, you will find that the taxis hoot all the times. It can be a bit nerve wrecking at first as one is never sure whether someone is hooting for you or potential passengers.

Car Hire Tips for Payment

The vehicle rental companies require credit card payments. Visa, MasterCard, Diners, and Amex cards are generally accepted. If you will need a vehicle roof rack, cycle rack, child seat or a tow bar you must specify so when enquiring about quotes. Note that rentals cost more if you only rent the vehicle for a day or two. To get the best deals book for a week or more and drop the vehicle off at the same place as where you have picked it up.

Types of Vehicles

Hire a car with aircon as your windows will be rolled up most of the time. In addition, South Africa has a warm climate and humidity levels in the eastern parts of the country are high. If you plan to only visit the city areas, a small economical car will help to navigate in the traffic and safe you money on fuel. For outer city travelling along dirt roads, book an SUV or 4×4. The country has several stunning off-road routes to remote wildlife destinations.

Car Hire Tips for Saving Money

The best way to get cheap car rental packages in South Africa is to book ahead. This can be done online ensuring that your booking is made before arrival in the country. By making use of central online booking facilities, you will be able to do price comparisons and shop for the vehicle of choice.

Documents Required

Apart from the license already mentioned in one of the car hire tips, you will also need valid identification. This can be a South African ID or a passport if you want to rent a car. If more than one person will drive, both will have to show proof of identification and drivers licenses. You must also have your credit card on you when collecting the vehicle.

A Car’s Heart And Soul (the Engine)

Posted on August 26, 2019 by blogger

Car engine is the soul part of a car. If certain problems are occur into the engine of a car, it will affect the life span of your car. Like our body that need vitamins and some nutrients in order to maintain a healthy body. A car engine is need of regular maintenance so that there will no problems or damage will occur into the parts of the car engine. In single car engine, there are more than 40 parts that needs of maintenance. But mostly, we used to change the engine oil of the engine. Because engine oil is one of the most important things that determine the performance and life of the car. It must be checked regularly for at least every two weeks or before a long trip. Regular engine check can protect your car engine also protect your life as a driver. Because if a certain engine problem is occur while you are driving, it might be cause of road accident due to the failure of your car engine. In having a long trip, check first your car engine then proceed to other parts of your car such as the transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, radiator coolant, windshields washer, and the tires of your car.

As we focus on car engines, here are the tips on how to maintain a car engines: Go on with regular change oil because change oil is the most important factor to keep the engine flashy running. If certain parts are turn to damage stage, change it before it was taken a [problem into your engine. For example the spark plug of your car, air filter, and timing belt are in little bit mis-function already, you must change it before it affects other parts of the engine car. Another one, try to avoid engine overheating. Because once your engine is overheat, it cause major damage into your engine as well as in some parts of your car. And for further protection into your car, check it regularly so that you will see any small problems and try to fix it immediately before it turns to serious problems or damages. In protecting your car while driving, keep on a safe drive and keep on proper driving of your car. What I mean is, don’t just pump up some gasoline and making some unpleasant changing of the gear. Check also if the engine is not on the smooth run. Drive smoothly, don’t let the engine suffer in difficulty because it might cause overheating. Before a long drive, have some rest and relaxation so that the engine of your car will have a rest too. Then, before you go into the long run again, check it again your car as a part of your maintenance and if there are certain problems, fix it or have some solutions with the aid of some individuals that able to give solution into your car problems. Always remind into yourself that once your car engine having a problem, it will continue affecting some other parts of the car engine. So, the best way to do is have a proper and regular maintenance in order to keep away from a high cost repairs.

The Tools You’ll Need for Classic Car Restoration

Posted on August 24, 2019 by blogger

Seasoned auto enthusiasts and even weekend-warriors can make great progress on their classic car restoration projects – but only if they have the right tools. Most classic cars have old parts, rusty patches, and jagged edges. It takes a well-stocked tool kit to work with these problems and make your car as good as new. If you’re thinking about taking on a new project, here are a few of the most important pieces of equipment and tools that you’ll need.

Impact Wrench

Most old cars have lug nuts and bolts that are far too difficult to unscrew with muscle power alone. Even if you can manage to get them off manually, they’re probably found all over your car. To save yourself time, energy, and a lot of frustration, you’ll need to keep a quality impact wrench in your garage. It can take even the tightest bolt off in seconds.

Angle Grinder

If you plan on doing your own bodywork, you’re going to need a grinder. Angle grinders allow you to take off large patches of rust in no time, and they’re indispensable for cutting sheet metal. Once all your panels in place, you’ll also want to grind away the jagged areas to make your car stylish and safe.

Hydraulic Jack

To get to your transmission or fuel injectors, you’ll want to be able to lift your car off the ground. Most shops have two or four-post hydraulic lifts, but those just aren’t practical for a home garage. Fortunately, you can still get a little bit of lift from a good hydraulic jack.

Air Compressor

An air compressor may be the most important tool in your garage. You’ll need it to power a variety of devices, including your impact wrench and angle grinder. You will also have to use a compressor with your paint gun to achieve a smooth, even coat.

Fiberglass Repair Kit

Steel bodies look great, but fiberglass can be far easier to repair and maintain. In fact, you can even use fiberglass to repair small dents in steel. Whatever type of chassis you’ve got on your car, you should keep a fiberglass repair kit in stock. It will also come in handy for repairing boats, swimming pools, and bathtubs.

Engine Crane

If you’re serious about classic car restoration, you should probably look into getting your own engine crane. Changing your timing belt, repairing your transmission, and plenty of other jobs may require that you take your engine out of your car.

Basic Hand Tools

Last but not least, you will need a great set of basic equipment. Every enthusiast loves to play with power tools, but you won’t get far without some good wrenches, screwdrivers, and cutters. Make sure you’ve also got small pliers and wires for precise electrical work.

Help from the Pros

Even if you’ve got a fully-stocked kit and the knowledge to use it, you may need some professional help with your car. Whether you’ve got a tough project – or you just don’t have the right tools for the job – call a leading professional now to get assistance with your classic car restoration project.