Is Your Dashboard lights Trying to Tell You Something

A car dashboard normally reveals a wide range of warning lights each with a different warning to put across. When a red light appears on the car dashboard, the car should be brought to a halt right away. Cars have become quite sophisticated with the advent of technology, hence a significant growth in the number of faults that might arise as well as the number of dissimilar warning lights capable of flashing on the car dashboard. After starting the car, all these lights are supposed to come on shortly hence giving the reassurance that the car's bulbs are working. When a bulb stays lit for a longer period or starts glowing, it is trying to warn the driver about some default with the car.
The warning light for oil pressure illuminates after switching on the ignition and usually extinguishes after starting the engine. If this fails to happen, the car should be stopped and the engine switched off to check the level of the engine oil which should be topped up if it is inadequate. However, the engine should similarly be topped if the oil level is adequate but there is an illumination of the warning lamp.
The warning light for the battery charge similarly illuminates after switching on the illumination but should extinguish once the engine is started. Failure to illuminate while starting or presence of an illumination while driving is an indication of a faulty charging system. This may be caused by slack starter terminals or battery, a loose or broken alternator drive-belt or failure in the alternator. The car should be taken to a repair facility and checked by a professional mechanic.
The warning light for the brake system remains illuminated after engaging the handbrake and an illumination after the release of the handbrake indicates that the brake fluid level is low. The fluid level normally drops slowly after the wearing off of brake fluid. Therefore, the level of brake fluid should be checked frequently. In case the brake fluid is adequate, but the light is still illuminated, this may be an indication of a fault with the sensor and should be taken to a technician for diagnosis.
If the warning light for the engine illuminates after switching on the ignition, it ought to extinguish after starting the engine. In case it illuminates while the engine is running, this indicates that the management system of the engine has a malfunction and should be checked immediately. In case the light flashes while driving, the speed of the vehicle should be reduced immediately until there is a constant illumination of the light.
When the ABS warning light briefly illuminates after switching the ignition on, it confirms an operational system, but if it does so while driving, there is a malfunction and should be checked immediately. Vehicles comprise of antilock brakes to indicate when the antilock car system has a problem but this does not necessarily signify that the brakes are incapable of working, but rather there is a likelihood of a problem with this feature; a technician should inspect the system. A warning light for the air bag indicates the detection of a hitch with the air bag system by a sensor. This requires to be inspected after it comes on. With a wide range of warning lights being exhibited on a car dashboard, it is vital to be aware of which warning each light portrays to be able to solve any possible car problems.

Checks to Help Your Car Through a MOT

In the UK, your car needs a MOT every year once it is three years old. Taking the time to prepare your car for a MOT will reduce the chances of it failing for something minor such as a dead light bulb. You'll also avoid the hassle and potential cost of bringing the car back for a re-test.
Below are some easy checks you can make yourself before an MOT to greatly increase the chances of your car passing.
TOP TIP: "Having your car serviced just before an MOT should pick up any faults that might cause it to fail. A well serviced engine will also help it pass the emissions test."
LIGHTS
Nearly twenty percent of all MOT failures are due to a dead bulb. Use the list below to make sure you've checked all your bulbs. Park up close to a wall or garage door if you don't have anyone to help you check them.

• Headlights (check main beam & dipped)
• Sidelights (Front & rear)
• Indicators (front, rear and side repeaters)
• Brake lights
• Number plate (only on the rear numberplate)
• Reverse lights (not part of an MOT but worth checking anyway)
• Rear fog (front fogs not checked)
• Hazards (check separately from indicators)

Some indicator and brake light bulbs have a colour coating which starts to peel as they get old. When the colour flakes off, the bulb shines white and is cause enough for a test failure. Check the colours are correct at the same time as making sure they all work. All light fittings should be secure without cracks or damage.
WHEELS & TYRES
All the tyres should be above the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across ¾ of the tyre's width.
There should be no damage on the tyres. Check for splits in the tread, bulges or cuts to the sidewalls.
Check the tyre sizes - the front tyres must be the same size and the rear tyres must be the same size.
Make sure there are no missing wheels nuts or any heavy damage to the wheels themselves.
A spare wheel is not a requirement for the MOT and is not checked unless it is being used as a road wheel at the time. A 'space saver' spare fitted as a road wheel will not pass the MOT.
WINDSCREEN
Check the windscreen for chips and cracks. The car will fail the MOT for chips over 10mm in the driver's line of sight (A) (use the width of the steering wheel as a guide) and over 40mm in the area swept by the wipers (B). Any scratching that limits the drivers vision will also be a reason for a failed test.
Get small stone chips repaired as soon as possible to stop them spreading any further and costing you the price of a new windscreen.
WIPERS
The wiper blades should be secure and clear the screen effectively for their entire length. Lift them up and check the rubber is not split or perished and that they are safely attached to the wiper arm.
WASHER JETS
Top up your screen wash before taking the car for it's MOT and test the jets to make sure they operate correctly. Blocked nozzles can be easily cleared with a pin.
STEERING
The steering system isn't something you'll be able to check easily apart from making sure the wheels can turn freely from lock to lock and the power steering is working correctly if you have it.
FUEL
The fuel cap needs to lock securely in place and the seal inside the cap shouldn't be split or perished.
EXHAUST
The exhaust needs to be held on securely and not have any holes (apart from the obvious one at the end!). If your car exhaust is sounding louder than normal there's a good chance it has a hole in it. You might be able to tell by getting your ear low to the ground on the driver's side and listening carefully as you blip the accelerator (when the car is parked). If you go over a bump and the exhaust clunks on the underside of the car, the rubber mounts may be worn and in need of replacement.
HORN
The horn needs to work and be loud enough to attract the attention of pedestrians or other motorists. Musical air horns are a guaranteed fail!
MIRRORS
The mirrors need to be in place and secure, i.e. not held to the car with sticky tape and string. The glass shouldn't be cracked or smashed.
BODY
The car's bodywork must be free from heavy corrosion, not be badly damaged or have sharp edges sticking out. The front doors should work from inside and outside and the rear doors will need to work so other parts of the test can be completed such as seat belt checks. The boot and bonnet need to close securely.
BRAKES
Most checks on the braking system require specialist knowledge but there are some easy things you can test. Make sure the rubber on all the pedals isn't worn away and if your car has ABS, the warning light should go out after the car is started. The hand brake should hold the car on a hill.
NUMBER PLATES
Front and back plates need to be secured properly to the car and not cracked, faded or hidden by dirt. The letters and numbers should be standard and evenly spaced.
SEAT BELTS
All the seat belt buckles should latch and fasten securely and lock when you give them a sharp tug. The belts need to be in good condition, not cut or badly frayed. The seats must be firmly bolted down; grab the base of each seat and try rocking it.
EMISSIONS
The best way to ensure your car passes the emissions test with ease is to have the car serviced prior to its MOT. On top of this, if your car hasn't been run in a while or is mainly used for short town journeys, take it on a longer motorway type journey where a higher engine speed is sustained for a greater length of time. This helps to clean out sooty deposits from the engine prior to the emissions test.

For MOT FAQs, head to http://motchecklist.co.uk/mot-faqs.html

Do You Know How to Keep Your Car Air Conditioning Healthy

It is important to many people to look after their car and to take pride in its appearance. Many of us spend endless hours cleaning and polishing. However, cleaning the outside and inside of the car, shampooing, polishing and vacuuming is not enough. In order, to ensure that your vehicle reaches and maintains its peak performance levels, it is vital to have regular Air conditioning services carried out by an expert technician.
The health of your car air con depends upon routine checks and regular servicing sessions, ideally spaced twelve months to eighteen months apart. The natural porosity of the hoses and other components of the air conditioning require regular upkeep. Moreover, a well-functioning car air conditioning system is not just important it is a necessity, since lack of use, could result in the refrigerant gas leaking slowly out of the system at an estimated rate of 15%-20% every year!
Ensure that you switch on your air conditioning for at least five minutes every week even during winter because an unused system can result in seals becoming dry, leading to gradual deterioration in the systems performance. This could also mean that the system would gradually stop working.
Do you have more questions on the servicing and re-gassing of your car air conditioning system?
We hope that the below frequently asked questions will help to answer some of your concerns and also provide you with a deeper insight about the air-conditioning system servicing process.
Q. What is the time duration required for servicing and re-gassing the system on most cars?
In order to properly complete the servicing and re-gassing, a minimum of one hour is required. Any time period less than one hour means that the job is not being done properly.
Q. How much gas does the system require?
The amount of gas is dependent on the make and model of the car. The gas is measured by weight. A small sized car can consume up to half a kilo of refrigerant, whilst a luxury car, with climate control can take as much as one and a half kilos of gas.
Q How often does my system require servicing?
Ideally, the air conditioning system should be serviced every 12 - 18 months. This ensures maximum performance. If the air conditioning system is run on a low refrigerant level, then the compressor has to apply extra effort, thereby reducing its life span.
Q. Is frequent running of my system good for it?
Yes, running the car air conditioning system regularly is good for the systems health. It's advisable that you switch on the air conditioning for a short period of time, irrespective of the outside weather. When you use it daily, it ensures that the rubber seals and gaskets in your system remain lubricated, thus preventing leaks.
Q. What are the causes of bad odour? How can the car smell fresh again?
Bacteria, micro - organisms or fungal growth behind the dashboard on the evaporator is usually the cause of a strong smell. When the fan blows air, these organisms are blown into the car atmosphere causing flu like symptoms or allergic reactions. Having the car air conditioning system serviced will certainly help to get rid of these types of bacteria, leaving your car smelling fresh and fragrant.

Steve Magill is the Managing Director of LVV Services Ltd. which is located in South Wales.Covering Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Bridgend and surrounding areas - http://www.lvvservices.com/

How to Repair Electric Windows

Electric windows can be problematic at times due to the amount of use they get day in day out, the main issue normally is with the electrical side rather than mechanical side of the system, fixing windows is simply a process of elimination so with this in mind it may be a fuse so look in your owner's manual for location of your fuse for the windows and check the condition of the fuse and see if it's the correct rate.

A problem may occur If the master switch is non-functioning but the door windows operate only by their respective panels, then the problem lies with the main panel. If a window does not operate with its individual control but functions with main control, it is most likely the individual control switch that has an issue. You would also need to find the electrical wire that enters the door and check it for insulation breaks, wear or breakage.

If the problem is narrowed down to the individual window motor at the door, then it will require you to remove the inner panel on that door. There will be bolts or screws and clips that hold the armrest pad in place and plastic push pins that hold the rest of the panel in place. The pushpins can be removed by carefully pulling the panel, evenly, around the perimeter to pull the pins out of their sockets. Most vehicle panels must then be moved upward to be able to remove them from the door. Move the panel aside to gain access to the inside of the door where the window motor is located. Sometimes, an electrical grounding problem is the cause. Simply restoring the ground connection can often repair the function of the window.

If you are unable to fix the problem by restoring the ground connection then it may be necessary to replace the window motor completely. After repair, replace the door panel and check to see if all windows and switches are functioning.

How To Change Spark Plugs On Your Car

In this guide we are going to show how to change spark plugs on your car and set the electrode gap for the best possible spark. Setting the correct electrode gap is essential for good fuel economy, cold starting and smooth engine idle. Set the gap too wide and the HT (High tension) coil will not provide enough voltage to provide an arc across the gap, possibly resulting in no spark at all. Set the gap too narrow and the spark will be too small.
1. Remove HT lead or coil pack from spark plugPull off the HT lead from the first spark plug by grabbing the rubber boot and pulling sharply whilst taking care not to cut yourself on sharp engine components.

2. Clean around the spark plug
With the spark plug exposed, use a paint brush around the base of the spark plug to brush away dirt which could fall into the cylinder when the plug is removed. If compressed air is available, blow any dust out from around the base of the spark plug left behind by the brush. It is very important not to allow any dirt to enter the cylinder when the spark plug is removed.
3. Remove old spark plug
With a spark plug socket (normally 13/16 or 5/8 deep socket), turn the spark plug counter-clockwise with the socket wrench to remove.
4. Set electrode gap on new spark plugs
Using a spark plug electrode gap tool or feeler gauge, set the gap as recommended by your car manufacture for your engine model. You can sometimes find this information in your car owners/service or Haynes manual. Alternatively, your auto parts store where you purchased the new spark plugs may be able to tell you this.
To set the gap, find the correct size feeler gauge and slide it between the inner and side electrode. If the gap is too wide, tap the side electrode against the inserted feeler gauge with a small hammer. Gently tap until the gauge fits snug between the two electrodes.
If the gap is too narrow, prise the gap open with a thin feeler gauge and follow the above until the gap reduces to the correct width.
5. Fit new spark plugs
You should now be able to screw the new spark plug in place by hand. If there is too much resistance, unscrew the spark plug and try again. You should not screw the spark plug in with the socket wrench as this can damage the aluminum thread which is very soft and easy to cross thread.
When the spark plug cannot be tightened any further by hand, attach the socket wrench and turn clockwise a quarter of a turn using just one or two fingers, taking care not to over-tighten.
6. Refit HT leads to spark plugs
Push the HT lead for the spark plug back on and you should hear a pop where the clip in the wire plug snaps onto the top of the spark plug.
Summary
Continue with repeating steps 1 through to 6 for each additional cylinder. It is important to ensure only one HT lead is removed at any one time. This is to ensure the firing order is not changed.

Vehicle Maintenance - The Importance of Scheduled Maintenance to Avoid Costly Automotive Repair

The importance of scheduled maintenance:
Regularly completing scheduled maintenance items like oil changes, filter changes and tune-ups can keep your vehicle performing smoothly and getting maximum fuel efficiency.
Car maintenance is incredibly important for keeping your car in good working order. Maintaining your car regularly will not only allow your car to last longer, but it can also save you some money as well.
Many aspects of car maintenance can be done on your own, as in without the help of a mechanic.
Changing your own oil, oil filter and air filter(s) is an example of a way to save your money. Making sure your tires are properly inflated can not only help keep your car safe, but also make your car a little bit more fuel-efficient. Another part of car maintenance involves your brakes. Keeping them up to date and changing them regularly can not only make your safer, but save you some more money down the road. Car maintenance can include a variety of other simple things, such as a car wash. The paint on your car is susceptible to erosion, and other problems.
Taking the car to your mechanic is still important and should be done because there are things only a mechanic can do like tire aligning, checking the engine, etc.
Overall, car maintenance is extremely worthwhile because it will help your car make it as long as you need it to go.
Many of our customers are choosing to extend the life of their vehicles by scheduling factory recommended maintenance service on a timely basis; in addition they are having repairs made before they become major problems.
To help you keep your vehicle at its peak performance our service team has compiled a list of the top ten maintenance and repair items that you can easily and affordably perform to extend the life of your gas fueled or hybrid, car, truck or SUV.
Top Maintenance Services to Extend the Life of Your Vehicle
1) Change the Oil and Filter
Change your oil regularly to keep internal engine parts cleaner which lubricates the engine. By performing this, it catches and removes elements that are harmful to the engine. Prolonging oil changes can cause these damaging particles to create what is called "sludge" in the engine. This is the most important service you can do to extend the life of your car.
2) Change Air Filter(s) and Cabin Filter(s)
A dirty air filter prevents the necessary volume of clean air from reaching the engine which affects the emission control systems of the car; reducing air flow and causing a too rich air-fuel mixture which can foul the spark plugs. A clean air filter results in improved gas mileage, better acceleration, increased engine life, lower emissions and overall improved engine performance. Vehicles also have cabin filter(s) which are for the ventilation system. It will produce problems if it gets too plugged up with leaves and dirt.
3) Replace the Spark Plugs
Fouled spark plugs can create an engine miss-fire, rough idle and even starting problems.
4) Flush the Cooling System
A cooling system extends the life your radiator, heater and engine by flushing away dirt and rust particles that clog up the cooling system. Recommended flushing of cooling system every two years.
5) Perform Tire Maintenance
Regular tire rotation and proper inflation will increase fuel mileage and lengthen the life of the tires.
6) Change the Transmission Fluid
A transmission fluid change regularly can extend the life of the transmission. Performing a transmission service faithfully will alleviate possibility of major transmission failures.
7) Maintain the Brakes
Brake pads and shoes, if left neglected, your brakes will ultimately fail. This can cause damage to other, more expensive brake parts such as rotors, calipers and drums. Perform a yearly brake inspection to find and avoid potential problems before they become a major repair expense. Flushing your brake fluid every two years will also be a benefit.
8) Change your Fuel Filter and Fuel Injection Service
It is recommended that you change your fuel filter on a yearly basis. However, a yearly replacement really only applies to high mileage vehicles. If vehicles are used only on occasion or only drive short distances on a daily basis, then you can probably get away with a filter replacement every two or even three years. Fuel injection service extends the life expectancy of the injectors and can increase fuel mileage.
9) Replace the Timing Belt
A majority of manufacturers recommend timing belt replacement between 60,000 and 105,000 miles depending on make and model. Replacing the timing belt, before it breaks can save you a financial nightmare. If a timing belt breaks on an interface engine, you will have Bent valves, busted pistons, a cracked head, and possibly more extreme damage. This is very costly and want to avoid at all costs. If the belt fails on a non-interface engine, the engine will immediately shut down leaving you stranded. Timing Chains rarely break and will give you ample warning that they are going to fail. Also, as a rule of thumb, when replacing the belt is well worth getting your water pump replaced at the same time and less expensive due to the labor in replacing the water pump alone.
10) Perform an Annual or Seasonal Complete Vehicle Inspection
Have your vehicle inspected periodically extends the life of major components of your vehicle by diagnosing issues before they become major problems. Remember, getting your oil changed usually does not include a thorough and complete vehicle inspection.

German Motors http://www.germanmotorslodi.com/

LED Tail Lights Look Great On Any Ride

Maybe the car has been washed, waxed, shined and buffed. It's got new tires and rims, and a fancy new fender and grille, but something just seems to be missing and a finger can't be placed on it. Does it have new, flashy LED tail lights? If not here are a few reasons they may be the next thing in need of an improvement.
Not Only Better Appearance, Better Safety
No one wants a car that seems to have just about all the right touches. People want to drive a car or truck that has all the finishing touches and looks great. That's where LED tail lights come in. They can be the first project to do or the last. They will make the rear of any vehicle much improved on the eyes. There are all sorts of styles to choose from to match the general style of the car in question. But this auto parts asset does not stop at looks. They are a must for increased safety as they are easier to spot when braking in traffic and they don't need to be replaced as often as other tail lights.
Reasonable To Find
Maybe this is an auto accessory that seems hard to find. Not the case at all, so relax, put those feet up and open up the lap top or click on that desktop. These are a fingertip away. Do a few searches and find out which styles match which vehicles and what designs really are eye-catching. If there are worries about getting items shipped, rest assured there are plenty of options here also. If it's needed in a hurry there's always overnight or next day shipping. And if it's a worry that they'll get lost in the mail, choose to have it insured. Some items even come with free shipping which can help ease the stress on that old wallet.
Easy On The Budget And Easy To Install
With all these positives about LED tail lights it seems unreasonable not to enhance any car. Here's just a couple more that are super helpful. When it comes to the car world some items can really break the bank. Tail lights are a great place to do improvements, because they come in so many looks, and all these choices come in so many different prices, so choose what works best. On top of that they aren't the most difficult item to install, so why wait.

For more information on LED tail lights or to purchase them online visit ChosenAutoParts.com today!