Auto Care: 2 Vital But Overlooked Parts To Watch Out For

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Taking care of your car is not an easy job as it is made up of several components that are vital to the performance of your vehicle. This is why your auto care specialist is very important. But you are still responsible for a few things. Besides regular maintenance, there are a few vital parts you should check and watch for problems that are sometimes overlooked.

1. The Differential System

The differential system helps transmit the information from your transmission to your wheels. In essence, the differential system helps your wheels determine which gears you are requesting as you drive or put your vehicle in reverse.

The following are signs of troubled differential systems:

  • A noise from the front or back wheels after you put your car in gear while it was idling
  • Humming noises, followed by clanks when you accelerate
  • You might feel vibrations when you drive
  • There may be liquid discharge or leaks near the front or back wheels

Talk to your mechanic should you notice any of the aforementioned signs. Remember that this system should be serviced regularly, so talk to your auto care specialist about having either the front or back wheels inspected to be up-to-date.

2. Checking the PCV Valve

The PCV valve is a small mechanism in your vehicle that resembles the letter L and is not much larger than your pinky finger. This valve helps release some of the excess gas in your engine, which is vital for performance and general cleanliness in your vehicle's motor. The following are a few signs of a bad PCV valve:

  • You might notice bad fuel economy because the excess gas is now going through the breather filter and clogging it up. This will make it harder for your vehicle to work, making it consume more gasoline.
  • There may be a sudden outbreak of oil leaks through the gaskets or seals.
  • You might have issues with stalls with a severely damaged PCV valve, as it will not let oxygen into your car. Oxygen is necessary for proper combustion or fuel burning.
  • There may be an increase of exhaust pressure, which could result in bad starts, smelly exhaust fumes, or darkened fumes coming from the back pipe.

Be sure to talk to your auto care specialist should you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms, as it may be time to change the PCV valve.

Talk to your auto care specialist, like those at Car And Truck Services Inc., about other components that are not regularly checked to stay up-to-date with everything in your car. And remember to keep a list of dates and services performed on your car to make it easier to stay on top of your next service date.

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20 August 2015

About Me

Keep Your Vehicle Safe

Hello. My name’s Samuel Jacobs. I retired from my job as an auto mechanic last year. During my years as a mechanic, I had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Some have remained friends to this day. When I was working, there is one thing that I came across at least weekly. That is how uneducated people are when it comes to their vehicle’s tires. Properly cared for tires are crucial to the safety of your vehicle. Without them, your car isn’t going anywhere. If they give out on you while you are driving, there is the potential for serious injury. I’m going to share some tire safety information here. Things like the importance of correct inflation, how to check the tread, when to replace tires, tire rotation, and what to do in case of a blow-out. I hope you find this information to be helpful.