What Can Cause a Diesel Engine Not To Start?

You have almost made it through the warm days of summer with your diesel vehicle.  But all of a sudden, it‘s getting harder and harder to start your diesel engine, but yet you dread having to face a diesel repair.  Did you know that hot temperatures can present a different set of issues than cold temperatures when it comes to diesel engines. For example, cold temperatures require a different grade of fuel, the glow plugs could accumulate a lot of carbon and go bad, and the oil can become cold and thick.  

Why can a diesel engine be hard to start in hot temperatures?  The following may be some problems that are causing starting issues:

• Fuel Delivery 
• The injector timing may want to be adjusted.
• There could be air in the fuel from leaks in fuel lines.
• The fuel filter may be clogged.  This filter should be replaced between every 20K to 40K miles, depending on your driving conditions.
• It may be time to change the fuel pump. 
• Fuel Injectors – If you notice a rough idle, loss of power, and white smoke in the exhaust, your fuel injectors might be dirty. Black smoke in the exhaust could indicate a leaking fuel injector.
• Contaminated Fuel – Diesel fuel is an ideal environment for some germs. The warmer the temperatures outside, the faster the germs grow. If you notice a sulfuric odor or green coating in the fuel tank, drain and clean it with a biocide.  The fuel lines and injection pump may also want to be treated.  The next time you refill the fuel tank; add a little more biocide to prevent germs from forming.
• Sludge deposits – Sludge Deposits from dirty oil have built up in the engine block and lines.

Tip to Remember:  Don’t guess what could be the cause of your starting issues, but ask your certified diesel repair mechanic to scan your engine for trouble codes that can help pinpoint the root cause. Many diesel repairs may be simple and inexpensive, such as changing a dirty filter.  Other repairs can be expensive and time-consuming, such as replacing injectors.  

Wondering what can cause a diesel engine not to start?  Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about diesel repairs and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.

What Does Transmission Service Include?

Inappropriately, auto shops report that many vehicle owners don’t think about their vehicle’s transmission until they find themselves broken down on the side of the road.  Transmission repair can be very expensive, so take the initiative by scheduling a transmission service before you start noticing issues, such as gears slipping, jerky shifting, or an overheating transmission.  

Compared to the cost of a major transmission repair, taking care of basic service items is relatively inexpensive and easy to schedule.  So what does transmission service include?  Here is a list of basic transmission service items:

• Manual transmissions will need to have the clutch pedal checked and adjusted regularly, 
• For all vehicles, auto mechanics may recommend an inspection of the transmission fluid at least once a year.  It may just need to be topped of, or depending on its condition, it may need to be completely flushed, 
• The sump pump or pan should be checked and cleaned,
• The filter should either be cleaned or changed as needed, and
• The pan gasket should be replaced

If you’re facing a major transmission repair, your auto mechanic can clarify the following problems before starting work: 

• Is the transmission still covered under the manufacturer’s guarantee, and if so, does it cover components and labor, or just components? 
• If you have an older vehicle with lots of miles, is the value worth the cost of the transmission repair.  
• Will the repair provide more years of trouble-free operation, or is it just buying a little time until the next breakdown?
• Are there options for transmission repair that vary in cost and long life?  Here are a few options to ask about; install a new transmission, a rebuilt one, or a remanufactured transmission.  Chose the transmission repair option that best suits your budget and time.

A word of advice:  It is smart to check the level of transmission fluid regularly (such as at every oil change or tire rotation).  It may only need to be topped off or flushed.  It is important to understand that transmission in tip-top condition is crucial for the operation of your vehicle.

Wondering what does transmission service include?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about transmission repair services and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.

What Does Car Maintenance Include on a Regular Basis?

Spring has arrived, which means that it’s time to give your vehicle a little extra attention.  So that you’re ready for the hot days of summer ahead, it is vital that you take care of recommended vehicle maintenance.  Not only should you know what that schedule includes (see the list in your owner’s service manual); but schedule an appointment for a thorough inspection of your vehicle, especially if you’re planning a summer road trip.  This inspection is important as your auto mechanic can determine if there are any pending issues that should be fixed as soon as possible. 

What does car maintenance include on a regular basis?  Here is a list of the most basic vehicle maintenance items that are important for safe driving:

• Battery—Inspect the fluid level in the terminals and clean any corrosion away from the posts and cable connections.  The battery should be holding a strong sufficient charge to power the electrical accessories. 
• Wiper Blades—if your wiper blades are leaving streaks and have been on your car for more than 6 months, it’s time to replace them.
• Lights—Inspect the lights (both exterior and interior) and change any broken or burned-out bulbs.  Make sure that the lenses and light covers are clean and free of cracks. 
• Oil Change and Filter—Follow the recommended oil change interval so that your motor oil is fresh and of the right viscosity for warm weather.  Use a good quality filter. 
• Radiator, Hoses, and Belts—Make sure there aren’t any cracks or leaks in the radiator unit and hoses and that the ratio of coolant and water in the radiator is correct.
• Tires— Inspect air pressures frequently, have your tires rotated about every 6K miles, and have the alignment and balancing adjusted if needed. Repair any cuts or holes in the sidewalls as soon as possible.
• Brakes— Have your brakes checked each time you get the oil changed. If you start to feel unusual vibrations, hear screeching, or if the brake pedal feels “mushy,” it’s time for brake repair.

Even with all your planning, breakdowns can still happen.  Pack an emergency kit, including water and snacks, jumper cables, flashlight (with extra batteries), road flares, jack and spare tire, first aid kit, blanket, and cell phone charger.  

Need to know more about what does car maintenance include on a regular basis?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about the vehicle maintenance schedule and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.

How Often Do You Need Brakes Replaced?

As with any other components of your car, brakes wear out as the miles add up and will eventually need some form of repair. If your brakes don’t respond the instant you step on the pedal, you should request an appointment with a brake repair mechanic as soon as possible.  

What can you do to increase the lifespan of your brakes and prevent an urgent brake repair?  Smooth and steady driving is the key!  Prevent sudden hard stops by leaving sufficient distance between your car and other vehicles. When driving downhill, downshift and let up on the accelerator to slow down rather than “riding” the brake pedal all the way down the hill.  Have your brakes checked frequently, possibly at every tire rotation service?

How often do you need brakes replaced?  This will depend on various factors, such as:

• Quality of the brake pad, 
• Where you drive (the condition of the road),
• How you drive (hard sudden stops or gentle coasting when stopping), 
• What kind of transmission you drive (automatic or manual) 
• Condition of rotors and calipers 

Some indicators of a needed brake repair may be: 

1. Soft feeling brakes.  Condensation collecting in the brake fluid reservoir, air in the brake lines, brake line damage, or low brake fluid can cause your brakes to feel spongy.
2. Smoking brakes.  Brake pads burned by aggressive driving might actually begin to smoke and release a bad odor.
3. Squealing brakes.  Brake pads can become “glazed” from exposure to the excessive heat generated by friction, emitting a screeching sound when the brakes are applied.

As soon as you suspect brake issues, slow down and find a safe place to pull over.  If you don’t have very far to go to a brake repair shop, delay for your brakes to cool down before driving on.  To be safe, you may want to call roadside assistance for towing.

Have more questions about how often do you need brakes replaced?  Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about brake repair service and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.

How Do You Know When You Need New Brakes?

If you are a conscientious driver, you may often wonder how do you know when you need new brakes.  As the miles add up, it is inevitable that parts of your braking systems start to wear.  Most car drivers don’t want to be the cause of an accident because of failing brakes!  To prevent an expensive brake repair or worse an accident, it is wise to have your brakes checked on a regular basis, possibly at every tire rotation or oil change service.

How do you know when you need new brakes? If you start to notice any of the issues below, don’t put off scheduling an inspection and the appropriate brake repair:

• Noisy brakes – Screeching, squealing, or metal-on-metal grinding will be noticeable when the brake pads and rotors are worn out. 
• Vibrations – If you feel the brake pedal pulsate every time you step on it, the disc has become warped and will want to either be replaced.
• Burning smells – Brake fluid leaking onto a hot motor produces a burning smell.  Your auto mechanic can check your brakes to determine the source of the leak and then repair it.
• Longer stopping distances – If the brake pedal feels “mushy” and it goes all the way to the floor before stopping your car, it’s time for a brake repair.  
• Pulling – If the front brake pads are worn down too far, your vehicle will pull to one side or the other while braking You will also need to keep straightening the steering wheel.
• Warning light – A warning light on the dash panel will illuminate when the electronic-wear indicators indicate that the pads have worn down to a specified measurement.  

A word of advice:   Because brake parts wear gradually, frequent inspections will keep you driving as safe as possible.  Don’t let your brakes reach the risky stage before taking action.  Ask for a brake checkup whenever you schedule a tire rotation or oil change service.

Have more questions about how do you know when you need new brakes?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about brake repair and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.