4 Common Car Problem Tips

There are many kind of car breakdowns that might leave us stranded on the highway. In this post we’ll discuss some common car problem along with tips to help avoid them, including: fluid leaks, dead battery, blown fuse and lockouts.

Fluid leaks

Evaporative emissions are caused by fuel volatility, or its tendency to change from liquid to gas. A rise in outside temperature can cause an increase in pressure in your gas tank, which must be vented to prevent the gas tank from deforming. They are vented from your gas tank into a charcoal canister on your vehicle, which absorbs the fuel vapor and stores it until the engine is started and the vapors can be purged. The evaporative system is much more than your gas cap; it’s a network of hoses, valves and canisters that manage evaporative emissions from your vehicle. Vehicles today need to detect a leak that is 0.02 inches in diameter. If such a leak is detected, the “check engine” light must turn on. Although a loose gas cap is a common culprit, don’t assume it’s the cap. If your vehicle is older, you may have a cracked hose, which is in essence a fuel leak.
Source: Articles.ChicagoTribune

Dead Battery

If you don’t have a tester or charger at your house, places like Autozone will check it for free to make sure the battery is actually the problem and not the starter or alternator. If there’s any corrosion, clean that off with a metal brush. Unbolt the negative terminal first, then the positive. There might also be a ground wire that you’ll need to take off. Then, put the new one in. It’s that simple. Source: Complex

Blown Fuse

When a fuse goes, it can disable a critical electrical system, such as the headlights, defroster, or antilock brake system, any of which could lead to an accident. What to do. You can’t prevent an electrical problem, but a blown fuse should be the first thing you check if one happens. Consumer Reports recommends carrying a selection of spare fuses and a fuse puller in the car. Fuse kits range from $5 to $20 and can be purchased at auto parts stores. Be sure to check your owner’s manual to make sure the fuses you buy are the correct amp rating and size. If the same fuse blows repeatedly, have a mechanic inspect the system. Source:  ConsumerReports

Lockouts

Advice on this subject is obvious — but the data show that a lot of motorists do not follow it. Get additional sets of keys and store them outside the car in your home and office. If you are going on a road trip, give a set of keys to another member of your party. And if you have a General Motors car, pay the $199 yearly subscription fee for its OnStar service, which allows OnStar operators to unlock your car remotely. (Another reason to subscribe is safety: The system will automatically notify emergency responders if your car is in a crash.) With free smartphone apps that you can download from the GM web site, you can unlock your car yourself through OnStar without having to call an operator. Source: CBSNews

Contact:

Mr. Locksmith Calgary
555 Maidstone Drive NE
Calgary, Alberta T2A 4B6
Canada
Phone: (403) 800-9185

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