Things are going great –

You’ve just left the ballgame, the home team won, and it’s time to head back to the house to enjoy some post-game grilling.  Though the traffic leaving the stadium is a bit frustrating, it isn’t too bad, as few things can dampen your spirits on this particular Sunday afternoon.

Until you notice the engine’s temperature gauge beginning to rise…

Is your thermostat shot?  Does your radiator have a leak?  Is the cooling fan assembly malfunctioning?  You’d better act quickly if you want to save your engine!

How Important is your Vehicle’s Cooling System?

Let’s get one thing straight….it means EVERYTHING.

Overheating can spell DOOM for your engine.  In fact, when it comes to your vehicle, and the obvious hope that it lasts for quite some time, an overheating engine is the #1 cause for engine overhauls and replacements.  And, unless you have a relatively new vehicle, many will elect to “junk” a vehicle that has a bad engine.

But, not all is lost!  After all, in our scenario above, we have just noticed that the engine is overheating.  Chasing a cooling system problem can be difficult, but when you know how the system functions, and what warning signs lead to which components, you can quickly identify and resolve the issue at hand.

Diagnosing a Failing Cooling Fan Assembly

The cooling fan usually mounts directly to the radiator, providing the necessary air flow to cool the coolant, helping to keep your engine at a safe operating temperature.  Without this airflow, the system cannot function as it should.

Singling out the cooling fan as the culprit requires a few observations:

(1)    Does the engine temperature rise when stopped, but drop when in motion?

When moving, air flow isn’t a problem.  With air passing through the radiator, the coolant can cool.  However, when stopped, the temperature rises because the cooling fan isn’t supplying the necessary air flow.  Make sense?  This is a telltale sign that your cooling fan is hanging your engine out to dry.

(2)    Is There Coolant in the Radiator/Reservoir?

This sounds elementary, but in truth, it happens more often than one would think!  Rarely do vehicle owners check their coolant, and the result is often a low coolant level and the subsequent overheating issues.

NOTE:  DO NOT, under any circumstance, open the radiator cap to check the coolant when the car is hot.  I have made this mistake before, and I used every curse word under the sun to explain the error of my ways.

(3)    How Does the Cooling Fan LOOK?

Again, it seems like we’re talking about something that should be apparent, but there may be corrosion, broken blades, or simply a motor that is falling apart when you check out the cooling fan assembly.  Also, it’s a good idea to wiggle the wiring connections a bit.  Sometimes, a wiring harness can loosen over time, rendering the fan useless.

Check your wiring connections, and you may save yourself some money!

Repair Prognosis

Cooling fan repairs are actually quite easy for most vehicles.  Because the entire assembly mounts to the back of the radiator, there are usually just a few mounting bolts and a couple of wiring connections.  For some vehicles the area may be a bit cramped, but if you use a catch pan, you can easily drain the radiator, disconnect the upper radiator hose, and create plenty of room to work!

Once the new assembly is installed, connect the cooling fan motor wiring harnesses, and Voila! – You’re all set.

NOTE:  Be careful when mounting the cooling fan assembly.  You are bolting directly into the radiator, and over tightening can damage the radiator housing!  This leads to leaks, which leads to more overheating, which leads to more repairs!

…which leads to more frustration, which leads to…nevermind, you get the idea…

Dinner was great, the movie was entertaining, and now it’s time to head back home after a nice evening out.  You slide into the driver’s seat, put the key into the ignition, and…

Click.

You turn the key again…

Click.  Click.

It couldn’t be the battery, because all of the dashboard lights are brightly lit.  What could it be?

In this case, you can likely blame the vehicle’s STARTER for your issue.  Let’s take a look at how you can be certain that your starter has let you down…

What Does a Starter Mean to your Vehicle?

A starter is just as its name indicates – it starts your engine.  But, the manner in which it does it can be a bit confusing.  With a direct power connection to the battery, the starter spins the flywheel (manual transmissions) or flex plate (automatic transmissions) that gets the engine and transmission fired up and ready to take you on your way.

While the above description leaves out some other parts of the technical process, having a working idea of how the component functions is all that is necessary for diagnosis.  There IS the possibility, however, that the connection between the battery and starter is to blame.  But, for the most part, this is a rarity.

How to Diagnose a Bad Starter

As we mentioned in the introduction, anytime you are turning the ignition over and get nothing but a “click”, you can assume that your vehicle is having starter issues.  If the dashboard lights are brightly lit, you can assume that the battery is charged just fine, eliminating battery or alternator issues.  Here are a few things to consider during diagnosis:

(1)    Electrical Connections

Before running to the parts store to grab a new starter, however, it’s always a good idea to check out some of the connections.  Are the battery terminals nice and tight?  What about the connection leading to the starter?  If the wires are brittle, you may have saved yourself some money!

(2)    Do You Have An Alarm?

We aren’t asking this question because we want your address and intend on cruising by for some freebees.  Instead, it’s all about understanding your electrical system.  Any aftermarket or alarm connections are part of the electrical line, and a damaged connection anywhere along this lead could cause your starter to fail.  Give it all a look – you may learn that the problem is actually smaller than we thought!

(3)    The Old School Method

We’re going to preface this with one warning:  DO NOT hit your starter with a hammer!  And, if you do, we certainly are not responsible!  Our lawyers made us say that…

But, if you’re feeling froggy, and in some cases this will work, use a rubber mallet to give your starter a WHACK.  Sometimes, the component seizes, and just needs a “jump start”.  It doesn’t take much force, though, so don’t knock your starter into next week!

It’s also worth mentioning that if you have to do this more than once, you’ll probably need to replace the component anyway.

Repair Prognosis

If you determine that your starter needs to be replaced, the overall project really isn’t that difficult.  In most vehicles, it is easy to access and is mounted with just a few bolts.  There is also a wiring lead that is either held to the component with a bolt or via an electrical connector.  The bolted method is the most common.

Those that are familiar with auto repairs can complete the project in about 30 minutes.  If you are new to such repairs, or the particular vehicle, it can take up to an hour, but not much more than that.  You’ll be out of the garage and back in the house in time for lunch and a ballgame.

By taking the time to diagnose and replace the starter, you can save a nice chunk of money, while increasing your confidence for future repairs!  You can do it – we have faith in ya!

You step out of the gym, into the blistering summer heat.  Surely your shoe soles won’t melt on the blacktop…right?  You hop into your truck, quickly roll down the windows to release some of the built up heat, turn the vehicle on, and switch your A/C to HIGH in the hopes of getting some relief.

And…nope.

You turn the knob down to 1 (low) and the A/C is giving you a light breeze of cool air, but all of the other speeds are non-existent.  Murphy’s Law has struck again, and, on the hottest day of the year, your blower motor has let you down.

Alas, you put all of the windows down, climb into the truck, and hope that you don’t hit any stop lights or traffic on your way home…

What Does a Blower Motor Mean to Your Vehicle? 

Acting as the central driving force behind your vehicle’s climate control system, the blower motor is an important part of passenger comfort.  Without it, you are at the mercy of Mother Nature’s temperature fluctuations, which usually results in an uncomfortable ride.  By pushing air through your vents, cool or warm air cannot reach the cabin without the help of the often underappreciated blower motor.

A failing blower motor, while not crucial to the operation of your vehicle, can leave passengers in an uncomfortable position.

How to Identify a Failing Blower Motor

As we noted above, a blower motor failure is actually quite easy to spot.  There may be some cases in which ALL of the AC/Heater speeds do not work, but in most situations, this particular issue is diagnosed by only a couple of the speeds failing.  For example, you can turn your A/C to “level 1”, and it works just fine.  However, when you move to “level 2”, there is no response.

Additionally, any time you are running the climate control system and smell a strange “burning” scent, there’s a chance that the wiring is faulty, and the blower motor will soon fail.

Repair Prognosis

Blower motor repairs are generally quite simple.  The blower motor in most models will be located beneath the glove compartment inside the vehicle.  Others may be found in the engine compartment, just on the other side of the firewall on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.  The second placement noted is usually for American made trucks and SUVs.

Regardless of where your blower motor is located, replacing one is simple.  The space can be a bit difficult to work with, but usually with a small socket, ratchet, and perhaps a “flex-joint”, the repair takes just a few minutes.

Replacing a blower motor on your own can save time and money!  While it may be good practice to leave the advances repairs to professionals, components such as these are quite simple to replace.

Before we get excited about the prospects of “smart” technology reaching our automobiles, we must remember that when we automate things, an entirely new list of dangers emerges.  This key point isn’t lost on lawmakers, however, as the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation discussed the potential and existing dangers earlier this month.

With testimonies from members of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a variety of professionals involved in the integration of technology into our automobiles, key topics included the increase in distracted drivers and the security risks associated with fully-automated onboard systems.

Hacking Risks?

Security concerns online are nothing new, but as we move into an age in which our automobiles have similar systems, does the risk for “attacks” on vehicles increase?  Indeed, it does, which has become quite a concern for government officials.

The 5.9 GHZ segment of the communications spectrum, which is used in newly integrated vehicles, has come under fire from many officials, as it could leave the door open for remote controlling attempts.  Much like we have seen with online cyber-attacks, a similar issue could arise that allows an international attach to cripple our transportation systems.

While many may consider these concerns to be “monsters under the bed”, the possibility of such an event is certainly worth of government consideration and attention.

Bandwidth Capacity

As we consider how our vehicles may soon be able to communicate with each other, which can help to prevent collisions, we must also wonder how much Wi-Fi infrastructure is necessary to facilitate such a high concentration of information sharing.

It has been argued that our soon-to-be “smarter” vehicles can help to dramatically decrease highway fatality rates, while ensuring that we are leveraging all of the tools at our disposal to improve efficiency and, ultimately, maximize convenience.  For now, however, the topic will continue to receive attention from the auto industry and federal officials.

We’ll keep you posted on any new developments that may help to shed some light on how our transportation infrastructure will be changing in the coming years.

You’ve just left the office.  It’s a cool evening and you’re strolling across the parking lot, ready to hop in your car and head home.  The parking lot is nearly empty, as everyone has headed home for the weekend.  You open the door, sit down in the driver’s seat, turn the key, and….

Nothing. 

Is your battery dead?  If so, is it due to age or has your alternator failed?  Is there a loose battery cable?  Maybe just a bad relay? 

Any of these issues can be the culprit, but when you know how to diagnose an automotive issue, you can save plenty of money and time.  Let’s look at how you can tell that the ALTERNATOR is to blame…

What Does an Alternator Mean to your Vehicle?

The vehicle’s alternator essentially charges the battery while the vehicle is in operation.  The average car battery can turn the engine over a couple of times or get you down the road a bit, but the moment the energy is drained, you’ll see your lights dim.  Once this happens, you can expect to be on the side of the road in moments.

When the alternator is functioning properly, your battery will be replenished consistently, ensuring that you always have enough power for the next “start”.

How to Identify a Failing Alternator

As we mentioned above, anytime you are driving and begin seeing the dashboard lights “dim”, you can usually assume that you have a faulty alternator.  But, what about when you try to start the vehicle and get absolutely nothing from turning the key?   There are a few tricks that you can try to test your alternator/battery combination to see which component is really at fault.  However, you will need to get a jumpstart to at least have a running vehicle during these tests:

(1)  Use the Gauge

These days, alternator gauges are becoming quite common, as our vehicles become increasingly “electric”.  If you have such a gauge, put a bit of strain on the electrical system by turning on the headlights, radio, or air conditioner.  If you see the volt/amp output DROP, then something is amiss, and your alternator isn’t getting the job done.

(2)  Listen

Far too often, we get caught up in the technical aspects of diagnostics.  In fact, I have a good friend who is often referred to as the “Car Whisperer” in social circles.  Why?  Because he listens to an engine run, then diagnoses the issue with incredible accuracy.  For our purposes, here, turn on the vehicle, and listen to the alternator.  If you hear odd sounds (such as a squeal), then you could have a damaged bearing.  And, a damaged bearing means it’s time for a new alternator!

(3)  Rev It Up!

When you have the vehicle running, turn on the headlights.   Now, as you rev the engine, does anything change?  If the brightness of your headlights remains constant, then you’re getting a solid charge.  However, if they dim or flicker, you aren’t getting the necessary charge from the alternator, and it’s time for a replacement.

Repair Prognosis

Diagnosis is one of the most difficult aspects of auto repair.  Because finding the necessary information to facilitate a part’s replacement is simple, many get hung up on whether or not they are actually replacing the culprit of the issue, and end up taking their vehicle to a professional.  While we would never say that this is a poor decision, as we’re mechanics ourselves, it can also be difficult to afford such a repair these days.

Alternators are quite simple to fix, provided that you have a few tools and about an hour of free time.  In most cases, the repair involves loosening the belt pulley and removing the belt, disconnecting a couple of wiring harnesses, and removing a few bolts.  From here, the repair is a simply reversal of the removal process, and you’ll have a new alternator before you know it!

Our team has always done its best to ensure transparency in every aspect of our business.  And, while there are unfortunate instances of the need for restocking fees, many are paying these with other providers without realizing it.

Several companies factor “loss” into their prices, meaning that ALL customers are paying a few percentage points more in price to compensate for the “average losses” in a quarter or year.  We, on the other hand, do not ask every customer to absorb these losses, and instead, attribute the costs associated with “loss” WHEN and ONLY WHEN they apply to a particular situation.

We have never enjoyed this aspect of the business, and do not make a profit on these fees.

But, we have just launched something that will change everything for our customers – VIN # Verification!

Upon checking out, patrons will now be prompted to double-check the items in their cart using the vehicle’s VIN # to ensure that all parts selection will, indeed, fit their vehicle.  All parts that WILL fit are highlighted in green.  Those that WILL NOT are highlighted in red.  Parts that have been verified will not be subjected to any restocking fees, because we know that any return is not due to an ordering error.

Again, we believe in transparency, and are excited to share this technology with our customers.  Because we are always working to improve your experience, we sincerely hope that our customers find this step to be convenient, as it will assuredly help us keep our incredibly low prices intact!

Thank you to everyone to patronizes our organization, and we look forward to meeting your automotive needs for many years to come.

The Go-Part.com Team

As recently reported by The Washington Post, younger Americans are shunning the driving habits of the previous generation and opting for more cost-conscious means of transportation.  While we can speculate on what is causing this shift, the information provided by the article listed below sheds some light on some dynamics that are creating the need for alternative transportation methods:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/04/22/why-arent-younger-americans-driving-anymore/

Rising Ownership Costs

The rapid increase in fuel costs is likely one of the dominate reasons that young drivers are migrating away from vehicle ownership.  But, when we also factor in the sharp increase in repair and maintenance costs, the current decline should come as no surprise.

A bad economy, coupled with mounds of collegiate debt, is creating a “perfect storm” of sorts for young drivers.  Many have realized that $30,000 for a vehicle is simple too much to shell out in today’s economy, and are electing to take lesser-paying jobs that are closer to home.

Increase is Telecommuting

Another reason outlined in the article involved the emergence of telecommuting.  Because Skype has opened up the door to a variety of new employment opportunities for young professionals, there is little reason to travel downtown for employment (provided that you’re in the right industry).  And, while some of these positions may include a lessened pay rate due to the lack of traveling responsibility, this is a dynamic that many younger workers are willing to absorb.

What are your thoughts on the decrease in younger drivers?  Is it a sign of things to come, or simply a knee-jerk reaction to the sharp uptick in automotive ownership costs?

Feel free to weigh-in below.

As automotive manufacturers continue to lose their grip on patents associated with the production of auto parts, it would seem that another movement in Congress could land a decisive blow in favor of aftermarket parts companies.  H.R. 1663, otherwise known as the Promoting Automotive Repair, Trade, and Sales Act of 2013 (PARTS), was brought before Congress on April 23, 2013.

This bill, which is supported by representatives on BOTH sides of the proverbial aisle (how often do we see that these days?), is also receiving important backing from the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

The PARTS Act involves the amount of exclusivity that automakers have, in terms of patents, on the parts associated with new model releases.  As of now, repair part patents can last up to 14 years before other companies have access to the design specifications.  However, if this bill gets through, that time frame would be reduced to less than 3 years.  And, during this window, other manufacturers could begin testing and developing parts, readying them for sale once the exclusivity window expires.

As the cost of vehicle ownership continues to increase, the introduction, and subsequent support, of this bill is welcomed news for families across the country.  As Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA) mentioned to the AAIA (per their website):

“The decision to purchase an automobile is one of the biggest investments a family makes.  With the average sticker price of a new car now exceeding $30,000, and repair costs continuing to rise, hardworking American families deserve access to as many repair part options as possible.”

Increasing competition within the auto parts industry will only benefit consumers, and while there is still a long way to go, the PARTS Act is a great start!

Maine is the next state that will hear the “Right to Repair” arguments, as consumers push to gain more control over the amount they pay to repair their vehicles.  As consumer rights have become a hot-button issue in a variety of industries, it comes as no surprise that the legislation recently seen in Massachusetts is now finding its way to other states in the region.

Considerable support has been mustered, as the AAIA testified at the preliminary hearing in support of the bill’s passage.  Countering the argument, of course, were the large auto manufacturers and the ASA.  Also entering the fray are insurers such as AAA, and a bevy of repair shops in the state that recognize the importance of “options” when it comes to parts procurement.

The presence of repair shops in this argument is incredibly important.  Many shops in the industry cannot compete with the dealership repair facilities, as they do not have the necessary tools or information to offer an alternative to high-cost manufacturer repairs.

Maine is using the Massachusetts “Right to Repair Act” as a model for its own legislation.  All of these debates are centered on creating a national policy that limits the patent time frame on new or existing part designs.  By allowing secondary manufacturers to create, test, and eventually sell alternatives to dealership parts, consumers will have the choices necessary to keep repair costs low.  This dynamic can lead to a “domino effect” that impacts the insurance industry, and its costs, as well.

When we woke up on Long Beach, California on the morning of April 19^th, it was obvious that we were in for a fantastic weekend.  With the weather forecast at the hotel reminding us that the high-60s morning temperature would quickly rise to a comfortable 85 degrees, we couldn’t eat breakfast fast enough.

There are always elements of a job that feel like, well, a job.  But, when you get to cover Toyota’s Long Beach Grand Prix, it certainly doesn’t feel like work.  This was the 39^th annual running of the Indy Series event, and anyone in attendance (and believe me, there were quite a few) can attest to the fact that the track’s location makes you feel like you’re watching an event in Italy.

The Backdrop

As we walked down Pine Avenue, on our way from the hotel to the venue, we could already hear the sound of the early practice runs.  With Helio Castroneves and Marco Andretti in attendance, there was little doubt that there would be plenty of entertainment.  The causeway that leads to the front gates passes right over one of the final turns of the course, so the stage is set from the moment you hand the counter your ticket.

The 11-turn course runs along Shoreline Drive, which mirrors the coastline, is absolutely gorgeous.  With the marinas lining the coastal side of the track, a seat in the grandstands can provide quite a view.  And, because

The first practice runs were the Le Mans series races, and take it from me, if you haven’t seen Porches and Corvettes blasting through a street course up close, you haven’t lived!  Again, these were just practice runs, but when you can hear the air ratchets in the pits and smell the burning motor oil, there’s nothing like it.

Indy Series

After strolling around the facility, and getting some great look-ins at the Le Mans pits, it was time to fire up the Indy Cars.  These open-wheel beauties have always given me pause:  How on Earth is this sport not more popular?  I mean, is it a marketing thing?  The cars are a lot of fun, and the courses, in my humble opinion, are more entertaining than the standard ovals seen in other events.

As expected, the drivers took these Friday practice runs with caution.  Although, it is worth noting that everyone seemed to get a kick out of seeing them “open it up” after the final turn (by the “Dolphin” – if you don’t know what that is, definitely look it up!), as they headed down the straightaway.

Passes were few and far between, obviously, but the morning runs were plenty fun.  After a short break, the second round of practice runs began, and we elected to wander around a bit more, taking in the scene.

Other Festivities

Shoreline Village, which is an on-the-water complex, is inside the event’s gates, so heading over to grab some lunch (and a beer, if you’re into that sort of thing) was a snap.  Food trucks were aplenty, as well, giving visitors a bevy of options.  The backdrop of water, boats in the marina, and of course, loud engines in perfect weather, really helped to set the stage for what would be an incredible weekend.

For those that are interested, here’s a video of HelioCastroneves discussing the 2013 Toyota Long Beach Grand Prix:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq6wE3ruQ_A