Category Archives: Maintenance

Replacing a Window Regulator

window regulator

It is quite obvious when an electric window isn’t working. You simply won’t get any response out of the control unit. However, it might not be as obvious as to what’s gone wrong. If all the windows in your vehicle are suffering from a similar problem, then the chances are that the fuse is no longer working in the electrical system. Isolate the problem to one single window, and you’re more likely to be looking at a failure in the window regulator or motor unit, in which case the faulty part will need replacing.

Continue reading

Replacing Your Car’s ABS Sensor

ABS light

The ABS is a computer controlled mechanism. Therefore the car is able to immediately tell if there is some kind of problem within this system, and will display the problem via the ABS error light on your dashboard. This should not affect the normal braking function of the car, which will allow the brakes to operate without the benefit of the ABS preventing locking in difficult conditions. The ABS sensor can be checked with a resistance meter to check the quality of the circuit within the part and this should show you whether or not to replace.

Continue reading

How to Replace Your Car’s Water Pump

water pump

Your car’s water pump performs an obvious yet essential function. There are a number of signs that can indicate that this part is on its way out. If you suspect your water pump is faulty then a piece of cardboard under the engine at night may well show up giveaway drip marks. Similarly a loose pulley around the water pump or a low pitched grinding noise are both symptoms of a faulty pump.

Continue reading

Replacing a Problematic Car Ignition Cylinder

ignition barrel and key

Your car’s ignition holds a dual purpose. Firstly it allows you to start the engine. Secondly it forms a protective barrier so should a car thief force entry into your vehicle, they will not be able to simply drive it away.In recent years technology has given birth to a number of clever ignition systems including wireless keys that work on rolling code protocols. However there are still a large number of vehicles that still rely on the classic key system, which uses basic mechanics and is therefore prone to fatigue and failure.

Continue reading

Replacing your Car’s Distributor

distributor

The distributor cap controls the ignition sequence in your engine. It ensures that each of the pistons fires at the right time to keep your car turning over. There are a number of signs that your distributor could be fatigued or degraded, and unsurprisingly most of these are linked with your car’s performance. These include shakes when the car is idling at a junction or red light, problems starting in the cold, stalling and backfiring, and trouble with the engine turning over.

Continue reading

Replacing a Fuel Injector

fuel injectors being taken out of an engine

All engines need air for the combustion process. Fuel injection systems have replaced the old style carburettors that previously mixed the fuel with the required oxygen and are now commonplace in most engines. There are a number of common signs that these small parts are becoming clogged or fatigued, including the detonation of petrol on the exhaust or the vehicle failing to start with a full fuel tank.

Continue reading

Replacing Your Car’s Flywheel

flywheel

The flywheel is the part of your car that stores rotational motion whilst changing gear. As with all moving components in your engine it can degrade over time, and will eventually need replacing. Some of the key indicators that you’re having problems with your flywheel include vibration whilst allowing the engine to tick over, or a juddering feeling when starting the car. It is also common to hear a kind of cluttering noise whilst changing between gears.

Continue reading