Tag Archives: automotive

Is that noise from an engine or exhaust issue?

Is that noise from an engine or exhaust issue?

Engine noise and exhaust noise come from different parts of a vehicle and have distinct characteristics: Engine Noise: Source: Comes from the internal components of the engine such as pistons, valves, and the crankshaft. Characteristics: Often described as a rhythmic or mechanical sound, which can vary based on engine speed (RPM), load, and type of engine (e.g., V6, inline-four). It includes noises like knocking, ticking, or rumbling. Control: Can be affected by engine condition, maintenance, and design. Proper tuning and maintenance can reduce unwanted noise. Exhaust Noise: Source: Produced by the exhaust gases exiting through the exhaust system, including components like the muffler, resonator, and exhaust pipes. Characteristics: Typically a more consistent sound compared to engine noise, characterized by a growling, rumbling, or booming noise. It’s influenced by the design and condition of the exhaust system. Control: Can be managed by cha ... read more

Categories:

Diagnostics

Powerstroke Dead on the Road

Powerstroke Dead on the Road

A clogged fuel pressure regulator in a diesel truck can indeed cause it to die on the road, and here's how that happens: Fuel Flow Disruption: The fuel pressure regulator's job is to maintain the correct fuel pressure in the fuel system. If it becomes clogged, it can disrupt the flow of fuel. In a diesel engine, fuel is critical for maintaining the correct air-fuel mixture for combustion. When the regulator is clogged, it can either cause too much or too little fuel to reach the engine. Inconsistent Fuel Pressure: A clogged regulator can lead to fluctuating fuel pressure. Diesel engines rely on a steady fuel pressure to operate smoothly. If the pressure is inconsistent, the engine might not get the right amount of fuel at the right time, which can cause it to run poorly or stall. Engine Stalling: If the regulator is clogged to the point where it severely restricts fuel flow, the engine might not get enough fuel to sustain op ... read more

Categories:

Diagnostics

Engine Oil Leaks Common with Chrysler

Engine Oil Leaks Common with Chrysler

There are several common reasons why your car might be leaking oil: Gasket or Seal Failure: Gaskets or seals in your engine, such as the valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket, can deteriorate over time and start leaking. Oil Filter Issues: If the oil filter is not properly installed or if it's damaged, it can cause oil to leak. Oil Pan Damage: The oil pan can become damaged from road debris or impact, leading to leaks. Cracked Engine Block: Although less common, a crack in the engine block can lead to significant oil leaks. Loose or Damaged Oil Drain Plug: The oil drain plug, located at the bottom of the oil pan, can become loose or damaged, causing oil to leak

Categories:

Diagnostics

Why is my fuel gauge not working?

Why is my fuel gauge not working?

  Faulty Fuel Sender Unit: This unit, located in the fuel tank, sends the fuel level information to the gauge. If it fails, the gauge may read incorrectly or not at all. Bad Fuel Gauge: The gauge itself might be malfunctioning or have an electrical issue. Wiring Issues: Damaged or loose wires between the fuel sender and the gauge can cause problems. Blown Fuse: A fuse related to the fuel gauge system might be blown. Grounding Issues: Poor grounding can disrupt the signal and affect gauge readings

Categories:

Diagnostics

Rev Up Your Ride with A&L Tire Co!

Rev Up Your Ride with A&L Tire Co!

At A&L Tire Company, located at 317 W. Inyokern Rd, we specialize in premium tires and wheels for exotic vehicles. Enhance performance and style with our top-notch services tailored to your high-end ride. From custom wheel fittings to precision tire installations, trust us to keep your exotic vehicle in peak condition. Drive with confidence and sophistication—visit us today! A&L Tire Company 317 W. Inyokern Rd Your destination for excellence in exotic vehicle care.  

Why does my steering wheel shake?

Why does my steering wheel shake?

A separated tire, where the tread or internal components start to detach from the tire itself, can exhibit several noticeable symptoms: Vibration: You may experience unusual vibrations or a rough ride, particularly at higher speeds, due to the imbalance caused by the separation. Noise: There could be a pronounced thumping or flapping noise from the tire as it rotates, which can be caused by the detachment of the tread or internal layers. Visual Damage: Look for visible signs of separation, such as bulges, bubbles, or distorted areas on the tire's surface. Tread may appear uneven or peeling away from the sidewalls. Handling Issues: The vehicle might exhibit poor handling, pulling to one side, or unstable steering, as the tire's performance deteriorates. Increased Heat: The tire may overheat more quickly, leading to potential blowouts if the separation is severe. Loss of Pressure: You might notice a gradual loss of air pressure due to the separation affecting the tire&rsquo ... read more

Categories:

Diagnostics

Why are my brakes squeaking?

Why are my brakes squeaking?

Brakes can squeak for several reasons: Dust and Debris: Dust or debris between the brake pads and rotor can cause squeaking. Cleaning the brakes can help. Wear and Tear: Worn-out brake pads or rotors can cause noise. If they’re too thin, they may need replacing. Glazed Pads or Rotors: Overheating can cause the brake pads or rotors to become glazed, leading to squeaking. Resurfacing or replacing these components might be necessary. Lack of Lubrication: The brake caliper slides or contact points might need lubrication. Brake Pad Material: Some brake pads, especially those with metallic or semi-metallic compounds, can be noisier. If the squeaking persists, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect your brakes to ensure everything is functioning properly. #automobile #automotive #offroad #tireshop #brakepads #brakerepair #mechanic

Categories:

Diagnostics

Why does my car battery keep dying?

Why does my car battery keep dying?

There are several potential reasons why your battery might be dying quickly: Battery Health: Over time, batteries degrade and lose their ability to hold a charge. If your battery is old, it might need to be replaced. Background Apps: Some apps might be running in the background and consuming a lot of power. Check your battery usage settings to see if any apps are using an excessive amount of power. Screen Brightness: High screen brightness or prolonged use of the screen can drain the battery quickly. Reducing the brightness or enabling adaptive brightness might help. Connectivity Issues: Constantly searching for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular signals can drain the battery. Turning off unused connections can improve battery life. Software Issues: Sometimes, software bugs or glitches can affect battery performance. Make sure your device’s software is up to date. Battery Calibration ... read more

Categories:

Diagnostics

Do I Need New Shocks?

Do I Need New Shocks?

How do I know if I need new shocks?  Determining if you need new shocks (or struts, which are similar components) involves checking for several signs of wear and performance degradation: Ride Quality: If you notice a significant change in how your vehicle rides—such as increased bouncing, excessive vibration, or a rougher ride over bumps—it could indicate worn shocks. Handling Issues: Worn shocks can lead to poor handling characteristics. You may experience excessive body roll during turns, nose-diving when braking, or instability at higher speeds. Uneven Tire Wear: Shocks help maintain proper tire contact with the road. If you notice uneven tire wear patterns, especially cupping (where the tread wears unevenly in patches), it could be due to worn shocks. Leaking Fluid: Visible fluid leaking from the shock absorbers or struts is a clear sign of internal damage and indicates they n ... read more

Categories:

Suspension

How do I find my tire size?

How do I find my tire size?

To find your tire size, you can typically locate it on the sidewall of your tire. Look for a series of numbers and letters that indicate the tire size and specifications. Here’s how to read it: Example Format: P215/65R15 95H P: This letter indicates the tire type. "P" stands for passenger vehicle tires. Other letters you might see include "LT" for light truck tires or no letter for Euro-metric tires. 215: This number is the tire width in millimeters, measured from sidewall to sidewall. 65: This number is the aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the tire's height to its width. It represents the sidewall height as a percentage of the tire's width. R: This letter indicates the construction type of the tire. "R" stands for radial construction, which is the most common type for modern tires. 15: This number is the diameter of the wheel rim in inches.  ... read more

Categories:

Tires
A & L Tire and Service Center is committed to ensuring effective communication and digital accessibility to all users. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and apply the relevant accessibility standards to achieve these goals. We welcome your feedback. Please call A & L Tire and Service Center (760) 446-2575 if you have any issues in accessing any area of our website.