The water pump in your vehicle is responsible
for circulating the engine coolant through the cooling system.
Usually belt driven, although there are some electric models, the pump impeller picks up coolant in the front of the engine block and moves it through the radiator and back into the engine.
Common problems associated with a faulty water pump include:
- Bearing Failure that results in noise and in some cases damage or loss of the drive belt
- Seal Failure that results in leaks through the Water Pump Housing
- Impeller Failure, that is usually caused by poor maintenance and results in loss of coolant flow.
All of these failures can lead to severe overheating and possible damage to the engine. This makes cooling system maintenance a very important part of you maintenance schedule. Simply flushing the old coolant out, and replacing it with fresh coolant, yearly can help eliminate breakdowns, and costly repairs.
Kool Kar Auto Repair is your Number One Source for all things Automotive in Azle, Texas Phone 817-270-2549
The engine in your car or light truck generates a tremendous amount of heat during operation.
If the excess heat is not managed and eliminated the life expectancy of your engine is almost zero. The component in your vehicle that is responsible for removal of the heat generated by your engine is the radiator. As coolant runs through the passages in your engine it absorbs heat. When it reaches the radiator, that heat is released into the air flowing between the fins. This heat exchange is critical to protecting your engine from damage.
The most common cause we see today, for failure of the radiator, is leaks caused by lack of maintenance. Modern coolant has seal conditioners designed to protect the seals and seams in your cooling system. Without it, heat and acidity can deteriorate the plastic tanks and cause the tank seals in your radiator to fail or even the plastic tanks to split.
Another common cause for radiator failures is clogged internal passages. Without proper maintenance, scale and rust will be carried into your radiator and over time clog the internal passages. This reduces the radiator's efficiency and may cause over heating.
So, bring your car to Kool Kar Auto Repair for cooling system maintenance that will protect those vital parts like the radiator.
Why does my car pull when I accelerate?
We get asked this question all the time.... "Why does my car pull to the right when I accelerate hard?
This condition is called "Torque Steer" and is cause by engine torque being applied unequally to the front wheels. This condition is usually found in Front Wheel Drive vehicles.
As the transmission applies torque to the drive axles, a small amount of that torque can be used up (absorbed) by the axle if it twists. The longer the axle is, the more torque it absorbs as it transfers that torque to the wheels. A shorter axle will have a tendency to absorb LESS torque as it is applied to the wheels. When the vehicle has two different length axles, torque can be applied unevenly to the wheels.
Another common cause of torque steer is worn suspension parts like control arm bushings. While this is not true torque steer, this condition can cause the same symptom. This time the problem is caused by a change in the alignment angles when accelerating. When the difference between the alignment angles of the individual sides becomes greater than about 1 degree the vehicle will suddenly try to pull to one side.
Over the years the automobile manufacturers have done a couple of different things to help eliminate torque steer. Some manufacturers, like General Motors in the 80's and 90's, did it by offsetting the alignment angles in the direction opposite of the pull. Others, like Honda, use a solid jack shaft between the transmission and the axle so that BOTH axles can be the same length.
Your vehicles suspension takes a beating on the road everyday. Having it inspected by a certified technician can prevent a major problem. Kool Kar Auto Repair is Your Source for All Things Automotive.
The oxygen sensors, in your vehicle, measure the oxygen content coming out of the engine going into the exhaust system.
Based on that information, as well as other sensor information, the on-board computer makes adjustments to the air/fuel ratio. The Federal Government mandates that the Oxygen Sensors and other emission parts on your vehicle be covered under warranty for a certain amount of time. Some manufacturers cover those sensors for 3 years or 36.000 miles. Some a longer period of time. Some for a shorter period. Check with the manufacturer for more information on your specific warranty.
Does that mean you should replace your oxygen sensors say, every 50,000 miles? The short answer is NO. Many factors effect the function and longevity of the oxygen sensor. These factors include; heat, chemical contaminants, and excess fuel. By far the most common causes of premature oxygen sensor failure is physical damage and damage caused by engine misfire.
The on-board computer, in your vehicle, monitors the oxygen sensor continuously. The computer is programed with a set of operating parameters that the sensor must maintain. The best indicator for the proper function of your oxygen sensor is the on-board computer. If the sensors do not operate in the pre-programed parameters, the computer turns the "Service Engine Soon" or "Check Engine" light on to warn the driver of the failure. Simply put...the proper time to replace an oxygen sensor is when the computer senses that it no longer functions properly.
Kool Kar Auto Repair is Your Source for All Things Automotive. With 30 years in business we get things done, and done right the first time. We not only say it, we guarantee it!
