Happy Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving draws ever closer, and another year is almost gone...we all should stop and think of all the reasons we have to be thankful. 

Here are but a few of those reasons. Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

I hope you and yours have a great Thanksgiving.

Heaters- HVAC Controls

Early automotive HVAC Controls consisted of simple switches and cable operated blend

doors. Modern cars and light trucks now employed electronic controls that are often times computer controlled.  

The new control systems have a reasonable service life, however, diagnosing and repairing these modern systems can be a challenge. There are some simple things you can do to help prevent premature component failure. 

Since new HVAC controls are electronic and computer driven they are susceptible to the same damage that your PC and Printer are. If you spill coffee in em, they tend to not work any more. So... to prevent damage, avoid spilling drinks on the control unit, avoid leaving the hood up or the windows rolled down during a rain storm or while washing the car. All of these can lead to moisture damage. Avoid prolonged operation with a faulty battery or alternator... these conditions can lead to voltage spikes and damage the on-board computers and electronic components. And last but not least, get faulty components replaced as soon as possible. Many times a faulty component will cause damage to other components in the system. 

Kool Kar Auto Repair is fully equipped and capable of accurately diagnosing and repairing your modern computer controlled HVAC system. Make Kool Kar your first stop for auto repair and service. 

Heaters- Heater Core

The heater core is the heart of your vehicle's heater system. Without it, the heater won't

work at all. During the winter it is critical to your safety for the heater to be able to defrost/defog the windows. 
Hot engine coolant flowing through the heater core provides the source of heat that is distributed through the vents to warm the vehicle and defrost/defog the windows. 

Think of the heater core as a tiny radiator that operates in reverse. Instead of evacuating heat from the vehicle, this unit distributes heat into the vehicle. Some of the common causes of heater core failure include:

1. Clogs-Clogged passages in the heater core dramatically effect the efficiency of the heat exchange. Products like leak sealer and improper type of antifreeze are the most common culprits in this type of problem.
2. Leaks- Leaking heater cores are common and many times the cause of the leak is improper coolant maintenance of the cooling system. As the coolant ages, it becomes slightly acidic and this can cause a condition known as electrolysis. Dissimilar metals in slightly acidic coolant can cause erosion of the metal. When enough of the metal sealing surfaces erode, the seal fails and a leak occurs. 
3. Cracked or Broken Coolant Tubes- Coolant travels through small tubes into the heater core from the engine. Many manufacturers make these out of plastic and over time, they will crack or split. One of the primary causes is heat cycles. The tube gets hot, then cold, then hot again. This heat cycle will cause the plastic tubes to become brittle. 

The heater system in your vehicle is an important part of making your vehicle comfortable and safe to operate. By staying on top of your maintenance you can dramatically improve the life of your heater core. 

Come to Kool Kar Auto Repair for all of your heating and cooling system maintenance needs.