Posts Tagged ‘garage’

Don’t Let That Auto Jack Slip

Monday, July 19th, 2010

The last thing on many an avid amateur mechanic’s mind is safety. Yet have a vehicle roll on you, or roll down the driveway to collide with anything else and your day week, or month can well be ruined. Never mind the explanation to auto insurance or MPI autopac insurance agent, adjustor or having to make an unnecessary claim on your home or auto insurance.

You would be amazed. More than one amateur mechanic has produced sparks or even open flames near leaky gas tanks or wet fuel lines. How downright dangerous a practice indeed. Included in such events are the use of electric power tools, grinding, welding as well as using propane torches to loosen rusted fasteners around these leaky or leaking fuel tanks and gas lines. Experienced and well trained mechanical and auto service department experts such as Shinderpal Jandu state to always fix the leak first and foremost. Then do the other repairs work or sets of task to complete the repair and fixing process fully.

What are some safety precautions that backyard and do-it-yourself mechanics and budding service technicians should employ as a matter of standard procedure and course?

First of all after raising an automobile product, you should take the care to place a jack stand (better yet a pair of jack stands) underneath the auto to support the vehicle’s weight. Sure most vehicles are light weight to save on gas mileage, as compared to older vehicles which were made substantially with metal, real chrome and even real metal bumpers. Today in 2010 just look at and examine the lightweight even flimsy plastic and plastics which are so common and prevalent in auto construction. Still any vehicle still packs a lot of dangerous weight, especially if it drops a distance to gain acceleration. The jack stands should always be positioned and placed under a strong part of the chassis – such as the frame rails , control arms, rear axle or bumper supports – and the jack lowered so that the weight is supported by the jack stands, not the jack. If you do not have jack stands, use something that can safely support several thousand pounds, for example concrete blocks or wood four by fours. Never use milk cartons, footstools, garbage cans or boxes.

Similarly when workings with batteries always remember that they contain sulfuric acid, so treat them with great respect when handling them. Be careful not to upset the battery, or to spill acid on the automobile’s finish when installing or removing a battery. Protect your hands with rubber gloves and your eyes with goggles. Corrosion on the outside of the battery case can leave an acid residue that will and can eat holes through clothing so it is best to not use Sunday best when doing battery work. Play it safe out there when working on and repairing autos.

Sherwood Park Trucks New & Used

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Packard Pierce-Arrow & Studebaker

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

Too many automobile aficionados and downright car guys the nameplate “Studebaker” is associated with such advanced classic vehicles of their time – such as the Studebaker Avanti model introduced unbelievably in the 1963 auto market year. Complete decked out with a fiberglass body , futuristic styling , disc brakes and an optional turbocharged engine the Avanti still turns head and was way ahead of the pack of the car and vehicle products of the big 3 automakers of the time.

How was it that this simple “wagon maker”, well known and respected who actually made Abraham Lincolns horse drawn wagon entered the automotive field? Studebaker was an early innovator experimenting, producing and selling electric and later gasoline powered cars. Indeed Tomas Alva Edison himself (read the well known American innovator and inventor who laid the foundation for the great General Electric GE Company of our day), purchased the second vehicle built a produced by Studebaker. Studebaker lived on, kept innovating, and was known for its reputation of well designed, innovative and reliable American built vehicles.

Studebaker survived the lean economic times of the 1930′s ,merging with the luxury US automaker Piece-Arrow , during this troubled economic time period of the “Great Depression”. Perhaps such spunkiness , stick to it ness and determination might be a business model that the North American based auto industry could take great lessons from in the current shakeup , shakedown and troubled times of the North American auto industry.

Studebaker cars were famous to be “coming or going cars.” The front to rear were alike that humorist couldn’t identify the front from the back. The company released their three-box post war model in 1949. They were the Land Cruiser, Studebaker Champion, and Commander. Land Cruiser and Commander had several features of the Champion models such as front fenders, extended rear door, longer wheelbase and hood. Studebaker models had some features of the prewar designs. The 2.8 liter model has an 80 horsepower six-cylinder engine that was used by the Champion model. Meanwhile, the 3.7 Liter Commander/Land Cruiser was released in the early 1930s. Studebaker designs had not changed until the release of “bullet nose” models in 1950. However, other car manufacturers outrun the company’s style during the same year. Studebaker had some outstanding models such as Hawk series and Avanti with their advanced styling, fiberglass bodies, and such introduced such innovative features as safer faster “disc brakes”, as well as optional “turbocharged” turbo engines. But they experienced extreme difficulty because of several independent car producers and lost its fame and luster in 1966, culminating in the closure of their Canadian auto assembly in the Canadian steel town of Hamilton, Ontario.

Studebaker can never be replaced by today’s high technology cars. They started from a small company and became famous of their quality designs, and reliable models.

Eagle Ridge GM Vancouver GMC Finance

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Duisenbergs The Name Belies A Fine European Touring Vehicle

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

If there is one automobile that involves fantasy of vintage luxury and fame it’s the Duesenberg from which the phrase “It’s a Doozie” was born and derived. What are the origins and background of this most regal form of transportation?

What is seldom appreciated is that the mighty Duesenberg motor car clan was derived from rather more humble beginnings – an earlier more mundane production model – the much less glamorous Model “A” Duesenberg. Even though not considered such a classic of note as later Model J and the supercharged Model SJ 1932 Duesenbegs , was basically a very good car that introduced a later standard in the auto market – hydraulic brakes.

The Duesenberg J was the creation of Mr. Errett Lobban Cord , who gained management and ownership control of the Duesenberg Motor Company of Indianapolis in 1926 and made it an integral component of its his Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg empire. This great automotive industry pioneer said himself many times that his vision was to father a home gown domestic American car that was as best as the world could produce. To this day many would still believe that the Duesenberg was of course of European – German, American or perhaps Italian vintage and origins. Even the name of the automotive creation Duesenberg belies this point and viewpoint.

When E.I. Cord had purchased the Duesenberg factory works and company name the company had previously had a product – the lackluster Model A. Perhaps this name was a derivative of the standard of the time – the Ford “Model A’. Perhaps not. Still for any of a number of reasons the Duisenberg Model A had lackluster sales, and never really made much of an impact on the US auto market or export markets at all.

What happened to the Model A’s ? The Dusenberg company continued production well into the 1920′s while at the same time producing more exotic flagship J models. Approximately 650 were finished and delivered by the automotive works. It can be summarized and held that the car had an outstanding auto competition record – winning the French Grand Prix as well as fully three Indy 500′s during the decade of the 20′s. In addition the Model A actually had the world record for breaking the land speed record. The Dusenberg stable itself was the dominant name in American car racing during the 1920′s. No doubt that helped the market place reputation of the Duesnenberg clan product line . The Model A had the record of a full 3000 non stop endurance event at average speeds of greater than 60 miles per hour. Tires of course not being the steel belted radials that we take for granted on our highways today were not the norm , and had to be changed on the racing track auto repair pit. Still all in all in spite of the achievements and products gleaned from the racing expertise and experiences of the two Duesenberg racing brother team it is the luxury touring motor cars that are in the mind of most automotive minds and memories not the more humble Duesenberg Model A motorcars.

Manitoba Auto Financing and Vancouver British Columbia Auto Info

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Snow Tires , Chains or Studded Tyres

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

It amazes many who live in warmer climes that those up north regularly as a matter of course as a vehicle owner have to get their “car ready for winter”. Many think its simply a matter of checking your antifreeze coolant levels in their radiators , making sure that that windshield washer antifreeze is good for 40 below zero , that their batteries hold a good charge ready to start their vehicles on the coldest January Northern Alberta night and lastly that their interior heaters work “just right”. Few think of their tires when it comes to the pre-winter seasonal tune ups at their local garage or auto dealership.

Many think that in these days of cell phones for roadside emergencies and dealer offered and provided road-side assistance that changing their tires come winter time with an entirely different set of tires is not necessary any more and even a worn out tradition from earlier “more quaint” driving times , when vehicles were not as rugged or hardy. Think again. You never can be too safe when it comes to wintertime , wintertime driving safety . Many a motorist on a trip has never given a second chance to the overall reliability of his automobile or to packing a good coldweather parka and wintertime emergency kit to be packed away in his trunk. Its downright cold and frigid out there.

One point to note and remember – winter tires , can be noisy on dry pavement – never mind the clicking sound emanating from studded tires at high traffic speeds. On the other side of the road so to speak – the nosier the tread design or designs the overall better performance on the roadway by your wintertime tires in the snow. Compromise to reduce noise also reduces tire and vehicle pulling power in loose snow and mud driving conditions. All in all it can be said by auto service and vehicle safety experts , that full-circle , welded-lug chains provide several times more pulling power than even the most highly rated , and expensive snow tires , but are of course a lot less convenient and even unsightly for automobile owners and motorists.

If there is one lesson in life its plan early. Most people whether its for their income tax , or automotive repair or maintenance wait till the very last minute. Its a case of putting out fires or management by crisis. You can bet when that on that very day of the cold snap , when the snowstorm / blizzard arrives that the wait for the CAA or AAA rescue tow truck will be hours and hours . On top of that just venture into the icy parking lot or service repair area of your local Canadian tire only to find that out the long waiting times involved for even an estimate for your vehicle. On top of that it does not take a genius to spot that with all the frost covered windows of frozen vehicle out there on the lot that you are really at the end of line when it comes to auto repair service. Spare yourself the inconvenience and delays that are unnecessary. Plan ahead , early for your winter tune up and to buy snow tires and winter time tyre chains long ahead of the first storm and the maddening rush.

In terms of tire chains the experts state that all considered that the welded lug types are the best type to purchase and choose if you do install and use the chains often. This can well be the case if you live in an area of the Rocky Mountains or are planning a ski trip to Banff , Lake Louise or Montana. Consider also the the overall convenience to motorists of chains involved for simple , simpler and easy to install alternate models, These models are a very good choice for the driving demands of many drivers and motorists that can easily and simply be installed without jacking up or moving your vehicle – be it truck, car or S.U.V..

Wintertime Dodge Ram Truck Winter Tires Studs Chains Fort Mc Murray and Wpg Used Auto Info

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Your Trucks Rad and Coolant Levels Require Ongoing Attention

Monday, October 12th, 2009
by Syd U. Dithers

Who ever takes care of their vehicles radiator and cooling system on a regular and ongoing basis. Few is the answer. Yet with a small amount of simple care and attention on a regular basis you can extend the life of your automotive vehicle and as well provide years more of trouble free service on the roads and highways that you traverse. If you do not have the knowledge or inclination of radiator and cooling system routine maintenance simply ask your auto dealer or local garage who provide maintenance to your vehicle or vehicles.

Its like brake or transmission in a vehicle – be it car , truck or SUV. Few think about their fluid levels or the last time maintenance was done on the vehicle. Add in the fact that the car or truck is second hand or used and its anyone’s guess. Yet it is a simple and easy matter to check fluid levels and the protection afforded to cold weather freeze-up of the coolant fluids.

When it comes to checking fluid levels of the radiator cooling levels many motorists are downright mystified and intimidated they need not be. If they are simply consult your local mechanical genius or at the worst your local competent garage or automotive dealership.

All in all it is the owners responsibility to ensure that coolant levels are maintained. If you as an auto owner are unsure of how to do this or the procedure then its your responsibility to assign this task and responsibility to someone knowledgeable ” be it your spouse , son ,daughter or the mechanic or dealership that services your vehicle on an ongoing basis.

Its not only a matter of long term truck or car car and long life. Its not only about keeping your vehicle in good running order and a proper ongoing maintenance schedule. it is also about safety. If your vehicle breaks down prematurely or your rad overheats due to low coolant levels you may be stranded in less than desirable circumstances. In a cold winter time period – say in northern Alberta Canada or Manitoba without a properly working heat defrost mechanism you are a menace on the road to other drivers and vehicles on roads and highways.

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Alberta Auto Truck Traders

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Automotive Fluid Leaks

Saturday, October 3rd, 2009
by Lawrence U. Olson

When it comes to that “puddle” under your vehicle – be it car, truck , SUV or even highway transport rig that liquid under the vehicle or oil stain should not be ignored. It can end up costing you transport delays , safety issue and a lot of cash out of your wallet.

Make it a point of your daily driving routine to check for vehicle leaks as well as to verify fluid levels of your vehicle. Its just part of regular preventive maintenance.

If you note a green or pink watery type liquid ( as opposed to oil type leaks), that is under your automotive vehicles in puddles , think of antifreeze leaks. Some vehicles , including busses or vehicles run year round in warm climates , where winter freeze up never occurs , may run simply on 100 % water. Regardless a leak of radiator fluid indicates coolant loss. This may result in damaging engine overheating. Engines should not run very hot for too long. In cold Manitoba and Alberta winters , loss or even lower levels of radiator glycol antifreeze coolant will result in a cold car in which the auto interior heater never seems to work , or put out much heat. If you cannot get engine heat how can you defrost your windshield ? Its thus not only a convenience and comfort issue but also one of roadside safety.

Next in line is brake fluid. Loss of brake fluid can be downright dangerous as you may well have lost braking ability. Transmission fluid loss can lead to mechanical failures down the line. It can be checked via dipstick under the hood. Both transmission and power steering fluids are similar products ” a light oil type liquid usually with a reddish, almost rose color. Gasoline itself can leak from a tank. You should be able to discern and odor if gas leaks. Take great care as gas itself is very flammable, and on top of that a gas leak can lead to an engine fire.

A leaky engine oil pan , may do drip , drip drip for ever and not do any damage all in all to your motor. Just watch the middle path of the roadway as you drive. You can spot the accumulated residue from millions of cars dripping oil into the mid point of any roadway or street. Motorcyclists have to cautious of these motor oil stains and their slickness when driving in rainstorms and when the roads are wet. Regardless , have your oil level checked accurately via the dipstick under your engine bonnet on a regular basis , such as when filling up with gasoline.

It is an amazing fact when it comes to company cars. Some of these drivers have nothing but mechanical troubles , downtime and straight misfortune when it comes to their vehicles , repair costs , time off the road for auto vehicle repairs , and even safety concerns when it comes to B.C. and Alberta mountain driving. Other commercial drivers seem to have trouble free vehicle maintenance reports. In most cases experienced Edmonton based auto industry analyst M.U. Labovitch notes it comes down to simple preventative and ongoing vehicle maintenance schedules and routines.

About the Author:
Fort Mc Murray Alberta Used GMC Trucks and Victoria B.C. Canada GM Dealers

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