Posts Tagged ‘automotive repair’

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT AIR COMPRESSOR

Posted on October 12th, 2009 by by Nick Halmond

You may or may not already be aware that not all air compressors are used for all jobs! They vary in both size and of course their power level. The best way to estimate what you will need is to take a careful look at the power requirements of any of the air tools you plan on using. Then its a simple matter of choosing one that is slightly more powerful than youll need so that you have the ability to purchase an air tool that needs a bit higher power level.

Ordinarily you will probably run across portable rotary screw compressors. There will be a dizzying assortment of choices to make. The cheap ones are just that, cheap ones, thus you should probably stay away from those, unless all you want to do is put air into your tires occasionally.

Sometimes compressors are rated by HP or horsepower. But the HP listing can be misleading. What is important is the amount of power the compressor draws. It’s not uncommon for there to be an inflated value for the HP.

You’re much better off looking at the PSI — pounds per square inch — when choosing your air compressor. 90 PSI is the rating that works with most air tools. If your compressor is listed at 125 to 135 PSI, even though it seems like it should, it’s not going to work with an air tool that requires 90 PSI. The reason for this is that PSI really measures shut off pressure, and the value doesn’t acknowledge when there is pressure lost in the line. If you want to make the most of a 90 PSI tool, consider a two-stage pressure shut off type of compressor. At 90 PSI the first stage will turn off, and the second stage will shut off at 175 PSI.

You will also need to consider CFM or “cubic feet per minute”. Most of today’s air tools need 4 to 6 CFM. This is not a problem as you’ll be getting exactly 3 to 4 horsepower at 90 PSI. What CFM tells you is basically the amount of air being moved through the system.

Tank size on a compressor may be important to you depending on how you wish to use your air compressor. If your work requires you to use it in short bursts, then the typical 30-gallon tank and a normal pump and motor is more than fine. If however, you wish to use it heavily, you would do better with a bigger tank and much stronger pump and motor, taking into consideration air that is stored in the tank.

Because of this you may see professional contractors running multiple air tools at the same time, with the knowledge that using a compressor with a rating of 150 PSI is a better choice for long-term continual use.

Unlike portable compressors, truck mounted ones use the truck to power the compressor. The problem is that you have to keep the truck running in order for the compressor to work. For the contractor who needs to have the compressor running for a long period of time, the better choice is an affordable compressor or possibly one that is mounted on a deck. Just like truck mounted compressors, deck mounted ones are set on a truck’s bed that is removable, which makes it possible to leave the compressor on-site as opposed to having to drag it back and forth for each day of consecutive work.

Also you can find compressors that are electrically and gas powered. If you think you’re going to be working on a site that does not have electricity, then go with a gas powered compressor.

Changing Spark Plugs

Posted on September 26th, 2009 by by Stephan Marking

There are many different reasons why you may need to change your spark plugs. If you are wondering exactly why, when, and what your spark plugs do, here are a few facts that may answer a few of your spark plug questions.

Spark plugs are named appropriately because they are the key instrument in sending the spark or igniting the engine of your vehicle. They are a fascinating part of your engine. When they don’t work though, it can be very annoying.

If you want to know when you should change your spark plugs it might be smart to start by opening and reading your vehicles manufacturing manual. This is a great guide to help you maintain your vehicle in the best possible condition. Many people follow this guide to help them know when they need to change their vehicles spark plugs.

You want to prevent using your spark plugs over the amount of time that they should be used. If your spark plugs are over used you will find that your car will have to work harder to get that spark and start your car. You’ll also notice that your car will idle roughly.

Another reason that you may have to change your spark plugs is that they may be fouled, worn, or suffer from bad wires. In order to find out if it is one of these you might have to watch for firing patterns with each of your cylinders. If you’re like me and have difficulty with this it’s always best to take it into a professional to tell you what they see.

We all understand that it isn’t smart to overuse anything, especially when it comes to your transportation, but sometimes we are tempted to overlook overusing small things such as spark plugs. The problem with this is now your car will have to overwork to fire up the appropriate voltage to spark and start your engine.

If you are having difficulty starting your car, if it cranks but wont turn over, the first thing you want to do is double check your spark plugs. If you find that they are wearing out then it is time to change them. Many people choose to change them themselves, but some still like to bring it in first to a mechanic to make sure that it really is the spark plugs that are the problem.

Sometimes the problem with your spark plugs is that they simply need to be tightened. This may sounds easy but it is best to be careful while doing this. Make sure that you are checking the manual to make sure that the spark plugs fit the requirements for your car as outlined appropriately.

Auto Repair: How to Find an Auto Repair Shop

Posted on September 25th, 2009 by by Stephan Marking

Finding a great auto repair shop can be quite a daunting task. It is important to know exactly what you are looking for. Here are a few things to help you know what to ask and what to look or as you begin your search for a good auto repair shop.

The first thing that I look for when I look for a great auto repair shop is great customer service. If the auto shop can?t communicate well with the customer, it doesn?t matter how much they charge, I would never work with them. The customer needs to know what is going on at all times with their car so communication and customer service is my number one priority.

Get on the Internet and start looking around for local auto repair shops near you. While you?re doing that, look up reviews and experiences people have had with each shop. You?ll be able to see what the shop didn?t put on their website.

The next best thing is to find out what experience and history the company has. This is another great thing about the Internet, most auto shops that are large enough will have a website showing their expertise.

When it comes to auto repair, a lower price on a part doesn?t mean that it will be less expensive. If the part is too cheap, you really might not even be able to rely on it. Find a good auto repair shop that will be able to talk about different prices and services for the one part. You really need to have good communication when it comes to repairing your car.

If you are still nervous about a company after finding out the above, call up the auto shops and ask them if they have references. There is nothing wrong with going the extra mile to make sure that you get the best possible repair shop.

It is super important to look into warranties and customer satisfaction at different auto shops. This is your car and you need to feel secure with the work that they are doing on it.

Also ask them about possible certifications that their mechanics have. Certifications will show how qualified the mechanics are too.