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Archive for September 2020A Stitch in Time at Long Hill Auto ServicePosted September 27, 2020 12:24 PMYou probably have heard that expression, "A stitch in time saves nine." In other words, if you fix an issue at its early stages, it will prevent a much more difficult problem later. That's certainly the case with your vehicle, and here's a true story to demonstrate it. A driver noticed his vehicle was due for an oil change, so he took it in to his service facility early in the morning so he could wait while the work was performed. The technician routinely checks the battery on vehicles just before extreme weather is approaching (cold or hot), so with winter coming up, he hooked up the load tester (it measures voltage while a load is put on the battery). It showed the battery wasn't holding a charge well. The technician checked the manufacturing date on the battery, too (most batteries have a date stamped in code somewhere on them). The date showed it was five years old. While batteries can last more than five years, many technicians say you should expect to get anywhere from three to six years out of them, depending on what they go through. So, this battery was getting a little long in the tooth, and it wasn't holding a charge particularly well. But how much current was it being sent by the vehicle's alternator? If it wasn't getting enough, that might be a factor. A test of the charging system showed the alternator was putting out the correct amount of power. The technician recommended replacing the battery, and the driver agreed. That was the stitch in time. Had the technician not checked the battery, that driver likely would have been stranded the next time he tried to start his vehicle on a very cold day. What originally was supposed to be just an oil change led to a technician's sharp diagnosis and a little preventative maintenance for one fortunate driver. Sometimes timing is everything. Long Hill Auto Service Idle Talk about Engines (Causes of Rough Engine Idling)Posted September 20, 2020 4:05 AMWhen you slow down at stoplight, your vehicle's idle should be smooth as silk. But what happens when the engine is missing or idling roughly? That's your engine's way of telling you, "Hey, I've got something wrong with me and if you don't get someone to find out what it is, I may not start the next time you turn the key." You can help your service facility if you can describe the problem in detail. Here's a list of things to make a note of:
Make sure you describe the problem in as much detail because it will help a technician diagnose the problem. One of the first things they'll check is how the spark plugs are firing. Modern iridium plugs are supposed to last a long, long time. But they CAN eventually wear out. Inspecting the firing end can help the technician figure out the root of the problem. Corroded or worn out spark plug wires, too, can contribute to an idling irregularity. There are other potential problem spots, too. The technician may check the ignition coil, timing piston rings, valves and cylinder walls. If the mixture of air and fuel isn't correct, that may affect how smooth your vehicle is running. Your service facility is equipped with diagnostic equipment that helps them pinpoint the problem. Once that idle is smoothed out to the way it used to be, you'll be the smoothest operator on the road. Long Hill Auto Service | ||
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The guys working there are super nice and friendly F. Ahmed, 10/19/2024 |
The staff here are great people. I would recommend checking them out before anyone else. Sebastian Mendoza, 10/02/2024 |
We were in town visiting family for a wedding celebration. I noticed vibration in the front end of our Honda Pilot, and at the advice of my brother (local resident), I asked if Bob could check it out Friday afternoon. Having a full schedule on Saturday, Bob slipped us into the schedule, made the repair, and got us on our way back to Florida. Great service/great communication/honest and friendly staff/fair pricing- strongly recommended! Barton Parker, 08/11/2024 |