Car Service Tips

Headlight Globe

Don’t touch the glass when changing headlight bulbs

Most headlight bulbs now are filled with halogen and have special coatings on the outside of the glass. If you pick the bulb up by the glass with your fingers, you will leave trace amounts of oil and grease on the glass. When the bulb is used, that area of the glass will get hotter than the rest and it will eventually cause the bulb to crack. When changing headlight bulbs, only hold the metal bulb holder at the base, or make sure you’re wearing rubber surgical / mechanic’s gloves (clean ones) if you’re touching the glass.

You may be able to upgrade from standard headlight globes to newer brighter and clearer headlight globes. Our service technicians carry common headlight globes and can assist you during your next service.

Ace Auto Electrician can help with your electrical repairs.

About the Author
ACE Auto Electrician
Electrical Repairs | Car Service
www.aceautoelectrician.com.au
CALL 13 20 42

Brake Warning Light Or Hand Brake Warning Light

Brake Warning Light

Most cars nowadays have a brake warning light on the dash. Its purpose is to alert you that something is wrong in the braking system somewhere. If it comes on, check your owner’s manual to find out its meaning.

Unlike the single-purpose ABS warning light, the brake warning light doesn’t have a standard meaning; it could be used for multiple purposes. For example, the same light may be used to show that the hand brake is on. If that’s the case and you’re driving, you ought to have noticed the smell of burning brake dust by now.

The light can also indicate that the fluid in the brake master cylinder is low. If so it may be the brake master cylinder requires additional brake fluid or it may be time for a brake fluid and brake system flush. Special care must be taken when maintaining the brake system, including not mixing of different brake fluids. Seek professional assistance if attension or maintenance is required.

Each manufacturer has a different use and standard for this light, Ace Auto Electrician can help with your mechanical repairs or electrical repairs.

About the Author
ACE Auto Electrician
Electrical Repairs | Car Service
www.aceautoelectrician.com.au
CALL 13 20 42

1. Buy Petrol at Reputable Service Stations

Some service stations don’t have pump filters, making you more vulnerable to dirty gasoline. Other stations may not mix alcohol and fuel properly — or worse, water down their product.

You can ask the services station attendant whether the petrol you buy is filtered at the pump and if the station has a policy about changing the pump filters regularly. If you do not get a suitable answer it’s likely you will damage your vehicle and end up with car problems. It would be better to go elsewhere before this occurs.

The bottom line is; when you find a station you trust, stick to it.

2. Don’t Fill Up if you see the Tanker

Should you happen to see a petrol tanker filling the tanks at your local service station, go to another service station or go back at another time.As the station’s underground tanks are being filled, the turbulence can stir up sediment. Sediment in your petrol can clog fuel filters and fuel injectors, causing poor performance and possibly necessitating repairs. This is best avoided, and chosing another station to fill up at that time or returning later would serve your car well for the future.

In closing, if you do end up running dirty fuel through your vehicle, then we would recommend getting a car service to help stop any serious problems arising.

About the Author
Superior Mobile Mechanics
Car Service | Car Problems | Car Fleet Servicing
CALL 1300 309 828
www.superiormobilemechanics.com.au/

Cleaning Your Engine

There are several reasons to wash your engine at least every year or two. A clean engine will run cooler than a dirty one which will help prevent any car problems.

You’ll be more inclined to make routinechecks such as of belts and hoses if you know you won’t get covered with grime every time you do so. A clean engine will also make it much easier for your mechanic to spot leaks and to service components during your routine car service.

Remember to protect sensitive engine components (including the air intake, distributor, and electrical parts) with plastic bags or wrap before getting started. Use dishwashing liquid or other grease-cutting detergents and a bristle brush to scrub engine and components surfaces. Rinse thoroughly. Heavy-duty engine cleaning products are available at automotive parts stores. Follow the directions carefully.

Another alternative is to have your engine professionally steam cleaned.

About the Author
Superior Mobile Mechanics
Car Service | Car Problems | Car Fleet Servicing
CALL 1300 309 828
www.superiormobilemechanics.com.au/

ABS Warning Light

ABS Warning Light

If you’ve got an ABS-equipped car, you also have a second light – the ABS light. If it comes on, get it seen to as soon as possible.

It means the ABS computer has diagnosed that something is amiss in the system. It could be something as simple as dirt in one of the sensors, or something as costly as an entire ABS unit replacement. Either way, if that light is on then you may not have ABS and will have only the manual braking system available.

It’s important to note that this light normally comes on when you start the car and then switches off a few seconds later.

If it stays on, blinks, throbs, flashes or in any other way draws your attention to itself, take note and call a service technician for mechanical repairs or electrical repairs as soon as possible.

The ABS controls part of the brake system and if it inadvertantly operates while driving can be very dangerous.

About the Author
ACE Auto Electrician
Electrical Repairs | Car Service
www.aceautoelectrician.com.au
CALL 13 20 42