Gene's Car Tips - certifiedauto.com

My Car Still Starts But I’m Told I Need a New Battery! Why?

A battery can start a car because it provides the initial electrical energy needed to power the starter motor, which then cranks the engine to start it. If an automotive technician tests your battery and tells you that your car needs a new one, it is because it has lost its ability to hold a charge (called reserve capacity) or if its voltage drops below a certain level of 10.5 volts. A good battery has 12.6 volts.

If the reserve capacity (CCA, cold cranking amps) is low or voltage is low, this indicates the battery is unable to deliver the necessary power consistently. This could be due to factors such as age (this is number one), sulfation (buildup of lead sulfate crystals on the battery plates), or a malfunction within the battery cells.

While a battery might still have enough charge to start the car momentarily, it may not have the capacity to hold a charge or provide consistent power over time. This leads to a failed test or even worse, the car not starting at an inopportune time.

With the progress of stop/start technology, the multiple number of computers (5-25) to operate a vehicle, and the many features of the modern car, power is everything.

Once it’s gone you have a “no start condition.”

What Does The Term ADAS Stand For?

ADAS, which stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, is a term used to describe a range of technologies designed to enhance vehicle safety and improve the driving experience. These systems use various sensors, cameras, and other technologies to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and assist the driver in various driving tasks. Here’s how ADAS typically works in a car:

Sensors and Cameras: ADAS systems rely on sensors such as radar, lidar, ultrasonic sensors, and cameras to gather data about the vehicle’s surroundings. These sensors are often located around the vehicle, including on the front, rear, and sides.
Data Processing: The data collected by the sensors and cameras are processed by onboard computers or control units. These computers analyze the data in real-time to detect objects, vehicles, pedestrians, lane markings, and other relevant information.
Decision Making: Based on the processed data, the ADAS system makes decisions about how to assist the driver or intervene in certain situations. For example, if the system detects a potential collision with another vehicle, it may provide a warning to the driver or activate automatic emergency braking to help mitigate the impact.
Driver Assistance Features: ADAS systems offer various driver assistance features designed to enhance safety and convenience. Some common ADAS features include:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane and may also provide steering assistance to keep the vehicle in the lane.
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Alerts the driver to vehicles in the blind spots and may provide visual or audible warnings to prevent collisions during lane changes.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Warns the driver of an imminent collision with a vehicle or obstacle ahead and may apply the brakes automatically to avoid or reduce the severity of a collision.
Integration and Feedback: ADAS systems are integrated with the vehicle’s other control systems, such as the braking and steering systems, to provide seamless operation. Additionally, many ADAS features provide feedback to the driver through visual, audible, or haptic alerts to enhance situational awareness and promote safer driving behavior.

Overall, ADAS technologies play a crucial role in improving vehicle safety by assisting drivers in avoiding collisions, maintaining control of the vehicle, and reducing the likelihood of accidents. As technology continues to advance, ADAS systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated and are paving the way for the development of autonomous vehicles.

Don’t let just anyone work on your ADAS system. Always ask if they are familiar with your make and model. Make sure they are ASE certified and have the latest equipment to solve your concern. Many ADAS calibration systems cost $30,000 or more. It is your responsibility to be aware and take care of your second largest investment…your car.

Maintaining Your Vehicle Is Essential

Maintaining your car is essential for several reasons, including safety, reliability, performance, and financial considerations. Here are some key reasons why maintaining your car is important:

Safety: Regular maintenance helps ensure that your vehicle operates safely on the road. Components such as brakes, tires, steering, and suspension need to be in good condition to provide optimal control and handling. Neglecting maintenance can lead to mechanical failures or compromised safety systems, increasing the risk of accidents.
Reliability: Proper maintenance reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns and mechanical failures. Addressing potential issues early through routine inspections and services can prevent more significant problems that could leave you stranded on the side of the road.
Performance: Well-maintained vehicles typically perform better and more efficiently. Components such as the engine, transmission, and fuel system operate more smoothly when they are properly maintained, resulting in better fuel economy, acceleration, and overall performance.
Longevity: Regular maintenance helps prolong the lifespan of your vehicle. By replacing worn-out parts, changing fluids, and addressing minor issues promptly, you can prevent more extensive damage and extend the life of your car.
Resale Value: A well-maintained car retains its resale value better than one that has been neglected. Potential buyers are more likely to pay a higher price for a vehicle that has a documented history of regular maintenance and service records.
Cost Savings: While it may seem counterintuitive, maintaining your car can save you money in the long run. Preventative maintenance is generally less expensive than repairing major mechanical problems caused by neglect. Additionally, a well-maintained vehicle tends to be more fuel-efficient, reducing fuel costs over time.
Environmental Impact: Properly maintained vehicles tend to produce fewer emissions and consume less fuel, reducing their environmental impact. Regular maintenance helps ensure that your car operates efficiently and complies with emissions standards.

Overall, maintaining your car is crucial for safety, reliability, performance, and financial reasons. By investing time and resources in routine maintenance, you can keep your vehicle running smoothly, prolong its lifespan, and minimize the risk of unexpected breakdowns or costly repairs.

Let’s face it, a car is a poor investment because as soon as you drive off the lot the value decreases. We need transportation, however. In the past we were told to trade in a car every 100,000 miles. Cars today are built better and last longer. We can now drive a car at least 200,000 miles with proper service.

Remember 60 years old is the new 40 and 200,000 miles is the new 100,000 miles, and with the average payment of $735.00 a month, get the car paid off and drive.

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Why Auto Repair Shops Charge a Testing/Diagnostic Fee

Automotive diagnostic charges typically cover the cost of the technician’s time and expertise in diagnosing issues with your vehicle. These charges reflect the resources, equipment, and training required to accurately identify problems and determine the appropriate repairs or maintenance needed.

Here are a few reasons why you might be charged for automotive diagnostics:

Labor and Expertise: Skilled technicians spend time inspecting your vehicle, using specialized tools and equipment to diagnose issues accurately.

Equipment Costs: Diagnostic tools and equipment used to scan vehicle systems and retrieve error codes incur costs for purchase, maintenance, and updates.

Training and Certification: Technicians undergo extensive training and certification to effectively diagnose complex vehicle systems, which contributes to the overall cost of diagnostics.

Investigation and Testing: Diagnosing automotive issues often requires thorough investigation and testing, which may involve multiple steps to pinpoint the root cause of problems.

Facility Overheads: Automotive repair facilities have overhead costs such as rent, utilities, insurance, and administrative expenses, which are factored into diagnostic charges.

Accuracy and Precision: Proper diagnostics help prevent unnecessary repairs by identifying the specific issues affecting your vehicle, ultimately saving you time and money in the long run.

Keep in mind that diagnostic charges may vary depending on the complexity of the issue, the type of vehicle, and local market rates. It’s important to discuss diagnostic fees with your automotive service provider beforehand to ensure transparency and understanding of the costs involved.

40% of Online Auto Parts are Counterfeit!

It still amazes me that so many “dark markets” exist today. Ordering parts online is easy, they look like the genuine article, but sadly they are not. They are made with inferior materials and cause breakdowns quickly when they fail prematurely.

Those of us who own auto repair shops are held to a higher standard of regulations and must use genuine auto parts. We are happy to comply because the safety of our customers and those they share the road with are a top priority for us.

Counterfeiters are only concerned about making a huge profit on their low-quality parts. They currently are not regulated but government agencies and law enforcement are now aware of these fakes and are trying to stop these online platforms from selling these vastly inferior parts to unsuspecting consumers.

We are hoping that the laws will step up quickly to protect all consumers so we can drive with confidence.

Diesel High Pressure Pump Failure Prevention

If you drive a diesel, please read this. The new diesel fuel systems are more complex and very expensive to repair. The reformulation of diesel fuel systems (moving to lower sulfur content for emission purposes), has created a lubrication issue for injection pumps and injectors. The failure rate of high-pressure pumps has sky skyrocketed. The cost to repair is now $9,000 to $12,000.

Here are some tips to help the fuel system last a lifetime or at least 250,000 miles or more.

Keep an eye on your fuel and do not let it go below ¼ tank.
Change fuel filters regularly (follow manufacturers recommendation. Some are every 15,000 miles).
NEVER crank your engine when you run out of fuel until it is primed with the pump (we can show you how to do this if needed).
Use a diesel fuel additive with lubricity frequently. We suggest every time you refuel (every 5-10 fill ups is the max).

We hope these recommendations save you money and give you peace of mind!

Holiday Travel

Ah…the holidays. Tis the season to spend with family and friends. Many people prefer getting to these family festivities in their vehicles because they don’t want to worry about airport hassles and canceled flights. No one wants to spend the holidays stranded at the airport!

Of course, no one wants to get stranded on the side of the road either, due to a malfunctioning vehicle. An inspection to determine if your vehicle is roadworthy only takes a few minutes of your time.

When you bring your vehicle to Certified Automotive for an inspection, we will:

Check the tires including tire pressure and tread
Check all fluids
Check hoses and belts
Check wiper blades and windshield washer fluid
Check brakes
Check exhaust system
Check the battery

The inspection will show if you are good to go, or if you need to take care of a few items before you leave. Safe travels and Happy Holidays!

Keeping Your Older Car Saves You Money!

Prices seem to be out of control these days and new car prices are no exception. I was shocked to read that a few decades ago you could buy a skyrocket for the price of today’s new cars. Is that where the expression, “prices are skyrocketing” came from? Hmmm… It just makes financial sense to keep your current car running well and your bank balance healthier. How do you do that? Here is a list of ways to keep your car for years to come.

Pay attention to the warning lights! They really are trying to tell you something.
Follow the manufacturer’s preventive maintenance schedules.
Keep the oil changed regularly.
Wash and wax to keep the outside looking good.
Clean the inside frequently.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated, rotated in a timely manner, and have good tread.
Vehicle alignment is important…especially if you frequently hit potholes.
Fluids are the life blood of your vehicle. Have them checked and changed regularly. If you notice leaks on your garage floor or on the pavement where you park your car, get it checked out.
To keep your emergency brake healthy…use it!

We are here to help keep your vehicle healthy for miles to come!