Category Archives: In The Shop

Dirty Air Filters, Volume 4

Posted on February 14, 2019 by Dan

Since the last collection of dirty air filters I’ve posted, I’ve found so many that ones that would’ve made it into previous posts aren’t even dirty enough.

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Worn Out Brakes Are Bad For Wheels

Posted on February 11, 2019 by Dan

I’ve seen plenty of worn out brakes, where the friction material is completely gone and it’s just the metal backing scraping against the rotor. All of those little particles of metal have to go somewhere, and the wheel is one … Continue reading →

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Broken TPMS Hack

Posted on February 4, 2019 by Dan

Most newer cars have tire pressure monitoring systems that include a sensor in each wheel. On most cars the valve stem is part of the sensor. After several years, the rubber seal may start leaking and need replacing, but if … Continue reading →

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Throwback: Animals in Cars

Posted on January 31, 2019 by Dan

Today is a throwback to a few interesting discoveries of animal evidence in cars. Originally posted January 28th, 2016. One of the last things you want to find in your car is an animal. Another bad thing is finding evidence … Continue reading →

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Leaking Coolant Pipe

Posted on January 24, 2019 by Dan

I was doing a checkover of a CR-V when I noticed some coolant on the bottom of the engine. It was hard to see exactly where it was coming from because it was behind the intake, but I could see … Continue reading →

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Check the Threads

Posted on January 21, 2019 by Dan

Whenever you’re removing a bolt that isn’t rusty, but it is hard to turn, it’s a good idea to check the threads on the bolt and the hole. If the threads got damaged in some way, when you try to … Continue reading →

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Blown-Up CVT

Posted on January 17, 2019 by Dan

I was out for a drive in a customer’s car that had a complaint about a vibration. I didn’t feel anything, but as I took a left turn through an intersection, there was a clunk and the car suddenly would … Continue reading →

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Wheel Locks on Steel Wheels

Posted on January 14, 2019 by Dan

Wheels, especially OEM alloy wheels, are not cheap, easily worth a couple hundred dollars each, which makes them a prime target for thieves. To combat this, several companies make wheel locks, which are a replacement lug nut with a special … Continue reading →

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Snapped Control Arm

Posted on January 7, 2019 by Dan

In back of the dealership I work at is what’s known as the “wholesale line.” It’s where cars that get traded in go that we don’t deem worth fixing up to sell, so we offer them up to other used … Continue reading →

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Check Your Tires Before Winter

Posted on November 29, 2018 by Dan

It’s the beginning of winter here in New York, which means it’s time to make sure your car is ready for winter weather driving. This means checking everything over, making sure your wipers are in good shape, but probably most … Continue reading →

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