Do not panic, evaluates what is happening to your vehicle.

If you notice white clouds coming from your engine, not smoke, but it’s steam from an overheated engine.
Usually an engine overheats when the car does not get enough coolant in the effort to cool itself. This can be very frequent if you drive usually stopping a lot, which is called “stop and go driving.”

Try to solve the issue for yourself if you realize that your engine is overheating .
Turn off your air conditioning and down the car windows.
Bring traffic to your vehicle and put to one side of the road or take it to a parking lot.
If the car is not too hot, turn off the car and lift the hood of the car. If the hood is very warm to the touch or if you see steam coming out of it, then we recommend that you wait until the hood to cool before opening.

Let the engine cool completely before touching or opening the radiator cap of water. This cooling process can take up to an hour.

Check your coolant reservoir when the engine has cooled and you can touch it. Turn the lid slowly and note the amount of fluid and coolant radiator. Add a dash of coolant or water, or perhaps both the radiator as you feel is necessary. The mixture of coolant / water should have a ratio of 50/50.
Put the radiator cap back into place and check all hoses for any loss or breakage.

Try to restart your car while watching the temperature on the dashboard . Turn off the vehicle immediately if the needle marks the red area. Try again after a few minutes.

Seek help from a mechanic if you still have problems of overheating and the correct level of coolant in the radiator.

Know what is the right time to change your tires . Look for signs of serious wear on your tires. Obviously, if a tire is low or you can visibly see the tire pieces are detached, it is time to buy new tires. Other smaller signs, such as a tire with heavy use, are less obvious but equally important. The most common method of detecting when your tires need to change only requires a penny. If you put the penny into the tread of your tire and see any part of Lincoln’s head, your tires are too worn and must be replaced. Many new tires are equipped with colored bars on the tracks to show when they are widely used. Most times, you can feel the tires are in poor condition while driving.

Give them your tires well maintained . rotating them every 5,000 to 10,000 miles (8.046 to 16.093 km) you will ensure that your tires have no more use than others. Constantly maintain the proper pressure is very important for the health of all your tires.

Calculate the size of your tires . These letters and numbers on the top of your tires have meaning. A common label may say “P200/70R16″ where the “P” indicates the tire is for passengers, “200″ is the width of the deck in millimeters, “70″ is the ratio between high and wide, ” R “indicates a radial tire, and finally” 16 “is the wheel diameter in inches. If you are replacing only one tire on your vehicle, make sure the new tire and measures consistent with the style of other covers.

Think of the most demanding aspect of your regular routine management . If you drive in bad weather conditions during the year, special tire for bad weather. If you drive a lot during the day, week after week, looking for lasting tires do not wear quickly. You can also choose to equip your vehicle with a different set of tires Based on the season. Some people have a set of tires for summer and a different one for the winter season.

Compare the drawing of lines between the tire footprint you’re thinking about buying . The major indicator of the quality of a tire is the life of the lines. This indicates the durability and stability. While each tire company launches a new and more elegant design of the tire market, many are similar in quality, so the durability is important. The range of speed of a tire is also important, especially if you live in a state with a speed limit. Some covers are equipped to go faster than others, so make sure you have a high-speed tires designed to drive your vehicle if you plan onstantemente 75-80 miles per hour (120 to 129 kilometers per hour)

When choosing a car for a teen driver, it’s best to choose a model that is in a range of medium size . The small or compact cars tend to have higher accident rates, while larger vehicles such as trucks or SUVs might be too big for a first-time driver.

Choose a used car, simply because they are cheaper . However, newer vehicles have a higher level of security that can protect a teenager in the case of an accident. Make sure the car you choose is less than 10 years to make, so you have the safety standards and better stability characteristics.

When choosing a vehicle for a teen, please note that it has the largest number of elements of security possible . This includes a reinforced frame, air bags front and side passenger and roll bars. All these features will help keep the driver safe of an accident.

Check the statistics and safety crash tests of the model you are considering before making a purchase . The cars are tested before being released for sale and valued for their ability to withstand a shock front or side.

Choose a vehicle that offers maximum power and speed than the fastest car on the road . Teens tend to drive fast only because they are new drivers, the choice of a car with a standard level of horsepower will help keep them at a safe speed.

If you choose a used car for teenage driver, request a history report yourself before making a purchase . This report (you can request CarFax) A list of any accident in which the vehicle has been involved, along with any other further damage, such as floods or fires.

One of the best ways to determine if a vehicle is right for your teen is to test them . See if you can handle it and if you can master it to stop and turn, the degree of difficulty you have to use the manual controls and comfortable that seems to operate the vehicle. This will give you a good idea if the size, maneuverability and speed of the vehicle is right for your teen driver.

When driving a vehicle in winter should be aware that we must increase security measures. In addition to the car insurance the day we see that our car is in perfect condition. Check the headlights, taillights and fog, the tire pressure or carry security triangles and reflective vests can save us life.

When there is fog will take the car only when absolutely necessary. If the fog surprises along the way we focus on the road to avoid anything that might distract us. If visibility is very low is recommended to stop the vehicle at a rest area or gas station.

The main thing is to see and be seen. For that we turn the low beam and fog lamps. We will have to reduce speed to be comfortable, but will not set below the minimum, as we run the risk that we ram another vehicle from behind.

The road sign will help us to anticipate the moves you will ever make, so we are very attentive to warnings of possible bends or constrictions on the road. It is also advisable to turn off the radio, to be more attentive to the sound signals may have come from the road, like the sound of a truck or the whistle of a vehicle.

Make a list of speaker system compatible with your car . This way you can find out more effectively than audio system can be in accordance with the needs of your car and yours at the same time. Maybe you can add or change anything to the existing audio equipment you have in your vehicle, but it is usually best to buy new and sound equipment available today have good quality and require no costly modification before installation.

Learn the terms used to describe the quality of your car’s speakers, such as the structure of the magnet, the frequency response and dome tweeter. Buying a tweeter can have advantages and disadvantages, while the frequency response and the details of the magnet structure provide quality information to consumers.

Remember that the cables with these items can be expensive. This may sound a lot more costs even if they have a limited budget. Experts usually recommend buying cables high quality sound to improve the quality of the speakers in themselves. Cables into a stereo system must often be exposed in a changing environment that they live wires that are inside a house. This is due to extreme changes that have suffered because of the weather when the vehicle is parked outside.

Check all sources of information that can give you the opinions of those consumers who are speakers on the list you are considering . Several sources provide valuable information from experts, ordinary consumers who have used the equipment. This step will provide vital information that will help you narrow the list of potential prospects.

Investigate each of the speakers you are considering and are currently in your list . Visit the local shops where you can hear the systems to compare the images and sounds. Every consumer should be able to spend some time listening to the wide selection of audio speakers before making a final decision.
Listen to your favorite music as evidence, because you know that song and it sounds so real you can check the quality of the speakers.

Take time to enjoy the experience of listening to and evaluating the quality of those speakers that are available. Listen to several different musical selections in the same speaker and listen to the same selections in all the speakers on your list.

Install the speakers in the car and enjoy them . Most factory-installed systems are below replacement systems, so your trip will be more enjoyable with the new speakers sound.

Check the installation guide if you decide to install the same speakers but with changes that will give you higher quality sound. There are excellent guides available that are easy to use. They are clear and concise.

Find the value in the Blue Books (Blue Books) . The most common Blue Book company operated by Kelley Blue Book. On their website you can find the approximate value of your vehicle.

Go to the website of Kelley. You must indicate the year, make and model of your vehicle. You must also enter your area code. When you are given choices of what information you are looking for be sure to choose the “trade-in value”. This figure is telling you which is the approximate value or suggested retail price you can ask a dealer.
Put your vehicle mileage and additional functions.
Add the vehicle’s condition. The company categorizes vehicles in four conditions: excellent, good, fair and poor. Read all the categories and choose the one that best applies to the conditions of your vehicle.
Add any additional information and check which is the value. At the end of this process will find a list where it shows as a vehicle for your condition.

Evaluate if there are any additional problem that has your vehicle . Although most common problems are covered when assessing the overall condition of the vehicle. Some problems are considered serious and may lower the value of the vehicle. These include engine problems, leaking antifreeze, transmission problems or anything else that affects the normal functioning of the vehicle and repair costs money.

Understands the “distributor price . “When the dealer buys the vehicle you will need the title of it, find another buyer and sell the vehicle at a fair price that will also leave a profit selling it. This means that the value you receive will probably be lower than expected. Although the value that you enter the Blue Book is the higher, not to say that that is the amount of money you ultimately receive.

Negotiate the value of the vehicle . You have to reach a compromise with the dealer where both agree. If you do not agree you can take the vehicle and try to sell yourself in the market or donate to a charity. You realize Based on the conversation you have with the representative if the distributor believes that the vehicle is worth or not.

When the light turns green, do not take off like an airplane . Accelerator is common to refer to as the “gas pedal” and for good reason, because the more I pressed, more fuel entering the engine. Press the accelerator slightly and gradually accelerate. No doubt where you get to a few seconds later, but it came. You’d be surprised how little pressure is needed for speed in reasonable time.

When later you see a red traffic light or red octagon sign (PARE), better sooner than later, your foot off the accelerator . It is useless to keep accelerating until shortly before reaching the intersection, unless you do not try to go through red lights and ignore the signs. Remove your foot from the pedal, giving rest to the engine while the car is in neutral as you brake gradually. In addition to the benefit of conserving fuel, brake pads and brake discs will last longer too.

Control your speed . Although it is not because of strong acceleration, excessive speed wastes fuel. The faster you move your car, the more air it has to push out of the way. This is comparable to moving your hand in the water. The faster you move your hand, push harder water. In a test conducted in the United States Consumer Reports, driving at 75 miles (120 kilometers) per hour instead of 65 miles (105 kilometers) per hour reduced fuel economy by between 3 and 5 miles (5 and 8 km) per gallon (3.8 liters), depending on the vehicle.

Keep a reasonable distance between your car and the front . Follow another vehicle at close range is dangerous because it reduces your ability to react when the going in front slows or stops abruptly. If necessary, you must pay close attention to such vehicle, which reduces your ability to see other dangers ahead and sideways. Very short distance between your vehicle and the front will cause a great waste of fuel. Every time the driver touches the brake you follow, you have to slow even more than him or her. This is because you can not react instantly and you have to reduce further to compensate for the delay in your reaction. If you are reckless, re-accelerate to regain speed and resume your routine to bumper bumpers and wasting fuel cycle is repeated.

Retire in front of the vehicle easier to handle at a constant speed will use less fuel . A good rule is to keep a minimum of two seconds between your vehicle and you follow. This distance can be measured by counting two seconds after the vehicle in front passes an obvious reference point,like a sign on the road or bridge.

Do not drive steady . Perhaps you’ve heard it takes more fuel to restart the car to let it run. Maybe that was true in the past but not anymore. Then they’re hot, new engines with fuel injectors, require very little extra fuel to restart.

According to the California Energy Commission, for every minute a vehicle is stationary with the engine running, you burn about the same amount of fuel it would take a trip half mile (1 kilometer).

This is why hybrid cars shut down its gasoline engine whenever they stop, even for a moment.
If your car is not hybrid, surely not going to stop the engine on every little stop you, because the engine is not designed for that. Instead, turn off the engine if you expect the person who went to buy a soda and he promised to return soon.

Do not use the convenient stop for motorists service offered by some fast food restaurants. You are paying enough for the oil in those chicken nuggets.

Do not wait for warm up the engine before leaving, as it has no benefit and only serves to waste fuel. Start right away, but do it gently wise until the engine warms up.

For those trips rather short :

Take the opportunity and benefit with a little exercise. Walk to the store and instead of spending it save fuel while burning calories.

If you can not do your errands on foot, then do it all in one trip. According to the Department of Energy United States, many short transfers, which let the engine cool between each other, can use twice as much fuel. It is advisable to accumulate to make a single trip travel and visit all the points. First go to the most distant and so the engine will reach its optimum operating temperature. Then do your other errands during your return trip. With the engine warmed up, its on work will be easier and more efficient way to your home.

Pay attention to the temperature of your car . When heated, this may be due to some problem in any of the various components of the cooling.

Check the leak . This should be the first action you take to determine if you have any problems with the cooling system.

Make sure the car has enough coolant, which is the temperature, and operating under the correct pressure.

Locate the different water hoses, the car with the hood up. There is a hose upper and lower motor, and two hoses from the heater.

Check for leaks around hose traps, or a slot in them.

Look around the radiator to make sure it does not leak and is not, therefore, the cause of your problems.

Remove the radiator cap after the car has cooled . Now, start the engine and bring the car to operating temperature.

Look inward, and you should see the coolant flow, if the thermostat is working properly. If you do not see it, then the thermostat is stuck and have to replace it.

If you are having heating problems, then you may have a problem with central heating, which could be blocked, and need to be replaced. Two hoses located slightly smaller than the engine and go to the back of the engine compartment. One of these hoses should feel slightly warmer than the other, when the engine reaches operating temperature and the heater is on. If one is significantly cooler than the other, the central heater is closed and may need to be replaced.

Look for other causes of the problem .

The problem can also be caused by a water pump. He looks down and tries to detect if there is a hole that drips from the bottom of the pump (motor off).

The water pump is failing, and needs to be replaced, if you feel that there is coolant or moisture.

The pump impellers can be damaged. In this case, not enough coolant through the system, and must be replaced.

It may also be that the radiator is blocked. This can happen in vehicles where cooling systems are not cleaned routinely, or not replace the coolant. The latter should be done at least once a year. The fix is ​​to replace or rebuild the radiator.

There may be a problem of overheating in cars with electric fans for cooling, if they are not working.

With the vehicle parking, and the temperature, check the fan turns on and pulls the outside cold air over the radiator. If not, you need to be replaced. Before doing so, take it to a trusted mechanic and let him check if there is a blown fuse or a bad connection.

Overheating is not the only problem that the vehicle’s cooling system can present. Some vehicles may run too cold. While this is not a problem so strong for the motor and overheating can lead to inefficient fuel consumption. The optimum operating temperature ensures proper combustion. This problem is similar to overheating, except that the thermostat is open.

Check the thermostat while the car’s engine is cold . Remove the radiator cap and start the engine. Look at the radiator. The thermostat has been opened and needs to be replaced, if you see that the coolant is flowing. Could also have a problem with the heater core. Check this in the way indicated in the steps above.

1. Drain manually secondary cylinder

• Lift the end of the motor vehicle with two jack stands to gain access to the drain valve, also called the “Pitcock”.
• Have an assistant sit in the car and press the clutch to the bottom
• Slide under the vehicle and locate the slave cylinder . It is located inside the transmission on some vehicles and out of the transmission in others. Look in your owner’s manual of your vehicle if you need help locating the slave cylinder.
• Loosen the drain valve with a wrench and have a container ready to catch the brake fluid to leak.
• Tighten the valve once it seems that all air is out.
• Release the clutch pedal . It is likely to stay on the bottom and have to throw it out.
• Repeat pressing the clutch to the bottom, opening the drain valve to purge air and closing the clutch to feel normal again.
• Check the brake fluid is at the right level and add more if necessary.

2. Drain a slave cylinder with a vacuum pump.

• Get a manual vacuum pump at your local auto parts
• Raise the vehicle with jack stands to access the drain valve
• Have an assistant sit in the car and press the clutch to the bottom
• Loosen the drain valve and put the vacuum pump
• Pump the brake fluid in a container until bubbly air
• Close the drain valve
• Pull the clutch pedal up, sending brake fluid to the slave cylinder, and try playing with the pedal . If it feels soft, drain more air.
• Check the brake fluid is at the right level and add more if necessary .

3. Drain a slave cylinder with a hose

Get a hose or a thin plastic tube in your home or auto parts store of your pets

Raise the vehicle with a jack stand .

Put one end of the hose into the drain valve and insert the other end into a container half full with new brake fluid .

Have an assistant to press the clutch pedal to the bottom, while you loosen the screw on the slave cylinder . The air will flow into the container making bubbles in the brake fluid, making it impossible to re-enter the slave cylinder.

Tighten the screw of the cylinder and then ask the assistant to release the clutch pedal .

Repeat the process until no more bubbles are formed in the container .

Check the brake fluid is at the right level and add more if necessary .

Hello,

I have a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe that is having problems with the catalytic converter.  I’m looking to get a quote to fix it.  I do have an extended warranty program with Western General that is still in effect but I don’t know if the catalytic converter is covered.  I’m also looking to get a permanent power inverter installed.  I have one of those converters that plugs into the lighter but I’d like to get a permanent one installed.

If the catalytic converter costs too much, I am going to be looking for a replacement SUV, something slightly used – maybe two to three years old with low mileage.  My wife is also looking for a used vehicle, again about two to three years old.

I live in Humble and work in Houston so let me know if this is the type of work you do – how much it will cost and if you warranty your work.  Email me here or give me a call.

Thanks,
Landon

Hi Landon,

Thanks for the email. I sold my brick and mortar repair shop a few years back, although it’s still running strong in the Heights at the corner of 23rd and Yale in the Heights area.  Master Auto Service, my grandfather started in 1937.

Rueben is a good contact person if you want to call and talk to him and get his opinion and a quote.  713-862-6639, you can tell him we emailed. He is a nice guy.

I have NO affiliation with them anymore, but I did a personal walk through and met the new owners and management last month and was impressed with how they are running things.

Rarely do you see a problem with a cat converter these days, so I would be a little skeptical of the diagnosis that the converter is bad.  Possible, but not common.

Meineke Muffler on Shepherd and 11th area is who I used to replace converters, Ask for Ken….if he is still there. Place is a dump, good guys and great prices. He will have a universal converter that is much cheaper than the OEM.

http://www.meineke.com/Center/10.aspx

The permanent power might not be that big of deal, hardest part is usually trying to find a place to hook into and mount that looks ok and not in the way.

Your converter might still be covered under the factory warranty, you might have 100K mile warranty with Hyundai, so I would call and ask.  But before I replaced it and paid out of your pocket I would have Rueben at Master Auto Service check it out to make sure that is the real problem.

Blessings,
Austin Davis