As we talked about in our last article, you should always set the parking brake when you park. Your parking brake maintains a stronger hold than the prawl, making it a better option for holding your car in place while parked. The most important part of using the brake is remembering to disengage it before […]
The axle seal connects the axle the transmission and keeps the transmission fluid from leaking. Depending on the size of the leak, it may be okay to drive with a leaking axle seal, but not for very long. Common Causes The most common cause of a leaking axle seal is improper axle installation or removal […]
Your axles are what transfers power from the transmission (in a front-wheel-drive setup) or the differential (in a rear-wheel-drive system) to the wheels so your car can move. If these parts fail, you could be looking at a huge repair bill. What are the signs and symptoms? Usually, when your axle starts to go, you’ll […]
“Metal to metal” is the term used to describe brake pads or shoes that have worn through all of their friction material. This happens when the metal backing of the pad or shoe rubs on the rotor or drum, which is also made of metal. This is not only dangerous but can require expensive repair […]
The valve cover is a metal cover that is found on very top of the engine, attached to the engine by a gasket made of rubber or cork. The valve cover and gasket seal the top of the engine and prevent oil leaks. These covers are removable so the mechanic can access the valves for […]
Your air filters play a big part in how your entire engine functions. Here’s why you should keep them clean: 1. Waste will corrode your engine. The air filter’s main use is to clean bugs bits, dirt, allergens, and other debris from the air before it gets into the car. But, as the air filter […]
The oil pan is a metal container that holds the engine’s oil, located under the car and are attached to the bottom of the engine. The engine has a lot of moving parts that need to be kept lubricated with engine oil so, if the pan or the gaskets start leaking, you need to act […]
Like many auto parts, a leaf spring is an item that you never know you need until it breaks or wears down. The leaf spring is a part of the suspension system that helps to provide support and a smoother ride, by absorbing the impact of bumps and potholes in the road. Leaf springs are […]
Now that we’ve reviewed the pre-season maintenance, let’s talk about the first ride. The springtime debut of your bike is an exciting experience, but there are a few things to keep in mind: Plan Your Route Before you hit the road, it’s important to plan your route. Figure out where you want to go and […]
With spring officially here, it’s time to bring those bikes out of hibernation! In our last article, we reviewed some basic preseason maintenance but we’re not done yet. Don’t forget to check these things before you hit the road: Oil If you changed the oil and filter before laying your bike up, you’ve probably got […]