Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide
Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 35
When you get into your car and turn the key in the ignition, do you ever wonder how your vehicle works to get you to and from your destination? Don't worry if your answer is "no." Most drivers don't give the inner workings of their vehicle a second thought, until vehicle breakdowns. They have a way of putting a damper on things. Not only are they inconvenient, but the added expense of the repair work is always unwelcome. You'll hear us say this time and time again – taking care of your v...
There is no denying that electric vehicles are now a part of modern transportation. It wasn't long ago that an electric car on the road was somewhat of an anomaly or a curiosity. Now sitting at a red light, you are likely to have an electric city bus, a Tesla and a couple of hybrid vehicles surrounding you. Part of the increased adoption of electric propulsion has come from EV car battery technology breakthroughs. Electric car battery technology has evolved rapidly in the past several years....
Are you trying to decide between snow chains versus cables? Those who live in areas with severe winter weather often face this decision. While using snow tires does the job for most winter conditions, in some places it's a good idea to take it a step further to ensure that your tires maintain traction in slippery conditions. Snow chains or snow cables are even required on certain roads, especially in mountainous areas where snow piles up quickly. Here's how to decide whether to use snow chains...
There are more than 100 million cars operating in the United States, not including heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and buses. Despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles (more than a million on the road today), the majority of these commuter sedans and family SUVs rely on combustion engines, which expel dangerous exhaust fumes. Even the most basic exhaust system is designed to route gases away from the passenger cabin. Advancements throughout the past 50 years have concentrated on convert...
While most traditional winter driving techniques are still helpful today, modern vehicle design has introduced a number of wrinkles into how to safely get from point A to point B with snow and ice on the ground. New safety systems and driver's aids have transformed how cars and trucks handle the winter, however, giving you fresh options for dealing with bad-weather driving. Here's a look at how winter driving techniques have been affected by the latest automotive technology. Stability control...
In this issue we will continue the discussion begun in The Loop newspaper's Oct. 28 issue describing 7 end-of-summer car care tips. Check the battery Summer is an easy time for the car battery, but cold weather can tax it. Don't get caught by the first cold morning with a dead battery. First, look for corrosion on the battery terminals. This needs to be cleaned or repaired to eliminate resistance between the battery and the rest of the electrical system, such as the starter and blower. Then,...
Did you know that October is Fall Car Care Month? You are probably just now wondering where did summer go? To make sure your car, truck, SUV or minivan stays safe and reliable throughout the upcoming fall and winter seasons, we've prepared seven essential end-of-summer car care tips. It's a good idea that while the weather is still pleasant to set aside a weekend afternoon to go over your vehicle's maintenance needs. By addressing these end-of-summer car care tasks now, you can drive the year's...
In this issue we will continue the discussion begun in The Loop newspaper's Sept. 2 issue describing what is included with auto diagnostic service. Illuminated tire pressure sensor light Most vehicles built after 2007 are designed with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). These sensors and their electronic systems alert a driver of low pressure in the tires. There are two different types of TPMS – direct and indirect. Regardless of the type of system your vehicle uses, an indicator light wi...
Just like you go to your family doctor once a year for a routine checkup, taking your vehicle to a reliable mechanic for regularly scheduled maintenance is critical. But, just like medical issues, sometimes problems can arise when you least expect them. When an unfamiliar light illuminates on the dash, you notice an inexplicable rumbling, roaring or grinding, or something just doesn't feel quite right, there's no need to panic and frantically search "What does my check engine light mean?" Just...
You might think of your auto air conditioning system like the engine cooling system. Just as the engine cooling system moves heat from the engine to the air, the air conditioning system moves heat from the cabin to the outside. This makes for more comfortable driving and defogs your windshield faster, but how does it all work? Auto air conditioning components Like the engine cooling system, the auto air conditioning system uses a pump to circulate coolant. Air conditioning refrigerant's special...
What to expect from a timing belt replacement service On the list of engine maintenance items, one of the most important after consistent oil changes is timing belt replacement. For the engine's valves to open and shut at the appropriate times relative to the position of the pistons, a timing belt is used to synchronize the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft. Unfortunately, timing belt replacement isn't nearly as quick or easy as an oil change, nor is it as low-priced. Regardless, it is...
Almost everyone at some point in their automotive ownership experience will visit their local auto repair shop. Whether you're a DIY weekend warrior or you just occasionally check your tire pressure and oil levels, once technicians have a look at your car they will likely make recommendations. Just like any relationship, communication is key. You don't have to be an expert to be informed but you do need to have a two-way conversation. Here are four technician questions you should always ask beyo...
While most traditional winter driving techniques are still helpful today, modern vehicle design has introduced a number of wrinkles into how to safely get from point A to point B with snow and ice on the ground. New safety systems and driver's aids have transformed how cars and trucks handle the winter, however, giving you fresh options for dealing with bad-weather driving. Here's a look at how winter driving techniques have been affected by the latest automotive technology. Stability control...
When it comes time to service your car, you need to find a good mechanic/technician. Whether it's regular maintenance, like an oil change, or a funny bump-squeak-rattle you need to have diagnosed, a trusted mechanic/technician is key. Here are some of the key qualities to look for in a mechanic/technician. Diagnostic skills A good mechanic/technician needs the skill to diagnose a problem when you bring in your car. You may have a pretty good idea of what's wrong so you can point them in the...
Car parts that are more likely to break in the winter can cause frustrating issues on cold, snowy mornings. Or worse, they could leave you stranded. If you live where it gets cold, then now is the time to prepare so you can be ready if those parts and systems fail. Battery failure Of the car parts that are more likely to break in the winter, your car battery is at the top of the list. It’s a good idea to have your battery tested to ensure that it’s still operable and to replace it if there are...
Almost every driver has had to deal with car noises – those sometimes annoying, sometimes alarming signals from your vehicle that something unusual might be going on. Whether it’s a bang, a clunk or a rattle, anytime your automobile talks out of turn is cause for you to pay a little closer attention to what it might be trying to tell you. While you should always check out any suspicious noise, the handy guide below lays out the sounds that warrant the most attention. Why is my car making a gri...
Just like spring, fall provides a welcome transition between the significant temperature variations during summer and winter. Temperature extremes are tough on any vehicle, affecting the way it starts and operates. Now is the time to have your mechanic prepare your car for colder weather by completing the following transitional car care tasks. Start with the lights Late model cars have more lights included than ever. There is a chance one or more bulbs has burned out since the car was last inspected. Check the interior lights in addition to cer...
Motor oil is critical to the functioning of vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines. Just as blood travels through the human body and brings oxygen and nutrients with it, oil travels through the engine, supplying lubrication to keep essential parts moving. Changing the oil on a regular basis is important, and neglecting to do so can bring forth catastrophic consequences. So what does oil do in a car? Once you know the specifics, you’ll surely keep this maintenance task at the top of your list. An oil overview The first petroleum-base...
Thieves often target valuable components on cars. Sometimes entire cars are stolen and parted out, while in other cases, only certain parts are stolen and the rest of the vehicle is left intact. One car part that’s especially popular with thieves is the catalytic converter. But why do people steal catalytic converters specifically? To get to the heart of the issue, we’ll need to understand the role that this part plays in vehicles and the value it provides. What is a catalytic converter? The catalytic converter cleans harmful gases from you...
Your car’s AC system might seem fairly complex, especially if you’ve ever received a bill to repair it. Breaking it down into its major components can help demystify how it works. Almost every car features the same basic air conditioning parts that work together to keep things cool when the weather turns hot. It’s not quite the same as the air conditioner you might have at home, but it’s not all that different, either. Compressor A car air conditioning system works by taking advantage of the laws of physics concerning how heat is absorbe...
When summer’s here, or really any time you want cool, dry air while driving, your car’s air conditioner (AC) is critical to your comfort and safety. Unfortunately, frozen AC lines can put a major kink in your road trip. Why are your car AC lines freezing up and what you can do about it? Usually, AC is one of those forgotten systems that you never really think about until it stops working. Sometimes there can be worn or unmodified AC systems that function for years without a problem. On the other hand, if your car has been in an accident, has...
There are five major things to check when preparing your car for summer. The season’s warm weather can be hard on your ride, placing stress on everything from its air conditioner to its battery. With Don’s Pro Technology’s diagnostic special running in the month of May, getting the important items checked is easier than ever and the experienced technicians can advise you on how to best prepare your car for summer. From checking your car’s tires to checking the air conditioning system, below is a list of the most important items to have inspect...
Buying a brand new car may be simpler than buying a used car. We can reasonably expect a new car to be trouble-free from the start, with no hidden issues to surprise us in the short term. A new car warranty provides further peace of mind in the event a problem does arise. Of course, this reliability comes at a cost. After just a few years, that new car will lose a significant portion of its value. Used cars are typically more affordable and can save drivers money over the long haul. Don’s Pro Technology Automotive Repair (DPT), a NAPA A...
If something is wrong with your car, you definitely want to know about it. Still, the sudden and unexpected illumination of the check engine light can create a unique sense of dread. Our fears aside, the car is trying to tell us that something isn’t right, and we’d do well to pay attention when the light comes on. But what if you find your check engine light flashing? Is that any better, or is it worse? Purpose of the check engine light Your car has a system of sensors monitoring different components and activities that is in constant con...
Just one more year. That’s what you have been telling yourself as yet another repair is completed on your aged vehicle. But if you’ve been keeping up with your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and responding quickly to each indicator of trouble, then there’s good chance you’ll get your wish, as long as you’re following these five high mileage car tips. Handle repairs at once Putting off repairs means you might only exacerbate the problem. Keeping to the maintenance schedule is one thing, but responding immediately to warning signs may spell t...
