12.10.2021 Views

world 101321

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

Mechanic Tales

Mechanics and automobile technicians are

valuable members of the community.

Without them, getting to work, the store, church or

wherever would be a job when the car breaks down.

They’re valuable because they possess a skill that many

of us don’t have. Some customers know a little more than

others, however. Some of the best stories from mechanics,

from Popular Mechanics and Motor-Junkie.com.

IT’S THE ALTERNATOR, HE THINKS

From a mechanic in Grand Prairie, Texas, is this story

about a customer who came into the shop swearing his

alternator was bad. The parts store told him so.

“I popped the hood and solved the problem in about 10

seconds. Both battery terminals were loose, and the B-plus

cable was zip-tied in place. I replaced the missing bolt and

tightened both ends down. The car fired right up.”

FALL CAR CARE

Common

Car Car

Issues

EXHAUSTED EXHAUST SYSTEM

Exhaust systems play an integral role in the operation

of a car, filtering out some nasty stuff. A mechanic in

Florida took a test drive on customer’s car, verifying that

the car was down on power and making a rattling noise,

a common symptom of a failing catalytic converter. The

mechanic took a closer look.

“As I did, something fell out of the pipe: a rock-hard log

of built-up carbon that had formed around a broken filter

element. It was kind of like a pearl, except completely

black and not worth a penny.”

MOTOR? WHAT MOTOR?

This story was gleaned from an article on Jalopnik.

A lady complained to a mechanic that her Prius wasn’t

driving well and her dashboard was lit up with sensor

lights. The mechanics at the dealership found the problem

immediately.

When was the last time she had changed the oil, they

asked?

“Never,” she said. “The Prius doesn’t have a motor, so

why would I do that”

MY CAR IS MAKING A NOISE

It’s amazing what you can find on Reddit. A customer

said there was a “heavy clunking when stopping and the

same clunk when moving from a stop.”

There was a bowling ball in the trunk.

COMMON SENSE NOT

AS COMMON AS IT SOUNDS

A lady complained to her mechanic who had just

changed out her clutch. By the time he returned to the shop

after dropping off her car, she had already called to say she

couldn’t get the car into gear. The dutiful mechanic drove

right back out there to examine the car. He got it running

again without any problem. When he returned to work, she

had once again called to raise hades.

“This time, not just a little angry, but screaming all kinds

of curse words at us,” the mechanic said.

So back to her house the mechanic went to find that she

needed to push the seat up to press the clutch down all the

way.

4 NOKIAN NORDMAN

Studded

225/60R18

$275.00

802-479-0335

Routine service and maintenance is as vital to your car as

the warranty everybody keeps calling you about.

Regardless, no good thing a fine-tuned machine in this

case lasts forever. Issues will eventually arise. They are

as common as death and taxes. However, there is a way to

reduce the chances of breakdown and expensive repairs by

keeping an eye out for this common car problems that tend

to appear, according to YourMechanic.com.

THE WARNING LIGHT

The warning light is a common issue for U.S. motor

vehicles. These lights appear in the dashboard when a sensor

in the vehicle’s computer, or engine control unit, detects a

problem. It’s best to leave the diagnosing to the professionals.

In other words, go see a mechanic.

A SPUTTERING ENGINE

Nothing will ruin a day faster than a sputtering engine,

which works best when a complex system of fuel and ignition

components are in harmony.

Always comply to recommended maintenance and timed

replacement of fuel and ignition system components as

recommended by the manufacturer.

POOR FUEL ECONOMY

This is often caused when fuel system components, such

as fuel filters, air filters, mass air flow sensors and O2 sensors

get dirty or wear out. A breakdown in this vehicular

ecosystem will cause the engine to consume more fuel than

usual. Being proactive in routine servicing is the solution.

Pre-Season

Check-Up Time.

Pre-Season

Check-Up Time.

A DEAD BATTERY

We’ve all been there. Jump in the car, try to fire up the

ignition and nothing happens. The car experts advise us to

replace your car battery every 50,000 miles or three years,

even if it’s not showing signs of slowdown. See also, damaged

alternator and battery temperature sensor.

THE STARTER

The starter motor is what cranks your engine over, which

begins the starting process. When this fails, it’s usually

because the electrical solenoid has been damaged, the starter

motor breaks, or another electrical fault occurs.

SHAKING STEERING WHEEL

Many things could be at play here. If it happens just as

you’re beginning to drive after starting the car, wheel bearings

or damaged suspension components are likely the issue.

If it happens at higher speeds, it’s typically a tire/wheel

balance issue. For amateurs, go to your mechanic to make a

diagnosis.

OVERHEATING

It might surprise you to learn that overheating is a rarity.

Proper maintenance the radiator, including flushing services,

and switching out the water pump before it goes south are

effective ways to reduce the potential for overheating issues.

IT’S

TIRE SEASON!

Chris Russell

Complete

automotive

detailing

service.

Inside & Out!

Protect your vehicle for life!

Long Lasting Beauty!

Authorized System X

Ceramic Protection Dealer.

KEVIN KENYON

Fisher Plow

In-House Specialist

Pre-Season Maintenance Includes:

Pre-Season Maintenance Includes:

• Hydraulic system check

Hydraulic system check

• Hydraulic system flush and fill

Hydraulic system flush and fill

• Electrical corrosion prevention

Pre-Season Electrical Maintenance corrosion prevention

Includes:

• Mounting points inspection

Mounting Hydraulic system points inspection check

• Complete parts assessment

Complete Hydraulic system parts assessment flush and fill

Don’t wait. Make your appointment today!

Don’t • Electrical wait. Make corrosion your appointment preventiontoday!

• Mounting points inspection

• Complete parts assessment

Don’t wait. Make your appointment today!

DEAN GALLISON

Fisher Plow

Factory Trained

Master Tecnician

Don’t wait for the weather to

tell you it’s time. It’s time NOW!

32 Years Total Automotive Experience

14 Years Of Specializing In Volvos

Marcie Bolduc

Owner/Technician

4423 US Route 2, East Montpelier

802-223-3393

265 RIVER STREET • MONTPELIER

802-223-5201 • 800-639-3670

www.McGeeFordvt.com

4423 US Route 2, East Montpelier 802-223-3393

October 13, 2021 The WORLD page 29

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!