Archive for the ‘Wheels’ Category

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Yark Dodge opens Jan. 7

By Toledo Free Press Staff Writers on Tuesday, January 6th, 2009

Starting Jan. 7, Yark Automotive Group will welcome Dodge as the newest addition to the…

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GM looks to secure 1st portion of government aid

By Associated Press on Wednesday, December 31st, 2008

General Motors Corp. is days away from securing its first installment of federal aid, money…

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Readers seek advice on handling radiatorsAfter reading the Dec. 14 article on the radiator cap, one Toledo Free Press reader contacted me at my office and asked if it was OK to remove the thermostat out of the coolant system on his vehicle. I assumed the reason the reader wanted to remove the thermostat was because of an overheating condition. I was incorrect in my assumption. After contacting the reader, it became clear that what he wanted was to save money on the replacement of the defective thermostat, and since I had stated in last week’s article that the cooling fan controlled the engines operating temperature, he was wondering if he could remove it. No, it should not be removed. The thermostat is an integral part of the effective operation of the engines cooling system. The primary function of the thermostat is to block the flow of coolant through the engine until the engine reaches a minimum operating temperature. Usually that minimum operating temperature is around 190 degrees, depending on manufacturer and vehicle. Once the vehicle is above this 190 degrees value, the thermostat opens and coolant flows throughout the entire cooling system by means of the water pump. As the coolant passes through the engine block, and circulates around the combustion, it absorbs heat from the engine and transfers that heat to the atmosphere via the radiator. Air is forced through the radiator by the forward motion of the vehicle. When the vehicle is sitting still and temperature rises above a predetermined amount, usually around 220 degrees, the cooling fan engages and the temperature begins to fall within the cooling system. This process is repeated over and over during the operation of the vehicle. If the thermostat was removed, or failed to close, the engine would take an excessive amount of time to reach the normal operating temperature. In the heart of the winter, it may never reach the normal temperature range. There are several adverse effects that occur when the engine operating temperature is below its normal operating range. Fuel economy suffers and the vehicle’s tailpipe emissions rise. The engine oil can become saturated with unburnt fuel, causing premature engine failure. The engine’s efficiency also deteriorates dramatically when the engine operating temperature is too low. The vehicles heating and defroster system may not work. The engine oil may not circulate normally. None of these are good! Today’s engines operate within a relatively narrow temperature range. They do so in order to achieve greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions levels. In order to sustain this level of efficiency the thermostat should never be removed. If it becomes necessary to replace it, I advise that you replace it with the same temperature ranged thermostat of a quality manufacture. Never buy discount parts! Another interesting question was asked of me by a lady I met in a gas station. She recognized me as the “Auto Guy,” she said, and asked if I would answer a question for her. She wanted to know how often her antifreeze should be replaced and what kind of anti-freeze she should use? Many of today’s manufacturers are using extended-life antifreeze products and there are several different types on the market. The ethylene - and propylene glycol-based coolants that were prevalent for years are being replaced by more and more manufacturers with new formulas that are more environmentally safe. The new mixtures are very high-tech and come with long names. Hybrid Organic Acid Technology and Organic Acid Technology are the most common. These are extended service technology coolants and their manufacturers say they can last as long as 150,000 miles or seven years. I recommend if you use them you replace them every five years. They are good products and if you decide to use them make sure you use a name brand. There is a difference in quality. I would recommend that you have your coolant system flushed by a professional at the time you change out the coolant. A power flushing machine should break up any deposits that may be building within your engine. Low pressure flushing, even with a flushing chemical, may not remove them all. Many of these new coolants can be added to whatever type coolant you are using currently within your vehicle. However, I strongly recommend that you read, carefully, the coolant manufacturer’s instructions before you do so. Another consideration is the integrity of your coolant pressure cap (radiator cap). There is strong evidence that if it does not hold pressure properly that the new technology coolants can gel within the coolant system, because of improper pressure, in a relatively short period of time. I’d like to thank Tom and Emma for their questions. Owens Community College is offering automotive fundamental classes, starting in January. These are great classes for those who wish to learn more about the fundamentals of automobiles and how to service them. Ladies are always welcome. Contact me or the registration office if you’re interested. Good Luck and Merry Christmas! Nick Shultz is an instructor of Automotive Technologies at Owens Community College. He is an arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau who specializes in cases involving the Ohio and Michigan Lemon laws. He is a certified master automotive technician by ASE, General Motors and Ford Motor Company. Nick will take questions at letters@toledofreepress.com.

By Nick Shultz on Friday, December 19th, 2008

After reading the Dec. 14 article on the radiator cap, one Toledo Free Press reader…

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Chrysler to shut all plants for 30 days

By Toledo Free Press Staff Writers on Thursday, December 18th, 2008

The following news release was issued by Chrysler Dec. 17:
“Due to the continued lack…

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Some common sense: Never open a hot radiator cap

By Nick Shultz on Friday, December 12th, 2008

Hidden underneath all the computer controls of a modern vehicle is something surprising. If you…

Posted in Auto Sense, Wheels | 3 Comments »

There is no magic to diagnosing auto troubles

By Nick Shultz on Friday, December 5th, 2008

I was stopped the other day by a lady who said she had a problem…

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TARTA kicking poetry, environment issues into high gear

By John Dorsey on Thursday, December 4th, 2008

The folks at TARTA and the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo are once again taking…

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Rolling with the basics about wheels and tires

By Nick Shultz on Saturday, November 22nd, 2008

Ever wonder what all the writing is on the side of your tires? There is…

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Council asked to support emergency auto aid

By Toledo Free Press Staff Writers on Tuesday, November 18th, 2008

In a news release issued Nov. 18, Toledo City Councilman Frank Szollosi, chair of Council’s…

Posted in Breaking News, Wheels | 1 Comment »

Mayor to lobby for auto bailout

By Toledo Free Press Staff Writers on Monday, November 17th, 2008

On Nov. 18, Mayor Carty Finkbeiner and UAW Local 12 President Bruce Baumhower will fly…

Posted in Breaking News, Wheels | 1 Comment »

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