Author: Samuel

Newer cars make driving a real pleasure and require less maintenance. After a while, though, you might start hearing an unusual noise – some of those sounds you should not ignore.

Those sounds may include:

A tapping or banging under the hood that is rhythmic

This type of sound often appears when there is likely a problem with the valves, pistons, or connecting rods. Get it to a mechanic quickly or serious damage may result.

A screeching sound under the hood when starting the engine or accelerating

The screeching sound likely comes from drive belts that power devices running off your engine, such as the air conditioner, power steering, and brakes. When they become worn or loose, you may hear the screeching. It is easy to fix and cheap.

Brakes that squeal when used

If you hear a squealing noise when you step on the brakes, it is probably because you need new brake shoes or pads. Have your breaks checked and replaced if necessary. Don’t ignore it, because they will work less efficiently and may even fail if you do.

A whining or howling

This sound could come from the ball bearings in your wheels. If the sound changes when you turn left or right, it is probably one of the front wheel bearings. If the grinding sound is steady, it is probably your back wheel bearings. It may also be your differential if you have a rear-wheel-drive vehicle.

A popping, clicking or snapping sound when you turn

If you only hear this noise when you are turning, but not when moving straight, it could be one or both of your CV joints. These are located on your front axle and may need to be replaced.

If you live in the Murray, UT area, J & G Transmissions can provide engine, wheel, and other car services to ensure your car is working properly and roadworthy. For more information, call us today at (801) 262-2321 or visit us at https://jandgtransmissions.com.

1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
2. Check the hoses and beltsto make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.
3. Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.
4. Check the brake systemannually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.
5. Inspect the exhaust systemfor leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.
6. Check the engineto make sure it is delivering the best balance of power and fuel economy and producing the lowest level of emissions.
7. Check the heating system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and safety reasons, such as defrosting.
8. Inspect the steering and suspension system annually, including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.
9. Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
10. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

If you need more information on transmission service in Salt Lake or Salt Lake transmission repair, please visit www.jandgtransmissions.com or call J and G Transmissions at  801-262-2321.

Changing weather and temperatures have an impact on your vehicle’s tires. Although the changes may be rather small, it can impact the life of your tires and your wallet. Tire pressure normally changes about one pound for every ten-degree change in temperature.

Every vehicle manufacturer has a recommended pressure for each tire. The pressure is always the recommended pressure when the tires are still cold. Driving with a higher or lower air pressure than the recommended amount will lower the life span of the tire.

Tires will naturally experience a rise in temperature as the vehicle is driven and as the outside air temperature rises. If a tire is underinflated, more of the tire comes into contact with the road surface. This will wear out a tire faster and make your vehicle slower to respond.

When a tire is overinflated, it means that less of the tire is in contact with the road. This will also shorten the life of the tire and give you less control and braking ability.

As far as fuel economy goes, when a tire is underinflated, it will lower your gas mileage. This will occur at a rate of 0.2% for every pound of lower average pressure of all the tires.

Do not fill your tires up to the pressure shown on the tire. This is the maximum air pressure and if you fill it up to that pressure you will shorten the life of your tire. Refer to the label on the door of your vehicle or to your car’s manual for the correct pressure.

If you live in the Murray, UT area, J & G Transmissions can help ensure you get the right tires for your vehicle and that they are properly inflated. For more information, call us today at (801) 262-2321 or visit www.jandgtransmissions.com.

1. Lock the doors and close the windows.

2. Get tinted windows if possible.

3. Don’t leave your car running; even in your driveway. Most thieves will scope out an area and watch for patterns before stealing. They also choose times most likely to offer opportunities such as snowy mornings.

4. Park your vehicle in well-lit areas.

5. Hide any valuables. What you may not think as valuable, might be to someone else. 

6. Invest in an anti-theft system & advertise it. Many anti-theft systems come with stickers. Post those stickers in your windows. If they don’t come with a sticker, order one from the manufacturer. 

7. Park your vehicle in your garage when possible. That’s right, it’s time to clean out the garage and let the car sleep in the garage. 

8. Don’t advertise your stereo. This is the opposite of the anti-theft stickers. Don’t put stereo stickers in the window. 

9. Do not leave your garage door opener in your car and leave the car in the driveway.
🚔#nightoutagainstcrime 🚓

 

Does Posture Matter When Driving?

While most drivers like to be relaxed when driving, doing so with incorrect posture can result in more serious injuries when in an accident. Although not all cars provide the same options for drivers, you will be safer on the road if you adjust your posture according to the following tips.

1. Completely Support Your Back

Support your back with the seat from your tailbone all the way up to your neck. If your seat is not fully adjustable with lumbar support, you can add a rolled-up towel behind you for better support. Lumbar support pads and devices are available on Amazon.com. Being completely supported will lower injuries to your back if involved in an accident.

2. Get Some Distance Behind the Steering Wheel

Sitting too close to the steering wheel raises the possibility of greater injury to your chest, head and neck, when involved in a head-on or rear-end collision.

3. Lean Back Some

Your seat should be angled slightly backward – a little more than 90 degrees. At about 100 degrees, you will have the least amount of pressure on your back. If sitting too far back, it causes your neck to move forward which can lead to neck and shoulder pain.

4. Sit High Enough for Good Vision

As you drive, your eyes should be at least three inches higher than the steering wheel. This enables you to have a clearer field of vision.

5. Set Your Mirrors

Before you drive, adjust your mirrors so that they let you see traffic behind you without having to move your head. This enables you to see what is happening around you with less neck strain.

If you live in the Murray, UT area, we would like to help you maintain your car for every season. For more information, call J & G Transmissions today at (801) 262-2321 or visit our website www.jandgtransmissions.com.

If you notice that your car is overheating, there are steps you can take to remedy the situation. It is not necessary to always call a tow truck or the nearest garage. Instead, you can…

Pull Over

The first thing you need to do is to pull over and get out of traffic. Move to a safe place as soon as you can. Do not try to drive to the nearest gas station because this may burn up your engine. 

Turn Your Heater On

Turn your heater and fan on high. Open the windows if it is in the summer and turn off the air conditioner. Turning on the heater will transfer some heat from your engine to the heater core. This may quickly bring down the engine temperature.

Lift the Hood

If you have steam coming from the hood, do not open it until the steam stops. You could be badly burned by it.

Open the Radiator Cap

Do not open the radiator cap while the engine is still hot. It will release steam and very hot water which could severely burn you. It could also hit you in the face. Once it is cool (check the temperature gauge), place a rag over the radiator cap and slowly open it. 

Fill the Radiator

Look over the hoses and check for damage or leaks. If there are none, add antifreeze or water – if you have it. Otherwise, you will need to call a garage for help. In the warmer months, it is a good idea to carry a gallon of engine coolant or water with you. 

In the great city of Murray, UT, J & G Transmissions can provide service to ensure your vehicle is ready for a vacation and working properly. For more information, call us today at (801) 262-2321 or visit www.jandgtransmissions.com.