Is exposure to motor oil bad for people?

Yes,

Motor oil is essential to fossil fuel motors. ... Used motor oil contains, benzene, hydrocarbons, gasoline, diesel, antifreeze, and metal shavings from the engine. Frequent exposure and prolonged contact with used engine oil can cause skin rashes, dermatitis, blood anemia, headaches, tremors, and skin cancer. Avoid unnecessary contact with used engine oil. ... Don't keep oily rags in pockets as the oil will seep through overalls etc and affect the skin below.

In order for an engine to function properly, it needs 4 things all working together:

Proper Fuel/Air Mixture
Good Compression
Proper Timing
Correct Spark

The inadequacy or absence of any of these elements will cause an engine misfire. The symptoms could be different depending on the make and model but each of them produces the same after effect.

Common Misfire Causes

Faulty or Fouled Spark Plugs

Bad Fuel System Components

Lean Fuel/Air Mixture

Damaged Cylinder Walls

Lack of Compression

Symptoms of Engine Misfiring

A popping and sneezing sound is one of the common sounds of a misfiring cylinder.

Backfiring is another sound of a misfiring engine.

A loss of power is another sign of a misfiring engine. The loss of power is experienced by vibration in the vehicle.

If you notice the exhaust of your vehicle has changed in appearance i.e it has a blue tinge or black smoke.

Is It Safe to Drive When an Engine Misfires?

Driving with a misfiring engine may not be dangerous right away. But, it could become worse over time. Ignoring the problem for too long can damage the engine parts such as the catalytic converter and oxygen sensor. Have you car diagnose of engine misfire by CarMecx if you are not sure. This will prolong the life of your vehicle and keep you safe while driving.

Safe operation of your car relies heavily on your brakes working properly every time you need them. When your Brake Warning Light on, you should immediately question the dependability of the system that will bring you to a stop when you need to.

Here are some common causes of brake warning lights:

Your brake fluid is low or is leaking

Your parking brake is engaged

Your car battery have low voltage

Your brake pads are worn out

Your brake light bulb has burned out

The brake light on dashboard have two colors, If the light is red, you can’t drive. Your braking system is not working the way it should, making it too dangerous to get on the road.

If it's yellow, you should check your brake fluid and get the vehicle diagnosed if you suspect a leak.

Vehicle brake pads and rotors wear out over time. And the lifespan of your brakes depends completely on the quality of your brake material, as well as your driving patterns.
The brake pad is the material that gets pressed against a metal disc or drum (i.e. brake rotor) to stop your vehicle.

Brake pads generally need to be replaced after every 75,000 kilometres driven, on average. However, some brake pads need to be replaced after 25,000 kilometres, while others can last for 40,000 kilometres.

To get a more accurate number for your car’s specific needs, consult your car’s manual.

Symptoms of a worn brake

Clicking, grinding, squeaking, or screeching noise when you apply the brakes.

Vibration in the steering wheel.

Brake or low brake pad warning light is on.

Brake pedal is lower than normal.

Brake pads appear too thin.

The car is pulling to one side when applying the brakes

Tyre brand really does not matter even if you have the most best brand, The lifetime of your tires, however, regardless of the brand, depends largely on your driving style, as well as on how regularly you have your wheel alignment done to prevent excessive tyre wear. The weight of your car can also be a factor, having your wheel alignment done regularly is very important, no matter the cost. If you don't have it done, your tires, no matter the brand, will wear down quick if the alignment is even slightly out, and you will end up having to buy new tyres

1stNumeroUno:
Good morning Oga Gazzuss,

My darling 08 Corolla (Bank type) started showing signs of burning oil recently. Kindly advise as it's performance is now dropping. Also, I need to fix this to avoid complications.

Car stat:
Odometer - 157,000+
Present oil type - Mobil 20-50W
Transmission - Manual

Thanks!

When you have an oil leak, and the leaking oil hits exhaust or other hot components, you will typically smell the oil burning before seeing smoke.

You may also see blueish smoke coming from the exhaust while the motor is running. If you notice this when you are accelerating, it is likely that your piston rings are damaged. If the smoke comes out while you decelerate, the problem is commonly caused by valve guides in the cylinder heads that are damaged. Burning oil can lead to serious issues, including engine failure. If you notice a problem with your vehicle, get it checked out right away before the problem gets worse.

AXYZ:


What could be the solution sir?

The throttle bodies on your particular Corolla are susceptible to carbon build up. It can make the throttle plate stick. There are also reports that the throttle plate can warp causing high idle issues. Usually these problems make the idle stay high under all conditions.
Other conditions that can cause high idle are vacuum leaks that allow more air into the motor. These can be intermittent problems, but not usually. Some areas to look are around the points that the intake manifold bolts to the head, EGR valve and EGR valve ports, broken vacuum hoses, and a failed brake vacuum booster.

Other than a high idle that doesn’t drop to normal, the only problems that should be addressed sooner than later are vacuum leaks. Vacuum leaks can lead to other internal motor damages that will be much more expensive to fix. If the problem persists, you may want to have your high engine idle speed inspected by a professional technician to determine if any repairs are needed.

themonk:
Oga GAZZUZZ and other esteemed learned ones in the house, Good day to you all.

Please my small suzuki bus(7 passengers) always drains oil when there is no sign of leakage. I have to constantly top the oil to get it back to the normal level.

How can I fix or manage this.
Thanks as I anticipate your reponses.

you need check well that there is no leak cause there is many ways oil can get leaking from the engine and if there is still no evidence of leak you may be burning oil from worn engine which may be due to worn piston rings or best thing do a compression test

AXYZ:
My Ogas in the house, good day sir.

Kindly help to escalate possible solution to my 2007 Camry issue. My rpm on starting the engine stays at 1500 and goes to between 1000 and 1200 as soon as I engage the gear. I think something is wrong with it. Thanks in advance.

Probably your engine power has been 'raised' as it is commonly said to compensate for the load of the air-conditioned that is why when the transmission is engaged the rpm drops and then when the A.C. is turned on it would drop slightly still to optimum idle speed

Probably your engine power has been 'raised' as it is commonly said to compensate for the load of the air-conditioned that is why when the transmission is engaged the rpm drops and then when the A.C. is turned on it would drop slightly still to optimum idle speed

A lot have been said about the future of electric cars in Nigeria but still yet I have not seen any except for 2 to 3 hybrid cars, I couldn't stop thinking about how bright is the furture of electric cars in Nigeria with lot of ICE( internal combustion engines) on Auction sites that are to be ship into the country.

Also there are alot of factors involve which are

No charging point for electric car
Range at which the electric car can travel
Expensive
Battery Longevity

The control arm commonly referred to as an A-arm is part of the suspension system that most Nigeria drivers don't pay much attention too until it start giving them problem that comes with expensive repair

Control arms connect the car’s frame to the steering knuckles, which the tires and wheels are mounted on. As you go over bumps and potholes, the control arms pivot, allowing the wheels to move vertically.

Between the control arms and the car body are control arm bushings. These allow the control arm to move without excessive friction and help reduce vibration and noise. Typically, control arm bushings have a metal sleeve surrounded by rubber or polyurethane padding. A large bolt or pin goes through the center of the bushing to secure the control arm to the frame.

Each control arm usually has two bushings, one at each point where the arm mounts to the frame. Many front suspensions, as well as some rear suspensions, use control arms and bushings.

As you drive, your wheels move up and down. Springs and struts help make this possible, as do control arms and control arm bushings. The following problems can be caused by one or more bad control arm

Noise: A knocking or thumping noise — especially when going over bumps — can indicate a bad control arm bushing. This happens because the worn bushing no longer holds the control arm firmly in place. Instead, the arm bangs around, causing a noise.

Tire wear: Worn control arm bushings can allow the control arm to shift from its intended position. This will create abnormal wear on one or both sides of the tire’s tread.

Steering problems: Worn control arm bushings can greatly affect a vehicle’s alignment. This can make the car hard to steer, or give it vague, wandering steering. Bad control arm bushings can also make a car pull to one side.

The control arms on a vehicle are very important suspension component, as they are the component that links the spindle, hubs, and therefore wheel to the vehicle’s chassis. When they become worn it can cause problems for the vehicle that may compromise handling, comfort, and safety. For this reason, if you suspect that your vehicle’s control arms may be bad or worn, have the vehicle’s suspension inspected by a professional technician, such as one from CarMecx.

Kristolite:
Hi good morning everyone. I drive a Toyota Camry 2004. Recently, the ac compressor is struggling to turn. And after blowing cool air for like 10min, hot air follows immediately and it stays that way till the next day. Note, the ac switch button light doesn't blink. Pls help I'm opened to suggestion.

first diagnosis the ac system @ Automedics Ikeja.

[quote author=Franknerd post=71295714]Hello house, I noticed a Nissan frontier, I started using recently from office was consuming more fuel than usual. I took it to a mechanic yesterday and he told me that d catalyst was removed hence d reason for d high consumption of fuel.
He told to buy catalyst and that any Nissan catalyst can work on d vehicle.
Pls, gurus in the house how true is that statement and wat is the cost and where can I get a good Nissan catalyst?
Thanks[ catalyst is one of those thing that can cause excess fuel consumption and have you have your vehicle checked by another mechanic to verify wan he said

teeytimi:
please house I am using an automatic transmission car I recently notice that the moment the engine is working for about an hour the gear begins to vibrate and won't enter reverse until I park the car for about 2-3 hrs.
I want gurus in the house to advice me on what to do or does it mean the gear is developing problem.

vehicle model, make and year

Diamondjuli:
Between a rav4 2010 and corolla 2010 which is advisable to buy considering maintenance, durability and cost.

Corolla for your pre punchase inspection book an appointment with us if you are locted in Lagos

ashiwajew:
I use a kia rio 2012 manual transmission but just yesterday the gear starts to make some funny sounds and vibrates like it wants to move back to neutral whenever i shift to gear 3 on the run. Please any advice on this?

you need to first have a transmission diagnosis if you are around lagos bring your car to LTV in Ikeja @ Automedics

teeytimi:
please house I am using an automatic transmission car I recently notice that the moment the engine is working for about an hour the gear begins to vibrate and won't enter reverse until I park the car for about 2-3 hrs.
I want gurus in the house to advice me on what to do or does it mean the gear is developing problem.

i will first advice you to take the car for transmission diagnosis before doing try and error work

Do girls find guys more attractive if they drive a luxury car?

However, if a girl is attracted to you because of your car then she is probably a prostitute or golddigger (RUN AWAY). But if you want her to be attracted to you for you then just build your confidence and be yourself when talking to them.

You never really realize how important something is until it's gone... and this is especially true for your car. You use it for driving your kids to school, driving to work, getting groceries, travelling across the city, and even more. So when it stops working all of a sudden, it's a huge pain.

There are a lot of reasons why your car won’t start, but some are more common than others. Below are 5 common reasons why your car won’t start and some advice to ensure your car stays in its top shape!

1. Dead battery
A dead battery is the most common reason why your car won’t start. The battery is what the car uses to provide electrical power to the entire car and electrical components (e.g. lights, radio, etc.). While the vehicle is running, the alternator charges the battery. If the battery is not charged sufficiently, you will not be able to start the car or use any electrical components.

Your battery can die for a variety of reasons:

Your headlights or dome light was left on overnight or for too long
You have a loose wire
The water inside the component evaporated, leading to poor conductivity
The battery's lifespan has expired
Some common symptoms include:

None of the electrical components work (e.g. the lights, radio, etc.).
Battery light is on.
One way you can test to see if the battery is the problem by jump starting your car. If the jump start works, you’re most likely dealing with a dying battery or an alternator that is just having trouble recharging the battery. Consider replacing the battery or alternator, cleaning the connections, or having a technician do the service for you.

2. Defective ignition switch
If you know your battery is working properly, but your car doesn’t turn over on the first few tries, you might have a problem with the ignition switch. You can try to narrow down the cause of your issue by turning on your headlights. This is because your car's battery controls your headlights and dashboard, and if it's the case that they turn on your engine isn't able to start start, then a bad ignition switch is the likely culprit.

3. Faulty starter
A broken starter is another common reason your car won’t start. A starter is an electrical motor that is connected to the battery. It's role is to set the engine (i.e. pistons, crankshaft, etc.) in motion when you turn the ignition switch on. Once the engine starts and is in motion, the starter's job is complete. If the starter goes bad, the engine will not crank properly or may not crank at all when you turn the ignition key on. If you hear a clicking noise when you try to start your vehicle, a broken or weakened starter could be the reason why your car isn't starting. This is very similar to the bad ignition switch example listed before.

Some common symptoms include:

Car is not starting when turning the ignition key.
Hear a loud clicking sound when turning the ignition key, but the engine does not start.
Very noisy when trying to turn on your car.

4. Clogged fuel filter
If your fuel filter is clogged, the gasoline won’t be able to reach the engine. This makes it difficult for your car to burn the fuel it needs to get going. Fuel filters should be changed every 15,000 to 20,000 kilometres, so consider swapping fuel filters next time you get your car serviced.

5. Empty gas tank
You might feel a bit silly if this is the reason why your car isn't starting, but it happens more often than you may think! When driving around all the time, it's sometimes easy to forget that your gas tank need to be refilled. The solution here is simple... get more gas!

1) Mercedes cars belong to which country?

Answer: Germany.



2) What is the expansion of NVH, an abbreviation commonly used in automobile dealings?

Answer: Noise, Vibration and Harshness.



3) What was the rally with which the World Rally Championship opened?

Answer: The Monte Carlo Rally.



4) In which year was the first true Pierce Car made?

Answer: 1901.



5) What are the two essential parts of a vehicle?

Answer: Carriage portion and machine portion.



6) What are the two units of an articulated vehicle?

Answer: Tractor unit and trailer unit.



7) Name the machine portion of the automobile which carries the carriage portion?

Answer: Chassis.



Year of manufacture of an automobile is referred to as what?

Answer: Model.



9) Who described the first International Combustion Engine?

Answer: Christiaan Huygens.



10) Who built the first self-propelled road vehicle?

Answer: Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot.



11) Who built the first American self-propelled steam vehicle?

Answer: Oliver Evans.



12) Who built the first American gasoline powered automobile?

Answer: Charles Duryea and Frank J. Duryea.



13) When was the first electric self-starter installed in the automobile?

Answer: 1911.



14) Who built England’s first full-sized steam carriage built?

Answer: Richard Trevithick.



15) Who introduced the first brake in carriages?

Answer: Walter Hancock.


16) Who constructed an Internal Combustion Engine in 1860?

Answer: Etienne Lenoir.



17) Who invented four-stroke engine?

Answer: Nikolaus August Otto and Eugen Langen.



18) What was the fuel used in the first four-stroke vehicle?

Answer: Gas.



19) When was the four-stroke engine invented?

Answer: 1866.



20) Who substituted oil for gas in the four-stroke engine?

Answer: Gottlieb Daimler.



21) What factor contributed most to the acceleration of the development of automobile?

Answer: The introduction of Internal Combustion Engines.



22) Who produced a tricycle with an I.C engine 1n 1885-86?

Answer: Karl Benz.



23) Who built the first motor-cycle?

Answer: Gottlieb Daimler.



24) The first four wheeler powered by an I.C engine was built by whom?

Answer: Siegfried Marcus.



25) Who built the first gasoline automobile which incorporated many of the essential features of the modern car?

Answer: Arthur Constantin Krebs.



26) In which year was the Panhard Car designed?

Answer: 1894.



27) What is called the type of body of a car, of which the top is fabric and could be folded down?

Answer: Convertible.



28) What determines the driving thrust (speed) of a vehicle?

Answer: The torque applied at the wheel.



29) What part or device is used to control the speed of a vehicle?

Answer: Accelerator.



30) Name the steel bar which functions by twisting within a vehicle machine?

Answer: Torsion bar.

The replacement engine mount clearly has much more rubber and is bigger in size. This adsorbs all of the vibrations from the engine and fixes the issue of discomfort throughout the car. Its important to note that not all engine mounts look the same and many give different symptoms to the driver.

What Do Worn Engine Mounts Look Like

This is a worn engine mount taken from a Mercedes E Class that was suffering the dreaded excessive vibration. As you can see, the rubber has become perished and worn. Another sign is that it has become compressed in size resulting in a lot of engine movement.

Engine mounts are the component responsible for securing the engine of a vehicle to the chassis. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit a wide variety of needs, but they all serve the same purpose of mounting the engine and dampening engine vibration. They are usually made of metal and rubber. Metal is used to be able to withstand the force and torque generated by the engine, and rubber is used to absorb and dampen the vibrations. As engines generate a considerable amount of vibration in their regular operation, when there is a problem with the motor mounts, it can usually be quite noticeable. Usually problematic motor mounts will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential issue that should be serviced.

Symptoms of Worn Engine Mounts

1.Excessive vibrations

The first symptom to note is an excessive amount of engine vibration. Because motor mounts are meant to keep an engine secure, bad mounts will lead to an insecure engine that will bounce about. At times, there may be a sound emitting from the engine hinting of vibration, however, the more common symptom is a felt vibration on the passenger’s side. If you do not often have visitors sitting on the passenger’s side that can tell you something is wrong, place your hand on the passenger’s seat from time to time to check for excessive vibration.

2. Misalignment

Securing a motor not only fastens an engine, but aligns it, meaning that the engine’s height is ensured to be equal on all sides. If the motor mounts are in fact bad, the engine will sag and droop to one side. Again, there may be noises emitting from the engine that do not sound quite right. Inspect the engine to see if it is tilted. If so, your mounts aren't doing their job. However, if the engine is tilting excessively, an engine block may result. In other words, your car may stop in its tracks. Check the engine for drooping and, if so, replace any and all motor mounts as necessary.

3. Engine Damage

The third symptom is an extreme case. If motor mounts break off completely from an engine, and are not just loose or cracked, an engine can shift from one side to another, bouncing about. This presents a safety hazard if you are driving your vehicle in high speeds; the engine may shift and bounce about so violently that various parts will fly off.

4. Broken Belts and Hoses

Besides indirectly breaking engine parts, bad mounts can lead to damaged belts and hoses. Again, these various engine fan belts and radiator hoses will be damaged only during high speeds.

5. Excessive Noise

Earlier symptoms include parts that are simply not working, from engine parts to belts and hoses. However, the most common symptom is just excess noise. Note any knocking or clanking, as this general noise means something is wrong. It may mean one of the previous symptoms, or something completely new, but regardless of what the problem is, it means that you know something is wrong and to take your vehicle in for repairs immediately.

Due to the amount of vibration that engines generate as part of their regular operation, motor mounts are an important component on any vehicle. When they fail, this will not only make the cabin uncomfortable for the passengers, it can also place an additional strain that can damage other components. If you suspect that your motor mounts may be having an issue, have the vehicle inspected by a professional technician, such as one from CarMecx. They will be able to look over your vehicle and determine if it needs an engine mount replacement.

What’s the scoop with aftermarket catalytic converters?

Replacing your catalytic converter can be expensive, especially if you are buying a brand new one. Manufacturer-sourced catalytic converter repairs can potentially run you over 300 plus, so it's not surprising that owners often turn to alternative sources when confronted with this repair.

What is a catalytic converter?

Your catalytic converter is a component of your exhaust that converts harmful gases such as carbon monoxide into safer compounds. Catalytic converters are designed to last the entire lifetime of your car, however, unattended repair issues in other components of the exhaust system can cause wear and breakdown. They are also fitted on the outside of the car, and are easily damaged through accidents.

Should I buy an aftermarket catalytic converter?

The main benefit of an aftermarket catalytic converter is… money. An aftermarket catalytic converter can save you over 80% on the price of a new one, costing less than 70 plus. However, there are significant downsides in purchasing aftermarket, and you should be aware of them before making your decision.

Shorter Lifetime

Since aftermarket products have been used before, they will wear down and break much faster than new products. They can also be prone to damage during collisions, which may lead to you needing another replacement, and in extreme cases can cause damage to your emissions system. Generally, the lower the price of an aftermarket catalytic converter, the lower its projected lifetime. If you do opt in to buying an aftermarket product, being aware of this potential problem and knowing the signs of a failing catalytic converter can help you avoid the risks associated with your catalytic converter’s failure.

Regulations

Before purchasing an aftermarket product, you should do your research on what type of emissions your car is regulated to produce. This information is generally located on your emission sticker, which is located under the hood of your car (if yours is still there). If the catalytic converter that you’ve purchased does not meet these regulations, then it’s worthless. Purchasing an aftermarket converter also runs the risk of a converter performing sub-optimally. These are all risks that need to be assessed before making a decision.

How potholes form

Potholes are road imperfections that occur when soil compacted beneath pavement becomes weakened or displaced. Roads are particularly likely to form potholes in winter months and lots of running water disrupt the base layers under the pavement. As cars drive over these weak spots, the pavement deforms, cracks, and chips away, leaving a hole in the road surface. Potholes start small, but grow as traffic hits them, potentially becoming deep or large enough to damage a car.

How potholes affect drivers

Potholes are notorious for wreaking havoc on cars: Nigerian drivers spend annually to fix car damage caused by potholes. Worse, many motorists encounter pothole problems every winter, making pothole-related repairs an almost annual necessity.

What to check if you hit a pothole

If you drive through a pothole, check these four areas to make sure it didn’t cause a problem that needs to be fixed:

Tires: Tires are meant to be the only part of your car that touches the road, so it isn’t a surprise that they’re susceptible to pothole damage like sidewall bulges, tread separation, or flats. These can happen because potholes often have a hard edge that compresses the tire against the wheel on impact, slicing the rubber or snapping the belts that hold a tire together. Driving on a blown out tire isn’t safe, but you may be able to repair it. However, a tire with a sidewall bubble or separated tread needs to be replaced right away. Cars with low-profile tires are particularly prone to pothole damage. Make sure your tires are always correctly inflated to help prevent these types of issues.

Wheels: Scraping your rims never looks good, but even the worst curb rash can’t damage a wheel like a pothole can. Hard angles in potholes apply impact force to wheels in ways they weren’t designed to handle, leading to bends, chips, or cracks. A bent wheel won’t roll smoothly and may not be able to form an airtight seal with a tire. Chips are usually easy to notice since they look like a chunk missing from the rim where it meets the tire. However, cracks can be subtle hairline fractures along the wheel circumference or in one of the spokes. Brake dust and road grime can make cracks difficult to spot, so give your wheels a thorough clean and inspection to check. Bent wheels can sometimes be repaired, but chipped or cracked wheels can fail catastrophically and must be replaced entirely.

Suspension: Car suspension is designed to absorb impacts and provide a smooth ride, but there’s a limit to how much it can handle. Sudden, jarring hits against potholes can cause a variety of suspension problems, including misalignment, broken ball joints, and damaged shocks or struts. Suspension bent out of alignment can usually be put back into place by a qualified mechanic, but until it’s fixed you may notice your steering wheel is off center, your car pulls in one direction, the handling feels loose, and your tires wear unevenly. Unusual vibrations and sounds, wandering steering, poor ride quality, or the vehicle leaning to one side can indicate broken ball joints, struts, or shocks, which usually need to be replaced outright. It can be difficult to correctly diagnose suspension damage, so it’s best to have an experienced mechanic inspect the entire system if you notice any of these symptoms.

Exhaust: Since exhaust pipes run along the undercarriage of a car, they’re a perfect target for potholes lurking in the road. Deep potholes can cause a car to bottom out and scrape the undercarriage against the pavement, potentially denting or ripping a hole in the exhaust pipes, muffler, or catalytic converter. You may experience a loss of power or unpleasant noises if there’s a hole in your exhaust system, but perhaps worse is the fact that your car will spew out harmful pollution unchecked. What’s more, a leaky pipe can let exhaust fumes into the cabin, posing a potentially serious health hazard.

Body: Generally speaking, the lower a car is to the ground, the better it handles, but cars that sacrifice ride height in pursuit of sportiness are more likely to be damaged by potholes. In addition to the issues listed above, potholes can scrape against low-hanging bumpers or side skirts. While this type of damage is usually cosmetic and doesn’t affect safety or performance, it’s still something that drivers who care about their car’s looks want to avoid. If you drive a low, sporty car, use its sharp handling to safely maneuver around any potholes you see.

The good news is that most potholes aren’t big or deep enough to pose a threat to your car. With correctly inflated tires and aligned suspension, chances are it will roll right through them. However, as seasons change and potholes grow, you need to stay alert and avoid them as best you can. If you don’t, you risk expensive car part repairs and replacements.

Driving at night is hard — you have to watch out for obstacles and maintain a good sense of direction with rather poor visibility. Here are a few tips to help ensure your safety and comfort when driving at night.

Stay focused and alert

The best way to drive safely and effectively at night is simple: stay focused. That might mean skipping that second drink, and having a cup of coffee to prevent fatigue behind the wheel. Turning down the music can also limit distractions.

Check and maintain your headlights

Aside from your own mental performance, your headlights are the most important part of your car for driving at night. Ensure that your headlights are all functioning properly by looking at them and ensuring they aren’t burnt out and have a consistent level of brightness. You should also check the adjustment of your headlights, making sure that they illuminate the road well ahead of your vehicle.

Be on the lookout for obstructions and animals

With minimal illumination, it’s hard to see if there are obstructions on the road ahead of you so stay alert and attentive. Animals are also harder to see, particularly if they’re emerging from the forest.

Windshield obstructions and cleanliness

Your windshield is your window into the world while inside your car, and can reflect light back and scatter it, making it harder to see. Keep the windshield clean, and try not to place anything large on your dashboard — the reflection also reduces your visibility. This includes various dash mounts for phones and GPS.

Lights and spacing

Bright interior lights and phones decrease your eye’s natural ability to compensate for low-light conditions and actually make it harder to see. You should dim the phone to minimum brightness and try not to look at it. The same goes for any other light sources in your vehicle (including the interior lighting). You should also try to keep a good distance between you and other vehicles, because of poor nighttime visibility.

9 DIFFERENT CAR NOISE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Everyone has run into the problem of hearing mysterious noises coming from their vehicle. From thumps and grinding to squeals and scrubbing, there are a plethora of sounds that can mean trouble is on the horizon and a car repair is in the future. While we may pamper our prized four-wheel possessions, figuring out what it's trying to tell us can be a challenge. Here are nine common car noises what they mean.

1. Noisy Mufflers

For racing, a loud muffler is part of the makeup of a racing machine as it makes its way around the track. Driving through your neighborhood with what sounds like a souped-up engine gone bad due to a faulty muffler, though, is probably not appreciated by your neighbors. The noise may be emanating from a hole in the muffler, which can allow unhealthy fumes to enter the car.

2. Squealing Meanies

If a piercing sound like fingernails on a chalkboard occurs when you hit the brake pedal, it's the brake pad indicator letting you know it is time to schedule an appointment to have the brake pads replaced.

3. Rur Rur Rur

When you hear the repetitive "rur" noise that goes on for a while when attempting to start your car, this means the battery is almost on its last leg. It's losing its get-up-and-go factor. Low fluid levels could be causing the problem, or the car battery could simply be past its warranty date and too old to do the job any longer.

4. Squealing Hood

It's not the hood that's squealing but what's under it that is in need of help. When a shrill squeal is present, this is a major situation as it means the serpentine belt is either loose and slipping or it is worn out. Either way, this is a fix that needs to happen immediately because once it breaks, your vehicle will no longer move.

5. Brake Pedal to the Metal

When you apply the brake, sometimes it emits a heavy metal sound that could compete with a few rock bands for their innovative grating and grinding sounds. This is a sign that the calipers and rotor have come together because the brake pads are worn through. This is a hazardous situation as the brakes will not function the way they should, which puts you and your passengers in danger.

6. Failing Hoses

Take a look under the hood of your vehicle and you'll see a network of hoses. Each hose has a specific job to keep the car running smoothly, comfortably, and safely. When hoses age or when exposed to extreme temperatures for prolonged periods, they can crack. This can lead to a persistent hissing sound like escaping steam.

7. Flapping in the Breeze

A flap, flap, flap sound can mean a belt is damaged or frayed and it's slowly deteriorating, which ultimately leads to a broken and disengaged belt. It may also mean a foreign object is interfering with the functioning of the fan. If the sound is coming from the air conditioner, it could mean something is out of alignment such as the ventilation flap.

8. Four on the Floor

If a grinding sound occurs when shifting a manual transmission, this could mean the clutch is out of alignment and needs adjusting or the clutch may need to be replaced.

9. Tick or Click

Both ticking or clicking sounds coming from the engine area can be an indicator that the vehicle's oil level is low. Check the dipstick to verify the level. If a lack of oil isn't the problem, it could be due to a drop in the system's oil pressure, a blockage, or the valve train.

Whenever you hear noises in your car, it's best to have a professional service technician check it out as soon as possible so you aren't left high and dry and waiting for a tow truck.

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THE 10 MOST EXCITING CARS ARRIVING IN 2018

Looking in retrospective, 2017 turned out to be a great year for automotive fans. In the short span of 365 days we got to see some truly incredible machinery in the form of McLaren’s Senna, Ferrari’s 812 SuperFast, Lamborghini’s Huracan Performante, and let’s not forget the all-American Ford GT. Although topping that list seems almost impossible, 2018 promises to be even more exhilarating. Here’s a list of the top 10 most exciting cars arriving in 2018, to show you what you can expect over the upcoming months.

BMW M5

I’m going to kick it off with a car which started an entire niche segment. The first M5 defined the fast sedan market, and the latest one only further improves on the same basic principles and formula. This time it’s packing a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 under the hood with 592 horsepower and BMW’s latest eight-speed auto. Rather interestingly, this is the first M5 to feature an all-wheel drive platform, but don’t worry, because the rear-wheel drive shenanigans aren’t going anywhere. With the flip of a switch you can deactivate the front axle, effectively turning the M5 into a great, big, smoky tire-shredder. The more things change it seems, the more they stay the same.

TOYOTA SUPRA

Finally, the icon is back. Well, in a way at least. Although rumors of a brand-new Supra successor have been circulating the internet for a while now, official information surfaced only a couple of months ago. Sadly, it probably won’t feature an inline six-cylinder like the previous Supra, but it does make up for it in other areas. Toyota says that the new Supra aims to be an affordable sports car for the everyday man, which means we’ll probably get a four-cylinder engine as standard. A hybrid version will follow, hopefully with a V6 to spice things up. If it’s at least half as good as the original, Toyota will have trouble keeping up with sale demands for it. (FT-1 Concept Shown)

TVR GRIFFITH

This British manufacturer used to produce sports and supercars back in the early 2000s, but due to reliability and financial issues, they went out of business. Now though, they’re back, and they’re back in a big way. The Griffith is the car that hopefully turns things around for them, and on paper alone at least, it sounds tempting. A Cosworth V8 will send power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual, pushing out somewhere north of 500 horsepower. If TVR manages to make it weigh less than 2,756 pounds (1,250 kilograms) like they intend to, this might very well turn out to be a serious GT3 RS rival.

FERRARI PORTOFINO

You all expected a Ferrari to make an appearance on this list didn’t you? The Portofino is the California T replacement, and in my opinion, probably one of Ferrari’s finest creations to date. Yes, it’s not a crazy flagship with 800 horsepower, but it is the most usable and friendly Ferrari to date. The twin-turbo V8 with 592 horsepower sits at the front, power is sent to the rear, and you get 2+2 seating with a folding hard-top. If that’s not a recipe for success, nothing is. Add gorgeous Italian design into the mix, and even die-hard Ferrari haters can’t stay indifferent.

ALFA ROMEO STELVIO QUADRIFOGLIO

If you want a sporty SUV but don’t particularly like the Macan or the Cayenne, this is the only viable alternative. Actually, scratch that, because it’s so good it’s not even an alternative. Think of it as a Giulia Quadrifoglio but slightly taller. It’s got the same 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with 500 horsepower, but power is sent to all four wheels instead of just the rear. The official figures state it can crack 62 mph in under four seconds, which is impressive for any car, not just an SUV. If looks rank highly on your list, the Stelvio wins hands down. Alfa’s design game is on-point at the moment.

PORSCHE 911 GT2 RS

Just months after Lamborghini broke the Nurburgring track record with their Huracan Performante, Porsche broke their hopes and dreams. We all knew the GT2 RS is going to be fast, but we weren’t prepared for just how fast it turned out to be. The recipe is quite simple, as it combines the best of the 911 Turbo S and the GT3 RS. The back houses a 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six with 700 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed PDK and it can sprint to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds. I know it’s cliché, but the phrase “It’s a race car for the road” has never been more appropriate. The big wings and the wide body is not just for show, as everything you see is functional.

LAMBORGHINI URUS

SUVs are all the craze these days. They’re so popular that even exotic car manufacturers had to resort to building one just to stay relevant and out of bankruptcy. Just look at Bentley and Porsche. Lamborghini may be following suit in terms aiming to boost revenues, but it’s also a return to its roots. You see, Lamborghini established the exotic SUV segment way back in the mid-1980s with its crazy, Countach V12 powered LM002 model. Now, Lamborghini has shoehorned a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 at the front of the Urus, producing an almighty 641 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. It’ll be priced around the $200,000 bracket, and eventually a hybrid version will make its debut. Expect even more power and, not that anyone cares, better fuel economy.

JEEP WRANGLER

The Wrangler’s history stretches all the way back to the original wartime Willys Jeep. Jeep is still keeping most of the details a secret, but early spy shots reveal that it’s more of an evolution rather than an revolution as far as looks are concerned. Don’t think for a minute it’s going to be a simple facelift job though. Jeep claims it will be more capable than the generation it’s replacing in more ways than one. From the get go we can expect the usual array of diesel and gasoline engines, but a hybrid powertrain is not out of the question in the future. I don’t doubt for a minute it will still be the unstoppable off-road monster it’s always been.

ALPINE A110

Alpine is now owned by Renault, but in the past they used to produce amazing rally cars which frequently won stages and championships. After a several-decade hiatus, they’re now back, and the A110 represents everything we like about sports cars. It’s not overpowered and it’s not overpriced. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder placed in the middle makes a modest 250 horsepower, but because it weighs just 2,205 pounds (1,000 kilograms), it’s still plenty fast. With a car like the A110, speed is not everything. The driving dynamics and the driver involvement play a greater role in the fun you’re having than outright speed. The A110’s only disadvantage is that it doesn’t come with a manual transmission, but given how fun it should be to throw around, I doubt many people will complain.

BMW 8-SERIES

Yes, you read that right. The 8-Series is back after an almost two decade hiatus. An amazing-looking design study showcasing the 8-Series was unveiled last year at the Concorso d-Eleganza Villa d’Este. It may have been just a concept, but it seemed to be nearly production-ready. Think of it as a rival to the S-Class Coupe though with more sport-oriented credentials. Six and eight-cylinder diesel and gasoline engines will kick off the range, with a hybrid following close. I don’t think we’ll get to see BMW’s amazing 6.6-liter V12 make an appearance here, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed

chikenicholas:
Hi Guys, I did a scan on my 2009 Corolla S and it gave a P0420 Code: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1). The Mech recommended I replace the catalyst (indomie) which he gave me a quote of 85K for original one. While another one that can fit is 45K (this is not the follow come according to him).

Another option is for him to remove it and when I have the funds, he will buy another one and put it. He said the engine may be affectted because it is not breathing well due to the bad catalyst. The implication of removing the catalyst is higher fuel consumption from what he said.

I don't have 85K to cough out in the PMB's era, and I am not too clear on the implications of taking out the catalyst.

Please the gurus in the house I need the following clarifications

1. How much does the original Catalyst for 2009 Corolla S cost?
2. Is the "worked one" a good replacement part instead of the follow come?
3. What is the impact on my fuel consumption if the catalyst is removed?
4. Can the catalyst be repaired? (I saw a video on Youtube by Scotty Kilmer where it was soaked and washed overnight and it was restored to performance)
5. Any reliable mechanic in Abuja should also indicate so I can get a second professional opinion

cc
autojosh
nurey
GAZZUZ
autologic

etc

P0420 code definition
Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

What the P0420 code means
The purpose of the catalytic converter is to break down harmful pollutants that are created during the combustion cycle. By using fine platinum and gold meshes to filter exhaust fumes, the catalytic converter is able to reduce the emissions expelled from the exhaust pipe.

The catalytic converter has two oxygen sensors. One oxygen sensor is positioned in front (upstream) of the catalytic converter and the other oxygen sensor is positioned at the rear (downstream).

If the upstream oxygen sensor is working properly, its readings should fluctuate from when the car is at operating temperature and when running in a closed loop. If the downstream oxygen sensor is working properly, and there isn't an issue with the catalytic converter, its readings should remain steady.

When the oxygen sensors have readings that are similar to each other, it is an indication that the catalytic converter is not working as intended. If the voltage of the downstream oxygen sensor decreases, and begins to fluctuate like the upstream oxygen sensor, it means that the oxygen levels are too high and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) will store the P0420 trouble code.

Catalytic converters are not normally a "wear" type item, that is they are not designed to wear out and need replacement. If they have failed, it is likely due to something else that caused it to fail. This is what a P0420 means in simplified terms.

Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fixing a P0420 error code include:

Check for exhaust leaks at the manifold, pipes, catalytic converter. Repair as required.

check the oxygen sensor- The oxygen sensor in front of the catalytic converter normally has a fluctuating waveform. The waveform of the sensor behind the converter should be more steady).

Inspect the downstream heated oxygen sensor, replace if necessary

Replace the catalytic converter (last thing to check)