₦airaland Forum

The cold weather might surprise you in many ways. When it comes to your car, winter has a special affair. In winter, your car usually reacts a bit awkwardly. Low temperatures do not behave well with a car while having issues with complex systems from the hood to the cabin.

However, you can avoid these strange things happening if you get a clear understanding of the causes of concern. Here are some common issues that may definitely be your headache on cold days.

Cold weather freezes the engine fluids

When the mercury goes down considerably, liquids inside a car freeze significantly and even become a bit thicker. Whether it is motor oil, transmission fluid, or antifreeze, there would be some sort of difficulty in movement.

Therefore, with these slow moving liquids, the start would not be perfect, and driving is not going to be efficient.

However, the engine needs engine oil at a certain viscosity for it to perform up to its potential. With the extra burden, the pump would not be in a great position to fulfil the request. You can make some sort of adjustment by opting for a particular type of viscosity oil, such as 10W-40, which is available in synthetic form.

You can visit Service My Car for perfect advice on car oil change if you are looking for appropriate performance. In case you own a toyota car, and you are looking for an oil change then we would like to recommend Service My Car, the best and trusted toyota service center dubai to change an engine oil for your toyota car.

Similarly, transmission fluid and coolant need to be the exact same thickness if you expect optimal performance from your vehicle. Though, these units usually grow a bit hotter if you run your vehicle for a while.

However, there is always a probability of damage if your vehicle runs on thicker fluids.

Winter is always harsh on a car’s battery

A car battery and winter are not very good friends. Amidst the low temperatures, batteries find it hard to provide enough charge to a car.

However, you can avail of jump start as an alternative to these issues, but this process is not easy and can also take a toll on the health of a car battery if there is no standard process to follow.

A jump start might put a lot at risk if it is not done properly. In general, a car should be jump started by a car with equal capacity. A difference might infuse the excessive power that can wreak havoc on an electrical system, though it is also not good for a battery.

When the temperature drops, your battery will not hesitate to surprise you, especially when it is weak or has become older.

Besides, it is always great to make an investment in testing your car battery or get a car battery replacement as soon as possible.

Frequent leaks in tyre pressure

However, there is science involved in constantly decreasing the tyre pressure. As air tends to experience some sort of expansion in hot conditions while it usually contracts in winter.

Though air is necessary for tyre pressure, there would be a lack of air pressure in the winter. It also hampers the efficiency of the engine when a vehicle runs with low tyre pressure.

However, running too much with low pressure is not good either for the car’s tyres. They receive excessive wear and tear in such a condition.

Therefore, you should be mindful of having your car’s tyre pressure checked more frequently.

Frozen fuel lines in winter

Among others, a car may develop frozen fuel lines in winter. This is quite an awkward problem to deal with when there are already a number of issues due to the cold temperature.

A frozen fuel line is a result of the presence of air inside the system, and it has gone chilled a bit more due to excess cold. Though it is necessary to understand the issue and apply a fix as soon as possible.

You can check out the symptoms of a frozen fuel line supply. Most apparent is when the engine refuses to turn over, or sometimes the engine turns over but the car won’t start.

In the event that the engine fails to turn over completely, the lines are completely frozen, and it needs some sort of intervention to clear out the line so the fuel can pass through.

On the other hand, if you have been able to turn over the car, let the engine run for some time before engaging any gear. However, sometimes a car sputters after starting properly in the case of frozen fuel lines. It might be due to the lack of fuel supply during the combustion process.

Be cautious if your car starts to sputter during a drive. Pull over and ask for car recovery from Service My Car. There are high chances of your car stalling during a ride, which could be hazardous.

Low temperatures make rubber components stiff

Metal may get frozen at low temperatures, while rubber does not freeze as much, but these materials usually get rigid. Due to this uninvited toughness, they cannot bend enough and become more susceptible to wear and tear.

For this reason, it is usually the case that your vehicle needs timing belt replacement or windshield wiper replacement more in the winter.

However, you can approach Service My Car for any car maintenance needs. It just requires booking a car service or car repair order on our website or app online.

Take a look around: what makes the most usable accessories, especially while commuting in summer? Apart from your car, its air conditioner always proves to be a life saviour in those hot summer days.

While winter is approaching, you may seek less or eventually no service from your car's air conditioner at some point of time. Most car owners believe that they should forget about their AC system until the warm weather comes around again. But, this is not true at all, as it could be making a car’s air conditioner worse.

As you need it most in summer to keep the interior cool, is there any importance in winter too? However, the air conditioner is associated with cooling down the temperature, but it is equally useful in producing heat.

Is it right to use a car’s air conditioner in winter too?

You may not need an air conditioner in winter, but it is wise to run it for a few minutes every week. One point that you should take care of is the amount of time. Unknowingly, keeping your vehicle’s air conditioner properly set is an important part of car maintenance that could directly reduce the cost of future repairs.

Similar to the human body, an air conditioning system can freeze up and suffer from poor circulation if it is not in use extended periods of time.

It is important to keep the refrigerant liquid flowing and the system's parts lubricated because the air conditioner uses the oil for lubrication and a refrigerant for cooling.

Additionally, the HVAC system is very useful because it also serves as a dehumidifier. To be precise, a vehicle consists of an HVAC system, not just an air conditioner. It stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The whole system assists in dehumidification, ventilation, and cooling.

Therefore, you should not be content with just cooling the interior of your car. You can easily manage that humid condition for a better environment.

However, using your cooling system once a week for some time also keeps the air conditioner better in condition, so you can escape that costly car AC repair before summer begins.

What should you do for your car’s air conditioner in winter?

Utilize the air condition even for some time

A prolonged unused of an air conditioner seems like a rest for the most usable accessory in summer. But, eventually systems that have not been used frequently accumulate bacteria and mould, and when they are turned on, it is unpleasant.

The musty smell needs an application of an anti-bacterial product. However, you'll need to use your air conditioner frequently and change the cabin filter frequently to avoid this.

The compressor in the car does more than just cool the air before it enters the vehicle. To regulate the temperature inside the car, use the air conditioner compressor in conjunction with the heat setting. It undoubtedly aids in warming up your air conditioner and keeps it in good condition for the upcoming season. By keeping these things in mind, you can easily stay away unnecessary ac compressor repair.

Keep the defrost mode on

Run your air conditioner in defrost mode for five to ten minutes to clear out extra moisture and stop mildew growth. This also stops unpleasant odours from growing in your car.

As there would be no need for any cooling, the air conditioner would have no use at all. But, you can run it on the defroster setting to clear the residual fog on your car’s windscreen. This function also keeps a part of the air conditioner under processing.

This usually comes in handy as fog is a major threat to drivers, especially in the winter. It can easily distract a driver on the road once there is no clear vision in front.

Refuel your air conditioning system

Under the heavy workload in the summer, your air conditioner loses a considerable amount of its refrigerant every time you use it. For this reason, the car manufacturer guide for ac gas refill every two years.

If this has been going on for more than two years and you haven't noticed it, the winter may be the ideal time to top off your AC system's liquid needs. If you have the necessary equipment and knowledge, you can complete this step; otherwise use the service of an expert at a reliable workshop such as Service My Car.

Avail a full AC service

Since your car's air conditioner needs a lot of downtime in the winter, now is the ideal time to get it fully serviced and get it ready for the workload in the summer. To get a thorough analysis of the system, you can choose ac diagnostics. A little bit of maintenance on your air conditioner now will help keep you cool come summer.

Service My Car offers quality of service for a number of make and models. However, you can take care of your vehicle’s air conditioner and it pays back your when you need it most, of course in those harsh summer days.

You can book a car service or order a car repair order on our website or app online. If you are looking for the best car window tinting or 3M car tinting services, Service My Car does it all. You can use Service My Car app or website to request a car tinting quote and get the best car tinting dubai service has to offer, with highly trained auto service experts working on your car tinting services.

Especially when you contrast older models with newer ones, you can probably see how much the quality of the car and its parts has improved.

A phenomenal amount of growth has been seen in the quality management that specifically ensures a vehicle will live longer. However, this does not imply that a part replacement will not come into picture. Because parts need to be replaced as they wear out so that these are necessary on a regular basis to keep your car running.

However, you will need to perform some car maintenance to keep the car's lifespan extended.

Continue reading to find out which auto parts you'll probably need to replace over the course of your car's lifespan.

Spark plugs need a replacement once they worn out

Do you have any idea what an engine would do without fuel? Because these tiny devices handle all the necessary groundwork to start an ignition for a combustion process, there is no point in expecting a car to move without proper spark plugs.

To keep your car running at its peak, you must have spark plugs that are clean and intact. Your car may experience poor gas mileage, sluggish acceleration, and trouble starting when spark plugs start to malfunction, particularly when they develop blisters on the insulator tip, melted electrodes, or white deposits.

Modern spark plugs can last up to five years or more than 150,000 kilometres, but they still require a timely inspection or even spark plugs replacement at one of the closest Service My Car shops.

Keep yourself secure with timely brake pads replacement

You cannot undervalue the importance of having good brake pads if you are a driver. They get a little bit more worn each time you use them, so eventually they will be less useful and require replacement.

Because city traffic forces you to apply the brakes more frequently, most vehicles run into heavy traffic in cities most of the time. In this situation, the brake pads must work hard, and you may need new brake pads more frequently, every three to five years. Brake pads need to be replaced if you hear the screeching of bare metal when you brake.

Get your vehicle's brake pads replacement at Service My Car at very affordable rates.

Keep the timing belts intact for hassle free driving

Are there any essential parts that, in your opinion, play a significant role in keeping necessary operations running smoothly? Of course! The timing belt is one of a number of components.

The engine could sustain severe damage if it breaks. You must make sure to have an inspection after five years and consider a timing belt replacement as soon as possible to ensure a risk free drive.

Changes don't happen often, but this one is particularly significant.

Some vehicles use a timing chain rather than a belt, check your owner’s manual for a better understanding of the replacement schedule. However, you can also consult an expert at Service My Car for professional advice.

Opt for new tyres for safe driving

Since the only point of contact between a car and the road is its tyres, the rubber suffers greatly. If the road conditions are bad, this might get worse.

However, carelessness with regard to tyre inflation shortens their lives. Most tyres usually last five to seven years, or 50,000 kilometres. However, when a tyre has significantly lost tread and rubber over the surface, it can be seen with the naked eye. To help you save fuel, drive more safely in wet conditions, and prevent a flat tyre, you must maintain proper tyre inflation and wear.

Your car‘s air filter needs a replacement

Both air and fuel are necessary for your car, but before the air can enter the combustion chamber, it must be clean. This is the air filter's job.

It must be changed frequently because it is made of paper, but how frequently you do so depends on the condition.

A considerable dust prone area requires you to change the air filter to change once in a year, however, you can opt for a inspection by a professional mechanics at Service My Car to get proper idea of air filer replacement.

Power your vehicle with a fresh battery

The battery is a newer car's lifeline, without one, you'll be stranded somewhere and forced to look for car recovery right away. The battery powers everything from the ignition to vital accessories to starting the car.

Your battery should last you three to five years or less if your living area has high temperatures most of the time, depending on how you drive and other usage habits. If starting your car becomes more difficult than usual, this is the time to go for a car battery replacement at Service My Car.

Change the engine oil to offer your vehicle proper lubrication

Though it falls under a basic car service, some vehicles, especially older ones, might experience more rapid engine oil degradation than others. This might require a prompt car oil change to maintain proper lubrication and keep the engine safe. You can take your car to an expert for an engine oil change at Service My Car.

These are some critical parts and service changes to keep a vehicle intact for a long time. However, you can get a better insight by visiting your nearest Service My Car shop. You can also book a car service online or ask for a car repair order on our website or app. If you’re looking for the best honda service or repair, then look no further than Service My Car. With Service My Car, you get to benefit from our extensive repair network as your car is likely to be taken to the best honda service center dubai. Besides, you can ask for quote of a car service on our website and app too.

Do You Smell Something Burning In Your Car? Here’s What to Do Next!

Do you like to smell a fragrance or an odour? There is no doubt that odour is not something people prefer.

However, the smell of a car alerts you to some sort of caution or just intimation about certain issues.

A burning smell inside your vehicle or under the hood surely informs you of something serious that needs urgent attention.

Generally, a burning smell is always a result of two surfaces rubbing together. However, if you are noticing any burning smell, there is a list of possible causes. Take a look on these points to update you so that you can take immediate action and safeguard vehicles.

Your car’s overheated compressor might be burning.

Usually, a burning smell after you turn on your air conditioner is a sign of a severe compressor problem.

However, a compressor may be entirely locked up or partially moving. As it is belt driven, there is enough chance of friction of belt if it is completely jammed. When you press the switch on button and it tries to engage with engine via belt. Belt starts to make rotation while it rubs with compressor pulley and eventually starts producing heat.

Besides, a partially moving compressor can create necessary friction or there might be enough collision internally so that heat comes out eventually.

A burning smell is not something to ignore as it might result in substantial damage or even worse, such as an engine fire. Therefore, a proactive approach might help you avoid such incidents when you can take advantage of car AC repair at Service My Car.

A clutch might produce a burning smell.

Sometimes, your clutch emits a burning smell. This might happen when you shift gears. This unique form of burning is similar to the burning of paper. In essence, as the clutch slips, the face of the clutch burns off. Because the surface of the clutch is made of a substance resembling paper, it has a papery smell.

However, such issues occur due to incorrect clutch handling, especially when you rest your foot on the clutch too much. And, if you do not correct this habit in time, you end up needing a clutch replacement sooner than normal.

Your car’s heater might be a prime suspect of producing a burning smell.

Since a car’s heater has a sole purpose of producing heat, there might be enough possibilities to emit a burning smell. The most obvious instance of a burning smell is the presence of debris inside vents that eventually ends up burning. The debris is collected inside the vents when you do not use the heater for a long time.

In some cases, the engine finds some sort of plastic nearby, and it does not get any grant under the hood due to excess heat. Besides, the heater may be broken, which would allow the burning smell to come from antifreeze leakage into the heater vents. If the heater starts to smell really bad and the engine is clean, there should be no delay in a visit to the professional mechanic at Service My Car.

The brakes – stuck ones

Brakes rely on friction to slow down a vehicle. However, there are several causes when a brake starts to burn. Normally, a parking brake puts your vehicle under pressure when it does not work properly. Once you release it after an engagement, it might not get released properly and eventually creates a lot of friction with burning smell.

If the brakes get hot enough, they might catch fire and lose their braking effectiveness. However, a mechanical issue need not be present simply because your brakes are burning. You might be operating your vehicle improperly or you might have unintentionally left the parking brake engaged.

Besides, your car speaks in burning smell when you accidentally stay your foot on brake pedal. However, it might be an odd condition for your car, especially on a declined surface, when brakes come into action naturally. And prolonged use ends up in overheat with burning smell.

Electric short burns wire

Sometimes an electric short circuit is unavoidable, and when it does, a burning smell is noticeable.This smell will be produced when the plastic covering the wires, connections, or fuses melts or burns.

However, if there is an electric short, you might start to experience some serious problems like headlight failure, starting issues, etc.

The best course of action is to have a mechanic handle the repairs because they can connect your car to a computer for a car scanning and diagnostics, which will quickly inform the operator of the electrical issue.

Your vehicle serves you at its best until you start to ignore it. Ignoring any signs, especially burning smells, is not good behaviour to your car. As mentioned above, the issues might be serious as well as moderate, but all problems need timely attention and proper remedy.

Service My Car assists you in giving your vehicle the best care in terms of car maintenance. You will never be disappointed by our car service, but you can book one or order a car repair quote on our website or app anytime. Get the best flat battery assistance, car window tinting, and car battery replacement services at Service My Car.