Auto Repair Tempe

Did you know that the typical V6 ignition system generates one hundred and fifty sparks per second at three thousand RPM? And that each spark event is precisely timed to within milliseconds? Your vehicles' ignition system operates using sophisticated computer controls. Sensors provide the engine management computer with crankshaft speed and position. The computer uses this information to accurately trigger the ignition coils. The Ignition coils generate a high voltage electrical pulse to form the ignition spark. The spark jumps the gap at the spark plugs, igniting the air/fuel mixture within the engine cylinders. Key components of the ignition system include: Crankshaft and Camshaft position sensors, Engine Control Module, Ignition Coils, Knock Sensors and Spark Plugs. Malfunctions can cause drivability concerns including an illuminated or flashing check engine light or even a no start condition. The ignition system contains high voltage electrical e ... read more

You hear a lot about protecting your car's exterior--its paint job, its tires, and its chrome finish. But what about protecting the interior of your car? There are several different things you can do to protect your car and its interior from sunlight, heat, and other issues. The last thing you want is your car's interior being damaged and decreasing the entire value of your vehicle. Protecting Your Dashboard The bright sunlight that streams in through your windshield can damage the material of your dashboard. It can cause it to fade and, if the dashboard is under hot sunlight for too long, it can actually start to crack or warp. To protect your dashboard, there are a few things you can do. You can put up a sunlight blocking cardboard insert each time you park in the sun. These sun blockers will not only keep the sun off your dashboard but they will also keep your car from heating up. Another option is to buy a dashboard cover made from cloth. It atta ... read more

Choosing the best, whether synthetic or conventional, engine oil is highly controversial and debated. Motor oil is surrounded with myths and questions. Today we'll look at the answers to these common motor oil questions: What does 5W-30 mean? Why should I change my oil? What is the typical composition of motor oil? Are aftermarket oil additives needed? What does synthetic oil mean? Can you mix synthetic with conventional oil? Can synthetic be used to break in an engine? What causes sludge? Why should I use the viscosity grade that the manufacturer recommends? Check out the video below for the answers to these frequently asked questions. And remember, if you're ever unsure about a topic like this as it applies to your cars, we're only a phone call away

For generations, an S-Class Sedan has been instantly recognizable not just for its iconic design, but for predicting the future of the automobile. Strong, powerful and majestic, it's also lighter, sleeker, and the most athletic S-Class yet. And while it slips through the wind with ease, it stands out in any crowd. In fact, it stands above. Learn everything you need to know about the 2014 S-Class Sedan in this video walk around. Learn more here: http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicles/class/class-B/bodystyle-EDV

Tim Allen may have more cars than necessary, but no one’s mad about it. He shares his private garage containing an eclectic collection of authentic American motors with everything from a 1965 Shelby Cobra S/C to a 1933 Ford Roadster that he built on the set of his hit television show, "Home Improvement" Tim Allen's Car Collection of Authentic American Made Motors - GQ's Car Collectors - Los Angeles

Drivers falling asleep at the wheel present serious dangers not only to themselves but everyone else on the road with them at the time. Nottingham Trent University has a team of researchers currently working on a clever new solution to eliminate this all too common dangerous situation. They're approach is using electronic sensors in the driver's seat back, which monitors the driver's heart rate. When a dangerous pattern is detected it can automatically warn the driver. One of the most unique aspects of their proposed system is that the sensors would not be external on the seat. They would actually be part of the seat fabric itself. Once a dangerous situation is identified a warning is presented to the driver and it's recommended they pull off of the road. It can even be programmed to react if the driver doesn't heed the warning. For instance, it could take control by engaging the cruise control and lane departure systems to automatically take the car to safety. As more sma ... read more

In this edition of the series we're going to look at some of the cool cars coming from the Asian manufacturers in 2014. We start off with Honda. and Toyota together. The 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid versus the 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid. So, which of these two fuel sipping sedans is the better buy? In this video, both hybrids are put up against each other to not only see which is the most fuel efficient, but which one is the fastest. The Nissan Altima is not the most exciting car in the company's line-up, especially when you think about cars like the GTR or the 370Z. However, the Nissan Altima is a more utilitarian car that gets the job done day in and day out. Nissan has done a good job of tying the styling together throughout the family. The 2014 Nissan Altima does have its sporty cues with the sharp cut headlights, aggressive spindle grille, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Gone is the coupe model leaving behind only the 4-door sedan and its seven different trim levels priced between ... read more

This important update comes to us from PopularMechanics.com. The federal, congressional, and National Highway Transportation Safety Agency (NHTSA) has an investigation into 1.6 million General Motors cars with faulty ignitions, and the scope of the mechanical failure that can cause a car to shut off involuntarily, and in turn, switch off safety systems including power steering and airbags. On top of that, GM has announced a further round of recalls unrelated to the ignition switch problem, two of which also pertain to airbags: 1.17 million examples of the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook have side airbags that will fail to function if the airbag warning light is illuminated, and the dash trim covering 303,000 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savanna passenger-side airbags doesn't meet federal standards. This past Friday, the Center for Automotive Safety published a letter to NHTSA demanding to know why it hadn't investigated several fatal accident ... read more

There are a lot of things people know about cars and their maintenance. Or do they? Just like anything, some of these "common knowledge" car care tips are actually myths! They can, in fact, end up costing you money instead of helping you save it. While it's important to maintain your car, it's even more important that you properly maintain it as outlined in your owner's manual. Unnecessary maintenance may not help extend the life of your car, and it may end up costing you a lot of money! Here are three myths about car maintenance that you may not realize are myths... Myth 1: You have to change your oil every 3,000 milesTruth: While this used to be a very good rule of thumb, engine technology has greatly improved over the years. Most cars can now go many more miles before needing an oil change. New synthetic oils can go 15,000 miles before they need to be changed! Why is the 3,000 mile "rule" still around? Obviously the more oil ... read more

While driver's education may teach a person how to drive, they don't always teach everything a person needs to know about their car. Part of this is because things differ from brand to brand and model to model. Here are ten different things that all drivers need to know how to do in order to keep their car running longer. These things can also help you avoid being stranded on the side of the road! Know when your oil should be changed. While the rule of thumb used to be every three months or around 5,000 miles, that's no longer true for all cars. Read your manual to know when your vehicle's oil change is due. Know where your car's check engine light is and that when it comes on, it's potentially serious. While it may not always mean you're going to destroy your car if you continue to drive it, in many cases, it does indicate a major problem. Know how to replace your windshield wiper blades. You should replace them every six ... read more