The Suspension System On A Car Explained Written by Kevin Schappell Continued from page 1 The suspension system has two basic functions, to keep car's wheels in firm contact with road and to provide a comfortable ride for passengers. A lot of system's work is done by springs. Under normal conditions, springs support body of car evenly by compressing and rebounding with every up-and-down movement. This up-and-down movement, however, causes bouncing and swaying after each bump and is very uncomfortable to passenger. These undesirable effects are reduced by shock absorbers. The above information is directly from Auto Insight program, which you can buy online from AutoEducation.com. Common Problems: ·Shocks and struts can wear out and affect handling. If you car bounces excessively over bumps and leans hard in corners, your shocks could be warn. Look behind wheel for shock or strut and look for leaking oil. This is a sure sign of a worn shock or strut. ·Ball joints. Ball joints wear and can cause your car to wander while driving down road. This is dangerous as they can separate and cause you to lose control. Preventive maintenance: ·Check your shocks or struts for leakage frequently. Also pay attention to how your car handles. If you notice ride deteriorating take your car in to have struts checked. ·Ball joints should be checked when your car is inspected, if not, have your mechanic check them at least twice a year. ·At each oil change make sure you or your mechanic lubricates ball joints and any other suspension components. Some components cannot be lubricated as they are sealed from factory. Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com where he gives advice on buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles. To learn more about how your car works, Kevin has createdhttp://www.mycarwizard.com A Cars HVAC System Written by Kevin Schappell Continued from page 1 Sometimes we worry when we catch our car making a water puddle on ground, but are relieved to discover that it's only water dripping from air conditioning system's condenser (no color, no smell, and it dries!). Note: Refrigerant is extremely dangerous. Many special precautions must be taken when it is present. It can freeze whatever it contacts (including your eyes), it is heavier than air and can suffocate you, and it produces a poisonous gas when it comes in contact with an open flame. The above information is directly from Auto Insight program, which you can buy online from AutoEducation.com. Common Problems: ·From time to time A/C system needs to be recharged to bring it back up to maximum efficiency. Sometimes a leak may cause loss of refrigerant and will need to be fixed before refilling. It's difficult to tell if a leak is present without specific test equipment so let it up to a professional. ·Corrosion will cause heater core (secondary radiator) to leak. This will manifest itself by leaving steam into passenger compartment and fogging your windows. You will know there is a leak by sweet smell coming from your vents. Unfortunately changing heater core is usually not easier job in world, as engineers tend to squeeze them into some pretty tight spaces under dash. Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com where he gives advice on buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles. To learn more about how your car works, Kevin has createdhttp://www.mycarwizard.com     <Back to Page 1   ImproveHomeLife.com © 2005 Terms of Use