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Is It Possible to Drive without a Catalytic Converter?

A catalytic converter is one of the most important components of a vehicle. People driving without this can be fined heavily. A catalytic converter is that component of your vehicle that enables your vehicle to reduce the emissions it is producing and emitting in the environment. The converter converts all the harmful gases such as monoxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide and hydrocarbons that it will be polluting the environment with, hence acting as a catalyst.

This is why catalytic converters come with a heavy price and therefore cannot be replaced easily. They are also good targets for thieves. The question that arises is that can your vehicle function without it and can you possibly drive your vehicle without the presence of this converter in your car? Read and find out if it is possible.

  1. It is illegal

One of the most important reasons as to why you cannot drive your vehicle without a catalytic converter is the fact that it is illegal to do so. In several states you are not allowed to drive without this and if caught you will be fined a huge amount. Therefore, better to be safe than sorry and ensure that your vehicle has a catalytic converter present.

  1. You will be harming the environment

Since the converter reduces the number of harmful gases being emitted in the environment, lack of one in your vehicle will be causing the environment to deteriorate and get even further polluted. You will therefore be violating the rules and harming human health, which you certainly would not wish to do so.

  1. It could trigger your check engine light

Any issue with your catalytic converter would affect your check engine light causing it to switch on and stay put. This would indicate there is a problem with your converter.

How long can you possibly drive your vehicle without a catalytic converter?

Despite the consequences mentioned above it is entirely possible for your vehicle to function and run smoothly without the presence of a catalytic converter. There will be no impact on the performance of the vehicle but if you are caught you can be fined thousands of dollars for driving your vehicle without one.

Moreover, if your catalytic converter is damaged then it could possibly also cause other damages internally. The exhaust system could also be damaged and hence would require inspection.

There are several signs that indicate that your catalytic converter is faulty. Here are some of them for you to watch out for.

  1. Decline in the overall performance of the engine:

A faulty catalytic converter impacts the flow of the exhaust in the system thereby negatively affecting it. Once the converter has been severely damaged then it will also reduce the overall effectiveness of the vehicle.

  1. Noises and sounds:

A faulty converter often leads to weird noises and sounds being made by the vehicle. Hence, if your vehicle is making such noises, it is best to get it checked as soon as possible to avoid any other repercussions in the future and avoid wasting large amounts of money.

  1. Check engine light:

As mentioned earlier, a faulty catalytic converter could cause the check engine light to illuminate hence indicating internal problems in the vehicle.

Hence, it is important to deal with the catalytic converter of your vehicle as it is an extremely important component of your vehicle. Besides this it is also one of the most expensive parts of a vehicle.

If you’re looking to sell a junk car that has been lying in your backyard for years, and now you want to make some good money from it, you can sell your car online at Acres Cash for Cars. We provide a free towing service from your backyard to our junkyard, and give you an amazing price for your old junk car.

What to Do If Your Car AC Compressor Is Messing Up

The Air Conditioner is one of the most vital components that can make or break a driving experience; may it be a road trip, a school outing, or a family drive. The summer heat spares no one, and without our ACs, we can’t enjoy the bright, happy days.

 

Most of the time, if your car AC is not working as well as it should, or not at all, it indicates a problem in the compressor. This is one of the three main parts of an air conditioner- the other two being the condenser and the evaporator.

 

How Does It Work?

The main cooling factor of the system- the refrigerant- is pressured (compressed) by the compressor and it changes from the gaseous form into liquid form when the particles are forced to come together, after which, it’s pushed into the condenser. The compressor works in cohesion with the car engine, connected to it by the engine accessory belt, which helps propel the refrigerant down even further. Moreover, the evaporator sucks hot, humid air from the interior of the vehicle and after moisture has been filtered out, this air is passed next to the cool refrigerant which in turn, cools it down. This final product, the pleasant, cool air is then transported back to the interior seating section of the vehicle via vents.

 

What Happens If the Compressor Stops Working?

As explained above, the compressor is of crucial importance in pressurizing the gaseous refrigerant. Therefore, if the compressor is not functioning optimally, the hot air cannot be processed to cool down and ends up accumulating inside the car, causing extreme discomfort to the passengers, as well as the driver. Other than that, the humidity levels inside the vehicle will not be regulated, which will result in the windshields fogging up.

 

How Do I Know That My Compressor Is Not Working?

There are a few telltale signs of a bad AC compressor. The first and most obvious one is the inability of the car AC to actually cool down the temperature inside. The vents throwing out hot and humid air is a clear indication of trouble.

Furthermore, there are consistent, strange noises coming out from inside the hood of the car. Some of these can be a high-pitched squeal, the awful sound of two metal surfaces rubbing over each other, or a light squeaky sound, every time you turn the AC on.

Last but not the least, if the belt-pulley-compressor system is flawed, or worn out, the automatic click that turns the compressor off when an optimum temperature has been reached, will NOT work. This will cause the compressor to overheat and you may even see smoke coming out of your hood if things get really bad.

Diagnosing the Problem

Now that we know the signs of a faulty AC compressor, it’s time to confirm our suspicions. For that, we open up the hood and get our hands dirty. After having located the compressor, (near the engine belts), we look for visible signs of wear and tear. These may include a rusted surface, oil leaks, and damaged paint. Remember that a functional compressor needs oil to prevent overheating and friction between the parts.

Next, check out the pulley belt situated right beside the compressor. Is there any crack or tear in the belt? If so, it needs to be replaced immediately.

After these two, we inspect the clutch of the compressor, sitting right in front of it. We run the engine and the AC to see if the rotations are smooth. Setting the AC cooling setting to its highest, we also listen for any strange and unusual noises that might raise a red flag. If you are experiencing any of these problems with your car, we advise that you get it checked out by a professional now!

At Acres Cash for Cars, you can sell your car online for cash and get a good value. A lot of people have a junk car for sale lying around the backyard. We provide free towing services from your home to our junkyard, and give you the best price for your car!

How to Scrap Your Junk Car Properly

Scrapping a junk car may seem like an easy job; getting a quotation from the junkyard, and simply selling it if the price pleases you. However, there are ways to scrap your car properly, earning you more money and giving you more value for your vehicle. It is pretty easy to get cash for junk cars, but it’s not as easy to get the right amount of cash for it. If you’re looking to sell junk cars, then reading this blog will prove valuable for you before you do. We’ll help you understand which parts of your junk car are the most valuable ones to scrap. These parts sell separately for higher prices and you’re in luck if your car model was popular. Let’s list down these parts:

  • Catalytic Converters

Catalytic converters are an in-demand item, so much that they get stolen from standing vehicles outside people’s homes. However, these converters are hardly wanted for their functionality. Catalytic converters are made up of precious metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium. These metals are very valuable and sell separately for high cash value.

  • Bumpers

Bumpers are the body parts most commonly damaged around the world. Their main purpose is to actually protect the rest of the body and the frame. This is why they are most commonly damaged in accidents, road rashes hit, and runs. Bumper repairs are usually uncommon because people prefer to get them replaced by an old car that may have an undamaged piece. Getting a new bumper from the dealership also doesn’t seem like a good idea because the price is too high. People will happily pay a few hundred bucks for a used piece.

  • Rims

If your junk car is finally being sold, consider checking out rims. If the model has a popular rim set, or whether you got aftermarket rims, consider checking them out first. If the rims are undamaged and in good condition, consider selling them separately.

  • Tires

The tires on your wheels can be sold separately as well. Before seeking cash for junk cars, check out the tires and if the tread left on them is good. If the tread is good, the tires could sell for a good price. And if your junk car is an SUV or a truck, these tires could go for quite a high price.

  • GPS System

If your junk car has a pre-installed GPS System that still works fine, it may easily sell for a few hundred dollars. GPS Systems are a constant in-demand item and a lot of people may prefer getting a used system to a new one. This will be your chance to sell yours for a good price.

  • Battery

Batteries aren’t very valuable at the junkyard or your own place. However, at the junkyard, they will just rip out the batteries and throw them away, leaving the harmful chemicals to seep into the ground. However, you can try refreshing the battery at your own home by using distilled water and Epsom salt, giving it a few more years.

  • Bonnet or Tailgate

Bonnets and tailgates are also very commonly damaged in accidents. Most accidents happen from the front or the back, which means the bonnet and tailgate are probably going to be damaged. This means that if your junk car has one that is in perfect shape, it could actually fetch a few hundred dollars in the market. Customized tailgates and bonnets are also pretty in demand; people who love playing with the looks on their cars, are always on the lookout for such parts.

  • Windshield Wiper Arms

The wiper arms aren’t a very valuable asset. One wiper arm could be worth as much as $70 depending on the model of your car. However, that’s $70 that will be of zero value once your car is sold wholly to the junkyard.

  • Doors

A late entry in our list but a very valuable piece. Doors of cars are expensive items. A new door at the dealership could be worth over a thousand dollars. However, if you’re selling a 4-door car at the junkyard, you can actually make a pretty solid profit if you sell the 4 doors separately. You may never make even close to it when you sell the car at the junkyard without scrapping the doors separately.

  • Headlights and Taillights

These 2 items are probably some of the most sought-after items on the second-hand spare part market. If your car is a sought-after model but got totaled in an accident, check for the lights. Since the model was popular, there is always a buyer on the market looking to score headlights and taillights for cheap prices. Cheaper than the dealership of course. This could make you a few extra hundred dollars. Who wouldn’t like that?

 

Now that you know of the few valuable pieces that you may salvage before scrapping your car completely, go take a good look at the car you’re looking forward to sending to the junkyard. There’s a high chance that you may make a few extra hundred dollars than what simply scrapping the car would bring.

Why Resetting Your Car Computer is Important After a Battery Change?

You may be having issues with your car’s Electronic Control Module or battery, or maybe the electrical system. If you’re tired of trying to find the problem and want to sell your car, at Acres Auto, you can sell your car online or sell your car for cash. You can even sell a wrecked car.

 

The need of resetting your car computer after a battery replacement is very important. A car computer reset is a common way to do an ECM (Electronic Control Module) reset, which helps you to identify that the car part replacements you make, are absolutely necessary if the check engine light remains on.

A lot of people believe that resetting a car computer after a battery replacement will magically fix their check engine light issues. However, that is far from the case. The check engine light is an indication that a sensor, or multiple sensors, is either out of specification, malfunctioning or faulty. They have to be tested before being fitted again, or else driving the car with a faulty sensor could be dangerous. This calls for a diagnostic test, run by an external code scanner that is connected into the car through a plug, located mostly at the bottom of the steering wheel. A check engine light may only be erased, or ignored if a full diagnostics test is run and the problem has been worked upon. However, this leads a lot of people to

As we mentioned before, in a lot of cases, the check engine light still comes on after a sensor has been worked upon. The reason for this could be an electrical issue in the vehicle. However, before working on any electrical issue, it is better to do a complete ECM reset. This will give you a definite answer on whether any parts need replacement or not. In the case where the problem seems to persist or grow, then it’s best to look for an online towing service and get your car checked with a nearby mechanic.

An ECM reset is best done with an external code scanner. Nowadays, scanners have become common and are available for very cheap prices. They’re also Bluetooth configured. However, in a lot of vehicles, simply disconnecting and reconnecting the batteries would be enough. Once the battery is reconnected, start your car and drive it for at least 10 to 15 miles. That gives the ECM enough time to detect if the problem still persists or whether it’s fixed. Another valid reason for resetting the car computer is so that the ECM can identify the new parts when a part replacement is done. The ECM can then store the data and start functioning with the new part.

All ECU (Engine Control Units) can be reset easily and should be reset as per the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines. This ensures your car computer to have enough time to easily learn the replacement component codes.

After the installation of new parts in your car, you then reset your computer so that the ECU can learn about the new parts and their codes, and then store its data to function properly. However, before resetting the ECU, it is important to check whether the battery cables are perfectly fine or do they face issues and whether you have a backup power source like a jump starter.

Important Tips for When You Reset Car Computer

A car battery disconnection can and will result in a multitude of results. So it’s always important to consider a few things before you make the move. Here’s a list of a few things you need to note down when resetting your car computer:

  1. If the battery is removed when the car is switched off, make sure that the battery voltage is maintained to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). However, never, in any case, remove the battery when the engine is running or the ignition key is switched on.
  2. Your car battery does a lot more than just provide electricity. It controls the AC spikes and transients to the ground. When the battery is removed, these spikes and transients travel all around the car’s circuit. This may damage a lot of the electrical and electronics components in the car.
  3. In any car with computerized engine controls, removing the battery causes the PCM to forget its adaptive memory settings. These memory settings are the ones that the PCM has learned with time, including the fuel mixture, transmission change points, and other functions.
  4. The car may experience problems starting the next time. This could be due to engine faults with faulty fuel mixtures or a damaged ignition system because of voltage spikes.
  5. The loss of important features such as window defoggers, air conditioning, heating system, headlights, and backlights
  6. Inaccurate and untimely warning lights
  7. Your alternator could become faulty, after which you would have to buy alternators or look for a used alternator to get a cheap replacement

How the PCM Comes Into Influence

The PCM is a component that consists of the ECU and the Transmission Control Unit (TCU). The PCM is technically the brain of the engine control system. It controls over 100 factors of a car, including air-fuel mixture and transmission control levels. Removing the battery puts the PCM in a factory reset mode, forcing it to forget all its learned memory. This means when the PCM comes back online, the car will initially run differently. This is because the PCM will need time to relearn the basic levels and settings at which the car operates. Until the PCM relearns the settings, the car may run on very low or very high RPMs even when idle, gear shifting timing would be changed and uneven. An unlearned PCM or a factory reset PCM can also cause malfunction to the airbag system.

Will My Rookie Mistake End My Manual Transmission Car on a Junkyard?

A manual transmission (MT) car is different from an automatic transmission (AT) car with the basic difference of a clutch. The use of a clutch and the perfect timing to put it into action is a basic skill needed for all MT car drivers. In the older times, manual transmissions were particularly famous because they were more widely used and accepted. Our parent’s generation were actually the ones who’ve used manual transmission almost their whole life. It is only a recent surge that automatic transmissions have gained such huge popularity. With the increasing amount of traffic all around the world, manual transmissions are slowly becoming outdated. A lot of car manufacturers around the world have simply switched to only releasing cars with automatic transmission. However, those of us who are now in our mid-20s to mid-30s, have grown up spending time in our parent’s manual cars. We share the same knowledge and memories about seeing the manual gear shifting constantly.

Driving a manual transmission is not an easy task. It’s something that you can learn the basics of, in 15 minutes. However, mastering a manual transmission and knowing exactly when to shift a gear without choking the engine or halting it, is a skill that is learned over time. It’s very common to make beginner mistakes when driving your car for the first time or the first few times. But this learning phase can land your car in long-term or temporary harm. Transmission damage can lead to other problems as well, and with the rising cost of getting your car fixed, most people prefer to sell a wrecked car rather than save it. Most cars are insured, and thus you can either claim insurance or sell your car for cash. There are other things as well, that need to be kept in mind when driving a manual transmission. Here’s a list of things you need to keep in mind when driving a manual transmission car so that your car doesn’t end up on a Woodbridge junkyard or a Passaic junkyard.

  1. Remove hand from the gear shift stick;

The shift stick of a gear mechanism works on top of a rotating collar. Most manual drivers have a habit of placing their hands on the shift stick even when they aren’t shifting gears. This causes pressure from the shift stick to fall on the rotating collar below. In an unideal situation, your rotating collar from the manual transmission will ultimately malfunction or become damaged before its prescribed limit of time. Another reason for keeping your hands off the shift stick is so that you can use both hands to handle the steering wheel.

  1. Disengage clutch when going downhill;

A non-smooth clutch can make it very difficult to shift gears up or down. A worn clutch disc is the result of either rigorous gear shifting without completely engaging the clutch, or using the clutch unnecessarily. This causes the clutch to show problems in shifting gears when the car is moving.

  1. Do not place your foot on the clutch pedal

A lot of manual transmission drivers often make the mistake of placing their foot on the clutch pedal, out of laziness. They do it because they want a quick gear change and constantly moving your feet back and forth can be enraging and tiring. This also causes a condition called slipping clutch, which is triggered due to your foot resting on the clutch pedal. It causes engaging of the clutch even when it’s only slightly pushed.

  1. Do not use the clutch to stay stable on an inclined plane

Driving uphill is not an easy job, especially for those who aren’t experts at it. This is why people step on the clutch pedal and floor the throttle as soon as they let go of the clutch pedal, to avoid keeping the car from going backward. This causes wear and tear in the clutch disc of your car. If you keep this up constantly, the clutch disc life will come to end much before its recommended lifespan.

  1. Downshifting gears to gain speed

A traditional and conventional way for cars to gain speed is to sequentially go through each gear at their selected or estimated RPMs before hitting top speed. However, a lot of people driving at a high speed would choose to downshift to a lower gear so they could bring the engine to produce more output. However, this puts the engine under too much stress and duress and uses extra fuel. The stress could make the engine touch redline and components could break inside, leading to a complete overhaul of the engine.

  1. Shifting to neutral gear when the car idle

Most people after stopping at a red light, keep the cars in the first gear with their foot flooring the clutch pedal. This keeps the clutch disc constantly engaged and results in wear and tear. It is advisable that as soon as you stop at a red light, put the car in neutral gear and pull the handbrake to keep yourself and your car safe.

  1. Do not shift without the clutch

Forcing a gear change without engaging the clutch puts huge damage to the engine, clutch disc, and gearbox. The clutch acts as a safety pin for the gearbox. As long as the clutch pedal isn’t engaged, the gearbox wouldn’t shift gears. However, if you still force the gearbox to change gears, you will end up with a broken gearbox and transmission.

  1. Brake with the clutch pedal

A common mistake most people make is letting go of the clutch pedal when they break. This is called engine braking. The ideal situation is to adjust both brake and clutch to hold the gearbox from experiencing massive shock, and to protect it against sudden shock.

 

As we mentioned earlier, driving a manual isn’t an easy task. Coupled with learning when and how to shift gears, there are also these problems mentioned above that come into factor when driving a manual transmission car.

3 Things to Remember During Car Service

Cars have become one of the most commonly used items in the world. They were initially produced as a luxury product, used only by the elite due to the huge price tag. With the development of science and technology and a whole century of research later, cars have successfully become an economical need of the 21st century. Mass production, cheaper production costs, low-cost parts, and recycling have helped bring the price tag on cars much lower than what they originally seemed to be at. But that’s not the case for all cars. Even though they’ve become a necessity, that hasn’t stopped a lot of companies around the world from making luxury and insanely expensive cars, being sold for millions of dollars. You have Bentley, Ferrari, Maserati, Rolls Royce, Pagani, and Porsche, just to name a few brands that make luxury sedans, SUVs, sports cars, and hypercars.

However, be it your high-end Rolls Royce worth millions of dollars, or a daily driver like a Toyota Corolla, all cars need timely maintenance. It varies from car to car, but the usual span between two maintenance rounds is about 2500 miles to 5000 miles. That’s how long your car engine should run before getting its oil changed. Oil qualities also decide how long your engine can run on it before demanding a change. Companies like Tesla have come miles and miles ahead in making cars completely electric. But for the world to make a complete switch over to electric cars instead of those running on fuel, it may still take another 20 to 30 years. Which leads us to write this blog. Cars running on fuel need timely maintenance, so your engine and other essential parts can keep running smoothly and for a long time. Using the right kind of replacements (engine oil, engine oil filter, air filters, transmission fluid, brake fluid, brake pads) ensures your engine runs smoothly for years to come. A few years ago, there was a report of a man whose Honda Civic had done a MILLION miles, and it was running on its original engine smoothly, all thanks to using the right parts at the right time.

  1. Oil Change

Just like a human body needs clean water and pure oxygen to survive and thrive, a car needs good fuel and engine oil to live and breathe. Engine oils come with various specifications, depending on the thickness, density, longevity, and quality of the product. There are different engine oils for countries that have a colder overall weather system, while those with a milder or hot weather system have a different oil category. A lot of countries that experience harsh weather in both seasons, require people to get their oils changed accordingly for each temperature. While getting your oil changed routinely at the exact required time is not completely necessary, it may, however, contribute to helping you in the long-term fixation for your car. Oils face a sort of wear and tear, due to constantly lubricating the engine inside. Car engine temperatures can reach upwards of 1200-degree Fahrenheit, which causes the oil to eventually get darker and blacker because of constant heating. Oils also start losing their density because of the heating processes.

Timely maintenance of your engine oil, and choosing the right kind of oil for your car requires a little research. However, the reason for listing this on top of our list is to emphasize how important it is for a longer-running engine to have a routinely changed oil timeline, that supports longevity and a smooth drive. Please note that filling your engine with an oil that is of the wrong specification can end up causing a lot of damage to your engine, and in some cases, complete overhauls are required.

 

  1. Fluid Change

Just like the engine oil, there are multiple fluids in your car as well, that contribute to other essential parts and ensure their smooth-running process. Such fluids include brake fluid, transmission fluid, power-steering fluid, radiator coolant, etc.

These fluids are just as essential as your engine oil because they run the parts connected to your car engine that your car requires to actually move on the road. A smooth and cared-for engine may last years to come, but if the connecting essential parts of your car deny it the chance to perform well, you may as well dump your car anyway.

Brake fluids also link your car to a safety mechanism. Ensuring a timely changed brake fluid results in a braking system that doesn’t fail you in emergencies. Since brakes are a safety feature, any damage or faults in this system could result in a life and death situation for you and your family.

Transmission fluids ensure the smooth shifting of gears in your transmission. A smooth gear-shifting system will keep your engine in a perfect system, while a faulty transmission ends up putting undue load on your engine to provide more power.

Power-steering fluid helps you to keep a smoother drive for your car. Old cars usually don’t come with power-steering, unless you get an aftermarket installation. However, for new cars, it has become a necessity, because who actually wants to put in a bicep workout for making a simple turn on a car? An up-to-date power steering system keeps your car smooth and helps you make easy turns if, in any case, you are at risk of an accident.

Radiator coolants help keep your engine at the right temperature. An overheating engine will burn your gasket, resulting in a major repair that destroys your company-installed engine seal. However, a proper coolant helps keep the temperatures right and helps your engine perform duly.

  1. Filters

Filters are important to provide your car with a clean system, one that is rid of impurities and dust. Air filters are placed to clean out the dust and sand from the air, which goes into the engine to aid combustion. Oil filters help keep the contaminants away from your engine, which may accumulate over time. AC filters help clean the outside air and make it properly breathable so that once the air conditioner starts running, the passengers inside can breathe normally and without risk of poisoning. Fuel filters help clean out carbon and dust impurities from fuels. Since fuels go directly into the combustion chamber, any impurities will contribute to improper combustion and result from engine knocking and a rough drive.

for more information visit acres cash for cars.

Automakers and Their Recurring Failures

This article is a breakdown of automotive failures that are common with specific automakers. Hence before a decision regarding a car by a certain automaker, it is important that you inspect for these failures. Also, if you currently one of these then prepare yourself for a chance of experiencing a similar failure.

Common Automotive failures


Making an automobile that has hundreds of components is a very difficult thing to do and that is why manufacturers sometimes fail to provide a car that is a hundred percent without technical issues. Although the failures may be in only some specific cases, they may be seen enough to make a connection between a manufacturer and the fault.

Problems of active fuel management lifters in most General Motors vehicles

General Motors installed an active fuel management cylinder deactivation system; a system designed to reduce the number of cylinders being used in a V8 engine so that fuel could be saved. This system works around a lifter that deactivates four of the eight cylinders, but this lifter is prone to damage and if it is affected to a severe extent then it can damage the engine itself. In some cases, it has also been reported that the damage was so severe that the whole engine had to be replaced.

Rod Bearing issues in Hyundai automobiles


Hyundai vehicles faced the issue of the connecting rod inside the engine. The rod works by transferring the engine’s generated power to the pistons and if there are even minor issues it can cause a great amount of damage. Hyundai automobiles were affected to the extent that some of them had a hole inside the engine. It seems that the problem happened due to a lack of lubrication as there is a lot of friction between the rod and other components. Hyundai provided an extended warranty and recalled issues that faced this issue.

Issue of Nissan’s variable transmission

The continuously variable transmission launched by Nissan in some of their vehicles was faulty. It was designed to reduce fuel consumption, but it was seen that it faced the issue of overheating and shuddering. The overheating was a great problem as it caused power generating issues in the car and customers reported that especially on highways the car lacked power.

Problems of dual-clutch automatic transmission in Ford vehicles


Ford introduced the dual-clutch automatic transition which contains both, the features of an automatic transmission and manual transmission. Issues reported regarding this were mainly bucking and jerking in the drive, slow acceleration, and harsh engagement. These issues can be a reason for car accidents and hence putting the life of the driver and others at risk.

Problems with the cylinder head in Chrysler vehicles

Chrysler introduced its new V6 engine, but it was not as good as it could have been. It had a common issue with the cylinder head. The cylinder head would leak inside the engine and this would cause the performance of the car to decline, added with higher fuel consumption. Some cases reported having to get a new engine installed because of this issue.

Problems with rusted frames in some of Toyota’s vehicles


Toyota one of the biggest manufacturers in the world faced the issue of cars having rustic frames. It was mainly due to the anti-corrosion treatment and its ineffectiveness that caused the frames to rust faster. This issue was highlighted, and Toyota had then agreed to take charge of repairs if they cost more than $15,000.

Valve timing in Mazda’s vehicles


Mazda’s automobiles presented this issue of valve timing. The valve timing issues were sometimes because of a faulty activator or because of a loose timing chain. This also caused noise like rattling. These chains sometimes also came into contact with the engine and in some cases resulting in the engine needing a replacement. Mazda then also gave its customer increased warranty for up to 7 years or 70,000 miles.

Oil dilution problems in Honda’s vehicles


Honda introduced it turbocharged engine that had the direct injection. This direct injection later revealed had issues of its own. Mainly when the oil was injected directly it was already diluted and this diluted oil sometimes leaked in and mixed with engine oil. Since the engine oil is more concentrated when mixed with this oil it caused engine damage and in some cases to an extent where the engine needed replacement. Honda provided an increased warranty to for its models to the customers.

Problem with VANOS in BMW vehicles


The VANOS system introduced by BMW was a system for variable valve timing. This system relies on applying oil pressure to the actuator of the camshaft that which changes the angle of the camshaft. Once the angles changed, the engine can adjust its valve timing. In this also customers reported issues with it and in some cases the engine needing replacement.

Issues with head gaskets in Subaru


Subaru automobiles displayed issues with the head gaskets which resulted in major problems. This gasket is there to prevent the leakage of oil or other fluids, doing so by sealing the cylinders. These faulty gaskets can cause problems as there can be leakages and these leakages are trouble. Replacing them is also an expensive and intense job.

Conclusion


It is important to understand the issue the car has and then see if the repair cost is worth giving or not. Some manufacturers provide longer warranties but those who do not may cause the burden of repair to fall on your pockets. It is important not just to buy cars because of a certain brand because even these vehicles can have issues and also be mentally prepared to face these issues when they happen.

Are you looking for a place to sell the junk car lying in your garage that you need to get rid of? At Acres Cash for Cars, you can sell your car for cash because we give the most amazing prices. Acres Cash for Cars is the best place to sell your car online.

Are Car Hybrid Batteries Worth the Price?

Hybrid vehicles are great for the environment. They are environmentally friendly and sustainable as they bridge the gap between gas and electric powertrains. Hybrid cars are an integral part of the past, present, and future.

A hybrid vehicle however cannot run without a hybrid battery. Often these batteries last for either eight years or for up to 100,000 miles after which they need to be replaced to maintain the vehicle. Sometimes, they need to be replaced before this time as well. And this replacement comes with a hefty cost.

Toyota, a very popular brand states that the maintenance for hybrid cars is the same as the regular gas-powered cars and hence it is not a matter of great concern. However, there have been grave concerns about the prices of these batteries, as a replacement would cost anywhere between $3000 and $8000.

Therefore, are they really worth it in terms of the price? Find below some reasons which will help you answer this question better.

1) Maintenance of the battery

Several factors can have an impact on your battery, and if you take them into account effectively you can improve your battery life. Where you live, your maintenance routine, how much you drive, how much you charge, and how you charge your battery all have an impact on your battery life. They can impact it positively or even negatively.

At service intervals and with frequent battery checkups the life can be increased and if any weak cells are found then the battery can be reconditioned to improve the battery health.

2) Battery life

Generally, the battery works for eight to ten years or up to 100,000 miles. Hence, after replacement, it can work for that long and would not require you to worry for a couple of years. You can simply follow the instructions you have been provided with to maintain it regularly and keep it in check.

3) Battery repairs

With the increase in the number of hybrid vehicles, several places are now repairing the batteries as well. However, even though this is feasible sometimes, often there is no point in repairing the battery and you will have to continuously do this time and again. This could also be quite costly and hence it could be a better option to simply replace the battery once and for all.

4) How much does your car cost?

It is also very important to justify whether or not the battery is worth it. You need to assess the cost of your hybrid vehicle and the cost of the battery and see whether or not it is worth the investment and replacement. You could even have the option of changing your car and investing in a new one rather than buying a new battery replacement.

5) Check your warranty

Depending on your warranty you can also make this decision. If it is still intact then you would not have to worry about the cost of the battery. However, if it is not then you need to consider the factors above and make the decision as a new battery would cost users anywhere between $3000 and $8000 and a slightly used battery would cost them between $1500 and $3500.

In conclusion, the above-mentioned factors can help you decide whether or not the battery replacement would be worth it for your vehicle. All vehicles have different states and conditions so while assessing the condition of your vehicle’s battery life according to the aforementioned factors you can decide to replace the battery.

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How to Know If You Need an ECU Repair?

Engine Control Unit (ECU) is a vital part of a car these days, functioning as a part that controls the drivability and performance of the engine. A faulty ECU can be a nuisance as it can cause the car to be inefficient or sometimes even undrivable. ECU repair should be done immediately but best done by professionals as it is a complicated electronic task.

Causes of ECU failure:

The engine control unit manages the production of power for the car by controlling ignition spark and fuel injection in the engine. It monitors the mixture of air and fuel to make the engine running at an optimal level and prevent power issues. A few familiar reasons for ECU failure are the following:

Fuel solenoid
The connection between the ECU harness and the solenoid can be jeopardized if the solenoid has corrosion or any faults as it may cause wire shortages and the inability of connection.

Rust, moisture, and heat
These environmental factors are causes of an ECU becoming faulty as they limit or sometimes stop it from functioning. Its internal body can also become a target of moisture affecting its plugs and risking circuit board shorting. Heat can also similarly cause damage to internal parts.

High voltage
The high voltage being directed from the car’s charging system may exceed the limit the ECU is designed to handle in result affecting its performance. Charging system faults are a completely different story.

Starters
A faulty or incorrect starter can bypass the override sensor, which will in turn not control the voltage being transmitted to the ECU. If the starter has been recently replaced, then there are high chances that it is the cause of ECU failure.

Jump starting
Jump starting if not done properly can cause a surge in the power provided to the ECU and this may cause wires in the ECU to short out. Making sure that the process of jump-starting is done correctly is important.

Symptoms of a bad ECU

An ECU is responsible for monitoring several different sensors in the car. By monitoring them it ensures optimal performance but if the ECU is faulty then other parts can also suffer. These are some symptoms of a bad ECU:

Illuminated check engine light
The check engine light is illuminated if the computer senses issues within its parts. Scanning it can reveal what was the cause of the illumination.

Stalling or misfiring engine
This is the result of a defective ECU as the engine and ECU are not functioning smoothly resulting in the performance being affected.

Poor performing engine
The fuel supply to the engine can be disrupted because of a faulty ECU, this will cause the car to face trouble while accelerating. This is more prominent when there is added weight in the car or it is going uphill

Car not starting
If the car is facing difficulty in starting or not starting at all it may be due to a faulty ECU. The engine does crank but will be unable to start as the ECU will not be working hence the inputs to start the car will not be available.

Poor Mileage
When there is a fault in an ECU, chances are that it may not be able to monitor and send the accurate amount of fuel to the engine. It can be sending too much fuel resulting in poor mileage by the car.

 

ECU repair

Multiple parts in the car will show symptoms of a faulty ECU. However, some symptoms like misfiring and check engine light may not be due to another component instead of the ECU. So, if one believes that the ECU is faulty then getting it tested is the way to go. ECU repair can be done in various ways:

  • An electrician can repair the ECU if the fault is due to a short or bad connection in the wires of the ECU or the plugs in it.
  • Disassembling the ECU completely is sometimes needed because it may require detailed electronic work to fix the ECU.
  • ECU can also get affected by bugs in its software so resetting it to its factory-recommended setting or flashing its firmware may be needed.
  • If there is physical damage, then chances are that it is beyond repairing and it will be needed to be replaced.

Replacement of ECU and its cost

If it is certain that the ECU must be replaced, then it will be important to know how much it costs. Each car and its model have its own ECU, so if the car and make is very advance and expensive, chances are that so is the ECU.

It is advised that refurbished ECU are bought with extreme care. A new ECU in an economy car can cost around $900 to $1100. The cost of parts may vary from $400 to $1400 and for reprogramming and installation, the labor cost could be from $100 to $200.

ECU Repair: Conclusion
Although mostly ECU’s last the lifetime of the car but eventually sometimes, they need repair or replacement around 80,000 miles if they gradually become faulty. It is recommended that ECU repair be done by professionals and is handled with care.

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What can I do with a car that is not worth fixing?

The simple answer is “Not much”. The car has to be out of warranty, and it is usually beyond the repair shop’s time frame to help you. You could sell it for parts to other cars, but who wants to buy salvaged parts? You could also look in your driveway for old parts to fix up your car, but what if that looks like junk too? Not a smart move if you want to try to get that car running again.

So what can I do with a car that is not worth fixing? You could give it away. This is one of the smartest things you can do with a vehicle. Instead of having it sit in the lot and be looked at, let someone who needs a car to get a brand new one and save you a bundle.

Another option is to trade it in. Many car owners to trade in their cars to make room for more important things, like a new home or a vacation. So what can I do with a car that is not worth fixing? Trade it in! You may find a buyer for that junk car.

You can sell and get cash for junk car. There are junk car buyers out there who would love to own your car. If you are looking to sell your car, this is a great way to get a quick payoff. In exchange for your junk car, the buyer will pay you cash, or a portion of the outstanding loan on your car.

However, you need to realize that there are risks involved in trading in your car. Most of the time, people trade in cars that are not worth very much. This is because they are unable to find buyers for their cars. In many cases, they cannot even get their cars financed. This is the main reason why most people will not take the time to fix their cars up and sell them.

What can I do with a car that is not worth fixing up? You can use your junk car to start a business. Many car dealerships buy junk cars and refurbish them to sell again. If you have a junk car that is not in your best condition, you can make money by refurbishing it and selling it. This is a great way to get some extra money in your pocket. You should keep in mind that there is a downside to this.

You can be in violation of the law if you sell a junk car and then attempt to repair it. It is possible that you could be fined heavily for selling a vehicle that you did not fix. There are also chances that your car may get damaged again before you sell it. For this reason, you should avoid using your junk car to sell it for profit.

What can I do with a car that is not worth fixing? You can sell your car in order to fix it up. Many people will hire a professional to fix up their cars. If you have a fairly decent car, you should be able to fix it up and sell it for a profit. You can contact local body shops and get the help you need to fix up your car. However, you should keep in mind that you will have to fix your car first in order to sell it.

What can I do with a car that is not worth fixing up? Another thing you can do with a car that is not worth fixing up is to sell it off. Many people choose to sell their salvage cars in order to get the most money possible. If your vehicle has minor issues that affect its value, you should be able to sell it off to someone who is willing to pay a decent price for it. You can contact salvage yards in your area or look online for places that you can sell your vehicle to.

What can I do with a car that is not worth fixing up? If your car is one that is severely damaged, you may want to consider scrapping it and using some of the money to buy a new and working vehicle instead. However, if you are not sure what you would do with a salvaged car, you should consider letting a professional to do the work for you so that you can keep more of your own money in your pocket.

What can I do with a car that is not worth fixing up? You can use a salvage car donation in several different ways. First off, if you are planning to give the car to a charity you can rest assured that the charity will use the vehicle to run an ad campaign to raise funds for their cause. Second, you can use the money received from the car donation to repair or improve the car yourself. This is why you should consult with a mechanic before you try to repair the vehicle on your own. The mechanic can advise you as to what repairs would make the car acceptable drive while the donation vehicle is undergoing repairs.