Bound Brook Auto Repair

The catalytic converter is a small mechanical device found in most cars. It is a very important device because it acts as a drain on the exhaust gases produced by an engine. In simple words, it is a device that reduces the exhaust toxicity produced by the car engine. Catalytic converters are made up of different materials which are chosen for their performance and efficiency. Most of the time, catalytic converters utilize oxygen to burn out pollutants produced from gas burning. This is necessary so that poisonous gases emitted by the engine can be reduced to less toxic forms. Moreover, it also helps in oxygen purification, which helps in removing harmful carbon monoxide from the exhaust fumes. These two processes help reduce the poisonous gases produced by the engine thus improving the fuel economy and protecting the health of the passengers. Catalytic converters come in two forms - single-stage and dual-stage. The single-stage type of catalytic converters has only a single primary c ... read more

If a person brings a used car that they are considering buying into the auto repair shop for an inspection then it's a pre-purchase inspection. The mechanic will let them know if there are any underlying issues. In case, if you are wondering if it's worth the cost then you are in the right place. Let's dig in for more information. Why Pre-Purchase Inspection Is A Good Idea Yes, you heard that right! A pre-purchase inspection is a good idea because of the following reasons: There could be an issue with the car that you might not be aware of and only a mechanic would be able to tell you what's wrong with the car.   You can find out the hidden problems of the car. There could be an issue with the brake system of the car or maybe more.   A thorough pre-purchase inspection would include a detailed road test that can help a mechanic understand any underlying issues with the vehicle. Not many people are aware of the option of a pre-purchase inspection and th ... read more

How Did I Get A Bulge In My Tire A bulge in the tire can happen due to: Buying cheap tires Older tires (out of date) Damage from potholes and nails Rough road abuse Repaired tires Improper tire installation Bulges are created by broken belts inside the tire plies, and/or by air that's forced under the different plies (From things like running over nails) which no longer lets the tire keep its form, (rubber stretches, steel doesn't) Which causes the tire to form a bulge. The bead of the tire (which seals the tire around the rim) can get torn or damaged during your tire's installation process which can also create a bulge in the tire.   As shown in this diagram. Can I Drive With A Bulge In My Tire? No, to do so, would put your life and anyone else's riding with you, at risk of death or injury. A bulge in your tire is a clear warning sign that your tire is about to have a blowout. Blowouts are the cause of many accidents resulting in death and injury. Drivin ... read more

There's nothing worse than your car making a noise you're not used to, as it generally signifies a new problem that could cost hundreds to fix. At least, that's the initial fear of most car owners when they hear an unfamiliar noise - but don't panic yet. If it's only just started, then that new noise could be the warning sign you need to take action before the need ever generates for any expensive repairs. There are a few reasons why your car might be squealing when you put it in/drive in reverse. Below, we'll talk about a few of these possibilities, and talk about what actions you should take. 1. Engine Belt Problem Over time, parts in a car can begin to deteriorate. This it to be expected, and usually isn't due to any fault of the driver - it's just time at work! When this happens to your car's engine belts, they become loose and worn. When you go from idle to moving, the change in movement can cause your worn belts to squeak and squeal. The noi ... read more

Winter roads can be dangerous and unpredictable. If you must be on the road during winter, it is essential to have adequate preparedness for enhanced safety on the roads. Driving during winter be hazardous and extra caution is important. We have outlined some critical steps that ensure your readiness to drive through winter. They will make it easy for you to navigate through the harsh conditions and guarantee your safety on the road. Understand Your Car Every vehicle is different, and it possesses different abilities under specific conditions. Despite the presence of anti-lock brakes and all-weather tires, it is good to test the features under different weather conditions to grasp the vehicle's ability. Practice stopping and starting your vehicle in different winter conditions to know its limitations and feel the wheels on the snow. Plan and Understand Your Route before Driving Roads suitability during winter is unpredictable, and this might be dangerous. Plan your route on ti ... read more

It may not always be obvious when there's a problem with your vehicle, but if there's an issue with your brakes, they'll start to squeal to let you know. Your brakes' health and integrity are a vital component to on-the-road safety for you and your passengers. Unusual brake sounds shouldn't be ignored. Below are three reasons why your brakes have begun to squeal.    The brake pads are worn.  Brake pads aren't designed to last forever; as you drive, they'll eventually wear thin. If your brakes are worn down to the metal, they'll begin to produce a squealing sound. The brake pads aren't easy for the everyday driver to check. If you're starting to hear a squeal from your brakes, it's vital to have them inspected.   The brake fluid needs to be changed.  The brake pads are not the only aspect that can wear; the brake fluid can as well. The brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid tha ... read more

Most drivers are aware that they should change their oil about every 5,000 miles or so. However, when it comes to the power steering fluid, you may be uncertain of the proper interval to have it changed. In some cases, drivers may forget about the power steering fluid altogether. Changing the power steering fluid is essential to maintaining the health of a vehicle. It doesn’t burn off with time like engine oil does; it gets dirty and contaminated. Over time pollutants and sludge accumulate and eventually build up. When the power steering fluid becomes contaminated, it immediately puts more pressure and stress on the steering wheel. In severe cases, significant damage can occur, leaving you with a costly repair bill.  How often you change your power steering fluid is variable to your driving habits and specific road conditions. Depending on who you ask, you will get a different recommendation. Below are a few ways to determine what’s the best service interval for your ... read more

You’re driving down the street when your gas light comes on. It was only just the other day that you filled the tank up. Vehicles are already expensive to maintain, and the cost of gas may only hurt your pockets more. Several aspects can cause your car to guzzle gas, leading to a decrease in fuel efficiency. If you want to save a few extra dollars at the gas station, this below list has a few things to consider to get the most out of your gas tank. Pressing Too Hard on the Gas Pedal While it may be fun to speed every once and awhile, it can cause a considerable decrease in fuel economy. Stepping on the gas forces more air into the combustion chamber, leading the vehicle to overcompensate by injecting more to keep a proper fuel to air ratio. Low Tire Pressure Low Tire pressure reduces fuel efficiency because it reduces the tire’s rolling resistance, causing the vehicle to expend more energy to maintain speed. The sticker on the inside of the door jam ... read more

The battery of your car is responsible for powering the ignition system, computer, radio, lights, and more, so it’s important to check its condition regularly. According to a recent study, more than 1 in 10 car batteries need a replacement. Sometimes problems can occur with little or no warning, however, there are several key symptoms of a dying car battery to look out for. 1. Difficulty Starting the Car Your car needs a huge surge of energy to start the engine. With a dying battery, you’ll see that the engine cranks slowly than usual, and the car takes longer to start. Usually, you’ll get one or two warning signs of this matter before the car battery dies completely, so do not overlook it. If you hear a clicking sound, when turning the key, this means that there isn’t enough power to crank the engine. In this case, you have to jump-start the battery and get a new one as quickly as possible. 2. Loss of Power to Electronics T ... read more

Your vehicle's brakes are super important to the safety of your vehicle. When you step on the brake pedal, you expect your vehicle to slow or stop according to how quickly you need it to. Bad brakes can lead to accidents if you aren't able to stop quickly enough. Have you ever driven your car and pushed down on the brake pedal, and felt that the pedal was spongy or soft-feeling? This is a common symptom of air in your brake lines. Let's understand what brake lines are and what some of the signs of having air in your brake lines are.  The brake lines are the parts within your brake system that house and circulate brake fluid. The brake system is hydraulic, which means it uses high pressure from the brake fluid to power your brakes. Air is the enemy in a hydraulic system because it reduces pressure and essentially makes the process less effective. When air gets into the brake lines, your brake system suffers.  Symptoms that can indicate you have air in your brake ... read more