Wednesday 30 March 2016

3 Potential Problems With Recreational Vehicle Air Conditioners


 

When you’re on a road trip with your recreational vehicle, a lack of air conditioning can ruin your whole trip. Here are some potential issues to watch out for with the air conditioning unit in your recreational vehicle.

1.  Weak Air Conditioning System

Your air conditioning system simply may not be adequate. On extremely hot days, one small system can be easily outdone. Some recreational vehicle owners will upgrade their air conditioning units or get a second one installed.

2. Clogged Air Filters

A clogged air filter can decrease the amount of air flow inside the recreational vehicle. The system may also have to work harder in order to circulate the same amount of air if the filter is clogged, which will not only waste power but may also cause additional problems with the unit.

3. Dirty Condenser Fins and Coils

The air conditioning unit in most recreational vehicles will pull air in through the rear of the condenser coils and the air will pass through the condenser fins. If either one of these parts are dirty it can affect the amount of air flow as well as cause even more severe problems with your air conditioner such as freezing or leaking.

With these and many other issues, you can save time and money by taking your recreational vehicle to a qualified RV mechanic. They can help you stay cool and enjoy your trip. For more advice on RV AC repair in Santa Cruz, visit this website.

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3 Common Issues With Recreational Vehicle Refrigerators

If you’re going on a trip in your recreational vehicle, the last thing you want to worry about is mechanical issues with your refrigerator. Because refrigerators in recreational vehicles operate completely differently from home refrigerators, many people don’t know what can go wrong with them.

1. Sediment Buildup

Ammonia liquid in the refrigeration system can create sediment. If the refrigerator is not frequently used, this sediment can settle in the bottom of the unit, blocking the ammonia from circulating appropriately through the system.

2. Burned out Heating Element

The heating element supplies the heat required to operate the refrigerator. If your refrigerator is not turning on at all, you may be dealing with a burned out heating element. This is especially common in refrigeration units that will run on gas but not electric.

3. Blocked or Leaking Cooling Unit

Gravity circulates the solutions inside the cooling unit, so off-level conditions may cause a blockage. Any blockage can reduce the flow of solutions and cause the refrigerator to malfunction. A leak in the cooling unit will always be accompanied by a strong ammonia odor. Both of these issues will result in the failure of the refrigerator to keep food cold.

With any of these or other issues, it is best not to assume that there is no hope of repairing the refrigerator. Replacing a refrigerator can be very costly, so it is best to consult with a qualified RV mechanic about the problems before purchasing a new one. Visit this website to learn more about RV fridge repair in Scotts Valley.

Tuesday 29 March 2016

Types of Catalytic Converters


 

Catalytic converters are an essential part of your vehicle’s exhaust system. They are also a safety feature that controls the emissions by converting the toxic pollutants in your exhaust into less toxic pollutants. There are two primary types of catalytic converters:

-          Two-way converter
-          Three-way converter

The two-way converter is the most frequently used converter in diesel engines and older gasoline-powered vehicles. Its purpose is to reduce hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions. In the 1980s, three-way converters began replacing the outdated two-way converters for most vehicles. They have the advantage of controlling nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions as well as the carbon based emissions.

When Things go Wrong

It is usually pretty easy to tell when it’s time to change your catalytic converter. Low fuel economy is one of the first and most obvious signs. When your converter starts to fail, your vehicle’s miles per gallon will also begin to noticeably decrease. Reduced engine performance is another giveaway of a faulty exhaust system. Symptoms of this include a stalled engine, jerking motions of the car while driving and decreased acceleration. 

A failing catalytic converter can be easily diagnosed by a mechanic. The sooner you confirm the problem, the sooner you can prevent even bigger issues down the road. Click here to learn more about catalytic converter servicing in Pacific Beach.

What to do if you think your CV axle has been damaged


 

If you have been noticing a grinding noise when turning your car, the CV axle in your vehicle is most likely damaged. Although it might not be entirely broken yet, a completely broken axle is not far off. Since this equipment is essential to your vehicle, there are some things you should do when you have a CV axle that has been broken.

Don’t Drive on a Damaged Axle

If you think your axle may be damaged or broken, you should not be driving on it. Your axle could fail at any moment and if it happens while you are driving, you could lose control of your car. In the event this happens, you will end up causing a serious accident.

Have a Professional Look at Your Vehicle

A professional mechanic will be able to tell you for certain if your CV axle has been damaged. They will also be able to tell you how severe the damage is. A mechanic will be able to discuss all of your options with you for repairing your vehicle.

Don’t Attempt to Fix It Yourself

Repairs with a vehicle can be a complex situation. If you’re not trained, you can create more damage to your vehicle in the long run. If you think your CV axle has been damaged, don’t continue to drive and take in your vehicle to a repair shop immediately. Click here to find out more about cv axle replacement in Pacific Beach.

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Top 3 best kinds of mufflers to purchase


 

When you are in the market for a new muffler, there are a lot of options available to you. The best choice of a muffler will depend on what you are looking for from your new exhaust. Different mufflers will provide benefits for different vehicles.

1.       A Cat-Back Exhaust

A cat-back exhaust system was created in order to take advantage of the catalytic converter on a vehicle. This kind of exhaust system opens up the exhaust to dual pipes. This kind of system is optimal for those looking for the best performance exhaust system.

2.       An Opposite Side Dual Exhaust

This kind of exhaust will provide a louder sound than a single side exhaust. However, due to the location it is perfect for cars or trucks that often tow. Many people also enjoy the appearance of this kind of exhaust.

3.       A Turbo Back Exhaust

A turbo back exhaust system is popular for those interested in a high performing exhaust system. This system goes from the all the back from the turbocharger outlet. This kind of system gives more peak power and greater torque. The turbo back exhaust can be the best performance exhaust. Different mufflers will be best based on what you are looking for. However, there are mufflers that are worth looking at more than others. Click here to find out more about muffler replacement in La Jolla.