Plug It or Patch It?

Posted on May 23, 2013 by ServiceKing

Flat Tire

Although it is controversial whether to use tire plugs as permanent fixes, many tire repair shops continue to use them daily.  Of those that choose to use tire plugs, some shops leave the tire on the rim while others remove the tire for inspection of further damage before using a tire plug.  Other tire professionals say tire plugs should only be used as an emergency repair and that plug patches are the only option for a permanent repair.  Either way, a tire plug kit is a handy item to have in your emergency car kit.

A tire plug kit is available at your local auto parts store and is a quick do-it-yourself fix to tire punctures.  The plug kit should come with plugs, a reamer, and a plug inserter.  For quick, on the rim fixes: simply locate the hole, use the reamer to make the hole the size of the plug, place the plug through the inserter, press the plug into the tire, and remove the inserter.  Then use a small air tank to fill the tire back up with the proper air pressure.  Barring any damage to the sidewall, you should be able to get your car home or to a tire repair shop.

Tire plug patches are much more expensive but reliable as compared to tire plugs alone.  These typically have to be done at a tire repair shop.  The tire is removed from the rim and examined inside and out for damage before being prepped for the tire plug patch.  The compromised area of the tire is marked with chalk and then buffed so that the tire cement will adhere.  A reamer is used to be sure the plug patch will fit through the injury before tire cement is applied and left to dry for five minutes.  The plug portion of the plug patch is then inserted and then the patch is once again coated with a final layer of tire cement.  The tire is then reinstalled back onto the rim, balanced, and mounted upon the car.  Although this process is more timely and expensive than the simple tire plug repair, it does prove more dependable.

For more information about Service King, visit www.ServiceKing.com. Follow Service King’s news on Facebook and Twitter.

Posted in Driving Tips, Educational/Informational, Service King, Summer | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Get Your Car Ready for Summer

Posted on May 17, 2013 by ServiceKing

Summer Driving

Is your car ready for summer?  Whether you take summer vacations or simply go out for ice cream on Sundays, summertime beckons you to the roadways.  Before you step behind the wheel this summer, consider preparing your car for safe summer fun.

It may sound like a no-brainer, but checking the car’s fluids is the first step to getting it ready for summer.  Refer to your automotive owner’s manual in checking the transmission fluid, brake fluid, radiator fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.

A good oil change is never a bad idea either.  Clean oil combined with a new oil filter helps the car to run more efficiently by keeping everything lubricated.  Other simple steps include replacing the air filter and windshield wipers.

Air conditioning

Having your air conditioning system serviced just before summer may save you from a perspiration nightmare.   You may opt to have your local AC professional check it thoroughly; however, there is a simple, do-it-yourself inspection.

First, inspect the system for worn out or damaged belts.  Replacing the AC belts is a relatively inexpensive fix.  The belts on your AC drive the compressor that allows air to flow over the coils and push cooled air into your car.  Worn out or damaged belts may lead to more extensive problems.

You can also inspect the fins of the condenser to be sure they are clean and clear of debris. (The condenser looks similar to a radiator.) Air that moves more freely around the condenser allows for the Freon or refrigerant to do a better job of cooling.

Tires

We all know that slick tires are dangerous but do you know why?  Tires get very hot from driving on the roadways, expand, and often blowout leaving you stranded on the side of the highway.  Unfortunately this still happens with high-tread tires, but you can increase your odds of safe travel by checking the pressure and tread on your tires.  Check with a professional or your automotive owner’s manual for the optimum tire pressure.  Additionally, high-tread tires give you better handling at higher speeds and increased fuel efficiency, which saves your from dumping as much of your hard-earned money into the gas tank.

Brakes

Does your summer typically include rain and thunderstorms?  If so, this moisture may cause your brakes to be less responsive.  The first signs of trouble can be detected while driving and include squealing and less responsive brakes.

Brakes are a bit more labor intensive to the average person, so this may warrant a professional mechanic.  However if you have the courage, begin by removing the tire and wheel from the car being sure to use jack stands.  Behind the tire and wheel, you’ll see either disc or drum brakes.  Begin by visually inspecting the thickness and integrity of the brakes.  Check with your automotive owner’s manual for the specifications.

For more information about Service King, visit www.ServiceKing.com. Follow Service King’s news on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

 

Posted in Car Mechanic, Classic Cars, Driving Tips, Educational/Informational, Service King, Summer | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Importance of changing/maintaining tires

Posted on May 15, 2013 by ServiceKing

Tire Maintenance

Although tire maintenance is often overlooked, it is a vital part of car safety.  Many car owners focus on exterior aspects such as paint jobs, waxing, and chrome wheels.  Others’ focal point is of functionality including the engine, transmission, and exhaust.  However, tire maintenance is crucial as tires are the only contact between your car and the road.  Damage can result in unstable handling and potential blowouts, which are critical when traveling at high speeds.

Tires have four major functions: to support, to absorb, to transmit, and to change and maintain direction of travel.  The average car weighs between one and two tons plus the weight of the passengers inside.  The tires support and distribute the weight.  If you’ve driven through almost any portion of the USA, then you have encountered bumpy roads! Together with the suspension system, the tires when properly inflated absorb the road shock so to reduce the amount of impact felt by the driver and passengers.  As the only contact between your car and the road, the rough surface of the tire provides traction when accelerating and braking.  Finally, the tires turn in response to the steering wheel to maintain or change the direction of travel.

Tire pressure is of the essence in regards to vehicle safety and gas efficiency.  Uneven wear is common as weight distribution varies and can be aided by tire rotation.  Ensuring the proper pressure level will provide the appropriate level of shock absorbent.  Unfortunately, your tires lose pressure on a continual basis and must be checked periodically.  It is recommended that you check the tire pressure weekly when the tire is cold.  Tires can be over or underinflated, so check the specifications for your tires.

A visual inspection of tread wear can help you determine when it is time to replace your tires.  Lower tread can be dangerous as it diminishes the amount of friction and driving control available.  Higher end tires are equipped with “tread markers” that tell you when to replace them.  However, a common alternative is to use a penny.  Insert the penny with Lincoln’s head upside down into the tread and when you can see his head, you know that the tread is becoming too shallow for safe driving.

For more information about Service King, visit www.ServiceKing.com. Follow Service King’s news on Facebook and Twitter.

Posted in Driving Tips, Educational/Informational, Service King, Summer | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

NASCAR Point System

Posted on May 10, 2013 by ServiceKing

Fortunately for NASCAR teams, consistency is rewarded.   There are no unimportant races throughout the season because every race is worth the same amount of NASCAR points.  The Budweiser Shootout and the Sprint All-Star races are the only exceptions as they award zero points.  Thus if a team consistently finishes in the top ten, then the team is handsomely rewarded with NASCAR points ranging from thirty-four to forty-three points earned at each race.  However, if a team finishes first in one race but last in another, the team receives only forty-four points before bonuses.

NASCAR announced the following point schedule in 2011:  1st place is awarded 43 points, 2nd place is awarded 42 points, 3rd place is awarded 41 points etcetera, etcetera all the way to 43rd place being awarded 1 point.  There are also bonus points: three extra points for winning the race, one point for leading a lap, and one point for leading the most laps.  One important caveat to note is that the driver who begins the race is awarded the points.  For example if a driver begins the race and is replaced by an alternate driver who then finishes the race, the beginning driver is awarded the NASCAR points.

The most highly sought after awards are the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series Champion, and Camping World Truck Series Champion.  In both the Nationwide Series and the Camping World Truck Series, the total points earned from each race are totaled up.  At the end, the driver with the most points is the Champion.  However, the NASCAR Sprint Cup tallies points after twenty-six races and locks in the top ten to compete in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Two additional drivers, not in the top ten already selected after race twenty-six, who have won the most races and are still in the top twenty in points will also compete in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

Beginning in 2011, drivers are only eligible to earn points in one of the national series each year.  The team will continue to earn owner’s points, regardless of the driver’s eligibility to earn points in that series.

For more information about Service King, visit www.ServiceKing.com. Follow Service King’s news on Facebook and Twitter.

Posted in Educational/Informational, Service King | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Batmobile

Posted on May 8, 2013 by ServiceKing

Bat Mobile

The batmobile began as a sedan in 1939 but soon began to take on a bat-like appearance with distinctive wing-shaped tailfins.  In 1941, the batmobile was a red convertible based on the 1936 Cord.  Throughout the 1950s it added the bubble dome commonly associated with the batmobile.  The curb weight was just over two tons with a 390 in Ford V-8 Automatic engine.  With a wheelbase of 126 inches, the batmobile also had 84 inch fins along its side.

The batmobile is a car full of gadgets that batman uses in his crime fighting ventures and as his primary mode of transportation.  Gadgets include: anti-theft, bat eye switch, antenna activator, automatic tire inflation device, bat smoke, anti-fire activator, bat photoscope, batphone, cable cutter, and many other gadgets.  In addition, the batmobile could make a 180* bat turn using Deist parachutes.

The superhero Batman of DC Comics drove the batmobile beginning in 1939 and was seen in many movies, comics, and cartoons.  Batman keeps the batmobile in a batcave that can only be accessed through a hidden entrance.  The car and the character have evolved greatly over the years.

For more information about Service King, visit www.ServiceKing.com. Follow Service King’s news on Facebook and Twitter.

Posted in Classic Cars, Educational/Informational, History of, Service King | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Biofuels and Other Automotive Energy Sources

Posted on April 30, 2013 by ServiceKing

Bio Fuels

A fuel’s purpose is to store energy to be used at a later time.  With conventional fuels on the decrease, alternative fuels or non-conventional, advanced fuels are on the rise.  Alternative fuels are any materials or matter that can be used as automotive energy such as biodiesel, bioalcohol, vegetable oil, e. coli, and coffee grounds.

Biofuel is derived from biomass which is caused from biological carbon fixation of solid biomass, liquid fuels, and biogases.  The most common liquid biofuel is bioethanol.  Bioethanol is an alcohol caused by fermentation.  Other biofuels include biodiesel and bioalcohol.

Bioethanol

Bioethanol is an alcohol made by fermenting the sugar components of plant materials.  Trees and grasses are use as provisions for the sugar and starch crops that create bioethanol.  In its purest form, bioethanol fuels automobiles; however, it is typically added to increase the octane and decrease vehicle emissions.

Biodiesel

Made from vegetable oil, animal fat, and recycled grease, biodiesel can also be used as fuel for vehicles in its purest form.  However, it too, is typically used as an additive to reduce particulates, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons from diesel vehicles.  The process of trans-esterification transforms oils and fats into biodiesel that is most commonly used in Europe.

Bioalcohol

The four basic alcohols: butanol, ethanol, methanol, and propanol have been use throughout history as fuel.  Bioalcohols are generated by plants and living things; thus, they are more plentiful than typical non-biologically produced fuels such as petroleum.

Ethanol is produced through fermentation and methanol is produced through synthesis gas.  Both ethanol and methanol have a high octane rating when compared to gasoline.  Neither of these, however, can be transported through existing gas pipelines.

Propanol and butanol are less toxic and volatile than other bioalcohols.  They are made from the fermentation of cellulose.  Although they have a strong odor, propanol and butanol can be transported through existing gas pipelines.

Coffee Grounds & E. Coli

Depending upon the type, some coffee beans can contain up to twenty percent oil.  When the sulfur is removed from coffee biodiesel, the result is a biodiesel with an unusually high oxidative stability.

E. coli is an organism that converts agricultural waste into fuel with no need for further processing.  Due to the raw materials it uses, the resulting fuel will take more carbon out of the atmosphere than it returns.  The process for e. coli fuel relies on anything abundant in the environment.

For more information about Service King, visit www.ServiceKing.com. Follow Service King’s news on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

Posted in Educational/Informational, Fuels, MPG, Service King | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Success of 1st Annual Service King Austin Charity Golf Tournament

Posted on April 23, 2013 by ServiceKing

Charity Golf Tournament

Good Afternoon!

Yesterday we had our 1st Annual SK Austin Charity Golf Tournament at The Hills of Lakeway.  We had a great turnout and our insurance partners enjoyed a beautiful day on the course.  After the tournament we had lunch, raffle prizes, and a live auction with our very entertaining auctioneer, Jeff Copeland.  After expenses, our grand total profit was over $45,000 that will be donated to local charities. We allocated $30,000 of that to the Austin Children’s Shelter (an organization that helps children and young adults who have experienced loss, trauma and/or abuse).  The charity was very appreciative of our large contribution and we couldn’t be more proud of the outcome!

A big thank you to all of our South Texas Support Staff, Managers, volunteers from Houston/DFW and everyone for working so hard to make this a great event.  It was truly a great opportunity to give back to the community and we look forward to many more successful tournaments in Austin!

For more information about Service King, visit www.ServiceKing.com. Follow Service King’s news on Facebook and Twitter.

Posted in Collision Repair Services, Educational/Informational, Golf Tournament, Paint and Body Shop, Service King, Team Members | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Gas or Diesel, Which Suits You?

Posted on April 23, 2013 by ServiceKing

Gas Vs. Diesel

Gas Vs. Diesel

Diesel and gasoline engines are both combustion engines which are designed to convert chemical energy into mechanical energy.  The fuel moves the pistons up and down rapidly inside of cylinders, called linear motion.  Linear motion creates rotary motion of the wheels so that the vehicle begins to move forward.  In a gas engine, fuel is mixed with air, compressed by pistons and then ignited by sparks originating from the spark plug.  Whereas in a diesel engine, air is compressed, fuel is injected, and then the fuel ignites.  Both diesel and gas engines use a four stroke combustion cycle of intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust.

Starting a diesel engine on a cold morning is much more difficult than starting a gas engine.  This is because diesel engines do not have spark plugs; instead, the fuel is ignited spontaneously using a glow plug once injected into the cylinder that is already under pressure.  The glow plug is an electrically heated wire that raises the temperatures of the air and combustion chambers.  Modern diesel engines use a computer sensor that maintains hotter air and higher pressure in the cylinder, which aids in combustion.

While diesel engines produce more torque, gas engines produce more horsepower.  Thus, gas engines rev faster and have quicker zero to sixty mph times.  If you are in the market for a vehicle to drive around town and rarely haul a trailer, then the gas engine may be right for you.  However if you typically tow or haul, then you may opt for a diesel engine as it’s torque is suited for pulling heavy loads.  When it comes to fuel economy, diesel engines are your best bet as diesel engines are more efficient per gallon as opposed to gas engines, getting better miles per gallon mileage ratios.  This is because diesel fuel has a higher energy density than gasoline.  However, gas engines initially have a lower cost and are lighter in weight than diesel engines.

When choosing between a diesel or gasoline vehicle, consider how you plan to use it.  If you want quick, quiet acceleration and don’t plan on towing often, then go for the gasoline engine.  The gasoline engine runs smoother, vibrates less, and is less expensive for short term maintenance.  If you value fuel economy and plan to tow many miles, go for the diesel.

For more information about Service King, visit www.ServiceKing.com. Follow Service King’s news on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Posted in Driving Tips, Educational/Informational, Service King | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Service King: West Supplies Drop-off Locations

Posted on April 18, 2013 by ServiceKing

SK

Waco and Dallas-Forth Worth Area Service King Locations Collecting Donations for West, Texas Explosion Victims

The Service King Collision Repair Centers team would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to our neighbors in the city of West, Texas, in the aftermath of last night’s deadly explosion. To help aid the victims and relief efforts, both Service King locations in Waco and the Dallas-Forth Worth area will be collecting the following supplies for the American Red Cross:

  • Bottled water, Gatorade
  • Non-perishable food items
  • Toiletries
  • Baby items – including diapers
  • Bedding, blankets, pillows
  • Towels
  • Relief and cleaning supplies

To find a location nearest you, pleas click here. Locations are open and accepting donations Monday – Friday from 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Saturday 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

Service King Collision Repair Centers thanks the community for helping support their neighbors in the city of West, Texas. If you have any questions, please contact: Sabrina Zeornes at 512-635-5378.

 

Posted in Educational/Informational, Team Members | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Timing: Belts, Chains, or Gears

Posted on April 16, 2013 by ServiceKing

Belt

Belts

The timing belt is part of an internal combustion engine that controls timing within the engine’s valves and connects the crankshaft to the camshaft.  For instance, in a four stroke engine, the timing belt opens and closes the valves once every other revolution of the crankshaft.  The crankshaft and camshaft are synchronized and may contribute to other engine components such as the oil pump or water pump.  Timing gears and timing chains also work in a similar fashion and must be subjected to regular maintenance.  Timing belts typically fail due to stripped teeth or unraveling.

Chain

Chains

Timing chains were popular until the 1970s and 1980s when they were replaced by timing belts.  Certain manufacturers still prefer timing chains over timing belts due to their durability as they do not have to be replaced as often as belts. Indicators that a timing chain needs to be replaced include a rattling noise at the front of the vehicle near the engine.  Both timing belts and timing chains allow greater flexibility throughout the crankshaft and camshaft as opposed to timing gears.

Gears

Gears

Timing gears are rather constrictive as they require the crankshaft and camshaft to be very close in location.  Most engine designers prefer a chain drive over a direct gear drive because gear drives frequently have torque reversal that causes excessive noise and wear.  However when a direct timing gear drive must be used, fibre gears are preferred to steel gears.  Timing gears do last longer than timing belts or chains.

Although timing chains and gears are more durable, the rubber timing belts are quieter when operated.  Additionally, they are less expensive, more efficient, and do not require lubrication.

Consult your manufacturer’s specifications for the recommended frequency/distance between timing belt/gear/chain replacement.

For more information about Service King, visit www.ServiceKing.com. Follow Service King’s news on Facebook and Twitter.

Posted in Car Mechanic, Certified Auto Technician, Classic Cars, Driving Tips, Educational/Informational | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment