subject: Car Repairs Yourself [print this page] An engine compression test enables you to determine the condition of the internal parts, how well the valves and pistons are sealing and the sealing of the "combustion chamber" or chambers. Unless engine-compression readings are within the automobile maker's specifications engine performance cannot be or seldom be improved with an auto tuneup.
Check oil level. Add oil if dipstick shows it at or below the ADD mark. Change oil if it is "dirty" or if you feel that a change is due. Depending on driving patterns and personal preferences some change oil by time - how many months , while others do it by mileage driven. A vacuum test can help you spot vacuum leaks in the intake manifold ( or in older vintage automobiles and vehicles - the carburetor). As your car ages it needs more frequent service. The engine requiring an oil-and-filter change at 6,000 mile intervals when new, may require it at 4,000 mile intervals after 50,000 to 60 k. Engine wear permits greater leaks of combustion products and exhaust gasses into the crankcase thus contaminating the oil.
In the case of diesel engines - such as VW diesel motor, the Volkswagen diesel develops much higher compression than a gasoline engine variety setup. The typical gas engine will run satisfactorily with cranking compression as low 90 psi whereas the VW Diesel should withstand pressures in the ranges of 400 to 500 pounds per square inch to raise the temperatures high enough to ignite diesel fuel to power up the engine. Some services need to be done only once or twice a year. If you drive under conditions and cover from 10 to 12 twelve thousand ( 10,000 - 12,000) miles a year. These are often called "seasonal checks", and many of them are somewhat unnecessary because of varying weather conditions in different parts of the country. Some may be essential in colder climates such as Northern Minnesota or Alberta Canada, yet not essential or required in the southern US states. Many motorists use the seasonal changes as a reminder to make other checks. Always note and remember that these are simply "guidelines". If for instance, your car begins to show symptoms of needing a tuneup in the middle of August, you should not wait until late fall to do the work.
For example what of engine oil burning as a common automotive issue & problem ? In the case of VW diesel engines its an entirely different manner than standard gasoline powered engine powerplants. Conventional compression gauges with their 250 to 300 psi limit will not do. VW supplies a model that not only reads 600 lbs per sq inch, but provides a roll of paper and an automatic marking pen ( in place of standard indicator needle) to provide a permanent record of compression readings. Of course in the new millennium electronic versions are available at your local Canadian tire outlet store. Car oil varies from four quarts to seven. The owner's manual and markings on the dipstick will inform you how much oil that your auto requires and needs. The thickness of an oil ( also called or referred to as its viscosity). The standard procedure by the society of Auto Engineers (SAE), is to number the oils according to viscosities. Generally the higher the number , the thicker the oil. All numbers are preceded by the letters SAE, the abbreviation for the accepted professional and trade society that sets "the standard" employed. If the number is followed by the letter "W" , the thickness was measured at zero degrees (0), if no letter follows then it was done at 210 degrees F. Engine oil loses its ability to lubricate properly , when it becomes contaminated with dirt drawn in with outside ambient air. metal particles from engine wear and of course by products of combustion.
No doubt about it. With the engine running and in operating temperatures, check the following weekly
1) Automatic transmission fluid
2)Refrigerant charge in air conditioner unit
3) Fluid leaks - be it car, truck or SUV for basic transportation & transporting them to and from their job or place of employment for their basic income. Basic and simple checks should be done each and every day. If however you skip a day , be sure to add this list to your list of weekly checks. Check 1) lights
