Andy Y
Andy Y is an automotive expert at RepairPal, the leading online source of auto repair resources and estimates. With many ASE Master certified mechanics on staff who have decades of experience, RepairPal knows all the fine points of car repair.
Posts by Andy Y
Clutch fluid is nothing more than conventional brake fluid. It will absorb moisture from the air, so it should be flushed on a yearly or bi-annual basis.
Clutch fluid is nothing more than conventional brake fluid. It will absorb moisture from the air, so it should be flushed on a yearly or bi-annual basis.
We are thrilled to have a world-class team of ASE-certified, factory-trained and certified, and state-licensed master technicians here at RepairPal. Over the last year, we’ve assembled a group of individuals with extensive background in the automotive world.
We are thrilled to have a world-class team of ASE-certified, factory-trained and certified, and state-licensed master technicians here at RepairPal. Over the last year, we’ve assembled a group of individuals with extensive background in the automotive world.
Kudos and a big congratulations to Troubleshooter and Ron M. Both correctly answered the question "What's the most complex car at RepairPal?" The BMW 7 series, the Mercedes-Benz S class, and the Lexus LS600h Hybrid are in a dead heat to be the most complex vehicle we've encountered.
Kudos and a big congratulations to Troubleshooter and Ron M. Both correctly answered the question "What's the most complex car at RepairPal?" The BMW 7 series, the Mercedes-Benz S class, and the Lexus LS600h Hybrid are in a dead heat to be the most complex vehicle we've encountered.
Test Only Smog Check stations are licensed by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) to conduct smog inspections. Other than gas cap replacement, no other emission-related diagnosis or repairs are allowed.
Test Only Smog Check stations are licensed by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) to conduct smog inspections. Other than gas cap replacement, no other emission-related diagnosis or repairs are allowed.
A Gold Shield Smog Check Test and Repair Center is a specially monitored Smog Check Test and Repair station that meets the state of California's highest emission diagnosis and repair standards. A Gold Shield station can perform everything but the referee functions, including re-certifying gross polluter and tampered vehicles, and performing test only initial smog checks and CAP diagnosis and repairs.
A Gold Shield Smog Check Test and Repair Center is a specially monitored Smog Check Test and Repair station that meets the state of California's highest emission diagnosis and repair standards. A Gold Shield station can perform everything but the referee functions, including re-certifying gross polluter and tampered vehicles, and performing test only initial smog checks and CAP diagnosis and repairs.
Referee centers provide consumers the opportunity to receive an independent check and evaluation of their vehicle. .
Referee centers provide consumers the opportunity to receive an independent check and evaluation of their vehicle. .
Tampered refers to an emission control system that has been modified, is missing, or is disconnected. There is no cost limit to repair this condition.
Tampered refers to an emission control system that has been modified, is missing, or is disconnected. There is no cost limit to repair this condition.
We heard some great answers to our last question, Which vehicle has one of the most expensive regular maintenance services? They included an oil change on a Ferrari Enzo and any service for a Bugatti Veyron. If you've had any of these services performed, please let us know how much you paid.
We heard some great answers to our last question, Which vehicle has one of the most expensive regular maintenance services? They included an oil change on a Ferrari Enzo and any service for a Bugatti Veyron. If you've had any of these services performed, please let us know how much you paid.
When the engine is operating (usually under load), the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system captures any oil vapor or raw hydrocarbons that may escape past the piston rings into the crankcase during combustion. The PCV system is a set of tubes, containers, and one-way PCV valves designed to capture, hold, and recycle these vapors back into the combustion process, where they are burned as fuel.
When the engine is operating (usually under load), the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system captures any oil vapor or raw hydrocarbons that may escape past the piston rings into the crankcase during combustion. The PCV system is a set of tubes, containers, and one-way PCV valves designed to capture, hold, and recycle these vapors back into the combustion process, where they are burned as fuel.
Drivability is a term that is bandied about in the automotive service and repair business, but what does it really mean? The term drivability is really a two-word term rooted in the words "drive" and "able." Reverse these words for a clearer understanding—able to drive.
Drivability is a term that is bandied about in the automotive service and repair business, but what does it really mean? The term drivability is really a two-word term rooted in the words "drive" and "able." Reverse these words for a clearer understanding—able to drive.
Generally, the term "misfire" refers to an incomplete combustion process inside the cylinder. When this becomes severe enough, the driver will feel a jerking action from the engine or powertrain.
Generally, the term "misfire" refers to an incomplete combustion process inside the cylinder. When this becomes severe enough, the driver will feel a jerking action from the engine or powertrain.
"Pinging" is the metallic rattling sound an engine can make when accelerating. It usually occurs when the vehicle pulls away from a stop and the engine is under a lot of load.
"Pinging" is the metallic rattling sound an engine can make when accelerating. It usually occurs when the vehicle pulls away from a stop and the engine is under a lot of load.
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system recycles a small amount of exhaust gas from the exhaust system and mixes it with the intake manifold air going into the combustion chambers. The addition of this inert (or non-combustible) exhaust gas limits the peak combustion temperatures to a range that is below 2500° F, where the formation of nitrogen oxide (NOx) is known to occur.
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system recycles a small amount of exhaust gas from the exhaust system and mixes it with the intake manifold air going into the combustion chambers. The addition of this inert (or non-combustible) exhaust gas limits the peak combustion temperatures to a range that is below 2500° F, where the formation of nitrogen oxide (NOx) is known to occur.
The secondary air system is designed to add oxygen to the exhaust gases to aid in the final "burn off" of the emissions. Fresh air is pumped into the exhaust by either an electrical/mechanical pump or a special one-way reed valve that utilizes the pulsing of the exhaust from the piston firings to suck the fresh air into the exhaust system.
The secondary air system is designed to add oxygen to the exhaust gases to aid in the final "burn off" of the emissions. Fresh air is pumped into the exhaust by either an electrical/mechanical pump or a special one-way reed valve that utilizes the pulsing of the exhaust from the piston firings to suck the fresh air into the exhaust system.
What does the brake fluid level warning light mean? Most vehicles today are equipped with a brake fluid level warning light. The warning indicator is linked to a float and electrical switch in the master cylinder reservoir.
What does the brake fluid level warning light mean? Most vehicles today are equipped with a brake fluid level warning light. The warning indicator is linked to a float and electrical switch in the master cylinder reservoir.