Daniel Dillon
Daniel Dillon 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 Daniel Dillon
The timing belt tensioner maintains appropriate tension in the timing belt. The tensioner can use spring tension or hydraulic pressure to properly tension the belt.
The timing belt tensioner maintains appropriate tension in the timing belt. The tensioner can use spring tension or hydraulic pressure to properly tension the belt.
Rear oxygen sensors are key components of the vehicle's exhaust system and monitor the efficiency of the catalytic converter. .
Rear oxygen sensors are key components of the vehicle's exhaust system and monitor the efficiency of the catalytic converter. .
Glow plugs are part of a diesel engine starting system. They add intense heat to the combustion chamber to help start the engine when it is cold.
Glow plugs are part of a diesel engine starting system. They add intense heat to the combustion chamber to help start the engine when it is cold.
The oil pressure switch is usually located on the engine block, often near the oil filter, and warns the driver whenever the oil pressure gets too low by illuminating a red oil light in the instrument cluster. Some vehicles use an oil pressure gauge in place of, or in addition to, a red oil light.
The oil pressure switch is usually located on the engine block, often near the oil filter, and warns the driver whenever the oil pressure gets too low by illuminating a red oil light in the instrument cluster. Some vehicles use an oil pressure gauge in place of, or in addition to, a red oil light.
All drivers know that to stop a vehicle, you press the brake pedal. But how does the pedal make the vehicle stop? Brake systems slow and stop the vehicle by applying pressure to rotating brake discs and/or brake drums, which are attached to each wheel.
All drivers know that to stop a vehicle, you press the brake pedal. But how does the pedal make the vehicle stop? Brake systems slow and stop the vehicle by applying pressure to rotating brake discs and/or brake drums, which are attached to each wheel.
The evaporative emission control (EVAP) system captures gasoline fumes and other emissions produced when fuel evaporates within the gas tank or fuel system. The EVAP system then returns these vapors to the combustion process to keep harmful chemicals from reaching the air when the vehicle is not running.
The evaporative emission control (EVAP) system captures gasoline fumes and other emissions produced when fuel evaporates within the gas tank or fuel system. The EVAP system then returns these vapors to the combustion process to keep harmful chemicals from reaching the air when the vehicle is not running.
There is a stunning statistic that was related to me at a recent Emissions Tech 2009 update class. Nationwide, over 60% of all the Catalytic Converters replaced in order for a vehicle to pass an emissions test are failing less than six months later--in fact, the catalytic converters are failing so severely that six months later, the new CAT and vehicle will again fail the emissions test.
There is a stunning statistic that was related to me at a recent Emissions Tech 2009 update class. Nationwide, over 60% of all the Catalytic Converters replaced in order for a vehicle to pass an emissions test are failing less than six months later--in fact, the catalytic converters are failing so severely that six months later, the new CAT and vehicle will again fail the emissions test.
About 1-2 times per week I am put in the position of having to explain why a vehicle has poor braking performance when the brakes were just serviced or repaired 1-2 weeks ago by another shop. Typically the brakes are noisy--either squeaking or making a bothersome rubbing sound when applied.
About 1-2 times per week I am put in the position of having to explain why a vehicle has poor braking performance when the brakes were just serviced or repaired 1-2 weeks ago by another shop. Typically the brakes are noisy--either squeaking or making a bothersome rubbing sound when applied.
For years I have taken it for granted that there had to be different grades of gasoline at the pump in order for your vehicle to run properly. I used to drive a very high performance Camaro that required the highest octane fuel available because this vehicle had over 300 horsepower after it had been modified and Dynamometer tuned by a well known speed shop.
For years I have taken it for granted that there had to be different grades of gasoline at the pump in order for your vehicle to run properly. I used to drive a very high performance Camaro that required the highest octane fuel available because this vehicle had over 300 horsepower after it had been modified and Dynamometer tuned by a well known speed shop.
As of January 2, 2008 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is being sued by The State of California in the hope of overturning a denial for a waiver under The Clean Air Act to set stricter Emission Control standards. There are potentially another 13-15 States ready to join California in this lawsuit.
As of January 2, 2008 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is being sued by The State of California in the hope of overturning a denial for a waiver under The Clean Air Act to set stricter Emission Control standards. There are potentially another 13-15 States ready to join California in this lawsuit.
The issue of trust and Automotive Repair Shops has been in the news for years. I live in the SF Bay Area and about every 6 months one of the major, network-affiliated TV stations will do an undercover sting-like "expose" about Auto Repair Shops "ripping off" the public.
The issue of trust and Automotive Repair Shops has been in the news for years. I live in the SF Bay Area and about every 6 months one of the major, network-affiliated TV stations will do an undercover sting-like "expose" about Auto Repair Shops "ripping off" the public.
How the Oil Life Monitor System Works When the oil is ready to be changed, the system may warn the driver with alerts that are posted in the instrument cluster, which will say something like "15 percent of oil life remains." When the oil change is actually due, the alert will say “0 percent oil life remains; oil change is due" or the change oil light will illuminate each time the vehicle is started.
How the Oil Life Monitor System Works When the oil is ready to be changed, the system may warn the driver with alerts that are posted in the instrument cluster, which will say something like "15 percent of oil life remains." When the oil change is actually due, the alert will say “0 percent oil life remains; oil change is due" or the change oil light will illuminate each time the vehicle is started.
Our automotive experts have put together the following information about the P0401 diagnostic trouble code. We've provided the common symptoms that occur when this code is set along with the frequent repairs that address the issues related to the P0401 code.
Our automotive experts have put together the following information about the P0401 diagnostic trouble code. We've provided the common symptoms that occur when this code is set along with the frequent repairs that address the issues related to the P0401 code.
Our automotive experts have put together the following information about the P0420 diagnostic trouble code. We've provided the common symptoms that occur when this code is set along with the frequent repairs that address the issues related to the P0420 code.
Our automotive experts have put together the following information about the P0420 diagnostic trouble code. We've provided the common symptoms that occur when this code is set along with the frequent repairs that address the issues related to the P0420 code.
Our automotive experts have put together the following information about the P0440 diagnostic trouble code. We've provided the common symptoms that occur when this code is set along with the frequent repairs that address the issues related to the P0440 code.
Our automotive experts have put together the following information about the P0440 diagnostic trouble code. We've provided the common symptoms that occur when this code is set along with the frequent repairs that address the issues related to the P0440 code.