Sunday, August 14, 2016

What Is an Automotive Diagnosis ? | Joe & Tony's Service Inc.

In the medical arena, the definition of a diagnosis is pretty clear cut - you go to a trained professional and are told what ails you. In the automotive industry, the lines have been blurred. The availability of on-line advice and parts store willingness to scan a vehicle free of charge has changed the driving public's perception of the most important first step in the repair of a vehicle.

Auto repair facilities themselves subscribe to databases that aggregate repair information from shops worldwide. Those same shops belong to automotive forums, trade groups and have accumulated relationships within their communities all of which they use to inform their decisions about what is needed to repair your car. But the written or spoken word (to date) has never, by itself, repaired a vehicle.

All accurate information is helpful in the hands of a committed technician whose first priority has become the most expedient and economical repair of your vehicle. It is the notion that one piece of information whether acquired from an online source, water cooler talk, or a first-cousin once removed can be a magic bullet, which causes angina for technicians. Unfortunately, that "one piece" of data is just that and does not constitute a diagnosis much less a repair path.

A true diagnosis combines information from a number of sources including the owner's experiences and perceptions, measurable data of the vehicle's performance gleaned in real-time through the use of sophisticated diagnostic equipment and a look at the vehicle's Achilles Heels which is available through industry repair aggregators. But this only generates a theory, not a diagnosis not to mention a repair.

The diagnosis then needs to be verified. Technicians use a number of methods to confirm a suspected failure ranging from manipulating a component through the use of a tool to something as low-tech as a wiggle test. Remember, all this effort is going into a diagnosis- the first step. So, when you are certain that you know you have struck diagnostic gold on the internet, be reminded of that old saw, "When you're carrying a hammer everything looks like a nail."      



 

 




Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Vehicle Conditions That You Can't Tolerate | Joe & Tony's Service Inc.

We would like to see you always respond to deficiencies in your vehicle. That's what we do- make those things right. However, we do understand that there is competition for your available funds and that sometimes auto repair and servicing must take a back seat to  a clogged sewer line or moving expenses. But sometimes you must push car problems to the top of the list or take it off the road.

So when do you have to make a choice between getting your car fixed and walking to work? Please understand that this is not an all-inclusive list, but rather some problems that you may experience and not realize their gravity.


  • Fuel Leak- The odor of fuel must be tended to immediately. If it's under the hood there are numerous sources of ignition ranging from the heat of the engine to hundreds of electrical connections. If it's an exterior leak the ignition could be almost anything in the nearby environment.  
  • Bald Tire- Driving on a badly compromised tire is like walking around with the pin pulled on a hand grenade. It's only a matter of time before something is going to happen and it can't be good. Bulges in tires, visible steel cord, ply separations and smooth tires should all trigger the same sense of concern.
  • Flashing Check Engine Light- The Malfunction Indicator Lamp or Check Engine Light is designed to illuminate when a diagnostic trouble code is set in your vehicle's Powertrain Control module or computer. If the light is on constantly it's important to know the cause, but if it begins to blink you should pull over and get the car towed. The higher level of concern that is represented when the light begins to flash could mean that damage to the engine is imminent.
  • Low Oil or High Temp Indicator- The low oil light is signified by an oil bottle. When it lights up, safely drive to the side of the road or to a service facility and check and add motor oil before resuming your trip. If the "Hot" light comes on or the temperature gauge goes up to "H" you must stop driving the vehicle and get it towed. The mechanical consequences of running a car while hot far exceed any inconvenience that might be incurred.
There are more instances when vehicles should not be driven, many of which are signaled by  noise or visible evidence such as a leaking fluid. The point is that care should be taken to be aware of what's going on with your vehicle and respond accordingly. 

Bald Tire with Cord Showing on Edges

             

Friday, February 12, 2016

Knowing When You Need Help | Joe & Tony's Service Inc.

Every driver has had experiences when a decision has to be made as to whether to continue on or seek help. I was reminded of this one morning this week when I was greeted by a Chevy HHR that wasn't there when I left the night before. The owner called to say she had gotten a message on her Driver Information Center that said, " Car Slowing Down Can't Get Traction."

She prudently heeded the DIC message by pulling to the side of the road and ultimately calling for a tow truck. She did this while taking note of the conditions of the failure and eventually conveying them accurately to us. The result was that no one was endangered and the vehicle problem was resolved with no further damage to the vehicle.

The tension between attempting to reach our destination and seeking help was demonstrated to me when my wife and I were traveling to Virginia this past Christmas Eve. In six lanes of stop and go traffic on the Capitol Beltway (I-495) our Tucson's transmission went south and like the HHR would not accelerate. What to do? The answer was to ease our way from the fast lane to the nearest exit and work something out. This whole experience gave me a much better appreciation of our customers' stress over vehicle failure episodes.

By comparison, consider the "tire" pictured here or should I say the remnants of it? The entire sidewall is gone and only the tread area remains. This only happens when a tire is driven flat for miles and the wheel cuts away the tire 's rubber. What could have the driver been thinking? Could the cost of a tow truck or the prospect of being late for an appointment have been the reason he would continue on? And what danger was he imposing on himself, his passengers and those on the road with him that day?
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