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How Your Car Slows To A Stop

When it all comes down to it, the master cylinder is one of the most important parts of an automobile. If it fails, you are going to have to be able to understand exactly what’s going on. The master cylinder is a prevention tool that has been put into place for the braking systems on vehicles. It is a remarkable creation, considering that it helps prevent the brakes from failing. Below, I’ll explain the basics regarding how this part works.

Basic Operation Of The Master Cylinder

Each set of wheels is broken up into their own circuit. When one circuit fails, the other one will still work which allows the vehicle to be able to stop on one set of brakes.

The master cylinder is what pressurizes each circuit. When a brake pedal is depressed, this part will use a linkage in order to push on the primary piston. When the primary piston is pushed, pressure will begin to increase in the master cylinder and brake lines. How much pressure is built depends upon how far down the pedal is being pressed. The primary and secondary piston work together in order to compress the fluid into the secondary circuit. If your brakes are working correctly, the pressure within both circuits will be similar.

When a circuit leaks, that line won’t be able to hold pressure. Even though the other circuit will be able to work, the driver may just have to push down a little bit further on the pedal in order to trigger it effectively. If you have a leaking circuit, it is crucial that you get it fixed urgently.

Learning About Your Vehicle

The fact that so many people are unaware that the master cylinder even exists – much less understand its operation – is a testimony to the low level of knowledge that most motorists have about their vehicles. As you know, my goal in these articles is to slowly develop a core of automotive information that you can draw upon when your car is experiencing problems. Too often, drivers are unwilling to challenge the suggestions of mechanics, even if those suggestions make little sense.

In future articles, we’ll continue to dig under the hood to examine other car parts that are an integral part of your vehicle’s operation. In most cases, people stand to gain enormous benefit from educating themselves. Occasionally, their safety on the road may depend upon it.

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2 More Common Goofs When Purchasing A Car

If you’re joining me for the first time, you’ll have missed my previous column that explained 2 of the most common mistakes that people make when buying a car (or, truck or SUV). We talked about how a lot of prospective buyers seem far more willing to spend money on a new vehicle than our parents were. I also explained the danger of letting the dealership salesperson mix the numbers (i.e. trade-in value, monthly payments, sticker price, etc.) when negotiating the price. Those 2 mistakes alone can end up costing thousands of dollars needlessly.

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Today, I’m going to describe 2 more goofs. As I mentioned in my previous article, my goal is to make you aware of things that can drain your bank account unnecessarily. Remember, these are common mistakes. Millions of people make them. Once you learn about them, you’ll be less likely to make them yourself.

#1 – Missing Your Driving Needs

Every dealership is filled with hundreds of great-looking vehicles. The lot can be seductive. In fact, it often is. For example, guys might be attracted to a sleek car that’s low to the ground and offers 400 horsepower. Of course, their pregnant wife at home may feel differently, especially when the baby is born.

Think about your driving routine. If you’re commuting 100 miles to the office each day, consider buying a fuel-efficient model. If you need space for transporting things, think about purchasing a truck or SUV. And of course, if you have small children, they’ll need to actually fit in your car.

#2 – Not Shopping Around

I have friends who will spend a month before choosing a DVD player, yet will only visit one dealer before buying a car. Vehicles are not like bars of soap. A Toyota Corolla at one dealer can carry a far different price than the same Corolla at another dealer. The reason is partially economic. A lot of prospective buyers don’t realize this, but MSRPs usually reflect the income level of the surrounding community. For example, a Ford Expedition at a dealership in Beverly Hills will usually carry a higher sticker price than the same Expedition in lower-scale cities. Shop around.

The Salesperson Is Not Your Friend

It’s important to remember that the folks who want to sell you a car are more than willing to overlook the fact that a particular model won’t meet your driving needs. They’re also very unlikely to say, “You know, you can buy this exact model in the next town over for less.” They may be friendly, but they’re not your friend. Ultimately, avoiding the 2 mistakes above is solely in your hands.

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Overview Of Car Parts In An Emissions System

The emissions system is one of the areas that most drivers happily ignore. They might diligently have the oil in their cars changed every 5,000 miles. And they may replace the filters religiously. But, when it comes to the parts and components that comprise their emissions system, many people close their eyes and hope for the best. The problem is that there are a lot of parts that contribute to that area and things can go wrong with each of them. When they malfunction, which can happen as your vehicle ages, the fuel-efficiency and performance of your car can suffer dramatically.

Today, I’ll provide you with a quick overview of the components that make up your vehicle’s emissions system. I’ll also explain the tasks for which they’re responsible, and what can happen to them over time.

Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter is supposed to help eliminate hydrocarbons that are in the exhaust. There are several chemicals within the part that allow it to perform this function. However, those chemicals don’t last forever; they diminish with constant use. When they’re exhausted (no pun intended), your vehicle can fail an emissions test. Just remember, a catalytic converter may look fine, but the chemicals within can be depleted.

The Muffler

Very few people ever think about their car’s muffler and when they do, it’s normally in the context of how their engine sounds without it. In truth, the muffler plays an important role in managing the pressure that results from your engine’s combustion process. Plus, it also helps the catalytic converter regulate the temperature at which it burns hydrocarbons.

Oxygen Sensor

Your engine requires both gas and oxygen during combustion. Its operational efficiency depends largely on the mixture of both elements. When there’s too much oxygen present, the exhaust will contain too many hydrocarbons, causing the catalytic converter to work harder. Your car’s oxygen sensor helps to regulate the mixture of gas and air used during combustion. However, they can wear out quickly, so plan to change the sensor every 4 or 5 years (of course, double-check your owner’s manual).

PCV Valve

PCV values are relatively cheap and they perform a simple function, but they’re critical to your car’s emissions. The crankcase has a tendency to accumulate gases. The valve’s job is to redirect those gases over to the intake manifold. If that doesn’t happen, the fumes contained inside the crankcase can “dirty” your vehicle’s exhaust. PCV valves can get blocked or clogged over the years, so you’ll need to replace it periodically. But, it’s a simple job and doesn’t take much time.

A Team Of Car Parts

The components that I’ve mentioned above work as a team in order to clean up your vehicle’s emissions. That means if one component malfunctions, the effectiveness of the others can be impacted. Have them checked the next time you visit your mechanic. By keeping the entire system in good shape, you’ll enjoy better fuel-efficiency and performance.

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