Explained: The working of a car

The prerequisites to rational decision-making are information and knowledge. This is the reason why elderly people are considered 'wise'; we assume they must be having mountains of information and knowledge given the experience they have. However, what if I tell you, just information and knowledge are not enough? What is more important is 'context'.

Once you put the information and knowledge in the right context, then only can you make the right decisions. This blog is all about how your car works, so you can put this information in the context of maintaining it. Also, maintaining your car properly will not only enhance its performance but your experience too.

A car, in the simplest terms, is an energy-conversion machine. It converts the energy from the input (fuel) into a force that moves the wheels. A car consists of many essential components and systems that coordinate together to form a modern-privatised transportation machine.

Major systems of a car:

• Engine and transmission
• Braking
• Suspension
• Exhaust

For now, let's have a look at the Engine and Braking system.

Engine

When you open the hood of your car and view the engine, what you will see is a big jumble of metal, tubes, and wires. It is quite confusing. Let's see how it works.

The engine is the heart of your car. It does the primary function of converting heat energy into kinetic energy. In simpler words, the engine converts fuel into motion. This is done by burning the fuel inside the engine, hence the name 'internal combustion engine', signifying that the combustion takes place inside the engine. There are two important things to note here:

• There are various types of engines which have their own advantages and disadvantages. For example, diesel engines, gas turbine engines, and HEMI engines.
• There is such a thing known as an 'external combustion engine'. The most relatable example is the steam engine.

How does internal combustion function?

The engine consists of combustion chambers, piston, crankshaft, intake valve, exhaust valve, and spark plug. The intake valve flows fuel and air into the combustion chamber, and the spark plug ignites it causing thousands of controlled explosions; the fuel expands due to the explosions and causes the piston to move. The piston is connected to a crankshaft. The crankshaft starts rotating due to motion. Hence, the engine converts heat energy into kinetic energy, or to be precise, fuel into motion. This is the motion the wheel requires to move. The transmission system moves the rotation power in the engine to the wheels. This is done through the clutch and the gearbox.

Now that we know how an engine functions, let's try to understand the possible problems you can face with it.

The big three problems

As said earlier, an engine is a big jumble of metal, wires, and tubes. Even minor maladjustment can create problems. However, there are usually three categories of problems that the engine faces- bad fuel mix, lack of compression, and lack of spark.

Bad fuel mix: This means the problem is related to fuel. There are a number of possibilities like:

• Your car is out of fuel
• Clogged air intake
• Fuel system supplying too much or too little fuel
• Impurity in the fuel

Lack of compression: When the explosions occur inside the chamber, it is necessary for the engine to compress those in order to move the piston. If the charge of air and fuel lacks compression, the combustion process will not be successful. Lack of compression can occur due to the following reasons.

• Worn out piston rings
• Intake or exhaust valves are not sealing properly
• Hole in the cylinder

Lack of compression can be caused due to a 'leak' in the engine system.

Lack of spark: The following are the possible reasons for a lack of spark.

• Worn out spark plug or wire
• Discrepancy in ignition timing
• Dead battery

There are other factors to keep in mind too. For example, how engine timing works, the cooling system, ancillary parts, and how or when the intake and exhaust valves are opening and closing.

Braking

The braking system can be considered the most vital in a car because it ensures your safety. However, how it functions is quite fascinating. Have you ever wondered how does a minute force on the brake pedal stop a car that is moving at a fast speed? The answer, again, is in energy conversion and multiplication. The braking system, like every other system in a car, uses basic principles of physics- hydraulics, and friction. There are different units in a braking system that work in coordination to multiply the force from you apply on a brake pedal. They are the following-

• Energy-supplying device
• Control device
• Transmission device
• The brake

Energy-supplying device: This device supplies and adjusts the energy required for braking. It uses force from the driver (when s/he pushes the brake pedal) and kinetic energy from the engine together. The braking force is assisted by atmospheric pressure, vacuum, or hydraulic pressure.

Control device: The brake pedal

Transmission device: This usually refers to the hydraulic system. A transmission device converts and multiplies the force being used.

Brake: A brake is a mechanical unit in itself. In simple words, the brakes use friction to stop the wheels. Let's try to understand the brakes in detail. It consists of a piston, callipers, brake pads, rotor, and hub. The piston is attached to the hydraulic system. So as we push the brake pedal, it causes the piston to move. This motion, in turn, makes brake pads (attached to callipers) to tightly stick with the rotor (which is connected to the wheel through a hub). The friction is the force that stops the motion of the wheels.

How to maintain the braking system?

Unless someone wants to risk an accident, it is wise to check and maintain the braking system regularly. Let's see how it can be done.

Brake callipers, pads, and rotors: The efficiency of the braking system mainly depends on how well the callipers, pads, and rotors work together. It is necessary to get them checked regularly considering the wear on the pads. Even though it depends on the usage of the car, one should know the average life of these parts.

Brake fluid: Good quality brake fluid is required for the hydraulic system (transmission) to work correctly. Check the brake fluid regularly and get it changed approximately every two years.

A leak in the hydraulic system: If there's a leak in the hydraulic system, there'll be a lack of compression, and hence, the piston won't move properly. Hence, get the hydraulic system checked if your brakes are not working properly.

Suspension

The suspension system is to provide safe handling and maximum traction while being able to sustain passenger comfort. This is the basic requirement expected out of a suspension system. To accomplish this, it uses various tools. For example, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, etc. All the components must work together to enhance the ride quality and handling characteristics that are expected by the driver and passengers.

Functions of the suspension system

• Reducing bump and shock
• Good handling and control
• Comfort of the driver and passengers

How does this happen? The tyres must be able to rise and fall relative to the body, in order to allow the springs and shocks to reduce the bump and road shock. Springs and shocks are installed to absorb energy that is created by a bump. They ensure a smooth ride while not allowing the uncontrolled movement of the tyres.

The suspension system also handles the movements caused due to acceleration, braking, and cornering. The springs also ensure an adequate height of the vehicle. Also, a crucial area concerning the suspension system is the alignment of the wheels. Any minor maladjustment in the suspension system can cause wear or damage to other parts of the car. We can say that the suspension system ensures balance and maintains the proper functioning of the car as a whole.

If you face problems with handling and control, or you feel that your vehicle is not able to absorb shocks, it's wise to visit your nearest garage. Carelessness with the suspension system can cost to a pretty penny.

Exhaust

The exhaust system has a relatively simple function, but it is vital for preventive measures and safety. There are a lot of harmful gases that are released due to the reactions in the engine. These gases need to let out of the vehicle safely . This is what the exhaust system does. It consists of an exhaust manifold, heat riser, exhaust pipe, catalytic converter, muffler, and tailpipe.

Exhaust manifold: It collects the residue from the engine cylinders to direct them to the exhaust pipe.

Heat riser: It is a valve that transfers a small amount of exhaust gases to the heat stove. The heat stove provides help in vaporising the air/fuel mixture making through the intake manifold.

Exhaust pipe: The function of the exhaust pipe is to safely transfer the exhaust gases from the exhaust manifold to the catalytic converter, and also, reducing noise.

Catalytic converter: This component is important for emission control. The catalytic converter converts harmful carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water vapour. Some converters also change nitrogen oxides into oxygen and nitrogen. By law, the catalytic converter must be installed on a vehicle.

Muffler: It reduces noise by letting the exhaust gases expand. The expansion flows and cools the exhaust gas flow. This reduces noise without obstructing the flow of gases.

If you hear unusual sporty noise while starting your vehicle, there's probably a leak in the exhaust system. Leaks can be dangerous, and it is wise to ask your mechanic to thoroughly check the exhaust system whenever you send your car for maintenance.

If you require Car Service Northampton, you can visit us at Jackson's MOT Centre.

Read More : What is alarming about car air conditioning

SHOULD CAR’S AIR CONDITIONER BE USED IN WINTERS?

Whenever we speak of car’s air conditioner, a fact that naturally follows is that it is a system that is to be used in the summers only for providing us with comfortably chilly atmosphere whenever we drive our car. We often are in a dilemma of whether we should use the car’s air conditioning system in the winters or not. With all the hesitation and plain logic of not needing the AC in the winters leads most of us towards not using our air conditioner in the winters. There are a lot of myths and taboos associated with using the air conditioner in the winters. Some drivers believe that not using the AC in the winters or decreasing its use extends its lifespan while in reality, it may be just the opposite.

The answer to the question if one should be using the air conditioner in winters or not is without giving a second thought, yes!

Often, we don’t tend to realise that there is a lot more to the car’s air conditioner than just providing the cooling effect. A lot of people think that it is foolish to use the car’s air conditioning system when the whole place is already covered in a blanket of snow, what is even the need! But only a few acknowledge the fact that there is absolutely no disadvantage to using the air conditioner during the winters. To one’s surprise, using your cooling system in the winters has a lot of benefits, and its usage as a daily maintenance practice helps you save a lot on your repair bill in the future.

Along with all the other purposes that it serves, an AC of a car is also meant to blow out dry air. The hot and dry air coming from the cooling system can be used to remove the mist from the windows. The window gets foggy in the winters due to water condensing over it. In such a case, you should set your car’s temperature setting at hot and then use the air conditioning system. It would help defrosting your window panes and thus, acts as a dehumidifier.

When we speak of different car components, most of the cars have to move to do what they are meant for. Similarly, the car’s conditioning system is also made up of such parts and components which are supposed to be moving to assure their well being, just like the human body. So to avoid the components of the air conditioning system from getting jammed or clogged, it is important to use it regularly.

Also, for the cooling system of your car to function correctly, you need coolant and some amount of oil in the conditioning system. As mentioned earlier, you should keep the conditioning system moving which would help in getting the liquid to flow from time to time, and ensuring proper lubrication of the components.

Lastly, if you don’t put your conditioning system to regular use, you might notice an unpleasant smell coming from the system. The most likely reason behind this is because you haven’t used your cooling system for a long time, which leads to a build-up of bacteria and mould in the system. To keep the odour at bay, you need to use your conditioning system regularly and get your cabin filter changed at regular intervals.

Along with other winter care and maintenance for your car, you need to take care of these things also to make sure that your car is well functioning in the long run. Also, getting your car down to Jackson MOT Air Conditioning Northampton for a quick air conditioning check-up once in a while will help you save a lot of repair costs in the future and you will enjoy a hassle-free winter!

Read More Interesting fact about Take care of the pennies & the pounds will take care of themselves

An Insight Into The Key Reasons That Account For Failure in MOT Test

From various data and analysis released by the ‘Vehicle Operator and Services Agency’ (VOSA), one can easily conclude the common reasons for MOT failure. Even the smallest faulty car part can put your and fellow drivers’ life under threat while driving on the road. The surprising fact is – reasons identified for the failure of the MoT Test hadn’t required a pretty penny for the resurrection. If you own a vehicle, you need to put aside your negligence before taking your vehicle for the MOT Test. Or else, it may cost you the failure of the test. ‘Jackson MOT’ is an authorised undertaker of the MOT Test in Northampton and in the wake of our experience, we recommend drivers to take their vehicle for a repair job before they bring it to undergo the test.

Key Reasons Why Your Car Failed the MOT Test

As mentioned above, the reasons for the failure of the MOT Test are quite common – too obvious to guess. Take faulty lamps and reflectors, for instance. They accounted for around 27% of the all MOT Test failure in the previous year! The fact implies that almost 1 out of 4 cars failed the test just because they either had faculty lamps or reflectors out of function. It was a complete shock when Jackson MOT’s professionals were interacting with some folks at our facility for MOT Test in Northampton.

A malfunctioning suspension system is right behind in the data sheet that accounts for 18% test failure. Isn’t it really devastating to know the fact that a failing or worn suspension system can prevent you from taking your car out on the road even for a short drive? Faulty brakes/braking system accounting for 15% test failure, drivers’ viewability on the road (11%), worn-out tyres (10%), fuel and emission system (6%), non-functional steering (4%), and seatbelts (2.9%) are some of the most prominent reasons in the line-up that account for test failure.

What If Your Vehicle Fails the MOT Test?

In case your car/vehicle fails the MOT Test, you are issued the VT30 certificate listing the key parts that caused MOT Test failure. An advisory notice is also issued alongside the VT30 certificate at the MOT tester’s discretion, containing the key inputs to be focused upon. Most of such cases where MOT tester finds it viable to release an advisory notice comprise the information on:

• Parts that are presently functioning fine, but may fail in the next MOT Test

• Other characteristics of your car identified during the MOT Test

• Defects occurring on the non-testable items of your vehicle

The advisory notice holds great significance, specifically when it comes to getting your vehicle ready for the next MOT Test. There is nothing terrifying in the notice that digs your worries out; moreover, it’s meant to make you vigilant and cautious, promoting your safe and sound driving. However, you need to take serious concern with the pointers mentioned in the notice to make sure nothing serious (even fatal) is ignored.

Drive In for an Honest Health Report of Your Vehicle

When people drive into our test facility with their vehicles for MOT Test Northampton, we never intend to build a sense of fear in their minds with the MOT Test report or advisory notice. We remain transparent with the test conducting guidelines and policies. If you are seeking an honest health report of your vehicle, drive into Jackson MOT - we are worth your while.

FROSTY WINTERS AND SNOW-COVERED CARS

When winter is around the corner, we all prepare ourselves for the chilly mornings and frosty nights. We stock up the wood for the fireplace, take out the woollen clothes, blankets, quilts, and all such things. Imagine waking up to a snowing morning, stepping out of your house, only to see your car covered in snow. And the first thought that strikes your mind is how tedious a chore it would be to get rid of the ice and prepare your car for running on the road.

Taking out even a few minutes on a busy morning to clean your car might seem like costing too much, and we all want to take some shortcut to get rid of it as quickly as possible. Not de-icing your car strictly means going against the law and leading to paying a hefty amount as fine.

So to save you from feeling the blues of de-icing your car on a winter morning, here is a complete guide on how to de-ice your car to chill you out.

1. TURN ON YOUR ENGINE

Ignite your engine and turn it on to use it to start melting the ice on your windows. The fans should be pointing towards the windows, and the temperature should be appropriately adjusted. Use the heater button of your car if it is present at full blast since hot air captures moisture.

2. NEVER LEAVE THE CAR UNATTENDED

Not many of us would be aware of the fact that leaving your car outside with its engines turned on is going against the law and, if caught, makes you compensate for the same in terms of a fine. It is said that cold weather is a car thief’s friend. If you leave your car unattended with keys turned on, the chances of it getting stolen are quite high. In such a case, your insurance company is not liable to pay any cover for your stolen car because of an irresponsible, insensible thing you did. So it is okay to turn on the engines and leave the car standing like that but never leave it unattended.

3. REMOVE THE ICE, IF ANY

For clearing the front grille of your car, use a brush to wipe out all the snow that is present. One of the marvellous inventions of technology is a de-icer which, after being sprayed upon the car windows, shows its magic within a few minutes and removes all the ice. De-icer is easily available in any of the supermarkets.

4. SAY NO TO BOILING WATER

If you think that pouring a jug full of hot water over the snow-covered windscreens are the easiest way out, then you’re terribly mistaken there. Instead of doing any good, suddenly pouring boiling water over cold windows can lead to visible cracks on the window.

5. PRECAUTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

To prevent ice from forming layers over your window, soak a towel in a salt-water solution and spread it on your windscreens. This will act as a shield and protect your windows from being covered in ice and will eventually save you from the early morning hassle.

6. BE PATIENT

Wait patiently till the time all the ice has been removed off the windows, and it is as clear as glass. Hanging in there for a few minutes might save you from any hazards that might arise due to the snowy winters.

BE-WINTER READY

Always remember, it is important to have a clear view from all sides while driving. So do not ever compromise on the time it takes to de-ice your car. Along with that, using winter tyres with deep tread cuts is a must in frosty weather and snow-camouflaged roads. Visit Jackson MOT to compare prices of the winter tyres in Northampton from leading brands of the industry.

Happy winters!

5 Top Tips to Help You Pass the MOT Test in One Go

 MOT tests can be strenuous. People are bound by the law to take it, and yet many car owners in the UK do not how to pass the MOT at one go. 2018 saw some changes in its regulatory pointers and technicalities. One major question which people often ask is which areas they need to bother about, and which areas can be shrugged off for later.

MOT testing is intensely rigorous, and rightly so. It does not take the brains of a rocket scientist to figure out the ways to convey to the tester that you are ready to hit the roads. Here’s a helping hand!

5 Tips to pass your first MOT with flying colours –

1. Pay attention to the mirrors

Something as elementary as a broken mirror can make you fail the MOT Northampton or any other place for that matter. Sadly but significantly, most drivers do not pay too much attention to broken mirrors. Always remember to check not only the front and rear windshield but even the mirrors and reflective surfaces inside.

Often, people are not aware when their side-view mirrors suffer damage. The key to passing the MOT lies in paying attention to the minute details. If there is even slight chipping of a mirror’s surface, a replacement is necessary.

2. Inspect tyres properly

The devil, it is said, lies in the details. You may have spent significant time making sure your car’s tyres are well-aligned, and the pressure is optimal. However, some very basic errors often remain. For example, a tyre with its outer surface damaged will never pass a more thorough inspection.

To avoid failures, it is best to have a cursory visual lookover of the tyres. Do you notice something lodged on the surface, like rusted metal or chipped stones? You will need to take them out and ensure that the tyres look like new, even if they are ageing. For best results, take the help of professional service technicians at stations like Jacksons MOT Centre. They can help you with your MOT as well as with services such as wheel alignment.

3. Check external lights

You will notice if your vehicle’s front lights are blown. But what about smaller lights, the ones on the side? Not too many would notice if one of their vehicle’s indicator lights went bust. Before you go in for an MOT, check for any loose wiring or bulbs that need replacements.

4. Give the wiper blades a look

Wiper blades are an indispensable part of your vehicle. Unfortunately, they come in for use only occasionally. It also means, conversely, that by that time you notice something awry, it may be too late. The next time you go for a periodic checkup of your vehicle’s tyres Northampton, have the technicians there take a good hard look overall.

5. Mind the license plates

License plates bear the brunt of uncaring weather, jolts and shocks, and harm from other drivers to boot. A cracked plate will cost you the test. Ensure that they are in perfect working condition once every 3 months.

Hopefully, these 5 tips will help you sail through the test, with minimum fuss and with maximum savings, both in monetary penalties and time.

Maintenance Tips For Brakes: How You Can Make Your Brakes Last Longer

While you’re on the road, having a properly functioning braking system is a must to ensure the safety of your car and yourself of course. It requires close attention to details on a regular basis to maintain the automotive brakes.

If your brakes wear out and often you have to visit a mechanic, here are some tips you can use to keep your braking system optimised to handle any situations on the road.

• Identify the problems: Watch while you drive

You have to observe how the braking system is working whenever you are driving. If your brake pedal feels loose, it might be an indication that an oil leakage has occurred in the system.

On the other hand, if you feel that the brake pedal is vibrating, or your steering wheel is vibrating while applying brakes, then this is a sign that your brake disc may have worn out. In such cases, you have to replace them as soon as possible.

For both situations, you need to consult with a car professional and get a brake repair Northampton for your car.

• Avoid over speeding

Whenever you apply brakes at high speeds, it takes a toll on the whole braking system. A car’s motion multiplies into the total momentum. Your brakes need to endure exponentially increased amounts of friction to ensure that you and your car decelerate.

On the other hand, lesser speed means lesser momentum which your braking system has to deal with, requiring lesser friction.

Friction causes wear. If your brake resists a lower amount of friction on average, you will get better longevity out of them.

• Check brake fluid level

The dashboard brake light indicates whenever your car is running low on brake fluid. If the fluid is low on the reservoir, you must remove the wheels and inspect the brakes.

Look out for any fluid leaks (needs repair if any) and measure the thickness of the remaining brake pad. It is recommended to check brake’s fluid level every 10,000 miles.

• Brake fading

Brake fading occurs when the brakes are overused and overheated. It can cause severe damage to the braking system. You can identify the problem if you see the following signs

• The brake pedal de-presses.
• The distance which the car takes to stop after applying brake increases drastically.
• In some cases, the pedal de-presses farther to the floor without generating any braking power.
• A burning odour comes from the brakes.
• In a few cases, the brakes catch fire.

Whenever you notice these signs while driving, the best thing to do is to pull over and allow your brakes to cool. Later, visit a technician and let them help you understand if your brakes need a repair or a replacement.

• Know your brake type

Brake pads are quite complex nowadays. They may include multiple components and are designed for pre-specified performance gradients. Companies are now producing high-performance brake pads which can resist fading even on a high-temperature situation.

The shortcoming about these brakes is that often they perform poorly when it comes to lower temperatures found in standard streets.

However, visiting a professional garage like Jackson’s MOT Centre can help you choose the most suitable brake variant to match your requirements. You may also let them help you with services such as clutch repair, engine diagnostics as well as your MOT Northampton.

Read what changes done by UK government for MOT Test 2018 and What Has Changed & Its Impact

How to Improve Your Car’s Performance without Spending a Single Shilling!

 Everyone loves a car that runs fast, smooth, and trouble free, even if they are driving it for ages. Cars are a precious commodity; you use it for your daily chores and commute, occasional road trips, and much more. However, as time passes, your car’s performance sometimes takes a dip, resulting in expensive repairs and, in extreme conditions, a complete overhaul.

Multiple reasons affect a vehicle’s performance. From modern computer laced ECU to hardware like engine, brakes, transmission, everything contributes to its service life. If you take good care of its vital components and incorporate certain driving and maintenance habits, you can keep it working for years to come. So, let’s take a look at a few tips that will help you maintain your car’s performance for longer.

• Look under the hood – It might seem like a gauntlet under the hood, but if you look closely, everything is clearly marked.

The first thing you should do is keep the engine hub as clean as possible. Look for the air filter, battery terminals, radiator grills, etc. Dust and dirt accumulation is a major concern and can severely affect a car’s output.

For example, if there are acid residue and rust on battery terminals, it will not deliver the optimum charge. It is best to clean it every six months with a solution of one cup lukewarm water and one teaspoon of baking soda.

• Keep it light – Overloading your vehicle puts a lot of strain on its suspension, tyres, drivetrain, and engine. Make sure you stay within the recommended limit mentioned by your car’s manufacturer and also check all 4 of your car tyres weight rating.

• Drive it carefully – Cities and metropolitan areas often have stop and go traffic, which affects the clutch and brakes of your car. Unfortunately, you cannot stop those from wearing out, but you can keep them in the best condition for as long as possible.

Always remember to apply your car brakes gradually, hard braking can warp the brake rotors as well as damage the callipers and brake lines. If you see a stopping light ahead, let go of the accelerator and come to a halt smoothly.

In the same manner, don’t excessively use your car’s clutch either. If you have a stick shift, press the clutch completely before you shift gears. Do not ride the clutch if you don’t want to shorten its lifespan.

With an automatic transmission, accelerate and de-accelerate steadily to reduce wear. This will keep the unit in good condition and make sure you don’t have to go for a clutch repair in Northampton or anywhere else anytime soon.

• Rev it up every once in a while – Allowing your car to warm up (even during summer) and revving it occasionally has some positive sides to it. Letting your engine run for a minute or two at the start of the day will heat the exhaust, and let the fluid pumps run for some time before you drive off. This will decrease the chances of exhaust residue collection or overheating.

Revving your car to the red-line blows out any accumulation inside the catalytic converter and tailpipe. That increases engine efficiency and your car’s emission quality.

Following these tips will help you maintain optimal car performance for a much longer time without you spending one dime on it. Also, it will keep your vehicle in good shape, which means you will need much less repair before going for an MOT in Northampton. For any other major issues with your car, take it to a trustworthy and affordable garage like Jackson’s MOT Centre for repair. They offer a plethora of car servicing and repairs in and around Northampton at reasonable prices.