World Hyundai Blog and Newsletter » Did You Know

Your Car’s Exhaust System

Joey — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:57:34 +0000

Your car’s exhaust system has evolved from the time where cars were just a bunch of exhaust pipes and mufflers. Today, the exhaust system combines safety and emissions control rolled into one. It is important that you have your car’s exhaust system inspected regularly and check it immediately if you think you may have any problems.

The exhaust system routes all of dangerous exhaust gas from the engine out and away from the car to keep from affecting the occupants. Next, the exhaust system reduces exhaust noise from the engine. The catalytic converter reduces the level of harmful pollutants in the exhaust. Finally, the oxygen sensors mounted in the exhaust system monitor the level of exhaust gases to maintain efficient engine operation and to monitor the converter’s operation.

Vehicle Wear and Tear

Maintain a safe car with regular exhaust system checks. Factors that affect replacement requirements include:
• Driving habits (short trips take their toll on exhaust system life)
• Road conditions (salt, road spray, bumps)
• Vehicle type
• Age of exhaust system parts

Symptoms
• Loud noise
• Rattling noise when starting, accelerating or braking
• Drowsiness while driving

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Why is maintaining your transmission so important?

Joey — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:55:44 +0000

Automatic transmission fluid is specially formulated oil containing many additives that withstand grueling operating conditions. There are several different types of automatic transmission fluids and should be used according to the recommendation in your car’s owner’s manual. Some examples include:

What does it do?
Automatic transmission fluid serves a multitude of purposes. Among other things, it cleans, cools, lubricates, transmits force, transmits pressure, inhibits varnish build-up and protects the transmission on a day-to-day basis.

Maintenance Tips/Suggestions
Owner’s manual recommendations on transmission fluid changes vary considerably and may go as high as 100,000 miles or more. For best results, have your car’s transmission fluid and filter changed every two years or 24,000 miles. Always use the type of fluid specified by your car’s manufacturer. This information can be found in the owner’s manual or on the end of the transmission dipstick. The overwhelming majority of transmission failures are heat-related, and automatic transmission fluid breaks down rapidly when subjected to high temperatures. Driving conditions such as trailer towing, quick stops and starts, ascending and descending mountains, and wheel-spinning in slippery conditions are but a few scenarios that can devastate the life of the transmission fluid. Although changing the fluid yourself is not difficult, it’s probably best left to a qualified service technician. This is also a good time to drain the transmission fluid from the torque converter, if possible. Consult your technician to see if this can be done.

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The importance of belts and hoses

Joey — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:37:53 +0000

You car’s belts and hoses are important and needed for the cooling, air conditioning and charging systems, and the engine itself. It is important not to take these routine replacement intervals for granted because as they wear and tear, they can break down and leave you stranded.

What do they do?
The timing belt is responsible for keeping the crankshaft and camshaft mechanically synchronized to maintain engine timing. Whether it is a serpentine, V-belt or fan belt (the belts on the outside of the engine), they all transmit power from the front of the engine to the accessories that need to be driven, like the air conditioning, the charging system and fans. The radiator and heat hoses carry coolant to and from the engine, radiator and heater core.

Typical Wear and Tear
Key items that affect the replacement interval for belts and hoses:

• Vehicle age
• Electrolytic corrosion
• Mileage
• Oil contamination
• Belt tension
• Failed hose clamps

Symptoms

• Squeaking noise from under the hood during start-up or operation
• Coolant leaks
• Dashboard light will illuminate

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The Importance of Good Steering and Suspension

Joey — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:51:19 +0000

Similar to your car’s brake system, the steering and suspension systems are incredibly important to the safety of the vehicle. Together, the steering and suspension largely determine your car’s ride and handling. It is important to have your car’s steering and suspension systems checked regularly, typically once a year and usually with a wheel alignment.

What does it do?

The suspension is responsible for maintaining the relationship between the wheels and the frame or unibody. The suspension system works with the steering system to provide safe vehicle control. When the suspension system is working properly, the suspension system helps absorb the energy from road irregularities such as potholes and helps to maintain vehicle stability. The steering system transmits your input from the steering wheel to the steering gear and other steering components to control the car’s direction.

Typical Wear and Tear

Over the course of time, the steering and suspension components wear out and require replacement. Regular checks are critical to maintain a safe car. The main factors that affect wear include:

• Driving habits
• Operating conditions
• Vehicle type
• Type of steering and suspension system
• Frequency of regular maintenance such as chassis lubrication and wheel alignment

Below is a list of symptoms that your car may experience when having trouble with steering or suspension.

• Pulling
• Uneven tire wear
• Noise and vibration while cornering
• Loss of control

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What does the engine’s air filter do?

Joey — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:04:01 +0000

Your car’s filters are important to the longevity of your car and interior comfort. Maximize your car investment by replacing filters regularly.

What does an air filter do?
The air filter traps dirt particles, which can cause damage to the engine cylinders, walls, pistons and piston rings. The air filter also plays a role in keeping contaminants off the airflow sensor (in fuel-injected cars). The cabin filter helps trap pollen, bacteria, dust and exhaust gases that may find their way into a car’s ventilation system.

Typical Wear and Tear
It is normal for filters to wear out and it usually gets checked when you get your oil changed, but it important for you know check it as well! Factors that may affect the time intervals in which you replace your filter include:

• Mileage
• Driving habits
• Driving and road conditions
• Type of filter
• Vehicle type

Symptoms that your air filter may need replaced:
• Poor gas mileage
• Hesitation while accelerating
• Musty odor in the cabin

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