Month: May 2022

Identifying a Radiator Leak in a Range Rover in Los Angeles

Posted on May 19, 2022 by - Range Rover Repair

Range Rover Engine Overheat

The radiator is the central component of your Range Rover’s cooling system. Its fundamental function is to prevent the engine from overheating. Coolant circulates between the radiator and the engine. Through the cycle, it absorbs heat from the engine and dissipates it through the radiator.

When your Range Rover radiator leaks, it will lose coolant and become inefficient for cooling the engine. As a result, your Range Rover engine risks catastrophic damage. In a situation like this, you have only one option: to visit specialists entrusted with Range Rovers to replace or repair your radiator.

The Most Common Causes of a Radiator Leak

Corrosion

Your Range Rover’s radiator is under constant heat and pressure from the engine. As it ages, its parts start to deteriorate. The cracks resulting from corrosion form holes that eventually become large enough for coolant to seep through.

Wear in radiator hoses

Radiator hoses are synthetic rubber tubes that carry the coolant from the radiator to your Range Rover engine and vice versa. The hoses are subjected to the extreme environment within the engine compartment that eventually wears them out and causes them to leak.

Faulty radiator cap

A radiator cap might seem to be a non-issue here. However, it is crucial for the proper pressure within the radiator. If the radiator cap gets jammed, the pressure buildup may cause radiator weak hoses to crack or break. On the other hand, a loose radiator cap can cause the overheated coolant within the radiator to escape in a gaseous state. Additionally, the coolant might seep from underneath the loose radiator cap.

Radiator cap failure is a less common cause of radiator leak and is hardly noticeable. Inexperienced mechanics may not know and may not dare look at the radiator cap as they inspect your Range Rover. It is advisable to get your vehicle checked by our experienced professionals, who will examine every probable cause of your radiator leakage.

Worn Out radiator gasket

The radiator gasket seals the connection between the radiator and the coolant tank and can cause a fluid leak as it wears out. When you visit a repair shop, the mechanic will advise you to replace the gasket or use an alternative sealer to stop the leak.

Water pump failure

This is responsible for pushing the coolant between your Range Rover’s radiator and the engine. If the hoses, clamps, or seals connecting the water pump to the radiator break, they will cause leakage leading to water pump inefficiency.

Warning Signs of an Imminent Radiator Failure

  • Engine is overheating: An overheated engine is a clear sign of inefficient cooling that may result from a leaking radiator. When your Range Rover’s engine overheats, the temperature gauge on your dashboard will read higher than normal temperatures. Consider taking your vehicle to a reliable repair shop for proper diagnosis and repair when you notice your Range Rovers engine overheating.
  • A drastic drop in coolant level: Coolant levels drop gradually with time. However, a drastic drop indicates a probable coolant leak. If you fill the reservoir without a proper diagnosis, it won’t last long and may lead to engine breakdown.
  • Rusty or corroded radiator: Coolant leaking from your radiator may cause its exterior to rust. Usually, you will notice corrosion in a particular area of the radiator. It is crucial to take your Range Rover for an in-depth examination if that is the case.
  • Puddle underneath your Range Rover: A puddle of bright green, orange, or yellow fluid under your engine compartment may be coolant. It is best to pay attention since not all fluids under your vehicle are coolants. However, in whichever case, it is crucial to take your Range Rover to a qualified repair as soon as you possibly can.

Carotech Automotive: Your Range Rover Experts

Your Range Rover can only be accurately diagnosed Range Rover Radiator Hose Inspectionand repaired by experienced professionals who understand every aspect of its engineering. Therefore, if you notice any of the above indicators of radiator leak, visit Carotech Automotive.

Carotech Automotive is based in Los Angeles and proudly serves the surrounding communities. Our ASE-certified technicians are committed to providing a quality service for your Range Rover and other European vehicles. We have the latest technologies that help us fix your vehicle to reflect its quality and maintain its luxury. Call us today or stop by our shop to schedule an appointment.

How Crucial is Wheel Alignment for Optimal Driveability of an Alfa Romeo?

Posted on May 2, 2022 by - Alfa Romeo Repair

Alfa Romeo Gulia Q4 Car

Your Alfa Romeo can suffer wheel misalignment at any point in its ownership. Misaligned wheels can compromise your car’s performance, pose a risk of an accident, and cause premature wear and tear to tires and other components. If your Alfa Romeo has a wheel alignment problem, it is important to get it serviced so you can drive with confidence.

What is wheel alignment?

Wheel alignment is an auto maintenance service done by adjusting the angles of the vehicle’s wheels to ensure that the tires are aligned perfectly with each other and with the body of the vehicle. Alignment ensures that the tires are in optimum contact with the road and the weight is uniformly distributed to the wheels.

Your Alfa Romeo wheels can get misaligned when you hit curbs, potholes, or when you get an accident. Therefore, you should keep your driving habits in check to avoid wheel misalignment.

The Four Aspect of Proper Wheel Alignment

When you visit a repair shop for wheel alignment service, the mechanics will look at four aspects of alignment to adjust your Alfa Romeo’s wheels to the desired specifications.

  • Camber angle: This is the tilt angle of the wheel when viewed from the front of the vehicle. If the top of the tire is far in (negative camber) or far out (positive camber) when the steering is straight, it means that wheels need an camber alignment.
  • Caster angle: Caster is the steering axis when the car is viewed from the side. Caster is the measure of the angle of the pivot which turns the wheel. If the upper point of the pivot leans towards the back, it is a positive caster. If the upper point leans towards the front, it is a negative caster.
  • Toe angle: This is the degree to which the wheels are inwards or outwards when viewed from above.
  • Thrust angle: This is the angle of the rear axle in relation to the centerline of the car and the front axle.

Signs that Your Alfa Romeo Needs Wheel Alignment

  • Drifting to one side even though your steering wheel is straight
  • There is uneven wear of tires and premature tire wear
  • You can hear your tires squealing
  • The steering wheel tilts off-center
  • The steering wheel vibrates when you accelerate

The Importance of Perfect Wheel Alignment

  • Smooth ride: One thing that you undoubtedly want is a smooth ride. When your car’s wheels are aligned properly, they will cruise straight as you drive down the road. Otherwise, you will notice your car is off-center and tends to drift to one side. If you need a better behind-the-wheel experience in your Alfa Romeo, you should consider alignment service from trained experts.
  • Perfect Steering: Proper steering gives you control of your vehicle. If your wheels are out of alignment, it might cause the steering wheel to tilt or start vibrating, making it hard to steer. This lack of control increases the risk of an accident.
  • Perfect handling: Handling describes how the car responds to driver’s commands. For your car to perform perfectly, it must balance the power, acceleration, steering, and braking. It requires a proper wheel alignment to achieve its optimal performance. Wheel misalignment affects the suspension, tires, and steering. Wheel misalignment negatively impacts the handling and can lead to an accident.

Extended Tire Life and Fuel Efficiency

Proper alignment ensures that pressure is applied equally to all wheels. However, misalignment causes tires uneven and rapid tire wear. Worn-out tires are unsafe to drive as they can affect your vehicle’s handling.

Properly aligned wheels improve fuel efficiency by reducing the drag that can be caused by misaligned wheels.

Professional Wheels Alignment Service at Carotech Automotive

Proper wheel alignment is essential for your safety and the safety of other road users. Be sure Alfa Romeo Wheel Alignment to seek the assistance of Alfa Romeo experts as soon as you notice the signs of wheel misalignment.

Carotech Automotive offers exemplary alignment service and repair. Our ASE-certified mechanics have years of experience working with European vehicles, including Alfa Romeo. We offer both two-wheel alignment and four-wheel alignment services for all types of Alfa Romeo. If you live in Los Angeles, CA and the surrounding areas, visit our repair shop or contact us to book an appointment.

* Alfa Romeo Gulia Q4 Car image credit goes to: nrqemi.