Month: July 2022

Reasons Behind Acceleration Stumbling in Your Mini

Posted on July 22, 2022 by Gary Kasbarian - MINI Repair

In the current automobile market, MINI cars are taking the center stage, proving to be one of the most sought-after vehicles. They perfectly combine power, luxury, and economy, three qualities that every car enthusiast wants to have in their luxury car. Minis are also known for being especially reliable, though when they do need repairs, the costs can add up quickly.

One of the car troubles that has plagued MINI owners over the years is acceleration stumbling. There are a variety of reasons why MINIs experience this problem, and the remedy is not always straightforward. It is therefore imperative that you find a service and repair business that specializes in MINIs close to you, and to learn about the signs and symptoms of an acceleration stumble so that you can act quickly when and if it ever happens to your vehicle.

Understanding the Term “Acceleration Stumble”

Chances are that you have not experienced acceleration stumbling yet. You might be surprised to learn how jarring and shocking the experience can be, especially given how fast your MINI is. When acceleration stumble occurs, the car tends to jerk or buck, which is quite alarming for drivers.

It is vital that you have your MINI diagnosed and treated by a certified MINI specialist as soon as this problem is discovered; the longer the problem is ignored, the more expensive the repair may end up being. In the event that acceleration stumbling continues unresolved, you might begin to notice other, more serious symptoms, such as engine failure or misfiring, depending on the initial cause of the problem.

Reasons Behind Acceleration Stumbling

Because there are numerous possible reasons for your MINI to experience acceleration stumbles, your MINI specialist will need to undergo a differential diagnostic to rule out other possibilities. However, the following are some of the most typical causes of this problem in MINI cars:

A Faulty Throttle Position Sensor

Your MINI’s fuel-air mixture regulator is comprised of a complex part that helps determine what the correct mixture should be at any given time based on driving conditions and driver demands.

If the TPS is not functioning properly, it won’t know what the correct ratio of fuel to air should be, leading to acceleration stumbling when you step on the gas pedal.

Faulty Fuel Injectors

It is the job of your car’s fuel injectors to spray fuel into the engine to generate the precise mixture of fuel and air that is required for combustion. However, if the fuel injectors are faulty or failing, it results in constriction in the entire process. It’s possible for acceleration stumbling to occur as a result of the incorrect mixture in the combustion chamber.

Warning Signs That Coincide with Acceleration Stumbling

Acceleration stumbling often occurs alongside other symptoms, which is why you should keep an eye on your vehicle and have it inspected regularly to avoid it. In addition, if you detect any of these warning signs in your MINI, you must contact a MINI specialist immediately:

Visibly damaged spark plugs
Moisture on the distributor cap
A groaning engine sound
Visibly dirty fuel filter
Engine misfiring
Decreased fuel efficiency
Failed smog tests
Illuminated check-engine light

All of these warning signs should not be ignored, as they can result in even more severe complications that are capable of damaging the performance of your MINI.

How To Prevent This Problem From Occurring

MINIs should be kept in excellent condition in order to ensure that acceleration stumbling does not occur while you are driving. Maintaining your car will also guarantee that you will enjoy all the benefits of owning a luxurious MINI car.

At Carotech Automotive, we make it our mission to provide our customers in Los Angeles, CA, with the best specialized, expert automotive care possible for their MINI cars. We do this not only for their safety but also because we are passionate about the MINI brand. Our highly experienced automotive experts have years of experience working with MINIs, so you can rest assured that your vehicle is in safe hands. If you suspect acceleration stumbling in your MINI, feel free to contact one of our helpful representatives if you’d like to schedule an appointment for an inspection or set up a routine maintenance plan.

How to Deal with a Suspension Bushing Failure in a Volvo

Posted on July 6, 2022 by Gary Kasbarian - Volvo Repair

If you’re the owner of a Volvo, you may be all too familiar with suspension bushing failures. These suspension components are designed to provide a cushion between the suspension and the body of the car, but they often fail prematurely. If you’re dealing with a suspension bushing failure in your Volvo, there are a few things you can do to mitigate the problem.

Signs of Suspension Bushing Failure

When a suspension bushing fails in a Volvo, it can cause a number of problems. The suspension may become less comfortable, and the car may become less stable. In some cases, the suspension may even fail entirely.

If you suspect that your suspension bushing has failed, take your car to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend a course of action. In most cases, the suspension bushing will need to be replaced. However, if the suspension is also damaged, it may need to be repaired or replaced as well. Either way, it is important to have the problem fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your car.

Pulling to one side or the other when braking or accelerating
You spot uneven tire wear on each tire
The tire wear patterns reveal camber wear (inner or outer wear only)
You may hear a clunking noise when accelerating or braking
You may feel the steering is loose when turning corners

Causes of Bushing Failure in your Suspension

All suspensions are going to have suspension bushing. In a perfect world, these bushings would last forever, but they don’t and will eventually need to be replaced. Let’s take a look at a couple of the most common causes of suspension bushing failure:

Age: One of the primary causes of suspension bushing failure is simply age. Over time, the suspension bushing will harden and cracks will develop. This is especially common in older Volvos.
Poor Installation: Another common cause of suspension bushing failure is poor installation. If the suspension bushing is not installed correctly, it can cause problems down the road. This might manifest itself as premature wear or even complete failure of the suspension system.
Neglect of Maintenance: Lastly, suspension bushing can fail if they are not properly maintained. This means that you need to regularly check them for wear and tear and replace them when necessary.

While suspension bushing failures are fairly common, they can be avoided with proper care and maintenance. By staying on top of things, you can avoid a lot of headaches down the road.

The Proper Steps to Take

First, it’s important to understand what causes suspension bushing failures. These components are often made from rubber or polyurethane, which can degrade over time due to heat, UV exposure, and other factors. In addition, suspension bushings are often subject to high stress levels, which can cause them to fail even sooner.

Once you understand the causes of suspension bushing failures, you can take steps to prevent them.

Make sure to have your suspension regularly inspected by a qualified mechanic. This will allow you to identify any potential problems early on and take steps to rectify them.
Additionally, consider upgrading to aftermarket suspension bushings that are designed to withstand higher stress levels and last longer than stock components.

By taking these preventive measures, you can help ensure that your suspension bushings don’t fail prematurely.

Visit Carotech Automotive for Your Volvo’s Suspension Problems

Carotech Automotive offers you the best repair, installation, and maintenance services for your domestic, Asian, and European vehicle! When you need expert auto repair service in Los Angeles, CA, Carotech Automotive is here for you.

We have years of experience repairing and maintaining cars and we always keep up with the latest technology and equipment for car maintenance. Whatever type of auto repair service you may need, we’ve got the skills and experience necessary to keep your car, truck, or SUV running smoothly.

We offer various automotive services including auto diagnostics, auto repair, AC repair, brake repair, engine check light, etc. We have experienced auto repair mechanics who will give you the best auto center services in Los Angeles, CA, so give us a call today!