Month: May 2024

Reasons Behind Your Range Rover’s Failed Suspension Struts

Range Rover Suspension System

Range Rovers are made to perform well and provide comfort to the passengers but like any other car, they are not immune to mechanical failures such as a failed suspension strut. These components are very essential in ensuring that the car runs well and has the right balance.

By gaining knowledge on what leads to these failures, you will be able to maintain your Range Rover in excellent condition. Below are some of the causes of failed suspension struts in Range Rovers and how to prevent them.

Common Causes of Suspension Strut Failure

  • Wear and Tear: One of the reasons why suspension struts stop doing what it was designed for is regular wear and tear. The struts are constantly under motion and stress and they tend to wear out as time goes on. This is even more so for cars like Range Rovers because they are frequently used in rocky areas and other offroad terrains. These conditions make the struts work harder and wear out faster.
  • Overloading: Range Rovers are designed for towing and carrying loads that are very bulky and heavy. Although they are built to withstand this, overloading the vehicle beyond its rated carrying capacity can cause additional stress on the suspension struts. If you frequently drive your Range Rover with excessive load, it puts a lot of pressure on these components, and this will result in their early failure. It is always important to check the load carrying capacities of your vehicle and ensure not to overload it to safeguard your suspension.
  • Poor Road Conditions: Frequent driving on bad roads including; potholes, gravel, and rough terrains may cause a lot of damage to the Range Rover’s suspension struts. These rigorous conditions are capable of shortening the struts’ life cycle. Staying off bad roads as much as possible and driving safely when on bad roads is a good way of prolonging the lifespan of your suspension struts.
  • Corrosion: One of the major factors that can cause damage to the suspension system of a Range Rover is corrosion and this is usually prevalent in regions where people use salt on the roads during winter. The presence of this salt can hasten the rusting process and cause metal parts of the struts to corrode. This in turn weakens the struts and may lead to their failure. To avoid the accumulation of salt and subsequent formation of rust, it is advisable for Range Rover owners to frequently wash their vehicles, especially the undercarriage.
  • Leaks in Hydraulic Fluid: Hydraulic fluid is used to absorb shock and provide a comfortable ride in many Range Rovers through the suspension struts. However, with time, the seals may deteriorate and allow the hydraulic fluid to leak. If the fluid leaks, the struts will not be able to perform the shock absorber function effectively, increasing the ride roughness and wearing other suspension parts. It is necessary to conduct inspections to prevent potential leaks and address them before they result in severe issues.

Preventing Suspension Failure

  • Regular Inspections: It is recommended that your suspension system be checked by a professional mechanic at least once in a while. Periodic inspections are helpful in knowing the degree of wear and tear so that the necessary repairs can be made on time. When you detect such problems at their initial stages you will be able to avoid the worsening of the problems and in addition, it will help in avoiding having to spend a lot of money on repairs.
  • Drive Carefully: Do not drive your car over potholes, speed bumps, and any rough surface if you have any chance of avoiding it. Slow driving minimizes the stress on your Range Rover suspension system. If you are cautious with the road conditions and avoid some of the potholes, you will be saving your suspension struts and getting a smoother ride at the same time.

Bring Your Range Rover To Our Garage For Quality Repairs

Carotech Automotive is the best auto repair shop for your European and Japanese vehicles in Los Angeles, CA. All our certified technicians are well equipped to deal with any problems your car may have. If you suspect a failed suspension strut in your Range Rover, do not hesitate to come to our mechanics.

Our experts are aware of how critical a comfortable and safe ride is to you and this is why they will use their knowledge and ability to identify and repair suspension problems as soon as possible. You can contact us at the number (424) 283-4303 to talk to our certified technicians.

Where to Go in When Your Mini Needs a PCV Valve Replacement in Los Angeles

MINI Rough Idle

Would you be able to tell if your Mini is due for PCV valve replacement? If not, then continue reading. Positive Crankcase Ventilation, which is known as PCV is a very important part of your car’s emission control system. It controls the gas flow from the crankcase to the intake manifold, where they are burnt in the combustion process. This component prevents harmful emissions from entering the atmosphere and guarantees maximum engine performance. Let’s discuss some of the symptoms of a bad valve and the process of changing it.

How To Know Your PCV Valve Is Due For Replacement

  • Rough Idle: A rough or shaky idle that results in the engine RPM jumping or the car vibrating excessively while idling, among other symptoms, can be a sign of PCV valve problems. When the PCV fails to do its work, the air-fuel ratio in the engine would be disrupted which in turn would affect how your Mini idles.
  • Check Engine Light: The onboard diagnostic system may trigger the check light on your Mini’s dashboard if it detects malfunctions in the PCV valve or in its related system. It is important to have the vehicle diagnosed immediately to know the exact cause of the problem.
  • Smoke from the Exhaust: A faulty PCV valve can also allow excessive oil vapor to enter the combustion chamber, which will then be burnt in the cylinders and released in the exhaust either as blue or gray smoke. Whenever you see this kind of smoke, it means there’s likely a problem with the PCV and you must attend to it immediately to prevent damage in other parts of your Mini.

Replacing The PCV Valve

  • Locate the PCV Valve: PCV valve is generally found on the valve cover or engine block. Although the location can be different depending on the model of your Mini. To locate this component, check your owner’s manual or let your car technician locate the valve.
  • Remove the Old Valve: When you have finally gotten to the PCV valve, the next thing to do is to disconnect it from the hose or mounting bracket. At this point, you have to be very careful so you do not damage the valve or other components around it. Before removing the valve, check to see if there are any signs of wear, damage, or accumulated dirt.
  • Install the New Valve: Installation is an integral part of the replacement process and it should be done in the right manner to avoid leaking or malfunctioning. When replacing the valve, you have to connect it to the hose or mounting bracket, almost the same way you pulled it off. Make sure that the valve is tightly fastened and that it is seated properly so that there is a tight seal.
  • Test the Replacement: Drive your Mini and see if the car’s performance has improved after fitting the new PCV valve. Carry out the necessary checks so you’ll be sure if there are any signs of improvement, such as the engine operating smoothly or reduced oil consumption. Continue to monitor your car’s performance for a few days to be sure the problem has been fixed.
  • Professional Inspection: PCV valve replacement should not be done by anyone who is not an expert. If you have tried replacing the PCV valve by yourself and still have a problem with it after the replacement, it is better to consult a professional mechanic. A professional will make sure that the diagnosis of any underlying problems is done right and that the replacement of the PCV valve is properly done.

Where Should You Go To Fix Your Mini’s PCV Valve

Carotech Automotive is famous for maintaining MINI PCV Valve Replacement and repairing European cars, especially the Mini brand. Our garage, located in Los Angeles, CA, has state-of-the-art facilities designed to give Mini drivers quality services. If you are looking to find a qualified mechanic to replace your Mini’s PCV valve, then there is no need to search any further.

Our team is equipped with the expertise and experience to do the job professionally, making sure your car runs smoothly and effectively. Your Mini deserves a five-star treatment and we’re here to provide it. You can stop by our workshop or call us now to enjoy the services that set us apart.