Automotive

How do I know which battery I need?

 

Here at ZJ Automotive LLC, we can assist you to choose the proper battery for your vehicle and lifestyle. Our staff can safely and professionally install your battery and put you back on the road.

 

Your car's electrical system powers everything from the ignition and fuel systems to accessories like your radio, headlights and wipers. The electrical system is, in turn, powered by the engine. Here are the three key components of the electrical system:

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• Battery
  When your car's engine is off, the battery provides the specified power to the remainder of the system as well as during start-up (cranking). It also supplements the power from the charging system during times of high demand.

 

• Charging System
  This is the guts of the electrical system. It consists of three main components: the belt-driven alternator, various electrical circuits, and a voltage regulator. The alternator supplies power to the electrical system and recharges the battery after your car has started. A bit like it sounds, the voltage regulator controls the voltage, keeping it within the operating range of the electrical system.

 

• Starting System
  This system consumes more electrical power than any other in your car. The starting system consists of three components which work in tandem: the ignition switch, the starter relay or solenoid, and the starter motor. The ignition switch controls the starter solenoid, which activates the starter motor. The starter motor then turns the engine until your car starts.

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Do I need an Oil Change?

 

Check the owner's manual to see if your driving habits are considered to be "severe service." This type of driving requires more frequent oil changes, warns the Car Care Council. Have the oil changed accordingly, usually every 3-5,000 miles. For less wear and tear on the engine, drivers in cold climates (sub-zero driving temperatures) should drop their oil weight from 10-W30 to 5-W30. Your mom and dad would probably suggest simply moving to someplace warmer. Luckily we’re in Texas so the cold doesn’t affect us nearly as much as our friends in the North. 

 

Description: The typical oil filter consists of a high-strength steel housing containing various types of filtering media. An anti-drainback valve prevents oil from running out of the filter when the engine is off. Today's oil filters have a convenient spin-on design that makes removal and installation easy.

 

Purpose: The oil filter sifts out contaminants, allowing the oil to flow through the engine unrestricted. Should the oil filter become restricted or clogged with contaminants, they will flow around the filter. This bypassing is a safety mechanism, but you never want to let oil and filter changes go so long that bypassing takes place.

 

Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: For best results, consult your owner's manual, but consider that your driving probably constitutes a severe maintenance schedule. Usually, this means oil and filter changes every 3,000 miles or 3 months. Depending on the type of vehicle you drive and the amount that vehicle is driven, the oil maintenance schedule will vary. If you change the filter yourself, dispose of it properly. Take used filters to a facility that accepts them. Used filters can be crushed, removing the used oil and the steel part of the filter can be recycled. The oil from one used, seemingly innocent filter leaking into a landfill can taint 62,000 gallons of groundwater.

 

Why are my car’s electrical systems not working?

 

Electrical systems can have a myriad of different causes due to the fragility of many electronics made today. Electronics are very responsive. Think of your car’s electronics as your smartphone. If you left your phone out in the sun all day, the phone would overheat and either drain the batter or be shut down until it is cooled off. Ever spill water on your phone and you have to put it in a bag of rice? Water damage in vehicles are very similar, though we do not recommend you put the car in some rice! Sometimes all of these reasons combined can be the root cause of your electrical problems. 

 

Larger problems like a dead battery, bad alternators, or worn out spark plugs can lead to a slew of issues and cause a massive headache if not taken care of properly. Luckily for you, ZJ Automotive LLC specializes in all electrical problems throughout the vehicle. We can even service your electronic, wireless key starters! Contact us for more information regarding your vehicle's electrical problems. 

 

What are the signs for a potential electrical problem?

 

One of the most common signs for an electrical problem is the smell of burnt rubber. This usually indicates that a fuse has shorted and has caused the plastic around the wire to melt. If you see any smoke coming from under the hood, the vehicle should be turned off and serviced immediately as it is potentially dangerous. Other signs involve the actual electrical systems in the vehicle malfunctioning or dimming. A single headlight dimming is a telltale sign that the bulb needs to be replaced, but both headlights being dim is a sign that there is an issue with the battery or some electrical components. Electrical systems within the cabin like the stereo or screens not working also point to a possible blown fuse. 

 

The biggest concern many have is the engine failing to start, or if it takes some time to ignite the engine. Usually this is an electrical issue when many others think it is an engine problem. It is not guaranteed that it is a problem with the electrical systems, but it can be narrowed down to the starter or the battery sometimes. Customers are usually happy to hear this considering it is much a cheaper automotive issue to fix than an issue with the engine. 

 

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