Accelerate hard on a clear road – throttle response should be quick and sure. Back off and hit the gas again – there should be no “flat spots,” hesitation or black smoke emissions. Does the engine “ping” under a load (accelerating, passing, going up a steep hill)? Maybe it simply needs higher octane gas. Or maybe it’s a mechanical problem. Also, if the engine pings the knock sensor could be defective, or the ignition timing may too advanced. Or, a buildup of carbon deposits inside the combustion chambers might be causing preignition or detonation. Listen for any unusual clanking or roaring noises coming from the engine when accelerating and when driving at steady highway speeds. Jot down any such noises in your notebook and point them out to your mechanic.

Note the gauges and warning lights. Watch the coolant temperature gauge while driving in stop and go traffic and note whether the car is running too hot. Low oil pressure or above-normal coolant temperature could indicate serious (and expensive) problems. An alternator light could be something simple like a loose alternator belt, or it could indicate a major electrical repair or replacement like the alternator or battery.

Pull over somewhere safe and stop. Turn the engine off, then restart it and note how well it starts when hot. Listen for any intermittent noises that you might have missed when the engine was cold. Check for leaks again. If the engine makes unusual noises, be prepared for problems. Insist that the seller has it tuned up or whatever it takes to ged rid of the noise(s). If a tune-up is all it truly needs, he shouldn’t mind doing it to sell the car.

Tip: Ask your mechanic if the automatic transmission in the car you’re having him check out is a basically sound design or a loser. Automatic transmissions are expensive to repair. You’re better off looking at another car than buying someone else’s transmission headache.

Winnipeg Used Cars

http://winnipegusedcarsinfo.edmontonpassengervan.com/

Derrick Dodge

Canadian Fleet

• Fossil Fuel Alternatives: Biofuel vs. Electric Alternatives to fossil fuel are becoming more popular not only because of their “green” benefits, but also because of concerns about relying on limited, imported resources to fuel cars – and economies. Biofuel and electricity, including hybrid-electric cars, have emerged as top alternatives to fossil fuel. However, in addition......
• What We Need to Know About Budgeting to Buy Our First Car There are several things that we should know when learning how to budget for buying our first car.  Buying a car may be our first major purchase. It is important to ask questions and be informed.  I bought my first car in June of 2007; and I later regretted my......
• Reasonable Car Purchase - Why? [/caption] I was in the middle or writing a post about a theory I came up with about selling my car to take advantage of the crazy deals Detroit is putting out there (See GM and Ford and Jeep), but as I wrote the post I realized how truly happy......
• Tesla/Toyota Partnership The market for electric vehicles is strong, as companies jockey to be the first to come to the market with an impressive offering. While the Chevy Volt will be the first mainstream and somewhat affordable electric car to hit the market, companies are still working to knock that company and......
• Car Repairs Gone Bad: When a Shop Refuses to Pay for Damages Car Problems My husband and I are having a bad week. Our car that we took to get repaired has an inch of water on the inside and doesn't start. The repair shop is claiming they're are not responsible, so we now have to figure a way through this. The......