Castlehill Truck and Car Mechanical Repair

The cooling system in most cars consists of the radiator and water pump.

Water circulates through passages around the cylinders and then travels through the radiator to cool it off. In a few cars (most notably Volkswagen Beetles), as well as most motorcycles and lawn mowers, the engine is air-cooled instead (You can tell an air-cooled engine by the fins adorning the outside of each cylinder to help dissipate heat.).

Air-cooling makes the engine lighter but hotter, generally decreasing engine life and overall performance.

Although petrol engines have improved a lot, they are still not very efficient at turning chemical energy into mechanical power. Most of the energy in the petrol (perhaps 7 0%) is converted into heat, and it is the job of the cooling system to take care of that heat.

In fact, the cooling system on a car driving down the freeway dissipates enough heat to heat two average-sized houses! The primary job of the cooling system is to keep the engine from overheating by transferring this heat to the air, but the cooling system also has several other important jobs.

The engine in your car runs best at a fairly high temperature. When the engine is cold, components wear out faster, and the engine is less efficient and emits more pollution. So another important job of the cooling system is to allow the engine to heat up as quickly as possible, and then to keep the engine at a constant temperature.

Plumbing

The cooling system in your car has a lot of plumbing. We’ll start at the pump and work our way through the system.

The pump sends the fluid into the engine block, where it makes its way through passages in the engine around the cylinders. Then it returns through the cylinder head of the engine. The thermostat is located where the fluid leaves the engine. The plumbing around the thermostat sends the fluid back to the pump directly if the thermostat is closed. If it is open, the fluid goes through the radiator first and then back to the pump.

There is also a separate circuit for the heating system. This circuit takes fluid from the cylinder head and passes it through a heater core and then back to the pump.

With all these different parts it is important to get them checked periodically so before summer is really upon us be sure to call Zecks Mechanical repair at Castle Hill call 02 9680 1691 to get your cooling system checked.

If you imagine your car is like a human body, motor oil is the equivalent of blood. Your car needs oil to run, and the oil needs to provide the required lubrication properties specified by the engine manufacturer for you to have a happy and healthy car engine.

So what exactly does the oil do?

Oil lubricates your car’s engine and helps protect the moving parts, especially when you first start-up the engine. As you drive, water vapour, un-burnt petrol and gases from the engine’s combustion process all end up contaminating your oil. If you don’t change your oil at the recommended intervals, it can thicken, and lose its protective ability, as it can’t reach and protect the moving parts. When this happens your oil has lost its protective qualities and it’s time for an oil change.

What does the oil filter do?

The oil filter strains dirt and other particles out of the oil as it circulates. When changing oil, it’s best to replace the filter as well, as you don’t want a dirty filter contaminating new oil.

How often should I change my oil?

Most mechanics advocate oil changes should be carried out in accordance with the service schedule set by the vehicle manufacturer. Often this recommends an oil change every 10,000km or 6 months.

However, motorist’s should take care. Most manufacturers say that the frequency of an oil change is largely dependant on your driving habits. When you travel over 20km the oil in your engine has time to fully heat up, allowing it to flow freely and vaporise the water and unburned fuel that build up in the oil.

However if you rarely travel more than 20km after each cold start, your oil can become saturated with contaminants, failing to lubricate the engine properly and, over time, lose its protective abilities. This applies no matter what quality of oil you are using. If this sounds like you, most manufacturers recommend an oil change every 5,000km or every three months.

It’s also worth remembering that simply topping up an engine that’s low on oil is not the same as giving it an oil change. Contaminants left behind increase in concentration each time the oil levels drops which accelerates engine wear. In addition to this, the mixing of oil brands and viscosities can harm you engine, and is not recommended.

What kind of oil should I be using?

Today if you walk into an automotive shop you will be faced with many choices of oil, so which one do you need?

There are many brands of oil available, and different engines require oil of different levels of thickness or viscosity. Zecs mechanics will know best what to put into your car based on the manufacturer’s recommendation and your driving habits.

Most mechanics use a conventional motor oil that is a product of the crude oil refining process. This is the most basic oil grade recommended by most manufacturers to keep your car in good working order.

The next step up is a synthetic fortified oil like the Valvoline ProBlend that NRMA MotorServe uses. This is a synthetic blend that combines the properties of conventional and synthetic oil to help it burn cleaner and withstand greater temperatures, giving your engine greater protection than a conventional oil.

Synthetic oils are developed from chemical compounds such as polyalphaolefins. Their entire structure is different, and more stable than conventional motor oil. It is able to maintain viscosity, or flow, across a wider temperature range and under more severe demands. The best quality motor oil is therefore fully synthetic, although because it is costly to manufacture this comes with a significant price tag. It’s also not suitable for all cars.

The staff at Zec Automotive not only want to make sure your car runs well and is totally safe but also that you can understand a little how your car works.

All our auto mechanics are knowledgeable in working on all parts of a variety of car makes or may specialize either in a specific area or in a specific make of car. In repairing cars, their main role is to diagnose the problem accurately and quickly.  Our mechanics use both electronic means of gathering data as well as their senses. Their job may involve the repair of a specific part or the replacement of one or more parts as assemblies.

With the rapid advancement in technology, the mechanic’s job has evolved from purely mechanical, to include electronic technology. Because vehicles today possess complex computer and electronic systems, mechanics need to have a broader base of knowledge than in the past.

Lately, the term “auto mechanic” is being used less and less frequently and is being replaced by the euphemistic title “automotive service technician”. Fading quickly is the day of the ’shade tree mechanic’, who needed little knowledge of today’s computerized systems.

Due to the increasingly labyrinthine nature of the technology that is now incorporated into automobiles, most automobile dealerships now provide sophisticated diagnostic computers to each technician, without which they may be unable to diagnose or repair electronic issues in modern vehicles.

If you find anything that need repairing then be sure to call Zecks Mechanical repair at Castle Hillfor any trucks under 8 tonn call 02 9680 1691

Maintaining the health and well-being of your truck between regular recommended tune-ups is up to you.

The manufacturers and the designers of your truck, created the best possible truck for your needs, with the belief that you depend on your vehicle, which you do. In return for providing you with safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation and probably aids you in making a living, your truck only asks in return to be taken care of and treated with respect.

This means that you need to keep an eye and an ear open for any problems or concerns that arise with any and all of the gadgets, thingies, and doo-dads that make your truck go. 

The list below will give you an idea of what to be aware of and to watch out for that may indicate a potential repair issue. In addition to the other topics we have already discussed in the previous articles.

Important items to check every month

1.    Inspect the battery, for any corrosion or leakage. If there is any, then replace the battery immediately.

2.    Open the hood and have a listen for any noises that just don’t sound quite right. After you have owned your truck for a little while, you will become familiar with the normal sounds that your engine makes when the truck is running as it should. If you do hear any unusual sounds, and cannot determine what is causing the noise, take the truck in to be serviced.

3.    While the engine is running, check to be sure that each of the lights is working properly. Head lights, taillights, turn signals, back-up lights, and the dashboard (instrument panel) lights. If one or more is not working, check the wiring, and the bulbs, to determine if any need to be replaced.

4.    Turn on the windshield wipers, if they are not in good contact with the windshield; push them down just a touch. If the blades are damaged, replace them.

5.    Check the pressure level on all four tires, and the spare. If any are low, take them to a gas station, and fill them up.

6.    Also inspect the tread on the tires, if the wear seems uneven, you should consider having the tires rotated.

7.    Take a look under the truck, if you see any spots on the ground, find out what is leaking. If you cannot repair the leak yourself, take the truck in for an early check up. 

Items you may want to have on hand

It is a good idea to keep in your garage, a few of the more important necessities for minor repair issues. Just in case you need them immediately. There isn’t always a service station or a hardware store open when you need one. 

•    Motor oil
•    Brake fluid
•    Transmission fluid
•    Tire gauge
•    Spark plugs
•    Coolant and purified water
•    Hoses, vacuum and basic
•    Belts, for the important parts such as the clutch
•    Filters, air, and oil
•    Fuses, in a variety of sizes and for various needs
•    Windshield washer fluid
•    Bulbs for the lights

If you find anything that need repairing then be sure to call Zecks Mechanical repair at Castle Hill for any trucks under 8 tonn call 02 9680 1691

Buying or selling a used car?

Don’t end up with a car that has mechanical problems and body faults. Have the car inspected by Zec’s Automotive before you purchase.

Purchasing a used vehicle can be risky.

When excited buyers get emotionally caught up in the vehicle purchase, they often miss mechanical, cosmetic, and safety issues during visual inspections and test drives.

To eliminate much of the anxiety and get an accurate picture of the condition of the vehicle, many buyers choose to have a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) done before the sale is final.

A pre-purchase inspection is a detailed assessment by our qualified individual to determine the cosmetic, mechanical, and safety condition of a vehicle before completing the purchase.

All pre-purchase inspections are done by a certified mechanic or automotive technician who is knowledgeable in the make and model of the vehicle being inspected. The intent of the PPI is to uncover existing conditions or to reveal maintenance shortcomings that may become potential safety or financial issues for the buyer in the future.

Did you know:

Worn or leaking shock absorbers will affect the stopping distance of your car

We perform a comprehensive mechanical, body and interior inspection so that you can buy a used car with confidence.

Selling a used car?

Get an Zec’s Pre-Sale Inspection to give buyers confidence, support your asking price and sell quicker.

To oganize your pre sales or pre purchase inspection call 02 9680 1691.

If you’re after a reliable log book service that protects your new car warranty, then here’s a couple of reasons why you can trust Zecs Automotive.

Call 02 9680 1691 to book your car in today and ask about our loan cars on booking.

Quality Parts

Quality products are fitted with confidence that meet Australian standards. They are covered by a manufacturer warranty so that your new vehicle warranty is protected.

Technicians

Fully qualified motor vehicle technicians with all senior staff. Established business over 25 years and recent winner & finalist numerous service and small business awards.

Some more facts provided by Zec’s

What the ACCC says about new car statutory warranties

Can you get your car serviced by someone other than the business or an authorised agent of the business that sold the car without voiding the warranty? The short answer is ‘yes’. Though there are some conditions:

New vehicle warranty

Where a problem arises with the vehicle that is covered under the warranty, the vehicle should be taken to the dealer for repair. Those repairs should be done for free of charge under the warranty.

New and used vehicle servicing

In relation to general servicing, motor vehicle dealers are entitled to insist that any servicing performed on cars they sell is carried out by qualified staff, according to the manufacturer’s specifications, and using genuine or appropriate quality parts where required. Provided these conditions are met, regardless of where you choose to get your car serviced, your warranty will remain intact. So shop around.

Qualified staff

Qualified staff is a party or parties, other than an ‘authorised dealer’, who is capable of performing car servicing. Some servicing venues display qualification certificates, but if you’re not sure the staff are qualified, just ask.

The automotive electrical system in my opinion is the most important support system of a modern car or truck. Imagine a vehicle without an electrical system. The gasoline engine would not run. Electricity provides the needed spark for combustion, plus the power needed for starting.

Automotive electrical systems provide power for the lighting system, instrumentation, safety devices such as airbags, and many other accessories. The recent advances made in the auto electronics field have allowed the efficiency of the vehicle to increase greatly.

It is this new technology that allows greater fuel economy at the same time that it increases horsepower and torque. Both professional technicians and do-it-yourself auto mechanics need to be able to diagnose and service both electrical and electronic automotive systems.

Electrical automotive systems refer to the wiring and the electrical car parts such as generators and alternators, lights, voltage regulators and starter motors.

Automotive electronics is a reference to computer control modules and other black box type items used to control engine operation as well as vehicle systems.

Keeping your electrical components in good condition is critical for maximum performance. If you need an auto electrician in the Castle Hill area Zec Automotives on 02 96801691.

WHY FIT A BULL BAR?

* To minimise damage to the vehicle in the event of a collision with other vehicles or animals.
* To reduce the chance of the vehicle being immobilised as the result of a minor accident.
* To provide mounting points for winch, driving lights and communication aerials.
* To improve the appearance and value of the vehicle.

A night on the town, cruising the open road, or indulging in a little recreational rough stuff, Zec’s can fit a bull bar which is designed for today’s sophisticated vehicle, and is an ultra modern, classy and stylish bar which can replace the original bumper and always looks great.

Zec’s have a range of grille guards for most popular passenger vehicles. For the majority of passenger vehicles these are made of large diameter polished alluminium tube .

Can Bull Bars & Air Bags work together?

Bull bars must be designed to ensure they do not adversely affect the air bag triggering of a vehicle while at the same time achieving the bar’s primary function of animal strike protection.

Australian Design Rules (ADR69)

ADR69 requires passenger carrying vehicles to achieve specified levels of occupant protection in frontal collisions. Extensive independent test programs have established that properly designed bull bars can be installed to most of these vehicles with an inconsequential effect on the ‘crash pulse’ of the vehicle and hence, air bag triggering.

Just about every modern car, truck or SUV sold these days can be had with air conditioning. It’s so common that most people take it for granted. You press the button for air conditioning in your car and — presto! — cold air starts to flow out of the car’s vents. It’s easy, it’s simple, and it’s a major convenience.

Have you ever wondered how the air conditioning in your vehicle works?

If you’re like most people, you probably haven’t. But we’re here to educate you painlessly.

Air conditioning is the process by which air is cooled and dehumidified. The air conditioning in your car, your home and your office all work the same way. Even your refrigerator is, in effect, an air conditioner. While there are many physical principles that relate to air conditioning, this article sticks to the basics. It explains the general concepts of automotive air conditioning, the components used and what you need to know to keep your car’s A/C system working properly.

Once you have read the article and you need your vehicle air conditioning looked at then call Zec Automotives on 02 96801691.

Did you know that when you turn on the A/C in your car, you are burning extra fuel to make yourself feel cooler? It’s weird to think that by burning something you become cooler, but it’s true.

Do you remember anything from your high school physics class? Don’t worry; very few people do. Basically, air conditioning systems operate on the principles of evaporation and condensation.

Here’s a simple example of evaporation.

Imagine that you’re swimming around in your neighbor’s backyard pool on a summer day. As soon as you get out, you start to feel cooler. Why? The water on your body starts to evaporate and turns into water vapor. And as it evaporates, it draws heat away from your body, and you get goose bumps. Brrr! Now let’s say your neighbor hands you a big glass of ice-cold lemonade. You take a sip and set it down on a table. After a minute or two, you notice that water has collected on the outside of the glass. This is condensation. The air surrounding the glass becomes cooler when it encounters the cold glass, and the water vapor the air is carrying condenses into water.

Both of these examples occur at normal atmospheric pressure. But higher pressures can also change a vapor (or a gas) into a liquid.

For example, if you look at a typical butane cigarette lighter, you can see liquid inside it. But as soon as you push down on the button, butane gas comes out. Why? The butane is under high pressure inside the cigarette lighter. This high pressure causes the butane to take liquid form. As soon as the butane is released and it encounters normal atmospheric pressure, it turns back into a gas.

OK, those are the basic ideas. But how do they apply to making your car’s vents blow cool air?

The principles of evaporation and condensation are utilized in your car’s A/C system by a series of components that are connected by tubing and hoses. There are six basic components: the compressor, condenser, receiver-drier, thermostatic expansion valve, the evaporator and the life-blood of the A/C system, the refrigerant.

Refrigerant is a liquid capable of vaporizing at a low temperature. In the past, R-12 refrigerant was used in cars. But this chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) is harmful to the earth’s ozone layer. Consequently, all vehicles built after 1996 use R-134A, a more environmentally friendly refrigerant.

Here’s how an air conditioning system and its components work.

Step One: The compressor is the power unit of the A/C system. It is powered by a drive belt connected to the engine’s crankshaft. When the A/C system is turned on, the compressor pumps out refrigerant vapor under high pressure and high heat to the condenser.

Step Two: The condenser is a device used to change the high-pressure refrigerant vapor to a liquid. It is mounted ahead of the engine’s radiator, and it looks very similar to a radiator with its parallel tubing and tiny cooling fins. If you look through the grille of a car and see what you think is a radiator, it is most likely the condenser. As the car moves, air flowing through the condenser removes heat from the refrigerant, changing it to a liquid state.

Step Three: Refrigerant moves to the receiver-drier. This is the storage tank for the liquid refrigerant. It also removes moisture from the refrigerant. Moisture in the system can freeze and then act similarly to cholesterol in the human blood stream, causing blockage.

Step Four: As the compressor continues to pressurize the system, liquid refrigerant under high pressure is circulated from the receiver-drier to the thermostatic expansion valve. The valve removes pressure from the liquid refrigerant so that it can expand and become refrigerant vapor in the evaporator.

Step Five: The evaporator is very similar to the condenser. It consists of tubes and fins and is usually mounted inside the passenger compartment. As the cold low-pressure refrigerant is released into the evaporator, it vaporizes and absorbs heat from the air in the passenger compartment. As the heat is absorbed, cool air will be available for the occupants of the vehicle. A blower fan inside the passenger compartment helps to distribute the cooler air.

Step Six: The heat-laden, low-pressure refrigerant vapor is then drawn into the compressor to start another refrigeration cycle.

As you can see, the process is pretty simple. Just about every vehicle’s A/C system works this way, though certain vehicles might vary by the exact type of components they have.

The best thing about air conditioning is that all you have to do is press a button to make it work. Air conditioning systems are pretty reliable. On a modern and relatively new vehicle, it is rare to have problems. And if there are problems, they are pretty much one of two things: No cool air or insufficient cool air. If you own an older car and its A/C system doesn’t seem to be working properly, here are some general troubleshooting tips:

No Cool Air

Loose or broken drive belt
Inoperative compressor or slipping compressor clutch
Defective expansion valve
Clogged expansion valve, receiver-drier or liquid refrigerant line
Blown fuse
Leaking component: any of the parts listed above or one of the A/C lines, hoses or seals
Insufficient Cool Air
Low refrigerant charge
Loose drive belt
Slipping compressor clutch
Clogged condenser
Clogged evaporator
Slow leak in system
Partially clogged filter or expansion valve

Most A/C repairs are best left to a qualified repair shop.

Recharging the refrigerant, in particular, requires special equipment that most people don’t own.

There are a couple things you can do, however.

First, make sure to have the system checked regularly according to your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Second, if you live in a place with a cold climate, it might not make much sense to run the A/C during the winter months, but many shop technicians recommend running your A/C system regularly, because it contains a light mineral oil in the refrigerant to keep the compressor properly lubricated.

The general rule of thumb is 10 minutes per month. Some heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems also engage the A/C compressor for defrost mode (for example, most GM vehicles).

So those are the basics behind air conditioning. The next time you’re riding along in a car and the driver hits the A/C button, you can say, Boy, those evaporator tubes sure are cold.

Need your vehicle air conditioning looked at then call Zec Automotives on 02 96801691.

One of the best ways to protect your vehicle’s tires is to make sure that the wheels are properly aligned. In its simplest form, a wheel alignment is the adjustment of the wheels so they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground.

Misalignment of wheels can cause excessive tire wear along with steering or tracking problems.

How often should I have my alignment checked?

Zecs Castle Hill mechanical services recommends that you have your vehicle’s alignment checked at least once per year. However, if your vehicle is not handling properly or if you notice any unusual tire wear, bring it to Zecs for an Alignment Check.

A bad jolt, such as hitting a pothole, can throw your front end out of alignment even if you had it checked an hour earlier. Such an impact can also bend the rim, causing a loss of air pressure, and damage your tires with little or no visible external indication.

If you are concerned about your tires or how your vehicle is handling, don’t hesitate to have one of our service technicians examine your vehicle.

Why should I have my alignment checked?

The misalignment of front or rear wheels along with other mechanical problems (improperly operating brakes or shock absorbers, bent wheels, worn bushings, etc.) can cause uneven and rapid treadwear and can make your vehicle handle poorly.

Front-wheel-drive vehicles, and those with independent rear suspension, require special attention with alignment of all four wheels. These systems should be checked periodically as specified by the vehicle owner’s manual or whenever you have an indication of trouble.

To book in your wheel alignment call
Zec Automotives on 02 96801691