Driving a car is a luxury that most of us take for granted.

Cars are the primary means of transportation in Australia, with ninety percent of Australian adults owning or previously owning a car or truck. What we don’t realize is that operating a car or truck is a responsibility that can bring serious consequences.

Every year in NSW alone, more than twenty five thousand vehicular injuries and almost 400 deaths occur.   It’s a tragic figure, especially when you consider that many of these accidents could be prevented with proper maintenance and routine check-ups. Keeping your car well-maintained means reducing the risk of mishap or even death, and protecting your loved ones and fellow drivers.

Before hitting the road, be sure to conduct these checkups regularly:

Tires

Most Australians use all-season tires. These tires should carry you safely from season to season, but it is imperative that you check the tires regularly for wear or damage. Ideally, tires should be checked on a weekly basis.

Brakes

The brake system serves one main purposes: to slow down or stop the car when it is needed. If you step on the brake pedal and it goes all the way to the floor, you’ve got trouble.

Late-model automobiles are equipped with a brake warning light. This dashboard indicator will light up if something is wrong with your brake system. If your brake warning light indicates trouble, it is imperative that you check the brake system immediately. Consult your owner’s manual for maintenance advice, and call an experienced mechanic for repairs. Brake repairs or replacements are no job for a weekend or hobby mechanic.

Call the Castle Hill Mechanic today on 02 9680 1691

Headlights

A large number of  pedestrians died or were injured because drivers suffered eye problems or had faulty headlights in the automobiles. Properly maintained vehicle headlights help you drive safely, and see more clearly. Replace your headlight bulbs at least once per year.

Wipers

Many people don’t think of changing their wiper blades until it is too late. This is one of the easiest and most inexpensive parts of the car to maintain. Change your wiper blades at least once a year.

There are 10 common reasons why automobile owners visit the mechanic:

1. Electronic/Ignition control

2. Suspension/steering

3. Electrical problem

4. Brake system

5. Oil change/filters/lube

6. Exhaust system

7. Radiator repairs

8. Fuel system/carburetor

9. Clutch/transmission

10. Air conditioning system

Zecs Castle Hill Mechanic can help with all these so call today on 02 9680 1691

Routine check ups and proper maintenance of a car be expensive, and budget restrictions are often the leading factors in keeping car owners from living up to their responsibilities.

This does not need to be a problem.

The key is in knowing how to save on car maintenance and repairs.

If your car is not performing to its full potential, remember the following tips to help you save money on repairs:

Preventive Maintenance

Be your car’s best friend, and you can save a bundle.

By conducting regular preventative maintenance, such as regular oil changes and radiator flushes, you prevent unnecessary damage to the car and save a lot of money in the long run. Regular checkups by a qualified repairperson will keep your car running better, longer.

Conserve

Even cars need to take a break now and then. If you drive your car everyday the miles will add up quickly, and damage can occur prematurely. To avoid this, consider carpooling with friends and coworkers. Ask around to form your own carpool group. You’ll all save on maintenance, and you’ll be able to pool your fuel and parking expenses.

Estimate

Before choosing a mechanic to repair your car, be sure to get a written estimate. If the mechanic wants more than your budget can afford, shop around. Compare estimates to find the best deal. Just be sure that you are paying for quality service.

Zecs Castle Hill Mechanic can help with a competitive quote so call today on 02 9680 1691

As an car owner, you have a responsibility to keep your car properly maintained at all times. Consider it an investment in your car’s future, and remember that it could save a life.

A

Abbotsbury (2176), Abbotsford (2046), Acacia Gardens (2763), Agnes Banks (2753), Airds (2560), Akuna Bay (2084), Alexandria (2015), Alfords Point (2234), Allambie (2100), Allambie Heights (2100), Allawah (2218), Ambarvale (2560), Annandale (2038), Annangrove (2156), Arcadia (2159), Arncliffe (2205), Arndell Park (2148), Artarmon (2064), Ashbury (2193), Ashcroft (2168), Ashfield (2131), Asquith (2077), Auburn (2144), Auburn South (2144), Audley (2232), Austral (2171), Avalon (2107), Avalon Beach (2107)

B

Badgerys Creek (2555), Balgowlah (2093), Balgowlah Heights (2093), Balmain (2041), Balmain East (2041), Balmoral (2088), Bangor (2234), Banksia (2216), Banksmeadow (2019), Bankstown (2200), Bankstown Airport (2200), Bankstown North (2200), Bankstown Square (2200), Barden Ridge (2234), Bardwell Park (2207), Bardwell Valley (2207), Bass Hill (2197), Baulkham Hills (2153), Bayview (2104), Beacon Hill (2100), Beaconsfield (2015), Beaumont Hills (2155), Beauty Point (2088), Beecroft (2119), Belfield (2191), Bella Vista (2153), Bellevue Hill (2023), Belmore (2192), Belrose (2085), Belrose West (2085), Ben Buckler (2026), Berala (2141), Berkshire Park (2765), Berowra (2081), Berowra Heights (2082), Berowra Waters (2082), Berrilee (2159), Beverley Park (2217), Beverly Hills (2209), Bexley (2207), Bexley North (2207), Bexley South (2207), Bickley Vale (2570), Bidwill (2770), Bilgola (2107), Bilgola Beach (2107), Bilgola Plateau (2107), Birchgrove (2041), Birrong (2143), Blackett (2770), Blacktown (2148), Blair Athol (2560), Blairmount (2559), Blakehurst (2221), Blaxcell (2142), Blenheim Road (2113), Bobbin Head (2074), Bondi (2026), Bondi Beach (2026), Bondi Junction (2022), Bonnet Bay (2226), Bonnyrigg (2177), Bonnyrigg Heights (2177), Bossley Park (2176), Botany (2019), Bow Bowing (2566), Box Hill (2765), Bradbury (2560), Breakfast Point (2137), Bringelly (2556), Broadway (2007), Bronte (2024), Brooklyn (2083), Brookvale (2100), Bundeena (2230), Burraneer (2230), Burwood (2134), Burwood Heights (2136), Burwood North (2134), Busby (2168)

C

Cabarita (2137), Cabramatta (2166), Cabramatta West (2166), Cambridge Gardens (2747), Cambridge Park (2747), Camden (2570), Camden South (2570), Camellia (2142), Cammeray (2062), Campbelltown (2560), Campbelltown North (2560), Camperdown (2050), Campsie (2194), Canada Bay (2046), Canley Heights (2166), Canley Vale (2166), Canoelands (2157), Canterbury (2193), Caravan Head (2225), Careel Bay (2107), Caringbah (2229), Carlingford (2118), Carlingford Court (2118), Carlton (2218), Carramar (2163), Carss Park (2221), Cartwright (2168), Castle Cove (2069), Winston Hills (2153),West Pennant Hills (2125),Kellyville (2155),Castle Hill (2154), Baulkham Hills (2153), Cherrybrook (2126), Glenhaven (2156), Bella Vista (2153),Castlecrag (2068), Castlereagh (2749), Casula (2170), Catherine Field (2557), Cattai (2756), Cawdor (2570), Cecil Hills (2171), Cecil Park (2178), Centennial Park (2021), Charing Cross (2024), Chatswood (2057), Chatswood (2067), Chatswood West (2067), Chatsworth (2469), Chatsworth (2759), Cheltenham (2119), Cherrybrook (2126), Chester Hill (2162), Chifley (2036), Chippendale (2008), Chipping Norton (2170), Chiswick (2046), Chullora (2190), Church Point (2105), Claremont Meadows (2747), Clareville (2107), Claymore (2559), Clemton Park (2206), Clifton Gardens (2088), Clontarf (2093), Clovelly (2031), Clovelly West (2031), Coasters Retreat (2108), Cobbitty (2570), Colebee (2761), Collaroy (2097), Collaroy Beach (2097), Collaroy Plateau (2097), Colyton (2760), Como (2226), Concord (2137), Concord Repatriation Hospital (2139), Concord West (2138), Condell Park (2200), Connells Point (2221), Coogee (2034), Cottage Point (2084), Cowan (2081), Cranebrook (2749), Cremorne (2090), Cremorne Junction (2090), Cremorne Point (2090), Crestwood (2153), Cromer (2099), Cromer Heights (2099), Cronulla (2230), Cross Roads (2850), Crows Nest (2065), Croydon (2132), Croydon Park (2133), Curl Curl (2096), Currans Hill (2567), Currawong Beach (2108)

D

Daceyville (2032), Dangar Island (2083), Darling Harbour (2000), Darling Point (2027), Darlinghurst (2010), Darlington (2008), Darlington (2330), Davidson (2085), Dawes Point (2000), Dean Park (2761), Dee Why (2099), Dee Why Beach (2099), Denham Court (2565), Denistone (2114), Denistone East (2112), Denistone West (2114), Dharruk (2770), Diamond Bay (2030), Dolans Bay (2229), Dolls Point (2219), Doonside (2767), Double Bay (2028), Dover Heights (2030), Drummoyne (2047), Duffys Forest (2084), Dulwich Hill (2203), Dundas (2117), Dundas Valley (2117), Dural (2158), Dural (2330)

E

Eagle Vale (2558), Earlwood (2206), East Hills (2213), East Lindfield (2070), East Ryde (2113), Eastern Creek (2766), Eastgardens (2036), Eastlakes (2018), Eastwood (2122), Edensor Park (2176), Edgecliff (2027), Edmondson Park (2174), Elanora Heights (2101), Elderslie (2570), Elizabeth Bay (2011), Ellis Lane (2570), Elvina Bay (2105), Emerton (2770), Emu Heights (2750), Emu Plains (2750), Enfield (2136), Enfield South (2133), Engadine (2233), Englorie Park (2560), Enmore (2042), Enmore (2350), Enmore (2358), Epping (2121), Ermington (2115), Erskine Park (2759), Erskineville (2043), Eschol Park (2558), Eveleigh (2015)

F

Fairfield (2165), Fairfield East (2165), Fairfield Heights (2165), Fairfield West (2165), Fairlight (2094), Fiddletown (2159), Figtree (2525), Fishermans Bay (2316), Five Dock (2046), Forest Glen (2157), Forest Lodge (2037), Forestville (2087), Frenchs Forest (2086), Frenchs Forest East (2086)

G

Galston (2159), Garie (2232), Georges Hall (2198), Gilead (2560), Girraween (2145), Gladesville (2111), Glebe (2037), Glen Alpine (2560), Glendenning (2761), Glenfield (2167), Glenhaven (2156), Glenmore Park (2745), Glenorie (2157), Glenquarie (2564), Glenwood (2768), Golden Grove (2008), Gordon (2072), Gore Hill (2065), Granville (2142), Grasmere (2570), Grays Point (2232), Great Mackerel Beach (2108), Green Valley (2168), Greenacre (2190), Greendale (2546), Greendale (2745), Greenfield Park (2176), Greenwich (2065), Greystanes (2145), Guildford (2161), Guildford West (2161), Gymea (2227), Gymea Bay (2227)

H

Haberfield (2045), Hammondville (2170), Harbord (2096), Harrington Park (2567), Harris Park (2150), Hassall Grove (2761), Haymarket (2000), Heathcote (2233), Hebersham (2770), Heckenberg (2168), Henley (2111), Hillsdale (2036), Hillside (2157), Hinchinbrook (2168), Hmas Kuttabul (2011), Hmas Penguin (2091), Hmas Platypus (2060), Hmas Rushcutters (2027), Hmas Waterhen (2060), Hmas Watson (2030), Holroyd (2142), Holsworthy (2173), Homebush (2140), Homebush Bay (2127), Homebush South (2140), Homebush West (2140), Horningsea Park (2171), Hornsby (2077), Hornsby Heights (2077), Horsley Park (2175), Hoxton Park (2171), Hunters Hill (2110), Huntingwood (2148), Huntleys Cove (2111), Huntleys Point (2111), Hurlstone Park (2193), Hurstville (2220), Hurstville Grove (2220), Hurstville Westfield (2220)

I

Illawong (2234), Ingleburn (2565), Ingleside (2101)

J

Jamisontown (2750), Jannali (2226)

K

Kangaroo Point (2224), Kareela (2232), Kearns (2558), Kellyville (2155), Kellyville Ridge (2155), Kemps Creek (2178), Kensington (2033), Kenthurst (2156), Kentlyn (2560), Killara (2071), Killarney Heights (2087), Kings Cross (2011), Kings Langley (2147), Kings Park (2148), Kingsdene (2118), Kingsford (2032), Kingsgrove (2208), Kingsway West (2208), Kingswood (2340), Kingswood (2550), Kingswood (2747), Kirkham (2570), Kirrawee (2232), Kirribilli (2061), Kogarah (2217), Kogarah Bay (2217), Kurnell (2231), Kyeemagh (2216), Kyle Bay (2221)

L

La Perouse (2036), Lakemba (2195), Lalor Park (2147), Lane Cove (2066), Lansdowne (2163), Lansdowne (2430), Lansvale (2166), Laughtondale (2775), Lavender Bay (2060), Lefevres Corner (2570), Leichhardt (2040), Leonay (2750), Leppington (2179), Lethbridge Park (2770), Leumeah (2560), Lewisham (2049), Liberty Grove (2138), Lidcombe (2141), Lidcombe North (2141), Lilli Pilli (2229), Lilli Pilli (2536), Lilyfield (2040), Lindfield (2070), Linley Point (2066), Little Bay (2036), Liverpool (2170), Liverpool South (2170), Liverpool Westfield (2170), Llandilo (2747), Loftus (2232), Londonderry (2753), Long Point (2330), Long Point (2564), Long Point (2800), Long Reef (2097), Longueville (2066), Lovett Bay (2105), Lower Hawkesbury (2775), Lower Portland (2756), Lucas Heights (2234), Luddenham (2745), Lugarno (2210), Lurnea (2170)

M

Macarthur Square (2560), Macquarie Centre (2113), Macquarie Fields (2564), Macquarie Links (2565), Macquarie Park (2113), Macquarie University (2109), Maianbar (2230), Malabar (2036), Manahan (2200), Manly (2095), Manly East (2095), Manly Vale (2093), Maraylya (2765), Marayong (2148), Maroota (2756), Maroubra (2035), Maroubra South (2035), Marrickville (2204), Marrickville South (2204), Marsden Park (2765), Marsfield (2122), Mascot (2020), Matraville (2036), Mays Hill (2145), Mcmahons Point (2060), Meadowbank (2114), Melrose Park (2114), Melville (2320), Menai (2234), Menai Central (2234), Menangle Park (2563), Merrylands (2160), Merrylands West (2160), Middle Cove (2068), Middle Dural (2158), Miller (2168), Millers Point (2000), Milperra (2214), Milsons Passage (2083), Milsons Point (2061), Minchinbury (2770), Minto (2566), Minto Heights (2566), Miranda (2228), Mona Vale (2103), Monash Park (2111), Monterey (2217), Moore Park (2021), Moorebank (2170), Morning Bay (2108), Mortdale (2223), Mortlake (2137), Mosman (2088), Mount Annan (2567), Mount Colah (2079), Mount Druitt (2770), Mount Hunter (2570), Mount Lewis (2190), Mount Lewis (2200), Mount Pleasant (2519), Mount Pritchard (2170), Mount Vernon (2178), Mulgoa (2745)

N

Narellan (2567), Narellan Vale (2567), Naremburn (2065), Narrabeen (2101), Narrabeen Peninsula (2101), Narraweena (2099), Narwee (2209), Nelson (2550), Nelson (2765), Neutral Bay (2089), Neutral Bay Junction (2089), Newington (2127), Newport (2106), Newport Beach (2106), Newtown (2042), Normanhurst (2076), North Balgowlah (2093), North Epping (2121), North Manly (2100), North Narrabeen (2101), North Rocks (2151), North Ryde (2113), North Strathfield (2137), North Sydney (2055), North Sydney (2059), North Sydney (2060), North Sydney Shoppingworld (2060), North Turramurra (2074), Northbridge (2063), Northmead (2152), Northwood (2066)

O

Oakhurst (2761), Oakville (2765), Oatlands (2117), Oatley (2223), Old Guildford (2161), Old Toongabbie (2146), Oran Park (2570), Orchard Hills (2748), Osborne Park (2066), Oxford Falls (2100), Oxley Park (2760), Oyster Bay (2225)

P

Paddington (2021), Padstow (2211), Padstow Heights (2211), Pagewood (2035), Palm Beach (2108), Panania (2213), Paradise Beach (2107), Parklea (2768), Parramatta (2123), Parramatta (2124), Parramatta (2150), Parramatta Westfield (2150), Peakhurst (2210), Peakhurst Heights (2210), Pemulwuy (2145), Pendle Hill (2145), Pennant Hills (2120), Penrith (2750), Penrith (2751), Penrith Plaza (2750), Penrith South (2750), Penshurst (2222), Petersham (2049), Phillip Bay (2036), Picnic Point (2213), Pleasure Point (2172), Plumpton (2761), Point Piper (2027), Port Botany (2036), Port Hacking (2229), Potts Hill (2143), Potts Point (2011), Prairiewood (2176), Prestons (2170), Prospect (2148), Punchbowl (2196), Punchbowl (2460), Putney (2112), Pymble (2073), Pyrmont (2009)

Q

Quakers Hill (2763), Queens Park (2022), Queenscliff (2096)

R

Raby (2566), Ramsgate (2217), Ramsgate Beach (2217), Randwick (2031), Redfern (2016), Regents Park (2143), Regentville (2745), Revesby (2212), Revesby Heights (2212), Revesby North (2212), Rhodes (2138), Riverstone (2765), Riverview (2066), Riverwood (2210), Rockdale (2216), Rodd Point (2046), Rookwood (2141), Rooty Hill (2766), Rose Bay (2029), Rose Bay North (2030), Rosebery (2018), Rosedale (2536), Rosehill (2142), Roselands (2196), Rosemeadow (2560), Roseville (2069), Roseville Chase (2069), Rossmore (2557), Round Corner (2158), Rouse Hill (2155), Royal North Shore Hospital (2065), Rozelle (2039), Ruse (2560), Rushcutters Bay (2011), Russell Lea (2046), Rydalmere (2116), Ryde (2112)

S

Sackville North (2756), Sadleir (2168), Sandringham (2219), Sandy Point (2172), Sans Souci (2219), Schofields (2762), Scotland Island (2105), Seaforth (2092), Sefton (2162), Seven Hills (2147), Seven Hills West (2147), Shalvey (2770), Shanes Park (2747), Silverwater (2128), Silverwater (2264), Smeaton Grange (2567), Smithfield (2164), Smithfield West (2164), South Penrith (2750), South Turramurra (2074), South Wentworthville (2145), Spit Junction (2088), Spring Farm (2570), St Andrews (2566), St Clair (2759), St Helens Park (2560), St Ives (2075), St Ives Chase (2075), St Johns Park (2176), St Leonards (2065), St Marys (2760), St Marys East (2760), St Marys South (2760), St Pauls (2031), St Peters (2044), Stanhope Gardens (2768), Stanmore (2048), Strathfield (2135), Strathfield South (2136), Strawberry Hills (2012), Strawberry Hills (2013), Summer Hill (2130), Summer Hill (2287), Summer Hill (2800), Surry Hills (2010), Sutherland (2232), Sydenham (2044), Sydney (2000), Sydney (2001), Sydney Domestic Airport (2020), Sydney International Airport (2020), Sylvania (2224), Sylvania Southgate (2224), Sylvania Waters (2224)

T

Tamarama (2026), Taren Point (2229), Taylors Point (2107), Telopea (2117), Tempe (2044), Tennyson (2754), Tennyson Point (2111), Terrey Hills (2084), The Basin (2108), The Basin (2365), The Rocks (2000), The Rocks (2795), Thornleigh (2120), Toongabbie (2146), Toongabbie East (2146), Tregear (2770), Turramurra (2074), Turrella (2205)

U

Ultimo (2007), Undercliffe (2206)

V

Varroville (2566), Vaucluse (2030), Villawood (2163), Vineyard (2765), Voyager Point (2172)

W

Wahroonga (2076), Waitara (2077), Wakeley (2176), Wallacia (2745), Wareemba (2046), Warrawee (2074), Warriewood (2102), Warrimoo (2774), Warringah Mall (2100), Warumbul (2229), Warwick Farm (2170), Waterfall (2233), Waterloo (2017), Watsons Bay (2030), Wattle Grove (2173), Waverley (2024), Waverton (2060), Wedderburn (2560), Wentworthville (2145), Werrington (2747), Werrington County (2747), Werrington Downs (2747), West Hoxton (2171), West Pennant Hills (2125), West Pymble (2073), West Ryde (2114), Westgate (2048), Westleigh (2120), Westmead (2145), Wetherill Park (2164), Whalan (2770), Whale Beach (2107), Wheeler Heights (2097), Wiley Park (2195), Willmot (2770), Willoughby (2068), Willoughby North (2068), Wingala (2099), Winston Hills (2153), Wisemans Ferry (2775), Wolli Creek (2205), Wollstonecraft (2065), Woodbine (2560), Woodcroft (2767), Woodpark (2164), Woollahra (2025), Woolloomooloo (2011), Woolooware (2230), Woolwich (2110), Woronora (2232), Woronora Heights (2233)

Y

Yagoona (2199), Yagoona West (2199), Yarrawarrah (2233), Yennora (2161), Yowie Bay (2228)

Z

Zetland (2017)

As you know looking after your car and getting it regularly serviced can save you a lot of time and expense.

Quite often, a visit to the car repair shop can be even more painful than a visit to your dentist. Perhaps physical pain is involved, but some car repairs can leave your wallet feeling pretty empty and you with a bad taste in your mouth.

The best way to avoid costly repairs is to take preventative steps that will keep your car in the best condition possible.

The first thing to do is to follow the maintenance schedule as outlined in your owner’s manual. The best one is always that recommended by the manufacturer and if you fail to follow those guidelines, your warranty may be voided for future repairs. Always be sure to change fluids, filters and spark plugs as the car’s manufacturer recommends.

Upgrade your motor oil to a high performance synthetic oil, which can help to prevent certain problems and can also improve your car’s performance.

Always be sure that your tires are properly inflated. This is especially important because tires with too little air, or too much, can result in excessive wear and may cause a blow out. It is often recommended that tire pressure be checked during every visit to the gas pump. While this may seem like a lot, you won’t be sorry that you have kept your tires in the best shape possible. For reasons of both safety and the expense of new tires, this exercise is well worth it.

If you notice unusual noises on your car, check with your owner’s manual for information. Quite often, noises are perfectly normal and there is no need for concern. Your owner’s manual will let you know whether or not a visit to the car repair shop is necessary.

If you do have to take your car in for repairs, be sure that you are dealing with a reputable company. Check with the local Better Business Bureau and ask your family or friends for recommendations.

When it comes time to begin the repairs, get an estimate in writing. A quality repair shop will be able to provide this information and should also be able to assure you that the repairs will not exceed 10% of a specific dollar amount as outlined in the estimate.

The aforementioned steps will help to keep your car running smoothly and may also keep some extra bucks in your wallet. With the cost of gasoline prices these days, a few extra dollars can go along way.

Castle Hill Auto Repairs have many years of experience and are trusted by many motorists in Castle Hill and the surrounding areas so why not give them a call today for a quote on 02 9680 1691.

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.

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