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Detailed Topics
Several times a week folks come in for a wheel alignment. Their complaint is, the vehicle pulls to the left or right. Surprising, very often the wheel alignment is fine and the pull is actually being caused by the tires.
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Most folks have never heard of transient current flow. It can cause thousands in damage to a vehicles, with very few outward signs. Fortunately it can also be prevented, with a few simple steps.
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It is quite common to find out of round tires. They shake and often damage suspension components. A question I am often asked is, what makes tires go out of round? The fact is, tires do not go out of round.
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There was a time when wheel lugs were very basic. Most were 7/16 or half inch diameter and all worked about the same. Now there are dozens of metric and inch sizes with several different thread pitches. The way they hold and center the wheel is also different and can be dangerous if the wrong application is used.
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We receive a lot of questions on vacuum brake boosters. Brake boosters are devices that provide power assist to the brake system. This greatly reduces the effort required to stop the vehicle, as anyone who has experience a booster failure knows. It can also start an expensive part replacement problem, if not properly diagnosed.
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Buying a new hybrid may seem like a great way to save money. Many claim to get fantastic fuel mileage and there is no shortage of media promotion. From a service standpoint and from the standpoint of overall lowest cost, I feel there is another side to the story.
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It is common to bait folks in with the offer of a low price. High profit add-ons, often of questionable value are then used to make profit. One example, in my opinion, is using nitrogen to fill passenger tires. The advantages have been hugely exaggerated as the benefits are almost nil.
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The original vehicle brakes lasted 45,000 miles. Just 5,000 miles after the first "brake job " they’re squealing again and now the steering wheel shakes when the brakes are applied.
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If the brake caliper slides seize, the inboard pad will apply and the outboard will not. If the slides bind, the outboard pad will not release when the brakes are released. In either case, rapid pad wear and rotor problems will result.
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The debate of advantages for diesel over gasoline light trucks is an old and ongoing one. There are pros and cons to both and basically, the decision to purchase one over the other comes down to expected use. Three diesel engines dominate the US light truck market.
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After coming to a stop it feels like someone hits you from the rear. You turn and look, but no one is there. If you drive a General Motors or other rear wheel drive truck or SUV, you are not alone. A loud clunk after stopping is a frequent complaint on these vehicles. You may have even been told it’s normal. It is not and it can normally be fixed without much expense.
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Which of the following top-selling vehicles is a "U.S. Vehicle"?
(hint, According to the American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA) to be considered a U.S. car, it must be built in the U.S. and have 75% of its components made in the United States or Canada)
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Henry Ford and people like him built empires, by providing quality and value. Henry was also smart enough to know if he provided jobs, folks could buy his cars. He employed countless US craftsman, building cars, parts and a high standard of living. While the names of domestic manufacturers may still be in use, their concern for US jobs is far from apparent.
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Being energy efficient does not have to mean doing without. These insulation panels have proved to be a win-win situation . . .
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The terms "environmentally friendly" and "green" have largely been exploited to the point of making folks feel ill. Anything can be pushed to the point of absurdity by those that stand to gain. There are serious business applications for energy saving products. Energy equals money and saving energy means saving money.
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In August of 1992 the American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA) was introduced by the Senate. While the purpose was never clearly stated, it was heavily supported by the Big-Three and UAW. It was passed into law on 6 October 1992. In theory it informs vehicle buyers about domestic content in their vehicle. In practice it has several deficiencies.
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When the check engine light comes on there is a problem. A diagnostic trouble code [DTC] is set in memory. The cause could be as simple as a loose fuel cap. Why does a loose fuel cap cause a check engine light?
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Vehicle maintenance can be very confusing. Every day, vehicles end up in junk yards because of a lack of it. At the same time, millions of dollars are wasted every year on useless services or worse, things that actually create problems.
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If your General Motors SUV or truck is losing coolant, with no visible signs of a leak, the source may shock you. Worse, allowing the problem to go on may well mean a new engine.
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Rear differentials have axle bearings at both wheels. The bearings allow the axle shafts to rotate with little friction. As long as they are properly lubricated, they can last the life of the vehicle. If not they can cost a huge amount to repair.
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Properly setting the air pressure in tires can improve performance and extend life. Two pounds per square inch (PSI) can have a noticeable effect. Something not often considered is the accuracy of the gauge being used. Many gauges can read off by up to ten percent or more.
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This year, as in years past, AGGO will close from Friday July 9th through Friday July 16th for Summer shop vacation. We will return, ready for work on Monday, July 19th .
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At one time, everybody basically understood or knew someone who understood how vehicles worked. Today vehicles are so complex that even experts in the field normally only work with certain systems. With so much complexity there is bound to be misunderstanding. Where there is misunderstanding and money, shysters will find a way to prevail.
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Several times a week vehicles come into the shop with major problems. Rear main seals, valve guide seals and valve covers leaking are very common. Inevitably, when the engine is examined it is clear the oil has not been changed often enough. The seals are now very hard and brittle and the engine has several leaks. More unfortunate, this may only be the beginning.
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It is very common, as well as expensive, to find stripped oil pan drains. It is not difficult to ruin the threads on the drain hole, with improper service. Once these threads are ruined, expensive oil pan replacement is often necessary. This problem is almost completely preventable.
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Just because the treads of a tire are good, does not mean the tire is still safe. Tire age is also a factor. Care must be taken to be certain the tires on a vehicle are not past a safe age. Many experts agree that six-years is the safe life of a tire. Even though the treads may be good the construction of the tire could be compromised.
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There is an enduring method used by con-men. It is to make the person being taken, think they are getting a great deal. There is something in human nature that tends to make people abandon caution, when they think they are going to gain. This is the basis of most classic cons and I believe the basis of extended warranties .
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Every year well intentioned folks try to recharge their vehicle air conditioners. At best they get temporary results and often they get a huge and very costly surprise. With modern air conditioning, what you don’t know can cost you dearly.
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Edmonds recently did a survey of the most complained about vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The figures are adjusted for the number of vehicles sold, something not always taken into account. For instance, Volkswagen has 4.1% of the complaints, but only sells 2.4% of the cars sold. The list also seems to very closely agree with our in-shop experience. Something to consider before buying a new car?
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Power windows are very common and a convenient accessory, until they break. Many people assume the power window motor must have failed. Surprisingly this is not the most common problem.
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Electronic fuel injectors are some of the most precise components on an automobile. Able to regulate fuel flow within milliseconds and for millions of cycles. How often should such a precise device need cleaning and maintenance? The answer may shock you.
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The practice is called menu pricing. Many think they can select services, like commodities, simply by comparing price on a menu. In reality the practice may insure, not only unpleasant surprises with regard to price, but that they will be taken advantage of.
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A true craftsman’s primary interest is fixing the vehicle properly. By offering great service they earn and honest living. There are also those who’s primary interest is making money. They simply do so by repairing vehicles. A little work up front can help direct you to the type individual with whom you would rather deal.
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Many owners of GM vehicles have experienced problems with their dash gauges. Speedometers, tachometers, fuel gauges and temperature gauges that are noisy, don’t work, stick or read improperly. GM recently recalled many of their SUV and truck models for this problem. The recall is up to 70,000 miles, though most people won’t see symptoms till 80,000 plus.
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Many times vehicle suspensions are raised or lowered by well intentioned enthusiast. The change in vehicle height often provides an appearance they find more pleasing. Unfortunately, it can also provide quite a few problems. Tire wear, poor handling and suspension component failure often result.
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Several times a month, folks come in thinking they need an automatic transmission rebuild. Sometimes they do and many times they do not. When asked why they felt the automatic transmission needed rebuilding, they answer, "I was told the fluid was dark."
Automatic transmission fluid color, along with other symptoms, can be an indication of an automatic transmission problem. Fluid color is NOT by itself a reliable indicator. Darkening of fluid with age is a normal characteristic. Knowing normal color and other symptoms to look for can keep you from being taken advantage of.
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Automotive frame and unibody repair is a field that few people know a lot about. A sort of mysterious craft somewhere between science and art. Properly performed, a mangled vehicle frame is restored to pre-accident condition. The vehicle handles properly, does not wear tires and there is no signs it was ever damaged. Poorly performed, the list of symptoms is numerous and the results are quite disappointing.
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More and more, people are finding out the hard way about going too long between oil changes. The cost is staggering, otherwise good vehicles going to scrap yards. Vehicles that might have given twice as many years of service.
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AGCO Automotive was awarded a Gold ADDY for its "Lay it on Lucy" radio campaign at the 2010 American Advertising Federation of Baton Rouge's ADDY Awards. The campaign was created and produced by local advertising agency, Creative English. This year’s competition attracted 446 entries from Baton Rouge professionals and LSU students, and was judged by a panel of out-of-state advertising executives. Winners of the Baton Rouge awards are eligible to compete in the five-state District 7 competition in April, where winners then move to compete nationally in June.
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When a transmission fails, there are multiple ways the problem may be addressed. Knowing your options may help you decide which is the best for you and what is the difference.
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The lead acid battery has been used to start cars for many years. They are dependable and affordable sources of electric power. They are also lasting less time than in the past, for several reasons. Understanding how they work can help extend their lives.
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As in years past, AGCO will be closed Monday, February 15th and Tuesday February16th for Mardi Gras. We will reopen, Wednesday February 17th at 7:00 AM. Our staff wishes everyone a wonderful Carnival season.
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Battery terminal corrosion is quite common. Not only is it damaging to the battery terminal and cable it can cause problems you might never expect. Simply cleaning it off is temporary at best and can cost you a bundle.
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Dull, dingy, yellow headlamps are as common as they are aggravating to drivers. They cause reduced visibility and are very unsightly. Most modern vehicles use plastic headlamps and many will discolor with age. Replacement is expensive and unnecessary. They are surprisingly easy to restore with inexpensive cleaners.
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I feel it is ironic that two of the strongest urges in mankind are actually contradictory:
1.) The urge to avoid risk.
2.) The urge to get more than we pay for.
Perhaps as ironic, these two urges are often used to take advantage of people, giving them neither. A lottery may be an example. The amount wagered is small, thus seeming to avoid any real risk. Yet the lure is to get more than is paid for. Even though there is almost no chance to win, huge numbers of people give away millions of their hard earned dollars.
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When having a vehicle repaired problems sometimes occur. When they do, the difference in an excellent and a less than excellent company are quite apparent. The way in which a client voices their complaint may also have a great influence on the outcome.
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Oil viscosity is something most folks have heard of, sort of understand but are not real certain about. This is not intended as a technically complete piece on the topic. Rather this is a light overview as the term relates to engine oil.
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The valve stem cap is extremely simple, yet misunderstood and can be the cause of a good many problems. Tires that don’t hold air are often caused by missing valve stem caps. Vehicles often come in for wheel alignment only to find a low tire, caused by a missing valve stem cap. On newer vehicles a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning can be another expensive symptom.
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Not many people would knowingly neglect something that might cost them thousands of dollars. With automatic transmissions there is so much mis-information floating around it is hard to know what to do. Hopefully this short article might shed some light.
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Timing belts can be quite confusing. First, not every engine has one. Some engines use gear drives or timing chains, which do not normally require maintenance. Others use belts and like any piece of rubber, the timing belt must be replaced in time.
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