Category Archives: Blog

Preparing for your emissions test. Emission Time- By Megan Evans.

Signs That You Have Exhaust System Problems

Car Exhaust System

Exhaust system problems are one of the top reasons cars fail emissions testing in Utah. Your car’s exhaust system is made up of several interconnected components, all of which are critical for proper operation. Keeping your emissions system in good shape is important for reducing air pollution, but it is also critical for your own health and safety. Here are some tips for troubleshooting an exhaust problem in your car and what to do if you think you have an issue.

What is the Exhaust System?

Your car’s exhaust system is composed mainly of interconnected pipes designed to filter and route emissions from the engine compartment toward the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, an exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, oxygen sensor and muffler are involved. Components are joined together using flanges and gaskets to minimize leakage. As the engine works to power your car, it emits gases containing water vapor, unburned fuel and acidic contaminant particles. The catalytic converter filters about 90 percent of these contaminants out, then passes exhaust to the manifold and muffler, which work to cool the exhaust and muffle the loud noises it would otherwise make during expulsion.

Why Your Exhaust System is Important

The system prevents many contaminants from being released into the atmosphere, but it also keeps them from overwhelming you while you are inside the car. Acidic components of vehicular emissions can corrode pipes, resulting in leaks. If toxic fumes enter the passenger compartment of your car, especially if they haven’t yet been filtered, you may be at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Your car’s efficient operation will also be compromised. Your gas mileage will dip dramatically and the car may run or idle roughly. In extreme cases, exhaust leaks will prevent your car from running at all.

What to Do if You Suspect an Exhaust Problem

If you notice decreased gas mileage, unusual noises, rough operation or smell fumes inside your car, you likely have a leak or other problem with your exhaust system. It is critical to have your car evaluated as soon as possible, and have the problem corrected. Otherwise, if major components fail, you may be facing expensive repair bills. You won’t be able to pass your next emissions test if a problem exists, and until the problem is repaired, you’re spewing harmful contaminants into the air.

Emission Time, serving the Sandy and Salt Lake City areas, provides vehicle emissions testing and on-the-spot vehicle registration renewal, along with many types of automotive repair services. If you suspect an exhaust problem in your car, swing by for a quick professional check-up. They can help you identify and understand critical exhaust system problems in your vehicle.

Resolve to Reduce Utah Air Pollution in 2015

SLC Smog

This year, resolving to help reduce Utah air pollution might be the best commitment you make for yourself and the environment. In northern Utah, especially along the Wasatch Front, both summer and winter weather bring their own unique set of pollution problems. Bad air can contribute to a variety of health issues, restricting movement and reducing quality of life. Read on for some helpful tips for reducing your contribution to air pollution this year.

Utah Air Pollution Challenges

During the summer, sunlight and heat mix with high, harmful ozone levels that result from vehicular traffic. During the winter, wood fires and vehicle emissions create large quantities of particulates in the air. These particulates often become trapped under a dense layer of air known as an inversion. Inversions can remain in place for days or weeks, until a weather change blows it out. Particulates grow denser in the air during an inversion and the longer the condition lasts, the worse the problem becomes. The effects of these conditions on the human body can be dire.

How Air Pollution Affects the Body

Airborne particulates can cause problems even for normally healthy individuals. For people with existing health issues or other risk factors, however, the problem becomes more serious. Pollution can greatly worsen asthma and other lung diseases. For those with cardiovascular disease (congestive heart failure, for example), chest pain and shortness of breath are common results of inversion and high particulates. In extreme cases, high levels of pollution can even trigger a heart attack in at-risk individuals. Children and the elderly face the greatest risk, but even healthy people may need to limit their outdoor activities during these times.

What You Can Do to Help

During the summer months, simply driving your car less (or not at all) during the day is helpful, as is fueling up your car either during the early morning or late evening. In the wintertime, when more than half the pollution comes from vehicle emissions, consider carpooling or taking public transportation, and work from home whenever you can. Avoid idling your vehicle for more than 10 seconds at a time. Accelerate more slowly and obey the speed limit. But most important, keeping your car in good working order can greatly reduce the amount of dangerous emissions it produces.

In the Sandy and Salt Lake areas, Emission Time is committed to helping residents reduce their personal contribution to Utah’s pollution problems. Visit them for your vehicle emissions testing and on-the-spot vehicle registration renewal, as well as many types of automotive repair services. In 2015, resolve to let Emission Time help you reduce Utah air pollution.

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Winter Driving

When you must drive in bad weather, winter driving safety tips may mean the difference between reaching your destination unscathed and an unpleasant alternative. In northern Utah, driving conditions can go from normal to harsh in a short time, leaving you unprepared. Before you unexpectedly encounter harsh winter driving conditions, read these simple tips for staying safe on the roads.

Preparing Your Vehicle

Remove snow and ice from the entire vehicle before setting off on your journey. Start the car and allow it to warm up (not in an enclosed garage, however), at least long enough to start producing heat and for the defroster to be effective. Bring along tire chains, traction pads, or at least some sand or cat litter, in the event you become stuck. Also be sure you have a flashlight, jumper cables, ice scraper, flares and plenty of water. Finally, ensure that you have a full tank of gas.

Techniques for Winter Weather Driving

Whenever possible try to avoid driving in bad conditions, especially if visibility is compromised. If it can’t be helped, go as slowly as you safely can. Use your headlights but avoid using your high-beams. Double or even triple the distance with which you follow the vehicle in front of you. When traveling on icy roads, use your brakes as little as possible. If you must use your brakes, apply them slowly and sparingly using a gentle squeeze to avoid skidding. Hard braking, sudden acceleration, high speeds and jerking movements of the steering wheel can all cause skidding. Driving in difficult conditions is especially stressful and tiring. Take a break at least every two to three hours.

How to Handle a Skid

The significance of knowing how to handle a skidding car can’t be overemphasized. Most people have never encountered a skid and consequently panic when they don’t know what to do. No matter what, try to remain calm. If you lose traction of the rear wheels (meaning that the back of the car begins to swing around toward the front), keep your eyes locked on the direction you want to go and steer your car in that direction as well. Do not slam on the brakes. Once your rear wheels regain traction, continue to actively steer, to prevent the car from swinging the other direction. Front wheel skids happen when cars lose traction in the front, taking away your ability to steer. Handle this skid exactly like a rear wheel skid but do apply your breaks lightly and steadily using a squeezing technique.

No matter how careful or capable you are as a driver, you won’t be able to steer clear of mechanical failure if your car hasn’t been properly maintained. Keeping your vehicle in good shape and running properly will help ensure your safety on the road. Serving the Sandy and Salt Lake areas, Emission Time provides on-the-spot vehicle registration renewal as well as vehicle maintenance services. Stop by before your next road trip and ask them to recommend some strategies for winter driving safety.

How to Avoid Auto Maintenance Mistakes

Auto Maintenance Mistakes

Auto maintenance mistakes pose a significant risk not only to you but also to your passengers and other drivers on the road. When your car seems to be running well, it’s easy to forget critical maintenance tasks or overlook warning signs. If you turn the car radio’s volume up each time you think you hear a strange noise, take a look below at some of the most common maintenance mistakes drivers make.

Mistakes with Oil, Fluids and Filters

Without oil, transmission fluid and brake fluid, your car simply can’t function. Neglecting these items can result in costly mechanical failures and even car accidents. At the risk of sounding like your dad, you really do need to have your vehicle’s oil changed every 3,000 miles or so. In between oil changes, it’s important to check fluid levels regularly and top them off if they get low. Other common mistakes include using the wrong type of motor oil and not changing oil and air filters regularly.

Tire and Wheel Mistakes

Worn tires are exceptionally dangerous, as a blow-out at high speed can cause your car to roll or crash. Tires wear more quickly if they aren’t inflated properly and rotated regularly. Purchasing bargain or used tires is also risky, as you never know exactly what you’re getting. Avoid tire mistakes by purchasing only from reputable dealers offering brand names you recognize and comprehensive warranties. Have your tires rotated and balanced every 5,000 miles. Carry a tire gauge with you and check tire pressure (including the spare) each time you put gas in the car. If your wheels or rims become damaged, seek a repair or replacement immediately as this can quickly damage tires.

Warning Lights and Gauges

Everyone has busy lives, with little time to devote to car repair visits. Nevertheless, ignoring warning lights or unusual gauge readings on your car can cause expensive and catastrophic damage. Using your owner’s manual, familiarize yourself with the expected gauge readings and monitor them for anomalies as your drive. If warning lights click on, take your vehicle in as quickly as possible for analysis. Sometimes a “check engine” light can mean nothing more than it’s time for a tune-up, however it can also mean that something is seriously wrong. Even if your car seems fine, have it checked out. The longer you wait, the more expensive the repairs are likely to be.

If you’re in the Salt Lake City or Sandy, Utah areas, drop by Emission Time for a quick but thorough oil change and maintenance inspection. They will handle all the details to ensure that your vehicle is in good running order and safe for the road. The experienced professionals at Emission Time will answer your questions and make sure you avoid auto maintenance mistakes in the future.

How to Replace Windshield Wipers

When drivers ask how to replace windshield wipers, they are often referring to the wiper blades only. Wiper blades are made of rubber, which has limited life under the harsh weather conditions of northern Utah. Consequently, blades should be replaced once or twice each year (spring and fall) for safety. This can be a daunting proposition for some, but with these simple tips, you can handle this important task easily and quickly.

Which Windshield Wipers to Choose

Choosing the right wiper blades for your vehicle is half the battle. Select the highest-quality brand available to ensure your safety in bad weather conditions. Your car’s owner’s manual may provide the size and arm type. Alternatively, most blade manufacturers offer an online search tool. Auto parts stores may also have reference catalogs, organized by auto year, make and model. The safest way to be sure you get the right blade length and arm type is to check with a trusted auto repair shop in your area. Many cars require a different blade for each wiper, so be sure to look for both driver and passenger side specifications. Experts suggest buying two sets of blades, and always keeping one in the trunk for emergencies.

Wiper Blade Removal

Windshield wiper arms typically have three segments: the lower arm attached to the car below the windshield, the upper arm and the blade assembly that attaches to the upper arm. Examine your new blades for an easy way to know what you’re looking for. Gently lift the wiper arm away from the windshield (be careful with older models however, as they may not lift out the way newer cars do). Hold the arm with one hand at all times to make sure it doesn’t snap back down unexpectedly. Look for the hook or pin that holds the blade and gently press the rubber stopper that holds it down. The old blade should release.

Installing New Wiper Blades

Place the new blade onto the upper arm assembly. Wiggle the blade gently into place (you’ll feel a little snap when you have it right), replace the rubber stopper and place the arm back onto the windshield. Repeat with the other side, and test for correct operation.

Newer blade designs have started to pop up, including a frameless style. If you have any trouble selecting or installing your new wipers, play it safe and call on a professional. In the Sandy and Salt Lake areas, Emission Time’s experienced technicians can help you with maintenance and repair as well as on-the-spot registration renewal. They can even help you learn how to replace windshield wipers on your vehicle!

Winterizing Your Car in Northern Utah

Winterized Car

Winterizing your car is especially important in northern Utah where winter temps can be brutal. Your mother would never let you out in the cold without warm clothes so don’t let your car face the cold unprepared either. Below are a few tips for getting your vehicle ready for the coming winter months.

Use the Right Motor Oil for the Cold Weather

As the temperature drops, your vehicle’s motor oil needs to work less to cool the engine. If the oil is too thick, it will be unable to flow properly, which reduces its ability to keep the engine running smoothly. Before winter arrives in full force, have your car’s oil changed but switch to oil with lower viscosity than you run in the summer months. Your owner’s manual should recommend the correct weight of oil for cold weather driving but if not, consult with your auto repair shop for advice.

Winter Tire and Battery Tips for Your Car

Whether you switch to full-fledged snow tires or if you run all-weather tires year around, now is the time to give them some extra attention. Verify the pressure in each tire (including the spare!) as improper tire pressure can cause increased slipping on wet and icy roads. You may also want to throw a bag of salt or cat litter in your trunk in the event you get stuck. Cold weather can also cause your auto battery to fail so consider replacing it now if it’s old. Ensure that you have jumper cables in your car for the winter as well in the event of unexpected battery failure.

What’s the Difference between Antifreeze and Engine Coolant?

Basically, these are the same product that do double duty by keeping your car’s radiator water cool in the summer and preventing it from freezing in the winter. The ratio requirement of water to antifreeze depends on your vehicle and the recommendation of the manufacturer. Check your owner’s manual to determine exactly which type of coolant you need and how much water needs to be added for proper temperature regulation.

Other considerations for getting your car ready for the cold include winterizing your windshield wiper fluid and installing new wiper blades, checking the condition of your belts and hoses and making sure you have an ice scraper and the proper emergency supplies on board. If you’re not comfortable with doing your own vehicle winterizing, visit a trusted local automotive shop in your area for these services. In Sandy and Salt Lake City, Emission Time can help with oil changes, belts and hoses, and ensuring that your fluid levels are correct. Winterizing your vehicle is critical in Northern Utah so don’t wait until Old Man Winter comes knocking.

How to Check Your Car’s Fluid Levels

engine oil

When it’s time to check your car’s fluids, chances are you check the motor oil and that’s about it. Most of us know how to check our car’s oil but transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid are all just as important for safety. Here’s a brief refresher on how to check each of these levels.

Checking Your Power Steering Fluid

Start your car and let it run until the engine reaches a temperature within the normal range. With the car running but parked, turn the wheel slowly all the way to the left then slowly to the right. Turn the engine off and pop the hood. The power steering fluid reservoir could be located on either side of the engine compartment and is likely labeled “steering.” Clean the cap well then open the cap and wipe the attached dipstick off with a clean cloth or paper towel. Screw the cap back on tightly then remove again to check the level. If it’s low, fill to the “max” level indicated on the reservoir.

Checking Your Brake Fluid

The brake fluid reservoir is typically found on the driver’s side, very close to the firewall at the rear of the engine compartment. Carefully clean the top of the reservoir because getting even a little bit of dust or dirt inside can cause the brake fluid to degrade. Open the top and check the fluid level. If it’s more than half-way from the full line it’s time to add some. Replace the cap promptly because brake fluid begins to break down quickly when exposed to air.

How to Check Transmission Fluid

This one is a bit tricky because every vehicle is slightly different. Check this level for most cars with the engine running but if you drive a Honda, those are typically checked with the engine off. Drive the vehicle for approximately 10 minutes then park on a level surface. Slowly shift through each gear to property distribute the fluid then place the transmission in “park” and set your parking brake. Raise the hood, locate the dipstick and check the level on both sides. Wipe the dipstick with a paper towel and take a second reading, again noting both sides of the stick. The lowest level you note over the two checks is the correct reading.

If you find yourself low on any of these fluids, check under your car periodically for leaks. These fluids do not generally burn off or otherwise reduce in volume, as each is part of a closed system. It’s always a good idea to have your auto service professional at Emission Time in Salt Lake City check for leaks as well as any related problems that could worsen over time.

Fall Road Trip Tips for Your Vehicle

Road Trip

Road trip tips for your vehicle of choice are relevant all year long, but especially so in the autumn. We are graced with fall colors for only a few weeks each year, and taking drive tips to enjoy the season is a favorite American pastime. Before you take to the open road, take a few moments to read some travel tips.

Before You Leave

Even if you’ve only planned a day trip, being prepared means helps keeping you and your family safe. Ensure you have plenty of water, flares, a basic tool kit, and fire extinguisher. Verify your spare tire and jack are in good order. Check tire pressure, motor oil and other fluids, and wiper blades. Throw a few blankets and pillows in the back, so kids can snuggle up if they get cold or tired. Cell phone service off the beaten path can be spotty. Ask your carrier about an air card or other method of increasing your range of coverage. Finally, make a basic plan of route and stops, and share it with a neighbor, friend, or family member.

While You’re on the Road

If you’re like most people, you drive right past those visitor centers you see along the road. Visitor centers can be a road-tripper’s best friend. Most feature clean restrooms, a place to stretch your legs, free maps, and information about attractions that you may not be aware of. Whenever you stop for gas or at a rest stop, take a moment to organize your vehicle and toss the trash. Cars can get pretty messy and smelly when the food wrappers start to accumulate. Take plenty of breaks to enjoy the sights and switch drivers often to avoid fatigue.

At Your Destination

To engage everyone in the fun, allow each family member to select an activity. Mom may like scenic hikes, dad may want to see the world’s biggest ball of yarn, and the kids might enjoy petting zoos or parks. Bring along a map and markers. Involve the whole family in tracing your route thus far. Add stickers, notes, and photos to commemorate the places you visit. This creates a memory map you can revisit in the future to recall the fun you had.

Road trips are fun but can turn deadly if you don’t think safety first. Ensure that your car is well-maintained, to minimize the risk of becoming stranded on the side of the road. Purchase a roadside assistance plan for greater peace of mind. Hopefully you’ll never need it but, if you do, it may be the best investment you’ve ever made. Talk to your auto service professional for even more road trip tips and tricks to keep you and your family safe this fall.

Car Maintenance Tips for Salt Lake City Drivers to Stay Safe on the Road

Car maintenance tips are a dime a dozen, but which ones will actually help keep you and your family safe on the road? Many drivers believe that as long as no warning lights come on, their car is running fine. Unfortunately, failure to properly maintain your vehicle could leave you Auto Mechanic stranded. Here are some quick and easy car care tips to help keep you safe on the road.

Keep Your Tires and Wheels in Good Condition

Keeping your tires in good shape not only improves your gas mileage, it makes your tires last longer too. More important, it can help prevent blow-outs on the road or unexpected flat tires that leave you marooned in potentially dangerous situations. Consult your manufacturer’s recommendation for tire pressure, and check all five (yes, even your spare) every time you fuel up. It takes less than five minutes. Once each month, check for tire wear. Have your tires rotated every 6,000 miles and have your alignment checked annually.

Use the Right Type and Grade of Fuel

More and more car manufacturers are recommending the use of mid- or high-grade fuel. Yes, it costs more at the pump, but you may make up that difference in improved gas mileage… but maybe not. Higher grade fuels are advertised to provide better performance and reduce engine build-up, but the experts disagree on its merits. Most experts recommend that you use the fuel that your car requires. If your manufacturer only recommends premium, you’re likely safe to use the mid-grade gasoline but check with your mechanic to make sure.

The Importance of Fluids

If you don’t know how to check all the important fluids in your car, now is the time to learn. You need to know how (and when) to check your oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, washer fluid, and power steering fluid. Check fluids every other month and before embarking on a long drive trip. Consult your manual for specific directions on how to do this, or ask your professional auto care specialist to show you how. Most auto repair shops will check all your fluids when you have an oil change and top off any that are running low.

If you wait until a warning light comes on or a gauge registers in the red, you may already have done damage to your vehicle. Take a proactive stance for keeping your car in good shape and you will improve your safety on the road and a long life for your car. For greater peace of mind when you get behind the wheel, try following the simple car maintenance tips. Salt Lake City’s Emission Time is a great place to obtain your regular automotive maintenance checks.

Cracked Windshield: Repair It or Replace It?

This one is right up there with the other famous questions like “Chicken or the egg?” “Paper or plastic?” “Ginger or Mary Ann?” There’s no question that a cracked windshield is unsafe, and it’s not legal to drive with one in many states. Once upon a time, even a small chip meant automatic windshield replacement. Today, windshield repair technology has become a viable alternative, but it still may not be the right fix. Any windshield damage significantly weakens the protective structure of the glass and can be dangerous to you and your passengers.

What Type of Windshield Cracks Can Be Repaired?

The potential for repairing a chipped or cracked windshield depends on the location of the crack, its size, depth, type, age and the severity of the damage. Types of cracks include bull’s-eye cracks, straight or linear cracks, dings, chips, pits and the dreaded star. These types can be repaired successfully, depending on where they are located. Windshield repairs are done by first removing the air from the crack or chip, then filling it with a clear, adhesive resin product. UV light is used to cure the resin. In many cases, the strength of the windshield is largely restored. The repair remains visible, but in some cases, it simply does not hold.

When Should I Replace My Windshield?

If your windshield is damaged in the driver’s line of sight or around the edges, it must be replaced. Generally, if the crack does not fit under a dollar bill, it cannot be repaired. If the damage is on the inside of the windshield, if it has penetrated both layers of glass, or if the safety laminate between the layers is compromised, it must be replaced. If the crack is contaminated—rain has penetrated it, for example—or it’s old enough to have become discolored, it cannot be repaired. If the crack extends over any sensors or the antenna, or if it’s complex, the windshield will have to be replaced. The final decision on whether windshield damage can be repaired rests in the hands of a qualified technician. If the tech does not feel confident that the damage can be fixed safely, you will need a full replacement.

Finding a windshield repair or replacement professional can be harder than think, for the simple reason that many businesses provide the service. If you are approached at the car wash or gas station about repair, it’s OK to say “no.” Mobile service is convenient, but it’s always best to find a local windshield repair shop that has a good reputation and guarantees its work. If your car repair pro doesn’t do windshields, it’s a safe bet he can recommend someone good who does.