Polishventure

4 Signs You Need New Brake Pads

POLISHVENTURE — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 07:58:52 +0000

1. You hear a high-pitched noise.

When the pad itself wears down to a dangerous extent, the indicator will scrape against the disc. This creates a distinctive grating noise which warns the driver that his or her current pads are in danger of eroding away altogether.

2. Bringing the car to a stop takes more time than it used to.

3. The brake pedal vibrates when pressed.

4. Your car pulls to one side when you brake

Your vehicle’s brake pads won’t always wear out at the exact same rate. Sometimes, those on one side will get thinner faster than their counterparts on the other side. Should this occur, the car may pull slightly to the left or right once you hit the brakes.

The post 4 Signs You Need New Brake Pads appeared first on Polishventure.

Car Diagnostic Test & Why is it So Important?

POLISHVENTURE — Tue, 31 May 2022 03:02:21 +0000

Car diagnostic test can detect problems with your vehicle before they require expensive repairs, or worse, leave you stranded on the side of the road after a breakdown. And while many people think diagnostic tests are only necessary when the check engine light comes on, there are many benefits to taking a proactive approach to car maintenance.

What is a car diagnostic test?

Using specialized software, car diagnostic tools quickly and accurately point to problem areas in a car’s engine or elsewhere, thanks to built-in processors, microchips and sensors.

What areas of the car can be tested?

Diagnostic tests can reveal problems within a car’s engine, transmission, exhaust system, brakes, and other major components, as well as performance issues with the fuel injector, airflow and coolant, ignition coils, and throttle.

However, a common misconception about car diagnostic tests is that technicians can use code-reading tools to determine the exact problem that triggered the check engine light. In reality, the code tells technicians which engine or component parameters are out of range, but it does not detail the cause of the problems. That’s where the good old human brain comes in handy, as the technician uses experience and expertise to diagnose the underlying problem.

What are the benefits of a car diagnostic test?

Diagnostic tools can also check a car’s computer system for manufacturer notifications and stored information about the car’s history, giving technicians a complete picture in order to perform the best repair possible.

How often should a car undergo diagnostic testing?

You don’t have to wait for the check engine light to get a car diagnostic test. If you hear or feel something “off,” mechanics can use diagnostic testing to uncover the problem. However, many technicians recommend taking your car in for a diagnostic check at least once a year, which will uncover minor problems that can’t be seen or heard (and that won’t trigger the check engine light).

Diagnostic testing is also a useful tool when you’re checking out a used car. Both private sellers and professional car dealers should agree to a diagnostic test before you commit to buying, and if they don’t, that’s a sign you should walk away from the deal.

Credits: General Auto Repair

The post Car Diagnostic Test & Why is it So Important? appeared first on Polishventure.

Top 3 Shock Absorber Brands

POLISHVENTURE — Fri, 20 May 2022 04:27:28 +0000

Shock absorbers act as a cushion between the axles and the body. They reduce the shocks on the body produced by a rough road surface. These are the top performers.

1. Bilstein

In 1954, BILSTEIN revolutionized the damping technology and has always been recognized for its top quality and high performance as an innovative systems partner for the automobile industry.

2. Monroe

Monroe is one of the global automotive industry’s best known and most trusted brands, delivering innovative original equipment and aftermarket ride control solutions – including shock absorbers, struts, and steering and suspension components – to several generations of professional technicians and vehicle owners.

3. KYB

By consistently developing world-class ride control products, KYB has become the world’s largest supplier of OE and aftermarket shocks and struts.

The post Top 3 Shock Absorber Brands appeared first on Polishventure.

Exhaust Smoke Colour And What It Means

POLISHVENTURE — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 12:13:37 +0000

You can learn a lot about the health and well-being of your car from the color of its exhaust. If it’s operating in tip-top shape, tailpipe emissions should be nearly undetectable. If exhaust smoke is visible, you likely have a real problem

White Smoke

Often happens when an engine burns coolant that has leaked into the combustion chamber. The following are the most common culprits:
• Blown head gasket
• Damaged cylinder head
• Cracked engine block

Blue or Gray Smoke

This is an indication of the vehicle burning oil, which means that oil is somehow leaking into your engine’s combustion chamber. Culprits are:
• Malfunctioning valve stem seal
• Failed piston rings

Black Smoke

It doesn’t always indicate impending doom. If it continues well after the car warms up, there’s cause for concern. If that’s the case, here are the likely culprits:

Clogged or dirty air filter:
Bad fuel pressure regulator
Leaky or clogged fuel injectors

The post Exhaust Smoke Colour And What It Means appeared first on Polishventure.

Bad driving habits that you need to stop

POLISHVENTURE — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 04:39:36 +0000

We all develop bad driving habits over the years. And it’s not just driving at high speeds or braking late.

Driving with the fuel light on

If you run the fuel down and push your luck with the warning light, then don’t. A near-empty tank generates heat and can cause the fuel pump to fail. You may also damage the catalytic converter and if there’s dirt in the tank, the fuel filter can block. So, the moral of the story is: don’t risk it! Refuel immediately.

Not using the parking brake

See that hand brake? It’s not just for hills. Even if you have an automatic, you should use the parking (or ‘emergency’) brake every time you park. This provides a safe and secure hold, as well as helping to protect the parts and transmission.

Resting your foot on the clutch

It’s tempting to ‘ride the clutch’, but this keeps it partially disengaged. You can cause unnecessary wear to the clutch plate if you rest your foot on it rather than on the floor. Coasting is a risky habit, as you have no control if you need to swerve or maneuver.

Speeding over bumps and holes

You may think your car can handle it, but drive slowly and carefully when there are bumps or holes in the road. As well as being highly dangerous, hitting road hazards can cause wheel misalignment and damaged suspension parts.

Revving when the engine is cold

Even if you’re in a rush, let your engine warm up gradually. High RPMs on a cold engine create undue stress – whether you have an old or brand-new car.

Driving in too high a gear

Keeping revs low can save fuel, but too high a gear will bog down the engine. Especially on hills, you need enough revs for torque for the car to drive at its optimum.

Source: Moog

The post Bad driving habits that you need to stop appeared first on Polishventure.

Muffler Theft In Kenya

POLISHVENTURE — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 11:59:25 +0000

What is a catalytic converter? (or muffler as we call it here in Kenya)

The muffler turns harmful gases from your exhaust into less harmful gases.

Why is the muffler stolen?

The catalytic converter contains valuable metals like Platinum, rhodium and Palladium. The muffler is sold on the black market, It is easy money for the thieves.

How to prevent the muffler from being stolen.

Avoid places that are notorious for muffler theft e.g. Grogon on Kirinyaga road.
Two, ask a garage, to bolt the catalytic converter on the body.
Three, always supervise what your local jua kali mechanic is doing to your car since some of them are suspect.

What do I do with the muffler is stolen?

Unfortunately, when your muffler is stolen, you have to replace it, which does not come cheap. This will set you back around 20,000 to 40,000 Kenya Shillings.

The post Muffler Theft In Kenya appeared first on Polishventure.

Fake Spark Plugs In Kenya

POLISHVENTURE — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 14:43:08 +0000

Fake spark plugs in Kenya.

The sale of counterfeit spark plugs in Kenya is a menace, and it’s on the rise.

Personally, I have walked into random shops and asked for spark plugs. The spark plugs I was given from all these shops were fake plugs. But a normal person will not know. I know, because I’m a professional.

I’m going to outline some of the indicators of fake spark plugs that maybe you can check out for.

One of course, is the pricing. If for example, you’re getting iridium spark plugs for very cheap price, this is an indicator of a fake spark plug because iridium is an expensive metal and does not come cheap.

Another thing to look out for is poor printing on the spark plug, look out for the terminal, a glossy terminal, that’s an indicator of fake plug. Sometimes you see poor finishing on the housing (metal part). Look out for thread quality. Sometimes the material is easy to scratch on the fake one. Maybe the quality of the white porcelain.

These are just some of the indicators and you need to be a professional to notice. The problem is counterfeit companies are getting really smart and it becomes extremely difficult to distinguish between a fake and a genuine plug. Only real way to know if you have genuine plugs is to buy from a trusted dealer. So next time, skip your local Juakali mechanic and look for the professionals!

In Kenya, we are told that idiom plugs will last 10,000 kilometers. This is not the case; genuine iridium spark plugs last up to 100,000 kilometers. Here in Kenya because of the hot weather, they last approximately 50 -80,000 kilometers.

The post Fake Spark Plugs In Kenya appeared first on Polishventure.

How Long Do Wheel Bearings Last?

POLISHVENTURE — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 17:27:37 +0000

Wheel bearings are low maintenance parts, but that doesn’t mean they last forever. So, what does a wheel bearing actually do? How long does it last? And how can you help extend its lifespan?

What is a wheel bearing? And what does it do in a car?

A wheel bearing is a crucial part of the wheel assembly that connects the wheel and the axle. It is a set of steel balls (ball bearings) or tapers (tapered bearings), held together by a metal ring. It enables the wheel to rotate smoothly with a minimum of friction. Wheel bearings are safety-critical components designed to sustain radial and axial loads caused by gravitation, acceleration, braking & cornering forces, so they need to be replaced when they stop working properly.

How long does a wheel bearing last?

Wheel bearings have an average lifespan of 136,000 to 160,000 km. This is only a rule of thumb though, the actual lifespan of a wheel bearing depends on the quality of the wheel bearing and the operating conditions.

Why do wheel bearings fail?

The main reasons that a wheel bearing fails are:

Faulty installation – inappropriate tools such as a hammer or an impact wrench can cause damage to the exterior and or interior of the wheel end bearing causing the wheel bearing to fail prematurely. Also, re-using the old accessories such as bolts, nuts, circlips, split pins, seals,… instead of replacing them with new ones can cause the wheel end bearing to operate under abnormal or unsafe conditions, increasing wheel end bearing wear and risk of a car accident.

Impact damage or poor road quality – all impacts from driving through a pothole, driving over speed bumps or hitting the curbstone can damage a wheel bearing and reduce its lifespan.

Poor quality wheel bearing – a wheel bearing is continuously under enormous pressure. Wheel bearings constructed of low-quality materials can have poor heat-treatment, resulting in premature wear and failure.

Driving conditions – driving through deep water or mud can cause your wheel bearings to fail. Water, mud or other contaminants such as dust or road salt could get past the seals and enter the bearing, polluting the grease and wearing away the bearings.

Car modifications – fitting bigger or wider rims, tires with lower thread walls, stiffer shock absorbers and suspension springs cause higher loads on the wheel bearing and can accelerate wear. Stick to rims, tires, shock absorbers and springs that are specified by the car manufacturer to minimize the impact on the longevity of the wheel bearings.

What are the symptoms of bad wheel bearings

The symptoms of bad wheel bearings include:

1. Noise:

A humming, rumbling or growling noise that increases with acceleration or as the vehicle turns.

A loud constant whining or grinding noise when the vehicle is in motion.

Clunking noises when driving over uneven road surfaces.

2. Looseness, excessive play in the steering wheel (vague steering);

3. Steering wheel vibration which changes with the vehicle speed or as the vehicle turns;

4. ABS malfunctioning. ABS system issues can be related to failure of the ABS sensor that is integrated in the wheel end bearing.

What are the risks of driving with bad wheel bearings?

It’s very rare for wheel bearings to fail immediately and completely after you notice the first symptom(s).

Having said that, it is best to avoid driving with a worn wheel bearing for any length of time. As we’ve already seen, the wheel bearing is essential for connecting your wheel to your car, and any weakness in this connection could have severe consequences for your drive-axle and steering assembly – as well as for your safety.

Replacing your wheel bearings

Despite the fact that modern wheel bearings are easier to install than previous generations, correct installation, the usage of appropriate tools and respecting the specified torque values are still essential for maximum performance, durability and safety. Therefore, we recommend having your wheel bearings fitted by a professional mechanic that has the skills and the tools to do the job.

Quality replacement parts

When replacing your wheel bearings, it is essential to look for high quality parts. Polish Venture offers a complete range of easy to install, premium quality, long-lasting wheel end bearings that are engineered, manufactured, tested and validated to OEM standards for maximum performance and durability.

Source: Moog

The post How Long Do Wheel Bearings Last? appeared first on Polishventure.

How To Check For Worn Ball Joints

POLISHVENTURE — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 05:49:35 +0000

Found in the suspension of virtually all modern cars, ball joints are an important part of the suspension system. They are one of the main suspension pivot points that connect the control arms of the vehicle to the steering knuckles or spindles. The front ball joints also allow the front wheels and suspension to move back and forth, as well as up and down, as the steering wheel is turned during driving and as the car moves over uneven road surfaces.

There are a number of signs that let you know that your ball joints may be starting to wear out.

These include:

Clunky or squeaky noises
Drifting to the side
Loose or shaky steering
Uneven tyre wear

How can you check for worn ball joints?

It’s possible that the symptoms of worn ball joints develop slowly, so you don’t notice for a while. But, if you have noticed any of the symptoms above, or would just like to double-check your ball joints, it’s best to first check your ball joints when driving before doing a visual inspection.

How to check your ball joints when driving

Checking your ball joints when driving is straightforward, simply:

1. Take your car out for a drive
Drive the vehicle on a public road at the speed limit and pay close attention to the engine, steering and overall performance of the car.

What to look out for

Vibrations – when a ball joint wears out, it becomes loose which can create a vibration that you can feel through the floor or the steering wheel while you drive.

Steering wheel wandering to the left or the right – worn ball joints cause the steering to pull from left to right on its own. This can also cause uneven wear on your tyres.

2. Drive over speed bumps
After driving at the speed limit, take it somewhere with speed bumps and drive it at a low speed. Stop and go a few times, and turn a few times.

What to look out for

Noise – this can be a clunking or squeaking noise. Clunking noises are caused by the worn ball joints rattling as the suspension travels up and down over the road. The squeaking noise is caused by the rubber boot that protects the grease inside the ball joint is damaged, the ball joint will start to squeak. These noises will get louder the more worn the ball joints become.

3. Turn the steering wheel
The last step is to park the car and turn the wheels back and forth a few times while listening for noise from the ball joints.

How to check ball joints visually

After checking your ball joints while driving, it’s time for a visual and physical inspection. Before you start, make sure you have the following tools ready:

Jack
Jack stands
Flashlight
Pry bar
Lug nut wrench
Wooden blocks or wheel chocks

A visual and physical inspection has the following steps:

1. Check your tyre wear

Loose ball joints can’t keep your suspension aligned while you drive. This accelerates tyre wear by causing the rubber tread to touch the ground in an inconsistent way. If you notice feathering (i.e. uneven spots of wear on a tyre) or that the front of the wheels points out (i.e. toe-out), there’s a good chance that your ball joints will need further investigation. However, if the tyre wear is equal on both sides, then the issue is probably not your ball joints, but due to under-inflation of the tyres.

2. Loosen the lug nuts

Loosen the lug nuts so they are hand-tight. This will allow you to move the wheel around on its axis, without removing it completely.

3. Jack up the car and place wheel chocks behind the wheels

Jack the front of the car up and secure it on jack stands. Put wheel chocks or wooden blocks behind the back wheels to prevent the car from rolling. This will make it easier to test the ball joints.

4. Rock the tyre on its axis

Grasp the top and bottom of the tyre and rock it in and out along the wheel’s vehicle axis. If the ball joints are working well, there should be little to no play in this movement.

What to look out for

Noise and play from the top – this indicates a problem with the upper ball joint.

Noise and play from the bottom – this suggests a problem with the lower ball joint.

5. Remove the wheel

Remove the wheel and use a flashlight to visually check the upper and lower ball joints.

What to look out for

Can you see any signs of rust, damage to the dust boot, grease leakage or any other potential problem? If so, it’s probably time to replace your ball joint.

6. Pry the ball joint apart

Use the pry bar and attempt to pry the lower control arm and the steering knuckle (the two components connected by the ball joint).

What to look out for

Excessive amounts of play and movement or clicking sounds are a sign that your ball joints are too loose.

7. Put the wheel back on

After you have finished visually inspecting and testing the ball joint, replace the wheel, lower the car and torque the lug nuts.

8. Repeat with the other wheels

After you have finished the first wheel, you need to check the other three, by following steps 2-7.

Quality ball joints

When replacing your ball joints, it’s important to go for quality – after all, your ball joints have to support the weight of your entire car.

Polish Venture has a range of quality, premium ball joints for all makes and models. Contact us to find the right ball joints for your car.

Source: MOOG

The post How To Check For Worn Ball Joints appeared first on Polishventure.

Why Is My Chassis Number Needed For A Repair Estimate?

POLISHVENTURE — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 12:02:32 +0000

The chassis number was designed to act like a birth certificate for the car. Each car produced has its own unique number that it retains for its entire life. Its most basic function is to identify a vehicle, especially if it has been abandoned or stolen.

Because the chassis number tells us so much about the car, it’s useful for planning repairs and ordering the right replacement parts

Where Can I Find My Chassis Number?

You can get it from your log book or the areas shown in the diagram

Is It Safe To Share My Chassis Number?

It is perfectly safe to give out your chassis number. It’s in (essentially) plain sight, just like your license plate. While the chassis no. is unique for each vehicle, there isn’t much anyone can do with it.

The post Why Is My Chassis Number Needed For A Repair Estimate? appeared first on Polishventure.