Electric vs hydraulic power steering Power steering is a technology that all drivers take for granted. Before the advent of this technology, the only thing that helped you turn the steering wheel was your own strength. Power steering is now offered in several different ways; hydraulic, electric and, more recently, drive-by-wire. Read on to learn more about power steering, its history, reliability and repairs, and how each type affects a car’s driving dynamics. What is Assisted steering? In almost all vehicles, there is a steering column that connects the steering wheel to the wheels through a system called a rack…
Author: Automotivedealernews.com
At Good Works Auto Repair, we are passionate about supporting our community. But sometimes, that community spirit goes beyond what we can do in or around Tempe. When there’s an even bigger cause we can focus on, especially one that affects many of our neighbors, we’re all ears! In October 2023, and during October for several previous years, many of our Tempe auto repair shop customers joined us in supporting the Brakes For Breasts campaign. This inspiring movement has been raising funds to support Cleveland Clinic’s ongoing breast cancer vaccine research since 2011. For more than a decade, local auto…
Newcomers to the Phoenix, AZ area are often glued to their GPS devices, trying to learn how to navigate the valley’s freeways that weave through cityscapes and desert vistas. If you listen to your GPS, you’ll hear highway names like I-17, I-10, State Route 51, and more. But driving with the locals? You’re more likely to hear something like “Sorry, I’m late… I got stuck on the Broadway curve!” Valley Freeway nicknames can be confusing, especially for newcomers. The truth is, the greater Phoenix area is full of freeway nicknames. While they make a lot of sense to seasoned drivers,…
Manual transmission harmful driving habits to avoid Even though the manual transmission (shift, standard or simply stuck) is about to become a piece of automotive history, new vehicles are still being produced, not to mention countless more cars old ones still on the road, used by old people. -moderate transmission of three pedals. At one point, manual gearboxes offered better fuel economy and performance than automatics, but in 2024 that’s no longer the case. Today, new cars with standard transmissions are limited to sports and performance vehicles (offering a more “raw” and engaging driving experience) and a small number of…
Reduction of Springs vs. Coilovers: What’s Right for Me? Lowering your car is one such modification that can improve not only the look of your car, but also its performance. When you lower your vehicle, you also lower your center of gravity, which helps it stay planted through sharp corners and maneuvers. However, there are a few ways to lower your vehicle, each with their pros and cons for different vehicles and different owners. Knowing which one is right for you is crucial before you install anything, or you may run into unexpected problems down the line. Descending Springs The…
Kraken AutomotiveDecember 4, 2023December 4, 20230 commentsFour common services offered by Mobile Mechanics In today’s fast-paced world, vehicle maintenance can often be missed due to our busy schedules. Fortunately, the rise of mobile mechanics has provided a convenient solution to this problem. Mobile mechanics bring a variety of services to your doorstep, saving you time and hassle. Let’s explore the four most common services offered by mobile mechanics that are redefining car care. Routine maintenance and tune-ups: Keeping your vehicle in shape Regular maintenance is the key to the longevity of your vehicle. Mobile mechanics make this process simple…
We’ve been quiet lately, but only because there’s been a lot going on. But now that my letter to Santa is done, I can give the garage time. Now I’m sorry to disappoint you, but there won’t be much going on, we’ll get right into it. Hello everyone, and welcome to the 2023 “Near Year-End Review Looking to 2024 and Beyond” meeting. This is also being combined with the 2023 “Garage Owner’s Address to Interested Parties” or “Two Thousand Twenty-Three GOATS” for brevity and ease of use. Having the same acronym as Greatest Of All Time is pure coincidence. Thank…
There are quite a few types of engines you can buy these days in your personal vehicle, so deciding which new vehicle is right for you is a bit more complex. More and more foreign car manufacturers have started offering diesel models in recent years, so the next question is: are petrol or diesel vehicles the better choice? Although gasoline cars are more popular than diesel cars in the US, diesel engines have almost half the market share in Europe. Are trends also working in this direction in the US? Diesel Engines and Gas Engines: What’s the Difference? Before you…
Semi-Metallic or Ceramic Brake Pads: Which is Best for You? There is no doubt that brake pads are one of the most important components of your car. What good is being able to drive fast if you can’t slow down to a safe distance? So when it’s time to replace your brake pads, you may find yourself looking at a number of options with different price tags. Not all brake pads are created equal and different materials offer different benefits. Throughout the history of braking systems, there have been a variety of materials used to produce friction. From leather to…
Owning a vehicle means taking the time to service and repair it to get the most out of your investment. Regular maintenance can also keep your vehicle safer on the roads and may even help you avoid more expensive auto repairs in the future. Since October is Fall Car Care Month, we wanted to share some helpful tips on which service items should be on your car care to-do list and why. This could end up saving you a lot of money, so read on! Why is autumn car care so important? Well, the arrival of autumn means that your…