Ask a mechanic Anything

[the mechanic]

and i will try to answer.Please provide a little detail like year and model

dont just say why is my car not starting I have seen cars not start for dozens of reasons from the obvious dead battery to the malicious someone cut your wires and even the computer rejecting a micro-chipped key .




go

 

[MikelArteta]

Is it worth it to always do synthetic oil changes?



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[the mechanic]

Is it worth it to always do synthetic oil changes?



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Ahh yes the synthetic vs conventional debate....

Synthetic oils have a few advantages like wider operating temperature range,they dont form sludge

BUT on the other hand they cost alot more,they dont contain detergents

the right answer is














No

















i generally dont recommend synthetic because its a waste of money for 90% of the people out there unless you have a finely tuned racing engine its just not worth it

If you have a turbocharged car,aluminum engine or generally want performance then get

semi synthetics have all the good qualities of synthetics and the advantages of conventional without the high cost.

 

[O.Red]

My steering wheel shakes when I brake.

Does that mean I need new brakes?

 

[O.Red]

My steering wheel shakes when I brake.

Does that mean I need new brakes?

 

[Mr. Somebody]

Ahh yes the synthetic vs conventional debate....

Synthetic oils have a few advantages like wider operating temperature range,they dont form sludge

BUT on the other hand they cost alot more,they dont contain detergents

the right answer is














No

















i generally dont recommend synthetic because its a waste of money for 90% of the people out there unless you have a finely tuned racing engine its just not worth it

If you have a turbocharged car,aluminum engine or generally want performance then get

semi synthetics have all the good qualities of synthetics and the advantages of conventional without the high cost.

I have a 2008 acura tl. How can i get more HP out of this car outside of a k&n filter. I did not buy the S type.

 

[Akata Man Bromo]

My steering wheel shakes when I brake.

Does that mean I need new brakes?

This my brakes are fairly new too..

 

[ThiefyPoo]

at that synthetic talk

I have a turbo charger and always use it.






I thought steering wheel shaking meant new tires

 

[MikelArteta]

i thought steering wheel shakes means you need a alignment and your tires balanced

 

[the mechanic]

My steering wheel shakes when I brake.

Does that mean I need new brakes?

99% of the time this means your front brake rotors are gone...Modern brake pads these days contain ceramics that chew the metal disc untill it gets too thin ...

Standard road cars use brakes that function mostly by abrasion, or the breaking down of the bonds between the pad material molecules by the friction generated by pushing the pads against the rotors. Under normal city conditions, the worn-away pad material is simply carried away as brake dust (the black dust commonly seen on wheels). However, under heavier braking, such as an emergency stop or slowing down from a highway exit, the brakes become much hotter, and that material can actually 'cook' to the brake rotors.

The best way to aid in this 'cooking' process is to keep the pads in constant pressurized contact with the rotors... by remaining firmly on the brakes after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

As the pad material bonds to the rotor, the surface of the rotor then becomes uneven, and the brakes begin to vibrate at high speeds.

replace your front brake pads and rotors you will be fine...find coupon or a shop running a special and you can get this done for under $200

 

[Harry Sax]

the gas in my car burns way too fast, and i have to use 93 in it too...somebody told me i needed a tune up, would that solve the problem?

 

[the mechanic]

I have a 2008 acura tl. How can i get more HP out of this car outside of a k&n filter. I did not buy the S type.

How much are you willing to spend?? Ive seen guys drop $10K+ in supercharger +turbocharger mods

The simplest cheapest mod is simply "flashing" the ECM.. basically overwriting the engine management computer because the software that comes with the car is optimized for fuel economy not performance .

This however if done improperly can turn your ECM into a paperweight bit lucky for you Honda has a big market and plenty of support so its easy to find someone to do this.

 

[the mechanic]

the gas in my car burns way too fast, and i have to use 93 in it too...somebody told me i needed a tune up, would that solve the problem?

Do you have a check engine light right now?


This could be as simple as a tune up but in all probability you could have fuel pressure issues ...the fuel pump could be weak,the fuel pressure regulator could be bad,fuel filter or injectors clogged.

If your fuel pressure is low the fuel isnt atomizing properly so the cars computer compensates by opening the injectors for longer and wasting more gas .

Get a fuel pressure check and service


You can try this injector cleaner

first..Use that 3M one ..if it improves then you know for sure it was your injectors

 

[Harry Sax]

Do you have a check engine light right now?


This could be as simple as a tune up but in all probability you could have fuel pressure issues ...the fuel pump could be weak,the fuel pressure regulator could be bad,fuel filter or injectors clogged.

If your fuel pressure is low the fuel isnt atomizing properly so the cars computer compensates by opening the injectors for longer and wasting more gas .

Get a fuel pressure check and service


You can try this injector cleaner

first..Use that 3M one ..if it improves then you know for sure it was your injectors

yes..yes i do have a check engine light on



+rep

 

[Mr. Somebody]

How much are you willing to spend?? Ive seen guys drop $10K+ in supercharger +turbocharger mods

The simplest cheapest mod is simply "flashing" the ECM.. basically overwriting the engine management computer because the software that comes with the car is optimized for fuel economy not performance .

This however if done improperly can turn your ECM into a paperweight bit lucky for you Honda has a big market and plenty of support so its easy to find someone to do this.

It isnt worth it then. If what im operating now is considered fuel economy, its pointless.