Monday, November 17, 2014
Catalytic Converter Life Expectancy
When working correctly, a catalytic converter cleans up the pollution that stems from your vehicles exhaust. The life expectancy of this part is well above 90,000 miles. However, because some issues can affect this estimate, its wise to test the converter for problems that could shorten its life.
Map Sensor
One way to test the efficiency of a catalytic converter is by disconnecting its MAP sensor. Doing this is supposed to make the converters temperature go up, which indicates no trouble. If the temperature remains the same, the catalyst has likely gone bad. It should also be kept in mind that an error code will occur once the MAP sensor is disconnected.
Plug Wire
By undoing and grounding a plug wire, you can create an overflow of hydrocarbons within the vehicles exhaust pipe. If the temperature goes up drastically, the converter is fine. This test should should not be run for more than two minutes because of the risk that it could damage the converter.
Exhaust Analyzer
An exhaust analyzer can also be used to check the performance of a catalytic converter to ensure that it reaches its life expectancy. This equipment can notify you if emissions levels are too high by taking readings at the exhaust pipe. An exhaust analyzer costs between $2,000 and $6,000.
Catalytic Converter Life Expectancy
When working correctly, a catalytic converter cleans up the pollution that stems from your vehicles exhaust. The life expectancy of this part is well above 90,000 miles. However, because some issues can affect this estimate, its wise to test the converter for problems that could shorten its life.
Map Sensor
One way to test the efficiency of a catalytic converter is by disconnecting its MAP sensor. Doing this is supposed to make the converters temperature go up, which indicates no trouble. If the temperature remains the same, the catalyst has likely gone bad. It should also be kept in mind that an error code will occur once the MAP sensor is disconnected.
Plug Wire
By undoing and grounding a plug wire, you can create an overflow of hydrocarbons within the vehicles exhaust pipe. If the temperature goes up drastically, the converter is fine. This test should should not be run for more than two minutes because of the risk that it could damage the converter.
Exhaust Analyzer
An exhaust analyzer can also be used to check the performance of a catalytic converter to ensure that it reaches its life expectancy. This equipment can notify you if emissions levels are too high by taking readings at the exhaust pipe. An exhaust analyzer costs between $2,000 and $6,000.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
What Is a Normal Shock Absorber Life
Although all shocks give a manufacturers suggested replacement period, there isnt any way to determine the actual lifespan of an individual shock absorber. The normal lifespan is influenced by real world driving conditions.
Suggested Maintenance
The majority of car manufacturers suggest replacing shocks every 60,000 to 80,000 miles. Most shock replacements fall into this time frame.
Normal Lifespan
According to the website Basic Car Repair, "shock absorber life depends primarily on the roads over which you drive." They might fail almost immediately, at say 5,000 miles, or might last well into the 60,000 to 80,000 mile range. The average manufacturer suggested replacement time is between 20,000 and 30,000 miles.
Individual Shocks
An individual shock may be structurally defective and should be checked periodically, whenever you do basic maintenance. Because there is no way to predict the life expectancy of shock absorbers your best bet is to pay attention to the way your car feels when it goes over bumps. If there is a sudden change and you start to feel residual bouncing after hitting a bump, it is probably time to check the shocks.
