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Yearly Archives: 2021

Car Road Trip Games for Holiday Travel

Car Road Trip Games for Holiday Travel

Going on a road trip for your next vacation can be a fun affair if you've got the right frame of mind. After all, happiness comes from enjoying the journey as well as the destination! While being stuck in a vehicle with multiple people for hours on end can seem daunting, finding ways to fill that time with fun games is a great way to pass the time and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Stuck on road trip games to play? Fear not - keep reading on for the best road trip games to play with family and friends on your next trip.   ABC Game The ABC game, also known as 'the alphabet game', is a beloved classic for a reason. It's super simple, fun and guaranteed to get some laughter in an otherwise dull car. The rules are simple. The whole car goes through the letters of the alphabet with each person getting a turn. Person 1 will have letter A, Person 2 will have letter B, Person 3 will have letter C, and so on and so forth. Once the p ... read more

What Are the Different Sensors in a Car?

What Are the Different Sensors in a Car?

The more modern the vehicle, the more high-tech its operating systems will be. That also means that there are going to be more sensors throughout its systems to detect problems better. Sensors are connected to your car's internal computer, and they're there to serve a goal: report if there are any existing and potential problems with its associated vehicle parts.  Some cars have extra sensors, and certain manufacturers will tweak their sensor technology from model to model. However, here are a few of the most popular automotive sensors that you should know about: Oxygen Sensor Also known as the O2 sensor, the oxygen sensor monitors the oxygen levels in the exhaust system. It serves to report any irregularities in the emission controls. Engine Speed Sensor This sensor marks the engine's RPMs and contributes to engine performance.  Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor The MAP sensor searches for variations in the air pressure in your engine to deliver the ... read more

Why Are Wheel Alignments Necessary?

Why Are Wheel Alignments Necessary?

A proper wheel alignment is among one of the essential services when it comes to vehicle safety. All of your wheels need to be angled and aligned with each other for your vehicle to drive in the right direction. When you operate a vehicle with poor alignment, your tires will also wear down prematurely and unevenly. Consequently, you may have a harder time steering and controlling your car. If you ever face an alignment issue, you should fix it as soon as possible. Benefits of Wheel Alignment Having regular wheel alignments will keep your tires even and in excellent condition, which will save you money on tires in the long run. You'll also attain improved fuel efficiency and performance and protect your vehicle's suspension components from damage. How Do My Wheels Get Out of Alignment? You may be wondering how your wheels get misaligned, to begin with. Misalignment can be brought about by a multitude of things, including:  Driving into potholes Speeding over speed bum ... read more

What Are the Pros of Having Power Windows?

What Are the Pros of Having Power Windows?

Most of us can't resist a pleasant and relaxing cruise around town with our windows down. We often overlook the convenience of rolling down and rolling up our windows with a push of a button. This function is called power windows, and it is electrically operated. Power windows did not become a standard until decades ago. Before then, you would have to crank your window up and down manually.  PROS OF POWER WINDOWS Safety  If you often have to drive children, you may look for a car with working power windows. Most parents may be reluctant to leave their kids in the back seat with power windows for fear that they could hurt themselves by playing with the window switches. However, power windows have rear window locks or child-safety locks to prevent riders in the back from controlling the windows. The driver can turn off and on the switch rear window locks if needed. If you're still worried, there's more. Most new vehicles have an automatic detection feature that ... read more

Is It Safe to Drive with a Broken CV Joint?

Is It Safe to Drive with a Broken CV Joint?

Constant Velocity, or CV, joints connect the axles of front-wheel-drive cars to the wheels. The joints enable the wheels and axle to move as you drive to account for bumpy surfaces, turns, etc. The CV joint is the most vulnerable part of this system, and that's why it needs proper care. CV joints need adequate lubrication and protection from rocks, dust, and dirt. If the CV joint gets corrupted or contamination takes place, then the lubricant will leak. A boot seals the CV, and this boot is not resistant to damage. Whenever this happens, the joint will wear out and fail. If you drive a car with a damaged CV, the joint will deteriorate more, making driving impossible. You'll be at risk of getting into an accident. In summary, it is advisable to neve drive a vehicle with faulty CV joints.   What Are the Top Signs of a Damaged CV Joint? #1: Busted Boots A busted Constant Velocity boot may allow you to drive for only a short distance before it breaks down comple ... read more

Fun Activities for Your Summer Road Trip

Fun Activities for Your Summer Road Trip

  Now that we are in full swing of summer, it also means that we're preparing to hit the road to travel again. Whether it's a trip to the beach, the lake, or a campsite, many of us still dread the boring car ride. Here are some of our fun and favorite ways to pass the time (instead of sleeping the entire time) until you get to your destination.  Sing-Along to Your Favorite Songs Listening and singing along to our favorite music can be very fun and mood-boosting. This activity is highly recommended if you are traveling with friends or family, as it is a wonderful way to keep your energy pumping. Make sure you have a way to connect your phone to your car stereo, either through Bluetooth, AUX, or USB cable.  Though singing can be fun, there are also safety matters you should be aware of. Be sure to set your music at a low to moderate sound level to avoid causing distractions for the driver. It would also help if you had a passenger, instead of the driver, change ... read more

All About Your Vehicle’s Drivetrain

All About Your Vehicle’s Drivetrain

Most people do not know or understand their vehicle’s drivetrain. It sounds intimidating, but don’t worry! We are here to give you a crash course on drivetrains, why they are so important, symptoms of a faulty drivetrain, and why you should not delay a repair. What is a Drivetrain? The drivetrain comprises multiple car parts that make up a system that includes the transmission, driveshaft, wheels, and axles. The drivetrain plays an essential function by working with the engine to move the wheels when you drive.  Symptoms of Faulty Drivetrain Several problems can indicate damage to your car’s drivetrain. Some of the most common symptoms include squeaky axles, loud clunking sounds, problems with acceleration, and a shuddering feeling when turning. As a responsible driver, you should never shelve drivetrain repairs, no matter how tempting it might be to do so. At B & L Automotive, we’ve seen time and time again how horrible and dangerous things can get ... read more

Why Are My Car Vents Blowing Smelly Air?

Why Are My Car Vents Blowing Smelly Air?

It is quite disappointing to hop into your vehicle and turn on the AC and what you get is a musty and foul smell from the vents. It can ruin your ride's quality, and no passenger (or even yourself) would want to sit in a car with a bad odor. While you might head to the gas station or car wash to get the vehicle cleaned thoroughly inside and out, that can't fix the problem. Instead, it requires the expertise of a certified technician to repair the air conditioning system to restore its proper function. Besides, repairing the problem asap alleviates complex AC issues, which are often pricier. Causes of Bad Smell from the AC The primary cause of musty or moldy smell from your vehicle's AC system is mildew growth within the system. The smell resembles that of dirty socks. It is a common automotive issue, usually occurring when you operate the air conditioning on recirculate, not blowing the fan after switching off the AC or shutting off the car motor. Moist, dirty, and dust ... read more

April is Car Care Month

April is Car Care Month

April is the National Car Care month when all car owners are supposed to give their car more attention. Doing maintenance to your car is beneficial because it helps you avoid spending a lot of money paying for expensive repairs down the road, and it also improved the dependability and safety of your vehicle. There is no point in expecting your car to ferry you to various locations yet you are not willing to do your part by taking care of it. The truth is, a car that is well maintained will serve you for a long time. So if you do not want to purchase a new vehicle any time soon, you need to shower your vehicle with affection and address all issues immediately. Here are some of the things you need to do in April, to prepare your vehicle for spring and summer; Have the brakes inspected A brake pad needs frequent inspection. When you are driving, listen to whether there is brake noise and note if the brake pedal is vibrating or shuddering. If you notice anything unusual, contact a profe ... read more

What Does it Mean if My Check Engine or Service Engine Soon Light Comes On?

What Does it Mean if My Check Engine or Service Engine Soon Light Comes On?

Cars are a wonderful piece of machinery; let's be honest, without them things in life would be completely different! While they are amazing, they are equipped with a lot of bells, whistles, and lights… a lot of lights. So, what does it mean whenever you see the check engine light/service engine soon light comes on? This light comes on when there is a fuel system, ignition, emissions, or transmission failure and your car is letting you know about it. While it may be a warning, it is one that should never be taken lightly. It may be a routine maintenance issue that causes this light to come on… it could be something with the cabin filter, air filter or you may even need your oil serviced. These routine issues are general, but there could be some other things that cause this light to come on as well. One thing we do know is that whatever the issue is it is dealing with your engine. You never want to take this lightly, so you need to get things checked on immediately. H ... read more

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