Mastering the Essentials of Brake Repair, Suspension & Steering at Ditmire Motorworks

Normally, your exhaust isn’t infused with smoke, but, when it IS, some basic observations can help you figure out what's wrong. Here's a quick guide to what different colors of smoke in your exhaust mean and what you should do when you encounter them: THIN, WHITE SMOKE: Particularly if this is observed on a cold morning, thin, white smoke is caused by condensed water vapor. Usually, this will disappear once everything’s warmed up. NOT DANGEROUS! THICK, WHITE SMOKE: Particularly if it has a sweet smell to it, this often indicates an engine coolant leak….and that requires immediate attention as it could indicate a blown head gasket or cracked engine block allowing coolant to leak into the combustion chambers. VERY DANGEROUS….and we recommend getting a tow! BLUE OR BLUE-GRAY SMOKE: This may indicate oil leaking from worn seals or piston rings into your combustion chamber, particularly if it has a burned oil smell to it. The first thing to do is to check your oil level. Depending on severity, you should either take your vehicle to the shop or get a tow, particularly if you see that your oil level is dangerously low. POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS….and you might require a tow! BLACK SMOKE: Your engine is “running rich” as a result of proportionately more fuel being present in the air:fuel mixtures that are ignited to provide the force to drive your pistons. This may be because of a lack of air getting to the engine or an over abundance of fuel. The former is more common than the latter, and replacement of the engine air filter or the Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor will fix it, but, either way, it can cause permanent damage to your catalytic converter that will eventually require replacement. CAN BE DANGEROUS IF NOT ADDRESSED. At DITMIRE MOTORWORKS, we’ve dealt with all of these situations, and, if you’re suddenly faced with any of them, give us a call at (609) 380-7577, and get your vehicle in to our shop on the White Horse Pike in Absecon, NJ. Let our team of ASE-certified technicians get you fixed up!

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Have YOU ever gone out to your car and been greeted by a puddle of fluid under it? If that happens to you, DON’T IGNORE IT! A lot of major problems that end up as costly repair bills begin as symptoms that, for whatever reasons, drivers ignore. Being able to identify, even tentatively, what fluid is leaking can provide some critical information that you can convey to a technician when you visit the shop. That makes it easier for us to know what to focus on. · CLEAR FLUID: This could be either gasoline or water. You should be able to tell the difference by smell. If you don’t smell gasoline, you’re likely seeing condensation that has simply dripped down from your A/C. That’s nothing to worry about. But if you DO smell gas, you’re likely seeing symptoms of rusted or cracked fuel lines, a cracked fuel tank, a faulty fuel pump seal, or a broken filler neck. Don’t mess around if this happens! GET A TOW! Gasoline is highly flammable, and you don't want to start a fire! So, pull over, shut the car down, and move a safe distance away....keep all keys away from the ignition, and no open flames! · BLACK OR BROWN: This is likely oil....and you'll need to get the leak located and repaired as maintaining your lubrication minimizes wear and tear to critical engine parts. Particularly in Summer months, rubber gaskets or plastic seals can become problems as heat can make them brittle and susceptible to cracking or breaking. Alternately, you may be dealing with a loose drain plug (an easy fix), a damaged oil filter, or a leaky oil pan. If it's a smaller leak, you can probably drive safely, but check your oil level first, and watch for low oil warning lights while driving. If it's a bigger leak, you might consider a tow just to be safe. · BLUE: This is likely windshield washer fluid, and it may be the case that your reservoir is leaking and needs to be replaced. Particularly in Summer, the plastic reservoir can become brittle and crack. This isn't a major safety issue, but should still prompt a trip to the service/repair shop to get a replacement reservoir as you never know when you may need to clear your windshield. · PALE YELLOW: This is brake fluid, and its presence indicates a leak in your hydraulic system. If the puddle is near a wheel, the problem could be with the brake hose, the bleeder valve, or the wheel cylinder. If the puddle is along the undercarriage, the problem likely lies with the brake line. If it’s under the engine bay, the problem is like with the master cylinder. DO NOT DRIVE! Pressing down on your brake pedal in this state can empty the remaining fluid and lead to brake failure. GET A TOW! · RED: This could be either transmission fluid or power steering fluid. In either case, get the systems inspected as soon as possible....especially if it's a large puddle, in which case you'd be safer to get a tow. In either case, you might want to check the levels before attempting any driving. Older model Euros may have a dipstick to check transmission fluid, but, if not, don’t attempt assessment. Driving with too little transmission fluid can leak to catastrophic damage to your transmission. If you hear a moaning noise when you try to steer or steering is difficult, you’ve got enough information to conclude it’s a problem with the power steering. · ORANGE: This could be either engine coolant or transmission fluid. We’ve already discussed the problems associated with transmission leaks, and we will discuss the problems associated with coolant leaks below. Exercise caution in driving and keep eyes on the temperature gauge as you drive to the shop. Leaking engine coolant can be a serious harbinger of future overheating issues. · PINK/YELLOW/GREEN: This is likely engine coolant, especially if it has a sweet smell to it….and this could indicate the beginning of some big problems with your coolant system. This can quickly become VERY dangerous as, left unchecked, you can end up experiencing overheating issues that can destroy your aluminum engine block, total your car or truck, and, worst case scenario, lead to a vehicle fire. We would advise checking the reservoir to see how much coolant is still present and getting your vehicle into the shop quickly to get the problem reconciled. If the puddle is small and you’re not seeing high engine or coolant temperatures, you can likely make it to the shop without incident….but if you DO see the engine or coolant reaching high temperatures, shut your vehicle down, and get a tow. Whatever fluid is leaking from YOUR ride, give us a call at (609) 380-7577, and get your vehicle into the shop. We're located on the White Horse Pike in Absecon, NJ, and our mission in life is to keep you SAFE!!! Let our "A-Team" of ASE-certified expert technicians get the problem fixed and get you back on the road safely! You've got FRIENDS at Ditmire Motorworks!

Keeping an eye on your engine and coolant temperatures is important as coolant system failures can easily become catastrophic events that can destroy your car or truck. Many European vehicle manufacturers rely on aluminum engine blocks because the lighter weight of aluminum improves fuel economy, and aluminum is easily and irreparably damaged when temperatures get too high. This becomes more of an issue during the Summer months as higher ambient temperatures combine with the higher temperatures of typical Euro engines and the relatively smaller engine bays to create an environment that has to be carefully managed. As with all problem areas, it’s always better to catch things early before they become critical, so we’d like to give you a few things to watch for: · Always watch your temperature gauge: it should not be fluctuating significantly, and it shouldn’t be spiking into the red zone. If it IS, you could have a problem with your thermostat, which serves as the gatekeeper for coolant flow. If it’s stuck in the open position, it will be more difficult for your engine to reach critical operating temperature (“overcooling”) as there is too much coolant in the engine, but if it’s stuck in the closed position, coolant flow will be restricted, and the temperature gauge will top out more quickly. Alternately, a malfunctioning radiator fan can lead to a fluctuating temperature gauge as it cuts in and out. · It seems like common sense, but always watch for steam or smoke coming from your engine bay, but also be mindful of sweet or burnt odors as these may indicate coolant leaks. · Always be mindful of coolant leaks manifesting as puddles under your car or truck, but the sweet smell just mentioned can be useful when leaks are more subtle. Remember: those leaks can come from multiple places such as the plastic expansion tanks, thermostat housing, or radiator seams, hoses, or connectors, so they may or may not be readily apparent, and this is where checking your coolant levels from time to time becomes useful. A lot of the components of your cooling system are either plastic (expansion tanks) or rubber, and these parts may degrade more quickly in Summer heat. · If you’re regularly getting warning lights for low coolant levels or high coolant temperatures, get your vehicle into the shop! You should never drive your vehicle is it's running dangerously hot. This can lead to fires and potential fatalities that could have been prevented. · Listening for unusual engine sounds can also provide valuable information regarding your cooling system, too. Gurgling or bubbling sounds may let you know that air has gotten into your cooling system. Squealing or grinding noises may indicate a failing water pump, so be sure to listen, particularly if you’re seeing some of the other warning signs, too. We hope these pointers are helpful for you, and can help you be more aware when your cooling system is in danger of breaking down. As said previously, catching things early is always preferable to having to clean up AFTER major breakdown events.

If you’re a European import car or truck owner, you’re no doubt aware that oil changes are more expensive for Euros than for domestic vehicles. Ever wondered why? Well, European cars and trucks require specialized, high-grade fully-synthetic motor oils that meet very stringent standards and are capable of resisting thermal breakdowns under the higher temperatures typically encountered in Euro engines. As we have discussed before, Euros run hotter, and the common motor oils used in domestic makes would break down quickly, leading to sludge accumulation in your engine. These specialized oils are also engineered to be more homogeneous in molecular compositions, meaning that all the oil molecules are approximately the same size and shape. This minimizes frictional drag during flow meaning that they have lower viscosities to provide better lubrication for critical engine parts. In addition, many Euros hold more oil, 7-9 quarts or more, which is about twice what smaller domestic or Asian makes hold. Euros also typically specific, premium oil filters that can cost a little more. If you also consider that Euros also have underbody panels (in some cases multiple panels) that have to be removed to access the drain plug, some additional labor is required. Thus, all these factors combine together to make for higher bills when getting your oil changed, but the upside is that Euros typically have longer service intervals (10,000-15,000 miles) than their domestic or Asian counterparts (5,000-7,500 miles), meaning your service trips won't be as frequent.

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European import cars and trucks are often held in high regards because of their power and precision performance. They're engineered to be smaller, more agile, and more precise in handling. If you add in luxurious interior designs to give you a comfortable ride, what’s not to like? From a "precision performance perspective", the “star player” in YOUR Euro vehicle is undoubtedly the Engine Control Unit, or ECU. This is the “electronic brain” that monitors and controls fuel injection, ignition timing, air:fuel balance, and turbocharger control. It also interacts with the brake control module to control stopping power, and it also monitors your emissions through data input from your oxygen and NOx sensors, ensuring you’re running clean relative to the tighter European emissions standards. All of this is performed against a background of changing parameters such as engine demand, engine temperature, and air and fuel temperatures. It does all this by receiving data input from the multiple sensors located throughout your vehicle and comparing that data with “performance maps” that are stored optimal values for each parameter. If you’ve ever been told you had a “bad sensor” you now understand what that means in terms of the ECU. The tolerated parameters are tight to ensure consistent, optimal, and precise performance, the goal being consistency that you can rely on over time, another feature many like about their Euro vehicles. If anything falls out of specifications, the ECU will make adjustments, and if something becomes a persistent issue, you’ll get warning lights indicating the specific problem. During the diagnostic process, specialized code scanners are connected to your ECU and control module network to see which values are out of spec. As you might presume, with so many vital responsibilities, a faulty ECU can produce major headaches. You might encounter persistent “check engine” or erratic dashboard lights resulting from mismanagement of network data, rough idling/stalling or cutting out, misfires, and decreases in fuel economy. Unfortunately, complete failure of an ECU will require replacement, and new OEM parts can be a bit expensive. At Ditmire Motorworks, this isn’t an overly common occurrence, but we DO get them often enough that we have significant experience performing these repairs. So, if YOUR ride is exhibiting any of these strange behaviors, give us a call at (609) 380-7577 or stop by our shop, and we’ll get it all straightened out!

European import cars and trucks possess engines that run hotter than their domestic counterparts. You've probably heard this, but have you wondered: by how much? For convenience sake, let's stick with the Fahrenheit scale as that's what most of us are more used to. American makes typically run around 195-210 degrees, while most Euros typically run around 220-240 degrees. That may not sound like a huge difference, but it has some far-reaching consequences you should understand: 1. In Summer months, high external temperatures combine with these hotter engine temperatures to make your engine even hotter. European manufacturers often use plastic parts rather than metal ones to reduce weights and improve fuel efficiency, but the higher heat can dry out these plastic parts and make them brittle and more prone to breakage. The same goes for your suspension system which, depending on your make and model, is likely to have rubber components that can become brittle, crack, or rupture. This includes the air bladders for air-driven suspensions, fluid-filled hydraulic or control arm bushings, strut mounts, and sway bar links. All that heat can also thin out the hydraulic fluid of you shocks and struts, so be mindful of changes in how your car rides. 2. Engine cooling systems can be difficult to maintain in hot engines, especially when plastic overflow reservoirs and hoses crack. Obviously, a hotter engine requires consistent and reliable cooling systems, and Summer is typically when we see an increase in cooling system issues. Watch your temperature gauge closely: it shouldn't be getting too hot or "dancing around" with wild fluctuations. And if you get an overheating warning light: pull off the road and shut the engine down! Get a tow! DO NOT CONTINUE DRIVING as your life could be in danger! 3. Oil temperatures are typically higher for Euros as opposed to domestic makes, around 250-270 degrees, and this makes the use of high-quality fully synthetic motor oils mandatory as they have higher thermal tolerances. Euros also tend to consume oil at a faster rate than domestic makes, so staying on top of the oil change schedules is a must. Sticking to a schedule is also going to reduce sludge production and accumulation in your engine. 4. Higher temperatures can wear down metal parts more quickly....and, if you're sporting a turbocharger, bearings and housings can suffer. Combine this with the extra work required to move hotter and less dense air, and Summers can be problematic. 5. European makes are typically heavy in electronics....and heat can create problems with wiring and sensors. "Electrical gremlins" are often especially active in Summer, when hotter engines combine with higher external temperatures to cause mayhem. Particularly if you're a new Euro owner, having an automotive PARTNER that knows the ins and outs of Euros can make things a lot easier....having experts makes it easier to take better care of your vehicle. Euro import cars and trucks are complicated feats of engineering....and it's a good idea to develop a good working relationship with a shop crew you trust. We've been partnering with thousands of customers for almost 43 YEARS, some of whom have been with us for decades. In some cases, generations of families have been loyal customers. Give us a call at (609) 380-7577 if you need some guidance and assistance or stop by our shop on the White Horse Pike in Absecon, NJ. We'll take great care of you AND your car!

Well, European import car and truck owners, drivers, and enthusiasts of South Jersey, it looks like gas prices may be going back up again! If you've got Summer plans that include significant driving, that's never happy news. BUT, we'd like to pass along any information that might be help you get the best fuel economy, so let's revisit something we've discussed before: how to improve your gas mileage. We've got a few points we want to mention. 1. Continue using the Top-Tier fuels that have higher octanes as well as detergent additives that will help keep your engine clean. This DOES improve fuel economy in the long run and will also keep you running cleaner. Top Tier gas vendors include the well-known brands like Exxon, Chevron, Shell, Mobil, Texaco, Phillips 66, and Conoco as well as more local vendors such as Costco Wholesale and QuikTrip (QT). Go for the "Premium" fuel with an octane rating of 91. These fuels are better suited for the higher compressions of European engines, whereas lower quality fuels may prematurely ignite, leading to "knocks". 2. Always be mindful of tire pressures and alignment. Underinflated tires and misaligned wheels are "stealthy thieves" of gas mileage as they create rolling inertial drag forces that your car will have to overcome by working harder....and that means buring more gasoline. Making a habit of routinely checking your tire pressures is recommended, and, if you notice any pulling to your car to one side or the other or if your steering wheel is noticeably off-center, these are indications that some alignment work is needed. 3. Make sure your engine air filter isn't clogged or in need of replacement. If your car is struggling to "breath", you can't expect your fuel economy to be optimal. A lot depends on achieving the proper air:fuel ratio of 14.7 parts air to 1 part fuel, and, obviously, proper air flow is an essential part of that. 4. If your fuel economy isn't what it used to be, faulty oxygen sensors or a bad Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF sensor) could be causing your car to "run rich", meaning your air:fuel ratio is skewed towards greater fuel consumption. These sensors work with your car's ECU to maintain the air:fuel ratio, and, when they malfunction, the precision of this maintenance can be affected. 5. Worn or dirty spark plugs can make ignitions less efficient, wasting fuel. For Euro imports, you can reasonably expect spark plugs to last 30,000-60,000 miles, but you also need to be sure you're using the RIGHT spark plugs: platinum or iridium can handle the higher voltages and heat of Euro engines without degrading. 6. Make sure you're current on oil changes, and make sure you're using a high-performance, fully synthetic motor oil that can stand up to thermal breakdown and ensure optimal lubrication. Synthetics offer a few important advantages: they are engineered so that the oil molecules are more homogeneous in size and shape, meaning viscosity is improved relative to crude motor oils. 7. Roof racks and cargo boxes can create drag forces that require your engine to work harder and use more fuel. Think about minimizing those, if you can. If your car or truck isn't getting good gas mileage or if you're seeing steady decreases, give us a call at (609) 380-7577 or stop by our shop on the White Horse Pike in Absecon, NJ, and let our "A-Team" of experienced, ASE-certified technicians see where the problems may lie!