Friday 10 October 2014

LIKELY CAUSES OF CAR OVERHEATING



Overheating can be extremely bad for a car. Back in the days of carburetors, when engines were made of steel, overheating was much more common, and less damaging. But the modern engine has far less tolerance, with its aluminum blocks and, often, aluminum heads.

Many head gaskets have been blown out by overheat issues. Many heads have been cracked. These are not cheap repairs. Therefore, be vigilant and watch that heat gauge (thermometer). If your car starts to overheat, pull to the side of the road, and let it idle and, if that does not seem to be working, shut it off.


An overheated engine can be caused by anything that decreases the cooling system’s ability to absorb, transport and dissipate heat; therefore engines can overheat for a variety of reasons. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes.

Cooling System Leaks
This is the primary cause of engine overheating. Possible leak points include hoses, the radiator, water pump, thermostat housing, heater core, head gasket, freeze plugs, automatic transmission oil cooler, cylinder heads and block. Perform a pressure test. A leak-free system should hold pressure for at least one minute.

Wrong Coolant Concentration
Be sure to use the coolant recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. The wrong type of coolant and/or mixing the incorrect concentration of coolant and distilled water can also result in engine overheating. The best bet is to perform a complete flush and fill.

Bad Thermostat
A thermostat is a heat-sensitive valve that opens and closes in response to engine temperature. Heated engine coolant passes through to the radiator when the thermostat is in the open position. In the closed position, it prevents the flow of coolant to speed up the warming of a cold engine. When the thermostat gets stuck in the closed position, coolant stays in the engine and quickly becomes overheated, resulting in engine overheating.

Blocked Coolant Passageways
Rust, dirt and sediment can all block or greatly impede the flow of coolant through the cooling system. This can limit the system’s ability to control engine temperature, which may result in higher operating temperatures and engine overheating. Once again, a flush and fill is recommended to remove debris.

Faulty Radiator

By passing through a series of tubes and fins, coolant temperature is reduced in the radiator. Leaks and clogging are some of the most common causes of radiator failure. Any disruption in the radiator’s function can lead to elevated engine temperature and overheating.

Worn/Burst Hoses

A hose that contains visual cracks or holes, or has burst will result in leaks and disrupt the flow of engine coolant. This can result in overheating.

Bad Radiator Fan

A fan blows air across the radiator fins to assist in reducing the temperature of the coolant. A fan that wobbles, spins freely when the engine is off, or has broken shrouds will not be able to reduce the temperature to proper level, thus possibly resulting in engine overheating.

Loose or Broken Belt
A belt is often the driving link that turns the water pump at the correct speed for proper coolant flow through the cooling system. If a belt is loose or broken, it cannot maintain the proper speed, thus resulting in poor coolant flow and ultimately, engine overheating.

Faulty Water Pump
Known as the ‘heart’ of the cooling system, the water pump is responsible for pressurizing and propelling engine coolant through the cooling system. Any malfunction of the water pump, including eroded impeller vanes, seepage or wobble in the pump shaft, can prevent adequate coolant flow and result in engine overheating.


Buy your new genuine tyres @ Xpress Rims & Tyres. We offer competitive price for passenger car, suv, van and truck tyres by the leading names including Dunlop, Goodyear, Michelin, Pirelli, Bridgestone, Firestone and Continental. To get a quote, SMS ur size to +2347011311444
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Thursday 2 October 2014

GOING ON A ROAD TRIP THIS SALLAH? READ THIS NOW!!!!!


Happy Id el Kabir celebration to our beloved Muslim brothers and sisters. Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th has been declared a public holiday in Nigeria. Making it four whole days(Saturday-Tuesday) of no work with lots of fun with friends and family.

If you Id el Kabir celebration include a road trip, the last thing you want is to have unexpected car trouble to leave you stranded at the side of the road, ruining all the fun. A pre-trip vehicle check is the best way to be car care aware and ensure that your car is ready to get you to your destination.


Drivers who neglect to do a  pre-trip vehicle check (even on newer cars) before taking to the highway are just begging to be stranded—most likely in the middle of nowhere, just out of range of the nearest GSM network, with hungry, tired kids in the back saying over and over, “Are we there yet?” Listed below are just a few important items that may slip your mental checklist in the rush to get bags packed for the road.










  • Check the brake system and make sure the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.
  • Check filters and fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. Dirty air filters can waste gas and cause the engine to lose power.
  • Check the hoses and belts that can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.
  • Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Underinflated tires reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy and uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
  • Check that the gas cap is not damaged, loose or missing to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating. 


Saturday 19 July 2014

HOW TO INCREASE MY RIM SIZE: PLUS SIZING


One of the easiest ways to improve the look and performance of your vehicle is by plus sizing wheels and tires.

Plus sizing refers to increasing wheel/rim diameter, and possibly increasing the section width of the tire, while decreasing the aspect ratio/section height.  This results in a wider contact patch and a sportier look.


By maintaining the overall diameter of your tire, plus sizing won’t interfere with your vehicle’s speedometer accuracy, torque and traction control systems.


You can plus size your wheels and tires from ‘zero’ to ‘three’ or more in some cases.

  • Plus Zero – This method uses the same wheel diameter as the original equipment (OE), but it’s match with a tire that has a larger section width and smaller aspect ratio. For example, replacing an OE 175/70R14 tire with a 195/60R14 tire would be a proper PLUS ZERO fitment. *Note that this may require a replacement wheel to maintain proper rim width for the new tire.
  • Plus One – This method uses a wheel diameter that’s one inch larger.  When you do this, you’ll also need to change your tire size as well.  For example, for 215/55R16 OE, the proper PLUS ONE fitment could be 235/45R17, both have 25.3” overall diameter. Meaning the overall diameter is still the same.   
  • Plus Two – This method uses a wheel that’s two inches larger in diameter. For example, going from an 18” wheel to a 20” wheel, and, of course, changing your tire size to best fit for your vehicle.

Now let's discuss the Pro's and Con's of Plus Sizing.

The Pro's - First of all, you'll be cool if you Plus Size. The bigger the diameter, the cooler you are (at least some folks think so). The biggest benefit from Plus Sizing is the increased road handling. By increasing the wheel diameter (and maintaining the original overall diameter), the height of the tire sidewall diseases. This has the effect of less tire sway or roll, and increases the stability or cornering ability of your ride. Other than those 2 attributes, I'm hard pressed to come up with more Pro's.

The Con's - The first thing that comes to mind is the loss of suspension. By decreasing the side wall of the tire, you will increase the effect of road bumps, potholes, expansion joints and all the other deformities of our roads and highways. Road noise will be increased also. In addition to the loss of ride comfort, you will also experience a loss of free time. I come to this conclusion based on the theory that the bigger the wheel, the more time it requires to keep it shining. Another Con is the tire mounting folks that have to put these tires on these wheels (20" and up) aren't real thrilled with the whole concept.

Plus Sizing is not a bad thing when done properly. Note, from the picture below that regardless of the differences in rim size, the overall diameter of the 3 tyres still remained the same(24'') 



See effect of wrong tyre plus sizing




Thursday 19 June 2014

5 top reasons why your “CHECK ENGINE” light may be on



The dashboard, and particularly the instrument panel, represent the easiest way a vehicle talks back to its driver, allowing him to stay up to date with the status of the car and provide him with prior notice on potential mechanical problems.

Today we want to talk about a very prominent signal light we find on the dashboard of 75% of cars in Nigeria and that is “Check Engine Light ’



You may be wondering why your Check Engine Light is on. Is it a major problem or something minor? Xpress Rims & Tyres  is here to help with the top 5 reasons your Check Engine Light may come on.


1. Your Oxygen (O2) Sensor needs replacing









Your oxygen sensor measures the amount of unburned oxygen in your vehicle's exhaust system.

What if I don't replace it?
  • Your engine will burn more fuel than needed
  • You will experience loss of fuel economy (up to 40% if ignored)*
  • Faulty sensor(s) can cause damage to your spark plugs and catalytic converter

2. Gas cap is loose, damaged or missing
















Your gas cap seals the fuel system and helps maintain pressure within the fuel tank. It also prevents gasoline fumes (hydrocarbons) from being released into the atmosphere while you aren't driving your car.


What if I don't replace it?
  • You can lose fuel through evaporation
  • You may make more trips to the gas pump
  • Catalytic Converter needs replacing

3. Catalytic Converter needs replacing














Your catalytic converter helps protect our environment by converting harmful carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. Damage usually occurs due to neglected maintenance (reasons # 1, 4, and 5).

What if I don't replace it?
  • Your vehicle will not pass an emissions test
  • You will experience reduced performance and fuel economy
  • Your car may run at a higher temperature


4. Mass Airflow Sensor needs replacing (MAF)











Your mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine to determine how much fuel is needed to run your engine efficiently
.
What if I don't replace it?
  • Faulty sensors can cause damage to spark plugs, sensors or catalytic converter
  • You will experience reduced performance and fuel economy


5. Spark Plugs or Plug Wires need replacing













Your spark plugs ignite the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of your vehicle. The spark plug wires deliver the spark from the ignition coil to the spark plugs.

What if I don't replace it?
  • You will experience poor performance (reduced power, engine missing) and reduced fuel economy
  • Worn plugs and plug wires can cause clogged catalytic converter or damage to ignition coils and O2 sensors



Buy your new genuine tyres @ Xpress Rims & Tyres. We offer competitive price for passenger car, suv, van and truck tyres by the leading names including Dunlop, Goodyear, Michelin, Pirelli, Bridgestone, Firestone and Continental. To get a quote, SMS ur size to +2347011311444
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Sunday 6 April 2014

One in Three Women Can’t Change a Flat Tire



A survey conducted by tire company Continental has some pretty sad news when it comes to women and tire knowledge. Here are some findings…

  1. One in three women don’t know how to change a flat tire — only 4% of men don’t know how.
  2. 4% of women don’t know where the spare tire is located.
  3. More than half of women never check the condition of their spare tire, or the tread on their other tires.
  4. 22% of women said they had no idea how to find out the pressure in their tires.




Ladies… can you change a tire, or at least check your tire pressure?















Below is the basic skill of how to change a tyre. Patronizing to some of you, but too many people do this shit wrong and put themselves or cars at risk. Here goes:

  • Find a safe and stable area to park your car and switch on your emergency lights.
  • Prevent your car from rolling by engaging the handbrake and put your car into “Park” or first gear.
  • Fit your jack under the frame near the tyre you are going to change, ensuring the jack meets the metal part of the frame and not plastic as this will break. Look out for“jacking points” which should be indicated on your vehicle. If you’re not sure where these are, check your owner’s manual.
  • Raise the jack so that your car is supported but not off the ground and loosen the nuts/bolts slightly. This makes it easier for you to loosen the nuts/bolts once the wheel is off the ground.
  • Jack the car higher so that the wheel is now completely off the ground and remove the nuts/bolts.
  • Fit the spare wheel making sure that the wheel nut/bolts align, and tighten all first by hand and then using a wheel spanner.
  • Lower the car to the ground and tighten the nuts/bolts one more time until they’re snug.
  • Put the damaged tyre back into the vehicle along with the locknut/bolt, wheel spanner, jack and gloves.





Buy your new genuine tyres @ Xpress Rims & Tyres. We offer competitive price for passenger car, suv, van and truck tyres by the leading names including Dunlop, Goodyear, Michelin, Pirelli, Bridgestone, Firestone and Continental. To get a quote, SMS ur size to +2347011311444
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Wednesday 26 March 2014

Signs That You Need an Oil Change















Changing your oil is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to make sure that your engine and car stays in good shape. Now, the age-old saying is to change your oil every 3,000 miles. Although this won't hurt your car, it's not exactly necessary, especially with new cars. Typically, 4,000-6,000 is still an acceptable range to keep your oil before changing it. However, just in case, it's always good to write down a schedule and watch for signs that your oil is bad. What are those signs you ask? Take a look. 

1. The Color of the Oil











You can easily pop the hood of your car and locate the oil dipstick. Pull the dipstick up carefully, and wipe it with a clean, white cloth. Take note of the color of the oil. As oil is used by your engine, it can become dirty with debris from your engine. Further, it can also degrade with exposure to heat from the engine. Dirty, older oil is less effective at helping your engine run smoothly. Fresh oil has a fairly translucent appearance and is usually slightly darker than the color of honey. If your oil is murky in appearance and is dark brown or black, you are due for an oil change.


2. The Level of Oil













After checking the color of your oil, dip the stick back into the engine. Pull the dip stick out a second time, and take note of the amount of oil in the engine. Your dip stick should have a line on it that indicates if your oil level is full. As your engine runs regularly, much of the oil is recycled. However, a small amount of oil is burned off , and this can cause the oil level to decrease over time. Leaks can also cause oil levels to drop. If your oil level is below the full capacity line, it is time for an oil change.


3. Your Engine Running Louder Than Usual











Oil serves the important function of lubricating your engine. Regularly changing the oil can ensure that you enjoy maximum fuel efficiency, and it can prevent your engine from overheating. It also prevents operational fatigue of the mechanical components in your vehicle that can result in wear and tear on various engine components. If you hear strange sounds coming from your engine, this is a sign that the oil is not doing its part to properly lubricate the components in your engine. Getting the oil changed quickly is important when you hear strange engine sounds, as this can prevent additional damage from being done to engine components.


4. Dashboard Lights










Many modern vehicles have an indicator light that tells car owners when the vehicle needs to have an oil change. However, both newer and older models alike typically have a “check engine” light that may indicate issues with the engine’s performance. This may include if an engine is overheating or if other issues are present with the engine. While a “check engine” light may not mean that your vehicle is due for an oil change, if it has been awhile since your last oil change, the need for an oil change may be the cause of the indicator light.


Drive Safe......................

Buy your new genuine tyres @ Xpress Rims & Tyres. We offer competitive price for passenger car, suv, van and truck tyres by the leading names including Dunlop, Goodyear, Michelin, Pirelli, Bridgestone, Firestone and Continental. To get a quote, SMS ur size to +2347011311444
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Sunday 2 March 2014

The World’s Fastest Cars



Every guy’s dream – take nine of the fastest cars in the world, find a nice long piece of straight road, like lekki -ajah road on a public holiday, and pin the gas pedal until you reach the top speed. 


  • Bugatti Veyron EB16.4
  • Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
  • Lamborghini Murciélago LP640
  • Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
  • Aston Martin Vanquish S
  • Porsche 911 Turbo
  • Chevrolet Corvette Z06
  • Dodge Viper SRT-10
  • Ford GT


Lets see if you know anything about cars. which of this cars do you think its the fastest?

check out this video






DO YOU LOVE THE BUGATTI VEYRON GRAND SPORT?


The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport


The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport is a longitudinal, mid-engined car that was developed by the German-based Volkswagen Group and made by Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. in Molsheim in France. It has a permanent four-wheel drive and seven-speed DSG sequential transmission. It is powered by an 8-liter W16 quad turbocharged engine that can develop a total of 1,001 horsepower at 6,000 revolutions per minute. The car has a targa top. With the roof on, it can go at a top speed of 252 miles per hour. With an open top, the car is limited to only 217 miles per hour. Car experts have described the Bugatti Veyron as simply the best car that has ever been made and the greatest car that we can see in this lifetime. Aesthetics- and performance-wise, it has practically no peer. At around $2 million, only the rich and famous can aspire for it. And Beyoncé and Jay-Z fit that mold.



For those of you that can afford this car, pls do remember to call us if you need tires. We deliver to your door step. 

Tuesday 25 February 2014

How Money Changes People. True/False?











Afolabi Adebayo 35yrs, from Abuja sent us this video link with a note saying "...with the right BMW, i can get any girl i want. Money changes everything and everyone......"

Do you think he is saying the truth or is it just wishful thinking? Watch the video before you drop your comment. 





Buy your new genuine tyres @ Xpress Tyres. We offer competitive price for passenger car, suv, van and truck tyres by the leading names including Dunlop, Goodyear, Michelin, Pirelli, Bridgestone, Firestone and Continental. SMS ur size to +2347011311444
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