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Events,Featured,Photos

2019 SCCA TireRack Solo National Championships Photos

10 Sep , 2019   David  

The 2019 SCCA Solo National Championships in the book and it was a good one. It was the first year in quite awhile that somehow managed to miss any significant rainfall during competition which made for some extra grippy courses. Check out all the action in the GotCone 2019 SCCA Solo National Championships Photo Gallery

More…

featured, SCCA, Solo National Championships, Solo Nationals

News

The Most Overlooked Car Repairs That Can Save You Money in the Long Run

13 Oct , 2018   Rockcas  

Regular car maintenance is essential for keeping your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. However, some car repairs and maintenance tasks are often overlooked, leading to more significant issues and costly repairs down the line. Visiting a trusted auto body shop can help catch these problems early and ensure your car stays in top condition. We specialise in Vehicle Body Repairs, restoring damaged cars to pristine condition quickly and professionally. Addressing these overlooked repairs can save you money, improve your car’s performance, and extend its lifespan, this also applies to those looking for expert fleet repair services for businesses. Explore these used cars in hermiston if you’re planning to replace or upgrade your vehicle. Additionally, understanding the startup costs for auto repair businesses is important for anyone considering entering the industry and opening a shop of their own.

Here are some of the most commonly overlooked car repairs that can help you save money in the long run.

1. Regular Oil Changes

Why It’s Important: Oil is the lifeblood of your car’s engine. It lubricates the moving parts, reduces friction, and helps regulate temperature. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes contaminated with dirt and debris, reducing its effectiveness.

Consequences of Neglect: Failing to change the oil regularly can lead to increased engine wear, overheating, and ultimately engine failure. These issues can result in expensive repairs or even the need for a complete engine replacement.

Solution: Follow your manufacturer’s recommended oil change schedule, typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, depending on your driving conditions and the type of oil used.

2. Transmission Fluid Maintenance

Why It’s Important: Transmission fluid lubricates and cools the transmission components, ensuring smooth gear shifts and proper functioning.

Consequences of Neglect: Dirty or low transmission fluid can cause shifting problems, overheating, and transmission damage. Repairing or replacing a transmission is one of the most expensive car repairs.

Solution: Check the transmission fluid level regularly and have it changed according to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, usually every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

3. Brake System Maintenance

Why It’s Important: The brake system is crucial for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Regular maintenance, including timely brake car repair, ensures that the brakes function correctly and effectively.

Consequences of Neglect: Worn brake pads, damaged rotors, and leaking brake fluid can lead to reduced braking efficiency, longer stopping distances, and brake failure. Ignoring brake issues can result in costly repairs and increased safety risks.

Solution: Visit auto repair experts and have your brakes inspected regularly and replace brake pads and rotors as needed. Check the brake fluid level and condition, and replace it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. and make sure to check websites like tintstar.co to get mode advice on car related topics.

4. Tire Rotation and Alignment

Why It’s Important: Tire rotation ensures even tire wear, extending the life of your tires. Proper alignment ensures that your tires wear evenly and that your car handles correctly.

Consequences of Neglect: Uneven tire wear can lead to premature tire replacement and poor handling. Misaligned wheels can cause your car to pull to one side, reduce fuel efficiency, and wear out tires quickly.

Solution: Rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles and have your alignment checked annually or whenever you notice handling issues.

5. Cooling System Maintenance

Why It’s Important: The cooling system regulates the engine’s temperature, preventing it from overheating. Coolant (antifreeze) helps absorb heat and dissipate it through the radiator.

Consequences of Neglect: Low or contaminated coolant can cause overheating, leading to engine damage, blown head gaskets, and warped cylinders. These issues can be very expensive to repair.

Solution: Check the coolant level regularly and top it off as needed. Have the cooling system flushed and the coolant replaced according to the manufacturer’s schedule, usually every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.

6. Timing Belt Replacement

Why It’s Important: The timing belt synchronizes the camshaft and crankshaft, ensuring that the engine’s valves open and close at the correct times.

Consequences of Neglect: If the timing belt breaks, it can cause severe engine damage, including bent valves and damaged pistons. Repairing this damage is often costly and time-consuming.

Solution: Replace the timing belt according to your manufacturer’s recommendations, typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, visit a auto mechanic to get a proper inspection.

7. Fuel System Cleaning

Why It’s Important: The fuel system delivers gasoline to the engine and ensures proper combustion. Over time, deposits can build up in the fuel injectors and other components, reducing efficiency.

Consequences of Neglect: Clogged fuel injectors can lead to poor fuel economy, reduced performance, and engine misfires. Over time, this can cause damage to the engine and exhaust system.

Solution: Get an engine cleaning service periodically and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for fuel filter replacement. Have your fuel injectors cleaned professionally if needed.

8. Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Why It’s Important: The cabin air filter cleans the air entering your vehicle’s interior, removing dust, pollen, and other contaminants.

Consequences of Neglect: A clogged cabin air filter can reduce airflow from the HVAC system, making it harder to heat or cool your car and potentially leading to HVAC system damage.

Solution: Replace the cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or according to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.

Taking care of these often-overlooked car repairs can save you money in the long run by preventing major issues, improving performance, and extending the life of your vehicle. And remember, you can always trust us for expert Acura repair services. If you’re searching for auto repair shops Lynchburg, call Forest Automotive for assistance.

Regular maintenance and timely car repair ensure your car remains reliable and safe, reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs, click here to find a reliable professional who can help you. By being proactive about your car’s care, you can enjoy a smoother, more efficient driving experience and get the most out of your investment.

Photos

2018 SCCA TireRack Solo National Championship Photos

14 Sep , 2018   David  

2018 SCCA Solo Nationals

2018 SCCA Solo National Championship week was an interesting one. Tuesday was WET and with nearly 1400 competitors the action went late into the evening and even into the next day. The rain made for some fun photos, I guess that makes up for how miserable it was to stand out there all day. And luckily, all of my equipment survived the day! I took a lot of photos, A LOT. Over 17,000 from all 4 days, almost every heat on both courses and every class have been posted in the 2018 SCCA Solo Nationals photo gallery. More…

Autocross, featured, SCCA, Solo Nationals

Events,News

2018 Rally America 100 Acre Wood Rally Recap

1 Apr , 2018   David  

This year marked my ninth consecutive trip to the Salem, MO area for Rally America Rally in the 100 Acre Wood. Next year will mark a full decade of attending rally in the forests surrounding Salem, Steeleville, Potosi, and all the other towns that surround the event, so I guess I’ll save most of my reminiscing until then. However I will say that there is a new adventure every trip. More…

featured, Ford, Mitsubishi, rally, Rally America, rally car, Subaru

News

2018 NASA Sandblast Rally

12 Mar , 2018   Brian Katz  

Sandblast rally takes place in early March every year in Cheraw, SC and although not the first event on the NASA Rallysport calendar, is the first non winter rally in the US every year. There is always a little extra excitement in the air around this event as everyone gets to shake off the cabin fever of a long cold winter and show off all their shiny new toys! Sandblast will always be special to me as I got my first rally experience at Sandblast 3 years ago and thanks to some amazing people in the rally community have been on one crazy adventure after another ever since! To that point, who am I?
Hello GotCone readers! My name is Brian Katz. I am an engineer out of Chattanooga, TN by day and amature race car driver and mechanic by night. My normal rally gig is crew for River City Rally Team. Our driver and fearless leader Michael Hooper introduced me to rally with a trip to Sandblast and since that first trip 4 years ago that ended with two broken e30’s, we have traveled all over the country, winning a NASA eastern 2WD championship in 2015, and a Rally America central region 2WD championship in 2016! Last season Hooper decided a new weapon was needed to chase national level trophies. Given his experience with Toyota products and our desire to build something unique, we decided to build the first Lexus IS350 rally car! Beverly debuted last season at Black River Stages and won the 2 wheel drive class! Rally in the 100 Acre Wood will be our first event of this season as a team and we are hard at work finishing preparing for another exciting season, join now and start playing online today!
More…

NASA, rally, Sandblast Rally

News

How Diesel Cars Perform in Cold Weather

15 Feb , 2018   Rockcas  

Diesel cars are well-regarded for their fuel efficiency, torque, and durability. However, when the temperature drops, drivers often notice that diesel engines behave differently than gasoline engines. Cold weather can make starting more difficult, reduce efficiency, and place additional stress on certain components. Understanding how diesel cars perform in winter conditions—and how to prepare—can keep your vehicle running smoothly even during the harshest months.

The Challenges Diesel Engines Face in Cold Weather

  1. Fuel Gelling
    Diesel fuel contains paraffin, which can thicken or “gel” at low temperatures. When this happens, the fuel becomes less fluid, making it difficult to flow through filters and injectors. Severe gelling can even prevent the engine from starting.
  2. Cold Starting Issues
    Diesel engines rely on compression ignition, which means they require heat generated from compressing air to ignite fuel. In cold weather, the air inside the cylinders is much cooler, making ignition harder and causing longer cranking times.
  3. Battery and Glow Plug Strain
    Cold weather reduces battery output, and diesel engines require more power to start than gasoline engines. Additionally, glow plugs, which preheat air in the combustion chamber, must work harder and longer in freezing conditions.
  4. Lubrication Concerns
    Low temperatures thicken engine oil, reducing its ability to lubricate moving parts efficiently. This increases wear and makes the first few minutes of operation more taxing on the engine.

How to Improve Diesel Car Performance in Winter

  • Use Winterized Diesel Fuel: Many fuel stations offer blends designed to resist gelling during cold months. Adding anti-gel additives can also help.
  • Check and Maintain Glow Plugs: Faulty glow plugs make cold starts even harder. Ensure they are tested and replaced when necessary.
  • Keep the Battery Healthy: A strong, fully charged battery is critical in cold weather. Consider a battery warmer in extremely cold climates.
  • Block Heaters: Installing an engine block heater keeps coolant and engine parts warm, improving starting performance.
  • Regular Maintenance: Routine inspections and professional diesel repair services ensure your vehicle is prepared for the unique demands of cold weather driving.

Benefits of Preparation

While diesel cars may face more challenges in freezing conditions compared to gasoline vehicles, proper preparation offsets these issues. With winter-grade fuel, preventative maintenance, and reliable heating accessories, diesel cars can still perform efficiently and reliably when the mercury drops.


Diesel engines require extra care to handle cold weather, but they remain dependable vehicles year-round when maintained correctly. By understanding the unique challenges of winter and taking proactive steps, you can protect your investment and enjoy the long-term benefits that diesel cars provide.

Blog

Rally 2017 Year In Review: Photos

17 Dec , 2017   David  

It was an exciting year for rally. 2017 marked the creation of a new rally sanctioning body, the American Rally Association. It also marked the return of a few events that had been absent for some time and the creation of a few new ones. More…

100 Acre Wood, American Rally Association, David Higgins, featured, LSPR, Ojibwe Forest Rally, Oregon Trail Rally, rally, Rally America, Subaru, Travis Pastrana

Featured,Photos

2017 SCCA TireRack Solo National Championship Photos

17 Sep , 2017   David  

Another September, another SCCA Solo National Championship week and more records broken. The turn out at 2017 SCCA TireRack Solo National Championships set yet another record, topping 1300 competitors. I myself set a new record taking over 20,000 photos between the National Championship and the ProSolo Finale. Photos from nearly every heat is available in the photo gallery. I did miss heats 4 and 5 on Thursday and Friday, due to competing in STU which ran heat 5.
More…

Autocross, featured, ProSolo, SCCA, Solo National Championships

News

2017 ARA Ojibwe Forests Rally Recap

28 Aug , 2017   David  

Travis Pastrana Ojibwe Forests Rally

The inaugural American Rally Association season was an exciting one. Subaru Rally Team USA teammates David Higgins and Travis Pastrana had been waging quite the battle all season long and with just one event left, Ojibwe Forests Rally, it all came down to this. Higgins was holding on to a one victory advantage, if he and co-driver Craig Drew could hold off Pastrana and co-driver Robbie Durant and grab the victory in the forests of Minnesota they would be crowned the first ever ARA Champions. However Pastrana and Durant weren’t giving up just yet, with a victory at Ojibwe they could even up the series points and even overtake Higgins and Drew if they somehow slipped and finished worse than 2nd overall. More…

ARA, David Higgins, featured, Ojibwe, rally, Subaru, Travis Pastrana

Featured,News,Photos

2017 Oregon Trail Rally Recap

1 May , 2017   David  

Travis Pastrana flying high at Oregon Trail Rally

The Oregon Trail Rally never fails to disappoint with it’s amazing stages and the backdrops to those stages. It’d been 3 years since the last time I had made the journey out for the event and I had been itching to go back, so I decided there’s no time like the present. And boy, it did not disappoint.

David Higgins and Craig Drew had won the event 6 years in a row and would be looking to keep their streak in tact. Challenging them would teammates Travis Pastrana and Robbie Durant, Jeff Seehorn and Karen Jankowski in their brand new Subaru and Barry McKenna and Leon Jordan in a WRC prepared Ford Fiesta. Little did Higgins and Drew know what sort of battle they were in for when their car started to break down. Even after an extensive auto repair, there were a few minor aspects left unfixed that led to the breakdown.

More…

ARA, David Higgins, featured, Oregon Trail, Oregon Trail Rally, rally, Subaru, Travis Pastrana

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