The Causes of a Continuous Tapping Sound From the Engine

When you start your car engine in the morning, sometimes you will hear some sort of tapping sound coming from the engine. The sound will disappear after the engine has warm up. This is quite normal on some cars but if the tapping sound continues as long as the engine is running, then there is something wrong with the car engine.

As the engine rpm increases, the sound will also increases and when the engine rpm slows down, the tapping sound also decreases. If you open the hood, you can hear that the loudest sound comes from the top of the engine.

Stuck hydraulic lifters caused most of the sounds that you hear coming from the top of the engine. The hydraulic lifter or also known as hydraulic tappet or hydraulic lash adjuster is designed to take up the normal expansion and contraction during the heating and cooling of metals in the engine.

The lifter is also designed to maintain zero valve clearance in an internal combustion engine where it ensure the valve train always work with zero clearance for a quieter operation and at the same time to ensure periodic valve clearance adjustment is not required.

If one or more of the lifters are stuck or jam, tapping sound will occur. If the sound lasts for a couple of seconds or minutes, then frequent oil change could free up the jam lifter. If the sound continues, then the lifter will have to be replaced.

If you notice that when the engine is giving out tapping sound and comes with heavy vibration at idle or on heavy load, one of the valve push rods or rocker arms has broken. To confirm this, get you mechanic to remove the rocker arm covers to check on the rocker arms, push rods, and the valve stems. Normally by replacing the rocker arms and bolts, the tapping sound problem can be repaired.

If the tapping sound is accompanied by a muffled backfire when you accelerate, there is a high possibility that the engine camshaft has damage. This require major repair because you also need to replace all the hydraulic lifters. Make sure that your mechanic checked the camshaft thoroughly and confirmed faulty before you start the repair.

If the tapping sound is due to broken rocker arm or push rod, you car will suffer from fuel wastage, poor performance and also high emissions of Carbon Monoxide to the atmosphere.

Car Gearbox Repairs - Avoid the Dodgy Dealers

Not everyone in this world is honest and trusting. It is fair to say that there are some rather cutthroat individuals out there who would do anything to make a fast buck, and in the world of cars, there are many dodgy dealers that you might come up against. So, when you need to have car gearbox repairs, where on earth do you go? You need to find somewhere with a good reputation.

Car Gearbox Repairs - Some People Don't Have A Clue

Many people assume that dodgy dealers are only really found in car dealerships rather than in vehicle repair centres, but this is not always the case. You need to be aware that there are some people out there that don't care about customer service and it would be unfortunate if you ended up with a car mechanic that did a half-hearted job and ultimately didn't fix the gearbox problem. The automotive industry has many dimensions and it is therefore recommended that you approach people with slight trepidation before handing money over or forming a long-term relationship.

Car Gearbox Repairs - Look For The Professionals

The sad thing is, that due to the high number of suspect car garages and the like, those that are good and honest don't get enough praise, and often get tarred with the same brush. This is unfortunate, because they will inevitably do a very good job and pride themselves on their customer service. Those car gearbox repair specialists that have a website, professional premises and a number of hard-working mechanics is evidence that they can be trusted and this is the sort of place you should be visiting if you need car gearbox repairs or you're simply having a few gearbox problems. It makes a refreshing change to see some places trying really hard to retain their customer base and prove that they are an honest business.

Don't Let One Bad Experience Destroy Your Trust!

Often, it is the driver that has a bad experience with a garage or car dealership and then feels reluctant to try anywhere else, which is why the genuine car repair centres have to try so much harder to convince the consumer that they are worth visiting. Check the centre out before you place your trust in them, or base your decision on word of mouth, and that way you know which place to go to.

Proper Tire Maintenance If You Drive a Lot

Proper tire maintenance is very important, especially if you drive frequently or for long distances. Your tires are the only parts of your car that has to handle various kinds of ground surfaces. Therefore, you should make sure you take care of your tires consistently and the right way. It is best to do even just a few minutes of inspection and maintenance each month to keep your tires in good condition.

Proper tire maintenance that you inspect your air pressure at least once a month. Not having good air pressure is a major cause of tire damage. Familiarize yourself with the tire pressure indicated in your vehicle's manual or on the door post, gas tank lid or driver's side door''s edge. The air pressure indicated on your tire is not the right air pressure but rather the maximum air pressure for the tire. Next, prevent hydroplaning and skidding, inspect your tire tread for irregular wear - if there is, see your tire dealer. You should also rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles or as indicated in your car's manual.

There are some general things you can do to practice good tire maintenance. For instance, try to stay away from potholes or dirt on the road whenever you can. Also avoid sudden stops and starts. When driving on wet road or when it's about to rain, always remember to slow down, as this results in better traction.

However, if your car still skids despite your efforts to drive cautiously, apply a firm and steady pressure to the breaks and maneuver the vehicle in the direction of the skin, rather than abruptly hitting the brakes. When replacing your tires, it would be best to go with the same type of tires.