Five Star Automotive

A diagnostic thermal imager is a tool that is used to show heat caused by friction, electrical resistance, and pressure changes. In this instance, this was used to diagnose a faulty catalytic converter on a vehicle that failed smog.

A catalytic converter creates heat inside when working properly. The outlet temperature should be significantly hotter than the inlet. With this image you can see the inside of the converter reading 228°F. With this image, we’re able to diagnose this catalytic converter as being defective.

With gas prices rising again – Here are 6 things you can do to help improve your gas mileage:

Scheduled Maintenance – A healthy engine is an efficient engine. It’s important not to delay scheduled maintenance to keep your MPG up.

Check Engine Light – A check engine light will come on any time a failure occurs in the system. Often times, these failures can correlate to your vehicle’s fuel economy.

Properly Inflated Tires – When tires are under inflated they become wider. Wider tires have more contact area with the road than skinny tires do. More contact area means more traction, more rolling resistance, and less miles per gallon.

Air Conditioning – Any time the A/C compressor is running it places an additional load on your engine, lowering your fuel economy.

Decrease Vehicle Weight – A lighter weight vehicle will get better MPG than a heavier vehicle bogged down by excess weight.

Driving Habits – Idling for long periods of time, heavy acceleration, driving at a high rate of speed, and frequent braking will lower your MPG.

As we head into fall and toward the winter season it is important to remember to have your tires checked. Driving with bald tires carries a range of risks from hydroplaning, higher chances of punctures, an increased risk of blowouts, among many other things. Check out our friends for tire maintenance needs.