MECHANIC'S CORNER: Kia Picanto

Kia Picanto being inspected

This week another Kia Picanto came in the shop with complaints of noise when driving his car. Once again we placed the unit on the lifter for inspection and just like previous experience, a good portion of the muffler has been missing and the remaining portion is barely hanging on.

In this manner, repair is done by replacing the missing portion with a metal tube that would fit the existing tail pipe. To secure the fit, the new tube would have to be welded to fuse the new and old tail pipe together.

Instances like this is caused by normal wear and tear of the unit due to it's prolonged use where the rust and other corrosive materials eat away at the metal which causes leaks and ultimately portions of the tail pipe falling off. Sometimes these things cannot be avoided and instances like this are part of one's maintenance to keep the car running.

Welding the Picanto Tail Pipe

MECHANIC'S CORNER: A Rattling Surplus

Unit being hoisted by the lifter for inspection

This week a surplus Hyundai Terracan came in the shop having rattling issues beneath the vehicle while being driven. So we lifted up the unit and inspected the possible causes of the rattle and found out that the worn-out underarm and bushings were the culprits.

Due to the fact that it was a surplus and the wear and tear of the vehicle over the years, certain parts has given way causing the rattling as it can no longer properly support the weight of the vehicle.

The proper solution is to replace the underarm along with the bushings. Unfortunately since the unit is a surplus, no spare parts are available in the market especially for this kind of model where only a handful of this type of car is running on the street. Therefore in the end, only the bushings were replaced and not much can be done for it.

Damaged Underarm to be replaced

MECHANIC'S CORNER: Mobile Laboratory

Mobile Laboratory being inspected

This week a mobile laboratory from Alpha Diagnostic Center came in with an issue with their air-conditioning unit. There is no air coming out. Upon inspection it was found out that the aircon compressor is busted and needs to be replaced.

So upon replacement, everything is working perfectly. A simple fix for this week's edition of Mechanic's Corner.

Have a great weekend ahead!

Newly installed compressor

MECHANIC'S CORNER: Ford Everest Maintenance

Draining the oil

This week a Ford Everest from the Basilica del Sto. Niño came in the shop for a regular maintenance which involves a change oil as well as replacing the timing belt with a new one.

The role of a timing belt is crucial as this connects the engine to the other components that make up the car, for instance the alternator, compressor, etc. In the event that the timing belt snaps, this is bad news since this will damage your engine instantaneously. Not only that, it will also cost a lot to have this type of engine damage to be repaired as it will entail a general overhaul of the engine.

So to be safe, have your timing belt inspected regularly, and in case you notice and cracks or the belt becoming brittle, don't waste any time and have it replaced before more damage is done.

Timing belt to be replaced