Diagnosing beliefs and misconceptions

I have heard that you can unlock your car using the car’s key fob and a cell phone.

Example: You lock your keys in your car. You use your cell phone to call your wife on her cell, who has a key fob for your car. You hold the cell phone close to the car while wife holds the spare remote close to her cell phone and pushes unlock.

FALSE!! This does not work. While both remotes and cell phones are basically radios, remotes work on a different frequency then cell phones. Cell phones transmit audio only and on a different frequency then what the remote puts out. This was intriguing enough that we tested the theory anyway and it definitely does not work.

 I need to have the air changed in my tires, remove summer air and put winter air in.

This comes from when the seasons change air temperature affects tire pressure. As temperatures drop so will tire pressure. Somehow some customers got the idea the air in the tires is actually changed out but of course it just a matter of checking and adjusting the pressure. You should check your tire pressure at least once a month. We will do it here at Brown’s Alignment for free.

Driving with my windows down and air conditioning off will save gas.

False!! Tests have been done diagnosing this belief and there is no measurable difference, so be comfortable and use your air conditioning with a clean conscience. Driving with the windows down causes more wind drag which off sets any savings from not using the AC.

Diagnosing Driving Problems & Noises

My car cut off driving down the road and will not restart.

Once or twice a year we have a car towed in only to discover it has no gasoline. Oops!  When Diagnosing a no start or cut off driving problem it is always best to check the gasoline first.

I have a rattle from the rear of my car and it seems to get worse over bumps.

While diagnosing for noise we test drove the car and put it on the lift to check the suspension. We did hear the noise but found no physical problems. We opened the trunk and found a small open metal tool box full of tools. We removed the tool box and test drove the car and the noise was gone. This similar scenario has happened many times over the years with varying noises and different type things in the back of vehicles. Some classic noise makers include: tools, loose spare tire, a push lawn mower, dishes and anything else that can rattle or thump around.

I have a whistle noise at 52 mph.

This noise was a very loud whistle and it only occurred at 52 – 54 mph. After much investigation  and diagnosing we found a piece of outside door / window molding on the passenger’s side was pealing up. It was only pealed up for about 1.5 inches and for some unknown reason it vibrated just right at 52 mph and started whistling like crazy.

Diagnosing customer terminology

Cadillac Converter

What they mean to say is actually a catalytic converter.  The catalytic converter is part of the exhaust and helps to convert carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. Which means less air pollution.

What do you mean the noise is coming from the junk in my trunk?

I need new rotaries.

Here the customer is referring to brake rotors. Rotors are usually replaced when they are damaged or have become warped causing the brakes to vibrate.