McFarland Auto Repair

If you are a new car owner, you must be wondering what a timing belt is and what functions it plays in a car. You have come to the right place. A timing belt is a toothed belt that controls the rotation of the engine crankshaft and camshaft as well as the way the engine valves open and close to allow gasoline and air in and out. Fundamentally, it coordinates the functions of an engine making fuel burn in the combustion chamber or it ensures that all the internal moving parts are in tandem. When should you replace the timing belt? Considering that it has such a crucial job, it is important to replace it regularly. Oftentimes, there is no sign that the belt is wearing out. Most of the time, the timing belt just breaks. This is the reason why most car manufacturers recommend that you replace it after covering 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Check your owner's manual to know what is recommended for your particular model. It will be cheaper to be proactive and replace the b ... read more

The fuel light elicits one of the most worrying moments when driving. It can spell doom when driving in the countryside or a location you may not be familiar with. Fortunately, most vehicles can move for considerably long distances with the fuel light on. However, running on an empty tank may cause the fuel pump to suck the oil debris at the bottom of the tank into the engine or get overheated. You may also stop in the middle of the highway and get inconvenienced or robbed. Your fuel tank should stay at least a quarter full unless it is necessary to drive when empty. What Is The Distance That You Can Cover On An Empty Tank? The distance you can drive on an empty tank depends on the model of your vehicle. Most vehicles show the fuel warning when the tank is a 16th full. Models like Ford (F-150, Fusion, and Escape), Toyota Corolla, and Jeep Wrangler can run up to 80 miles when the fuel light is on. (Assuming you are driving at an average of 70 mph). High fuel economy m ... read more