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What are the Symptoms of a Bad Catalytic Converter?

What are the Symptoms of a Bad Catalytic Converter?

A catalytic converter is a car component that forms part of the exhaust system. It's a metal canister filled with chemical catalysts (Palladium and Platinum) that help convert vehicle emissions into less harmful gases. Over time, the converter can get damaged and become faulty. Here are the common symptoms of a bad catalytic converter. Rattling Noises These noises usually occur in old and internally damaged catalytic converters. They occur due to the breakaway and collapse of the catalyst meshes lined inside the metal canister. The damage to the honeycomb mesh stems from the rich fuel mixture from the engine. A rattling noise is easy to hear when you start your car's engine, and it can worsen over time. Reduced Engine Performance If the catalytic converter is damaged, you may experience reduced engine performance characterized by the loss of power and acceleration. Another sign is a reduction in fuel economy. A clogged converter results in the restricted flow of exhaust ... read more

What are the Symptoms of Bad or Failing Spark Plugs?

What are the Symptoms of Bad or Failing Spark Plugs?

Sparks may be one of the simplest and smallest components of a motor vehicle but could massively impact the performance of your car. Essentially, spark plugs play a significant role in the combustion chamber by facilitating the engine's creation and supply of electric power. Here are some of the pointers indicating that your spark plugs could be dysfunctional: More Fuel Consumption The primary function of spark plugs is to promote efficient combustion in the engine hence optimal use of gas. Typically, if you notice that you are making more frequent trips to the gas station, they could be the culprits. Worn out or dirty sparks could be the cause. Alternatively, the gap between the spark electrodes could be too big or too small. Difficult Starts If your spark plugs are not generating enough power to start the engine, your vehicle will certainly not start. Most people think of the battery or empty gas tank whenever they have trouble starting their car. However, f ... read more

What to Know Before Buying New Tires

What to Know Before Buying New Tires

Every driver will have to replace their tires at least once in their lifetime. While most people dread doing it because of its cost, it must be done to stay safe on the road. To make the entire process a little easier, we wanted to offer you some things to think about before making this considerable investment. Below is a quick and easy guide to finding, buying, and maintaining a new set of tires.   Do you know how to determine whether you need new tires? The tire tread is the best indicator. You can measure your tire's tread depth using an old penny or by looking at the tread wear indicators built into most tires. If your tread is less than 2/32 of an inch, it is time to replace them.   Knowing who to buy your tires from is the next step, and it can be quite challenging. The first option that comes to mind for most people is their car dealer, but they are often the most expensive place to get your tires. You will have better luck going to a trusted tire retailer or a ... read more

Quick Fixes for Aggravating Windshield Wiper Problems

Quick Fixes for Aggravating Windshield Wiper Problems

There's nothing more annoying than dealing with ineffective windshield wipers, as they could worsen your visibility. The most common problems we've seen with wipers at Tri Star Automotive, Inc. are smearing water and rattling wipers. To keep your vision crystal clear while you drive, we've come up with these quick and easy fixes. Here's What to Do When ...your wipers are smearing water all over your windshield - A common cause behind the smearing issue is because they are worn. Wiper blades are usually made of rubber, so they naturally wear out over time and need replacing. If your wiper blades are new (or relatively new) and doing you wrong, then you can do the following: Clean your wiper blades by wiping them down with a rag and warm, soapy water. And wipe the edges with rubbing alcohol. If you still are experiencing issues with smearing after cleaning them, try changing your wiper fluid instead. ...your windshield wipers are rattling. - If your wipers are annoyi ... read more

What To Do If You Have a Transmission Fluid Leak

What To Do If You Have a Transmission Fluid Leak

Just like how your engine oil lubricates the motor engine, transmission fluid serves the same purpose for your car's transmission. That's why some people also call it transmission oil. Your transmission needs this essential fluid to grease up its complex system of gears, valves, and other components. These parts need to work in order to transfer power from the engine to your wheels and control the speed of your car. When (and if) your transmission fails, don't count on taking your car anywhere. A transmission fluid leak is one of the first major signs of transmission troubles. Transmission fluid is almost always bright red in color, so it is one of the easiest fluids to recognize when it comes to your car. Some vehicles have a transmission fluid dipstick so that you can check the level of fluid at home. If this is possible for your vehicle model and the fluid looks too low or dirty, then that's another major sign of transmission problems. Ideally, it's not recommen ... read more