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Showing posts from November, 2023

Worn or Broken Belts in your car

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    Worn or broken belts in your car can lead to various problems and should be addressed promptly. There are typically three primary types of belts in most vehicles: the serpentine belt, the timing belt (or timing chain), and the drive belts. Here's what you should know about each of them: Serpentine Belt: The serpentine belt is responsible for driving various components in your vehicle, such as the alternator, water pump, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. If it becomes worn or breaks, it can lead to a variety of issues, including electrical system problems, overheating, loss of power steering, and a lack of climate control. Timing Belt (or Timing Chain): The timing belt (or timing chain) is crucial for synchronizing the movement of the engine's valves and pistons. If it fails, it can cause significant engine damage, including bent valves or even a complete engine failure. Many modern cars use timing chains, which are more durable and typically last ...

WHAT IS HORSEPOWER, TORQUE AND LOAD IN A VEHICLE?

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    The average car only needs about fifteen to twenty horsepower to maintain sixty miles per hour. So why do we have engines with horsepower measured in the hundreds? Here’s a bit about horsepower, torque and load. At Steinway Auto Repair, a leading car repair shop in Astoria , our customers have a variety of vehicles from very high power to just regular vehicles used for basic driving. Here is a short breakdown of how horsepower, torque and load function in your vehicle to give a smooth ride. What is horsepower? Horsepower measures the amount of work your engine can do. The higher the horsepower on an engine, the more work the engine is capable of. While it only takes 15 to 20 horsepower to maintain 60 miles per hour, it takes more work to accelerate, go up hills, and run items like the alternator, air conditioner and other electrical equipment. How about torque? Torque refers to the ability of the car to turn something, like the wheels. When your car is standing still...