Author name: cdhazen

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Mobile Diesel Mechanic: Why a Diesel?

As a mobile diesel mechanic, well, let me count the ways… First, where fuel prices are you should probably choose a cost effective mode of travel.  Right? The Diesel engine is very efficient and cost effective. Also, diesel has higher energy density, i.e. more energy can be extracted as when compared with the same volume of gasoline. Here are our thoughts on advantages and disadvantages: Fuel economy:  Advantage Diesel. Initial cost:  Advantage Gasoline Noise/Vibration:  Advantage Gasoline Cold Weather:  Advantage Gasoline Long-term Maintenance and Durability:  Advantage Diesel Look, choosing between a gas or diesel engine is an important decision.  The key question to ask yourself:  “What do I plan to do with the vehicle where I live?”  If you use your truck like a car, then maybe a gas auto is the right choice.  If you plan to tow a boat or rack up a lot of miles driving then maybe a diesel is for you.  We would be glad to help you decide.  Just contact us.  We are on Facebook and Twitter.

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RVer? No Problem!

Yes, we are your “come to you mechanic.”Plus, picking the right RV service is one of the most important decisions you will make during ownership.Most of all, we can provide diesel service and engine repairs for your RV.  Yep, we can get you back on the road.  No doubt, now is a great time for RVing…so lets get you going! Here are just some of the work we can do: Routine inspections Winterization Brakes and Bearing replacement, repair and maintain on most RVs Electrical 12 volt and 110volt repair Full Detail Service and Repairs All insurance repairs We can install accessories that are available in the RV industry We perform oil changes Why be an RVer? Well, because there is so much you can see or do.  We know of folks who sell the house, the car, and a lot of other stuff. Then, they pack the rest into a small motorhome and thought they were ready. Here is a great list of things as a result that you should know before being a full time RVer, thanks to Camping World. “As decisions go, this is a biggie. Sell your house and live full-time in an RV “out there.” Where? Wherever you want. Before you swallow all that freedom in a single gulp there are a few things you might want to know. #1 Make a practice run…or two…or ten.No one should toss the house keys to the new owner and point their new rig towards the open road without having experienced previously spending time in an RV. Not just a weekend or even a week but ideally an extended period of time. No trial run will exactly duplicate the finality of being without a home base but being on the road will help identify what kind of full-timer you will be. Do you prefer being a “mover” or  a “sitter?” Do you prefer the solitude of a campsite alone in the woods or the activities found in a commercial campground? These test runs will also serve to clarify your most important decision before becoming a full-time Rver… #2 How much house do you need?There is an RV ready to match your dream. Use your vacation RV trips to test different rigs. If you are visiting off-the-beaten-track tourist nooks and wilderness sites a more maneuverable RV could be preferable to a motorcoach. Or your dream RV just may not have as much room as you need to live on the road full time comfortably. Be honest with yourself up front and you will save yourself the hassle of trading up or down in your first few years untethered from a home base.

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Consider this Fact: #1

As we chat about mobile diesel repair we need to remember several key facts: First, “Diesels get great mileage. They typically deliver 25 to 30 percent better fuel economy than similarly performing gasoline engines. Diesels also can deliver as much or more fuel economy than traditional gasoline-electric hybrids, depending on the models involved and whatever rapidly developing automotive technology achieves.” — Deanna Sclar from Auto Repair For Dummies, 2nd Edition. Additionally, here several top diesel engine tips for you to review. “Diesel engines typically require fewer repairs than gas engines, but those repairs are more expensive. Find out how to keep repairs to a minimum,” according to CarsDirect. Also, according to CarsDirect, diesel engine maintenance will “offset the rising cost of fuel and assure you of a longer life-cycle for your vehicle” in general and your engine in particular. Diesel engines are excellent and reliable engines if regularly and properly maintained. Here’s more from CarsDirect. Maintenance Tips Regular inspection of glow plugs is very critical for the proper maintenance of a diesel engine. The ignition of this engine depends upon compressed heat but it often fails to produce enough heat for the fuel to burn. As a result the glow plugs are used to heat up the cylinder before the cold engine gets started. These glow plugs require frequent inspection especially during the winter season The gaskets on the diesel engine call for regular monitoring as they work under very severe and harsh conditions. All the mounting bolts should be checked regularly to avoid leaks which can lead to other complications The oil filter should be selected carefully as sulfur residue and carbon are created in the absence of completely burning the fuel. A good filter will exclude corrosive particles from the oil Always make sure the engine is supported completely before unscrewing any of the mounting bolts, plugs or nuts To maintain proper engine performance and prevent accidents, make sure to give fluids sufficient time to cool before draining or checking them Take your time when doing maintenance on a diesel engine and never work on an engine while it is running Due to its critical cooling system, an audible and visual warning system on the dash panel will alert you before the possibility of engine damage Every time you fill the diesel tank, add a bottle of diesel treatment. This will prevent the diesel from getting mixed with impurities Diesel engines require a complete maintenance check from time to time for a longer life. Regular oil changes, as well as changing the oil and air filters, are critical to proper engine performance

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Maintaining Your Semi Truck

Congratulations.  You either drive for a transport company or you own your own Semi.  Thus, mobile truck repair is key, if it comes to that. Remember, the rigs you drive will undoubtedly be quite large, which means that there is a lot of maintenance that must go into them.  Both on a monthly and even daily basis. Also, you might be driving long distances, which means that you and your truck will be away from the local repair shop that you are accustomed to. So, in other words, understanding basic truck maintenance is critical.  If something should happen, then Mobile Mechanics of Colorado will be ready to offer assistance. Here are some tips to help you keep running smooth: Take care of the outside of your truck. This is not just for how it looks.  If you keep your truck clean at all times, you will be able to detect any dents or scratches.  This effort will help you repair them and maybe hidden damage as soon as you can. Watch what you put inside your vehicle. Semi-Truck experts will tell you, “Using the right fuel, oil, and even windshield washer can contribute to a truck that is in good condition.” Do you know what your gages mean? And, how to read them.  Being alerted immediately to a problem could save you expense in the long run. If you need assistance with your semi-truck for service or repair.  We will be there.  Remember, we come to you.

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Winterize Your Car

Why winterize a diesel engine? Yes, Winter is coming!  And, your valuable diesel engine, whether a semi, pick-up, car, RV, heavy equipment or boat, you need to take some care for their Winter hibernation. Why?  To protect your investment.  Diesel fuel can solidify in Winter weather.  As a result, you may experience engine shut-downs.  Diesel fuel contains paraffins, similar to the wax of your candles in your home. Though we are now in early Fall it is the very best time to work on your vehicle so you don’t have to deal with frozen fingers and cold parts when the snow begins. Here are some general tips you should consider as part of your winterizing steps. Please follow any instructions that come with your vehicle.  And, if you are not sure about how to winterize call us.  Remember, we come to you. Dry out the system – Drain the water Change the antifreeze Change your filters Treat the oil Treat the fuel Carry an emergency treatment Check the coolant system Prepare the battery Check your tire pressure Check for leaks Clean and expect the exterior Finally, be sure and drive smarter.  Changing weather will change how your vehicle handles.  One key recommendation is to be make sure your engine has warmed up.

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SPRING IS COMING SPECIALS

Now through April 30 call us for our Spring is Coming Specials. Warmer weather is almost here!  You need to have your vehicles running smooth for those Spring vacation trips.  And yes, that includes that RV!  Auto! Truck!  Heavy Equipment!  Fleet!  And, more. Regular maintenance is a “must” if you want a diesel engine to purr like when you first got the vehicle.  And yes, every diesel owner will probably encounter some “challenges”.  Although diesel engines require no ignition tune-ups and tend to last longer with major repairs than gasoline engines, they do require low-cost maintenance. Yes, we do oil and filter changes.  We also conduct used car inspections if you are in the market for a new auto or truck. More than 25 years experience.  We know hydraulic systems on trucks, water craft and heavy equipment.  We repair hydraulic cylinders and pumps, etc.  Remember, we come to you.

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Where is Chad?

The answer to that question is:  Just about everywhere!.  Check out this video.  Remember, we come to you. https://youtu.be/21FEXnXrU68

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Oil Questions Answered

The status of the oil in your engine is the “crown jewel” that must be valued.  From quantity to last oil change; from type to regular or synthetic. Here are our answers to several basic questions when it comes to oil in a diesel engine. How often should you do an oil change? It depends.  Best practice is to RTFM, follow the manufacturer’s recommendation and adjust according to the type of service the engine will see.  However, if you’re doing a lot of city traffic or towing around a trailer you should change the oil sooner. Is it difficult to do a “DIY” – do it yourself oil change? Truth be told you can change your own oil but it can be very expensive if you do not have the proper equipment, attire and know how.  And, if you include your own labor costs, you are probably better off having a professional do it for you. What oil brands are better to use for diesel engines? Using quality diesel engine oil is critical.  Why?  Your engine stays in top condition to perform at its best with good oil. Here are the 7 best diesel engine oils.  Click here.  https://youtu.be/44otPWpFpKU https://youtu.be/44otPWpFpKU What does changing your engine oil do for your vehicle? An oil change consists of removing the old oil and replacing it with new, fresh oil.  Doing this prevents most (though not all) metal-to-metal contact inside your engine.  Over time, the heat and pressure of simply doing its job causes oil to eventually break down, making for it being less effective on the job. Regular vs Synthetic Oil.  Which is better? Without trying to put an end to a discussion that has no end, let’s look at a few facts. The oil we put in our engines serves multiple purposes. It coats the metal parts inside and allows them to run on a thin layer of lubrication thereby reducing friction and wear. It also works as an additional coolant, neutralizes acids, captures and transports combustion by-product particles to the oil filter, and employs solvents to keep the engine clean. Motor enthusiasts love to debate the merits of one oil over another and when someone brings up the “synthetic vs regular oil” issue, the conversation is off to the races with “experts” pressing advantages and disadvantages with knowing passion. According to Topspeedracker.com, “The reality is, there are degrees of ‘rightness’ and ‘wrongness’ depending on what you’re driving and how you’re driving it. The oil you use in your family car (even if you’ve tuned it up to breath a little life into that grocery store run) isn’t going to be the same oil that goes into a racing engine. In order to choose the right oil, it helps to understand some of the key differences between synthetic and regular.” “Regular oils” are mineral-based products refined from crude oil taken from the ground. Over the past 20 years these lubricants have been refined even further, particularly in the area of viscosity enhancers. This means modern oils flow better over a range of temperatures. This, in combination with engines that sport tighter clearances and better machining, allow for the use of thin oils that both reduce friction and improve fuel efficiency. “Synthetic oils”, which have been around since the 1970s, have the same natural ingredients as “regular oils” but they are distilled in a chemical plant where the concept of refining goes techno-geek. Try wrapping your head around the concept of “synthesized-hydrocarbon molecular chains” and base fluids including “polyalphaolefin, synthetic esters, and alkylated aromatics.” What the heck do all these terms mean? In plain English, they are the engineered basis for the synthetic oil qualities listed below. Synthetic oils: are all season and have multi-viscosity properties, some flowing as much as seven times faster than regular oil. can stand extremes of engine temperature (some above 400°F) more efficiently. can boost horsepower more effectively than thinner regular oils. can be used for intervals as long as 25,000 miles before requiring an oil change. contain fewer contaminants like sulfur, wax, and other elements that contribute to sludge build-up. Of course, synthetic oils are more expensive and there are some things they don’t do, including: eliminate the need for oil changes. or eliminate engine wear. Please contact us and we will be more than happy to help you with your oil issues.

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Your Boat Underwater?

No problem.  We would prefer to have it back on dry land…but as this video shows we have helped customers with saving their boat and then working on it.  We are all over boats who have unfortunate and repairable work.   Check out this video.  Remember, we come to you. https://youtu.be/-tPtzM7z0vc

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