Archive for June, 2011
Glass Repair for Heavy Equipment and Semi-Trucks
Posted on June 29, 2011 | Automotive Repair.
Just like your vehicle, semi-trucks and heavy machinery can suffer auto glass damage and require professional replacement services. Damaged and broken glass can put operators at risk and slow down the progress of the job. Glass replacement and repair done correctly and quickly can maintain your high safety standards and get your truck or construction vehicle back to work.
Semi-trucks
Regardless whether you are an owner, operator, or drive a fleet vehicle, the safety of the driver and the cargo are always top priority. If the windshield or other glass is chipped or cracked, your field of view may be impaired, which can be very dangerous with a vehicle weighing 30 tons or more. When mirrors are damaged, seeing what is happening to either side of the truck is either difficult or impossible depending on the extent of the damage. There’s already plenty of stress driving a semi without the added hassle of trying to see around cracks and chips in your windshield, windows or mirrors.
Those who operate or own semi-trucks rely on them for their livelihood. If the truck is not safe to drive, the operator is unable to deliver his cargo. Not only does the driver lose money, the company wanting the cargo shipped does too. This is why it is so important that glass and windshield on the truck is fixed promptly and correctly.
Heavy equipment
Windshields and windows on heavy equipment are quite often subjected to harsh conditions. Falling debris, exposure to sun, and vandalism can damage the glass. It is not unusual for one of these vehicles to suffer window cracks or scratches.
The windows on heavy equipment, like backhoes, excavators, and forklifts, are an important safety feature. They protect the operator from flying rocks, stones, dirt, and debris that is found at most construction sites. A cracked or broken window compromises the safety of the worker, putting him in danger of a workplace injury. Damaged glass will not provide the protection to your employees that OSHA requires.
Broken and damaged windows can impede the vision of the operator. Not only will this prevent him from doing his job correctly, it could result in deadly injuries to his co-workers. A clear, unobstructed view while operating heavy equipment is essential to the proper function and safety of the machine.
We all know the old saying, “Time is money.” Many construction projects are on a strict timeline and cannot be put off while equipment is repaired. An out-of-service machine can delay the completion of the job, possibly putting the entire project in jeopardy. Save money and time by finding an auto glass replacement technician who is knowledgeable and skilled in the replacement of heavy equipment glass. Getting is done right the first time will prevent a delay in your schedule due to machine maintenance.
Urgency is often the top priority when the glass in your semi-truck or heavy equipment needs to be repaired or replaced. It is important to note that many auto glass shops do not have the specialized skills or expertise to work on these types of vehicles. To ensure that your new glass is installed properly, be sure to work with a technician who is trained and knowledgeable of the specifications associated with semis and construction vehicles.
Car Alternator Problem
Posted on June 25, 2011 | Automotive Repair.
Having problems starting the car? Than maybe you have an alternator problem. The alternator is one of the main parts of your car’s electrical system. It recharges the battery while the car is running and powers the lights and other electrical peripherals. If the car seems to cause you troubles, than you have two options: the alternator, or the battery. After long use, alternators need replacing. It is important to be aware of alternator’s condition and also of the car battery.
To begin with, make a list of possible faults that may help you to diagnose a bad alternator. The typical symptoms are difficult or slow cranking when you attempt to start the engine, weak headlights, high battery consumption (which you’ll get notified about on the dashboard).
Open the hood and locate the alternator and also the belts connected to the alternator. The entire contraption will be in front of the engine, right next to the car radiator.
Verify the alternator corresponding light on your dashboard and see if it is working. The light should be on when the engine starts. On some models even failure will switch on another light associated with the alternator.
The easiest solution is to check for bad or worn belts that could cause low rotation to your alternator. This prevents the battery from charging properly, especially if you have your headlights, air conditioner or car stereo on. Another simple solution would be to check the alternator and battery connections, battery terminals or possible worn out ground connections. All these could cause electrical discharges that weaken battery and make them unable to spark the engine properly.
Watch out for possible cracks or glazing when the engine is cold. These may cause the belt to slip from the turning wheel, and once again not charging your battery, regardless of the healthy body of the alternator. Adjust any looseness in the belt but, carefully and always consulting your service manual instructions.
The next step would be the inspection of the battery’s voltage and connections while the engine is on idling. Using an electronic voltmeter, locate a tension reading between 13.8 and 15 volts (analogical ones cost more, but are better at visualizing tension spikes or variations). If the reading goes under 13 volts, than your alternator is malfunctioning.
You can verify your electric connections by connecting a circuit with a lamp inside from power to ground and the other way around to see if the bulb lights. For those who have light, the connections between your battery along with other components are working properly. Next step is to look into the connections from the battery through your alternator. For those who have light, the battery is working and charging accordingly, therefore your alternator may probably be the cause of all the problems.
Listen for any loud and grinding noise caused by the rotor failing within the alternator. Take one end from the heater hose and set it alongside to your ear while moving the other end near to the alternator. The amount will increase drastically when the alternator is faulty. In this instance the only thing you should do is try to get an alternative. The alternator is easy to spot and inspect, but taking it apart, that’s one other issue. Try to take the car as soon as possible to some certified mechanic.