How long does a car AC system last?
I live in Houston, where we use the A/C virtually all year long and very intensively in the summer months.My 5 different Nissan/Infiniti cars all lasted 10–13 years with virtually No A/C problems whatsoever. Not even leaks. All still going strong when I gave up the cars.My ‘98 Chrysler product required 2 compressor replacements in 13 years - a very expensive problem. And my ’75 Mercedes had endless A/C problems.I had several GM cars in the late-72- through 1986 model years without any memorable issues although I think I had some refrigerant leaks (failed hoses) that had to be repaired. In light of the Nissans, I guess thats not so good.2011 Subaru has had no problems in 8 years.
Is it safe to drive a vehicle without power steering fluid?
No it’s not. While you CAN drive without it, the potential failure could result in stranding you on the side of the road. Anything built in the last 15 years most likely has a serpentine belt system that powers all your accessories.When you run out of power steering fluid, the bearings in your power steering pump no longer have lubrication available to keep them cool. Those bearings will fail, the pump will seize and that will result in your serpentine belt to fight against one accessory that is no longer moving. The belt will fly off the engine and all other accessories, water pump, A/C, alternator etc will be powerless and your vehicle will shortly cease to run from overheating or dead battery.
What happens if you overfill the coolant reservoir in your car?
The reservoir is usually marked with a minimum and maximum level. The maximum level is below the top of the tank. That allows for possible expansion of the coolant in the system.If you fill it beyond the maximum level, probably at some point the excess overflows out the overflow tube of the reservoir as the coolant from the radiator expands into the reservoir. The excess coolant is lost as it is dumped on the ground.When the cooling system contracts, the now full to the brim reservoir will retreat to the normally full indicated levels.There’s no long term damage to the car.
Why did my engine light come on after an oil change?
Do you mean it came on for a few seconds post oil change, then went out and never came on again. If so, then a previous answer mentioning the oil filter refilling with oil is probably correct. If you mean the light came on minutes/hours/days after the oil change, you have a different issue. I would first verify what oil the mechanic (quick lube etc) put in your vehicle and make sure it meets all the manufacturer’s specs for your application. If your car requires 5W-40 and they installed 0W-20 (for example) it may not be “thick” enough for your application. If it only comes on with a warm engine at idle speed, then goes out when you accelerate, you may have excessive engine wear. Most likely, however, it is the oil sending unit. These often start leaking oil internally into the sending unit, which then gets oil in the plug in wiring harness, which causes the light to come on (or gauge to fail). These are relatively easy to check and/or replace on many vehicles.