The Filter

We have been taking a lot of phone calls here recently at MicksGarage.ie from customers looking to order replacement EGR Valves for their vehicle. Two things are apparent from these calls. A) EGR valves break a lot and B) Some people do not seem to know what an EGR valve is or what its function is.

So…..EGR Valve = Exhaust Gas Recirculation ValveThe EGR valve, or Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve, is a vacuum controlled valve which allows a specific amount of your exhaust back into the intake manifold. This exhaust mixes with the intake air and actually cools the combustion process. Cooler is always better inside your engine. The exhaust your EGR valve re-circulates also prevents the formation of Nitrogen related gases. These are referred to as NOX emissions, and are a common cause for failing emissions testing as part of the NCT.Unfortunately, EGR valves are known to get stuck open, causing NOX gases to build up.

You'll know if your E.G.R. valve is stuck or malfunctioning because your car will experience symptoms like rough idle and bucking on acceleration.  An amber warning light should appear on your vehicles dash board to indicate a problem before there are any noticeable driving defects. If the light is left undiagnosed, your vehicle will start to perform badly and the vehicles fuel consumption will drop considerably.

If your vehicle is six years old or more it will have been tested twice by the NCT. It is perfectly reasonable to expect a six year old vehicle to breeze through the first two tests with ease. After that it may become the case that general wear and tear, poor roads and high speed bumps, will make it a little harder for your vehicle to pass the NCT first time. Ideally we would all like our vehicle to pass the test first time, every time, but as the car ages that becomes a hope more than an expectation.

On the NCT’s official website they recommend you carry some simple tasks on the vehicle in advance of the test and they are:

• You car has adequate oil and water<!--[endif]-->
•   The boot is empty and the seats are free or personal belongings <!--[endif]-->
•  The vehicle is reasonably clean (especially the underbody)<!--[endif]-->
• The hubcaps are removed (only where wheel nuts are not visible)<!--[endif]-->
•   The tyres are inflated to the correct pressure<!--[endif]-->
•    The engine is in a fit state to be tested eg. The timing belt is replaced on schedule<!--[endif]-->
•    Seat belts and seat belt clips are visible<!--[endif]-->
•   Your registration plates comply with current regulations<!--[endif]-->
• NCTS recommend that you have  your lights checked and set prior to your NCT

As you can see most of those tasks are straight forward and can be done at home or at your local petrol station free of charge. Should you wish to have the headlights focused in advance of the NCT be sure to inform the garage that you only want the lamps focused as some garages might see this as a perfect time to up-sell additional items to you.

In cases where your vehicle is 10 years old or more, many people are simply following the NCT guidelines above and then putting the car through and only repairing what the NCT fail the vehicle on. By doing so you are ensuring you are only spending the minimum amount necessary in order to receive your certificate.  Remember, items that fail and do not have to use any machinery for the re-test will not incur a re-test fee. Making an appointment for a re-test for a visual item is much more relaxed too and most NCT centres set aside a time of the day where they view all visual re-tests.

So don't be too stressed about your NCT, it may not be as bad or as expensive as you fear!And if you do need some parts you know that you can come to MicksGarage to sort you out.

This month we're encouraging everyone to take the 'Haynes Build Your Own Engine' Challenge.

It’s loads of fun for young and old and it’s a great educator about the workings of an engine. There’s no pressure in taking the challenge, it’s not a race and there are no finishing times requested. It’s designed to be taken at your leisure. The engine is a simplified version of a real car engine and the model is designed to be fun to put together for adults / kids (over ten yrs) or to teach your kids how a full-size four-stroke car engine works. It's a great starting point for anyone who is curious about engines.

Today FM has a motoring slot called Motorheads as part of the Phil Cawley Saturday Show (11am - 2pm). Motoring journalist Paddy Comyn is a regular contributor and the show provides some very interesting content. They also provide a Car Clinic where they will answer any motoring queries sent in by the public. You can listen to the Podcasts here. 

The Hummer is no more. 

No harm either. Gas guzzling monster that it was. Nobody has got the cash for them anymore anyway. Another victim of the economic collapse... 

Ciaran from MicksGarage will be on the Newstalk Motor Mouth Show tonight where he will be discussing the NCT requirements and servicing your car. Have a listen in from 10pm on Newstalk 106FM. 

Newstalk 106FM is starting a new motoring radio show, 'Motor Mouth' tonight at 10pm. Might be a worth a listen in. It's presented by Daragh O'Tuama and will 'answer listeners motoring questions and dispense advice on every angle of the car industry.' 

It's good to see some motoring content emerging onto Irish airwaves, best of luck to them.
 

Some important advancements to the our Seecode Vossor and Seecode Wheel Bluetooth devices. You can now pair 3 phones at once with them and there is even longer talk time and standby time. You can also stream music through them now.

For all concerned Toyota drivers, Toyota Ireland have a statement here: http://www.toyota.ie/about/news/story/d71a5529-4963-47e0-add7-a77b7b163ab4

They're recalling:

With the ice and snow over the past few weeks, most of us have been driving around on salted roads (or at least those of us who were lucky enough to get salted roads!). What you may not be aware of is that salt can cause damage to your car. It can cause corrosion and can speed up rust, which is particularly relevant to older cars. Without getting too scientific on it, salt increases the electrical conductivity of water and so accelerates corrosion.

Now that the cold spell seems to have subsided, it is probably a good time to give the car a good wash and try and get rid of the salt off the bodywork and undercarriage of the vehicle. Make sure in particular to wash the underside of your car to get rid of the salt which will have bounced up from the roads. When you’re washing the car make sure also to get the mud and muck out of the wheels and wheel arches. Give rubber, trims, door seals and tyres a good wash and rub also. If you’re using a hose at home make sure it has a high pressure nozzle so that you can get the water at power into those hard to reach places.

You may also find that your car mats have turned white in sections. This can be caused by road salt from your shoes.  Mostly this can be removed with soap and water but if this doesn’t do the job you can also try some vinegar diluted with water.