recall notices

Recall Notices – Cars And Trucks

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recall noticeRecall notices by automobile manufacturers seem to get announced and never heard about again in most cases.  We’ve put this information together to help you quickly look-up your vehicle and determine if your vehicle has been included in a recall action, the reason why and what resolution is offered, repair or  compensation might be available.  Of course, some recalls offer little in terms of compensation, but there’s more to consider in most cases.

A good portion of all recalls are mandated by U.S. government agencies, but quite a few are arranged and announced directly by manufacturers.  Multiple information resource links are provided below for your convenience.

 

Recall Notices Look-up by VIN – Vehicle Identification Number

Owners may not always know their recalled vehicle still needs to be repaired. NHTSA’s new search tool lets you enter a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to quickly learn if a specific vehicle has not been repaired as part of a safety recall in the last 15 years. Safecar.gov Click
recall notices
Edmunds is an industry leading automotive information web site and business used by individuals and industry sources.  Edmunds.com is the Internet’s pioneer and leader in providing unbiased automotive information, tools and services for consumers.
The primary source for recall notices information is also a keeper and registrar for new car and truck safety ratings. The United States Department of Transportation facilitates relative laws and safety information through National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  It really applies to newer cars, but is a great source potentially when purchasing a new or newer automobile.

Search vehicle safety ratings.

NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings help consumers make smart decisions about safety when purchasing a vehicle. You can also search ratings by manufacturer.

Recall notices are issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle, (car van, SUV, truck, equipment, car seat, or tire creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards and specifications. Almost all decisions to conduct a recall and remedy a safety defect are made voluntarily by manufacturers before any involvement by NHTSA.

Manufacturers are required to fix the problem by repairing it, replacing it, offering a refund, or in rare cases repurchasing the vehicle. View the 2018 Recall Report.

Using the VIN lookup tool, access to recall information is provided by the manufacturer conducting the recall which may or may not be posted currently on NHTSA’s site.

recall notices

Nissan Altima

Nissan Altima Used Engine Run Test

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Other Nissan Altima used engine run tests” are also performed depending upon the the mechanics discretion. This Nissan Altima Used Engine run test is quick, but they get the job done. This 1995 Nissan Altima 2.4 engine passes the 1st check.  Sound or audible check, smell, exhaust smell and visual, engine oil dipstick observation for oil level and condition, dipstick heat markings, oil fill caps for color and condensation; these are just the first round of checks.

Nissan Altima used engine

 

Ford Escort Used Engine Run Test

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Ford Escort Used Engine run test – an initial test prior to pulling the engine for shipping or stock.  Additional “run tests” are also performed depending upon the the mechanics discretion. This Ford Escort Used Engine run test is quick, but they get the job done.This 1998 Ford Escort 2.0 engine is a great buy.

 

Ford Escort Used Engines

Ford Ranger Used Engine Run Test

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Ford Ranger Used Engine run test – an initial test prior to pulling the engine for shipping or stock.  Additional “run tests” are also performed depending upon the the mechanics discretion. This Ford Ranger Used Engine run test is quick, but they get the job done.

Ford Ranger used engine

Plymouth Breeze Used Engine Run Test

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Plymouth Breeze Used Engine run test – an initial test prior to pulling the engine for shipping or stock.  Additional “run tests” are also performed depending upon the the mechanics discretion. This Plymouth Breeze Used Engine run test is quick, but they get the job done.This 1999 Plymouth Breeze 2.4 engine is a nice buy.

Plymouth Used Engines and Used Transmissions

Used Engines Life Extended – PLUS – Fuel Savings with Superior Engine Lubrication

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Used engines and transmissions can have very long lives with friction reduction via superior lubrication. Joe Lehnerd of GoNMF shares the following:

According to a June 2014 Department of Energy (DOE) report, friction losses in engines and transmissions consume up to 10-15% of fuel used in transportation.  Of this approximately 10% is lost to overcome engine friction, and another 5% is lost to friction in the driveline (transmission, axles, bearings).

With nearly 250 million vehicles on the road, the U.S. consumes 12-13 million barrels of oil per day.  Reducing engine and driveline friction by 10% would reduce petroleum consumption by 150,000 to 200,000 barrels a day.  In regards to how reducing friction in your vehicle can affect fuel savings, the DOE reports that friction reduction of 10% will generally result in fuel efficiency savings of 1-2%.  As friction reduction increases fuel efficiency continues to increase as well.

Vehicle purchases are one of the largest expenses an individual or company makes.  Vehicle maintenance and costs incurred due to vehicle downtime are also significant expense for companies and can be expensive and inconvenient for individuals.  The longer a vehicle lasts and the more reliably it runs, the better the financial benefit to the owner. Reducing friction can have a positive impact on vehicle longevity and reliability, as friction and wear are closely related.  As friction is reduced, wear is also reduced, leading to increased parts longevity.

Another benefit of friction reduction, as it relates to wear, is heat reduction.  As heat increases, metal parts expand. In cases of high levels of heat and metal parts in close proximity with each other, such as in gears of a vehicle under heavy workload, the expanding metal parts increasingly press against each other harder, generating even more heat, contributing to more wear or possibly damage.  By keeping temperatures within manageable levels through friction reduction, parts last longer.

USING SUPERIOR ENGINE LUBRICATION EXTENDS USED ENGINE LIFE

One of easiest and most affordable ways to reduce friction and wear in your vehicles is to use a superior lubrication solution.

The ASTM is a series of tests which are trusted by SAE engineers.  In order to maintain certification, all ASTM laboratories around the world operate according to strictly-enforced procedures.  The ASTM test relevant to the topic of friction and wear reduction is ASTM D4172, which is the international standard measurement of friction reduction and wear reduction of a lubricant. It is also known by the names 4-ball test and bearing torture test.

Petro-Lubricant Labs of Lafayette, New Jersey, one of the oldest ASTM-certified laboratories in North America, conducted ASTM D4172 on Shell Rotella T 15w40 without and with NMF Ionic Friction Reducer.  As compared to Shell Rotella T 15W40 alone, NMF reduced friction by 36% and wear by 22%.

GoPro Engines, one of the largest online used engines and used transmissions supply marketplaces in North America, recommends NMF Ionic Friction Reducer exclusively.

Using a superior additive such as NMF Ionic Friction Reducer is an easy and economical way to improve efficiency and enhance longevity of an engine.

NMF

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Joe Lehnerd, Lieutenant Colonel (retired), U.S. Air Force, Owner, GoNMF

An Insider’s Guide To Facing the Challenges of Mobile Fleet Management

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Maintaining regular vehicle service can be challenging and mobile maintenance services are rapidly expanding.  Not just for personal cars and trucks, regular mobile services are now available for commercially operated vehicles, including fleets.  Yes, that’s right! Fleet management services are available right at your home or business.

Managing fleet maintenance can be costly and difficult to schedule, track or monitor.  There can be a lot of variable factors including engines, transmissions, tires and brakes.  Mobile maintenance service providers at your location can lower your cost and easily increase the efficiency of operation.

There are now many mobile service options available.  Fleet management services include wash, wax and detailing options; engine oil and filter change, differential oil change, fuel filter change, topping off fluids, changing the air filter, logging and tracking mileage and service interval requirements.  Just being able to pick your preferred time of day and location for service can have dramatic and immediate improvements.

Example Service Provider – Companies like Unique Otto serve customers from both fixed locations and provide mobile maintenance and fleet management services.
fleet management services

To consider cost benefits, first let’s establish some basic assumptions. For our purposes, let us assume all vehicle fleet managers/owners have sufficient financial resources or budget to have vehicle maintenance performed in timely accordance with each vehicle manufacturers’ maintenance requirements.  Deferred maintenance is not addressed in this post. It may also be important to mention there are different fleet aging and replacement strategies organizations follow.  These three areas:  financial budget, deferred maintenance, and vehicle replacement should be acknowledged considerations for good planning.

The cost of labor in having a qualified mobile mechanic or technician perform your vehicle maintenance service is an obvious factor in overall cost. However, this may be the least portion of an overall look at the expense picture.

The cost and quality of basic parts, filters, fluids and soft supplies is the other major component in looking at mobile vehicle maintenance expense.  Opportunities may exist to improve the quality level of components used or lower component cost.

The “time” cost in having a vehicle out-of-service for regular maintenance may be significant.  This impacts the amount of time a service vehicle is available to make service calls.  There may be earnings potential from increased productivity or improved quality of service.

The cost of having the vehicles driver travel and wait at a service shop for basic vehicle maintenance services may be obvious to some, but overlooked or hidden.   When you or your driver arrive at a fixed location for vehicle maintenance service, there is almost always some form of wait even though an appointment was made in advance.  Either way, having your driver manage the maintenance creates inefficiencies in most cases.

There are many areas of possible expense or cost savings with fleet management services.  Consulting with a reputable mobile maintenance representative could easily uncover other opportunities.  As an example, many service companies include mileage and maintenance service logging and tracking.  Service companies offer features and services to help improve the financial return on your fleet investment.

Quinn Turley is a motor industry veteran with GoPro Engines – Used engines and used transmissions supply chain management. https://www.facebook.com/pg/goproengines

 

Your VW, Porsche And Audi Diesel Recalled Could Mean Money

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VW Beetle RecallDid you get your money $ or a new car from the VW diesel recall?  Volkswagen Beetles, Golf, Jetta, Passat, Touareg, several Audi models and Porsche Cayenne are just a few of the models impacted.  2017 could be the last year for your pay day. Don’t wait!

The Volkswagen diesel scandal was worldwide, and impacting around 500,000 of their cars in the United States.  Those affected were for manufactured model years 2009 through 2015.  This is only one of many recalls from Volkswagen over the years, but certainly the most expensive in their long history as an automobile manufacturer.  U.S. car owners for these model years would be well advised to check to see if your car qualifies. https://www.vwdiesellookup.com/

This recall is due from the company’s intentional cheating the EPA requirements with deceptive testing results.  Volkswagen designed computer software and hardware in the car to show much lower emissions, when in test conditions for the EPA.  Real world driving produced 40x’s higher output for Nitrous Oxide than allowed.

Volkswagen announced in November 2015, that 480,000+ diesel Audi and VW owners in the United States would be eligible to receive $1,000 in a voucher form, in addition to the $2,000 offering with current VW owners for trade-ins.  VW America said that accepting the gift cards does not prevent owners from filing lawsuit.  Consumers can sell their cars back to Volkswagen or choose from repairs – software updates for second and third-gen diesels and “software/hardware modification”. 

VW Models Impacted

Volkswagen Beetle, Beetle Convertible (2013-2015) Audi A3 (2010-2015) Porsche Cayenne (2014-2016)
Volkswagen Golf (2010-2015) Audi A6 Quattro (2014-2016)
Volkswagen Golf SportWagen (2015) Audi A7 Quattro (2014-2016)
Volkswagen Jetta, Jetta SportWagen (2009-2014) Audi A8/A8L (2014-2016)
Volkswagen Passat (2012-2015) Audi Q5 (2014-2016)
Volkswagen Touareg (2009-2016) Audi Q7 (2009-2016)

Where do used engines come from?

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Many people ask, “Where do used engines come from?” This is a great question. “Used” engines typically cost a fraction of the price for “new”. The age and condition of “used” can vary widely. Reputable companies supply used parts to the general consumer, auto repair and body shops. Having a trustworthy and reliable source is important to insure good used part quality and service support, and when necessary for warranty claims.

Used engines and used transmissions are like all used auto parts. The life of a “used part” begins as part of a used or wrecked car or truck. Car dealers, auction houses, wrecking companies and individuals act as collection points, which then in-turn supply recycling centers, salvage yards and junk-yard businesses. These later types of businesses remove the parts in highest demand, also based on quality and condition. There are many factors considered in selecting which parts to remove. What’s left over, after parts are removed is sold to metal shredders/recyclers.

We put together this simple video focused on used engine harvesting. It’s intended to give you a general idea of what takes place across the nation in our marketplace network. GoPro Engines operates a locating service for used engines, transmissions, transfer cases and other parts. We work with a hand-picked nationwide network of reliable salvage and recycling centers of highest quality and professionalism. GoPro Engines specializes in engines, transmissions, transfer cases and a few other parts only.

used engine

You can purchase used engines and other used parts with confidence. You can save a lot of time and money by working with GoPro Engines. We know most people want to get back on the road quickly and reliably. And, we recognize it is almost always an unexpected expense so saving money is really important. Click on the year of your vehicle and complete the easy form to get quick quotes. You can be confident you have made an informed, educated decision and all at a great price.

Looking for a used engine or transmission? Contact us today!

3 Steps on Identifying Weird Car Noise

3 Steps to Identify a Weird Car Noise

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Car noise can be more than irritating.

1.  Car noise when in gear, from an idle?

When the vehicle is turned on and first put into drive, there may be a rattle or clanking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. This car noise may be attributed to the drive shaft universal joints. These joints connect the transmission to the rear differential; and if they have worn down, they could impact the differential by forcing it to work harder, thus wearing down its gears. In order to check the gears of the rear differential, a certified technician will need to be consulted as the procedure requires equipment not commonly available to the consumer.

2. Grinding Gears at Speed

When the vehicle accelerates, there may be more noises like a hum, or continued clank from the rear. This can be due to the gears in the rear differential being stripped or partially worn which creates an awkward motion as they spin the drive shaft. Car noise may be especially bad when the driver accelerates the vehicle quickly and is forced to brake rapidly.

3. Car Noise with Vibration and Fluid Leak

Worn or ripped universal joints will also cause vibration along the drive shaft and into the engine block via the transmission. This may be felt at high speeds in the body of the vehicle or through the floor. The rear differential and universal joints also have seals and use lubricant to work properly, and a leak or crack in a seal may contribute to vibration and failure of rear differential gears. Look for any fluid pooled at the rear of the vehicle after it has sat overnight.

Bottom line: when you have car noise it may or may not be real serious.  I most cases car noise will grow and could lead to serious repairs.  Take the time to identify the source of the noise and make repairs or adjustments as soon as possible.

See What Scotty Kilmer say about Finding the Source of Car Noises car noise