How Can You Tell If Your Car Has a Faulty Engine Speed Sensor?

Vehicle speed sensors are part and parcel of modern car technology these days. Every car and motorised vehicle will have one, though some will be more refined than others. Generally speaking the more expensive the car, the more refined the speed sensor. However, this extra refinement can come at a cost. Speed sensors have a habit of going wrong, and when they do they can cause all sorts of problems.

So what does a vehicle's sensor do?
A vehicle's engine sensor or vehicle sensor as it is better known, sends information to a car's computer and tells it how fast the car's engine is spinning at any given moment. The speed sensor does this by recording how fast the crankshaft of a vehicle is spinning. Unfortunately speed sensors are not infallible and do go wrong from time to time.

How Does an Engine Speed Sensor Work?

Engine speed sensors, which are not to be confused with a vehicle speed sensor, are sensors that are attached to the crankshaft of a car's engine. The purpose of an engine speed sensor is to assess the speed at which the crankshaft spins. These speed sensors are electronic control devices which are used in automotive internal combustion engines. This component sends crucial information to the engine control module (ECM). Crankshaft sensors are used to measure the speed of the crankshaft rotation. The information from a crankshaft speed sensor is used to control the engine management and ignition timing systems. These devices first appeared on engines when distributors were eliminated in the early 1990s. The crankshaft sensor serves the same purpose as the ignition pick up and trigger wheel, which is to adjust the spark timing of the spark plugs. The ignition coil is connected directly to the spark plugs.

Bad Credit Auto Loans Should Not Keep You Off the Road

Bad credit for auto loans has always been a problem for would-be car owners. Even before the Great Recession hit in 2008, those in the market for a car found themselves unable to realize their dream simply because someone, somewhere, sometime ago gave them a poor credit auto loans rating.

If that made it hard to buy a car then, just imagine the nightmare people had when they tried to buy a new car with a bad credit auto loans rating in this recession-ravaged economy.

If you have poor credit, auto loans will be difficult. If there is no financing approved, you cannot buy a car unless you had the cash to purchase one in full.

Why Do You Need a Car Service Plan?

You've probably heard of a Car Service Plan before, but do you know exactly what a Service Plan is and how it can benefit you? Without knowing what it is, it can sound a bit like a luxury, but nothing could be further from the truth. If you want to spend a small amount of money every month (we're talking approximately R150) and be covered for your car servicing needs in the future, we suggest you read on.

What is a Car Service Plan?

First of all, let's talk about what exactly, a Car Service Plan is. Basically, it's a plan that will pay for the regular services of your car. The exact parts of the service that it covers will be stipulated by your car manufacturer, as most service providers of these plans will stick to what is recommended by the manufacturer. Parts, fluids and labour are the general elements that are covered. The plan can run over a certain time frame, or according to a certain amount of kilometres driven. Whenever your car is due for a service, the elements stipulated will be covered, no hassles.

How To Lease A Car And Understand The Process

You think you've decided to lease, but you'd like to make sure you know HOW to lease a car! What exactly do I do after I see the newspaper ads that tell me what deal is available. At first, there may be a sense of overwhelm but leasing can be clearly made simple and understood. What exactly is the process of leasing? Leasing is not renting, but rather paying for the depreciated value of the automobile during the period that the leasing company allows you to drive it. All major manufacturers have a parent leasing company that seems invisible as they work side by side with the dealership. Most leases are for a period of 24, 36 or 48 months although some use an odd number like 39 months. This is referred to as the term. You are responsible for paying the depreciated value of the car along with an interest rate (they bought the car for you remember?). There is always a limit to the number of miles per year you can drive usually 12,000 (sometimes 10,000 or 15,000).

How Do Car Leases Work? A Guide To Understanding Car Leases And Terminology

Understanding Car Leases and Terminology

So, you're thinking, this time around maybe I'll lease instead of buying. I don't drive that many miles to work, it would be nice to get a new car for less than buying and keeping it in warranty! It sure is difficult to get good info especially looking at the ads in the auto section of the newspaper. And dare you ask the salesman and let him steer you?

So here we go:

Firstly, Leasing is not renting. When you buy a new car on the dealer showroom floor either you (or your financial company) owns it. When you lease a car from a major manufacturer, you aren't leasing from the dealer. You are leasing from a lease company affiliated with the dealership (usually a parent financial company connected to the manufacturer). The leasing company buys the car from the dealer and agrees to let you drive it for a specified time with a maximum number of miles ie: 36 months, 12,000/year max. This is called the term and is set by the leasing company up front (sometimes the miles are more/less-10,000 or 15,000 and the month amount could be more or less 24, 48).

Avoiding Car Theft

It is a sad fact that car theft happens on a daily basis. There are some cities where cars being stolen is more common than not, but are we to blame for these crimes? Sometimes, the answer to that question is yes. We are usually at fault for stolen vehicles for a number of reasons. Read on to find out how best to avoid car theft, because no one wants their car stolen.

The first thing to keep in mind is that carjacking is an incredibly lucrative business. There is a reason why there are so many Grand Theft Auto games and movies about car theft. While it is illegal, stealing vehicles makes the big bucks.

You should know to never leave your keys in your car, but some people have decided that this is okay, for some reason. Leaving your keys in your car is basically like handing them over to the criminal and telling him, "Enjoy!" A related scenario is leaving your car unlocked, or even hiding another set of car keys somewhere within your vehicle. These are among the worst things you can do, because you are practically waving a flag and telling people to steal your car.