orlando florida auto repair

professional auto detailing by pops auto electric of Orlando Florida

February 18 2017

How does Auto Restoration Work?

TR Auto Restoration, Uncategorized apolstry restoration, Auto AC System Orlando Florida, auto electric relay repair, auto headlight restoration, Auto Repair, auto repair in orlando florida, auto restoration, Full Service, Headlight Restoration, Orlando Auto Repair, orlando florida auto repair, Paint Restoration, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida

Pops Auto Electric Restores Cars;

the Real Deal on Detailing!

Ever wonder if that car you love to drive every day, could ever look and drive like the day you purchased it? Ever wonder why the cars on a good previously owned car lot look and smell so good, and yours – well it is just not up to par any more.

professional auto detailing by pops auto electric

The answer could be an auto restoration from a professional who knows what they are doing. Pops Auto Electric of Central Florida has been performing auto restoration for not only classic cars but cars as new as 2010, to make them look and feel like a new car.

With the prices of new cars today, and the increased frequency of lemons, see the GM recall of millions of cars as an example of why you may be better served restoring that reliable car you already own.

Let’s look at how the auto restoration process works and how far Pops Auto Electric of Orlando Florida can take that car you love, but just needs some TLC to be the car you want it to be. For those of us whose dream cars come from yesterday, we can’t just walk into a car dealership and buy one.

professional auto detailing by pops auto electric of Orlando Florida

At the same time, buying a used car that’s older can present a whole host of mechanical problems. Is the engine in good shape? How about the transmission and electrical systems? In addition, the upholstery inside and the paint outside may be in questionable condition.

Auto restoration fixes many of these problems, making a good car great. A car which has been in the owner’s possession for years and has been kept well, but has some of these problems is the best candidate for auto restoration. Cars aren’t built to last forever, but restoration can breathe new life into an older vehicle and make it look and run like new. This makes the car more valuable at a sale or auction, guaranteeing its collectable status.

professional auto detailing by pops auto electric of Orlando Florida

The auto restoration won’t be easy. The job — and its cost — will depend on what car you’ve selected and how much work needs to be done. But if it’s done correctly, auto restoration gives everyday drivers a chance to tool around in a classic automobile as if it had just come off the dealer’s lot the year it was made. Even if a car looks perfect on the outside, if you step inside and the upholstery is torn and the gauges are falling out of the dashboard, the auto restoration job can hardly be considered complete.

A complete interior auto restoration job usually involves completely vacuuming out the car, removing the floor panels and inner door panels, thoroughly cleaning the inside with a solvent or other cleansing solution, taking out the old seats and re-installing the new parts which may have broken piece by piece. A top auto restoration should also carefully clean and restore smaller parts like the glove compartment and sun visors that may be broken or missing.

professional auto detailing by pops auto electric of Orlando Florida

Luckily, auto restoration doesn’t have to break the bank — that is, if you’re smart about it. Pops Auto Electric of Orlando Florida knows that door panels sometimes can be saved and restored if the vinyl is undamaged. Chrome spray paint can touch up the chrome trim inside the car. Also, every part doesn’t necessarily need to be ordered brand new.

In fact, many parts in a scrap yard or outsourced to many manufacturers known only to top professionals in the restoration industry. They say first impressions last forever. On any car, the first thing we notice is the way it looks on the outside. If you’re going to go through an auto restoration, with the intent to show it off or just to sell it at an auction or other event, it had better have a top-notch exterior or it won’t get noticed.

professional auto detailing by pops auto electric of Orlando Florida

Pops Auto Electric of Orlando is shipped cars from around the country because they know all the latest methods of auto restoration are used to make that car look perfect, attract the eyes and have that showroom fresh feel. Think about all of the parts that comprise the outside of a car — door handles, mirrors, the windshield, the gas cap, headlights, taillights, bumpers, hood latches and more. All of these things need to be examined and repaired or replaced as necessary in the auto restoration process.

professional auto detailing by pops auto electric of Orlando Florida

One of Pops Auto Electric’s specialties is making those dull and yellowed headlight covers, and all the plastic parts on the exterior, look like the day they were manufactured. This is your chance to get a beloved car looking, feeling and driving like the day you brought it home.

auto electric

Whether you are asking Pops Auto Electric of Orlando to do an auto restoration a 1995 Corvette LT1 to showroom condition, or just wanting auto restoration to make that 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee look as good as it still drives, Pops Auto Electric can handle it. From 2005 Mercedes 550 to 1968 Mustangs, from 2001 Hondas to 1978 Porsche 911, Pops Auto Electric has you covered with the most innovative and complete auto restoration in Florida!

Address:

Pops Auto Electric & AC

4704 S. Orange Ave

Orlando, FL 32806

Phone:

407.857.8579

407.420.1244

Fax:

407.857.6535

Pop's Auto Electric explains headlight restoration

January 29 2017

Automotive Headlights; Are Yours a Danger to Others?

TR Auto Restoration, Uncategorized auto headlight restoration, auto repair in orlando florida, automotive headlights, Full Service, Headlight Restoration, Orlando Auto Repair, orlando florida auto repair, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric and AC Explains Why automotive headlights turn yellow and foggy, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida

Automotive Headlights; Are Yours a Danger to Others?

Is your car living up to the standards of the road? It is a fact of automobile ownership that certain parts of the car will be taken for granted. These are what can be considered the old reliable. They don’t make any strange noises and the car doesn’t start behaving oddly when problems arise. This does not mean that they are without difficulties which can affect the performance of the vehicle.

Automotive headlights operate ordinarily without much problem, in the past, automotive headlights were made of glass and they either worked or they did not work. Today however, automotive headlights can turn yellow and foggy without you noticing the change.

When automotive headlights turn yellow or become fogged, they are a danger to other cars, pedestrians as well as your family and yourself. In many states, severely yellowed or impaired headlights may main a ticket of up to 250.00 and or license suspension. Automotive headlights are serious business and involve real safety issues in the maintenance of your car.

Why do automotive headlights turn yellow and foggy?

1) Oxidation: This happens due to the polycarbonate lens of modern automotive headlights are exposed to the air. Lenses develop microscopic cracks when exposed to UV radiation causing “cloudiness”.
2) Road Damage: While driving on damaged roads, the small rocks and debris pit the polycarbonate lens of modern automotive headlights. The gravel creates dents and pits on the lenses.
3) Dirt and Chemicals: If a car is on the road for a period of time, it develops a thin layer of dirt and chemicals over the lenses of automotive headlights. This layer is opaque (cloudy) and the affect is to dim the lights or make the automotive headlights hard to see on the road.
4) Water Vapor: Vapor is created inside the automotive headlight “box” due to high moisture content in the air which then gets trapped within the light box as the air outside the light box becomes drier. This water vapor scatters the light coming through the polycarbonate lens and creates patterns and diffusion of light on the road making it hard to see clearly.

Here are some fixes to clean your automotive headlights if they are not too far gone:

Remove the top layer of the automotive headlight lens and clean it with specially sand paper. (this seems easy with kits available in most auto supply stores, but be vary carful, if you do this procedure incorrectly, it can damage the headlights beyond repair)
Polish the headlight lens using headlight polish with a microfiber towel. (this is often presented as a cure all easy fix, but results are varied and temporary)

Time and the environment take their toll

The automotive headlights are external fixtures and this makes them susceptible to any environmental assault. The outside factors are more serious on cars today because the headlights are no longer made of glass. Instead, these fixtures are made of hard plastic that is covered with a clear coat to protect the porous surface.

The destructive elements can be road salt or pollution, but sooner or later the clear coat on the headings is going to start fading away. The summer time in particular can be rough because of the sunlight. Even if there is UV protection on the lenses of automotive headlights, it is good for only so long.

That clear coat finish installed over the lenses of new automotive headlight, also can be affected by the type of cleaning agents used. All of these factors result in the polycarbonate automotive headlight lens of modern cars eventually becoming oxidized and the lights take on a foggy appearance as a consequence. This adds up to a situation where automotive headlights can get worse for wear and need to have some maintenance done on them.

Why the concern?

You may think that this is not anything more than a cosmetic problem, and that conclusion would be more than simply wrong. People don’t seem to notice during the summer time because daylight hours are long, and the folks who live in dry climates may not immediately see a problem. When headlights become foggy yellow and oxidized it affects the light output.

The beam that should come from the automotive headlight is weakened and will not cover as much ground in front of the automobile. That gradually becomes an even more serious problem as the days grow shorter in wintertime. It also is true that in stormy or wintry weather, when vision is naturally reduced, the smaller lighted area is an invitation for accidents.

Preventive ways to avoid headlight problem

There are ways to prevent headlight problems, but you have to be cautious. Be careful about polishing the headlights because it can wear down that clear coat. There should be no grit at all in the polish and the soft polish medium can remove early signs of yellowing. If possible, the car should either be parked in a garage or having the headlights face away from the sun. This prevents the damage that can be caused by ultraviolet light.

If you wish to wash the headlights, it should be done with an automotive soap every quarter. This does have an advantage because the washing can prevent the buildup of acids and dirt that promote the yellowing. Should it appear that the yellowing is too advanced, the old clear coat is going to have to be removed with sandpaper or abrasive cleaner and a new coat of protective film applied.

Prefer a professional to do the work

That standing work ought to be done by a professional. The work can be done by buying a kit from a retail store, but an amateur might make a mistake in sanding the very sensitive and soft polycarbonate surface of automotive headlights. That generates extra cost, which ought to be avoided. The professional can also recommend the right type of clear coat to produce the best results. That professional is Pop’s Auto Electric and AC in Central Florida.

The very top of the automotive headlights turning yellow is not as serious an emergency as worn brake pads or pistons starting to malfunction. In fact, you can drive for weeks without noticing there may be a problem. Taking care of the automotive headlights is not something that should not be put off indefinitely.

Anyone who is driving in a winter storm or a summer thunder storm late at night is aware of the dangers and safety hazard of dim automotive headlights, whether on your car or the one coming at you. This is a time of the year when automotive headlights can be inspected and fixed if necessary.

Any lingering problems can also be corrected without the great sense of urgency. Procrastination does have its price and you have to be aware of it. Making sure that there is no hazy obstruction to the light is simple precaution and safety. It can save you from a nasty accident some dark stormy night. It also it the single most item that makes you car appear old and less valuable.

Finally, when you look at a car in a parking lot, it is has yellow faded automotive headlights, does it look as valuable as the exact same car next to it with bright clear automotive headlights, think about it.

Address:

Pops Auto Electric & AC

4704 S. Orange Ave

Orlando, FL 32806

Phone:

407.857.8579

407.420.1244

Fax:

407.857.6535

Pops auto electric and ac in central Florida explains automotive-air-conditioning-system-repair-basics

March 27 2016

Automotive Air Conditioning System Repair Basics

TR Auto AC, Auto Repair, Uncategorized AC Repair, auto AC repair in Orlando, Auto AC System, Auto AC System Orlando Florida, auto headlight restoration, Auto Repair, auto repair in orlando florida, Full Service, Orlando auto AC, orlando florida auto repair, Paint Restoration, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida

Symptoms and Common Problems of an Automotive Air Conditioning System

In Florida, A broken automotive air conditioning system can be almost as bad as not having a car in the first place. Yet another hot, humid Florida summer is suddenly upon us and we can’t put off automotive air conditioning system problems another day. Suddenly having an automotive air conditioning system that works, and works well, is of the utmost importance to your very existence. It is almost imposable to arrive at a meeting, the mall, or a friend’s house sweating and flushed by stale, hot car air, and in Central Florida, downright unhealthy!

Having an automotive air conditioner system that works only part way may get by in a northern city with 3 months of hot weather, but faulty air conditioners can cause bigger damage to your car down the road if left unattended in an area with a full 8 months of truly hot weather.

An air conditioner running low on Freon, on dirty coolant or on faulty electrical wiring can end up ruining the entire air conditioning compressor (much more expensive than a simple recharge or flush). An automotive air conditioning systems are connected to the rest of the vehicle’s electrical system, meaning a surge or problem with the air conditioner can cause problems with the rest of the car, causing poor idling, fuel inefficiencies or drained batteries, or much worse – prematurely spent alternator and serpentine belt.

Generally, automotive air conditioning systems are fast, easy and inexpensive to repair if handled correctly with the right equipment or by a professional with the same. Most automotive air conditioning system problems are coolant-related, and may often be as simple as getting a coolant flush, refill or fixed leak. Do not be fooled by the “you can fix the leak yourself” cans available at your local Wal-Mart and Big Lots, you will more than likely destroy your compressor, do not use these products!

With that said, your automotive air conditioning system is not one of those devices most technicians recommend fixing at home anyway, unless you’re a qualified mechanic. Most do-it-yourself instructions for fixing broken auto air conditioners contain scary phrases, like “it is illegal to release Freon gas into the atmosphere” and “be sure to wear proper hand and eye protection”. Plus, there are many different things that could be wrong with the car’s air conditioning system, which if handled by a professional could be a simple fix, yet handled wrong could turn into a repair costing literally thousands.

Pop’s Auto Electric and AC has compiled a list of most often found problems associated with automotive air conditioning systems:

1) Coolant and/or Refrigerant Leaks:

This generally applies to older, less computerized vehicles. Refrigerant can run out on its own over the course of time, or leaks may have developed in the car’s AC compressor or one of its hoses. If your vehicle has never had a coolant flush or refill and it’s pushing 75,000 miles or more, you need a coolant flush and ac tune up.

2) Noisy AC Compressor:

Noises that occur when your car’s AC is turned on can come from minor engine noises or hoses, but they could also be symptoms of problems with the compressor. If the problem is the AC compressor, it will likely have to be replaced. If you do not have the noise looked at and it turns out to be a faulty compressor, what could have been just a compressor replacement, can turn into a whole system replacement as pieces of the disintegrating compressor are spread throughout the entire automotive air conditioning system, if it is to completely come apart.

3) Fluctuating Temperatures:

When a car’s AC blows out air with sporadic temperatures, it’s often likely that moisture is building up in one of the hoses or assemblies, causing ice to accumulate and clog. Removing ice from a car’s air conditioning assembly is a short and easy procedure. Delaying this repair, can damage the dryer, compressor and lead to much higher repair cost.

4) Faulty Car Electrical System:

pops auto and electric

A weak car battery can cause your auto air conditioner to function weakly or not at all. Car batteries need to have enough voltage to trigger the AC compressor, and while it may be strong enough to run the rest of your car, it may still be too weak to run your car’s air conditioning. Electric is one of Pop’s Auto Electric & AC’s particular specialties, no problem with this one!

5) Bacteria Buildup:

Funky smells emanating from your automotive air conditioning system vents are likely caused by a bacteria buildup in the evaporator. Pops Auto Electric & AC will have the proper tools to flush the evaporator out quickly and without much cost. Your car will smell clean and fresh again without that pine sent thing, we like to make you smile!

So what are some basic ways to tell if any of these are a problem for your car’s air conditioning unit? Here’s a basic checklist of symptoms which indicate something is wrong with your auto AC:

If the AC system doesn’t produce cold air
If the fan or blower doesn’t work
If the fan, blower or AC is noisy when turned on

If one of the dashboard controls malfunctions
If the vent, car heater or defroster are having problems working correctly
If the air conditioning smells funny
If the car has a tendency to overheat

If the air filter or dryer have not been replaced, or if the AC has never been serviced and the car is over 75,000 miles old

If one of these symptoms applies to your automotive air conditioning system, it’s probably time to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic at Pop’s Auto Electric & AC here in Central Florida. Caught early, most auto air conditioning problems are fairly easy and inexpensive to fix. It is worth the trip to come to an honest mechanic, a shop that specializes in automotive air conditioning systems and has a good on line reputation is your best bet; don’t take chances and beat the heat!

Info

Address:

Pops Auto Electric & AC

4704 S. Orange Ave

Orlando, FL 32806

Phone:

407.857.8579

407.420.1244

Fax:

407.857.6535

Simply mention the coupon when calling from the website

October 27 2015

Automotive Electrical Problems; How do Amperes Work

TR Auto Electric, Auto Repair, Uncategorized AC Repair, amps, amps and autos, Auto AC System Orlando Florida, auto electric, auto electric relay repair, Auto Repair, orlando florida auto repair, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida, Relay

Pops Auto Electric, Explains the Ups and Downs of Amperes

Amperes

Amperes, amps, or current is the measure of the flow of electricity through a given circuit, and vital in diagnosing automotive electrical problems. It’s the (I) in the Ohm’s law equation above. Amps are different than voltage in that amps are the same throughout the entire circuit, unlike voltage, which starts out high then drops to zero when it reaches the negative battery post. Amps are the same at the beginning and the end of a circuit. If you have five amps at the beginning of the circuit, you’ll have five amps at the end of the circuit.

To continue with our automotive analogy, we’ll equate amps to speed. The higher the amps, the faster the speed. The number of amps a circuit uses is dictated by the load and the resistance in the circuit. The bigger the load, the more amps a circuit will use. A starter motor will use a lot more amps than a window motor because the window motor will not need as many amps to run as a starter motor would. This next fact about amps gets a little weird. The lower the resistance in a circuit, the higher the amp flow.

Sticking with our speed analogy, the more amps you have in a circuit, the faster things flow. Remember in the first blog we stated that if you had a short circuit you’d blow fuses and possibly burn things up? That was talking about amps.

If you have unrestricted electron flow with no load, amps get out of control. It’s like a speeding locomotive that goes off the track. Something is going to break. With automotive electrical problems, it’s usually the weakest link, which should be the fuse. Ever notice how fuses are rated in amps, not voltage? Now you know why.

One last little factoid about amps: You can have high voltage in a circuit and it won’t be that harmful to you. It’ll wake you up for sure, but it won’t kill you. However, if you have just a few amps to go with that high voltage, watch out. As little as 0.2 amps mixed with the right amount of voltage can kill you.

In fact, it might even be less than that depending on the circumstances. It’s not the voltage that hurts you; it’s the amps. It doesn’t take too many amps to knock you on your butt, so be extra careful when dealing with amps. This is why, if you don’t fully understand automotive electric problems, leave it to the professionals, call Pops Auto Electric now. To use another common analogy, if volts are pressure, amps are intensity or volume. You can have lots of pressure, but when you add intensity, things can get lively.

Ampere Testing

Professionals don’t often do amp testing when dealing with automotive circuits, other than when performing a parasitic draw test. There are two ways you can test amps in an automotive circuit when diagnosing automotive electrical problems. The first is with an inductive amp meter.

This is a tool that measures the magnetic field around a wire. The circuit has to be live for this to work. Say you’re looking to test the amps going to the starter via the positive battery cable. Place your amp meter around the positive battery cable and engage the starter to take your reading. You won’t get a reading if you’re not cranking the starter.

The other way to measure amps is by tying into the circuit directly, or tying in ‘series’. This means you open the circuit somewhere and insert your amp meter. All the amps in the circuit need to flow through your meter in order to test this way.

This can be tricky, and many a DVOM has suffered from improper amp testing. Don’t worry; most of them are fused, so if you mess up, hopefully you’ll be able to replace a fuse and be back in business. So to be safe when checking high amp circuits, use an inductive lead instead of connecting in series, or simply make an appointment with Pops Auto Electric and avoid problems. Remember, be careful when dealing with amps.

This works for every electrical circuit according to Ohm’s law. Once you know the circuit, you know where the gas (voltage) is going and you can measure it at different points in the circuit to get a good idea of how the circuit is operating.

One last example that might give you some practical insight: Say you have an electrical connector with some corrosion in it. You can’t see the corrosion, but you suspect it’s there. You can take a voltage reading before and after the connector to check the voltage drop across the connector. You should see close to zero volts. If you see a higher voltage than expected, you’ve found increased resistance in the circuit.

Voltage drop testing is your best friend when it comes to diagnosing automotive electric circuits. At Pop’s Auto Electric, we are experts in all forms of voltage testing. In fact local shops call us to trace, diagnose and fix difficult automotive electrical problems. Call Pop’s Auto Electric today for a free estimate.

Call Pops Auto Electric today for any repair work, but call right now if you experience any of the automotive electric system repair signs listed above, save your families life, fix those problems now!

Contact Info

Address:

Pops Auto Electric & AC

4704 S. Orange Ave

Orlando, FL 32806

Phone:

407.857.8579

407.420.1244

Fax:

407.857.6535

Simply mention the coupon when calling from the website

September 23 2015

Automotive Electric Basics: Voltage and Ohm’s Law

TR Auto Electric, Uncategorized auto electric, automotive electric, Ohm's Law, orlando florida auto repair, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida, Relay

Voltage, Amps, Resistance, and Ohm’s Law from the Automotive Electric Masters; Pop’s Auto Electric

Knowing how to measure electric is key to understanding how automotive electric works. Electricity is not something we can necessarily see and put our hands on. Because of that, there are standard ways of measuring and using electricity. Georg Ohm was one of the people who developed the standards we use today. He came up with what is now called Ohm’s law. Ohm’s law is written like this:

IVR

I = Current Flow or Amps

V = Voltage

R = Resistance

What Ohm gave us this formula which says; amps, voltage, and resistance are interrelated. If you know two of the three in the equation, you can figure out the value of the missing one. If you know the volts and the resistance, you can divide the volts by the resistance and find out how many amps are flowing through the circuit. It’s a handy formula that can give a better understanding of how electricity really works.

Voltage

Voltage (V) is the potential energy of electricity. Voltage can be present even if there is no current flow. For example, your battery can have 12 volts in it even if it’s not being used. That 12 volts is still there, waiting to be used, and is the battery’s potential. Think of battery voltage like you think of a full tank of gas; it can get you somewhere, but not until you start the engine and begin to use it.

One really interesting thing about voltage is that in an electrical circuit, all of the voltage the electrical circuit started with is used up when traveling through the circuit. For example, if you start with 12 volts at the battery positive and you run it through a circuit, by the time it goes through the load and reaches the negative battery post to complete the circuit, it’s down to zero volts.

Why is this useful? Because it allows us to do one of the best tests in automotive electric diagnostics: the voltage drop.

Voltage Drop Testing

Voltage drop testing is probably the best way to find an electrical fault. Because the voltage drops as it travels through the circuit, we can tell where it’s being used simply by measuring the voltage at different points in the circuit.

Think of a car that leaves the positive battery post with just enough gas to work the load and get to the negative battery post. By the time the car reaches the negative battery post, it runs out of gas and that’s it. That’s how voltage works; it starts at its highest level at the positive battery terminal and ends up at zero when it reaches the negative battery terminal.

Now, what if somewhere in the circuit, our car take a detour and goes down a different road and the car decides not to take the road (circuit) all the way back to battery negative. We call this a short circuit. When this happens, we often blow fuses and sometimes melt or burn up parts. This is because of the unrestricted amp flow that occurs during a short circuit.

What if our car encounters an obstruction in the road (circuit) and we use more gas getting through the obstruction on our way back to battery negative. The theoretical car still make it back to battery negative, but since we used so much fuel (voltage) getting through the resistance and the load, there’s hardly any fuel left to do any work.

This is what happens when we have increased resistance in an automotive electric circuit. If that’s the case with, say, a window motor, the window motor will still work; it will just work very slowly. Why? Because of the increased resistance we had to go through to get back to battery negative. We ended up using almost all our fuel (voltage) overcoming the resistance in the circuit. Less fuel (voltage) means there isn’t enough to run the window motor at full capacity.

If we did a voltage drop test following the path of the automotive electric circuit, we could see where the fuel (voltage) was being used. We should see the biggest drop across the load of the circuit, which, in the case of a window motor, is the window motor.

While the circuit is operational, we can check the voltage before and after the motor. Voltage drops need to be done on a live circuit; if they’re not active, you won’t get any readings. Remember that voltage is electricity’s potential energy; if it’s not being used, it’s just potential.

Before the motor, we should see something close to the 12V we started with. We won’t see the full 12V because we had to use some of the gas (voltage) to get through the wires, and probably switches, going to the motor itself. These things give us a little resistance that we need to account for when checking the automotive electric voltage before the motor. After the motor, however, we should see some pretty low voltage, because we used all our gas (voltage) to run the motor.

This works for every electrical circuit according to Ohm’s law. Once you know the circuit, you know where the gas (voltage) is going and you can measure it at different points in the circuit to get a good idea of how the circuit is operating.

One last example that might give you some practical insight: Say you have an electrical connector with some corrosion in it. You can’t see the corrosion, but you suspect it’s there. You can take a voltage reading before and after the connector to check the voltage drop across the connector. You should see close to zero volts. If you see a higher voltage than expected, you’ve found increased resistance in the circuit.

Voltage drop testing is your best friend when it comes to diagnosing automotive electric circuits. At Pop’s Auto Electric, we are experts in all forms of voltage testing. In fact local shops call us to trace, diagnose and fix difficult automotive electrical problems. Call Pop’s Auto Electric today for a free estimate.

Call Pops Auto Electric today for any repair work, but call right now if you experience any of the automotive electric system repair signs listed above, save your families life, fix those problems now!

Contact Info

Address:

Pops Auto Electric & AC

4704 S. Orange Ave

Orlando, FL 32806

Phone:

407.857.8579

407.420.1244

Fax:

407.857.6535

Simply mention the coupon when calling from the website

Pops Auto Electric and AC explains brake system repair

May 4 2015

Brake System Repair Process Explained by Pop’s Auto, Orlando, Fl

TR Auto Repair, brakes, Uncategorized auto repair in orlando florida, brake fluid, brake repair, brake rotors, brake service, brake service and repair, Orlando Auto Repair, orlando florida auto repair, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida

Brake System Repair & Maintenance; What is the Process

Simply put, brakes are what make your car stop and. More importantly, your brakes help keep you, your family, and everyone around you safe. Proper brake system repair and maintenance of your automotive braking system will help you avoid accidents as well as costly repairs. Additionally, you should have your brake system checked every time you have your tires rotated and brake system repair handled by certified professionals when needed.

Here are some warning signs that you need to have your brakes serviced:

A high pitched squealing sound.

This is a safety feature on modern brakes to let you know the pads are wearing thin and need to be replaced. A sure sign that you need brake system repair work before things get worse.

Sounds of grinding metal.

This means that the pads have been completely worn out and need to be replaced immediately to avoid damage to other parts of the brake system. This is a sign that you need brake system repair, and you need attention quickly or you will destroy your rotors, a much more expensive brake system repair process.

Lowered responsiveness and fading.

Air in the brakes lines or leaking fluid will cause the brakes to “catch” with the pedal closer to the floorboard.

Vibration and pulsations when braking.

This can be caused by warped rotors or the tires being out of balance. When rotors are warped, the brake pads cannot fully grip and braking will not be as effective. Brake system repair or maintenance is recommended as soon as possible.

Pulling to one side.

This can be caused by the brakes on one side not gripping as firmly as the other or from debris in the brake lines.

Parking brake sticks.

This is an indication the brakes are not fully disengaging and can cause extra wear on your rear brakes. Brake system repair is recommended before the situation worsens, brakes are one thing on your car you can not ignore.

Pop’s Auto Electric and AC technicians are trained and certified in brake system repair, service, inspection and maintenance of the following:

All hydraulic components including lines, hoses, cylinders and calipers

Brake fluid checked for age and containments

Rotors and drums inspected for thickness and damage

Power brake boosters

Emergency / parking brake

Anti lock, disc and drum brakes

Call Pops Auto Electric today for any repair work, but call right now if you experience any of the brake system repair signs listed above, save your families life, fix those brakes!

Contact Info

Address:

Pops Auto Electric & AC

4704 S. Orange Ave

Orlando, FL 32806

Phone:

407.857.8579

407.420.1244

Fax:

407.857.6535

January 14 2015

Automotive Trouble Lights; Help from Pops Auto Electric

TR Auto Electric, Auto Repair, Uncategorized AC Repair, auto AC repair in Orlando, auto electric relay repair, auto trouble lights, automotive trouble lights, automotive warning lights, car warning lights, orlando florida auto repair, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida, warning lights, when and how to replace the serpentine belt from Pops Auto Electric Central Florida

Pops Auto Electric & AC Make Sense Out of Automotive Trouble Lights

Automotive trouble lights or dash lights have been around for many years, but the messages are different colors shapes, sizes – just what do they mean? The following list of warning lights (automotive trouble lights) are the most common lights used by auto manufacturers. Not all automotive trouble lights are universal. Always refer to your owner’s manual when you’re not 100% sure what the light indicates.

Many automotive trouble lights indicate that a fault has occurred inside the vehicle’s system, but it doesn’t pinpoint the item or system that has failed. In these cases, a code reader or scan tool can help determine the part that needs to be replaced. If an automotive trouble light on your dash is on, visit Pops Auto Electric & AC to get the best information to help keep your vehicle running in top condition.

Check Engine or Malfunction automotive trouble light (MIL):

Indicates the engine computer has set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). Usually requires diagnosis with a professional scan tool. Learn the top five reasons why your check engine light is illuminated.

Battery/Charging Alert:

Indicates voltage level is below normal level and the vehicle’s charging system is not functioning properly. Check battery terminals, alternator belt, and battery condition.

Coolant Temp Warning:

This automotive trouble light indicates temperature has exceeded normal limits. Check coolant level, fan operation, radiator cap, coolant leaks.

Transmission Temperature:

Transmission is operating at higher than optimum temperature as transmission fluid is hotter than normal. Check transmission fluid level and engine coolant level.

Oil Pressure Warning:

If this automotive trouble light stays lit, it indicates loss of oil pressure. Immediately check oil level and pressure.

Oil Change Reminder:

Indicates that oil life has expired. This is monitored by the ECM; the interval can be mileage or a combination of readings taken by the ECM. The reset procedure is listed in the owner’s manual. Some vehicles require the use of special tools to reset the automotive trouble light.

Service Vehicle Soon:

Typically indicates a lighting or other electrical problem that is controlled by the BCM (body control module). Check all lights (head lights, turn signals, brake lights, and hazard lights). This symbol may also be used to warn driver of a traction control problem, or a communication problem between modules.

TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System):

If your car is equipped with tire sensors this automotive trouble light indicates the tire pressure monitoring system has found a tire with low air pressure or there may be a sensor malfunction. Check tire pressure. Some vehicles will allow manual reset of TPMS warning light and others will require professional diagnosis. Refer to owner’s manual.

Brake System Automotive Trouble Light:

Indicates one of three possible conditions: parking brake is on; problem with the braking system/brake fluid is low, or ABS problem. Check brake fluid and make sure the parking brake is fully released. If the problem is in the ABS system, it may need a professional diagnosis.

Reduced Power Warning:

Indicates Engine Computer has limited engine power output. The ECM has many levels of reduced power depending on what component has failed in its control system. Usually requires diagnosis with a professional scan tool.

ABS Automotive Trouble Light:

Indicates that the Anti-lock Brake computer has set a code and needs professional diagnosis.

Gas Cap:

The check gas cap automotive trouble light indicates that the gas cap is not tightened properly. If not addressed, quite often the Check Engine Light will also illuminate.

Cruise Control:

Indicates that cruise control is set during driving.

ESP Fault:

Indicates that there is a problem with the vehicle’s traction control/anti-skid or electronic stability system.

Security Alert automotive trouble light warning system:

If the symbol lights momentarily it may mean that the ignition switch is locked and will need the proper transponder-equipped key to re-start. If the symbol is visible when the vehicle is on, then it typically indicates a malfunction in the security system.

Lamp Out:

Indicates that there is an exterior light on the vehicle that is not functioning properly.

Traction Control or ESP:

Illuminates when the vehicle’s traction control/anti-skid or electronic stability system is in use. This automotive trouble light is usually an indicator that conditions are slippery.

Door Ajar:

Indicates that a door (including hood and trunk) is not closed. Open and close all doors, including hood and trunk. If vehicle is left in this condition overnight it can drain the battery.

Overdrive Light:

This symbol indicates that the vehicle’s overdrive system has been manually turned off. Typically the overdrive system is controlled by an on/off switch.

Airbag Fault:

If this automotive trouble light stays illuminated after starting, it indicates that the vehicle has found a fault in the airbag system and the computer has set a code. Professional repair of the supplemental restraint system is highly recommended.

Washer Fluid Reminder:

Indicates washer fluid is low. Fill washer fluid reservoir. The cap has a symbol that looks like a windshield. Some vehicles have separate reservoirs for front and rear window washers.

Fog Lamp:

Indicates that the vehicle’s front fog lamps are illuminated.

One thing is for sure, if you have one of the automotive trouble lights shining, you are in danger of more serious damage to your car if you don’t get what every is indicated fixed. Contact a professional, contact Pops Auto Electric & AC now for assistance!

Pops-Deals!

December 3 2014

Car Heater Fixes for Florida Cars

TR Auto Repair, Uncategorized auto heater, auto heater repair, auto repair in orlando, automive heater, car heater, Full Service, orlando florida auto repair, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida

Car Heater Not Working?

Find What’s Wrong Now

Use caution when working around radiator & heater, hoses and coolant. They can be very hot. Never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot, antifreeze / water can spray out. Use of safety goggles is suggested when trouble shooting car heater problems.

TIP: With a rag or glove to protect your hands from being burned, gently squeeze radiator hose to check for pressure before opening the radiator cap.

A few tips troubleshooting your car heater.

The most common problem is low engine coolant level and/or low engine temperature. Temperature from the car heater outlets should be 130 degrees or more with the fan on high after the car has warmed up.

In cars five years old or newer is the most common problem is a faulty engine thermostat.

The older the vehicle, the more likely problems are the car heater core and or multiple other problems.

A car heater core works like the car radiator. Coolant from the engine circulates through the core, air blows through the core and into the passenger compartment. Heater cores can become plugged, and may require flushing or replacement. Two hoses go from the the engine to the heater core, and can develop pin-hole leaks that only show up under pressure, as when the engine is hot.

Tracking it down:

If your vehicle has a temperature gauge, check it to see if it is in the normal range. To check the temperature yourself, you can use a metal case candy thermometer placed into the filler on the radiator when the engine is COLD. Start the car and let it warm up, the temperature in the radiator should be around 180 degrees on older cars, up to around 205 on newer ones. Be careful, the engine may start to boil over if you leave it running too long with the cap off.. Keep face and hands away from opening, and wear protection for eyes and hands.

If the engine temperature and fluid level are correct, the next most common problem is poor circulation through the car heater core. With the motor running and at full operating temperature, CAREFULLY feel the heater hoses. (Use of a rag may help protect hands) Both hoses should be similar in temperature. If one hose is considerably cooler then the car heater is restricted. Flushing the heater works sometimes but replacement is often necessary.

Depending on the vehicle, the temperature control lever may control a water valve in series with the car heater core, or an air door that mixes hot and cold air. The lever may operate via wire cable or vacuum controls. There can be problems in the control valve, cable, vacuum line, or vacuum diaphragm ( sometimes called a vacuum motor ) that controls air doors.

Water pumps can have insufficient flow. Restriction in heater hose connections at the intake or water pump will slow the flow through the car heater. The antifreeze – water mixture can effect heat transfer.

Remember for good heat you need hot water and air flow so start with the basics and you’ll most likely find the problem. Car heater cores on some cars can be difficult to replace, taking your vehicle to a good radiator repair shop may be in order. Pop’s Auto Electric and AC in Orlando Florida are experts in all types of automotive car heater repair. Call them now for a free estimate, always the best price and the best service.

Seem complicated, we can help. For many years Pops Auto Electric in Orlando has been the expert dealers bring their problem auto AC systems to fix. These dealers and shops know that Pops Auto Electric will not only fix the problem, but do it as efficiently and inexpensively as possible. Pops Auto Electric located at the corner of Orange and Holden have all the latest in auto AC repair equipment, you can’t find a more competent or honest shop.

Pops Auto Electric of Orlando Florida

407-857-8579

when and how to replace the serpentine belt from Pops Auto Electric Central Florida

June 7 2014

Serpentine Belt; the Heart of Your Automoble in Central Florida

TR Auto Repair, Uncategorized AC Repair, auto AC repair in Orlando, auto electric, auto electric relay repair, Auto Repair, auto repair in orlando florida, orlando florida auto repair, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida, serpentine belt, when and how to replace the serpentine belt from Pops Auto Electric Central Florida

Inspecting the Serpentine Belt on Your Automobile

If you own a late model car made somewhere on earth, you can bet it probably has a serpentine belt. A serpentine belt is a single ribbed belt that drives all the accessories, A/C, Power Steering, alternator and various other pumps and accessories with just one belt. They should require no maintenance unlike belts on older models called the V-Belt that needed periodic adjusting. Even though the serpentine belt requires no maintenance or adjustments as long as it is in good condition they do need to be inspected often to you replace the belt before it reaches the end of its life and leaves you dead on the road. If it starts to go bad, you can replace your serpentine belt at a time of your choosing and not when the belt decides for you. When a serpentine belt brakes, you lose everything, cooling, ac and alternator, you do not want to let this happen. Checking ribbed drive belts at every oil change, and the position of the self-adjusting mechanism indicator, will insure you catch a bad belt long before it snaps.

The backside of the serpentine drive belt, or the smooth side, usually drives the water pump. If the serpentine belt gets oil soaked or glazed, it will slip and not provide the proper circulation to keep the engine cool. And if there is oil on the serpentine belt, it’s coming from somewhere so you will need to find out where and fix it before putting on a new serpentine drive belt. We suggest calling Pops Auto Electric for help, but do it yourselfer read on.

Look for tears or abrasions. If you see any it means the serpentine drive belt is rubbing a pulley flange or bolt as it winds it way around. This will happen more often as the drive belt gets older. If this happens you may need to file a pulley flange smooth or bend something out of the way. We again recommend a qualified mechanic, for filing engine parts can cause permanent damage if not done correctly.

Also look for pinholes and/or bumps. If you see any it means dirt and debris is getting in between the serpentine drive belt and the pulleys. Turn the belt around and see if there are chunks of the ribs missing. You can crank the engine to expose sections of belt as you inspect. A few, small widely spaced chunks are okay, But if there are many and/or close together, replace the serpentine drive belt. We cannot emphasize strongly enough that inspecting the belt in this manor can endanger your fingers, hundreds of fingers are lost each year but not taking proper safety precautions, do not touch the belt when moving, the groves will grip your fingers and could cause irreparable damage to your person. Hairline cracks are normal, but if they go into the backing, or flat side, of the serpentine drive belt you will need to replace it.

A good rule of thumb for serpentine drive belts is that if cracks are observed 3 mm (1/8 in) apart, all around the belt, the belt may be reaching the end of its serviceable life and should be considered a candidate for changing. Small cracks spaced at greater intervals should not be considered as indicative that the belt needs changing. However, the onset of cracking typically signals that the belt is only about halfway through its usable life. Remember, using a qualified auto mechanic shop like Pops Auto Electric in Orlando Florida is inexpensive compared to the expense of replacing engine parts and worse case fingers.

Insulation of the Serpentine belt in Your Automobile

Check the tensioner first

A “good” tensioner arm should exhibit just a slight vibration with about 1/32 in. or less of arm movement. And the belt should run smoothly with no visible vibration. If the tensioner arm exhibits a jerky vibrating motion, the belt vibrates, or the tensioning arm moves 1/4 in., the tensioner is bad.

If your tensioner is bad and it’s one of the more difficult styles to replace, you won’t want to waste your time changing the belt. The shop would just have to remove the belt again to replace the tensioner. So check the tensioner first with these three tests and if it looks like it could be bad contact Pops Auto Electric in Central Florida or a qualified auto repair shop for verification.

The first test is a visual inspection with the engine running to assess the dampening feature of the tensioner. Pop the hood, start the engine and turn on the AC. Then shine a light on the belt tensioner and observe the tensioner arm roller for excessive movement (Photo 1). If it passes the visual test, move on to the “crank” test (Photo 2). The tensioner arm should rotate smoothly during crank and release with no binding. If the travel isn’t smooth, replace the entire tensioner. Next, check the condition of the tensioner arm pulley/roller (Photo 3). If the pulley or roller exhibits any roughness, binding or noise, that is also cause to replace the entire tensioner.

Many tensioners are readily accessible and attach to the engine with a single bolt. To replace that style, simply remove the belt and then the retaining bolt. Pull off the old tensioner, noting the location of the locking pin on the back. Then slide the new unit into place, lining up the locking pin with the hole in the engine. Hand-tighten the bolt and then tighten it with a torque wrench to the factory specifications shown in your shop manual.

How to tell if you need a new serpentine belt

Press the gauge into a belt groove. As long as the gauge sits above the ribs, the belt is good. If it slides down so it’s even with the rib, the belt is worn and must be replaced.

First-generation serpentine belts were made from a nitrile compound that cracked with use. If your belt has cracks in three or more adjacent ribs within a 1-in. span, or has four or more cracks per inch on a single rib, it’s time to replace it. You also need a new belt if you notice any of these conditions: chunks missing from the rib area, torn or frayed fabric, glazing on the belt’s back side or debris trapped in the ribs.

Starting with the 2000 models, carmakers switched from nitrile to ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) belts. EPDM belts last much longer and don’t crack or lose chunks the way nitrile belts do. But they do wear, and that wear is much harder to detect. You can measure EPDM belt wear with a gauge or a smartphone app. Both products are available for free from Gates Corp. (go to gatesprograms.com/beltwear and click on either tool).

In most cases, you’ll want to use the plastic gauge to measure your belt, as shown above. However, if you have a smartphone and enough maneuvering room to shoot a close-up photo (engine off), let technology do the work for you. The app works by analyzing the width of the ribs compared with the width of the grooves.

Always buy premium belts instead of economy grade — you’ll get almost twice the mileage.

The right tools make it a do-it-yourself project

Examine the decal that shows the belt routing. If yours doesn’t have one, draw one before you start the job.

You can replace a serpentine belt with ordinary hand tools. But we don’t recommend it. The spaces are often tight and the belt-driven devices difficult to reach. Using a serpentine belt tool to loosen the tensioner and a belt placement tool to position the belt, we completed the entire job in less than 15 minutes, without breaking a sweat (or a knuckle). The serpentine belt tool comes with an assortment of sockets, making it the perfect choice for all the cars in your family. The two extension bars can be configured to reach the tensioner at the proper angle, and the extra-long handle provides maximum leverage so you can release the pressure easily. The belt placement tool allowed us to remove and properly place the new belt without reaching down into the pulley area.

Note: If your car requires the removal of an engine mount in order to remove the serpentine belt, or the belt’s just nearly impossible to get at, we recommend you leave the job to a professional.

Want to make this problem go away with one simple phone call?

Address:

Pops Auto Electric & AC

4704 S. Orange Ave

Orlando, FL 32806

Phone:

407.857.8579

407.420.1244

Fax:

407.857.6535

May 19 2014

Auto Window Tinting; 5 Things to Look For

TR Auto Window Tinting, Uncategorized auto AC repair in Orlando, auto electric, Auto Repair, auto repair in orlando, auto repair in orlando florida, auto window tint, auto window tinting, Full Service, Honda, orlando florida auto repair, Paint Restoration, Pops Auto Electric & AC, Pops Auto Electric Orlando Florida, wintow tinting in orlando

How to Choose the Right Auto Window Tinting in Central Florida?

There are hundreds of shops and individuals offering auto window tinting servers in Central Florida, how do you know who to choose, who will give you the best material and the best instillation available? More importantly will the installer be available after the sale if something is not right, or needs to be adjusted?

1) Does the auto window tint company have a physical location in Central Florida and how long have they been in business at that location? A good tint shop will be established, and thrive despite the competition, reputation and location are key here. Pops Auto Electric has provided auto window tinting services in Central Florida for many years from the same location on the corner of Orange and Holden, and business is thriving!

2) Ask about the types of tint the shop carries, and the warrantee they offer their clients. A good auto window tinting shop should provide choice and specialty products to give you the look and function you are looking for, not push you into one single product that they happen to have available. Your happiness and satisfaction should be their main concern. Remember to purchase only from a shop that offers a good warrantee for both the auto window tinting and the workmanship.

3) Ask the tint shop if they are a full service auto repair and restoration center or just selling auto window tinting out of a small office and a parking lot. Ask to see examples and reviews by others that have used their services over the years. Remember a good full service shop should be willing to spend time with you and answer your questions; you should feel comfortable that they want your business, are in Central Florida to stay and will not only do a good job but still be in Central Florida after the auto window tinting job has been completed.

4) Make sure to get a price quote before the work is done, a good Central Florida auto window tinting shop like Pop’s Auto Electric will be happy to provide a detailed estimate and fully discuss it with you before and after the instillation.

5) It is important to use a professional Central Florida auto window tinting shop, that sets appointments and uses the latest equipment to tint your car. A tent in a parking lot somewhere that has a sing “drop ins welcome” is never a good sign of a professional and permanent auto window tinting service center.

At Pop’s Auto Electric, we have been tinting windows for many many years, we have seen the changes in the industry and can fix you up with the best possible material and instillation for your car. Auto window tinting is one of our specialties here at Pop’s Auto Electric of Central Florida. Remember our motto; “Our Passion is Cars…Our Obsession is Service”

Address:

Pops Auto Electric & AC
4704 S. Orange Ave
Orlando, FL 32806

Phone:

407.857.8579
407.420.1244

Fax:

407.857.6535