Goss’ Garage
Pat Goss, MotorWeek's resident master technician, helps consumers understand car problems and how to speak the same language as their technician. As cars becoming increasingly complex, fewer repairs can be accomplished at home. Effective communication with a repair shop is vital to keeping consumer and operating costs under control. From rattles and squeaks to leaks and drips, Pat covers a myriad of issues designed to keep cars on the road and out of the repair shop.
Tire Construction
We usually don’t think about it, but some of the most highly engineered parts of a modern car are its tires. And here to explain that, is Matt Edmonds, a tire expert. Matt, welcome to Goss’ Garage. MATT EDMONDS: Thanks for having me, Pat. PAT GOSS: Okay, tell us what we’re about here, with this cutaway. MATT EDMONDS: Okay, well you know, a tire on their side,… Read More
Air Suspension Maintenance
Air suspension really isn’t all that new. As a matter of fact, back in 1957, this Cadillac El Dorado had it. And it was one of the first production cars to have it. After that, it went away, came back in the 80s, was real popular for a number of years, then kind of dropped off again. Now we’re seeing a resurgence of it, such as we have here on this RAM pickup. Now… Read More
Lithium Ion Battery Jump Starter
When it comes to cars, one thing is inevitable. Sooner or later you’re going to have a dead battery. And that means you need a way to get the car started. Well way back when we used to use booster cables. But, they’re not obsolete and very dangerous. Well booster cables were replaced by battey packs like this. This does a great job but it’s big, it’s bulky,… Read More
Spare Me
When we think about newer cars, we think about all the technology that goes into them. But we rarely think about the basic things that have changed. Take the lowly spare tire for instance. Which in many cars, doesn’t even exist anymore. Well, to give us some pointers here, we have Tom Taylor, who is an online parts supplier. Tom, welcome to Goss’ Garage. TOM… Read More
Impact Guns
Ahhh yes. I’m sure you’ve all seen that. A technician putting the wheels back on your car using an air impact wrench. Well that is not the right way to do it. You see, these air impact wrenches have grown in power over the years. Back in the day, many many years ago, if they produced 150 ft-lbs, it was a powerful wrench. Well today, some of these are 12 or 13… Read More
Strut Your Stuff
Gas charged struts: they’re in a lot of places on today’s cars. They may hold up the trunk or the hatch or the hood; maybe even other things on trucks and so on. But the big thing is that these do not last the life of the car in most cases. They’re gas charged; and over time the gas leaks out of them. That’s over a period of years. But that’s not a big deal.… Read More
DIY Bodywork
Hey, there are lots of people in this world that would like to relieve you of some of your money by telling you that you can do your own body work at home, and save money. Well, first, that is probably not going to be the case. But the first thing you have to do is to evaluate the damage to your car. If the metal on the car is all buckled up like this is-it’s… Read More
4WD Maintenance
4-wheel and all-wheel drive are becoming incredibly popular, and they have some practical advantages. But some of the things about them; well they require different types of maintenance. Like the front differential for instance. You need to check the fluid in it regularly, and you have to change the fluid in differentials regularly, too. In some cases, no more… Read More
Technician Certification
It seems that a lot of people have a big misconception about what being an automotive technician is really about. And here to give us some pointers, we have Trish Serratore from ASE, NATAF. Trish, welcome to Goss’ Garage. TRISH SERRATORE: It’s a pleasure to be here, Pat. PAT GOSS: Alright. Tell us a little about the organization first. TRISH SERRATORE: ASE is the… Read More
Damaged Hoses
Today’s engines are very durable and very reliable, but one thing they can’t stand is overheating. That means that you need to pay particular attention to heater and radiator hoses on your car. You should be under the hood checking them at least twice a year. But, keep in mind, no matter how good a hose looks, it may not actually be good. You see, hoses are made… Read More
