My Wife’s Auto Salon

Being a mechanic requires me to have a lot of different tools in my tool box; just ask my wife because she sees my tool bill every month.

One of my favorite tools I use every day is the combination ratchet wrench. The combination ratchet wrench is your typical wrench except the box end is ratcheting. This style wrench is very handy to have in my tool box for several reasons:

1. If my deep well sockets are not deep enough; I can use the ratchet wrench to loosen the bolt/nut.
2. I actually save time because the ratchet wrench is more efficient to use than the regular combination wrench.
3. In tight spots where the impact is useless the ratchet wrench still allows me to save time removing/installing nuts & bolts.

Most ratchet wrenches come with a lifetime warranty depending on the manufacturer.
If you decide to ever invest in a set of ratchet wrenches; it is important to find out about the lifetime warranty. My ratchet wrench sets are strong but I have stripped the gear system out of the ratcheting end. The tool maker has always replaced my broken ratchet wrenches for free with no questions asked.

I highly recommend the ratchet wrench for anyone who is thinking about investing in a combination wrench set. I know you will be happy with your investment once you start using them, I know I am.

Winter will be here before you know it, it may be a good idea to check the freeze point of your antifreeze.

Using a solvent based washer fluid will help eliminate bug goo from your windshield. I costs a little more but is worth the price in the long run.

Today we will be talking about the serpentine belt, its purpose and when it is time to replace it.

The purpose of the serpentine belt is to transfer power from the engine crankshaft to all the auxiliary components on the front of the engine.  These auxiliary components include:

• Water Pump
• Power Steering Pump
• Engine Fan (if not equipped with electric fans)
• Air Conditioning Compressor (if equipped)
• Emissions Air Pump (if Equipped)
• Alternator
• Etc

By looking at all the components that this belt drives; you can see that it plays an important part in the smooth operation of your vehicle.  This is why it is important to perform a routine inspection on the belt.

It is a visual inspection that is easy to do and takes very little time to perform.  Usually when you have the hood open to check the coolant, washer fluid or even the oil; just look at your belt to see if the edges on the belt are frayed.

If it looks like the belt is fraying apart, then it is time to replace it.  Check the inside of the belt where the ribs are located.  Look to see if the ribs are cracked, if they are; this is also a sign that it’s time to replace the belt.

It may be a good idea to carry a flashlight in your vehicle so you can visually inspect the belt and other engine compartment components more accurately.

Don’t let this belt go too long before inspecting it.  If the belt breaks then you are stranded until a new one is installed.

Chevrolets new 2010 Equinox is a definitely a step up from its predecessor; this SUV is a beautiful site to see inside and out.  If it wasn’t for the front emblem, you’d think you were looking at a Mercedes SUV.  Chevy also introduced a whole new concept unlike the rest of the family, a center stack of controls and readouts.

Not only does it come in either FWD or AWD but there are two different power plants to choose from.

The in-line four cylinder rates at 182-hp and gets around 21/30 mpg city/highway FWD, 21/27 mpg AWD city/highway, which is better than the Jeep Patriot, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and the Nissan Rogue.  Keep in mind that all these other vehicles are smaller in size than the Equinox.

The V-6, 255hp gets 18/25 mpg city/highway, FWD, 17/24 mpg city/highway, AWD.  Both engines have direct injection to help save fuel.

The Cabin is as quiet as they get with the acoustic laminated glass, liquid applied sound dampener and a refined exhaust.

The craftsmanship and attention to detail is definitely one of GM’s finest works.  The engineers went out of their way to make sure this little beauty of a machine is a joy to drive and the comfort second to none for the whole family.