Straight Shot Auto

🧲 HOW DO MAGNETIC SENSORS HELP YOUR CAR KNOW WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Your vehicle’s computers can’t physically see the engine turning or the wheels moving. Instead, sensors convert that movement into electrical signals.

Many camshaft, crankshaft and wheel-speed sensors use magnetism. As a toothed wheel or metal target passes the sensor, it changes the magnetic field and creates a series of electrical pulses.

By counting those pulses and measuring the time between them, the vehicle can determine:

🔧 Engine speed and crankshaft position
🔧 Which cylinder is ready to fire
🔧 Whether the camshaft and crankshaft are synchronized
🔧 How quickly each wheel is turning
🔧 Whether a wheel is locking up or spinning

This information helps operate fuel injection, ignition timing, variable valve timing, ABS, traction control, stability control and all-wheel drive.

When the signal becomes weak, distorted or disappears, the computer may set a fault code—but that doesn’t automatically mean the sensor itself has failed.

The actual cause could be:

⚠️ Damaged wiring or connectors
⚠️ Rust changing the sensor’s position
⚠️ Metal debris stuck to the sensor
⚠️ An incorrect sensor gap
⚠️ A damaged tone ring or wheel-bearing encoder
⚠️ A mechanical timing problem

A fault code tells us which signal the computer is unhappy with—not necessarily why.

With the right testing equipment, we can view the signal as a waveform and see what the computer is actually receiving.

Replacing a sensor is easy.
Proving what’s wrong is diagnostics.

Straight Shot Auto LTD.
Transparency • Precision • Integrity

🚛 WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO “DELETE” A DIESEL?

Modern diesel vehicles use several systems to reduce harmful exhaust emissions. Depending on the vehicle, these may include:
🔧 EGR — recirculates some exhaust back through the engine
🔧 DPF — captures soot before it leaves the tailpipe
🔧 SCR/DEF — reduces harmful nitrogen oxide emissions
🔧 DOC — helps break down pollutants in the exhaust

An “emissions delete” means removing or disabling some or all of these components and reprogramming the engine computer so it no longer looks for them.

So why do some owners do it?
Deleted trucks may experience fewer regeneration cycles due to lower exhaust temperatures, less exhaust restriction and fewer repairs involving expensive emissions components. Some owners also report improved fuel economy, increased power or better reliability—particularly when the original system has already begun causing problems.

That sounds pretty tempting. So why do we still recommend against it?
First, a deleted vehicle may no longer meet the emissions standards required for use on public roads. That can create problems with inspections, enforcement, warranty coverage, and resale. With the way our environmental regulations are going, the return of AirCare, or something similar, may be on the horizon

Deleting the system also increases the amount of soot and harmful pollutants leaving the tailpipe. A poorly written delete tune can introduce an entirely new collection of problems, including excessive smoke, incorrect fueling, higher exhaust temperatures and engine or turbocharger damage.

We completely understand why someone facing a five-figure emissions-system repair might start exploring alternatives. Unfortunately, removing the system can trade one expensive problem for several legal, mechanical and environmental ones.

Our recommendation is to have a shop that specializes in diesel repair properly diagnose why the emissions system is failing. Our intention is almost always going to be "bring it back to factory"(specifications). Even if that's the more financially painful thing to do now, you may regret NOT doing it later.

Straight Shot Auto LTD.
Transparency • Precision • Integrity

🌫️ If the smoke is making it hard for you to breathe... imagine what it's doing to your vehicle.

With forest fires affecting air quality across British Columbia, many people are paying close attention to the Air Quality Health Index—and for good reason. All of those tiny smoke particles don't just stay in the sky. They're everywhere.

Your vehicle breathes too.

🚗 Engine Air Filter
Helps keep dirt, dust, and smoke particles out of your engine. As it becomes restricted, your engine has to work harder to pull in the air it needs.

🌬️ Cabin Air Filter
This is the filter that cleans the air before it reaches you and your passengers. During smoky conditions, it can load up much faster than normal, reducing airflow from your vents and allowing unpleasant odours to linger.

The good news? Both filters are quick and inexpensive to inspect.

If you've noticed weaker airflow from your vents, musty or smoky smells inside the cabin, or it's simply been a while since your filters were checked, we'd be happy to have a look during your next visit.

Stay safe, take care of your lungs—and don't forget that your vehicle appreciates clean air too.

📍 Straight Shot Auto LTD.
Transparency • Precision • Integrity

From Cranks to Switches... The Window Still Has to Go Up Somehow.

Power windows feel like magic.

Push a button, and the glass glides up or down.

But behind the door panel, there's actually a surprisingly clever mechanism doing all the work.

🪟 Manual (Hand Crank) Windows

Older vehicles used a window crank connected to a set of gears.

Every turn of the handle rotated a regulator, which lifted or lowered the window through a series of arms or a scissor-style mechanism.

Simple.
Reliable.
No electricity required.

⚡ Power Windows

Modern vehicles replace your arm with an electric motor.

When you press the switch, the motor spins in one direction to raise the window and the opposite direction to lower it.

The regulator—whether it's a cable design or a scissor design—still guides the glass smoothly up and down.

The only difference?

Your finger replaced the crank.

🔧 Why do windows stop working?

Sometimes it's the motor.

Sometimes it's the regulator.

Sometimes it's a broken cable, worn gears, or even the switch itself.

That's why proper diagnosis matters. Replacing the wrong part won't get your window moving again.

Because even something as simple as a window has more going on than meets the eye.

Straight Shot Auto Ltd.
Transparency. Precision. Integrity.

Different Cars. Different Solutions. Same Goal.

Not every manufacturer solves the same problem the same way.

Take water pumps, for example. Their job is simple: keep coolant circulating through the engine. But there are several ways manufacturers make that happen.

🔧 Belt-Driven Water Pumps
The traditional design. The pump is driven by the engine's accessory belt.

Pros:
✔ Simple and reliable
✔ Easy to inspect
✔ Usually less expensive to replace

Cons:
❌ Always spinning whenever the engine is running
❌ Adds a small amount of engine drag

⚙️ Timing Chain/Belt Driven Water Pumps
Some manufacturers hide the water pump behind the timing cover and drive it directly from the engine's timing system.

Pros:
✔ Compact design
✔ Fewer external components
✔ Can improve packaging inside the engine bay

Cons:
❌ Much more labor-intensive to replace
❌ On some engines, a leaking pump can cause serious engine damage if coolant enters the oil

⚡ Electric Water Pumps
More common on newer vehicles and hybrids.

Pros:
✔ Runs only when needed
✔ Better temperature control
✔ Can continue cooling after the engine is shut off
✔ Helps improve fuel economy

Cons:
❌ More electronic components
❌ Typically more expensive when replacement is needed

So...which one is best?

Honestly? They all work.

Every manufacturer balances cost, efficiency, packaging, reliability, emissions, and serviceability a little differently.

That's one of the reasons repairing modern vehicles requires more than just turning wrenches. Understanding why a manufacturer designed something a certain way is often just as important as knowing how to replace it.

Different engineering. Same commitment to doing the job right.

Straight Shot Auto Ltd.
Transparency. Precision. Integrity.

What's The Heck Is A Shrader Valve?

Every time you put air in your tires or service your vehicle's A/C system, you're relying on a tiny part called a Schrader valve.

It's small, inexpensive, and easy to overlook—but without it, your tires would go flat and your A/C refrigerant would leak out and escape into the atmosphere.

🔧 How it works:
Inside the valve is a spring-loaded pin. Normally, the spring keeps the valve tightly closed, sealing in air or refrigerant.

When an air chuck or A/C service coupler is connected, it pushes the pin inward, opening the valve and allowing pressure to flow in or out.

Once the tool is removed, the spring closes the valve again.

Where you'll find them:
• Tire valve stems
• Air conditioning service ports
• Many hydraulic and pressurized systems

💡 Fun Fact:
The plastic valve cap isn't just there to keep dirt out. On many A/C systems it's actually considered a secondary seal, providing an extra layer of protection if the Schrader valve develops a tiny leak.

Sometimes a cheap little valve core can be the solution to a slow tire leak or refrigerant leak—but sometimes the leak is somewhere else. That's why we often recommend that these be replaced as a good measure where another repair is needed, but still test before replacing those parts.

Transparency. Precision. Integrity.
That's how we like to diagnose every vehicle.

One of the best investments you can make for your vehicle isn't under the hood.

It's a BCAA Membership.

No, they don't sponsor us. This isn't an Ad. We just think it's one of those rare things that usually pays for itself.

Here's why:

🚗 A tow can be expensive.
If you've ever needed a tow off the Coquihalla or another remote highway, you know it can cost hundreds of dollars, or more, depending on the distance. A membership can save you from a very expensive day.

⛽ Fuel discounts add up.
Many Shell stations offer BCAA members a discount on fuel. It might only be a few cents per litre, but over a year those savings can make a noticeable difference. Besides, fuel is expensive enough as it is. Anything to help with that is worth it.

🛂 Member discounts go beyond your car.
Need passport photos? Booking a hotel? Renting a vehicle? BCAA members get discounts on a whole bunch of things like that.

🔑 Locked your keys in the car?
Dead battery? Flat tire? Out of fuel? Those are the kinds of problems that never seem to happen at a convenient time—and they're exactly what a roadside assistance membership is for.

We've seen firsthand how much stress a good roadside assistance plan can save.

We hope you never need it...
..but if you do, you'll be glad you have it.

Straight Shot Auto Ltd.
Transparency • Precision • Integrity

Just a quick heads up to all our loyal customers --- past, present, and future.

We will be closed, Friday, July 31st through Tuesday, August 4th for the BC Day long weekend. We return to regular hours on Wednesday, August 5th and look forward to keeping you safe, happy, and well informed.

Thank you, from our families to yours.

Straight Shot Auto Ltd.
Transparency • Precision • Integrity

Jump Starting a Vehicle: There's a Right Way (and a Wrong Way)

A dead battery is frustrating, but jump starting your vehicle incorrectly can damage expensive electrical components—or worse, create a shower of sparks near a battery that may be releasing hydrogen gas.

Here's the safe way to do it:

🔴 Connect the red clamp to the positive (+) terminal on the DEAD battery.

🔴 Connect the other red clamp to the positive (+) terminal on the GOOD battery.

⚫ Connect the black clamp to the negative (-) terminal on the GOOD battery.

⚫ Don't connect the last black clamp to the dead battery. Instead, attach it to a clean, unpainted metal part of the disabled vehicle's engine or chassis, away from the battery. Connecting this cable can cause a spark and, under the wrong circumstances, ignite hydrogen gas that is settling on top of a leaking battery. Is this a common thing? No. But... It's better to be safe than sorry.

Start the vehicle with the good battery first and let it run for a minute or two before attempting to start the disabled vehicle.

Once it's running, remove the cables in the reverse order.

⚠️ One more important tip: If your battery repeatedly needs a boost, the battery may not be the real problem. A failing alternator, a parasitic electrical draw, or even a poor cable connection can all leave you with the same symptom.

A proper battery and charging system test can tell you why it went dead—not just get it started again.

Straight Shot Auto Ltd.
Transparency • Precision • Integrity

Continuing the theme of batteries from last week...

"My battery shows 12 volts, so it must be good... right?"

Not necessarily.

Testing a car battery is about much more than checking voltage.

When we test a battery, we're looking at several different things:

🔋 Voltage – Is it fully charged?
⚡ Available Cranking Power – Can it deliver the hundreds of amps needed to start your engine?
❤️ Overall Health – Has age, heat, vibration, or sulfation reduced its capacity?
👀Leaks - A damaged casing can cause hazardous fumes to build up and even, in extreme cases, start fires. That's why a leaking or swollen battery should go ASAP.
🔌 Charging System – Is your alternator keeping the battery charged properly?

A weak battery can sometimes pass a simple voltage check but fail the moment your starter demands high current. That's why professional battery testers simulate real-world conditions instead of just measuring voltage.

Replacing a battery that still has plenty of life wastes money.
Keeping a battery that's on its last legs can overwork your alternator and cause premature failure, which can leave you stranded.

A proper battery test helps us make the right call before it becomes an inconvenient surprise.

Straight Shot Auto Ltd.
Transparency • Precision • Integrity