beginner technical questions

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DerpiesFreud

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I am curious,perhaps people can explain and/or give me links?

1. petrol vs diesel
Both are fuels,different combustion conditions etc?
I heard diesel has to be pressurized and the engines have to run for a while after startup to reach that pressure?

fuel efficiency,is one generally more efficient than the other? or does it depend on the vehicle?
is there any reason trucks,suvs,large vehicles use diesel opposed to petrol?

Maintenance,is one type of engine easier,cheaper etc to maintain?

2. Power steering
do they still sell cars without power steering?
I`ve been driving a 1400 bakkie all these years and recently I`ve had to drive a car with power steering,
it feels horrible,is this something I`d have to get used to? :cry:

3. how does one become a car mechanic?
can it be done as a hobby of sorts,similar to how an experienced pc enthusiast can qualify as a pc technician?
probably not...cars are more expensive
is there a mechanic school/certification thing?


4.
modifications,I assume modifying stuff(brakes,turbo,ICU,etc) voids warranty,which can be bad?
does this mean I cant run a 3g antenna + pc + speakers + neon + cameras + stuff without voiding the warranty(till it expires at least)

I like wheels
 
1. Yes, a diesel uses compression to heat the air in the cylinder which then ignites the fuel as it is injected. Only problem with that is during winter, where an old battery might not have enough energy left to crank the heavier (and higher compression) engine. If a diesel took time to build pressure, it wouldn't run at all.

As for fuel efficiency - yes, a diesel is more fuel efficient. Can be a difference of up to 4 L/100 km when comparing a diesel and petrol model from the same range in a midsize sedan.

2. Don't think so. Power steering differs immensely between manufacturers, though. I find that the power steering used in VWs give almost the exact same feedback as unassisted steering in my Citi (with the exception of the newest models, which are a bit light).

3. Not sure

4. Depends on the component you're modifying. Installing an aftermarket radio or PC in the car might void your electrical warranty, but the engine and suspension warranties won't be affected. Best to find out from the dealership. Some are more lenient that others.
 
3. Buy an old, unreliable car. You'll be a mechanic in no time trying to maintain it.
 
spiderz said:
Old Series 3 Land Rover fits that bill quite good.
Or a city Golf ... they actually break more than the Landy.
Click to expand...

Dunno what citi golf you are referring to. Only experiences I have had with citi golfs is that they are super reliable, and never break.
 
Pooky said:
Dunno what citi golf you are referring to. Only experiences I have had with citi golfs is that they are super reliable, and never break.
Click to expand...

This, I had 3. Two of them with over 250 000Km on them, only things I needed to replace was the steering boots and CV boots(not the joints) on one of them other than that I just serviced them every 15 000km
 
nukefission said:
3. how does one become a car mechanic?
can it be done as a hobby of sorts,similar to how an experienced pc enthusiast can qualify as a pc technician?
probably not...cars are more expensive
is there a mechanic school/certification thing?
Click to expand...

Many people just do stuff themselves following the Haynes manuals or even official workshop manuals.

Generally it's a reasonable initial investment to buy most of the tools and even then you won't have specialised tools to do certain things so you'll need to have that done professionally.

Most home mechanics can do normal servicing without too much drama but you often find it's things like engine rebuilds that require a professional.

I don't service my own cars or bikes but I do my own brakes and will do oil changes and such myself between service intervals. Even just doing some of the stuff can save you a fortune. Front brake pads and discs on my car was quoted as a R3500 job, I can buy the same parts and even some extra tools I might need for R2000 less.

4.
modifications,I assume modifying stuff(brakes,turbo,ICU,etc) voids warranty,which can be bad?
Click to expand...

Yes serious modifications will void your warranty. Normally dealerships will turn a blind eye to things like air filters and such but not complete induction kits.

does this mean I cant run a 3g antenna + pc + speakers + neon + cameras + stuff without voiding the warranty(till it expires at least)
Click to expand...

Generally you should be fine with those things (although I have to ask WHY the neons?) and the closest problem I would imagine you might have is that if you do any drilling or modifications to the seals and you have rust on your car prematurely the paint/body warranty might not be covered.

I do know of people who had audio equipment problems and had their warranties declined because of changes they made.
 
Pooky said:
Dunno what citi golf you are referring to. Only experiences I have had with citi golfs is that they are super reliable, and never break.
Click to expand...

Have to agree there. Also cheap to maintain.
 
ponder said:
3. Further Education and Training Colleges (FET)
http://www.careerplanet.co.za/caree...hnicians/automotive/automotive-motor-mechanic
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Awesome! very useful
Claymore said:
3. Buy an old, unreliable car. You'll be a mechanic in no time trying to maintain it.
Click to expand...
I dont want to breakdown at 1AM in the middle of a drug deal
Pooky said:
Dunno what citi golf you are referring to. Only experiences I have had with citi golfs is that they are super reliable, and never break.
Click to expand...
me too...
SauRoNZA said:
Many people just do stuff themselves following the Haynes manuals or even official workshop manuals.

Generally it's a reasonable initial investment to buy most of the tools and even then you won't have specialised tools to do certain things so you'll need to have that done professionally.

Most home mechanics can do normal servicing without too much drama but you often find it's things like engine rebuilds that require a professional.

Yes serious modifications will void your warranty. Normally dealerships will turn a blind eye to things like air filters and such but not complete induction kits.

Generally you should be fine with those things (although I have to ask WHY the neons?) and the closest problem I would imagine you might have is that if you do any drilling or modifications to the seals and you have rust on your car prematurely the paint/body warranty might not be covered.

I do know of people who had audio equipment problems and had their warranties declined because of changes they made.
Click to expand...
Yeah,I reckon I could save on the simple stuff(oil,perhaps a few filters etc)
I like neon,neon is shiny :) I like shiny obje- OOH SHINY
 
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