Noob questions

[Wintermute]

Hi guys!
I recently moved to Canada for a while to study some engineering at SFU. I'm completely new to this place and there is a lot of things I don't know. I've bought myself a 2007 VW Rabbit and I think it consumes way too much fuel. So, I have two questions:
1. OK, this might seem to you like a REALLY stupid question, but I still have to ask: I wanted to pull out one of my spark plugs to see if the engine is running too rich and I simply don't know where to do it. I live in SFU residence on the burnaby mountain and I guess SFU staff would be very unhappy if I try to do any kinds of repairs on their residence parking lot. So I need to find a quiet place, not to far away from here, where I can work under the hood of the car without drawing too much attention.
2. I also want to have my brakes looked at because I think they might be hanging a bit. After some normal driving today, my front brakes were cold, my rear right brake was warm and my rear left brake was HOT. So, can you recommend me any local shop where I can have my brakes checked/repaired for a reasonable price?
Thanks guys!

[320icar]

*deleted*

[westopher]

Your in burnaby, so go to shift autosport. They are honest people there, and specialize in VWs. Just how bad is your fuel mileage? These cars aren't exactly smart cars when it comes to gas, and especially during stop and go traffic.

[vexor]

Was the handbrake on? that'll get ur rear brakes really hot

[Wintermute]

@westopher: I'm not sure, because my fuel gauge acts weird, but I suspect it's about 15 liters/100km in city.
Thanks for recommendation, i'll probably try these guys!
@vexor: very funny!

[death_blossom]

for brakes, yes go to a professional to have it fixed. in fact, I would say you should ask the guys at Shift to also look at giving your car a tune up. that will improve your fuel economy. you can get your fuel economy noticeably better, but not a whole lot better.

[Lomac]

If you're willing to get down and dirty, you can always try asking here if someone is willing to use their garage/driveway to figure things out. There are plenty of members always down for giving a hand in exchange for a beer (or Ikea breakfast... ).

As for the car running rich... are you throwing any CEL codes? How long is your typical commute? Did you bring the Golf with you from where ever you lived from (and, if so, where was it?).

[Wintermute]

@ death_blossom: Thanks!

@Lomac: That's an option, thanks. I don't have any error code reader to check for errors. I don't really have a typical commute. On weekdays I use the car to go for groceries couple of times a week (10-40 min) and on weekends I go exploring the surrounding area (Whistler for example).
I bought the car here. It's supposed to be an originally local car.

[yray]

don't tell me you bought it from the used car dealers on hastings

[Lomac]

Originally Posted by Wintermute

@Lomac: That's an option, thanks. I don't have any error code reader to check for errors. I don't really have a typical commute. On weekdays I use the car to go for groceries couple of times a week (10-40 min) and on weekends I go exploring the surrounding area (Whistler for example).
I bought the car here. It's supposed to be an originally local car.

Was just curious because since the weather is pretty cold in the mornings, the car stays in Open Loops for longer... meaning the motor is consuming more fuel than usual in order for it to warm up faster. This drops your overall average MPG during winter times.

You'd notice if you're throwing a code by the CEL staying illuminated after the initial ignition start.

[Wintermute]

Sure, cold weather raises consumption. But 1,5 times over normal? Seems unlikely.
My Check Engine light is not on after start.

[Wintermute]

Originally Posted by yray

don't tell me you bought it from the used car dealers on hastings

No, it was a Chrysler dealer on Langley Bypass.

[broken_arrow]

My consumption improved quite a bit (and so did performance) once I replaced my air-filters and cleaned my Mass Air Flow sensor... Those two things are really easy to do (as you probably already know since you do not seem to hesitate to go ahead and remove the spark plugs).

Just some food for though!

[Lomac]

Originally Posted by Wintermute

Sure, cold weather raises consumption. But 1,5 times over normal? Seems unlikely.
My Check Engine light is not on after start.

I'll admit it's not likely the main culprit, but I'm sure it's not helping matters. Just to give an example, my car does 650km/tank when it's pure highway driving, but drops down to just over 400/tank when I drive to work and back (in my case, work is a 7km drive from my house, so the engine barely has time to warm up before I'm pulling into the parking lot).

You're best off just doing a full winter tune up. Change all the fluids and filters, run new spark plugs, check the sensors, maybe even change out the fuel filter... though it's a new enough car that it shouldn't be too clogged up yet.

[Lowered_Klass]

Just a thought, since I have no idea if the mileage you're getting is that bad... but since you live up on SFU, perhaps it's just because you have to go up and down that hill anytime you need to go anywhere?

[Wintermute]

Thanks guys, I'll start with my filters and brakes then.
Any more ideas for places to do it? I'm not sure I want to bother someone just to change air filter in their driveway. After all, it only takes 15 minutes.
@Spoon_Fed: I don't think so. After all, i save a lot of fuel on my way down =)

[vexor]

Originally Posted by Wintermute

@vexor: very funny!

just asking, i've seen it happen lots of times when I worked for a Mazda dealership

[Eff-1]

I don't think SFU will give you any trouble if all you are doing is changing filters and sparkplugs in the parking space as long as you are keeping tidy and not being too obvious about it. Even if they did say something, worst thing they will do is give you a warning for the first time. No big deal.

[asr]

Originally Posted by Wintermute

Thanks guys, I'll start with my filters and brakes then.
Any more ideas for places to do it? I'm not sure I want to bother someone just to change air filter in their driveway. After all, it only takes 15 minutes.
@Spoon_Fed: I don't think so. After all, i save a lot of fuel on my way down =)

Go to speedsyndicate to get the job done. They are one of license mechanics shop in town.
They are RS sponsor.

[fliptuner]

Possibly a sticky rear caliper? Sure wouldn't help your fuel economy.

Also, short trips in cold weather will definately increase fuel consumption. Maybe not the main cause but definately a contributing factor.

[Sky_High]

Originally Posted by yray

don't tell me you bought it from the used car dealers on hastings

Kingsway / King George Highway

[Wintermute]

Thanks guys! I'll sort out the brakes first and then I'll give the engine a tune up.

[freakshow]

You should also accurately measure your fuel economy. Use fuelly.com, record the numbers, and always fill up your tank completely (until the first click).

I really doubt you're getting 15L/100KM. that would be pretty sad for a rabbit..

[BrRsn]

going up SFU does kill your mileage even if you coast down. I've been doing that drive for ~4 years now



What I'd suggest is fill up your tank completely, go on a nice drive (do some touristy shit because you're new, maybe drive upto whistler if weather isn't too bad?) and come back and refill until the pump stops and note down how many liters it takes. Take note of the kilometers you drove, do some engineery type stuff and figure out your fuel consumption.

Changing plugs/air filter shouldn't be so bad -- I've installed a new grill/drilled holes in the pedals for aluminum pedal covers/installed a cold air intake/installed angel eyes all in my SFU reserve parking spot at WMC and no one complained/SFU security even drove by and said nothing.

As long as you aren't occupying two spots no one cares. Hell, the guy next to me brought an extension cord to school everyday and ran it from the elevator to his car so he could work on his laptop in his car lol

[yray]

^convo mall???