Archive for the ‘Auto Information’ Category

Brake repair can cost anywhere between $100 to $1,000. Although some repairs are inevitable, there are a few things the vehicle owner can do to service their brakes and prevent major damage later on. By keeping adequate levels of brake fluid and paying close attention to the brakes, you can help ease the shock of some brake repair bills.

Brake fluid is a hydraulic liquid that transfers power from the pedal to the brakes. If the brake pedal depresses all the way down to the floor, or if it takes longer to bounce back after depressing the pedal, there may be a leak in the master cylinder. The reservoir for the brake fluid is located under the hood of the car. It is translucent with a line to indicate a full level. If the liquid falls below this line, it should be refilled, and the system should be checked for any leaks. If the system is noticeably leaky, it is best to not drive the car until it has been serviced by an auto technician, who handles this type of brake repair.

However, if the problem persists without a noticeable leak, it should be taken to a technician anyway to ensure safe operation of the vehicle. The cap covering the reservoir will indicate which grade of brake fluid the car uses; this is also listed in the owners manual. There should be some precaution with this task because adding too much fluid can force air into the system and cause more damage. A mechanic can bleed the system to add fresh fluids.

Leaks elsewhere in the braking system can cause a hard pedal that does not depress with the normal force. This is usually caused by a leak in the vacuum hose to the brake booster. This can be diagnosed by pumping the brakes with the engine turned off to release any vacuum that is still in the system. With the foot depressed on the brake, start the engine. If the pedal still requires more force, then there is a leak in the hose that should be replaced.

Other problems with the brake pedal include a sticking pedal, which is usually caused by a build up of brake fluid or grease on the brake pads. Sometimes the culprit is a bad drum or rotor that needs to be resurfaced. If this is the case, there may be some chatter along with a sticking pedal when the brakes are applied. Applying a de-greaser to clean the rotors and replacing the pads should fix the problem. However, further investigation is necessary to find the cause of the contamination, such as a a leaky caliper or hose.

The brakes are the single most important safety system in a vehicle. To avoid unsafe driving conditions and expensive repairs, it is important to pay close attention to how the brakes behave. The brake pedal is one of the first indicators of an issue, so pay attention to how it behaves to diagnose any potential issues. Hopefully, there will be no surprises when it is taken to a mechanic for brake repair, especially if the owner is aware of the potential issues and the costs involved.

For top quality brake repair in the greater western Washington state area, see Jimmy’s Auto Repair in Lacey, WA.

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The regulation that requires a dashboard tire pressure monitor system in passenger cars, light trucks and vans appears to be working. This is one government directive that offers benefits to automotive consumers without significant increases to manufacturing costs. However the same cannot be said for independent tire dealers who will see operational cost increases from obtaining the automotive technology and training their employee’s on it.

Also to be considered is the time involved in accommodating tire replacement on vehicles that have the tire pressure monitor system or tire warning lights installed. Tire dealers will have to make an initial investment of about $1500 per location in equipment such as electronic scanning resetting tools and then another $200-$400 yearly for software upgrades and new equipment. Most importantly tire dealers and technicians will have to spend more shop time on tire replacement and even rotation of tires.

The tire pressure monitor system components are vulnerable to breakage if handled incorrectly or too hastily. For example a particularly breakage prone area is the air pressure sensor mounted on the inside base of the valve stem. The sensor is connected to a tiny radio transmitter powered by a long life lithium ion battery, which transmits information to dashboard readouts that signal tire under inflation. The system is designed to warn the driver, by buzzer or flashing light, when a tire has deflated to 25% less than recommended inflation pressure.

When it comes to handling an assembly with a valve stem mounted sensor, speed is the last thing on the list. The tire pressure sensor is very vulnerable. The process of mounting any tire on a wheel with a valve stem mounted sensor is slow and cautious or breakage of the sensor is a likely scenario. It should be the tire dealers responsibility to repair any damage caused by their technicians.

Tire pressure monitoring systems began appearing on passenger cars and light trucks in the 2005 model year. Following a congressional mandate requiring them on all vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds, by the 2008 model year. Most pickups, light duty vans, and SUVs fit into this weight category. This is why most automobile manufacturers installed tire pressure monitors systems well ahead of the September 7, 2007 deadline for compliance.

Major vehicle manufacturers and tire dealers reported no negative affects to equipping vehicles with tire pressure sensors. The national Highway traffic safety administration proposed the system after a 2001 Hwy study. The study tested 11,000 vehicles and found that 29% of the light trucks and cars had at least one tire under inflated by 25% or more.

Under inflation can cause loss of control, hydro planing on wet pavement, longer stopping distances and outright tire failure. Properly inflated tires produced better fuel economy and longer tire life, all vehicle tire manufacturers agree with this fact.

On the 2009 Silverado and Sierra pickups made by General Motors, the tire pressure warning light is in the driver information Center, located just beneath the speedometer. This system also provides the actual pounds per square inch reading for each tire. If a tire were to go below the safe pressure, a warning message would appear in the driver information center.

The tire pressure monitor system has many benefits identified by the manufacturers of these vehicles. The key benefits include improved handling as well as fuel efficiency and the ability of the vehicle to carry loads up to its recommended limits. Properly inflated tires wear more evenly across the tread contact area. They also provide greater traction and are better able to resist road hazards like nails.

Tire dealers agree that the tire pressure sensing system will help customers enjoy the performance that manufacturers design into their tires, which is severely compromised by under inflation. If tire pressure monitors systems lead to better pressure maintenance, tire performance will benefit.

Need information on how to reset tire warning lights on your car?

What is the drivers responsibility? Skeptics have questioned whether drivers will heed the tire pressure monitors system dashboard warning message. But the national Highway traffic and safety administration predicts 90% will comply with the warning message.

The convenience of being able to instantly read tire pressure on the dashboard instead of individually checking tire pressure with the old-fashioned tire pressure gauge is a huge benefit. By maintaining proper tire pressure, drivers also will enjoy extended tire life. Though the tire pressure monitor system cannot force drivers to comply. The bright tire pressure warning light will push them toward at least checking tire inflation levels.

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