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Brake Tips:
Q. How often should my brake system be inspected?
A. Manufacturers' recommendation is that the brake system should be inspected every 12 months.
Q. What type of brake pads should be put on my vehicle?
A. Product that meets or exceeds original equipment specifications should be used.
Q. My brake pedal is very low. What could be causing that?
A. It could be one of these possibilities: air in the hydraulic system, the brake shoes are out of adjustment or there's a leak in the hydraulic system.
Q. My brake pedal pulsates and my steering wheel shakes. What could be causing that?
A. Rotors and/or drums are warped or distorted.
Q. My ABS light comes on and sometimes goes off. What could be causing that?
A. It could be one of these possibilities: worn-out brake pads, low brake fluid or worn-out wheel bearings.
Q. I hear squealing when using my brakes. What could be causing that?
A. It could be one of these possibilities:
1. Worn brake pads/shoes
2. Wrong brake pads/shoes
3. Improper rotor finish
4. Lack of lubrication
5. Worn- out hardware
6. Fatigued brake shoe hold-down springs
Q. How often should the brake fluid on my vehicle be changed?
A. Consult your owners manual for manufacturer recommendations. The minimum is every two years or 24,000 miles. It is very important to have your brake fluid changed. Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. The longer brake fluid is left unchanged, the more moisture it will absorb. This moisture lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid. When brake fluid boils, it turns to a vapor, causing the brake pedal to fall to the floor. Saturated brake fluid will cause premature failure of the brake system components. Therefore, it is essential to have your brake fluid changed regularly.
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Winter Driving Tips
Fall is the best time to have your vehicle inspected for any needed Maintenance work. Snow, ice and cold temperatures are just some the problems your vehicle will encounter.
-Inspect belts and hoses; if they are more than four years old they may have to be replaced.
-Check antifreeze protection: important in preventing engine freeze-ups.
-Check tires and tire pressure: Good tires are essential on those snowy and icy roads.
-Check all lights and fluid levels.
-Check and/or replace wipers (consider snow blades).
-Add windshield washer fluid that's better in cold temperatures.
-Have the exhaust system checked; exhaust leaks will cause harmful carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment.
-Have your heater and defroster checked.
-Check to see that all Maintenance services are up to date.
-If your battery is more than four years old, have it tested. An old or borderline battery may fail in extreme cold.
-Carry with you a winter emergency kit consisting of: a flashlight, gloves, hat, flares, blanket, small amount of sand or salt, drinking water, snacks, cell phone, ice scraper and a small shovel.
-Drive cautiously and slow over icy, snowy or leaf-covered roads.
-Make sure your vehicle is mechanically sound before the temperature dips and the streets get icy.
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Summer Maintenance Prevention
Taking the following ten steps on your own before every trip this summer will reduce the risk of encountering problems on the road:
1. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Using an air pressure gauge, be sure that your tire pressure meets the manufacturer's specifications, as listed in the owner's manual.
2. Check your oil. It's a good habit to check your motor oil before every trip. If it's low, or due for a change, your engine is in danger of overheating.
3. Monitor your coolant and water levels. Overheating can also occur if your engine's coolant or water level is too low, so both should be regularly checked.
4. Test your battery. Summer temperatures can shorten the life of your car's battery. Before taking a trip, weak or old batteries should be tested and replaced if necessary.
5. Test your vehicle lights and turn signals. Check your vehicle's lights, including all headlights, brakelights and turn signals, to make sure they work properly.
6. Clean your vehicle lights. It is important to see and be seen. Built-up residue, such as pollen or dirt, may cause your headlights to become dim.
7. Check your wiper blades. The weather does not always cooperate while you're travelling. Remember to check your wiper blades on both sides to ensure tight attachment and a clean blade surface.
8. Clean your windshield and windows. Regularly clean your windshield and windows on both the inside and outside to reduce glare and improve visibility.
9. Don't overload your car. When packing your car for a trip, overloading can create excessive tire heat, which can lead to blowouts. In addition, overloading your backseat or storage area can limit visibility.
10. Have emergency equipment accessible. Make sure you leave room in your trunk for the following safety items: a tire gauge, flashlight with extra batteries, flares or reflectors, fire extinguisher and first-aid kit.
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How Consumers Benefit from ASE Technician Certification?
Finding a competent auto repair technician should not be difficult, and with that guiding principle, the non-profit, independent National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972.
The mission was clear: develope a mechanism by which working auto technicians could prove their competency to themselves, their employers and to consumers.
The solution: a series of national certification exams covering all the major automotive repair and service specialties.
The result: an elite group of automotive service professionals at work in repair establishments throughout the nation.
2000 AUTO employs only ASE certified technicians.
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What's a Cabin Air Filter?
The cabin air filter was designed to remove road dust, soot, gaseous odors, pollutants and other contaminants from entering your ventilation and air conditioning system. Cabin filters remove nearly 100 percent of airborne particles and can dramatically improve the quality of air entering the passenger compartment. Unclean air can also cause allergic reactions, especially with allergy-sensitive people. Cabin air filters are of great benefit to drivers. Cabin filter should be replaced at least once a year or every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. If you drive in very dusty areas or if you experience an unpleasant odor you may need to replace the cabin filter sooner.
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Tips for Improving Your Gas Mileage
1-Keep your tires properly inflated and check them frequently.
2-Keep your front suspension and steering in proper alignment.
3-Use the thinnest viscosity oil that your car's manufacturer recommends.
4-Keep your engine in proper mechanical condition.
5-Keep your engine in tune and make sure the air and fuel filters are clean.
6-Make sure your brakes are not dragging.
7-Repair body damage. That crunched front fender adds aerodynamic drag - just ask any race car driver.
8-Don't use premium fuel if your car does not require it; using it is an unnecessary expense.
9-Don't waste your money on those late night "as seen on TV" products that are supposed to increase your mileage.
10- Avoid excessive warm-up time. Modern engines do not require it.
11-Keep your speed at 55 miles per hour/95 kilometers per hour or less whenever possible.
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What's that light on my dash called "check engine" light
Although it is commonly known as a "check engine light," it actually has more to do with your vehicle's on-board computer system rather than your car's engine. This warning light is also referred to as the engine malfunction light, power loss light, service engine light or service soon light.
When the check engine light is on, the vehicle's on-board computer system is telling you that there is a problem.
You should always have a trained automotive technician test your on-board computer when the check engine light comes on, even if you don't experience any obvious problems.
2000AUTO can help. Our ASE certified technicians are trained to diagnose the problem.
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