Posts Tagged ‘garage’

Auto Brake Hydraulic Fluid Should Be Replaced

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

We are not all flat-landers who live, work and commute day by day on flat prairie land. Many live in hilly and mountainous areas. You would think that braking system effectiveness and reliability would be top on the list of most motorists and automobile owners when it comes to service and maintenance attention and schedules yet sadly break system inspection and service is at the bottom of most automobile owner’s priority and items to do list when it comes to their vehicles.

What occurs when you put on the “brakes” The pressure that you apply to the pedal is transmitted to the brake system master cylinder (either directly or through a booster assembly by means of hydraulic brake fluid to the wheel cylinders fundamentally through a series of steel lines and flexible hoses.

As the pressure is supplied to the wheel cylinders, it causes the cylinder pistons to move and pressure is applied to the brake drum or discs through the brake shoes or pads. The friction that then exists between the brake shoes or pads (which are lined with friction materials) and the brake drum or disc is what stops the wheels from turning round. Hence your wheels will stop rotating and your vehicle should slow down and come to a stop.

What topics should be on such a list for the technician, mechanic or service writer to check off? First the brake pedal and master cylinders must be checked. Check the brake pedal “free play”. There should be ample travel; the pedal should be firm and not spongy. The master cylinder should not be leaking and the fluid levels of the braking hydraulic fluids should be adequate or topped up. Next check the stoplight switch. Check switch operation by inspecting rear brake lights when brake pedal is applied. A helper of set of mirrors can be of assistance. Wheel cylinders and brake shoe assemblies require periodic inspections. Of course brake drums must be checked for out or round or tapered conditions. Along with that and thorough visual inspection of seals, brake lines and hoses must be completed. In the case of disc brakes brake pads should be checked for wear. Along with that check the rotors or discs for scoring, cracking, uneven wear or warping. Lastly caliper pistons should show no signs of leakage at all.

On some luxury premium vehicles four way disc type brakes are offered either as a standard safety or as an option. Along with that brake and braking systems have become much more sophisticated with time. A good majority of cars now sold are equipped with ABS anti-lock braking systems. Actually rather simple in electronics, ABS systems allow for the vehicle not to stop in a shorter distance but allow the motorist to be able to steer away from danger in emergency driving situations.

Edmonton Chrysler Avenger 2010

Safety On The Job When Working With Cars 101

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

It can be said that no book or manual about do-it yourself auto repairs is fully complete without a section that concerns auto repair safety. Yet interestingly enough few budding or even experienced auto mechanics it seems pay serious attention to safety and basic safety procedures.

While it is true that vehicles are more trouble free, requiring less maintenance, and with more electronic and automated systems today does not mean “no maintenance” ever. Auto dealership service departments still do a roaring business. Even though some avid auto owners may insist that their cars, trucks or SUVs never ever “break down” , Toyota and other Japanese auto dealership service departments are still in business with plenty of repairs on hand, and a long queue if you wish to book your automobile for service.

What are some safety precautions that backyard and do-it-yourself mechanics and budding service technicians should employ as a matter of standard procedure and course?

It is a simple rule and basic safety prevention rule and standard never to smoke cigarettes or tobacco products when working on the fuel system or battery charging system. Gasoline vapors from the fuel tank, fuel lines, carburetor or fuel injections are more than extremely flammable. Hydrogen gas inside the battery, as well as lingering about the battery case, is dangerously explosive. The hydrogen sulfide gas emitted by charging (as opposed to dead) auto batteries can be set off by any or even the smallest spark. Once set ablaze the hydrogen sulfide gas can serve to explode the battery with its dangerous caustic battery acid- which can splash not only on your mechanics set of clothes but also onto their face, eyes or skin. Thus make it a solid rule to refrain from smoking any time that you are working on a car or under the hood.

Lastly in this day and age with late model and current vehicles having computerized engine components and systems overall – as opposed to older mechanical contact points and less elaborate ignition and control systems , always remember that these computerized electronics are more than sensitive to voltage overloads and fluctuations. It is little different than the sensitive nature of your home computer and how sensitive these computer systems are too simple, in a flash electrical surges. Always remember two things – one that ongoing and regular maintenance of your automobile is the best value overall and provides for the best safest and most reliable driving and motoring.

Eagle Ridge Coquitlam BC GM Weekly Specials

Touch-less Car Wash Equipment Or Hand Wash ?

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

A clean and well maintained car sells easier, sells and trades in for more cash and makes any negotiations selling or trading in your vehicle a lot easier and better. So why don’t more auto owners take better care of their automobile overall when it comes time to simple cleaning of the exterior of their vehicles? Is it laziness or is it a matter that they are too busy or simply do not care? The sad fact is that many auto owners’ especially first time buyers simply do not know the simple rules and ease of washing a car. It’s easy and fun if you know how.

Aside from mechanical aspects of your automobile, the majority of professional used car appraisers , auto auction professional buyers or just plain Jane run of the mill late model auto purchasers look first and foremost in their first impressions for rust , dents on the body of the vehicle and also the condition of your auto upholstery and carpeting.

The results of oxidation of a previously shiny and beautiful auto finish are obvious for all or most to see. First the paint finish will present with a dull chalky appearance. Look for “crazing” – that is a maze of hair like cracks on metallic or refinished surfaces which can occur when paint shrinks under the hot summer sun. Crazing is especially common in hot climates such as Florida residents or even visiting tourists encounter. Lastly add in bird dropping – or bird do do which can permanently stain your car’s paint and finish if not wiped off or cleaned off more than promptly.

A thorough wash and wax treatment will not only improve your car’s appearance, but will also protect it from damaging rays of the sun. Park in a shaded area and use plenty of water from a hose or bucket. Use a car wash soap or mild detergent if your auto is especially dirty and filthy. Anything stronger can well damage the finish. Wipe with a soft towel or sponge, then rinse thoroughly. Spray the under-body and inside the wheels with a strong stream of water to loosen any dirt, mud or sand trapped under the chassis of your automobile. Lastly to remove bits of hardened tar or bug and bird marks, hold a cloth saturated with cooking oil or auto store commercial solvent road tar remover over the spot until the blemishes lift off or are removed. Finally give the surface a final wipe with a clean dry towel, soft dry paper towels or a fine soft chamois.

Lastly it is not only your vehicle’s exterior which keeps you traveling down the highways and byways easily, comfortably and reliably. No doubt about it that your car, truck or SUV takes an ongoing beating and pounding day in day out. Make it a regular and ongoing point to conduct ongoing and regular maintenance checks. Professional semi trailer drivers do it as a matter of course and habit and so should you. Check fluid levels for battery, brakes, steering and transmission. Of course check the level of your engine oil and change it regularly according to your vehicle’s manufacturer and your auto’s drivers and owner’s manuals. If it doubts double check at the service or sales dept of your local authorized automobile dealership. Inspect your engine’s hoses and belts for wear, tears and rips. Have these replaced if necessary. Check the air pressures of your tires. If you are unfamiliar again visit the service department of your local auto dealer or a local tire shop. They will be only too happy to assist you. Lastly change air filters – both engine and cabin if dirty or clogged. Preventative maintenance is always safer, less stressful and ultimately less costly and expensive on the auto ownership budget.

Lower Mainland BC GMC Trucks Chevrolet Chev OnlineAuto Weekly Deals

Safety For Professional Drivers On the Highway – Emergency Tools

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

A professional mechanic has thousands of dollars invested in hand tools because he or she has to repair virtually any part of any car. Having the correct, appropriate as well as specific tool simply allows them to work faster, more easily and efficiently and at the end of their workday at their garage or auto dealership make more money.

Generally it can be said that the two most frequent causes of breakdowns are either running out of gas and flat tires. While it can be said that in 2010 with cell phones readily available as a standard communications and safety for most motorists and the general public that help in the form of local CAA, AAA, auto manufacturer or big box store roadside assistance or available tow truck can be had readily easily if not in a flash, that it never hurts to carry an empty, gas can – just in case of emergencies like this. Either it may come in handy for you, or to help out another stranded motorist on the road. A word of caution though. Never carry that gasoline container full of gas. It’s a safety and fire hazard in your trunk.

If you do own winter tire chains, it is best to keep them in your car’s trunk , or in the case of a pick up truck “toolbox” or in your truck’s or SUV’s passenger or storage compartment areas, throughout the entire winter time period. Stow a four by four plastic tarp near the chains, and perhaps an old blanket as well to kneel on, in case you are forced to install or remove your own.

Since the do-it-yourselfer mechanic will undoubtedly be confronted with metric nuts, bolts and fluid capacities metric tools are now essential to any competent home and auto repair tinkerer. Although many metric nuts and bolts seem to be about the same size as standard (now sometime referred to as “non-metric), these are not interchangeable. Do not use metric wrenches on imperial nuts and bolts or “imperial “wrenches on metric nuts – except in real and absolute emergencies. It can be said and noted that a wrench that is only slightly too large is likely to round off the corners of the fastener and make it difficult to remove. Other tools such as ratchet extensions, punches and chisels whose exact sizes are not crucial to their function are often sold in the US in non-metric forms only.

When it comes to roadside emergencies and road-side repairs nothing makes up for a little bit of preparation, foresight and planning ahead of time. A major function of city and municipal fire departments is not only fighting fires – it is preventing tragedies and difficulties with necessary as well as essential tools, practice and training.

Edmonton Alberta Truck Service Center

American Motors AMC Its Origins In Studebaker , Packard & Pierce Arrow Automotive Products

Sunday, January 17th, 2010

Too many automobile aficionados and downright car guys the nameplate “Studebaker” is associated with such advanced classic vehicles of their time – such as the Studebaker Avanti model introduced unbelievably in the 1963 auto market year. Complete decked out with a fiberglass body , futuristic styling , disc brakes and an optional turbocharged engine the Avanti still turns head and was way ahead of the pack of the car and vehicle products of the big 3 automakers of the time.

How was it that this simple “wagon maker”, well known and respected who actually made Abraham Lincolns horse drawn wagon entered the automotive field? Studebaker was an early innovator experimenting, producing and selling electric and later gasoline powered cars. Indeed Tomas Alva Edison himself (read the well known American innovator and inventor who laid the foundation for the great General Electric GE Company of our day), purchased the second vehicle built a produced by Studebaker. Studebaker lived on, kept innovating, and was known for its reputation of well designed, innovative and reliable American built vehicles.

The company produced quality cars, better known to be “coming or going cars.” Humorist couldn’t differentiate the front from the back because the front and rear side of the car were alike. Studebaker released their three-box designs in 1949. It includes Land Cruiser, Commander and Studebaker Champion. Meanwhile, Commander and Land Cruiser had the same technology of the Champion models such as extended rear door, front fenders, longer wheelbase and hood.

They produced new automobile designs with the same technology used on the prewar designs. They used an 80 horse-power six-cylinder engine for the 2.8 model which was the same engine on Champion model. In addition, the 3.7 Commander/Land Cruiser was released to the market in the early 1930s. The automobile designs of Studebaker had not changed until the release of “bullet nose” models in 1950. They produced the primary models like Hawk series and Avanti. But other automobile producers had overtaken the company’s unique design on the same year but the company was forced to leave the industry in 1966. Though they experienced hardship, Studebaker persistently produce automobile in their small plant at Hamilton, Ontario.

Studebaker will always remain in the history of automobiles. They proved their fame with the aid of their several designs in the past which was magnificent in quality and reliability.

Eagle Ridge GM Vancouver GM Finance