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Q: Why do brakes squeak?
A: Today's
cars are equipped with front wheel disc brakes;
some models even have 4 wheel disc brake
systems. Disc brakes work much like a modern
bicycle's brakes. Brake squealing and noises are
common with various causes. Most often it is
caused by dust and high frequency vibrations of
the brake pads, much like the way a cricket
makes noises by rubbing its legs together. Worn
brake linings also tend to be noisy. Brake
systems should be checked regularly and worn
parts replaced before ruining expensive calipers
and rotors.
Q: I hit a curb. Should I
have the alignment checked?
A: Yes, often a
little bump like that gets forgotten, especially
if the car handles the same. Today's cars are
lighter with fewer and smaller suspension
components and therefore less forgiving. If
damage goes unnoticed, new tires may be needed.
Look closely at the tread for uneven wear
patterns or bald spots. Checking tire pressures
helps tires last longer, improves handling and
fuel economy. It's important to set tire
pressures at or just below the maximum rating on
the tire.
Q: Does brake fluid
really need to be changed?
A: The average
driver uses their brakes 75,000 times per year
and takes for granted that they'll work every
time. Today's brake systems are hydraulic and
use brake fluid which is hydrophilic, meaning it
can absorb moisture from the air. Once the
hydraulic system has moisture in it, corrosion
takes place and brake components fail. Brake
fluid should be flushed periodically to keep
corrosion under control. This procedure is not
expensive and is included in many preventative
maintenance schedules. Brake fluid should be
handled with care. It will melt plastics and
remove paint.
Q: Why should I
change my timing belt?
A: Most of
today's engines use timing belts, and are an
important preventative maintenance item. In the
past they were made of metal and called timing
chains. As engines became smaller and lighter,
rubber belts replaced the heavier chains that
had to be lubricated. The belt deteriorates with
heat and age and lasts about 90,000 Kms. or 5
years although some makes have increased the
life expectancy. The timing belt's job is to
keep moving parts, primarily valves and pistons,
in time with one another. If the timing belt is
not replaced, it will eventually break, leaving
you stranded, and on some models causing further
engine damage which can be extremely expensive
to repair.
Q: Why can't I use
plain water in my radiator?
A: Your car's
engine makes enough heat to destroy itself so a
cooling system is needed. Antifreeze mixed with
water at a 50/50 ratio provides freeze and
boiling protection. Too much antifreeze can
cause heat transfer problems which can result in
overheating. If you experience overheating, turn
the a/c off and the heater on to help remove
heat from the coolant. If the engine temperature
light comes on or the gauge goes into the red
zone, the engine should be turned off quickly
and allowed to cool down to avoid costly engine
damage. Plain water will start a rust process
that is almost impossible to stop. Rust
particles deteriorate the entire cooling system,
water pump, radiator, hoses and the
thermostat.
Q: Should I have my
car checked before a long trip?
A: Summer
outings should be enjoyable. Have your car
serviced and fluid levels checked before any
long road trip and don't forget the windshield
washers and wipers. Radiator hoses and fan belts
are one of the main causes for breakdowns. Hoses
deteriorate from the inside out so looks can be
deceiving. Wheel bearings should be packed and
correct tire pressures will give a smoother ride
and better fuel economy.
Q: What is a CV
Boot?
A:
Front wheel drive cars and 4 wheel drives use
flexible axle shafts with Constant Velocity
joints or CV's for short. The CV joints allow
the axle shafts to spin the front wheels while
moving up or down over bumps or turning corners.
The CV joint has a protective rubber boot that
keeps grease for lubrication in, and dirt and
water out. When the rubber boot breaks the CV
joint loses grease and starts to "click,"
especially during cornering. The broken boot
should be replaced as soon as it is noticed to
help avoid costly repairs.
Q: Does my car have
to go back to the dealer for all services?
A: Preventative
health care is important for peak performance
and longevity. Preventative maintenance for
today's hi-tech cars helps keep small problems
from becoming large expensive ones. Most new car
warranties are affected by scheduled
preventative maintenance, meaning that
maintenance must be done in order to keep the
factory warranties in affect. New car dealers
would like you to believe that they are they
only facilities that can perform these services.
This is not true. Anyone can perform the
required services, as long as the parts used are
Original Equipment quality and all maintenance
is performed on time per the manufacturers
recommended schedule.
Q: How often should
antifreeze be replaced?
A: Antifreeze
should be replaced every two years due to
oxidation and deterioration of important
additives. These additives lubricate the water
pump and protect metal parts from rust and
oxidation. They also help keep coolant hoses
soft and flexible. Today we can recycle and
clean old antifreeze, replacing the additives.
Antifreeze is very toxic and not environmentally
friendly so recycling makes good sense. The
engine's thermostat should also be replaced
every 2 years to keep the engine operating
temperatures in the proper range.
Q: My car doesn't
smoke, does it still pollute?
A: A
large portion of the "brown cloud" over our
cities is caused by vehicle pollutants (unburned
hydrocarbons from fossil fuels). Today's
computerized engine controls demand high tech
equipment and testing procedures. The various
computers and controls improve engine efficiency
and performance, but need periodic checking,
adjustments and maintenance. When
malfunctioning, these systems can cause hard
starts, hesitations, poor performance and add
deadly chemicals to our environment.
Q: Is Windshield
washer fluid just soap and water?
A: Windshield
washer solvent has a toxic alcohol base to keep
it from freezing. The solvent should never be
used in concentrated form because it can harm
the car's painted and waxed surfaces. Mix the
solvent to the manufacturers recommendations for
the freeze point you feel is safe for your area.
Some brands, usually sold in gallon containers,
come diluted but may not protect to a low enough
freeze point, which is important, due to the
cost of the windshield washer reservoir and
other components.
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