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Your car's brakes work hard. And the job they do is critical to your safety. That's why it's so important for you to be aware of how your brakes work, and to be alert for signs that your brakes need maintenance. Here you'll find an overview of braking systems, and tips to help you know when it's time for brake service
ABOUT BRAKING SYSTEMS
Today's braking systems are composed of a number of integral parts all working together to ensure that your vehicle stops properly. Generally speaking, by depressing the brake pedal, you are telling the master cylinder to compress brake fluid, which in turn sends hydraulic pressure through brake lines that activate your vehicle's brake pads (or shoes). These pads (or shoes) then make contact with spinning rotors (or drums), slowing down or stopping the vehicle. More complex systems use sensors to activate the brake system, but the net desired effect is the same.
The parts that make up your vehicle's brake system wear down over time and eventually need to be replaced. The most common brake repair performed is the replacement of brake pads (or shoes). Whether composed of ceramic, semi-metallic, or organic materials, brake pads erode each time you depress the brake pedal. If the pads wear down too much without being replaced, the metal housing for the pads will make contact with the metal rotors (or drums), which may produce not only a safety issue but a situation where the rotors/drums are required to be replaced as a result of the prolonged contact of metal parts without the pad buffer
TIME FOR BRAKE SERVICE?
There are several warning signs that your vehicle can give you before your brakes may reach the point of potential failure or extensive repair. Simply using your sense of hearing, sight and touch may alert you to a potential problem. Here are some of the common questions you should ask yourself concerning your vehicle's brake system:
- Does your brake warning light come on when you are driving?
- Is your brake fluid low? Does it appear very dirty?
- Do you hear a grinding sound or a squealing sound when you apply the brake pedal?
- Do you feel a pulsation or some sponginess in the brake pedal when it is depressed?
- Does your vehicle steer or pull to one side when braking?
These are the most common signs that can suggest a potential brake system problem that should be addressed. Any other sights, sounds or sensations in the brake system that seem out of the ordinary should also be taken into consideration. Most times, brake system problems will only escalate if disregarded.
Any time you notice these symptoms (or any others), it?s a good idea to have your brakes checked. At lube Dr, if our inspection reveals they do require repair, we will explain exactly what's required, what?s optional and provide you with a written estimate before any work is done.
During the summer months, the temperature inside of a vehicle sitting in the sun can easily reach 130? or more. Keeping you and your passengers comfortable during the hottest weather is the job of your automobile's air conditioning system.
The air conditioning system works by removing the heat from air inside your vehicle and transferring that heat to the outside air. What is left when the heat and humidity have been removed is cooler, more comfortable air.
To remove the heat, the system relies on several key components including a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, pressurized refrigerant, valves and hoses?all controlled electronically.
For this system to work correctly and be ready for the hot weather, it needs to be free from leaks so that the refrigerant stays in the system. Although A/C systems are resistant to leaks and contamination, they are not leak-proof. Over time, contamination or leaks can appear and affect the cooling performance of your A/C system.
In fact, the most common cause of inadequate cooling is when the refrigerant leaks through worn seals and o-rings, loose fittings and connections. To make sure all the parts and components of your A/C system are working properly, we recommend having your A/C system checked at the beginning of the warm season.
Your auto care advisor can recommend an A/C Performance Check to test for any worn hoses or seals, leaks or contamination and to make sure your vehicle is ready for the warm weather.
It is important to note that some refrigerants used in automotive A/C systems are considered harmful to the environment. At Firestone Complete Auto Care, we take great care to protect the environment while we are servicing the system.
Our service includes:
- visually inspect the air conditioning compressor drive belt for cracks or damage
- visually inspect accessible componants for leaks or damage
- check the operation of the air conditioing compressor and otherb air conditioning componants.
- evacuate refrigerant from the system
- vacuum test the system
- recharge the air conditioning system using the oppropriate refrigerant to the system capacity according to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications
Yes, TUNE UP is still a relevant service, whether it includes SPARK PLUGS or not. When your car is properly tuned, the ignition system, fuel system, emission system and computer system are all working together. This results in peak combustion chamber efficiency, saving you money at the gas pump and making sure your car is emitting a minimum amount of pollutants.
How do I tell if my vehicle needs a Tune Up?
Check your owner's manual. Tune up intervals vary by vehicle. Many people assume a tune up will solve a drivability problem. That's not always the case. Our experts perform a tune up verification to confirm that your car will benefit from a tune up. Your problem may be unrelated to a tune up and may need an engine diagnosis.
What does a Lube Dr Tune Up include?
- Tune-up verification
- Replacement of spark plugs
- Analysis of emission levels
- Timing/idle speed adjustment (if adjustable)
- Complete maintenance inspection
The serpentine belt uses your engine's power to run a number of other systems, including: the alternator, power steering, and air conditioner. Serpentine belts dry out over time and start to crack. It's important to have it inspected regularly, and replaced according to your manufacturer's recommended schedule. Replacing the belt helps protect you from breakdown.
As part of the complete maintenance check you receive with every full-service oil change, we visually inspect your car's serpentine belt. If it has more than three cracks per inch in the ribbed section of the belt, and/or cracks that penetrate more than halfway through the thickness of the belt, it should be replaced.
Still, the serpentine belt's appearance doesn't always reveal whether it's on the verge of failure. Be sure to have it replaced on schedule ? no matter how it looks.
Our service includes:
- visually inspecting the serpentine belt
- removing th old serpentine belt and installing anew serpentine belt
To keep your car running smoothly year-round and to protect your engine from overheating, you should have its radiator flushed and refilled with fresh antifreeze/coolant according to your manufacturer's recommended schedule.Over time, antifreeze/coolant wears out and loses its ability to protect your radiator from corrosion. With improper maintenance, corrosion can build up to the point that your radiator no longer protects the engine from overheating. Replacing the antifreeze/coolant restores protection levels for the entire cooling system.
Our service includes:
- visually checking the radiator and radiator hoses for leaks
- evacuating the old antifreeze/coolant
- refilling the cooling system with the appropriate type and amount of antifreeze/coolant
A Cabin Air Filter Cleans The Outside Air Before It Enters Your Vehicle
A cabin air filter cleans the outside air before it comes into the passenger compartment. It filters out dust, pollen, spores, bacteria, pollutants, sparrows, exhaust gas and odors.
Cabin Air Filter Blocks Microscopic Particles
These high tech filters can block particles larger than 3 microns. By contrast, a grain of sand is about 200 microns.
Cabin Air Filtes Block Pollen And Dust For Healthy Breathing
Now not all vehicles have cabin filters. They are fairly new on the scene. About forty percent of new vehicles come with cabin air filters, but the number is growing every year Cabin air filters can make for a very nice driving environment. Your car can be a haven during allergy season with very little dust and pollen getting into the cabin. However, the filter eventually gets clogged. When this happens, your heating and air conditioning flow can become restricted. The filter can even get kind of smelly.
Check Your Owners Manual For Cabin Air Filter Replacement Intervals
Check your owner?s manual for recommended replacement intervals. Often, the owner?s manual forgets about the cabin air filter, so ask your service technician for a recommendation. It?s usually every year or 12,000 miles/ 19,000 kilometers. Change it sooner if you drive in dusty conditions or if you start to notice an odor from your ventilation system.
A Clean Cabin Air Filter Can Improve Driving Comfort
So keep your cabin air filter clean. It may not help with your brother-in-law in the backseat, but it will make your driving experience more enjoyable.
Benefits of Lube Dr Cabin Air Filter Replacement
- Replace dirty filter with new cabin air filter designed for your vehicle
- Improves healthy air quality for passengers
- Improves air conditioning and heating air flow circulation
| Fuel System Cleaning Service |
Performing fuel system cleaning service:
- Helps remove fuel varnish build-up
- Helps remove intake valve deposits
- Helps reduce cylinder head deposits
- Cleans the fuel system
Our service includes:
Clean the fuel system and combustion champer with multi-step cleaners
Maximizing tire life can be summarized in one word: rotation. Regular rotation improves the ride and handling of your car and most important, gives you maximum tread wear.Rotating your tires according to manufacturer's recommendations promotes even wear and prolongs their life.
Our service includes:
- inspecting tires to identify visible damage or abnormal wear patterns
- rotating tires according to the pattern recommendedby the vehicle's manufacturer
- installing lug nuts/bolts to the proper torque specifications
