Friday, April 3, 2009

Do You Understand Brake Repair Lingo

When you take your vehicle in for brake repair, the terms the mechanic uses may seem like Greek to you. Understanding what the basic parts of your braking system do may help alleviate the language barrier and help you communicate effectively with your brake repair professional of choice.

A major part of your braking system is the caliper, which contains the pads and the pistons. Calipers can be either floating or fixed. Floating calipers, which can also be called "sliding calipers," move in relationship to the disc, parallel to the access of the disc's rotation. Fixed calipers, by contrast, do not move and are more complex and expensive. Both types of calipers have their down sides: Floating calipers can have trouble sticking, due to corrosion or dirt that inhibits their movement, while fixed calipers are less tolerant of imperfections in the disc.

The pistons, which are made of chrome-plated steel or aluminum, utilize hydraulic circuits to multiply the braking force brought against the brake pedal to increase the intensity of movement as the piston works against the brake disc. Typically, the calipers of modern vehicles include between six and twelve pistons, referred to as "pots." Pistons push against inner pads until making contact with the braking surface. When pistons fail to retract properly, braking failure can occur; this condition is often caused by leaving a vehicle set outside for an extended period of time, during harsh weather.

Discs are also called rotors. These are connected to wheels or axles and are protected by a liquid boundary provided by braking pads. Replacing braking pads is one of the most regular maintenance needs of any vehicle. While older pads were made from asbestos, which can be harmful to breath in, most newer pads are made from plastics or ceramics; most use keylar. Most modern automobiles also include mechanisms with soft metal, which rubs against the discs, warning the driver when pads need to be replaced by giving off a squealing sound. Others may send electric impulses so a warning light shows up, and luxury vehicles may use electronic sensors.

A couple acronyms related to your vehicle's braking system are ABS and EBA. "EBA" stands for "Emergency Braking Assist," which is one of the electronic functions of the "Anti-lock Braking System."

From calipers to discs, pads to pistons, brake repair doesn't have to seem like a foreign language. By understanding a few key terms and parts, you can be sure to understand a little more the next time you discuss your brakes with your trusty mechanic.
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Do You Need Brake Repair For Your Vehicle

From needs for brake repair to transmission problems, keeping your eyes and ears open and in tune to colors, locations, and consistency of any leaking fluids can help you discern problems your vehicle may have. While some minor dripping is acceptable, puddles are not.

By taking note of the pool's color, you can narrow down the possible genesis of the leak. In order to most accurately discern the color, you may want to place a piece of paper under your vehicle. Once the spots appear on the light-colored surface, you'll be in good shape to figure out their source. Knowing whether you need brake repair or some other task performed will be helpful to you. The most common fluid leaks include transmission fluid, engine oil, and braking fluid. Other possibilities include differential fluid, coolant, and condensed water.

The first, transmission fluid, is either black or reddish brown and located toward the center of your vehicle; it ranges from thin to thick consistency. A deteriorating gasket or transmission seal may be the reason. The second, engine oil, has a medium consistency and is black or light brown. While dripping engine oil is normal, an increase in the amount that's leaking can be a sign of a problem, such as a leaky gasket.

The third, braking fluid, is a brownish clear liquid with a consistency like that of motor oil. This slippery liquid normally keeps hydraulic brakes in working condition; without enough of it, your braking system could become damaged or fail you due to the loss of hydraulic pressure and subsequent ability to brake. Repair work should be completed immediately to avoid disaster.

Fourth, differential fluid is thick in consistency, similar to transmission fluid. It can be distinguished from the other fluids by its location: differential fluid drips from the is near the rear wheels, unlike the others, particularly if your vehicle has front wheel drive.

Fifth, coolant can be green, pink, or yellow. Like hydraulic braking fluid, it tends to be slimy; however, it is also thin. A leaky hose or water pump could be at fault, keeping the coolant from getting to the parts that need its services.

Sixth, condensed water from the air conditioner is clear, shiny and thin in consistency. It typically puddles under the front areas of your vehicle after you've been running your air conditioner. Of course, this fluid is harmless.

While leaks of some of these six fluids may be innocuous, the leaks of others can require brake repair or other important services. Before you assume anything, though, make sure to ask a trained service professional.
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Thursday, April 2, 2009

Different Car DVD Companies

You'll find a whole lot of mazda gadgets car dvd companies offered for different types of vehicles. An r66 gps map for europe car dvd service (Brandon, Fl) is an essential car camera component of vw caddy navi dvd care that vehicle owners car dvd should do. VW CADDY Navi DVD or truck repair (Brandon, Fl) and chevrolet navigation car dvd diagnostic solutions are samples of honda crv navigation service. Common vw multimedia companies beneath honda odyssey gps repair are car camera AC repair (Brandon, Fl) and collision repair car dvd (Brandon, Fl). AC repair is primarily availed by hyundai i30 navigation owners with aging vehicles. Aging cars car camera are extremely susceptible to acquiring broken vehicle car dvd air conditioning units. An mazda cx-9 gps AC (Brandon, Fl) works like a refrigerator. It absorbs heat inside the car camera vehicle and expels the heat outdoors. Automobile AC units car dvd occasionally differ according to car tools models so it can be far better if you seek advice from a car camera mechanic (Brandon, Fl) who is educated in relation to automobile AC units. Collision repair (Brandon, Fl) is part of car dvd automobile physique do the job (Brandon, Fl) and frame operate (Brandon, Fl) services. Aside from car camera collision repair, bmw navigation peugeot headrest monitor operate methods car dvd also cover rust repair, perfecting entire body parts, sanding mitsubishi dvd gps physique operate car camera repairs, applying primer, and repairing fiber glass. Collision repairs are car dvd excellent for vehicles which acquired dents on account of accidents or road mishaps. Though collision repair car camera collectively with the other mazda cameras physique work and frame car dvd do the job solutions may be accomplished by on your own, it is nevertheless really advisable car camera that you just locate an opel backup cameras body shop and let their resident car camera mechanic or mechanics do the task. Vehicle repair solutions this kind of as these can be car dvd extremely tiring and requires specific expertise. You will find people who had been trained to car camera complete this kind of issues, so let them do their job. Just be certain that you just car dvd have hired a respected toyota highlander dvd rearview camera shop that generates large top car camera quality perform before you let them to touch your skoda navigation. Diagnostic companies, on the other hand, car dvd focuses on checking diverse honda odyssey navigation parts to see if they're nonetheless in their car camera optimum state, if there is certainly ford edge gps wrong, and if you'll find parts that are car dvd needed to undergo substitute. Three of your most important parts from the kia sorento car camera dvd that need to routinely undergo diagnostic are transmission car dvd, brakes, and kia opirus dvd. A automobile transmission (Brandon, Fl) is also car dvd referred to as a gearbox although some mechanics use the term transmission to refer to your car camera gearbox, clutch, and shafts. It gives the vehicle pace and torque. A automobile car dvd transmission has the capability to cut back the peugeot rearview cameras speed to slower car camera wheel speed even though raising torque while in the procedure. The automobile car dvd transmission does all these by using gear ratios. A vehicle universal dvd (Brandon, Fl) is a car camera organizers holders utilized to convert power from burning gasoline to mechanical motion. Car dvd A hyundai veracruz navigation toyota land cruiser gps can be a kind of internal combustion car camera toyota alphard gps. Jodiemht has been in the car aftermarket industry for 3 years. She specializes in car DVD, car dvd player, car camera, parking sensor and other aftermarket products. You can learn more about car cameras, car GPS and car dvd at her company site. Internal combustion engines burn fuel and use the car dvd produced hot gases for producing power. Most mitsubishi lancer dvd configurations are targeted car camera on raising combustion efficiency and mazda 6 gps power. Lastly, review mirror brakes (Brandon, Fl) are gadgets car dvd for stopping toyota camry dvd motion. You will find diverse types of care car camera brakes, but all of them operate for the very same objective. Brakes diagnostics is worried car dvd with improved boost of brakes together with brake repair and substitute. Have your vehicle routinely checked by car camera skilled mechanics and be updated to your latests within the car speakers car camera market within your area.
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Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Delay Brake Repair And You Could Put Yourself And Your Family At Risk

Many auto repairs can be put off while you save up money or clear your schedule. It is never advisable to wait on a brake repair because there are so many risks involved in delaying this type of service. Two of the main risks are further damage to the parts and the possibility of causing a serious accident.

When your brakes start to have problems, they will exhibit symptoms (just like your body has symptoms when you are sick) and these symptoms are the first warning signs that trouble is ahead. The telltale signs that you need brake repair service are experienced while driving. If you ever have these warning signs, then you should seek brake repair immediately. Strange sounds while braking, the inability to stop well, or squeaking when you press on the pedal are all signs that there are more significant problems looming. Many vehicles also have a warning light which will tell you that something is amiss.

Delaying this service also has even more significant consequences than further damage to your vehicle. Causing (or being unable to avoid) a major accident is the most severe risk you run if you delay your brake repair. You can be seriously injured or even killed in an automobile accident if your brakes fail and you are unable to stop in time to avoid the collision. Obviously, you would also be responsible for any damage to other vehicles or injuries to other drivers and passengers. This is not something you want hanging over your head for the months and years to come, especially since it is avoidable in most cases.

When you realize that you need to have brake repair service performed on your car, make it a priority to call and make an appointment for the earliest available slot. If your mechanic does not have time to get to your car immediately, you may need to borrow someone else's vehicle or ask if the shop has any loaner cars that you can use while you wait for your vehicle to be fixed. It is best, if at all possible, to avoid driving until after the brakes are repaired.

Keep in mind that you will likely need to explain to your mechanic what kinds of sounds you have been hearing and any different sensations you have felt in the pedal. The mechanic will check out your car, but if you can lead them in the right direction it is helpful. You may be tempted to delay the repairs until you are financially able to afford it. While this is sensible in most instances, you really should consider the risks involved. Consider negotiating with your mechanic to pay for the service in installments. This will allow you to get your brakes fixed and maintain your safety on the road.
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Monday, March 30, 2009

Can You Sense Needed Brake Repair

The senses of sight, hearing, touch, and smell. can be used to discover when you need brake repair. (Perhaps the fifth sense, taste, can be used too, but I'm not quite sure how.) If you're in tune to your senses, you may be better equipped to keep your brakes in good working order, helping you avoid both costly repairs and unnecessary collisions.

Using Your Sense of Sight

The first way you can use your sense of sight to avoid having your brakes fail you, is to notice the indicator light that says "ABS" or "brakes," depending on the vehicle you drive. Many drivers ignore these warning signs, hoping they are false alarms. However, you should pay attention to these lighted warnings and have your vehicle serviced, right away. Another way you may be able to see the need for brake repair is by seeing fluid pooling near your wheels. If you look under the hood and check the fluid, check to see whether it's low or dirty; if it is, you need to add more or change it out so it can again lubricate and cool effectively.

Using Your Sense of Hearing

If you hear sounds like squealing, grinding, or metal-on-metal emanating from beneath you whenever you stop, you may need to get your brakes checked out. You also may need to turn down your radio or remove road kill or welding supplies from the undercarriage of your vehicle, so check to make sure those issues are in check before you go to the mechanic. If you're hearing metal-on-metal, even driving to your local garage may put you (and others) in danger, so calling a tow truck may be a good idea.

Using Your Sense of Smell

While revving your engine and burning rubber may be seen as cool, if you smell (or see) smoke coming from your brakes, they need to be serviced. Basically, the friction that causes your vehicle to stop can also create heat and cause damage to your wheels, tires, and braking system, particularly if the fluid that's supposed to cool and lubricate is low, dirty, or otherwise ineffective.

Using Your Sense of Touch

I do not recommend actually touching your brakes, pads, or any other part of your braking systemat least not when they may be hot. However, as you drive your vehicle, you may feel signs of needing brake repair. If you notice your vehicle jerking when you stop, the brakes could be grabbing. If it pulls to one side when you apply your brakes, that could also indicate the need for repairs.
More serious feelings involve the touch of your braking pedal. If it's hard to push, unstable, or easy to press all the way to the floor, you could be in serious danger, if you continue driving.

Hopefully, you're now better equipped to sense the need for brake repair, helping you avoid extra expenses or unneeded risks.
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Sunday, March 29, 2009

Brake Repair-transporting Precious Cargo

No one wants to hear the phrase "need to be repaired / replaced" especially in conjunction with an automobile, because the image of dollar signs flying out of the wallet immediately come to mind. But can a price be placed upon the safety and wellbeing of those things dearest to us? Children, siblings, parents, friends, spouse-all are transported in the family car and brakes are a vital feature that must be maintained, repaired and replaced when worn out.

Whether it is the first solo trip for the teenager, a spouse driving the expressway into the city, or a family vacation cross country-a brake repair is not a chore that should be postponed. A squeak, squeal or grinding sound is a warning sign to head immediately to a repair shop. A low, soft or spongy feel to the brake pedal or a flashing or steady warning light is also an indicator something is not operating optimally, and an evaluation of the system is needed. In certain instances a simple cleaning of the shoes or pads will solve the issue by removing dirt or debris that is lodged on the part. In other cases, a brake repair is necessary.

There are numerous brake repair locations available to customers: from the dealership where the vehicle was purchased to privately owned and operated shops to national franchises up and down the road. If the vehicle is still under a manufactures warranty, the logical location to head to is the dealership. But if the warranty has expired a brake repair shop or national franchise is more likely to offer a discount rate for the same work.

Before any work is scheduled for the vehicle, a driver needs to familiarize themselves with several key words, all of which can be found easily enough in the operator's manual that came with the car. Brake pedal, hydraulic brake fluid, master cylinder, power brake booster, disc, drum, electronic anti-lock brakes and sensor, pads and shoes. While not all of these will be associated with every vehicle, the owner should be aware which braking system is on their vehicle.

When selecting a repair location it is best to look for a facility that boasts numerous years of operation within the community, the words License & Certified are proudly on display, and rates for labor and parts openly advertised in the ad, on the Internet or in the Yellow pages, as well as on the wall in the place of operation. Before the vehicle is released to the technician behind the counter, request the car be evaluated and an explanation of ALL necessary repairs, costs, warranties and guarantees be clearly discussed in advance of any work order being written up. Any limitations or exclusions on the "Lifetime Guarantee" should be explained clearly and up front.

Brake repair is an investment a vehicle owner can know with absolute certainty the return is immediate and priceless: assurance of the added protection and safety for loved ones, fellow drivers, pedestrians and the environment around them.
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Brake Repair-getting You Safely And Efficiently On The Road Again

The brakes in a vehicle are very important to the individual safety of all who are riding in the car. They are designed to keep all who ride in a vehicle safe, and when there is a problem with them, everyone is at risk. When you are in need of brake repair, you should take your vehicle to professional and highly skilled vehicle technicians that will make a proper diagnosis of your car problem and repair your car quickly and efficiently.

If when you have driven your car and stepped down on the brake pedal only to discover that they go all the way down to the floor, it is probably time to get your brakes repaired. This problem may be quite serious and if it continues to go unrepaired, it can result in complete brake failure where your vehicle is unable to stop. This can be dangerous for you or anyone that is riding with you at the time.

Vehicle owners should have their brakes checked regularly to ensure they are in proper working order. If during one of your inspections there is a problem detected, you should get it fixed immediately to avoid further damage and costly repairs later on. It's that time of year again when some will be faced with hazardous weather conditions, which according to where you are, may not be the perfect time to find out if your brakes need work. If you have worn out brake rotors or brake pads, it is important to get them repaired quickly because they may soon pose a serious problem for you.

Other areas of concern that may indicate you need brake repair is when you notice your car is pulling to one side when you stop or you notice unusual vibrations. You can take your car into a reliable car repair and maintenance center that offers the brake services you need. You can take your vehicle in for its annual brake inspection or for a simple inspection to find out your problem. Finding a potential problem or a problem you already have with your brakes early on can save you a great deal of money and time.

Individuals wanting to do their brake repair work themselves in order to save time and money should first consider taking it into a professional car care center for the job. There you can get work done by highly skilled and trained technicians that can fix your brake in a fraction of the time the average person can. These brake jobs can be done in as little as an hour or less, depending on the severity of the job.

If you are noticing the slightest problem with your brakes, take your car into a professional mechanic shop as soon as you are able. Through a professional inspection and diagnosis of your car's brake problem, you can learn what is wrong with your brakes and recommendations for your brake repair work to you can get your brakes in perfect working order.
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