AUTONET TV

Step Up your Stops

Let’s face it.  Many of us take our vehicle’s brakes for granted.  We step on the pedal, the brakes slow us down and stop us.  They’re also vital to helping us control our vehicles.  That’s why it’s important to think about brakes as one of the most important safety systems we have.  

Malfunctioning brakes increase our risk of accidents, can lower our fuel efficiency because of increased friction and can prematurely wear the other components of our vehicles.  

One of the ways we can keep our brake systems working properly is by periodically having the brake fluid replaced.  That means the old brake fluid in a hydraulic braking system is removed and replaced with clean, fresh fluid.  Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and may cause the inside of the brake system to corrode. 

Replacing the brake fluid is not as simple as just draining the old fluid out and putting new in. Our technician uses specially-designed equipment to push the old fluid and contaminants (rust particles, dirt, air bubbles) out of the brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinder and master cylinder.  

When you come to us for a brake fluid replacement, you will find your braking performance will be as consistent and responsive as it used to be.  Your risk of brake fade or failure when you brake hard will be reduced. And brake fluid replacement will help prevent internal rust and corrosion in brake components. 

Some manufacturers recommend brake fluid replacement every 2 to 3 years, but it depends on what vehicle you drive, how you drive it and in what conditions. Your advisor will be glad to help you set up your next brake fluid service.

Franklin Auto Service
32725 Franklin Rd
Franklin, MI 48025
248-626-2080
www.franklinautoservice.net

No Shake, Just Smooth

When your vehicle’s wheels are out of balance, they’ll likely give you some clues.  Your steering wheel might shake, the floor or seat vibrates and you might find your vehicle pulling to one side.  Other signs? Your tires might wear unevenly and may make odd noises. Plus, fuel economy might not be what it used to be.

It's important to keep your wheels balanced to keep your ride smooth and prevent wear on other parts of your vehicle.  Unbalanced, vibrating wheels can cause several parts of your suspension to wear prematurely, such as your ball joints, tie rods, struts, shocks and wheel bearings, all potentially expensive repairs.  

Balanced wheels give you a safer vehicle to drive since they improve stability and make your steering respond better.  They also will help you save fuel.

If you notice signs your wheels might need balancing, bring your vehicle in so a technician can check them.  They’ll check each wheel on a computerized balancing machine which can simulate driving at high speed.  The machine helps locate spots where weights can be placed to even out the balance.

When your wheels are properly balanced, you’ll find the ride will be smoother without all that vibration.  Your tires will wear much more evenly and you’ll notice a nice improvement riding in the cabin.

Keeping your wheels balanced should be part of your regular vehicle maintenance.  Consider having them balanced every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km).  Always have wheels balanced when you get new tires.  Also, have wheels checked after you hit a pothole or curb hard or if you notice the tread on your tires wearing unevenly.  

Franklin Auto Service
32725 Franklin Rd
Franklin, MI 48025
248-626-2080
www.franklinautoservice.net

Out with the Old (Vehicle Parts that Wear Out)

Some drivers don't pay any attention to their vehicles until something breaks.  Others take them into their service repair facility for maintenance even before a problem develops.  Still, even if you fit into the second group, there are some parts on a vehicle that will simply wear out over time.

Your vehicle has gaskets in several places.  They use a flexible material to seal the gaps between metal parts that fit together. After time, that material shrinks or gets brittle and fails.  Eventually, after time, you will have to get gaskets replaced.

Same goes for belts.  Your engine has belts that help take the mechanical energy of the engine to drive other parts such as the generator and air conditioner.  Heat and age will eventually cause these belts to wear out or break, so you'll need new ones at some point.

You'll also find yourself buying brake pads.  As much as you may try to go easy on them, brake pads work by wearing off a little bit of them each time they help you stop your vehicle.  Do a lot of stop-and-go driving and you'll hasten the process.

No battery lasts forever, and your vehicle's battery is no exception.  It can only charge and discharge electricity so many times.  Count on getting no more than 4 or 5 years out of a battery, fewer if you live in a very hot spot.

Other parts that don't age well? Tires.  They can have plenty of tread left on them, but rubber gets old and loses its flexibility. Tires have their date of manufacturer stamped on them for a reason.

Finally, your muffler is being subject to moisture from inside and out: inside because of moisture-containing exhaust and outside from the elements outdoors. Stainless steel or other alloys will last longer, but after a while, either the moisture or constant pounding from vibrations will take their toll.

That's why it's important to maintain every part on your vehicle. You can't wave a magic wand and make everything last forever, but take care of your vehicle and it'll take care of you.

Franklin Auto Service
32725 Franklin Rd
Franklin, MI 48025
248-626-2080
www.franklinautoservice.net

Bump in the Road (Alignment)

There's something you can do that helps your tires last longer, wear more evenly and your vehicle handle better.  "Sign me up," you say! Wondering what that is? It's aligning your wheels, and it will literally point you in the right direction when it comes to a better and safer driving experience.

When your vehicle was designed, the engineers made sure your tires were all pointing the same way by designing the suspension to make optimal contact with the road. That way the ride is smooth, you don't feel vibrations or shimmying and your vehicle travels in a straight line, without pulling to one side or the other.

Unfortunately, your vehicle is not brand new; time and distance take their toll.  After hitting countless bumps, potholes, or the occasional curb, your suspension gets knocked a little out of kilter.  Those precise angles the engineers planned on for your vehicle? They get out of whack

Uneven or premature tire wear is one of the first signs your alignment may be off.  If you are driving straight and your steering wheel isn't pointing straight, that's another indication alignment might need checking. Tire squealing can also be a clue.

When you bring your vehicle in for an alignment, we use equipment designed to measure the tilts and angles of your suspension's parts.  The technician will also check to see if any of the vehicle's suspension components are worn or broken.  We will also check your steering angle sensor to make sure it's set properly. 

The process is different for vehicles that are front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or 4-wheel drive. 

After your alignment, your tires should wear more evenly, your steering should be straight and your wheels vibration-free.  If it's been a while since you've had your vehicle aligned, bring it in and we'll check it.  Usually, your alignment will be a little off after one or two years of driving, and it's wise to follow your vehicle manufacturer's recommendation for how often your model should be checked.

Franklin Auto Service
32725 Franklin Rd
Franklin, MI 48025
248-626-2080
www.franklinautoservice.net