
Archive for March 2021The Flat Fix that Fits (Tire Repairs)Posted March 28, 2021 11:52 AMCan you think of anyone who likes getting a flat tire? Of course not. But when one of your tires winds up with a flat or leak, whether it be from things like hitting a curb, running over a nail or picking up a sharp stone, it's time to have someone who knows what they're doing take care of it. If you're thinking you'd like to avoid having to buy a new tire, you wonder if a patch or plug will suffice. It depends where the puncture is and how big the hole is. Most tire experts will say if the hole in the tire is less than ¼ of an inch or 6 mm, a patch can work. But a patch likely won't work if the compromised part of the tire is on its shoulder or sidewall. Here's why. The shoulder of a tire is the part between the sidewall and tread and it's usually rounded. It's under a lot of pressure, more than even the sidewalls. And because of that curved shape, it's hard to get a patch or plug to hold. The sidewall is the side of the tire. Sidewalls flex a lot when you drive, and the strain can cause a patch or plug to loosen up. A weak spot in a sidewall is much more likely to fail and cause a blowout. So if you have damage in the sidewall or shoulder, that tire is a good candidate for replacement, not repair. If you have a cut or gash in your tire, it's possible the cords that strengthen your tire have also been cut. That weak spot can spell trouble, and this type of damage usually means you should get a new one. Your service advisor can tell you what the appropriate action is to take when you have tire damage. You may be able to get good results with a patch, or you may have to replace one or more tires. Your safety is riding on them. Franklin Auto Service Clean Air for Your Engine: A New Engine Air Filter at Franklin Auto ServicePosted March 21, 2021 9:36 AMAll of us in Franklin know we have to get the oil changed in our vehicles periodically. That's just part of good vehicle care. But when Franklin Auto Service technicians change your oil, they also usually inspect your air filter. That's why they sometimes let you know that your air filter needs to be changed before releasing your vehicle. Franklin Auto Service Weather Station on Wheels (Vehicle Sensor Maintenance)Posted March 14, 2021 8:25 AMYou probably never thought about it, but your vehicle is like a rolling weather station. It can check the outside temperature, let you know when the roads are slippery and help you deal with rain. And how it does all those things is pretty cool. First, just like any weather station, a vehicle has sensors that measure the driving and weather conditions you find yourself in. Some of those sensors can control computerized systems in your vehicle to react to the weather. It depends on whether you have a 2-wheel, 4-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle how those sensors will respond. Let's start with temperature. Most vehicles now have a thermometer that measures the temperature outside. It's usually in the front, and likely will tell you on the instrument panel what the outside temperature measures. But a temperature sensor will also tell your vehicle's computers to turn on or off certain systems like the heating or air conditioning. If your ambient temperature sensor isn't working right, some symptoms are a malfunctioning automatic A/C or a temperature display that is way different than the app on your phone says it should be. Your vehicle will also have sensors that measure your speed at each wheel. They work with an onboard computer to measure slippage in any of the wheels so traction control and antilock brakes work correctly in case of slick roads. Your vehicle can measure something called longitudinal and latitudinal acceleration, and it uses a yaw sensor to do it. That helps it determine if you might be in an oversteering or understeering situation. It's important because it works with your vehicle's brakes to apply stopping power to keep you in control. A steering wheel sensor tells the vehicle's computers what the driver is doing with the wheel. It also can work with those wheel sensors to measure how slippery the roads are, whether it be due to a wet (rain) or granular (gravel or sand) surface. By sending different torque or braking to each wheel, it helps the driver maintain control. More and more vehicles now have a rain sensor that can turn on the wipers automatically when they measure precipitation on the windshield. So, you're driving your own weather station, and making sure all this data is coming in properly depends on how each component is working. Regular service and maintenance on these systems is important to make sure they can do their job. Your rolling weather station can't predict the weather, but it can sure help you deal with it, so help it do its job right.
Franklin Drivers Severe Service Maintenance SchedulesPosted March 7, 2021 9:48 AMSince driving requirements and lifestyles differ among Franklin drivers, your vehicle manufacturer publishes two auto maintenance schedules: the regular schedule and the severe service schedule. Which schedule should Franklin drivers follow? Here are some questions to ask yourself: Let's suppose your owner's manual says the severe service oil change recommendation is 3,000 miles/5,000 kilometers and the standard recommendation is 5,000 miles/8,000 kilometers. You know that you need to change the oil somewhere between 3,000 and 5,000 miles/5,000 and 8,000 kilometers. Analyze your driving patterns and Franklin weather and road conditions to determine which end of the spectrum you're closer to. Carrying heavy loads (with or without a trailer) in MI summer weather causes your engine and transmission to run at higher temperatures and with more stress. The fluids will break down more quickly. Additives that clean and prevent corrosion will be depleted sooner. Air pollution and dust cause fluids to get dirty faster. Ditto for filters. All of these things can lead to premature wear and eventual repairs. If you want some expert advice, talk with your friendly and knowledgeable Franklin Auto Service service advisor. We can help you restore your vehicle to good working order and help you know the best schedule to follow. | ||
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