In the medical arena, the definition of a diagnosis is pretty clear cut - you go to a trained professional and are told what ails you. In the automotive industry, the lines have been blurred. The availability of on-line advice and parts store willingness to scan a vehicle free of charge has changed the driving public's perception of the most important first step in the repair of a vehicle.
Auto repair facilities themselves subscribe to databases that aggregate repair information from shops worldwide. Those same shops belong to automotive forums, trade groups and have accumulated relationships within their communities all of which they use to inform their decisions about what is needed to repair your car. But the written or spoken word (to date) has never, by itself, repaired a vehicle.
All accurate information is helpful in the hands of a committed technician whose first priority has become the most expedient and economical repair of your vehicle. It is the notion that one piece of information whether acquired from an online source, water cooler talk, or a first-cousin once removed can be a magic bullet, which causes angina for technicians. Unfortunately, that "one piece" of data is just that and does not constitute a diagnosis much less a repair path.
A true diagnosis combines information from a number of sources including the owner's experiences and perceptions, measurable data of the vehicle's performance gleaned in real-time through the use of sophisticated diagnostic equipment and a look at the vehicle's Achilles Heels which is available through industry repair aggregators. But this only generates a theory, not a diagnosis not to mention a repair.
The diagnosis then needs to be verified. Technicians use a number of methods to confirm a suspected failure ranging from manipulating a component through the use of a tool to something as low-tech as a wiggle test. Remember, all this effort is going into a diagnosis- the first step. So, when you are certain that you know you have struck diagnostic gold on the internet, be reminded of that old saw, "When you're carrying a hammer everything looks like a nail."
The Autoexperts blog of Joe & Tony's Service Inc. of Claymont Delaware, an auto repair facility since 1942 and owned and operated by the DeCostanza family since 1967. All Rights Reserved.
Showing posts with label advice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label advice. Show all posts
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Friday, February 12, 2016
Knowing When You Need Help | Joe & Tony's Service Inc.
Every driver has had experiences when a decision has to be made as to whether to continue on or seek help. I was reminded of this one morning this week when I was greeted by a Chevy HHR that wasn't there when I left the night before. The owner called to say she had gotten a message on her Driver Information Center that said, " Car Slowing Down Can't Get Traction."
She prudently heeded the DIC message by pulling to the side of the road and ultimately calling for a tow truck. She did this while taking note of the conditions of the failure and eventually conveying them accurately to us. The result was that no one was endangered and the vehicle problem was resolved with no further damage to the vehicle.
The tension between attempting to reach our destination and seeking help was demonstrated to me when my wife and I were traveling to Virginia this past Christmas Eve. In six lanes of stop and go traffic on the Capitol Beltway (I-495) our Tucson's transmission went south and like the HHR would not accelerate. What to do? The answer was to ease our way from the fast lane to the nearest exit and work something out. This whole experience gave me a much better appreciation of our customers' stress over vehicle failure episodes.
By comparison, consider the "tire" pictured here or should I say the remnants of it? The entire sidewall is gone and only the tread area remains. This only happens when a tire is driven flat for miles and the wheel cuts away the tire 's rubber. What could have the driver been thinking? Could the cost of a tow truck or the prospect of being late for an appointment have been the reason he would continue on? And what danger was he imposing on himself, his passengers and those on the road with him that day?
She prudently heeded the DIC message by pulling to the side of the road and ultimately calling for a tow truck. She did this while taking note of the conditions of the failure and eventually conveying them accurately to us. The result was that no one was endangered and the vehicle problem was resolved with no further damage to the vehicle.
The tension between attempting to reach our destination and seeking help was demonstrated to me when my wife and I were traveling to Virginia this past Christmas Eve. In six lanes of stop and go traffic on the Capitol Beltway (I-495) our Tucson's transmission went south and like the HHR would not accelerate. What to do? The answer was to ease our way from the fast lane to the nearest exit and work something out. This whole experience gave me a much better appreciation of our customers' stress over vehicle failure episodes.
By comparison, consider the "tire" pictured here or should I say the remnants of it? The entire sidewall is gone and only the tread area remains. This only happens when a tire is driven flat for miles and the wheel cuts away the tire 's rubber. What could have the driver been thinking? Could the cost of a tow truck or the prospect of being late for an appointment have been the reason he would continue on? And what danger was he imposing on himself, his passengers and those on the road with him that day?
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| Copyright 2016 Joe & Tony's Service Inc. |
Sunday, August 16, 2015
The Importance of Voltage as in Your Vehicle's Battery | Joe & Tony's Service Inc.
We all are very familiar with the impact of low voltage on our cell phones. So take that chaos and multiply it by 30-100 which is the number of micro-processors that a 2010 NY Times article estimated are in today's cars and trucks. This estimate precedes the onslaught of factory installed infotainment systems in cars, so I'm sure you get where I'm going. But then again maybe you don't.
What I'm proposing is a new way to look at replacing the battery in your vehicle. The old way is to milk every day that you possibly can out of the power supply that starts your vehicle and helps to run all its computers. Car batteries can be purchased with warranties of anywhere from 48 to 84 months, but the fact is that most batteries fail at about the 48 month mark depending on where you live. This reality is the reason that a well respected consumer publication recommends that in hot climates owners begin to test their batteries' condition every year beginning at 2 years old and in cold climates beginning at 4 years. Yes that's right, sweltering heat is harder on batteries than freezing cold.
The point of all this is that it may be penny wise and dollar foolish to squeeze an extra day or two out of your car's battery. Since a lack of available voltage could trigger a diagnostic trouble code and illuminate your check engine light, you should consider a marginal battery a threat to your vehicle's diagnostic system. Although the initial check of your vehicle's condition would include an evaluation of battery health, why not eliminate exposure to a misdiagnosis and all the angst that goes with it.
The cost of diagnosing an erratic code could exceed the money saved by extending the replacement time of your battery by a few weeks.
What I'm proposing is a new way to look at replacing the battery in your vehicle. The old way is to milk every day that you possibly can out of the power supply that starts your vehicle and helps to run all its computers. Car batteries can be purchased with warranties of anywhere from 48 to 84 months, but the fact is that most batteries fail at about the 48 month mark depending on where you live. This reality is the reason that a well respected consumer publication recommends that in hot climates owners begin to test their batteries' condition every year beginning at 2 years old and in cold climates beginning at 4 years. Yes that's right, sweltering heat is harder on batteries than freezing cold.
The point of all this is that it may be penny wise and dollar foolish to squeeze an extra day or two out of your car's battery. Since a lack of available voltage could trigger a diagnostic trouble code and illuminate your check engine light, you should consider a marginal battery a threat to your vehicle's diagnostic system. Although the initial check of your vehicle's condition would include an evaluation of battery health, why not eliminate exposure to a misdiagnosis and all the angst that goes with it.
The cost of diagnosing an erratic code could exceed the money saved by extending the replacement time of your battery by a few weeks.
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| Have your battery tested as it ages Copyright 2015 Joe & Tony's Service Inc. |
Friday, April 17, 2015
NHTSA Decides No Recall on Rusting Brake Lines | Joe & Tony's Service Inc.
The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) has ended a multi-year investigation into 1999-2003 full sized pickup trucks and sport utilities vehicles which have experienced brake line failures. The government agency has decided the problem is due to "end of life wear out" and will not be recalling the subject vehicles.
The lines that NHTSA looked at carry brake fluid throughout the brake system and play the primary role in the hydraulic functionality of the brakes. Fluid in the lines is responsible for applying pressure to the mechanical brake parts that stop the vehicle. Lines compromised by rust and corrosion eventually leak and result in loss of pressure greatly increasing stopping distances. If this condition is not addressed all the fluid is lost resulting in no brakes.
NHTSA offered consumers in the "Salt Belt" (a list of 20 states & DC where deicing preparations are applied to roadways) suggestions to "protect against brake pipe corrosion in older vehicles". They are: 1.) Periodically remove from the undercarriage of your vehicle road salt that leads to corrosion
2.) Monitor your brake system and the undercarriage components
3.) Replace the entire brake pipe assembly at any sign of scaling or flaking
The agency also describes what to do if you experience a brake failure while driving. These instructions can be viewed at NHTSA Brake Corrosion Press Release.
Comment -As covered in the last blog post and reinforced here by NHTSA, there is no substitution for a trained eye periodically looking over your vehicle.
The lines that NHTSA looked at carry brake fluid throughout the brake system and play the primary role in the hydraulic functionality of the brakes. Fluid in the lines is responsible for applying pressure to the mechanical brake parts that stop the vehicle. Lines compromised by rust and corrosion eventually leak and result in loss of pressure greatly increasing stopping distances. If this condition is not addressed all the fluid is lost resulting in no brakes.
NHTSA offered consumers in the "Salt Belt" (a list of 20 states & DC where deicing preparations are applied to roadways) suggestions to "protect against brake pipe corrosion in older vehicles". They are: 1.) Periodically remove from the undercarriage of your vehicle road salt that leads to corrosion
2.) Monitor your brake system and the undercarriage components
3.) Replace the entire brake pipe assembly at any sign of scaling or flaking
The agency also describes what to do if you experience a brake failure while driving. These instructions can be viewed at NHTSA Brake Corrosion Press Release.
Comment -As covered in the last blog post and reinforced here by NHTSA, there is no substitution for a trained eye periodically looking over your vehicle.
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| Dripping Brake Line Copyright 2015 Joe & Tony's Service Inc. |
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Reasons to Maintain Your Vehicle
J.D. Power's Automotion Blog forecasted that the average new vehicle transaction price for March 2015 would be $30,530, which would be a record for the month of March. Median income adjusted for inflation has been hovering around $52,000 in recent years. The math indicates that we are plunking down nearly 59% of a year's wages when we give the salesman the OK to place the happy tags on our new ride. This makes a case for maintaining a vehicle. Some of the other reasons are...
200,000 Miles is the New 100,000 Miles - Admittedly, we don't see an abundance of brand new cars since the the first 36 months and 36,000 miles are covered by the new car warranty. But the odometer readings we do see actually make a case for vigilant maintenance, since the best way to maximize your investment is to exploit the 200,000 mile potential your vehicle can achieve.
Longer Power Train Warranties- Hyundai broke new ground when, many years ago, it introduced the 100,000 Mile/10 Year power train warranty. Today the decision appears to have been prescient since the average age of the national fleet is 11 years. The stickler here is that you have to maintain the vehicle per the manufacturer's specifications to avail yourself of warranty coverage- no service history, no warranty.
Higher used car values - It is no secret that selling used cars is profitable - think CarMax
CarSense and Autotrader. So how could you use that knowledge to your advantage? Yes, by diligently maintaining your vehicle. Don't consider it a transportation device, instead think of it as an investment. Make deposits into it in the form of oil changes, inspections and scheduled maintenance and think of your technician as a vehicular adviser who is there to protect your nest egg.
The Golden Rule- If self interest doesn't motivate you to keep up on your car, consider this. I have always been struck by the democracy of the road. Find a vehicle, register it, insure it and you can enjoy the same rights as everyone else as long you follow the rules of the road. Your piece could be a Mazda 2 or a Hennessey Venom GT and you're equal on the roadway. But isn't there an inherent responsibility that comes with that freedom? Of course there is, and it's the regard you must have for yourself, your passengers and the guy in the other lane on I-95. That regard is shown when you seek regular and competent advice about your vehicle.
200,000 Miles is the New 100,000 Miles - Admittedly, we don't see an abundance of brand new cars since the the first 36 months and 36,000 miles are covered by the new car warranty. But the odometer readings we do see actually make a case for vigilant maintenance, since the best way to maximize your investment is to exploit the 200,000 mile potential your vehicle can achieve.
Longer Power Train Warranties- Hyundai broke new ground when, many years ago, it introduced the 100,000 Mile/10 Year power train warranty. Today the decision appears to have been prescient since the average age of the national fleet is 11 years. The stickler here is that you have to maintain the vehicle per the manufacturer's specifications to avail yourself of warranty coverage- no service history, no warranty.
Higher used car values - It is no secret that selling used cars is profitable - think CarMax
CarSense and Autotrader. So how could you use that knowledge to your advantage? Yes, by diligently maintaining your vehicle. Don't consider it a transportation device, instead think of it as an investment. Make deposits into it in the form of oil changes, inspections and scheduled maintenance and think of your technician as a vehicular adviser who is there to protect your nest egg.
The Golden Rule- If self interest doesn't motivate you to keep up on your car, consider this. I have always been struck by the democracy of the road. Find a vehicle, register it, insure it and you can enjoy the same rights as everyone else as long you follow the rules of the road. Your piece could be a Mazda 2 or a Hennessey Venom GT and you're equal on the roadway. But isn't there an inherent responsibility that comes with that freedom? Of course there is, and it's the regard you must have for yourself, your passengers and the guy in the other lane on I-95. That regard is shown when you seek regular and competent advice about your vehicle.
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| Rusted Rear Suspension Copyright 2015 Joe & Tony's Service Inc. |
Friday, November 28, 2014
Suspension Often Forgotten But Much Appreciated When Replaced | Joe & Tony's Service Inc.
In my role at the repair shop I don't often road test vehicles before and after repair procedures, but I have found that I really enjoy driving one that has had suspension work performed on it. To me there is nothing that improves the driving experience more than the sense of control and ease of handling that renewed suspension parts offer the driver.
Insidious degrading- The gradual wear process that occurs in the suspension of a vehicle accounts for the reason why these parts are often neglected until a noise or a catastrophic failure occurs. Over time, the rubber bushings in control arms and ball joints degrade. They are of course susceptible to load driven wear and tear, but contaminants like oil and road grime take their toll as well.
Attention grabbing sound- The first sign that makes the driver aware of a problem is usually a "clunking" or "banging" sound. As those rubber bushings go away after years of driving, two metal parts that were previously separated by rubber begin to contact each other when the vehicle's suspension is stressed by going over irregularities in the road like a speed bump or a pothole. This produces the noise that alerts you to the failure.
Clicking noise- One part of the suspension that can produce a "clicking" noise when it fails is the sway bar links also called stabilizer links. These parts connect the front or rear (if so equipped) sway bar to the suspension. When the links break a vehicle may lean more on turns and signal its condition with a rattling sound.
As we pointed out in our previous post the senses are important when evaluating the condition of your vehicle. In the case of suspension problems, hearing plays a very important part in your ability to convey what ails your vehicle to the service facility. Try to describe the type of noise, where it is coming from and when it is evident such as when going over a bump or when the brakes are applied.
Insidious degrading- The gradual wear process that occurs in the suspension of a vehicle accounts for the reason why these parts are often neglected until a noise or a catastrophic failure occurs. Over time, the rubber bushings in control arms and ball joints degrade. They are of course susceptible to load driven wear and tear, but contaminants like oil and road grime take their toll as well.
Attention grabbing sound- The first sign that makes the driver aware of a problem is usually a "clunking" or "banging" sound. As those rubber bushings go away after years of driving, two metal parts that were previously separated by rubber begin to contact each other when the vehicle's suspension is stressed by going over irregularities in the road like a speed bump or a pothole. This produces the noise that alerts you to the failure.
Clicking noise- One part of the suspension that can produce a "clicking" noise when it fails is the sway bar links also called stabilizer links. These parts connect the front or rear (if so equipped) sway bar to the suspension. When the links break a vehicle may lean more on turns and signal its condition with a rattling sound.
As we pointed out in our previous post the senses are important when evaluating the condition of your vehicle. In the case of suspension problems, hearing plays a very important part in your ability to convey what ails your vehicle to the service facility. Try to describe the type of noise, where it is coming from and when it is evident such as when going over a bump or when the brakes are applied.
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| Failed Control Arms (Complete Arm & Failed Bushing Views) Copyright Joe & Tony's Service Inc. 2014 |
Friday, October 3, 2014
Keeping Track of Your Car with Your Senses | Joe & Tony's Service Inc.
Not every automotive diagnostic tool comes with an expensive price tag or an instruction list that requires an engineering degree to decipher. Especially for consumers whose involvement will end when they drop the vehicle off for repair, the most important tools are their senses. Relying on what you see, hear, or smell in describing your automotive concerns is always the best first step in getting your car or truck back to its reliable self.
Sight - Describing what you see in very specific terms makes diagnosis much easier. If it is a fluid leak, note the color, location and when during the driving cycle it appears. If a part doesn't seem to line up right or appears to be leaning be sure to mention it. Inspect your tires for foreign objects like nails, screws and shards of glass or pointy stones embedded in the tires. Occasionally check your lights for burned out bulbs.
Hearing - Clues to what is wrong with your car often come through your ears. From the rapid ticking of a turn signal indicator to the high pitched squeal of a brake pad sensor, sound is your friend when it comes to problems with your vehicle. Describe to the best of your ability the type sound you hear and when you hear it during the driving cycle (Starting Out, Accelerating, or Cruising).
Smell - Everybody knows what un-burned or raw gas smells like. When you smell that odor around your vehicle you should be very concerned. Whether under the hood or externally from a fuel line or a tank, dripping gas represents a clear and present danger and should be resolved immediately. You should never smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle. If your exhaust system leaks exhaust fumes can migrate into the cabin. There have been press reports of children being overcome from breathing fumes when they fell asleep in the back seat of a car stuck in traffic. The lack of vehicle movement increases the danger, so assume that the resolution of exhaust fumes is a high priority.
Sight - Describing what you see in very specific terms makes diagnosis much easier. If it is a fluid leak, note the color, location and when during the driving cycle it appears. If a part doesn't seem to line up right or appears to be leaning be sure to mention it. Inspect your tires for foreign objects like nails, screws and shards of glass or pointy stones embedded in the tires. Occasionally check your lights for burned out bulbs.
Hearing - Clues to what is wrong with your car often come through your ears. From the rapid ticking of a turn signal indicator to the high pitched squeal of a brake pad sensor, sound is your friend when it comes to problems with your vehicle. Describe to the best of your ability the type sound you hear and when you hear it during the driving cycle (Starting Out, Accelerating, or Cruising).
Smell - Everybody knows what un-burned or raw gas smells like. When you smell that odor around your vehicle you should be very concerned. Whether under the hood or externally from a fuel line or a tank, dripping gas represents a clear and present danger and should be resolved immediately. You should never smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle. If your exhaust system leaks exhaust fumes can migrate into the cabin. There have been press reports of children being overcome from breathing fumes when they fell asleep in the back seat of a car stuck in traffic. The lack of vehicle movement increases the danger, so assume that the resolution of exhaust fumes is a high priority.
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| Damaged Honda Odyssey Motor Oil Pan Copyright 2014 Joe & Tony's Service Inc. |
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Complaints in Auto Repair -The Why and How | Joe & Tony's Service Inc.
Every couple of years the Better Business Bureau releases statistics on the inquiries and complaints that they receive from consumers. The latest figures are for 2012 and don't reflect well on the auto repair industry.
Background - The BBB fielded more than 1.75 million inquiries in the "Auto Repair & Service" category. It was the fourth most frequent request made by the the public. In 2012 there were over 117 million reports issued by the BBB. When complaints filed against auto repair facilities are compared to other businesses, repair shops ranked ninth with 14,002 complaints filed, of which 9284 were settled which is just about 2/3 of the complaints filed.
Reasons - There are numerous ways to disappoint consumers when it comes to their cars. Vehicles are not repaired competently ; they are misdiagnosed or maybe the repair isn't completed when promised. The stakes are high when the family vehicle is involved, because it can impact the ability to get to work or move family members to appointments some of which may incur monetary penalties when missed.
Why - The auto repair environment can easily lend itself to misunderstanding. Its nomenclature is full of acronyms which are difficult for the industry to keep up with and must seem like an alphabet soup of indiscriminate terms to consumers. The separation of job functions between the service writer and technician adds a level of interpretation before a description of the vehicle's problems is relayed to the owner and therefore is susceptible to misinterpretation.
Considerations - In the review driven retail world that prevails today it is important that all parties involved conduct themselves in a civil manner and avoid personalizing the dispute. Consumers should look for transparency in their interaction with the auto repair facility and the shop should attempt to identify with the feelings of vulnerability the customer perceives. Everyone should try to strip away any chance for misunderstanding and negotiate in good faith.
Background - The BBB fielded more than 1.75 million inquiries in the "Auto Repair & Service" category. It was the fourth most frequent request made by the the public. In 2012 there were over 117 million reports issued by the BBB. When complaints filed against auto repair facilities are compared to other businesses, repair shops ranked ninth with 14,002 complaints filed, of which 9284 were settled which is just about 2/3 of the complaints filed.
Reasons - There are numerous ways to disappoint consumers when it comes to their cars. Vehicles are not repaired competently ; they are misdiagnosed or maybe the repair isn't completed when promised. The stakes are high when the family vehicle is involved, because it can impact the ability to get to work or move family members to appointments some of which may incur monetary penalties when missed.
Why - The auto repair environment can easily lend itself to misunderstanding. Its nomenclature is full of acronyms which are difficult for the industry to keep up with and must seem like an alphabet soup of indiscriminate terms to consumers. The separation of job functions between the service writer and technician adds a level of interpretation before a description of the vehicle's problems is relayed to the owner and therefore is susceptible to misinterpretation.
Considerations - In the review driven retail world that prevails today it is important that all parties involved conduct themselves in a civil manner and avoid personalizing the dispute. Consumers should look for transparency in their interaction with the auto repair facility and the shop should attempt to identify with the feelings of vulnerability the customer perceives. Everyone should try to strip away any chance for misunderstanding and negotiate in good faith.
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| Copyright 2014 Joe & Tony's Service Inc. All Rights Reserved |
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Violence and Your Vehicle | Joe & Tony's Service Inc.
Violence has been a part of our consciousness lately. The photo presented here is an example of how gunshots can wreak havoc on a vehicle. What are pictured here are a radiator, AC condenser and a valve cover removed from a 2006 Ford Escape with a 3.0 litre engine. The vehicle came in overheating and losing motor oil. Our staff being familiar with the CSI TV shows and a hole in the bumper cover led us to the diagnosis.
Sure enough we followed the trajectory of the entrance wound all the way to the valve cover. It took faith in us on the part of our customer since we could not predict the ultimate damage that had been done to this vehicle until it was pretty much back together. Amazingly, the bullet (which was never found) missed the cooling fan blades and hoses among other possible obstructions and we were able to stand behind our original estimate.
We never really learned the circumstances surrounding the reasons why the Escape was exposed to gunfire and really didn't care to know. Unlike most auto failures, when you really can't get enough information, this was a rare case in which less background was better.
Sure enough we followed the trajectory of the entrance wound all the way to the valve cover. It took faith in us on the part of our customer since we could not predict the ultimate damage that had been done to this vehicle until it was pretty much back together. Amazingly, the bullet (which was never found) missed the cooling fan blades and hoses among other possible obstructions and we were able to stand behind our original estimate.
We never really learned the circumstances surrounding the reasons why the Escape was exposed to gunfire and really didn't care to know. Unlike most auto failures, when you really can't get enough information, this was a rare case in which less background was better.
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| Bullet Damaged Auto Parts Copyright 2014 Joe & Tony's Service Inc. All Rights Reserved |
Friday, August 8, 2014
Road Salt & Your Vehicle | Joe & Tony's Service Inc.
We're always talking about rust and corrosion created by road salt and other chemicals used to de-ice the roads in the winter. Most of the references are about the damage to brake and fuel lines and undercar suspension parts (trailing arms etc.). But recently a 2004 Chrysler Sebring with 74,000 miles on the odometer came in with a complaint about a "banging" sound from the rear and it demonstrated how pervasive and insidious these chemicals are.
As this photo shows salt (white discoloration) had gotten to the very top of the left rear strut and weakened the bracket that holds the strut to the vehicle. A broken piece of the strut bracket is visible in the picture. The failure was creating the noise that our customer's passengers who were riding in the rear seat complained about.
This kind of damage is never seen, but makes even experienced repair people wonder how much other automotive infrastructure has been compromised in the yearly effort to keep the roadways passable. Maybe it's time for a new standard for the materials used in vehicles or better yet some R & D on non corrosive chemicals to combat ice and snow.
As this photo shows salt (white discoloration) had gotten to the very top of the left rear strut and weakened the bracket that holds the strut to the vehicle. A broken piece of the strut bracket is visible in the picture. The failure was creating the noise that our customer's passengers who were riding in the rear seat complained about.
This kind of damage is never seen, but makes even experienced repair people wonder how much other automotive infrastructure has been compromised in the yearly effort to keep the roadways passable. Maybe it's time for a new standard for the materials used in vehicles or better yet some R & D on non corrosive chemicals to combat ice and snow.
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| Salt Damaged Rear Strut Copyright Joe & Tony's Service Inc. All Rights Reserved |
Monday, July 14, 2014
When to Change Your Oil | Joe & Tony's Service Inc.
All the rules have changed concerning the frequency of oil changes. The new thinking has been brought about by the oil life monitoring systems that car makers have devised to go along with the new extended drain (Full Synthetic) oils they have begun to use. So is the need to change oil every 3,500 miles a thing of the past?
Vehicle requirements - The first step is to consult your owner's manual for the correct type of oil needed for your vehicle. This will include the viscosity - something like 0W20 or 5W30 and whether the oil needs to be a full synthetic like MobilOne or if a synthetic blend is ok. It will also designate the API service designation usually represented by two letters like - SN.
Oil life reminders - Vehicles equipped with oil life monitoring systems use either a icon on the dashboard or a text message displayed on the Driver Information Center. The system may use a percentage of oil life left or just the appearance of the light to alert the driver that it's time for the oil to be changed.
How the systems work - The most sophisticated systems compare your driving style to an algorithm that
in turn estimates the amount of life left on your oil. The indicator then comes on or your oil life percentage decreases accordingly. Other systems are nothing more than flags that come on when you have reached a preset mileage interval. They are a high tech equivalent of the oil change sticker placed on your windshield.
Both types of systems must be reset when the oil is changed to have any meaning. The method for resetting the system is usually in your owner's manual.
Eyes on your vehicle - Nothing is better than a trusted and competent auto service provider taking a look at your car or truck at regular intervals. Traditionally, this has been at the time of the oil change. If your car maker has decided that due to the type of oil you are using (e.g. Full Synthetic) it's OK to go 7,500 miles between changes, we feel that is what you should do but there are two things to remember:
Vehicle requirements - The first step is to consult your owner's manual for the correct type of oil needed for your vehicle. This will include the viscosity - something like 0W20 or 5W30 and whether the oil needs to be a full synthetic like MobilOne or if a synthetic blend is ok. It will also designate the API service designation usually represented by two letters like - SN.
Oil life reminders - Vehicles equipped with oil life monitoring systems use either a icon on the dashboard or a text message displayed on the Driver Information Center. The system may use a percentage of oil life left or just the appearance of the light to alert the driver that it's time for the oil to be changed.
How the systems work - The most sophisticated systems compare your driving style to an algorithm that
in turn estimates the amount of life left on your oil. The indicator then comes on or your oil life percentage decreases accordingly. Other systems are nothing more than flags that come on when you have reached a preset mileage interval. They are a high tech equivalent of the oil change sticker placed on your windshield.
Both types of systems must be reset when the oil is changed to have any meaning. The method for resetting the system is usually in your owner's manual.
Eyes on your vehicle - Nothing is better than a trusted and competent auto service provider taking a look at your car or truck at regular intervals. Traditionally, this has been at the time of the oil change. If your car maker has decided that due to the type of oil you are using (e.g. Full Synthetic) it's OK to go 7,500 miles between changes, we feel that is what you should do but there are two things to remember:
- Don't push the mileage limit
- Make sure your vehicle is looked at periodically by someone you trust
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| Copyright 2014, John DeCostanza |
Sunday, June 22, 2014
TPMS Sensors Have Changed Tire Care | Joe & Tony's Service Inc.
Here to stay - Six model years have passed since Tire Pressure Monitor Sensors became mandatory for vehicles sold in the U.S. In the auto repair industry there are differing stances on their significance. These opinions range from denial to complete acceptance. The cold hard fact is that their use is considered a safety feature so they are no more likely to go away than are seat belts or airbags.
Consumer friendly- What could be more clear than responding to a dashboard warning light? The easy answer is "nothing" but that assumes that the driver of the vehicle knows what the symbol is and what it looks like. The telltale for low tire pressure is a yellow cross section of a tire with an exclamation point in the center. In a recent study performed by Schrader, a company that makes tire valves, 42 % of the respondents could not identify the symbol and ten percent said they have ignored it.
False positives ?- In climates that have seasonal changes in temperature, it is not unusual for colder weather to cause the light to appear. This, of course, is a good thing since it means the system is working as designed.
But drivers not familiar with the light or those not understanding how it works tend to consider the light a nuisance since it requires confirming that the tire is low by manually checking the pressure and inflating the tires to the proper level.
Costs involved - With technology comes expense, the expected life of the batteries that power TPMS sensors is approximately five years. They are not cheap in most cases replacing them can cost between $75 and $150 with installation labor. Some systems require re-learning after each tire rotation which generates additional expense. The facts are that the system works. What price is too much to pay for safety?
Costs involved - With technology comes expense, the expected life of the batteries that power TPMS sensors is approximately five years. They are not cheap in most cases replacing them can cost between $75 and $150 with installation labor. Some systems require re-learning after each tire rotation which generates additional expense. The facts are that the system works. What price is too much to pay for safety?
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| TPMS Sensor Copyright 2014 Joe & Tony's Service Inc. |
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