When Exactly to Replace Brake Fluid

Whats the Correct Time For Brake Fluid change Or Brake Fluid Flush

Time For Brake Fluid Service

Q: My Local car garage owner said that very 30k miles, one should drain the brake fluid and flush and replace it with new fluid. What’s your opinion? Is he right or should i wait?

A: To understand when to replace brake fluid, i suggest you to first read and understand the brake fluid theory.
The details are as follows:-----

Brake fluid is a hygroscopic fluid, which means it is designed to absorb moisture, yes water. Why would you want brake fluid to absorb moisture? A vehicle that is in motion has energy. To stop that vehicle you have to remove that energy. To do that the energy is converted to heat. I know it seems odd and you may think that the exhaust fumes have gotten to me. I won’t argue that. But it is true that it is the creation of heat that stops your vehicle. When you step on your brakes two pieces rub together. The friction of this makes heat and lots of it. Brakes will easily get hotter than 212 degrees. Guess what would happen if water wasn’t absorbed by brake fluid? It would collect and when you really needed to stop? The water would boil, change to a gas/air. Your vehicle wasn’t designed to stop with air brakes. So to convert that energy you’d have to hit something! Not a good idea. Brake fluid service/flush is a needed service.

Some manufacturers list brake fluid flushes as scheduled maintenance, others do not. How does one know if their vehicle’s brake fluid needs service? There are electronic testers and test strips that can measure the moisture content in brake fluid. Regular service of the brake fluid will prolong brake component life and allow anti-lock brake systems to function correctly.

Air Conditioner Problems

Car Ac not working

Q: I turned my A/C on for the first time this year and found that it didn’t work. My local mechanic suggested air conditioner repair or recharge air conditioner.So i took it to the professional car Air Conditioner repair shop. Thinking it was just low in a refrigerant charge. The mechanic recharged the system and charged me $65, which I thought was high for the new refrigerant. After all you can buy the stuff in a do it yourself kit at BJ’s for $30. Less than 2 days later I turned my A/C on and guess what? It didn’t work! I went back to the garage and told them that the A/C had quit and wanted to know what kind of warranty they provide? The mechanic said that there was none. After Basic air conditioner troubleshooting, he said it can be air conditioner compressor issue.But to properly confirm the problem it will take some time.It can also be the    leak in system and that would require diagnosis to determine where the leak was and what parts would be needed. To add to the insult he said that he may have to recharge the system to find the leak! All for which I’ll have to pay for!! I’m considering taking that grease monkey to small claims court!! But for now I want my A/C working. How does one find a leak and repair it ? It can’t be that hard.

A: One moment please while this monkey wipes the grease off his hands. Ahh, that’s better. Now my club paws won’t hit too many keys as I pound away. I won’t bore you with the little details like required licensing and equipment that a shop must have to perform any type of A/C work. If the EPA’s Ice Dogs happen to stop by a shop that is missing a step in the rules, the tech can be fined enough to buy a real nice boat, one with a real motor. The shop owner can be fined enough to buy a house. Of course, fines do not include lawyer fees. What’s ironic about the rules is any consumer can walk into a BJ’s, Walmart or whatever and buy a kit to recharge their A/C system. I thought for a moment I’d share some diagnostic tips with you, but what if you cut yourself following my advice? Would I too be responsible! Depending on the area you live in $60 for a snow and go (short for refill the system and send them on their way) is not a high price. You did not pay for any diagnosis, you paid for a recharge. If the A/C system stopped working after a couple of days then there’s a leak. The first step in correcting the problem is in diagnosing and locating the leak. Once the leak is located the failed component can be replaced. There is a whole array of diagnostic equipment on the market, some of which starts just under $500. That equipment comes with directions (you know the white stuff with black squiggles on it). You seem to be a bright person, I’m sure with some practice you’ll be an A/C pro in no time at all! Just think of the money you’ll save!

Auto Repair Laws And Safety Rules

Auto Laws & Repairs

Q: What are auto laws about repairs done by an auto repair shop and what about repairs that were not done right? What about ones you didn't give them permission to do?
Is there any kind of booklet or manual to know about this and whats your view on this?


A: About anyone can guess why you might be asking such questions.
These few things should be ready with you:-----

• The first thing I would suggest to you is to organize your concerns on paper. 
• You need to have your facts in order with documentation. 
• Once you've done this, contact the repair facility and speak with the owner. 
• Review these concerns and ask if he or she would be willing to address these issues/concerns and come to an agreement. 

Many times there is a loss of communication that results in confusion and unhappy parties over repairs. Most importantly maintain control, don’t let you emotions run the conversation, even if some tongue biting is needed. Some controlled and stable time on the phone can be productive for both parties involved. If this doesn't work just end the conversation with I’m sorry we couldn't work this out. After that, call the better business bureau. They can guide you on the laws and rights you have as a consumer. If you've been wrongly charged for repairs then you do have rights and recourse available to you.

Bad Odor Smell From A/C Heater

Vehicle A/C Heater Smells Bad

Bad Odor Smells Like Mold

Q: Whats the reason  I get a bad odor when I turn on the vent, heater or air conditioner? Is this smell bad for my health ?
Its very much unbearable?

A: Breathing mold spores is not good for anybody's heath! Why is there mold in your ventilation system?

There are few possible reasons for such smell to be noticed.
Below i wil explain in much detail:-----

Either water is not draining correctly, there is tree and leaf type matter collected in the system or rodents have stopped in and laid the ground work for a new housing development.

If your vehicle is equipped (it would be great to know what you have for a vehicle) with a cabin filter then it may need replacing.

For those of you who do not know, many of today's vehicle have a filter for filtering the incoming air for the passenger compartment.
This filter works great and I think it's the best thing since milking parlors! If you grew up on a dairy farm you'd understand.
Also cabin filters can be upgraded with charcoal filter elements.
With these filters you can hardly tell you're following a smelly diesel truck.

In any case your vehicle's ventilation system needs a cleaning, rotor rooting, rodent routing or a new cabin filter.

Scheduled Maintenance As per Dealer OR Manufacturer

When Exactly Scheduled Maintenance has to be Done

Dealer or Manufacturer Who is right?

Q: Its confusing when exactly to get the vehicle serviced.  In a MSN article they mentioned that a service should be done on the manufacturer's schedule, not the dealer's. Is the manufacturer's schedule what is listed in the car manual? This also shows major service at 30k miles. On the Ford Web Site it just refers you to the dealer for the maintenance schedule. How do you find the correct "manufacturer's" recommendation?

A: VEHICLES OWNERS MANUAL GUIDE.
I suggest using the maintenance schedule in the Owner's Manual as a guide. The Owner's Manual provides the guidelines for required maintenance for warranty purposes and suggested maintenance to keep your vehicle operating safely and reliably. When a customer comes into our shop and asks what type of service their vehicle needs we'll refer to the Owner's Manual as a guide. The manual is clear on defining service intervals and maintenance that is often overlooked. As a consumer you should maintain records in the event a warranty issue should arise and be on the watch for redundant type service. For example in New Hampshire the annual state safety inspection program covers much that is suggested for safety and service inspections on the Owner's Manual. Asking a repair shop or dealer to perform that work again is redundant and adds needlessly to the cost of keeping your vehicle in good operating condition. The Owner's Manual is a good guide, but like most things in life a little salt and common sense can get you a long way.

Shock recommendation?

Looking to upgrade shocks

Q: What brand of rear shocks do you recommend for a 1995 2WD? I haul some fairly heavy things sometimes and the vehicle must be weighted down for traction in winter. When I weigh it down, it sags a good bit. I am currently running factory shocks. Thanks for the advice. in advance?

A: First, understand why shock absorbers are used. The job of the shock absorbers is to keep the tire on the road; they are not designed to lift a vehicle. But, there are shock absorbers that are modified to assist in maintaining the ride height of a vehicle.

The modified shocks are generally found in 2 configurations: air assisted (known to many as air shocks) and coil assisted (shocks with coil springs).

• The coil assisted shocks are designed to maintain vehicle ride height with about 200 lbs. of additional weight in the vehicle, rates vary depending on manufacturer. 
• Air assisted shocks have air lines that join together at a fitting that looks similar to a tire valve stem. 

The air pressure can be increased or decreased as needed to maintain the vehicle's ride height.
For more details before buying ,Check the manufacturer's specification regarding the additional load abilities of these shocks.
If the load you're carrying is greater than the manufacturer's recommendation then consider installing stronger springs with heavy duty shocks.That will help.

Synthetic engine oil OR conventional engine oil

Best Engine Oil To Use

Synthetic Oil, How Long Will It Go?

Q: Vehicle miles getting close to  first oil change.Its for 1999 Ford Explorer (3000 miles). Would there be much of an advantage to go to synthetic oil after the break in period? Can you go longer between oil changes with synthetic or do you lose the protection if you go longer?

A: As per my Auto garage Repair Experience i will suggest Synthetic engine oil to be used.Synthetic engine oil is a better product than conventional engine oil. Generally, synthetic oils exceed all car and light truck manufacturer warranty requirements. Can you go longer between oil changes with synthetic oil? If you have a new vehicle you'd better not! Whether you're using conventional motor oil or synthetic you must change the engine oil as required by the vehicle manufacturer. The reason? The manufacturer, can and has, the right to void the warranty on the vehicle's engine if the engine oil is not changed as specified (mileage/time) in the Owner's Manual. I use synthetic oil myself, there's no doubt in my mind that synthetic oil will provide superior protection to your vehicle's engine. As for extending your oil change intervals? Stick to the manufacturer's recommended service intervals, or you could lose your warranty protection.