The Vivacious Vernal Vehicle (Preparing Vehicle for Spring)

Most of us look forward to spring because the days are longer, the weather’s warmer and we can finally get our vehicles into warm weather mode. Here are a few things that will breathe fresh energy into anyone’s car, SUV, truck or van.

First thing is a good cleaning, especially underneath. If you live where salt and brine are used on the roads, it’s important to get that off. One thing to note… if you hose off your undercarriage, be careful not to get your spark plugs/wires wet. You could notice your vehicle running rough plus the Check Engine light may come on. It usually dries out quickly, but if the engine light stays on for more than a couple of days, have your service facility check it out.

Next, replace your windshield wipers. They’ve taken a beating through the winter. New ones will have fresh rubber and you’ll see clearly (and safely) out your windshield again.

Have your brakes inspected. That salt doesn’t do your brake’s metal components any good. Have a technician make sure your pads and rotors are clean and properly lubricated so they can stop you when you ask them to.

Speaking of wheels, it’s a good time to have your tires checked, too. Road debris and potholes can take a toll on tread and sidewalls. It may also be a good idea to have a technician check your alignment since you likely have hit something pretty hard on a patch of rough road at some time during the winter.

Make sure your tire pressure is appropriate for the rising temperatures. As the outside air warms up, your tire pressure climbs without you adding any air. Make sure it’s what the manufacturer recommends.

Finally, treat your vehicle’s interior to a thorough refresh. Those floor mats and carpets may be white with salt; clean ’em up. Get rid of wrappers, drink lids, empty water bottles and anything else that’s fallen down. And if you need to, have your upholstery cleaned so it looks and smells new. A clean exterior is nice, but since you spend your time inside your vehicle, it’ll feel even better when your cabin is sparkling fresh.

Autotronics of St. Peter
111 Jefferson Avenue
St. Peter, MN 56082
507.934.9290
http://autotronicsstpeter.com

St. Peter Exhaust and Emissions Service

Many St. Peter residents don’t realize that there is more to exhaust system maintenance than just tailpipes and mufflers, if you can see smoke or if it’s too loud. Exhaust service at a full-service automotive center like Autotronics of St. Peter is really a lot more comprehensive these days.

For example, in the U.S., the federal government required catalytic converters for all cars in 1976 and on-board emission control computers in 1990. MN and federal emissions requirements have forced manufacturers to come up with much more sophisticated ways to comply with environmental laws. This also goes for cars sold in Canada.

So, exhaust service has really become exhaust and emissions service. High-tech computer-controlled emissions devices are now necessary. And because it’s so sophisticated, we recommend having your emission system checked out by a qualified technician, like the ones we have at Autotronics of St. Peter, regularly to make sure everything’s working right – which is usually every six months or 6,000 miles/10,000 kilometers.

If your ‘check engine light’ comes on while you are driving around the St. Peter area, especially if it’s flashing, then you need to bring your car into Autotronics of St. Peter ASAP. Chances are it’s an emission related problem. Signs of exhaust or emissions trouble include difficulty starting, engine noise or smoke.

We hope this hasn’t been too ‘exhausting’ of a discussion. Remember that a properly functioning exhaust system is for MN’s health and safety. Talk with your friendly and knowledgeable service advisor at Autotronics of St. Peter in St. Peter if you think you might need your exhaust system checked. A quick look can sure save a lot of pain down the road.

Autotronics of St. Peter
111 Jefferson Avenue
St. Peter, MN 56082
507.934.9290
http://autotronicsstpeter.com

It’s Brake Time (Brake Calipers)

Race car drivers have demonstrated the advantages of disc brakes, so most modern vehicles use them. Sometimes just the front wheels have disc brakes, but many vehicles now have them all the way around.

A major component of the disc brake is called a caliper. It works by squeezing brake pads against the disc or rotor, kind of like a bicycle hand brake. The brake pads themselves are what contact the rotor, causing friction to build and the wheel to slow down, but it’s the calipers that apply the pressure to the pads.

Caliper design has evolved over the years, and there are two common types. One is called a floating caliper. It has one or two pistons on one side of the disc. When you push down the brake pedal, the piston or pistons in your caliper put pressure on that one side. A mechanism connected on the other side of the disc applies pressure as well, squeezing your disc so the vehicle stops. Floating calipers are less expensive since they have fewer parts.

The other type is called a fixed caliper. They use pistons on both sides of the disc, sometimes several. They are often used in more high-performance or heavy-duty vehicles.

Calipers can have rubber seals to keep out dirt, debris and moisture, but when that rubber wears out, sometimes the calipers can get contaminated. They can stick or start leaking; they can even rust. Then your caliper can get stuck applying that “squeeze” when you are not pressing on the brake pedal. Or they can get stuck in the other position, not applying stopping power when you press the pedal.

When this happens, it’s not unusual to feel your vehicle pull to one side when you brake. You might notice a burning smell from the constant friction if the caliper is stuck on, plus you may feel the heat from the wheel after you park and get out of your vehicle. Sometimes you’ll hear a high-pitched sound or clunk if your calipers are binding up.

That’s your cue to have them checked out at your vehicle service center. If your calipers aren’t working correctly, it can be a safety hazard. Sticking calipers can affect your ability to steer and stop; this is the kind of “brake time” you need so you can get them back on track and working properly.

Autotronics of St. Peter
111 Jefferson Avenue
St. Peter, MN 56082
507.934.9290
http://autotronicsstpeter.com