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

Oil’s Well That Ends Well (Oil Change Grades and Weight)

Changing your oil regularly is one of the most important things you can do to keep your vehicle running well. And knowing the right type of oil to use is also very important.

Engine oil is classified by weight, but it doesn’t refer to how much the oil would weigh if you put it on a scale. It refers to viscosity, or how easily the oil flows through the engine. Most engines operate normally at around 210°F/99°C. The viscosity, or weight, is assigned a number by how well it flows at that temperature. The lower the number, the more freely it flows.

Most vehicle engines use what’s called a multigrade oil which behaves differently in different temperatures. Multigrade oils have a “W” in their viscosity number that you may have seen on a bottle of oil, something like 5W30. The W stands for winter and shows how freely it flows in colder temperatures.

That means a 5W30 oil will behave like a 5 weight oil in lower temperatures (less viscous or thinner) and a 30 weight oil in warmer temperatures (more viscous or thicker). That’s important on a cold day because the oil needs to behave like a thinner oil when you start your engine since it need to lubricate engine components immediately to protect the metal components. Then as the engine warms up, it behaves like a thicker oil to prevent friction among those parts. Pretty neat trick, right?

The type of oil you use can differ depending on what type of climate you operate your vehicle in and how your vehicle is used (carrying big loads, towing, etc.). Your owner’s manual contains several different recommendations based on these factors. Your service advisor can recommend the right oil for your needs. Like Shakespeare said, “Oil’s well that ends well.”

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