Econo Firestone Auto Repair Riverside

09/13/2018

3 Common Brake Repair Complaints
Brake repair is a service most of us won’t want to put off when our repair shop recommends it. Safe operation of a vehicle requires that the brakes are working correctly and able to stop us within a safe distance. Brakes on today’s vehicles are complex – especially with anti-lock braking and other computerized components. These computers rely on mechanical brake components in order for the electronics to do the job they’re designed to do.
Brake system components operate in harsh dirty conditions and function under extreme temperatures and pressures. These conditions require quality parts and professional repair procedures in order to ensure the safety of a vehicle.
Common brake system problems
The most common brake system complaint auto repair shops receive is about brake pulsation. While more annoying than unsafe, it’s still one of the most common reasons for brake repair on today’s cars, trucks and SUVs. Fixing this problem is not hard, but there are several factors that influence what brake repair procedures should be taken to correct the condition. When correcting brake pulsation, the mechanic must determine the cause of the customer’s complaint. There are a number of reasons or causes for brake pulsation:
• The brakes became overheated which warped the rotors
• Brake calipers are hanging up and causing rotor warping
• Pulling a trailer that caused overheating and rotor warp
• Rotor warp over time from normal driving
• Loose wheel bearings
A second common brake system complaint repair shops are asked about is brake warning lights. Almost every new vehicle built in the last ten years has anti-lock brakes. These brake systems are controlled by computers and use sensors to monitor wheel speed to determine when the anti-lock brakes should activate. Brake sensors and their connecting wires must flex over every bump the vehicle travels. This continuous movement wears the wires internally and eventually they break. This sets off a code and the computer turns on the brake warning light.
A third common brake repair complaint auto repair shops hear relates to the fluid within the braking system. Customers often state:
• I keep losing brake fluid in the brake master cylinder?
• My brake pedal slowly fades to the floor after stopping?
Now that we have listed the main complaints about brake repair, let’s talk about how these problems can be repaired. While we won’t cover every repair situation, we will address how auto repair shops will fix these common problems.

How to fix brake pulsation complaints
Brake pulsation is that annoying undulation that happens when braking to slow or stop. The cause is one or more rotors being warped, meaning the two sides of the rotors are not parallel and the rotor thickness varies at different places around the rotor. This unevenness pushes on the brake parts and the vehicles suspension, which causes the vibration or undulating you feel when applying the brakes.
Three ways to fix brake pulsation problems
• Have the warped brake rotors turned on a lathe to make them straight
• Replace warped rotors
• Repair loose wheel bearings so brake rotors don’t wobble
The first procedure to eliminate brake pulsation involves turning the warped rotors. This process can happen with the rotors on or off the car. It removes thin layers of metal from the rotor surfaces with the goal of restoring both sides of the rotors to an even or “true” state with no thickness variation. This is normally a good fix that eliminates noticeable pulsation as brake pads can once again apply even pressure to the rotors during stops.
Since this turning process removes metal, the rotors lose thickness and are more likely to warp again when heated by normal braking. Picture the differing amounts of flame needed to light a thin versus a thick piece of wood on fire. While less flame lights a thin piece, more is needed to light a thick piece of wood.
The same concept can be applied to thick versus thin rotors and the amount of heat that produces a change. Auto owners should consider that since thinner rotors warp sooner than new “thicker” rotors, having rotors turned to correct pulsation will likely results in the need for brake repair sooner than if new rotors are installed.
That brings us to the second method to fix brake pulsation, which is rotor replacement. A repair shop that provides rotor-turning services may measure the rotor and determine they are so thin that not enough metal remains to allow removal of more during turning process. This means the rotors must be replaced. With the price of replacement rotors dropping and the undesirable tendency of turned rotors warping sooner than a replacement, many repair shops today don’t bother repairing warped rotors. They simply provide a quote for replacing rotors to fix a brake pulsation.
The third brake repair method to fix pulsation is to replace loose wheel bearings. Worn bearings can’t hold the rotor secure enough to keep it straight and cause uneven rotor wear that gets progressively worse with increased mileage. Even if brake rotors are turned or new rotors are installed, there can still be pulsation with loose wheel bearings.
Diagnosing brake warning light problems
Brake warning light repairs start with the technician reading the code that caused the light to display. After the code is read, a diagnostic procedure is followed to identify the component or wiring problem responsible for the failure that set the code.

Frequently, the intermittent operation of a wheel speed sensor is what sets off a code. The code will identify which sensor is responsible and then the technician will usually be directed to measure the resistance of the sensor. If the resistance is not within specification, the sensor will be replaced. When sensor wiring is the offending culprit, the dash warning usually happens under extreme use as with going over bumps or curbs in a driveway. These conditions stretch the wiring enough to cause the failure.
Depending on the brake system failure code, there could also be problems with a brake module or solenoids within the module. In the case of a speed sensor fault, the code will lead the tech to the diagnostic charts and have them complete tests to isolate the reason for the fault code. Remember, when these failures are intermittent, they can be hard to diagnose because the system may test correctly while in the shop.
Fixing brake fluid loss or internal leakage
Hydraulic brake fluid leaks can be internal or external. External leaks will drip fluid on the ground or under the dash on the driver’s side near the feet. Internal leaks can’t be seen, but they are felt, usually in the form of a brake pedal that falls slowly while at a stop sign. If your vehicle is losing fluid, no matter where you are, you should talk to your repair shop about how best to deliver your vehicle to them for diagnosis of the problem without compromising your safety. External fluid leaks are corrected by replacing the component that is leaking. Here is a list of components where leakage is possible:
• Brake master cylinder
• Drum brake wheel cylinder
• Brake caliper
• Flexible brake hose
• Rigid brake line
Internal leaks are usually in the master cylinder, but it is possible to have a caliper or brake cylinder leaking internally. This basically means that hydraulic fluid is bypassing the rubber seals inside the cylinder, so the pressure is not holding.

for more visit: http://www.econoautorepairriverside.com/services/brakes-service.html

09/12/2018

What is the Vacuum Brake Booster Check Valve all about?

The vacuum brake booster check valve is a part of the brake booster and plays an essential role in the brake system operation. It is a one-way valve that allows air to be sucked out of the booster but does not allow air to enter it. This is a safety solution to ensure that if the engine is turned off, or if frequent stops or pedal presses are required, the brakes still operate. Its capacity ensures that you have enough ‘boost’ for several brake applications. The vacuum brake booster check valve connects the vacuum hose from the engine to the body of the brake booster.
Keep in mind:
The vacuum brake booster check valve is not designed to require maintenance, so it will not be inspected during routine services. Damage to the vacuum hose from the engine can mimic problems with the check valve.
How it's done:
· The faulty vacuum brake booster check valve is located and identified
· The vacuum brake booster check valve is removed
· The new vacuum brake booster check valve is installed
· The brakes are tested for proper vacuum brake booster check valve operation
· The vehicle is road tested and checked for proper vacuum brake booster check valve and brakes operation
Many different issues can create problems with the braking system, including air in the lines, dirty/burned brake fluid, and more. If you suspect a vacuum brake booster check valve issue, have one of our expert mechanics diagnose it.
What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Vacuum Brake Booster Check Valve?
· Brake pedal feels spongy when pressed
· Brake pedal is very hard to press
· Brake pedal begins as easy to press then becomes very difficult
How important is this service?
While a leak in the vacuum brake booster check valve will not eliminate your ability to stop, it will make braking much more difficult and increase your stopping distance. It should be repaired as soon as possible.
For more visit: http://www.econoautorepairriverside.com/services/brakes-service.html
Source: https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/vacuum-brake-booster-check-valve-replacement

09/05/2018

Smart Cars, Smarter Technicians
Today's vehicles are sophisticated and extremely complex machines. The average car has 6-20 computers that help manage everything from the sunroof to anti-lock braking system (ABS) to the electronically controlled transmission (ECT). And the technicians who service the vehicles need to be technologically savvy like never before.

The increasing demand for automotive technicians combined with good salaries make this a career choice that neither students, parents nor guidance counselors should ignore.

Alan Cherko, a shop owner in the Los Angeles, California area, says the potential exists for individuals who work hard at educating and certifying themselves to make "upwards of $80-100,000 per year." Cherko adds that "a willingness to continue education and pursue voluntary on-the-job training" helps put young technicians on the fast track.

Students who want to become automotive technicians can usually begin their careers after two years of study at a technical college, permitting budding technicians to enter the labor market sooner (and likely with less student debt) than their cohorts who attend college for four, six, or more years.

"Society feels young people must go to college to be successful but that's not true these days," said Bill Willis, a car dealer in Smyrna, Delaware. "Good techs are scarce and if you have the aptitude to turn a wrench and fix things, plus education and ASE certification, chances are that will equal a very secure job. We have lots of help these days with training from vehicle manufacturers. In addition, lots of businesses will 'grow' their techs from apprentice to top tech. They can move on to management later, if that's what they're looking for. It's an excellent career choice--better than 30 years ago."

And the tech's job is very portable, qualified technicians are in demand across the country.
Dave Watson, a shop owner in Littleton, Colorado, and an ASE-certified master technician himself puts it this way: "A tech would be able to get a job almost anywhere because they are proven professionals. Shops are more than willing to pay for qualified techs. Besides, the country runs on its wheels."
Source: http://www.ase.com/News-Events/Publications/Car-Care-Articles/Smart-Cars,-Smarter-Technicians.aspx

08/30/2018

5 things to know about your car radiator and how to keep it cool
Car radiators are the most common cause of car breakdowns in the UAE, and yet they are fantastically simple to maintain. When an engine is running, its pistons are moving up and down the cylinders at anywhere between 1500rpm at idle to 8000rpm at full throttle - this creates heat and friction. The only way to keep them cool is to have water flowing through canals in the engine block –meet the radiator.
The radiator keeps your car’s engine cool, this makes it extremely important that it is properly looked after. Signs that things may not well under the bonnet will begin with the water temperature gauge. It should be running at no more than 90 degrees Celsius. If it starts to rise, then you should pull over and stop. Another sign could be burning smells and steam or smoke coming from under the bonnet.

1. Low coolant level

Coolant, a mixture of antifreeze (ethylene glycol) and water is a fluid pumped around the engine and kept cool with the help of the radiator. The purpose of this antifreeze is to keep the water in the radiator from freezing in cold temperatures and, more relevant to the UAE, preventing the fluid from boiling in the warmer climates. A low coolant level in the radiator is one of the major reasons for overheating in vehicles. The drop in amount of coolant could be due to a variety of reasons like a leak in your head gasket – which is a serious problem - or the heater-core. It is advised to renew the coolant every time the radiator is serviced. Ideally this is to be done annually. You should check your coolant level at least once a month – topping it up with water is acceptable.

2. Clogged radiator

Common causes for a clogged radiator are dirt, dead insects and loose debris such as stones. These will block the airflow through the radiator resulting in it overheating. Open the bonnet and you can usually view the radiator clearly.
If there is nothing visible, it could be an internal clog. Scan the surface of the radiator for cold spots using an infrared thermostat if you have one. If you don’t have one, open the radiator cap when the car is cool and check the fluid and the radiator for any brown discoloration, or suspended contaminates in the coolant like floating dirt.

3. Heat exchange materials

Traditionally radiators were made using copper and brass cores, but cost-efficient and weight-saving aluminum cores using plastic tanks are slowly replacing them. The reason for this change is that aluminum radiators cool more effectively than the copper-brass ones. The rate of heat transfer in aluminum is impressive compared to similar common metals.
If you have an older car with copper and brass core plumbing, then the car’s age could be the issue. Newer cars won’t be as affected.

4. Radiator cap

A malfunctioning radiator cap causes radiator overheating, a very common and overlooked cause. If the radiator cap has not been screwed on correctly then coolant could be leaking.
The cap also helps maintain the correct water pressure, and if it’s not sitting correctly, the pressure will become compromised.

5. Thermostat

The thermostat is a valve as well as a key component of the radiator. If the thermostat is stuck closed, the hot water in the system can’t escape back to the radiator to be cooled. This results in overheating.
Thermostats are relatively simple to replace and are the most common causes of overheating.
Source: https://gulfnews.com/guides/life/5-things-to-know-about-your-car-radiator-and-how-to-keep-it-cool-1.1554272

For more visit: http://www.econoautorepairriverside.com/

Econo Firestone Auto Repair in Riverside CA does offer car repair services at Fair Prices. We are serving since 1990 in Riverside. Trusted name in Riverside.

08/29/2018

How Often Tires Should be Rotated ?
It is a simple rule to remember, a good time to rotate car tires is when the oil is changed, assuming that it is done at least once a year and more often if driving is more than 10,000 miles annually.
Generally vehicle manufacturers recommend that the tires should be rotated on the same schedule as oil changes. In most cases that means every 7,500 miles or six months, though some have stretched the oil-change interval to 10,000 miles, as with many Fords, Volkswagens and Toyotas. BMW allows up to 15,000 miles between oil changes, but that is too long of a time to wait to rotate the tires. Unless driving is fewer than about 7,500 miles per year, it's a good idea to rotate tires every six months or so to prevent uneven wear.
The tires mounted on the drive wheels of any vehicle perform extra duty’s as they apply the power to the pavement. On front-wheel-drive vehicles, that is increased by the weight of the engine and transmission because the front tires do most of the work in turns. Rotating the tires between front and rear a couple of times a year spreads out the burden, so the tread can wear evenly. Automakers that offer all-wheel-drive cars also recommend rotating tires. Subaru, for example, says to do it every 7,500 miles or 7.5 months, whichever comes first.
There are exceptions to these examples, particularly with performance models that may have different schedules for tire rotation to ensure the tires wear properly. It is suggested to follow the recommended schedule outlined in the cars owner's manual, but the rotation of tires, (and oil change) should be done at least once a year. It is not required to take the car to a dealership to have a regular rotation done as many other tire dealers and other repair shops will perform both jobs for about $30.
Source: https://www.cars.com/articles/2013/05/how-often-should-you-rotate-your-tires/
for more visit: http://www.econoautorepairriverside.com/

08/21/2018

The Importance commercial truck insurance

A growing majority of Americans agree: Health care shouldn’t be a business. They’re finally coming around to the idea that it can and should be a public good instead — something we can all turn to when the need arises. The favorite right-wing argument against Medicare for All — the most popular approach to universal, publicly financed heath care — is that it’s too expensive. More on those costs in a moment. But first, we should note that our current health care system is actually the most expensive in the world by a long shot, even though we have millions of uninsured and under insured people and lackluster health outcomes.
This is partly because a lot of that money doesn’t go directly toward keeping people healthy. Instead it goes to the overhead costs required to keep businesses running. These include exorbitant executive salaries, marketing to beat out the competition, the labor-intensive work of assessing and denying claims and so on. None of these would be a factor in a single-payer, Medicare for All system. Taiwan and Canada both have single-payer systems, and both spend less than 2 percent of total expenditures on administrative costs — and so does the United States’ current Medicare program. By contrast, private insurers in the United States spend as much as 25 percent on overheads.
But the most important way Medicare for All would save money isn’t by slashing administrative costs. It’s by using the power and size of the government, like other countries around the world currently do, to negotiate favorable terms with drug companies and service providers. There’s a reason a CT scan costs $896 in the United States, but only $97 in Canada.
And what about the sticker shock factor — the dramatic rise in government spending to accommodate such a program? Medicare for All would transfer all payment responsibility to one public agency (as opposed to a bunch of private companies), and that act of combination produces the big price tag that conservatives use as a cudgel. But while this would be more expensive for the government, it wouldn’t be for ordinary Americans. The money would be raised through progressive income and corporate taxes and end up costing most people less than their current health care. And coverage would be comprehensive and universal, meaning nobody would ever be unable to afford the care they need.
Pursuing Medicare for All would come with its own set of dilemmas: Eliminating an entire industry won’t be easy, and we’ll face plenty of political resistance and calls for half-measures. But if we want actual universal coverage, and we want it to be affordable and high-quality, Medicare for All is the only way forward.
For more visit: http://www.econoautorepairriverside.com/
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/10/opinion/medicare-for-all-health-costs.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FHealth%20Insurance%20and%20Managed%20Care

Econo Firestone Auto Repair in Riverside CA does offer car repair services at Fair Prices. We are serving since 1990 in Riverside. Trusted name in Riverside.

08/06/2018

The 3 Most Common Places A Transmission Leaks Fluid
Nobody wants to see red transmission fluid leaking from underneath their vehicle. Not only is it annoying to see your garage floor stained; leaking transmission fluid can end up costing a lot of money if it is not taken care of promptly. Most people understand the fact that leaking fluid is the first sign of a problem and typically equate the issue to something that is going to cost them a ton of money. Although an expensive transmission repair bill can follow leaking fluid, this is typically not the case. As long as the problem is taken care of right away, generally leaking transmission fluid is a relatively inexpensive fix. Continue reading to learn the typical causes of fluid leaks, the average repair bill, and how to prevent damaging your vehicles transmission.
The 3 Most Common Leaks
Although there are multiple places on a vehicle where transmission fluids can leak, the 3 most common include:
• Pan gasket
• Cooler lines
• Output, tail, or torque converter seal
A few other sources of leaks that are not as common include: a rusted trans pan, damaged torque converter, external sensor housing, tail housing gasket, side cover gasket, filler tube, cracked case, etc. These are not typically as common, unless you are driving an older Ford Ta**us with the AX4N or AX4S transmission, notorious for grooved torque converters which can cause excessive fluid leaks.
How to Properly Diagnose the Leak
If you are able to locate the transmission from the underside of your vehicle, the leaking fluid can be spotted easy. However, the root cause of the fluid leak is often more difficult to discover and where you may be seeing the fluid leak could be deceptive.
Remember: Fluid is going to leak down the transmission due to gravity and the wind blowing underneath your vehicle is going to blow the fluid away from the transmission.
To properly locate the source of your transmission’s leak, you must fully clean off all fluid from the entire underbody of your vehicle and add dye to your transmissions system. After ensuring that your vehicle has been filled to the proper level with fluid, you will want to put some miles on your car (varies depending on extent of leak) to pinpoint the source. Typically, 30-40 miles should be sufficing, but with very slow leaks don’t be surprised if you still can’t see fluid after 100+ miles.
Remember: If you are leaking excessive amounts of fluid you may damage your cars transmission due to running it low on fluid. If you are unsure of how to do this, contact your local transmission specialist to have this work performed to ensure proper diagnosis. This will prevent excessive damage and money spent on repairs caused by running your vehicle low on fluid.
Source: https://certifiedtransmissionrepair.com/3-common-places-transmission-leaks-fluid/

07/31/2018

Auto air conditioners serve well on hot summer days to make driving more pleasant by cooling the air and removing excess moisture in the car. All across North America a climate change occurs every year. The cooler spring temperatures give way to the warmer weather. In some areas this lasts two months, and in others it can last six months or longer. It’s called summer. With summer comes heat. Heat can make your car unbearable to drive, which is why air conditioning was introduced by Packard in 1939. Beginning in luxury cars and now expanding into almost every vehicle produced, air conditioning has been cooling drivers and passengers for decades.
What does air conditioning do?
Air conditioning has two main purposes:
1 - Cools the air entering the passenger compartment
2 - Removes the moisture from the air so it feels more comfortable inside the vehicle.
In many makes, air conditioning cycles automatically when the defrost setting is chosen. It pulls the humidity from the windshield to improve your visibility. Often cold air is not required when the defrost setting is selected, which is why it is important to know that air conditioning functions even when the heat is selected on the heater control.
How does air conditioning work?
Air conditioning systems operate in much the same manner from manufacturer to manufacturer. All makes have some common components:
· Compressor
· Condenser
· Expansion valve or or***ce tube
· Receiver, drier, or accumulator
· Evaporator
The air conditioning system is pressurized by a gas known as refrigerant. Each vehicle specifies how much refrigerant is used to fill the system, and is usually three or four pounds at most in passenger vehicles. The compressor does just that: it compresses the refrigerant from a gaseous state into a fluid. the fluid is cycled through a refrigerant line. Because it is under high pressure, this is called the high side. The next procedure occurs in the condenser. The refrigerant flows through a grid similar to a radiator. Air passes through the condenser and removes the heat from the refrigerant. The refrigerant then moves on next to the expansion valve, or or***ce tube. A valve or restriction in the tube reduces the pressure in the line and the refrigerant returns to a gaseous state. Next, the refrigerant enters the receiver drier, or accumulator. Here, a desiccant in the receiver drier removes moisture that is carried in with the refrigerant in gas form. After the receiver drier, the cooler, drier refrigerant passes into the evaporator, still in its gaseous form. The evaporator is the only part of the air conditioning system that is actually in the passenger compartment. Air is blown through the evaporator core, and the heat is removed from the air and transferred into the refrigerant, leaving cooler air exiting past the evaporator. The refrigerant cycles through to the compressor again. The process continues repeatedly.
For more visit: http://www.econoautorepairriverside.com/services/air-conditioning-service.html
Source: https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-does-a-car-air-conditioning-system-work-by-jason-unrau

07/27/2018

Things to know about a vehicle air conditioning system

Things to know about a vehicle air conditioning system before reading this A/C user tips article. Air conditioning on any vehicle reduces engine horsepower dramatically anywhere from 15 to 25%. With such a large horsepower drain there is no doubt that fuel economy ends up taking a big hit too! So, remember when you use your vehicle’s A/C, you’re giving up some serious fuel economy.
Vehicle air conditioning systems also place additional stress on your vehicle’s cooling system. A vehicle’s cooling system needs to be in good condition in order to prevent an engine from overheating when using the air conditioning. Mentioned in the paragraph above, A/C creates a serious load on the engine which in turn works the engine harder generating a lot more heat not only under the hood but in the cooling system.
Cabin Air filters are a reality in most vehicles on our roadways today, it is critical to find out if your vehicle is equipped with a cabin filter and, if so, have it inspected to verify that it is clean and not restricted with debris (human hair, dust, lint, pet hair, leaves etc.)
A restricted cabin filter will limit the air flow from the dash vents - not allowing that cold A/C system air to cool off the vehicle interior rapidly. Even though the A/C system may be fully capable of creating frigid cold air, a restricted cabin filter will not allow that air to get to the vehicle occupants. It will seem as though it takes forever to get the inside of the vehicle cooled down.
Air conditioning systems contain refrigerant and refrigerant oil along with many hard working moving components that can suffer normal wear and tear internally. Normal wear and tear in a vehicle’s A/C system tends to create many metal particles that begin to float through all of the A/C hoses and metal lines. There are many areas in the system where these metal particles can become trapped, restricting the flow of the refrigerant through the A/C system lines and other system components. Once again any restriction in the A/C system will end up reducing the ability of the system to perform well.
Here’s what can be done to help a vehicle’s A/C system to work well while reducing premature system failures. Most manufacturers do not have a maintenance program for a vehicle’s A/C system so here’s what it is recommend and it has worked very well for many of the vehicles that I have serviced for over 30 years.
Even if the A/C system appears to be working well, as a preventative measure and a way of servicing the system from the inside, I suggest having the entire system flushed and recharged with new, clean refrigerant. Having the system flushed will remove metal particles and any moisture that ends up trapped in the system.
I highly recommend a complete evacuation and recharge of your vehicles A/C system every 2 to 3 years. The service cost may vary a little from shop to shop so be certain to ask and obtain a detailed written estimate. This way you will know exactly what the A/C system service will end up costing you!
Something to keep in mind an average A/C system repair costs approx. $500.00
An open A/C system means: the system has not been functioning for a length of time due to the refrigerant leaking out. The longer the system has been left open allowing moisture to enter, the costlier the repair. Many times, serious complications caused by corrosion in the lines and other system components can prevent the A/C tech from getting the system running entirely. The only way to know if the system will work again will end up costing a good amount of money to find out.
In closing, this is the main reason why it is so important to have the A/C system repaired no matter when the system fails. If the system fails late in the summer, many leave the system down and wait until next spring to deal with it. Whether you live in sunny Florida or where old man winter hits every year, if you want to enjoy your vehicles A/C you need to have it diagnosed and repaired right away!

Source:

Car Air Conditioning – Tech Tips Motormouth here, I have a number of air conditioning “Tech Tips” to share with you in this article. I hope you decide to implement them and take advantage of saving money! I have been servicing vehicle air conditioning systems for over 30 years and have enjoyed...