The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current, June 14, 2017, Page 4, Image 12

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    4
Everything Auto
Summer 2017
SUMMER MAINTENANCE
SUMMER MAINTENANCE
WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR
BRAKES
SHOCKS
SIGNS THEY ARE GOING BAD
Shocks and struts can have a major impact on your
overall driving experience. Worn-out shocks will make
your car’s ride less comfortable and can pose a serious
safety problem.
Here are some signs of brake
problems that every vehicle owner
should be aware of. If you experience
any of these, it’s important to get your
brakes checked right away.
MAINTENANCE PLANS
SQUEAKS
Most cars are designed to emit a high-pitched squealing noise when the brake pads are
dangerously thin. A small, metal clip will rub up against the brakes, telling you it's past time for a
brake job.
Even if your brakes feel just fine, and stop the car without a problem, ignoring this squeal can
lead to permanent brake damage. brakes will always work quietly on modern cars
VIBRATIONS
If you sense any unusual vibrations when stopping, this can also mean it's time to get your
brakes checked.
Brakes that are worn unevenly can also manifest themselves through the steering feel, especially
if the vibrations get worse when you step on the brake pedal.
SQUISHY PEDAL
If the brake pedal doesn't seem to exert much pressure, or even lets you push it all the way to the
floorboard, your brakes could be on the verge of total failure due to a loss of brake fluid, air or
water in the brake lines, or a leaky or broken power brake system.
SMELL
If you smell a metallic burning scent, especially after hard stops, there's a good chance it could be
coming from your brakes. You should get a brake inspection to check it out.
The best way to decide when to replace suspension
components is by following the maintenance plan in your owner’s
manual.
The owner’s manual contains recommended intervals for
replacing certain parts, including the shocks and struts. While this
can vary some based on how you drive it – jackrabbit starts and
lots of potholes may wear out your suspension faster, for example
– the owner’s manual will give a good idea of when the parts
ought to be replaced under normal use.
It’s good information, and it could also void your car’s
warranty if you don’t follow it.
If you don’t have an owner’s manual, consider buying one
from an online auction, looking up your car’s maintenance needs
online, or checking with a certified repair center that can tell you
exactly what the factory recommends for your car’s age and
mileage.
DO AN INSPECTION
Even before the planned maintenance, it’s a good idea to check
the conditions of your shocks and struts regularly. You can peek
under your car to look for any obvious signs of leaks or damage,
such as oil that has dripped out of the shock or bent parts that
could have been cause by debris in the roadway.
SUMMER MAINTENANCE
4 SIGNS IT IS TIME TO REPLACE YOUR TIRES
hen it comes to maintaining your car,
few things are as important as your tires.
Your tires keep you safe, providing
the traction you need on the road and
in bad weather, they also play a big role in the comfort
of your car. Good tires with proper air pressure give
you the best ride and gas mileage.
W
BLISTERS
3 TREAD DEPTH
The first and most obvious thing to check is the depth of the
treads.
All tires wear down over time, and it's important to check them
regularly to be sure the treads are still in good condition.
An old rule of thumb involves using a penny to measure the
depth. Rotate it so that the top of Abraham Lincoln's head is
pointed in toward the tire. If the tread is shallow enough to see
Abe's head without any obstruction, it's past time to get new tires.
1
When you look at the tire from in front or back, it
should have a smooth, even surface.
If you see any blisters or bulges on the tire, they could
be weak spots that could lead to a blowout at any time.
CRACKS
4 NOISE & VIBRATION
If you've noticed a new noise coming from the wheel wells or
a vibration that changes with the speed of the vehicle, there's a
good chance you could have a problem with your tires.
Even if your tires look perfect, sometimes they can have
problems internally. Layers could be separating inside the tire, it
could be wearing unevenly, or it might have a flat spot from
prolonged skidding.
2
Extreme temperatures, prolonged exposure to sunlight and changes in humidity
can all eventually lead to the sidewall of your tires breaking down.
Good tires will have a rubbery, supple texture to them. If they look dry and
cracked, you could be risking a blowout, even if the tread depth is still thick.
BEST TIRE
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