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The post Ever think about grease? OR Does that Fail State Inspection (Part 2) appeared first on FitzWay Car Clinics.

During the inspection, our ASE certified mechanics examine your vehicle for safety concerns.

In the case of this Subaru, the brake lines have become damaged due to routine wear, creating a potential safety hazard if they began to leak fluid.

The first sign of a damaged brake line is a loss of the fluid in the braking system, possibly pooling underneath your vehicle. A severe loss of fluid presents as a loss of brake control—pushing on the pedal in your vehicle doesn’t engage the braking system and the pedal remains on the floor.

Repairing brake lines includes replacing the steel lines and performing a change and flush of the brake system.

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What most are forgetting though is that the owner’s manual also has a table with mileage and time frame (usually in months) that covers the factory recommended items that should be either checked or replaced at that given time. Going above and beyond the routine oil change and into items like spark plugs, transmission fluid, and even air filters. 

Yes, filters, plural–most cars, trucks, and suvs have an engine air filter that helps to remove dust, pollen, and debris prior to the air entering the engine as well as at least one if not more cabin air filters that perform the same task for the passenger compartment. Typically these filters have a lifespan of between 12,000 and 15,000 miles, or generally once per year.  Some of these filters are reusable and at a service interval need to be removed and cleaned then placed back into the vehicle. 

Most cabin air filters are located inside the dash, typically behind the passenger glovebox in the front seat. As such they are harder to access during routine service and replacement recommendations are based on the mileage and service interval from your vehicle manufacturer. 

At Danny’s Fitzway every vehicle that is undergoing a service or diagnostic is recommended to have one of three levels of vehicle checks–Level 1 (basic), Level 2 (intermediate), and a Full Vehicle Physical (recommended at every major mileage service point–typically every 30,000 miles). Checking your vehicle’s engine air filter is  part of the Fitzway Vehicle Check and during a Full Vehicle Physical the mechanic will remove what is necessary to gain access the the cabin air filter as well. 

 So when was the last time your daily driver had the air filter boxes cleaned and new air filters installed? 

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Did you know that part of every Level 1 Fitzway Courtesy Check is visually checking your car, truck, or suv’s exhaust when we have it up on the lift? When we are looking at the undercarriage of your vehicle we are checking for signs of wear, corrosion, damage from road debris, or other problems that may cause either poor vehicle performance or become a safety hazard.

 

Just beyond the exhaust manifold on your daily driver is a portion of the exhaust known as the flex pipe. It is located here to allow for the engine to have some movement during acceleration without pulling on the exhaust system running underneath your vehicle. The flex pipe is composed of a steel hose wrapped in a protective steel braid. Over time the strain of the engine movement degrades the hose and steel braid and it should be replaced before it begins to leak.

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Virtual Vehicle

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How often do you wonder about how your daily driver or weekend warrior vehicle handles? When your vehicle’s tires are not balanced they interact with the  road surface differently, and can create a noticeable bounce or vibration that you feel when driving at certain speeds. With every new tire that we install we utilize a specific computerized tool to measure the balance of the wheel and direct the technician to place wheel weights in appropriate places on the tire rim.

Looking for more? Wheel Balance

What about the inside of the rims? When was the last time you either had tires put on your daily driver or had them serviced? Over time the inner rim can accumulate grime and corrosion–that buildup can prevent a proper seal for the tire to the rim and lead to leaks or flat tires.

When we repair a tire or replace a tire, our technicians examine the wheel and rim for any corrosion or other damage. Corrosion like in the image below can be cleaned off and then the rim sealed for protection.

Want to see the before and after? Tire Bead Service

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