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Ask the Experts
At Colony One Auto you can rest assured knowing that your vehicle is being handled by experienced professionals. We treat our customers how we would want to be treated. Colony One Auto's consists of an elite group of highly trained technicians. With the latest and most state-of-the-art equipment, we are standing by ready to assist you if you are ever in need of service or repairs on your vehicle.
Ask one of our Experts at Colony One Auto: With Rick Hanson, GM COAC
Q: Why should I flush my brake fluid? I’ve never heard of it?!
A: Since the inception of hydraulic brake systems, brake fluid has been pretty much the same. It is made up of a multitude of ingredients, some to protect the rubber components of the system, some to inhibit rusting of the metal portions and others to increase the boiling point of the fluid so it won’t evaporate at the temperatures often seen in a brake system. However, in their combined state, the fluid is hydroscopic, which means it has an uncanny ability to absorb water. Condensation within the system, as well as moisture in the air (we are in humid Houston), attack the fluid and over a period of time will cause the fluid to break down. Combine this with the oxidation caused by the extreme heat the fluid has to deal with every time you use the brakes and you’re left with a mess that needs to be flushed out and replaced with new fluid so the process can start over again. Left unattended too long, and the system components, especially the ABS system, can be rendered less effective or even fail.
Not all manufacturers have this on their normal maintenance list. Does this mean their systems don’t have this problem? Certainly not. Their systems are just as much in need of this service as the next one. A complete brake fluid flush should be performed every 30,000 miles or when the brakes are having work done, such as a brake job. Be sure the flush is being done with a machine specifically designed for the job. The Wynn’s company has one of the better machines available. Find a shop using this machine with ASE certified technicians to operate it.
Consider the crud that accumulates in the brake fluid like the crud that accumulates in our arteries and veins and will ultimately lead to a heart attack. We all know if we eat better and exercise we have a healthier life, right? Then a little maintenance to the brake fluid will have the same effect to your car.
Q: Should I expect to pay to have the problems with my car diagnosed?
A: Yes and no. Typically there is not a charge for looking into a mechanical problem as long as it does not require the technician to disassemble a lot of the vehicle. When this situation arises the customer should be made aware of the cost for that type of diagnosis. Because this type of work does not take a long time or require specialized equipment, most shops will only charge of the estimated work is declined. A minimum charge is necessary to offset the time spent with no actual billable work being performed.
On the other hand there is performance or emission related diagnosis. This type of work requires highly trained technicians as well as sophisticated test equipment to get an accurate answer. Vehicles with a check engine light or a specific performance issue require the technician to spend a lot of time for the proper diagnosis. Parts prices for these types of repairs are generally high so the right call is worth the diagnostic dollars spent. Unlike a minimum charge for mechanical check out, a good shop will charge the diagnostic time regardless of whether or not the work has been declined.
This time is no different than that of your family doctor. He charges an office visit along with the actual treatment necessary. The doctor has countless hours of education and numerous pieces of equipment just like the highly trained technician. There is one very big difference between the doctor and the technician. The doctor only has to learn about two body styles that have been the same since time began. The technician on the other hand has to be familiar with over 5,000 body styles from a variety of manufacturers that change every year!! This is not an easy task and a good shop with qualified technicians will charge a fee for this service so expect to pay for diagnostic time, in the long run it is money well spent.
Q: Should I take my car to the dealer for all my maintenance and repairs?
A: While the dealer that sold you the vehicle would like you to do so, it is not necessary. What is required is all scheduled maintenance be performed at the intervals prescribed in your owners manual. This will insure any possible warranty repair can be handled without questions. Proof of the work is also required and most manufacturers require the maintenance be performed by an ASE certified technician.
The actual repair or replacement of any part still under the original warranty (typically three years or 36,000 miles, some will differ.) can only be performed by the dealer. Any repair of the vehicle after the warranty has expired can be performed by any qualified repair shop employing ASE certified technicians. A quality repair facility will keep up with the training and equipment necessary to repair your vehicle. Today’s vehicles are more complex than ever and constant training is necessary to keep up with the changes.
Unfortunately, there are some repairs that only the dealers can perform due to an unusual piece of equipment or information the manufacturer chooses to keep to themselves. Repairs such as factory recalls will always require a trip to the dealer. In the real world of auto repair, a reputable repair facility, employing ASE certified technicians is a great place to have your maintenance or repair work done, should it become necessary. There are many more independent repair facilities than dealers to choose from, which generally results in a good repair in a more timely fashion.
Q: Is your car or truck ready for another season of travel?
A: The spring season is upon us, and with this, the travel season begins, as well. The temperature is beginning to climb, and the lure of the highway is getting stronger. The increase in temperature also starts to take its toll on our cars and trucks. Now is the time to get your vehicle in for a pre-season inspection.
There are many reasons for a breakdown on the road. At the top of the list is running out of gas. While this is not a maintenance item, it is obvious how to avoid this situation. Tires have to be the first real and avoidable reason for a visit to the roadside. Be sure to have the tires inspected. The air pressure is often neglected and the tires are allowed to run low, which increases heat in the tire that can lead to failure. Tires wearing on one side or the other can be indicative of a worn part or an alignment problem. Regardless of the reason your tires have worn, have them checked and replaced if necessary and the air pressure checked in the rest of them. Check them periodically as well.
Drive belts and coolant hoses are next on the list. With the demise of the full service gas station, your hood is rarely lifted, leaving all the things under the hood a mystery. By nature, rubber products under the hood like the drive belts and coolant hoses should be replaced every four years. At least have a “look see” to prevent an obvious failure.
These are the most common to fail and, yet, the most obvious to prevent items that can leave your trip on the side of the road. Other items on the Trip Ready check list should include the various fluid levels and condition of the engine oil, the transmission fluid, the coolant, the brake fluid, the differential fluid (if so equipped), the water in the battery and the washer fluid. If your trip is going to take you beyond the next oil change, change it before you go. This will allow you to drive the entire trip without putting too many miles on an oil change. You can not over change your oil.
Have all the lights checked. Be sure the spare tire is in good shape and the air pressure is correct. Be sure the jack and the lug nut tool is in good working order and proper fit. If your vehicle is equipped with locking lug nuts, check for the removal tool and remember where you put it! Replace the wiper blades, they’re cheap. Have the washer fluid topped off, and be sure the squirters work. Test the cruise control at the speed you intend to drive.
A good repair facility will have a predetermined list of things to be looked at for a trip. Colony One Auto Center offers this service for a nominal charge. Get your car or truck road-ready before any trip. Remember, no matter how many things are checked or replaced, there will always be a chance some unseen contraption will fail and cause you grief. Eliminate the obvious, and have a safe and enjoyable trip!!
Do you have more questions for our experts? Contact us Today!
