Free Brake Inspection

What are the warning signs that it’s time to have your vehicle’s brakes looked at by a professional?

Here are some of the warning signs that it’s time to have your vehicle’s brakes looked at by a professional certified service facility:

• Brake light is on. Unless the parking brake is on, the light usually is an indication that the brake fluid is low.
• You see or smell brake fluid. This points to a leak. Brake fluid is a light amber color and has a pungent odor.
• Brake pedal or wheel vibrates. Vibrations indicate issues developing on the surface of the rotor.
• Brakes squeal until you come to a stop. Squealing brakes almost always pinpoint the need for servicing.
• Brakes squeal when you release the brake pedal. This can indicate the brake wear indicators are scraping against the rotors.
• Brakes grind or growl. The sound of metal on metal is clear evidence that the brake pads are completely worn down.

In tandem with routine brake inspections it is recommended to have your tires rotated. Properly functioning brakes are essential for safe and efficient driving. But for brakes to perform as designed, the tires also need to be in optimal condition. The hydraulic force of the brake system stops the wheels, but it’s the friction between the tires and the road that stops the vehicle.

Precision Tune is running this free brake inspection special promotion now through October 31st. They will test drive your vehicle and perform a comprehensive inspection of your entire braking system. For more information visit their Web site at http://www.precisiontune.com/promotions/index.html.

Police Radar Jammer Myths Debunked

Radar Roy, a retired police officer is offering a $5000.00 reward for a radar jammer that works.

Radar Roy, a retired Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant, who is also a certified traffic radar and laser instructor, is offering a $5,000 reward for anyone that can show him a passive radar jammer that works. Roy says, "Not only don't these things work, but you can spend up to $50,000 in fines and five years in jail if you're caught with one".

Roy offers his radar jammer challenge on his web site, (www.RadarJammer.com). On this site he has experts from police departments and engineers interviewed by ABC 20/20, CBS Good Morning, and Extra all showing that jamming devices had no effect on the police radar or laser guns.

Colorado has passed the stiffest law in the nation that does prohibit the sale and/or use of radar or laser jammer equipment. The maximum fine for Colorado resellers is $1,000 and one year in jail. The law took effect July 1,2005 .

Radar Roy also operates another web site (www.RadarBusters.com) where he offers testing reports on popular radar detectors.

Need to Know Signs of Vehicle Accident Damage

Car-Buying Experts Give Tips to Spot Hidden Damage Indicators

Most people do not know the biggest warning sign that a vehicle may have been in a major accident, according to a recent poll conducted by CarMax, Inc., the nation's largest retailer of used cars.

More than 70 percent of respondents said that repainting the car is the strongest indicator. According to CarMax's car-buying experts, however, clamp marks on a vehicle's frame are the biggest sign that the car may have been involved in a serious collision.

"A car might be repainted to address cosmetic issues rather than a serious accident," said David Claeys, purchasing manager for CarMax in Richmond . "Paint work isn't as big of an indicator as clamp marks on the frame of the vehicle. People should look beyond the paint job when considering buying a used vehicle and consider several other factors in order to spot hidden signs of prior vehicle damage."

"Car shoppers need to be on the look out for signs that a car may have been in a bad accident, as the safety and resale value of the car may have been compromised," said Claeys. "Cars that have had severe structural damage can be completely repaired, retitled, and sold to an unsuspecting buyer. Minor fender benders that do not compromise the integrity of the vehicle are not as much of a concern."

CarMax's expert car buying team recommends the following tips to help determine whether a vehicle may have been in a serious accident.

• Look for clamp marks on the frame rail under the car in the front or the back. Clamp marks look like holes or gashes on the frame of the vehicle. Clamp marks usually indicate that the car has been on a frame machine, which suggests the vehicle may have been in a serious accident.
• Check the bolts used to fasten fenders, doors and the trunk lid to see whether the paint is broken or bolts are turned, which could indicate the bolts were removed for body repairs to the vehicle.
• Peel back the fabric that lines the trunk and look for welding marks or body filler, which may indicate that repairs were made on the body of the vehicle.
• Look for signs of repainting on the car, such as inconsistency in the paintwork or paint on the molding or gaskets. Run your finger along the inside door edge and see if the finish is smooth or rough. A rough finish can be caused by overspray during repainting.
• Listen for any engine noise when you test drive a vehicle. A major accident can cause damage to any part of the engine.
• Check to see if all the doors, the hood, and trunk lid close properly. If they don't, this could indicate the use of replacement parts due to a major accident.
• Check to see if the odometer clicks off miles when the vehicle is driven.
• Check the VIN number on the dashboard and see if it matches the VIN number on the sticker inside the door of the vehicle. If there is not a match, the door may have been replaced.

ConsumerAutomotiveResearch.com highly recommends getting a CarFax report on any used vehicle you are considering purchasing to determine if there are any reports that the vehicle was stolen, declared a lemon, or was previously involved in a serious collision.

Tip of the Week

To get the haze off your windshield that your wipers or washer won't remove - wash your windshield with vinegar and rinse with water then dry.

Extended Warranty Savings
$100 Special Offer

AAAutoWarranty is offering $100 off any two year or longer extended warranty. This is a little known special and all you need to do to qualify is use the discount code SAVE100 online. You can also reply to the email quote they send and say “Please re quote with the SAVE100 discount. Their website is www.AAAutoWarranty.com.

Warranty Rate Increase

First Assured Warranty Corporation will implement a significant across-the-board rate increase on their extended warranty policies. These policies are sold as PrimeCare 50, PrimePlus, and PrimePower.

The rate increase will take effect on October 1st. If you’ve been quoted one of these policies and are considering purchasing, now is the time to buy.

Free Repairs

Manufacturer's "service bulletins" authorize dealers to repair a specific vehicle problem at no charge - even if the warranty has expired.

Bulletins are issued when a large number of vehicles are reported with the same problem.

Service bulletins are not publicized. Before you have repairs done to your vehicle call the dealer service department to check if your problem is covered by one of these bulletins.

Product Recalls

Cooper/Dean Tires: Certain Cooper Trendsetter SE, Mastercraft A/S IV, Dean Alpha 365 A/S, and Starfire Flite-LIne IV tires may lose air pressure causing premature wear and possible failure.

Cooper Tire will replace the affected tires free of charge. Contact Cooper Tire at 800-854-6288.

GE Lighting: Type 9007 for installation in headlamp assemblies in a variety of vehicles fails to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

GE will either repurchase or replace the lights. Contact GE at 502-452-4078.

Dispute Resolution Programs

Should you ever have a repair problem with a dealer or independant shop that they refuse to rectify, or will not rectify to your satisfaction, there are quite a few options to assist you.

The National Association of Lemon Law Administrators, the Motorists Assurance Program, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, and the Better Business Bureau problem reporting and mediation assistance programs are but a few options.

Links can be found on our Resources section.

Not Sure What Your Mechanic is Talking About?

Inner Auto is a great resource for information on how vehicle components work including definitions of every major car part. Voted Popular Science 50 Best of the Web.

Visit their site at www.InnerAuto.com

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