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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2014-10-22, Page 19Putting the breaks on that squeal When it comes to instilling unrelenting embarrassment uponcardriversandmechanics alike, nothing comes close to the shrill of screeching brakes. It is the number one comeback complaint related to brakes service and the one that mechanics know about the most. Drivers know that when brakes start to make noise, it's time to have them looked at. In most cases, replacing the friction (brake pads or shoes) usually gets rid of the nuisance. But what if you've just had the brakes done and they start to squeal? Here are 10 reasons why: 1. Inferior friction material. Friction compounds are a well -guarded secret in the industry, and each manufacturer has spentyears refining the process to achieve the best performance results. 2. Rust accumulation on drums and rotors. When the brakes of a car are not used for a while, rust forms on the braking surface. Apply the brakes lightly while driving; the noise should subside after a few seconds. 3. Improper break-in of new brakes.This procedure (Burnishing) should be done by your repairer and requires a repeated application of the brakes in a prescribed mannerthatmatesthesurfaceofthebrake material to the drum or disc. 4. Pad or Shoe design. Choosea brand of brakes that incorporates bevelling at the leading and trailing edge of the lining to avoid squeaks and shutter. 5. Improper installation. Follow all of the required steps as directed bythe brake parts manufacturer, including using any included adhesives or lubricants supplied. 6. Hard braking. All brakes will squeal without ample cooling time between applications. 7. Restricted airflow to the brake assembly. Replace any broken or missing ductwork that directs air to the brakes. 8. Missing or broken hardware. Replace any worn parts such as calliper sliders, anti -rattle clips, etc. to reduce the likelihood of noise. 9. Missing pad shim. Look fora spacer shim incorporated into the back of the disc brake pad. Some manufacturers include this shim as part of their installation hardware. Be sure to include these shims when replacing the brake pads. 10. Cracks and breaks. Any broken or cracked parts near or at the brake assembly will vibrate when stopping and potentially cause noise. Almostall brake noise can beeasilydiagnosed.Visityournearest repairer to have the condition examined. Typical shop charges range from a half hour to an hour labour. Time for a MAINTENANCE CHECK? Save with our fabulous MAINTENANCE PACKAGE! •Lube, oil and filter •15 point inspection •Rotate tires •Inspect brakes •Top up fluids •Check coolant •Check battery and cables •Check wipers 54995 LOF includes up to 51. of premium motor oil, offer valid on most vehicles. 4' Quality parts & Workmanship at reasonable rates! CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS. Limited Time Offer! DAYFIELD GARAGE 9 Main St. S, Bayfield 565-2538 Wednesday, October 22, 2014 • 2014 Fall Car Care Guide 7 Cars need washing into the winter too If you think a car wash is only for sunny summer days, think again. Washing a car in the winter months can help it operate at peak capacity despite harsh weather. People take different tactics when it comes to washing their cars. Some prefer to hand wash their vehicles, taking care to primp and polish.Whilethis mightbeeasywhen itiswarm outside,coldweathercanquicklyzapambition and actually make it downright painful to do so. Also, environmental experts tend to frown upon washing the car in the driveway because of the water waste and chemical detergents running into storm sewers. Commercial car washes recycle and filter their water. Preventative car care is especially important when the cold weather sets in. The road additives -- such as salt and sand -- can wreak havoc on a car's paint, corrode the undercarriage of the vehicle and potentially rust the wheel wells. Keeping the car clean and waxed can protect the finish and help protect against scratches and marring from any winter road debris. Carcorrosiondamageisespeciallycommon during the winter months. Prevention remains the best solution to corrosion,and a car wash is a preventative measure that takes little effort. Automatic car washes are a convenient way to clean a vehicle in the winter. However, these facilities tend to use harsh chemicals that eat through debris. This can result in swirling patterns and spotting on some cars. An alternative is to head to one of the self - wash carwash bays and bring along your own products or rely on theirs so that you will have a high-powered water supplyfor rinsing. Even if you cannot do the cleaning job you would in the warmer weather, rinsing some of the salt and grime from the car, expecially underneath, can go a long way toward preventing corrosion. Before the snowy season sets in, it's a good idea to do a thorough washing of the car and apply a new coat of a high-quality wax. The wax will serve as an extra barrieragainstgrime. Before and after washing the car when it's below freezing, it's advisable to use a de-icing product on the doors and windows. If not, the windows might get stuck. Washing a car in a cold climate is not something many people enjoy, but it's a good way to keep a car running strong and looking good. 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