AUTONET TV

The Part You've Never Seen (Flat Tires and Solutions)

They say your vehicle has one, but you've never seen it.  And you might not even know it if you stumbled on it accidentally.

We're talking about the jack, that tool that allows you to lift one corner of the vehicle up so someone can change a flat tire.

So you say you'd never try to change a flat anyway, so you don't care where it is.  But one day, you may find yourself in a spot where you're stranded with no cell service and you'll need to at least know the basics of what to do.

Well, here's the ironic part.  Many of today's vehicles don't even have jacks and spares!  Recently, manufacturers have been saving weight by supplying another solution for a flat tire, such as an inflator kit that has a tire sealant in it, or a small compressor.  If your vehicle has one of those, it's a good idea to get to know how to use it before you need to use it.  Hopefully you'll be able to call roadside assistance and they can take care of things, but circumstances may prevent help from coming for a long time. The next time you're here at Matt Davis Auto for routine maintenance, ask one of our pros to show you the basics of your vehicle's flat tire tools.  Consider watching an online video, too; there are plenty out there and may be specific to your make and model.

Some vehicles have a space-saving spare, a smaller one that is meant to get you on the road long enough to find a place to have it repaired or replaced.  Those vehicles will also have a jack.  Then there are vehicles that have a full-size spare tire and a jack.  Again, you may prefer to call roadside assistance, but if no one is available or reachable (which is sometimes the case in a major storm), you may have to fix your own flat.

Some drivers do a "dry run" of changing a tire in their driveway during daylight hours so they at least know where the jack and spare are and how to use them.   Our service experts may be able to help you locate each part and give you some tips.  And again, there are many videos online that can show you the fundamentals of jacking your make and model of vehicle. 

Nobody relishes a flat tire.  You may be lucky and never have to change one.  But in this case, a little knowledge is better than no knowledge at all.  In the unlikely case you are stranded at the side of a highway at night in the middle of the rain with no cell service, you'll at least be one step ahead.

Matt Davis Auto
875 US Highway 70 W
Garner, NC 27529
(919) 600-5125
www.mattdavisauto.com

Stop Right There!

Your vehicle’s brakes are only as good as its master cylinder.  This part is truly is the heart of your braking system, because if it isn’t working the way it should, the rest of the brake system can’t either.  

The master cylinder is what takes the pressure you put on the brake pedal and ultimately converts that into hydraulic pressure.  That hydraulic force then heads to your brakes’ calipers or wheel cylinders and eventually allows you to slow down or stop.  Pretty important, right?

How can you know there might be some problems with your master cylinder? Your brake pedal might feel soft and mushy, you may see the brake warning or ABS light come on.  You might get out of your vehicle and notice fluid on the ground, which could be brake fluid leaking.  

Other signs your master cylinder needs attention include inconsistent braking (sometimes grabby or sometimes weak), dark, dirty brake fluid or a brake pedal that slowly sinks farther down. If you see any of these signs, it’s time to bring your vehicle in so we can inspect what’s going on.

A technician will look for any leaks, inspect the brake fluid’s color and level, see what the brake pedal feels like and test the vehicle’s hydraulic pressure.  If they determine you need a new master cylinder, the technician will remove the old one, remove all the air bubbles from the new master cylinder and then replace it in your vehicle.  Finally, the technician will take your vehicle for a final test drive and you’ll be back on the road, stopping with confidence.

Matt Davis Auto
875 US Highway 70 W
Garner, NC 27529
(919) 600-5125
www.mattdavisauto.com

Spend Less, Drive More: Go Synthetic

Oil changes are vital to your engine because clean oil is essential to make it efficient, reliable and last a long time.  One of the big breakthroughs in oil technology is synthetic oil.  It does a superior job of protecting modern engines and makes them perform better than conventional oil.

The reason is the way synthetic oil’s structure is engineered.  It tolerates more heat, which makes it more durable and protects against friction better.  That way, modern vehicles can perform at their peak for a much longer time.

Engine oil has to perform in a variety of environments, from scorching hot to bone-chilling cold. Synthetic oil is engineered to flow more easily in cold weather, allowing faster lubrication during start‑up.  That’s when most engine wear occurs. In hot weather, it resists thinning and breakdown, coating engine parts with its protective, lubricating film. That way, you can drive with confidence in all sorts of temperature extremes.

One big advantage synthetic oil has over conventional oil is that it contains fewer impurities.  Plus, the molecules are a more uniform size.  That allows it to protect the engine better from friction, avoid sludge and reduce damaging deposits.  It’s also better for high performance engines, such as those that are turbocharged and run hotter and faster.

Another benefit of synthetic oil is that your engine will get better fuel economy since it doesn’t have to work as hard.  It’s especially important if you do a lot of stop-and-go driving.

And one final bonus with synthetic oil is you don’t have to change it as often as conventional oil.  That saves waste and time.  Of course, it’s important that you follow your manufacturer’s guidance on engine oil.  Yes, synthetic oil costs more, but you won’t have to change it as often, you’ll get long-lasting benefits, an engine that will last longer and better performance.  

Matt Davis Auto
875 US Highway 70 W
Garner, NC 27529
(919) 600-5125
www.mattdavisauto.com

Your Brakes Are Telling You Something: When Rotor Replacement Makes Sense

You may not realize it, but your vehicle is communicating with you all the time.  For example, your brakes talk to you through sounds, vibrations and changes in how your vehicle feels when you stop. And one of your brakes’ components that eventually needs attention is the brake rotor. 
Brake rotors are the metal discs your brake pads grip to stop your vehicle. After hundreds of times you brake, pulsing and vibration in your brake pedal or steering wheel are signs your one or more brake rotors need attention. 

Excessive heat may have caused them to warp. Grinding or squealing noises can also indicate that rotors are worn or damaged, and your brake pads may be worn down too far.

When you bring your vehicle in to have a technician check out your brakes, a visual inspection may reveal deep grooves, rust buildup or rotors that are too thin to perform safely. While sometimes rotors can be resurfaced, more often they should be replaced. If you let worn brakes go, you will find your stopping distance is longer, your brakes aren’t as efficient, and your brake pads will wear out more quickly.

In fact, if you are having brake pads replaced it makes sense to replace the rotors at the same time, especially if the rotors are already worn out or wearing unevenly. Installing new pads with fresh rotors makes it more likely that they’ll break in smoothly and quietly. Another bonus, you’ll find your vehicle’s braking performance it was designed to deliver.

Listen to what your brakes are telling you.  If they’re vibrating, noisy or just don’t feel like they used to, consider that a cry for help. Listening to your vehicle can help protect your safety now.

Matt Davis Auto
875 US Highway 70 W
Garner, NC 27529
(919) 600-5125
www.mattdavisauto.com