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Archive for May 2024The Truth about Tire Pressure (Tire Inflation)Posted May 31, 2024 8:44 AMMost light vehicles (under 10,000 pounds/4,500 kg) in North America sold from 2008 model year on have a feature that many people are confused about. It's the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). You may have some experience with it yourself if you own a newer vehicle. Vehicles with TPMS have sensors in each tire that are supposed to warn the driver when tire pressure gets dangerously low. That's important because tires that are significantly under-inflated can cause very serious accidents. Unfortunately, many drivers think the TPMS does all the work keeping track of tire pressure. To them, as long as the warning light or gauge isn’t giving a warning, the tires must have the proper amount of air pressure in them. That's not the case. Tire pressure monitoring systems aren't all created equal. Some give you a digital readout of the pressures in each individual tire. But many simply have a warning light that looks like the cross section of a tire with an exclamation point in the middle. If you don't know what it is, it's because it's not instantly recognizable as a tire. In fact, one company that makes TPMS, Schrader Performance Sensors, surveyed drivers. Their study showed that more than 40 percent of drivers didn't know that that warning light was. One out of 5 of the drivers who did know what the light was only looked at their tires after the light came on to see if they could see any that needed air; they never checked them with a tire gauge or had someone else do it. Ten percent of them didn't do anything when the light came on. In most vehicles with TPMS, the warning comes on only when the tires are more than 25% underinflated. The American Automobile Association says that's under the pressure you need for safe vehicle operation. The bottom line is once a month you should make sure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommendations. That means each tire should be measured with an accurate, external tire gauge. To be confident you are getting a correct reading, take your vehicle to a reputable service facility where their equipment is calibrated and they know what they're doing. Severely underinflated tires can contribute to an accident that kills or severely injures people. The idea behind TPMS is well intended, but the system was never meant to replace regular inflation measurements and maintenance. Periodically have your tires checked for proper inflation. Protrans Automotive & Transmission Specialists Stopping "Brake" Downs (Brake Pad Replacement)Posted May 31, 2024 8:44 AMIf someone tells you to put the brakes on something, you know it means stop. And stopping is one of the most important safety maneuvers you can do in any vehicle. That means your brakes have to work properly. Let's face it. You stop dozens of times every time you drive. And over time, that takes its toll on your brakes. Friction is what stops your vehicle. Most newer vehicles have disc brakes, and the parts that wear out the fastest are those that rub against each other every time you stop, the rotors and the pads. The rotors are discs that rotate with the wheels, and the pads are removable surfaces that make contact with the rotors to slow or stop your vehicle. Bits of both wear off each time you stop, and when enough of either (or both) lose too much material, your brakes become unable to safely slow or stop your vehicle. The pads usually are the parts that wear out first. Signs that your brakes might be getting worn are:
If you notice any of these, bring your car to us so we can have a technician inspect your brakes. Most brake pads have a wear indicator that indicates it's time they should be replaced. The technician who is checking things out will also look at your rotors for wear, as well as other brake system components. With regular inspections and maintenance, you'll be sure that when you need to stop, your vehicle will be up to the task. Protrans Automotive & Transmission Specialists Stopping "Brake" Downs (Brake Pad Replacement)Posted May 31, 2024 8:44 AMIf someone tells you to put the brakes on something, you know it means stop. And stopping is one of the most important safety maneuvers you can do in any vehicle. That means your brakes have to work properly. Let's face it. You stop dozens of times every time you drive. And over time, that takes its toll on your brakes. Friction is what stops your vehicle. Most newer vehicles have disc brakes, and the parts that wear out the fastest are those that rub against each other every time you stop, the rotors and the pads. The rotors are discs that rotate with the wheels, and the pads are removable surfaces that make contact with the rotors to slow or stop your vehicle. Bits of both wear off each time you stop, and when enough of either (or both) lose too much material, your brakes become unable to safely slow or stop your vehicle. The pads usually are the parts that wear out first. Signs that your brakes might be getting worn are:
If you notice any of these, bring your car to us so we can have a technician inspect your brakes. Most brake pads have a wear indicator that indicates it's time they should be replaced. The technician who is checking things out will also look at your rotors for wear, as well as other brake system components. With regular inspections and maintenance, you'll be sure that when you need to stop, your vehicle will be up to the task. Protrans Automotive & Transmission Specialists 'Tis the Season (Tires)Posted May 31, 2024 8:44 AMWe all know about winter tires. But did you know there is such a thing as summer tires? Most people have all-season tires on their vehicles. They work pretty well in a variety of weather conditions. But if you want better handling and performance, you might consider switching to summer tires. Here are a few things you should know about them. Summer tires are good for high-performance vehicles like sports cars and luxury SUVs, but they don't have to be limited to those. They have a different tread pattern than all-season tires, with generally shallower grooves and more rubber that contacts the road. The rubber is made of a stickier compound good for taking corners at higher speeds. Plus it is engineered so it stays firmer the hotter the temperature gets. Here's a bonus. That design also works well in warm, wet weather. It makes sense, since more the more rubber that's touching the concrete or asphalt when it's slippery out, the better the traction. There are some things to be aware of with summer tires. They often have asymmetrical or unidirectional tread patterns. That sometimes limits the way these tires can be rotated on a vehicle. Another thing to remember is it is NOT a good idea to use summer tires in any wintery conditions. They lose traction as the temperature heads toward the freezing range and below since that rubber that's designed to stay firm at warm temperatures gets hard as a rock when they freeze. But in warmer weather, summer tires can increase your braking and cornering capabilities. Plus you'll notice more grip at faster speeds and higher temperatures than all-season tires. So think about discussing summer tires with your service advisor to see if they'd be a good fit for the type of driving you do. He or she will offer you some choices that are designed to meet your vehicle's specs. Protrans Automotive & Transmission Specialists Problems with Suspension Solved at Protrans Automotive & Transmission Specialists in RiversidePosted May 31, 2024 8:44 AMA vehicle's suspension system is tough. It can last for years and after lots of driving for Riverside drivers. But it can be damaged quickly by hitting a pothole, curb or rock, and it can wear more quickly if you frequently drive off-road or on bumpy roads. A workhorse vehicle — one that hauls heavy loads — is also going to be hard on its suspension system. A New Battery in RiversidePosted May 31, 2024 8:44 AMHello Riverside drivers, let's talk about batteries. Car batteries are just like any rechargeable battery. They will eventually wear out and die. If you are shopping for a new battery in Riverside, here's some auto advice to help you. Protrans Automotive & Transmission Specialists Losing Your Spark (Spark Plug Replacement)Posted May 31, 2024 8:44 AMWhen's the last time you thought about spark plugs? You probably don't remember. That's because spark plugs usually last a long time and don't need much attention. But they don't last forever, and when they start going bad, they'll send you a few clues.
There are many things that can cause those symptoms, so it's wise to head on over to your vehicle repair facility to have them look over your vehicle. But the problem could be your spark plugs. They do wear out, not producing a strong enough spark to ignite your fuel the way they're designed to. A closely related problem is failing spark plug wires, and a technician will test for both possibilities… and more. Your vehicle's manufacturer recommends changing wires and/or plugs at certain intervals. Spark plugs are made out of different materials and some last far longer than others. Ask your service advisor to let you know when yours should be changed. Badly misfiring plugs can cause expensive damage to a vehicle's catalytic converter, so it's best to take care of them before that happens. Replacing your spark plugs and/or wires is money well spent to have your vehicle running smoothly, dependably and efficiently. Protrans Automotive & Transmission Specialists Breathe Easier (Cabin Air Filter)Posted May 31, 2024 8:44 AMWhen you get in your vehicle, how does it smell? If it's not so nice, it may be time to have your cabin air filter changed. It's not the same one that filters out the air used in the engine. The cabin air filter screens out dust and other particulates from the outside air so when it enters the cabin, you don't have to breathe them in when you're driving. Maybe your commute finds you traveling along dusty rural roads, or maybe you pass by some city factories that have smokestacks spewing out smoky exhausts. Or in spring, maybe you notice your allergies acting up because of the pollen in the air. The cabin air filter will remove a lot of those things. The more it filters out, the more those small particles add up. That reduces how much airflow the heating/air conditioning system can handle, and you may notice not as much air is coming through your vehicle's vents. That can also be a sign you need your air filter replaced. Our technicians will remove and inspect the air filter; it's usually located around the glove compartment, under the dash or sometimes in the engine compartment. If you wish, your service advisor can show you what condition yours is in; if it needs replacing, you'll be able to see the dirt, bugs, leaves and other crud that accumulates after several months of driving. Each vehicle's manufacturer recommends an interval after which your cabin air filter should be replaced. Depending on how much and where you drive, you might find yourself needing a replacement more or less often than the manual suggests. Just like you clean your furnace filters periodically, it's wise to do the same with your vehicle. After you do, you'll find you might just breathe easier! Protrans Automotive & Transmission Specialists Ask Protrans Automotive & Transmission Specialists About the Importance of Service IntervalsPosted May 31, 2024 8:44 AMToday in our Protrans Automotive & Transmission Specialists blog, we're going to talk about following recommended service intervals. Your vehicle isn't the only aspect of your life with recommended intervals: What about six-month dental cleanings and regular physical exams? Then there's laundry, mowing the lawn, paying your electric bill, changing your furnace filter - you get the idea. Of course there are more items, but if you remember to take your vehicle into Protrans Automotive & Transmission Specialists for these things, your friendly and knowledgeable service advisor will help you with the rest. Protrans Automotive & Transmission Specialists QUIET TIME (Listening for Vehicle Problems)Posted May 31, 2024 8:44 AMEverybody's got friends like this. You know, the kind who, the minute they get in their vehicle and turn the key, the sound system is deafening. They just love to hear that music, sports, news… anything but the sound of the vehicle itself. And maybe you're that person, too. Here's something to consider: your sound system might be drowning out some valuable clues that could help you diagnose problems with your vehicle, problems that need to be dealt with. So, turn down the volume and listen for these things:
Here’s our Protrans Automotive & Transmission Specialists suggestion - set a regular weekly alarm in your smartphone alerting you to listen to your vehicle once a week for five minutes. Just five minutes without the music or the sports show or public radio… whatever your taste is. You can even use your smartphone to record any noise you might be hearing. Between that and your description to your service advisor, a Protrans Automotive & Transmission Specialists technician should be able to diagnose the source of the noise and get your vehicle sounding healthy again. Do it before that noise turns into the sound of a serious problem. Who knew a little quiet time could be so useful? Protrans Automotive & Transmission Specialists | ||
SearchArchiveMay 2024 (15)June 2024 (5) July 2024 (4) August 2024 (4) September 2024 (1) | CategoriesBrake Service (1)Brakes (2)Winter Tires (1)Suspension (1)Battery (2)Spark Plugs (1)Cabin Air Filter (1)Service Intervals (1)Customer Detective Work (1)Tires and Wheels (3)Fuel Economy (1)Fuel Pump (1)Emergency Items (1)Maintenance (1)Fluids (3)TPMS (1)Tires (2)Air Conditioning (1)What Customers Should Know (2)Fuel System (1)Transmission (1)Cooling System (1) |
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