ANTIFREEZE:  

COOLING SYSTEM:

The only purpose of the engine’s cooling system is to remove excess heat from the engine, to keep the engine operating temperature at its most efficient level, and to get the engine up to the correct temperature as soon as possible after starting.  A cooling system is also required to prevent the internal engine parts from melting from the heat of the burning fuel.  The pistons would expand so much they could not move in the cylinders resulting in a seized engine.

When the fuel is burned inside the engine, only about one-third of the energy is lost through the exhaust pipe, and another third is turned into heat, leaving one-third in the form of power that can be used.  Heat is the real culprit, because burning fuel procedures up to a staggering 4,500 degrees F. of heat.  Fortunately the cooling system removed about a third of the heat that is produced in the combustion chamber.  The exhaust system removes the lion’s share of the heat, however, absorb large amounts of heat.  If these parts of the engine get too hot, no oil in the world will protect it.

On the other side of the coin, if an engine runs too low a temperature, it is wasteful, the oil gets contaminated, sludge forms, and fuel mileage decreases.  It will also raise emission levels above specified limits.

 Did you know the average motorist who drives 10,000 to 15,000 miles a year used his brakes about 75,000 times a year?

Did you know that nearly half of all motorists in a recent car care council survey said brake failure was their number one fear amongst driving emergencies?

Did you know that after three years of service, the average boiling point of the brake fluid has dropped to a potentially dangerous level because of moisture contamination and may not meet minimum federal requirements for brake fluid?

Experts have long recommended changing the brake fluid ever 2 years for preventative maintenance.  Their rationale is based on the fact that glycol-based brake fluid starts to absorb moisture from the moment it is put into the system.  The fluid attracts moisture through microscopic pores in rubber hoses, past seals and exposure to the air.  The problem is obviously worse in wet climates when humidity is high

After only a year of service, the brake fluid in the average vehicle may contain as much as two percent water.  After 18 months, the level of contamination can be as high as three percent.  And after several years of service, it’s not unusual to find brake fluid that contains as much as seven to eight percent water.

Several import vehicle manufacturers also recommend fluid changes every two years.  Honda recommends a flush and fill every 25,000 to 30,000 miles.  Subaru also recommends a 30,000 mile fluid change.  Volkswagen recommends changing the fluid every two years, and clearly states this in their owner’s manual.

If motorist would only follow this simple advice to change their brake fluid periodically, they could greatly reduce the risks associated with moisture-contaminated brake fluid.  They could extend the life of their brake system and likely save themselves a lot of money in the long run- especially if their vehicle is equipped with ABS (you know how expensive ABS modulators are to replace!)

From time to time we hear about reports of “unexplained” brake failures that caused accidents.  When the vehicle’s brakes are inspected, no apparent mechanical fault can be found.  The fluid level is normal, the linings are within spec, the hydraulics appears to be normal and the pedal feels firm.  Yet the brakes failed.  Why? Because something made the brakes hot, which in turn overheated the fluid and caused it to boil.

DONT LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU, FLUSH YOUR BRAKE FLUID!

Common symptoms that indicate you may need a wheel alignment:

• Uneven tire wear
• Off-center steering wheel
• Swaying
• Drifting
• Pulling
• Difficult steering
   

A properly aligned vehicle helps to prevent spending money on unnecessary suspension repairs and tire replacement.  Alignments should be done once a year or, at the minimum, every 15,000 miles.  Everyday road hazards, such as potholes, and general wear and tear on a vehicle can knock your alignment out of specification.  When this happens it can make your vehicle difficult to control and also cause your tires to wear unevenly and rapidly.

Examples of uneven tire wear:

$178.50

Ask your service advisor for details and pricing for vehicle with active steering

Competition BMW of Smithtown – A Long Island New York, BMW Dealer.