How to Maintain Your ABS + more Tips : )
#1
09-04-2011, 10:27 AM
How to Maintain Your ABS + more Tips : )
Hi Member's,
Below is information on ABS...Please add to this thread any information or suggestions that you have on the best way
to Maintain your ABS...It's great to go fast
But sometimes we have to STOP in a HURRY & spill our Coffee
Hope the below helps a member(s)
How to Maintain Your Anti Lock Brake System
An anti lock brake system is designed to help you to maintain the best control possible when braking in rough conditions or at high speeds. Generally, when you're driving on water, snow or other unusual substances, or if you're trying to brake at high speeds, you'll run into problems with the handling of the car. An anti lock brake system uses a speed sensor, a hydraulic braking system and a computer to cut down on the total distance it requires for you to reach a stopping point. In order for this system to work as smoothly and carefully as it should, however, you'll need to take the time to maintain your anti lock brake system. Read on for a guide on how to do that.
Step 1 -- Avoid Use
The single best thing that you can do to help maintain the anti lock brake system integrity in your vehicle is to avoid using it if at all possible. The anti lock braking system is designed to be used primarily as a last resort for those who need it in emergency situations. If you make use of it at other times, you're putting the system to the test when it doesn't necessarily need to be. Therefore, ensure the anti lock brake light is always off on your vehicle. If it comes on at unusual times, the system may be engaging when you don't need or want it to, and you should take your vehicle to the mechanic in order to have it checked out.
Step 2 -- Keep the Brakes Clean
Manually clean the brakes on your car and ensure they have adequate brake fluid at all times. This will help to maintain the overall integrity of the brakes, which is crucial to the continued success of the anti lock braking system. Cleaning and maintaining the brakes themselves is not a difficult task, although you'll have to prop up the vehicle on a jack and remove the wheel in order to do so. Replace the brake fluid as often as recommended by your vehicle's owner's manual.
Step 3 -- Recalibrate the Speed Sensors
The speed sensors that help the anti lock braking system to judge how quickly the car is moving can become misaligned over time, particularly as the system itself is used. Each anti lock brake system will have a slightly different method for recalibrating the system, but it involves accessing the computer and then driving the vehicle at different speeds in order to gauge the speeds for the sensors anew. This is a good task to complete every year or so, or as often as the anti lock brakes seem to be responding somewhat poorly.
If you have any other concerns about maintaining your anti lock braking system, or if you're unsure of what the problem with the system may be that causes it to not function as well, take your vehicle in to a mechanic.
Member's, when was the last time your checked you BRAKES or fluid ? It's important to check 4-Sure...
Below is information on ABS...Please add to this thread any information or suggestions that you have on the best way
to Maintain your ABS...It's great to go fast
But sometimes we have to STOP in a HURRY & spill our Coffee Hope the below helps a member(s)
How to Maintain Your Anti Lock Brake System
An anti lock brake system is designed to help you to maintain the best control possible when braking in rough conditions or at high speeds. Generally, when you're driving on water, snow or other unusual substances, or if you're trying to brake at high speeds, you'll run into problems with the handling of the car. An anti lock brake system uses a speed sensor, a hydraulic braking system and a computer to cut down on the total distance it requires for you to reach a stopping point. In order for this system to work as smoothly and carefully as it should, however, you'll need to take the time to maintain your anti lock brake system. Read on for a guide on how to do that.
Step 1 -- Avoid Use
The single best thing that you can do to help maintain the anti lock brake system integrity in your vehicle is to avoid using it if at all possible. The anti lock braking system is designed to be used primarily as a last resort for those who need it in emergency situations. If you make use of it at other times, you're putting the system to the test when it doesn't necessarily need to be. Therefore, ensure the anti lock brake light is always off on your vehicle. If it comes on at unusual times, the system may be engaging when you don't need or want it to, and you should take your vehicle to the mechanic in order to have it checked out.
Step 2 -- Keep the Brakes Clean
Manually clean the brakes on your car and ensure they have adequate brake fluid at all times. This will help to maintain the overall integrity of the brakes, which is crucial to the continued success of the anti lock braking system. Cleaning and maintaining the brakes themselves is not a difficult task, although you'll have to prop up the vehicle on a jack and remove the wheel in order to do so. Replace the brake fluid as often as recommended by your vehicle's owner's manual.
Step 3 -- Recalibrate the Speed Sensors
The speed sensors that help the anti lock braking system to judge how quickly the car is moving can become misaligned over time, particularly as the system itself is used. Each anti lock brake system will have a slightly different method for recalibrating the system, but it involves accessing the computer and then driving the vehicle at different speeds in order to gauge the speeds for the sensors anew. This is a good task to complete every year or so, or as often as the anti lock brakes seem to be responding somewhat poorly.
If you have any other concerns about maintaining your anti lock braking system, or if you're unsure of what the problem with the system may be that causes it to not function as well, take your vehicle in to a mechanic.
Member's, when was the last time your checked you BRAKES or fluid ? It's important to check 4-Sure...
Last edited by Space; 09-05-2011 at 05:58 AM.
#2
09-04-2011, 10:28 AM
Brake Fluids and ABS
by Pat Goss
No, this is not a luscious drink. Actually what this is, is Dot 5 brake fluid that we have put into a blender to simulate what goes on in a car with ABS brakes and Dot 5 silicone fluid. You see that foam on the top? Well if that was in your ABS system your pedal would sink closer to the floor. Your stopping distance would increase and you would be in trouble. Never use Dot 5 fluid in an ABS equipped car.
If you look at an ABS system all of this looks pretty complicated but really it’s not all that bad. Here are some of the basics. This is a wheel speed sensor. It’s mounted back in by the axle of the vehicle and it rides very close to this tone ring on the end of the axle. Now you see, each one of those teeth on the tone ring as the axle rotates it send a signal through the sensor back to the ABS computer. If one of the wheels is turning noticeably slower than the rest of them while the brakes are applied the computer senses that and it reduces the braking pressure on the slowest turning wheel to keep it from locking up.
Alright now, what are some of the things that can go wrong with this system? Well many of them are very, very simple. Go off road, get into some mud and you may find these tone rings get clogged with crud. So you clean them out. Another thing that happens lots of times is metal fillings from worn out brakes or from doing brake work they collect in here, you have an ABS light. And the only thing that is really necessary just clean the tone rings. So don’t overlook that. Also, you say that, you know brake fluid you can look at it and you can tell that it’s good or bad. Well yea you could look at it and if it’s really discolored or nasty looking its bad and the brake system needs to be flushed. But just because it looks good doesn’t mean it is good.
If you look at these two jars they look pretty much the same, you’d be hard pressed to tell if there was a problem. Yet this jar (left) is 50% water and 50% brake fluid. So rule is, flush the brake system every two years, every six months use a test strip to check the condition of the fluid and if it fails before the two years, flush the brake system. Now by doing this you’ll drive a safer car and you will prevent a lot of the moister related damage to the hydraulic system in your car and that’s going to save you money.
by Pat Goss
No, this is not a luscious drink. Actually what this is, is Dot 5 brake fluid that we have put into a blender to simulate what goes on in a car with ABS brakes and Dot 5 silicone fluid. You see that foam on the top? Well if that was in your ABS system your pedal would sink closer to the floor. Your stopping distance would increase and you would be in trouble. Never use Dot 5 fluid in an ABS equipped car.If you look at an ABS system all of this looks pretty complicated but really it’s not all that bad. Here are some of the basics. This is a wheel speed sensor. It’s mounted back in by the axle of the vehicle and it rides very close to this tone ring on the end of the axle. Now you see, each one of those teeth on the tone ring as the axle rotates it send a signal through the sensor back to the ABS computer. If one of the wheels is turning noticeably slower than the rest of them while the brakes are applied the computer senses that and it reduces the braking pressure on the slowest turning wheel to keep it from locking up.Alright now, what are some of the things that can go wrong with this system? Well many of them are very, very simple. Go off road, get into some mud and you may find these tone rings get clogged with crud. So you clean them out. Another thing that happens lots of times is metal fillings from worn out brakes or from doing brake work they collect in here, you have an ABS light. And the only thing that is really necessary just clean the tone rings. So don’t overlook that. Also, you say that, you know brake fluid you can look at it and you can tell that it’s good or bad. Well yea you could look at it and if it’s really discolored or nasty looking its bad and the brake system needs to be flushed. But just because it looks good doesn’t mean it is good.
If you look at these two jars they look pretty much the same, you’d be hard pressed to tell if there was a problem. Yet this jar (left) is 50% water and 50% brake fluid. So rule is, flush the brake system every two years, every six months use a test strip to check the condition of the fluid and if it fails before the two years, flush the brake system. Now by doing this you’ll drive a safer car and you will prevent a lot of the moister related damage to the hydraulic system in your car and that’s going to save you money.
#3
09-04-2011, 10:31 AM
Brake Lathes
by Pat Goss
Although they're one of the most important parts of any brake system, the brake rotors seem to be a true mystery to most people. See they don't know what constitutes a good rotor or a bad rotor and when to replace and so on. Well brake rotors should be checked every time the brake pads are checked. And that means you're going to be doing it every twelve thousand miles, or once a year, or whenever there is a change in the way the brakes feel or sound.
Now on the back, or sometimes on the front, of all brake rotors, there's going to be a set of measurements that tell you when they have to be replaced. And the way you check them is with a brake micrometer like this. It goes down over the rotor, squeeze it up against the rotor, and it gives you a reading either in inches or in millimeters. And you compare that to the number stamped in the rotor and either it's good or it's bad. Now, if it happens to be bad, what do you do?
Well, if you start looking at rotors, you'll find that they're all sorts of prices, and you'll usually find that the original equipment tends to be more expensive than some of the aftermarket ones. We see after-market rotors for as little as ten bucks. Well, in most cases there's a big difference in these rotors. Number one: if they're ventilated rotors like this one, the number of fins in here that move air through it, to keep your brakes cool, there may be fewer of them, they may not be as big, they may not be shaped the same as the original equipment. That means your rotors and your pads run hotter; you don't have as effective braking.
The other thing and this is a real big one, the metal that the rotors are made out of, the offshore rotors, the real cheap ones lots of times they have less carbon in them. Less carbon means the metal of the rotor is much softer and it wears away very, very rapidly. We've seen some of them that wear as rapidly as the pads wear. Not a good investment and not safe.
But suppose you have the original rotors, they're savable but they need to be smoothed out. Well you need to machine the rotors. And I'd advise that instead of buying cheap aftermarket rotors. And for that you would need an on-the-car brake lave, like this Hunter unit that we're demonstrating here. Now, why on-the-car? On-the-car because it compensates for imperfections in the bearings and the other things that are related to the way the rotor turns on the car. If you look at this machine carefully, we haven't compensated it, and we can see that it's jiggling back and forth. That's the amount of imperfection in this rotor. And if we machined it off the car, when we put it on it would be that far out of true for the car.
The other thing is this machine puts a non-directional finish on it. As this machines the rotor, it moves from the center to the outside, and that makes it like a phonograph: a spiral. If you don't do away with that with a non-directional finish you will have noise. So it's a good machine to look for because it takes care of all of those characteristics in one operation.
Hope the above helped a Member(s)
OK, it's your turn Now
by Pat Goss
Although they're one of the most important parts of any brake system, the brake rotors seem to be a true mystery to most people. See they don't know what constitutes a good rotor or a bad rotor and when to replace and so on. Well brake rotors should be checked every time the brake pads are checked. And that means you're going to be doing it every twelve thousand miles, or once a year, or whenever there is a change in the way the brakes feel or sound.
Now on the back, or sometimes on the front, of all brake rotors, there's going to be a set of measurements that tell you when they have to be replaced. And the way you check them is with a brake micrometer like this. It goes down over the rotor, squeeze it up against the rotor, and it gives you a reading either in inches or in millimeters. And you compare that to the number stamped in the rotor and either it's good or it's bad. Now, if it happens to be bad, what do you do?Well, if you start looking at rotors, you'll find that they're all sorts of prices, and you'll usually find that the original equipment tends to be more expensive than some of the aftermarket ones. We see after-market rotors for as little as ten bucks. Well, in most cases there's a big difference in these rotors. Number one: if they're ventilated rotors like this one, the number of fins in here that move air through it, to keep your brakes cool, there may be fewer of them, they may not be as big, they may not be shaped the same as the original equipment. That means your rotors and your pads run hotter; you don't have as effective braking.
The other thing and this is a real big one, the metal that the rotors are made out of, the offshore rotors, the real cheap ones lots of times they have less carbon in them. Less carbon means the metal of the rotor is much softer and it wears away very, very rapidly. We've seen some of them that wear as rapidly as the pads wear. Not a good investment and not safe.
But suppose you have the original rotors, they're savable but they need to be smoothed out. Well you need to machine the rotors. And I'd advise that instead of buying cheap aftermarket rotors. And for that you would need an on-the-car brake lave, like this Hunter unit that we're demonstrating here. Now, why on-the-car? On-the-car because it compensates for imperfections in the bearings and the other things that are related to the way the rotor turns on the car. If you look at this machine carefully, we haven't compensated it, and we can see that it's jiggling back and forth. That's the amount of imperfection in this rotor. And if we machined it off the car, when we put it on it would be that far out of true for the car.The other thing is this machine puts a non-directional finish on it. As this machines the rotor, it moves from the center to the outside, and that makes it like a phonograph: a spiral. If you don't do away with that with a non-directional finish you will have noise. So it's a good machine to look for because it takes care of all of those characteristics in one operation.
Hope the above helped a Member(s)
OK, it's your turn Now
#5
09-04-2011, 02:54 PM
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Albertville MN
Posts: 4,389
Space fantastic post. Not a lot of guys or girls know all that. I for one always buy new rotors. And I always check them for running true. I get my stuff from NAPA. Never ever had a problem. It's unreal how many cars & truck I see on the rd. With brake dust on the front wheels. The wheels are all black and nasty looking. Some people don't have a clue to whats going on with their cars. As long as it starts. Its fine. NOT SO !! There are thing that you should check once in a while on your cars or truck. I'm a NUT when it comes to brakes & air pressure. These two thing can keep you alive and well. Tires pressure is also important. If I'm riding or driving I alway look at the car or truck next to me. if they have the donut tire on. I back way off. If they have a low tire again I back off. Those are a couple of things that can cause a accident. And spoil your day.
#7
09-05-2011, 06:02 AM
Hi Member's the Below article could save your life & others It's worth your investment of time (Time is `Life: )
The Importance of Correct air pressure in tires
The purpose of this report is to better inform the public of the benefits of checking and keeping the right air pressure in tires. This public service would be very informative and beneficial to keep our roads safe and help the environment by reducing gas consumption and waste in the form of scrapped tires.
The Benefits of Correct Air Pressure
Experts agree that keeping the correct air pressure in your tires is as important as giving your engine a tune-up. In fact, the economic benefits may be even greater. With the right amount of air pressure, your tires wear longer, save fuel, enhance handling, and prevent accidents. Failure to maintain the correct air pressure can result in poor gas mileage, reduce tire life, affect vehicle handling, and cause vehicle overloading. If you consider these factors, then the need to routinely check your tire pressure is even clearer.
Check Air Pressure Routinely
Because tires do so much without appearing to need attention, it's easy to forget about them. However, tires do lose pressure each day, through the process of permeation. In cool weather, a tire will typically lose one or two pounds of air per month. In warm weather, it's common for tires to lose air at an even higher rate. Tires are also often subjected to flexing and impacts that can diminish air pressure as well. So it's important to realize that refilling your tires is as important as refilling your gas tank. In fact, associating the need to refill your tires with the need for refilling your fuel supply can also be a useful reminder. Check the air pressure in your tires every other time you stop to fill up at the gas station. That interval will allow you to check your tire pressure consistently enough to maintain recommended air pressure. Another good time to check air pressure is when the tires are rotated. Many vehicles have different tire pressures on the front and rear axle, so remember to have this adjustment made. Also remember to have the pressure in your spare tire checked. The space-saver type spare requires a much higher air pressure level than other tires, and is virtually useless (due to overloading) at lower air pressure levels. Over-inflated tires don't grip the road as well. While this may result in slightly better gas mileage it also means less traction and poorer handling. Poor road conditions such as a wet or icy road magnify this problem, making it more likely that you'll have an accident if you're driving with over-inflated tires.
Poorer handling also translates to a rougher, less comfortable ride. When Popular Mechanics writer Ben Stewart over-inflated his tires for a gas mileage test, he reported the car's handling was compromised and the ride was rough and full of vibration. He also found no difference in gas mileage with the over-inflated tires.
Where To Find Air Pressure Information
The correct air pressure may be found in the vehicle owner's manual or on the tire placard (attached to the vehicle door edge, doorpost, glove box door or fuel door). The placard tells you the maximum vehicle load, the cold tire pressures and the tire size recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Other Factors Change Air Pressure
In addition to routine air checks, other circumstances necessitate a visit to the air pump. Seasonal changes or altitude changes create a rise or drop in air pressure (for every 10 degrees change in temperature, tire air pressure changes 1 psi). Perhaps the most overlooked factor is vehicle loading for trucks and RVs. Since these vehicles can be configured and loaded in many ways, actual tire loads should be used to determine the proper inflation pressure. This is best determined by weighing the vehicle. Keep in mind that vehicle loading can change from trip to trip.
Sometimes a small nail, screw or other object will puncture a tire and then act as an inefficient plug. Air pressure drops slowly over a matter of hours or days, undetected by the driver. Your best defense in this circumstance is to be alert to the symptoms of this. Be aware of any pulling or vibration that seems unnatural. Listen for any ticking sounds, which will be especially audible at slow, parking lot speeds. If you detect this, get off the road and inspect the tires on the side of your vehicle where the pull, vibration or unusual sound is occurring. A bulging sidewall and/or excessively hot tire indicates a slow leak. Put on your spare tire and have your tire dealer repair the punctured unit. Ask the repair technician if any sidewall damage has occurred (a powdery residue inside the tire indicates this condition). If sidewall damage has occurred, you will need to have the tire replaced.
How To Check Air Pressure
Properly checking tire pressure requires an accurate air gauge. Many people believe that they can check air pressure just by looking at the tire and judging the sidewall appearance. Also, many people use air meters at service stations, which can be grossly inaccurate due to exposure or abuse. Invest in a quality air gauge.
When checking your vehicle's tire pressure, make sure the tires are cold. Cold air pressure means that the vehicle has not yet been driven one mile. Remember that driving on a tire increases its temperature and air pressure. If you must drive more than one mile for air, check and record the air pressure in all your tires before you leave. Once at the tire dealer, measure each tire's inflation again and then note the difference. Inflate the tires with low pressure to a level that is equal to the recommended cold pressure plus the difference at the higher temperature.
Finally, after completing the pressure check, make sure that the valves and extensions are equipped with valve caps to keep out dirt and moisture. Remember to replace the valve assembly when you replace the tire. It's your best assurance against a sudden or consistent loss of air pressure.
Environmental Impact
How can routine air pressure maintenance impact our environment? Consider that fewer tires per year would end up in the landfills and scrap heaps that trouble our ecology. How many tires are we talking about? We estimate that most drivers lose from 10% to as much as 50% of tire tread life due to under inflation. That's a significant statistic. Now consider the extra fuel we burn to push cars along on soft, under inflated tires. Tires do require extra energy to roll if they are under inflated. While the statistics vary widely and can be somewhat inconclusive, the implications are staggering. Maintaining tire pressure may seem like a low priority in our busy daily routines, but it adds up to big environmental consequences. We must all take action to do the right thing.
Improper inflation, whether over-inflation or under-inflation, causes tires to overheat and increases the risk of blowout. A blown-out tire ruptures and can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. This could lead to a serious, even fatal accident.
It's worth your investment of time (Time is `Life: ) The Importance of Correct air pressure in tires
The purpose of this report is to better inform the public of the benefits of checking and keeping the right air pressure in tires. This public service would be very informative and beneficial to keep our roads safe and help the environment by reducing gas consumption and waste in the form of scrapped tires.
The Benefits of Correct Air Pressure
Experts agree that keeping the correct air pressure in your tires is as important as giving your engine a tune-up. In fact, the economic benefits may be even greater. With the right amount of air pressure, your tires wear longer, save fuel, enhance handling, and prevent accidents. Failure to maintain the correct air pressure can result in poor gas mileage, reduce tire life, affect vehicle handling, and cause vehicle overloading. If you consider these factors, then the need to routinely check your tire pressure is even clearer.
Check Air Pressure Routinely
Because tires do so much without appearing to need attention, it's easy to forget about them. However, tires do lose pressure each day, through the process of permeation. In cool weather, a tire will typically lose one or two pounds of air per month. In warm weather, it's common for tires to lose air at an even higher rate. Tires are also often subjected to flexing and impacts that can diminish air pressure as well. So it's important to realize that refilling your tires is as important as refilling your gas tank. In fact, associating the need to refill your tires with the need for refilling your fuel supply can also be a useful reminder. Check the air pressure in your tires every other time you stop to fill up at the gas station. That interval will allow you to check your tire pressure consistently enough to maintain recommended air pressure. Another good time to check air pressure is when the tires are rotated. Many vehicles have different tire pressures on the front and rear axle, so remember to have this adjustment made. Also remember to have the pressure in your spare tire checked. The space-saver type spare requires a much higher air pressure level than other tires, and is virtually useless (due to overloading) at lower air pressure levels. Over-inflated tires don't grip the road as well. While this may result in slightly better gas mileage it also means less traction and poorer handling. Poor road conditions such as a wet or icy road magnify this problem, making it more likely that you'll have an accident if you're driving with over-inflated tires.
Poorer handling also translates to a rougher, less comfortable ride. When Popular Mechanics writer Ben Stewart over-inflated his tires for a gas mileage test, he reported the car's handling was compromised and the ride was rough and full of vibration. He also found no difference in gas mileage with the over-inflated tires.
Where To Find Air Pressure Information
The correct air pressure may be found in the vehicle owner's manual or on the tire placard (attached to the vehicle door edge, doorpost, glove box door or fuel door). The placard tells you the maximum vehicle load, the cold tire pressures and the tire size recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Other Factors Change Air Pressure
In addition to routine air checks, other circumstances necessitate a visit to the air pump. Seasonal changes or altitude changes create a rise or drop in air pressure (for every 10 degrees change in temperature, tire air pressure changes 1 psi). Perhaps the most overlooked factor is vehicle loading for trucks and RVs. Since these vehicles can be configured and loaded in many ways, actual tire loads should be used to determine the proper inflation pressure. This is best determined by weighing the vehicle. Keep in mind that vehicle loading can change from trip to trip.
Sometimes a small nail, screw or other object will puncture a tire and then act as an inefficient plug. Air pressure drops slowly over a matter of hours or days, undetected by the driver. Your best defense in this circumstance is to be alert to the symptoms of this. Be aware of any pulling or vibration that seems unnatural. Listen for any ticking sounds, which will be especially audible at slow, parking lot speeds. If you detect this, get off the road and inspect the tires on the side of your vehicle where the pull, vibration or unusual sound is occurring. A bulging sidewall and/or excessively hot tire indicates a slow leak. Put on your spare tire and have your tire dealer repair the punctured unit. Ask the repair technician if any sidewall damage has occurred (a powdery residue inside the tire indicates this condition). If sidewall damage has occurred, you will need to have the tire replaced.
How To Check Air Pressure
Properly checking tire pressure requires an accurate air gauge. Many people believe that they can check air pressure just by looking at the tire and judging the sidewall appearance. Also, many people use air meters at service stations, which can be grossly inaccurate due to exposure or abuse. Invest in a quality air gauge.
When checking your vehicle's tire pressure, make sure the tires are cold. Cold air pressure means that the vehicle has not yet been driven one mile. Remember that driving on a tire increases its temperature and air pressure. If you must drive more than one mile for air, check and record the air pressure in all your tires before you leave. Once at the tire dealer, measure each tire's inflation again and then note the difference. Inflate the tires with low pressure to a level that is equal to the recommended cold pressure plus the difference at the higher temperature.
Finally, after completing the pressure check, make sure that the valves and extensions are equipped with valve caps to keep out dirt and moisture. Remember to replace the valve assembly when you replace the tire. It's your best assurance against a sudden or consistent loss of air pressure.
Environmental Impact
How can routine air pressure maintenance impact our environment? Consider that fewer tires per year would end up in the landfills and scrap heaps that trouble our ecology. How many tires are we talking about? We estimate that most drivers lose from 10% to as much as 50% of tire tread life due to under inflation. That's a significant statistic. Now consider the extra fuel we burn to push cars along on soft, under inflated tires. Tires do require extra energy to roll if they are under inflated. While the statistics vary widely and can be somewhat inconclusive, the implications are staggering. Maintaining tire pressure may seem like a low priority in our busy daily routines, but it adds up to big environmental consequences. We must all take action to do the right thing.
Improper inflation, whether over-inflation or under-inflation, causes tires to overheat and increases the risk of blowout. A blown-out tire ruptures and can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. This could lead to a serious, even fatal accident.
#8
09-05-2011, 06:59 AM
Below is a Great link on Wheel Alignment + more Keep learning 2 be Safe 4-Sure : ) Take the time to click & learn or refresh...It's important to you & your Monte Carlo : )
Especially for FWD Auto's ? It's a great read & I learned some good information from this site..I hope it helps you 2.
http://www.aa1car.com/library/wheel_alignment.htm
Click above link to view/learn & be safe out there
Post & share cause you care
p.s. Once connected, there are some other great links at the bottom of the page...
Keep learning 2 be Safe 4-Sure : ) Take the time to click & learn or refresh...It's important to you & your Monte Carlo : )Especially for FWD Auto's ? It's a great read & I learned some good information from this site..I hope it helps you 2.
http://www.aa1car.com/library/wheel_alignment.htm
Click above link to view/learn & be safe out there Post & share cause you care
p.s. Once connected, there are some other great links at the bottom of the page...
Last edited by Space; 09-05-2011 at 07:42 AM.
#9
09-05-2011, 09:34 AM
Hi Member's,
Great link below on Shocks & Struts & when you should replace them on your Monte Carlo or other rides.
I hope it reminds you to check or learn more
Hope it helps a member & their Monte Carlo
Click below to view/see/learn/remind you to be safe out there on your highways of `Life
CheckYourShocks.com
www.checkyourshocks.com/ - CachedSimilar
You +1'd this publicly. Undo
Check Your. Shocks. learn more. Driving with worn shocks and struts is as risky ... If you experience any of these signs, you should have your shocks inspected ...
Great link below on Shocks & Struts & when you should replace them on your Monte Carlo or other rides.
I hope it reminds you to check or learn more
Hope it helps a member & their Monte Carlo
Click below to view/see/learn/remind you to be safe out there on your highways of `Life
CheckYourShocks.com
www.checkyourshocks.com/ - CachedSimilar
You +1'd this publicly. Undo
Check Your. Shocks. learn more. Driving with worn shocks and struts is as risky ... If you experience any of these signs, you should have your shocks inspected ...
#10
09-06-2011, 04:50 AM
Hi Member's,
I belive every member should have one of the below...It's a great investment for you & your Monte Carlo 4-Sure.
Do you have one ? What type ? How often to you check the pressure in your tires ? Make you you check them when
they are COLD...
=====================================
September 6, 2011
Tire Pressure Gauge Reviews and Buying Guide:
Tire pressure is something that has recently come into the spotlight again as gas prices continue to rise and consumers are more aware of ways in which they can stretch their gas mileage on a gallon of gas. Tire pressure ultimately decides things like handling, tire tread wear, and gas mileage for your automobile. The first thing you need to know is what tire pressure your car tires should be at. In surveys, the vast majority of car owners have no idea what their tires pressure should be set to. Many just let the guys at the oil change shop inflate the tires when needed and others never even consider checking. Almost all gas stations have inflators so you can add air and many of these also have a simplistic gauge for tire pressure. Ideally you want to know the exact PSI (pounds per square inch) for each tire so it's a good idea to invest in a decent tire pressure gauge of your own. From reports that we read from reputable sources, keeping your tires properly inflated can improve gas mileage from 3 to 5 %. The longevity of the tire will also be increased by maintaining the tire pressure on your tires.
To find the rated tire pressure for your car and tires, check on the inside of the driver's side door (along the doorframe). If it's not listed there, check the owners manual and lastly if you still can't locate the information, check with the store or shop where you bought the tires. Experts recommend checking the tire pressure every month to make sure your tires are staying properly inflated. The one # many people say is misleading are the ones you find on the side of the tires. These PSI recommendations from the manufacturer are for the maximum allowable tire pressure, so always go a few pounds underneath that #, especially in the summer when tires heat up and expand. The # you find usually relates to "cold" tire pressure which means check the pressure in the morning before you drive the car. You will get the most accurate reading this way. There are lots of different kinds of tire pressure gauges you can buy. The old fashioned sliding gauge that resembles a pen is still sold, but they are less accurate than other types. The digital tire pressure gauges are the most accurate and the most expensive, but your cost savings on gas will easily make up for the purchase. The dial type pressure gauges are around $15 to $25 and work reasonably easy. The newer digital tire pressure gauges from Accutire are the best on the market and give you exact and accurate readings every time. They cost about $15, are lightweight, and some are even programmable so you can input your tire pressure specifications and not have to remember each time you check your tires. Some newer cars are being built with tire pressure monitor systems which tell the driver when tire pressure has dropped below a certain level. You can buy these systems for around $250 if you want. A much cheaper way to go is the Tire Safety Monitors sold HERE. They cost $20 (for a set of 4) and they attach to your tires where your valve stem caps used to be. They start off green and when the tires have lost 2-3 psi (or more), you will see a red flag pop out. It's a great way to monitor your car tire pressure at a glance. No matter how you decide to check your air pressure in your tires, make sure you do it once a month and keep healthy tires on the road for the safest driving conditions. Beyond getting better gas mileage, your car will handle better and you will have less chance of things like a tire "blowout". Ultimately, your tires will wear more even and last much longer. I used to never check my tire air pressure and it cost me $100's as I had to replace all 4 tires due to uneven tire wear (somewhat related to balanced tires and alignment issues). We tried looking for reviews on tire pressure gauges and found some excellent customer feedback and opinions on Amazon.com and in car forums. RECOMMENDED - We suggest shopping online at Amazon.com since they carry all the leading brands and often have the lowest prices. You can browse their top selling tire pressure gauges online here
.
Best Basic Tire Pressure Gauge:
For a basic tire gauge with the dial readout, consider the Accu-gage Tire Guage
for around $15. Reviews on Amazon were favorable in terms of accuracy and preciseness. Not all tire valves are eacy to access, but with the "swiveling, angled chuck", it's no problem. If the tires are slightly over inflated, simply use the push button valve which will slowly let out air to your desired psi. The #'s on the gauge are quite large and easy to read. They sell a slightly different version for bikes and cars (0 to 100 psi) on the same website listed above. The pencil style pressure gauges, like the Draper Tire Pressure Gauge are about $20 as well and sell in most automotive parts stores. Most car owners prefer the dial gauges or the digital ones we have listed below. BEST - The #1 selling Moroso 89560 Tire Pressure Gauge, Dial Type, 0-60 psi
- designed for racers but still very accurate for those at home or in the shop. Owners say it is easy to read and very durable.
Digital Tire Pressure Gauge:
With technology has come the new digital tire pressure gauge which reads your tire air pressure accurately and quickly. The Accutire MS-4350B Programmable Digital Tire Gauge ($13) is perhaps the most popular of all. This programmable pressure gauge lets you record the factory recommended tire pressure for both the front and rear tires so you can easily determine if your psi reading is too high or too low. The MS-4350B reads 5-99 PSI in .5 pound units. The backlit LCD screen allows you to see the actual reading in all light conditions. The comments on Amazon are almost all very positive but some owners make note that some valve stems are hard to reach with this product. Some of the basic dial pressure gauges will work on wheels where the stem is harder to access. The Accutire MS-4000 gets reasonable reviews as well as the MS-4652B which is a key chaing digital tire gauge.
Tire Pressure Monitor System:
We had noted up above that some new cars are fitted with tire pressure monitor systems (TPMS) so you can always have a reading on your dashboard of the air pressure in each of your 4 tires. It's definitely a nice feature to have in a car, but there are aftermarket products you can buy that do similar checks on your tire pressure. The TPMS-1000 which sells on Autosportcatalog.com features a base unit that attaches to your windshield (on the inside - much like a GPS unit) and it tracks all 4 tires for air pressure. Each valve stem is replaced with a weatherproof sensor that remotely sends feedback to the unit inside your car. You get real-time readings on your car tires while you are driving. The LCD screen on the TPMS-1000 gives you accurate information and installs quite easily. SUGGESTION - Read reviews online and make an informed buying decision on a TPMS. Browse the top rated tire pressure monitoring systems online here.
I belive every member should have one of the below...It's a great investment for you & your Monte Carlo 4-Sure.
Do you have one ? What type ? How often to you check the pressure in your tires ? Make you you check them when
they are COLD...
=====================================
September 6, 2011
Tire Pressure Gauge Reviews and Buying Guide:
Tire pressure is something that has recently come into the spotlight again as gas prices continue to rise and consumers are more aware of ways in which they can stretch their gas mileage on a gallon of gas. Tire pressure ultimately decides things like handling, tire tread wear, and gas mileage for your automobile. The first thing you need to know is what tire pressure your car tires should be at. In surveys, the vast majority of car owners have no idea what their tires pressure should be set to. Many just let the guys at the oil change shop inflate the tires when needed and others never even consider checking. Almost all gas stations have inflators so you can add air and many of these also have a simplistic gauge for tire pressure. Ideally you want to know the exact PSI (pounds per square inch) for each tire so it's a good idea to invest in a decent tire pressure gauge of your own. From reports that we read from reputable sources, keeping your tires properly inflated can improve gas mileage from 3 to 5 %. The longevity of the tire will also be increased by maintaining the tire pressure on your tires.
To find the rated tire pressure for your car and tires, check on the inside of the driver's side door (along the doorframe). If it's not listed there, check the owners manual and lastly if you still can't locate the information, check with the store or shop where you bought the tires. Experts recommend checking the tire pressure every month to make sure your tires are staying properly inflated. The one # many people say is misleading are the ones you find on the side of the tires. These PSI recommendations from the manufacturer are for the maximum allowable tire pressure, so always go a few pounds underneath that #, especially in the summer when tires heat up and expand. The # you find usually relates to "cold" tire pressure which means check the pressure in the morning before you drive the car. You will get the most accurate reading this way. There are lots of different kinds of tire pressure gauges you can buy. The old fashioned sliding gauge that resembles a pen is still sold, but they are less accurate than other types. The digital tire pressure gauges are the most accurate and the most expensive, but your cost savings on gas will easily make up for the purchase. The dial type pressure gauges are around $15 to $25 and work reasonably easy. The newer digital tire pressure gauges from Accutire are the best on the market and give you exact and accurate readings every time. They cost about $15, are lightweight, and some are even programmable so you can input your tire pressure specifications and not have to remember each time you check your tires. Some newer cars are being built with tire pressure monitor systems which tell the driver when tire pressure has dropped below a certain level. You can buy these systems for around $250 if you want. A much cheaper way to go is the Tire Safety Monitors sold HERE. They cost $20 (for a set of 4) and they attach to your tires where your valve stem caps used to be. They start off green and when the tires have lost 2-3 psi (or more), you will see a red flag pop out. It's a great way to monitor your car tire pressure at a glance. No matter how you decide to check your air pressure in your tires, make sure you do it once a month and keep healthy tires on the road for the safest driving conditions. Beyond getting better gas mileage, your car will handle better and you will have less chance of things like a tire "blowout". Ultimately, your tires will wear more even and last much longer. I used to never check my tire air pressure and it cost me $100's as I had to replace all 4 tires due to uneven tire wear (somewhat related to balanced tires and alignment issues). We tried looking for reviews on tire pressure gauges and found some excellent customer feedback and opinions on Amazon.com and in car forums. RECOMMENDED - We suggest shopping online at Amazon.com since they carry all the leading brands and often have the lowest prices. You can browse their top selling tire pressure gauges online here
. Best Basic Tire Pressure Gauge:
For a basic tire gauge with the dial readout, consider the Accu-gage Tire Guage
for around $15. Reviews on Amazon were favorable in terms of accuracy and preciseness. Not all tire valves are eacy to access, but with the "swiveling, angled chuck", it's no problem. If the tires are slightly over inflated, simply use the push button valve which will slowly let out air to your desired psi. The #'s on the gauge are quite large and easy to read. They sell a slightly different version for bikes and cars (0 to 100 psi) on the same website listed above. The pencil style pressure gauges, like the Draper Tire Pressure Gauge are about $20 as well and sell in most automotive parts stores. Most car owners prefer the dial gauges or the digital ones we have listed below. BEST - The #1 selling Moroso 89560 Tire Pressure Gauge, Dial Type, 0-60 psi - designed for racers but still very accurate for those at home or in the shop. Owners say it is easy to read and very durable. Digital Tire Pressure Gauge:
With technology has come the new digital tire pressure gauge which reads your tire air pressure accurately and quickly. The Accutire MS-4350B Programmable Digital Tire Gauge
($13) is perhaps the most popular of all. This programmable pressure gauge lets you record the factory recommended tire pressure for both the front and rear tires so you can easily determine if your psi reading is too high or too low. The MS-4350B reads 5-99 PSI in .5 pound units. The backlit LCD screen allows you to see the actual reading in all light conditions. The comments on Amazon are almost all very positive but some owners make note that some valve stems are hard to reach with this product. Some of the basic dial pressure gauges will work on wheels where the stem is harder to access. The Accutire MS-4000 gets reasonable reviews as well as the MS-4652B which is a key chaing digital tire gauge. Tire Pressure Monitor System:
We had noted up above that some new cars are fitted with tire pressure monitor systems (TPMS) so you can always have a reading on your dashboard of the air pressure in each of your 4 tires. It's definitely a nice feature to have in a car, but there are aftermarket products you can buy that do similar checks on your tire pressure. The TPMS-1000 which sells on Autosportcatalog.com features a base unit that attaches to your windshield (on the inside - much like a GPS unit) and it tracks all 4 tires for air pressure. Each valve stem is replaced with a weatherproof sensor that remotely sends feedback to the unit inside your car. You get real-time readings on your car tires while you are driving. The LCD screen on the TPMS-1000 gives you accurate information and installs quite easily. SUGGESTION - Read reviews online and make an informed buying decision on a TPMS. Browse the top rated tire pressure monitoring systems online here
.
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