Need a Brake Replacement? Diagnosing a Bad Caliper!

If you find you are sliding to a stop, or your brakes are making strange noises when you step on the pedal, it may be time for a brake replacement.  There are several issues that could lead to a brake replacement, such as worn out pads or drums, a failing master cylinder, brake hose, or a bad caliper. 

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How can your auto mechanic tell if the caliper is bad?  One of the first places to look to diagnose brake problems is the pad wear.  If the brakes on one side of the vehicle are worn to the metal and the other side still has about 90% of its friction material left, you more than likely have a bad caliper.  This is caused by issues such as:

• The calipers don’t always release, causing the brake pads to wear prematurely.
• The piston may freeze and the brakes won't apply (which decreases the wear as the brakes aren’t applied).
• The caliper slide pins may stick. Check these out first before totaling replacing the caliper. They may simply need the proper lubricant.
• If the caliper piston won’t compress with the bleeder valve open, the caliper more than likely needs to be replaced.

Noteworthy Tip: Make sure your brakes are fully operational so that you are driving--or stopping--as the case may be, as safe as possible.  Have them inspected by a brake replacement specialist.

Need professional advice about brakes? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com for more information about brake replacement.  Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.

Save Money with Routine Vehicle Maintenance.

Many vehicle owners are interested in saving money. There are some simple ways to stretch your dollar at the pump and also protect the environment. Taking care of routine vehicle maintenance is one of those ways. Some drivers don’t realize that fuel efficiency is directly related to car maintenance, whether it’s good or bad.

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6 Vehicle Maintenance Tips to help you save money:

• Regular Tune-Ups: Regular tune ups can improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent.
• Correct Tire Pressure: Keeping the correct air pressure in your tires can improve gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent.
• The Right Motor Oil: Using the grade of motor oil recommended by the manufacturer can improve gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent
• Change the Air Filter: Replacing a clogged air filter can improve fuel economy, performance, and acceleration.
• Tighten the Gas Cap: A damaged, loose or missing gas cap allow gass to vaporize into the air.
• Fix what’s wrong: Addressing a serious maintenance problem, like a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve mileage by as much as 40 percent.

There are several other ways that drivers can increase fuel efficiency (thereby saving money) in their vehicle:  

• Modify driving habits (observe the speed limit and avoid quick stops and starts),
• Consolidate trips,
• Avoid excessive idling, and
• Remove unnecessary items from the trunk.

Looking for quality vehicle maintenance services?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com for more information about car maintenance and other services.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.