Importance of Timely Timing Belt Replacement
Many cars on the road today have a rubber belt that keeps the engine "synchronized." It's called the timing belt, because it keeps the engine internals in proper position, or timing. It fulfills the job of the timing chain and gears that some engines use. What it does is couples the engine crankshaft to the engine cam shaft. The crankshaft makes the pistons go up and down and the camshaft opens and closes the valves to let in fuel and let out exhaust. The timing belt keeps the pistons coming up and the valves opening and closing all at the right time.
This becomes very important when your vehicle has what is called an "interference" engine. What that means is there isn't enough room for the piston to be up and the valves to be open without catastrophic consequences. With today's high output engines, most engines are interference motors. It seems each manufacturer picks a different mileage interval for servicing the timing belt, and if you can't find it in the owner's manual just ask us. We will look it up for you.
Why do I need new brake rotors?
Often, when we check over a car for brake needs, we recommend new brake rotors. Some of the things that contribute to the demise of brake rotors are avoidable, some are not. We often see rotors that are burned blue. That can be from hard use but is most likely from a sticking brake caliper. Rotors are usually cast iron or steel. The quality of the steel is one of the variables that contribute to either a quality or a cheap rotor. There are foundries all over the world that make rotors. The price you pay for the replacement is proportional to the quality. The more it costs, the better it is and the less likely it is to warp, causing brake shake.
Another factor is that manufacturers are continually downsizing brakes and rotors to save weight. Many cars today are under-braked, causing premature wear and tear on the system. This makes a quality rotor all that more important. Many rotors are not designed to be thick enough to stand more than one truing. Many, in fact, can take turning once but are still too thin to last through a second set of pads. Brake pad technology changes so fast that sometimes we will see a situation where the rotor is severally worn down by the pads. But they didn't squeak! Because of the downsizing and our driving habits, rotors just have one of the toughest jobs in the brake system, but all the components are abused by normal use.
Back in the day, it was pretty well accepted that if you didn't run the brakes to where they were metal on metal, the rotors could be re-used. For the reasons above and more, that is just no longer the rule. What you can do to lengthen the life of your brakes is to give more following distance when you are in traffic. I know there is always some idiot that will cut into that space and you'll have to back off some more. But when the whole line is crashing into each other, you'll be able to stop. I have been the first one to escape that kind of chain reaction several times in my life, just by not following too close. Another trick is to back off the throttle earlier when you approach a situation where you will have to stop. By practicing, you can develop the right technique to lift early enough to save fuel and brakes without angering your fellow drivers. Don't wait until the last possible moment to brake for a light. It just overheats the brakes and sloshes your cup of coffee. Sure, it will take some patience to work these techniques into your regimen, but they are worth it in added safety, longer brake life and some fuel savings. Maybe your blood pressure will drop, too.
Our Services
Vehicle maintenance and repair is getting so extremely high tech that it boggles the mind. At Greg's we are dedicated to staying current on the latest technology, methods of repair and equipment. Not only do we know how to use our skills, we care enough for our customers to evaluate each and every car for it's specific needs. At many shops, there is a production line approach. You know, each vehicle gets this or that, with few exceptions. From oil changes to engine repairs, each job is checked for the particular needs of the vehicle and it's owner. You are given as much information as we can deliver in order to make an informed decision on how your money is spent. And don't forget about the convenience of our clean waiting room and free local shuttle.
Our shop is really many shops under one roof. We have two undercar specialists. These are brake, suspension and alignment specialists. We have a man that specializes in Asian makes and models. We know that Toyota, Lexus, Honda and the other imports have different specific service needs, and we are up to date on those needs. Our lube tech is not the low man on the totem pole, so to speak. He has been specifically trained to properly inspect the vehicle on his lift. He is thorough and methodical in his approach to servicing your vehicle. We also have what I feel to be a pair of the best diagnosticians in the East County on American and Asian vehicles. My technicians spend a lot of time updating their skills and knowledge, and it shows. I also have a very experienced "heavy line" tech. This is the man that does the engines and other major repairs. In most of my techs, they have enough cross training in all of a vehicle's systems to be considered Master Techs.
We pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop. From front bumper to back bumper, there is little we aren't qualified to do. If you don't see it on the following list, please call to confirm whether we do the service you need or not. Or you can email us at: gregk@gregs-auto.com or appointments@gregs-auto.com
Greg's Automotive & Greg's Brake and Alignment offer the following services:
- 30K, 60K and 90K services
- Alignment, 2 wheel, 4 wheel, raised and lowered vehicles, trucks and some motorhomes
- Battery service, cables cleaning and hold downs
- Brake certification
- Brake repairs of all types
- Charging system diagnosis and repair including batteries, starter and alternator repair/replacement Warranty center for Delco and Interstate Batteries
- Clutches and flywheel turning
- Computer control diagnosis, repair and replacement.
- Computer reprogramming as capabilities are released
- Cooling system diagnosis and repair including belts, hoses, radiator repair/replacement, water pumps, heaters and heater controls
- Diagnosis and repair of all type of fluid leaks
- Differential (rear end) repairs
- Driveabilty diagnosis and repair
- Engine analysis of all types
- Front wheel drive axles and axle boots
- Fuel injection service, diagnosis and repair. Electric fuel pump service and repair
- Gold Shield Program: Consumer Assistance Program, certification of gross polluter's as well as test-only failures
- In addition to the preceding services, Greg's Automotive will perform a 15 point safety inspection on every vehicle at no cost.
- Intermittent failure diagnosis and repair
- Lamp certification
- Light aiming and repair
- Manual transmission overhaul
- Oil and filter change, lubrication
- Smog Check: repairs and certification
- Suspension repairs
- Systems analysis
- Tires: sales, mounting and balancing, rotation
- Universal joint replacement, drive line service.
- Window regulators and lift motors
- Wiring repairs, chassis and engine, as well as lights and dashboard
We have a clean, bright and comfortable waiting area for customers that choose to wait for their vehicle. Or, we'll be happy to drop you off when you bring your vehicle in with our local shuttle service. We know that car repairs often come at the most inopportune times so we have close contacts with the local car rental agencies. |
