Testimonials
Newsletter - Spring 2005
From Your Government
Uncle Sam in the passenger seat?
If you thought automatic seatbelts were a bad idea, you’ll love new federal rules to make all dashboards uniform and to monitor tire pressure. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced in September a plan to standardize dashboard displays, warning lights and switches. Do they think we can’t figure out where our light switch is?
Rules are being developed by NHTSA for devices to monitor tire pressure, mainly because of blow outs on SUV’s due to under inflated tires. Check your tire pressure once a month when tires are cool. The recommended pressure is listed on a sticker on the drivers door or door post.
There are two basic pressure monitoring designs. One works with the ABS system sensing a wheel rotating slower than the others because it’s under inflated. The other design is a pressure sensor installed inside the tire that transmits a radio signal to the car’s computer when the pressure falls below a programmed level. The pressure sensor is the only design currently approved by NHTSA because the ABS based system cannot detect four equally low tires.
If the direct pressure sensor is the design finally required by NHTSA, those of us doing tire work will have to develop new procedures to mount and dismount tires to keep the sensors from being damaged. Also when rotating tires, the computer will have to be reprogrammed to know the pressure sensor is in a new location. Mandatory compliance for all cars will kick in for model year 2006.
As you see, a lot of the price increase of cars is due to government regulations.
From the Mechanical Shop
Proper “Timing” for belt replacement
Most of today’s automobiles have a belt that connects the upper and lower parts of the engine together. This belt keeps the two parts of the engine in ‘time’ with each other, hence the name “timing belt”. Major engine damage can occur if this belt breaks while the engine is running usually bending the valves.
Timing belt replacement intervals vary from 60,000 to 105,000 miles. We recommend a maximum 90,000-mile interval on timing belt replacement. It is a rubber belt and the heat from the engine takes it toll on the belt. Timing belts are enclosed beneath a timing belt cover and don’t always exhibit visible signs of wear. A timing belt can look fine while at the same time the teeth that keep it in place are rotting away.
On many engines, the water pump is driven by the timing belt and it is suggested that it be replaced at the same time. Different pulleys and tensioners may also require replacement. These components are inspected once the belt is removed and we can advise you on their condition at that time.
The timing belt is a critical part of your engine’s operation and requires regular maintenance. All you have to do is follow the maintenance schedule for your vehicle and you will keep your car running in top condition.
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Addison Auto Repair & Body Shop
2005 South Holly Street • Denver, CO 80222 • 303-691-9484