Testimonials
Newsletter - July 2006
Brake Warning Signs
Watch for these warning signs while you’re driving:
A soft or spongy pedal usually means there’s air in the brake lines, while a low or sinking pedal could be due to worn linings, a fluid leak, and an internal leak in the master cylinder, or brakes that are out of adjustment.
If your brakes grab suddenly when you step on the pedal, you could have grease, oil or brake fluid on the surface of the linings.
Brake fade is usually due to overheated brakes, accumulated moisture in the brake fluid or leaking master cylinder or wheel cylinder.
A grinding noise, “metal on metal” rubbing sound or high-pitched squeal when you step on the pedal is normally an indication that your brake linings are worn out and are due for immediate replacement.
If your brake warning light comes on, you’re probably low on fluid and may have a leak somewhere in the brake system. Because this is a potential safety hazard, the vehicle should not be driven any further until the problem has been resolved.
An ABS warning light indicates a malfunction in the antilock brake system. When the ABS light is on the vehicle reverts to normal “non-ABS braking and in most cases can still be driven. (Check your owner’s manual for the correct procedure regarding your ABS warning system.)
A pull to one side when the brakes are applied could be due to a sticking wheel cylinder or caliper, defective brake hardware, contaminated linings or brakes that are out of adjustment.
A pulsation in the brake pedal is often caused by warped or rusted rotors or out-of-round drums. (With ABS pulsation is normal during very hard braking.)
Finally, a hard brake pedal can be a sign of a vacuum leak or a defective power brake booster.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's time to have your brakes checked.
Auto Insurance 101
How Are Insurance Rates Determined? In setting premiums, insurance companies rely on some factors not directly related to the vehicle itself. Rates are affected by your zip code, age, gender, marital status, driving record (tickets and accidents, both yours and your family's), and finally the make, year, model, and type of vehicle you're insuring.
Pitfalls To Avoid - If you're in the majority of drivers whose driving record isn't perfect, don't lie about it when you're getting online quotes. Insurance companies will check your driving record. They will even find out about your out-of-state tickets and accidents. You can be charged with fraud!
A little tap on what used to be the bumper can cost you $600-$700. If the damage extends to a fender or hood you may be up to $2500. A solid hit in the front of your vehicle will set you back a minimum of $4000, and if the engine or drive train is involved your loss may exceed $10,000.
TYPES OF COVERAGE
Bodily Injury and Liability - mandatory coverage protects you in the event you cause a crash that injures someone. It also covers your legal defense if needed.
Car Rental - this coverage adds only a few dollars to most policies. We see too many customers who don't have this coverage but wish they did after an accident.
Collision - covers fire, theft and damage from acts of God.
Glass - comprehensive covers your windshield but for the rest of your windows you still have to pay your comprehensive deductible before they'll pay for any broken glass.
Liability - mandatory coverage takes effect if you are judged at fault in a collision. It pays to fix vehicles or stationary objects destroyed by your car.
Medial Coverage - in states without no-fault, this covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, no matter who was at fault.
No-Fault Insurance - this coverage pays medical expenses for you and your famiLy, the passengers in your vehicle and any pedestrians you may injure in an accident.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) - medical portion of your no-fault policy.
Towing - included in most policies and necessary if you get into an accident.
Underinsured or Uninsured Motoroist- this policy pays for injuries up to YOUR policy limit when the other driver either has no insurance, or their minimal coverage can't pay for your injuries or property damage. Hit-and-run accidents are usually included in this type of coverage.
Affiliations & Awards
Addison Auto Repair & Body Shop
2005 South Holly Street • Denver, CO 80222 • 303-691-9484