Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions

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Why should I change my brake fluid?

Brake fluid is hygroscopic. This means it attracts and absorbs moisture. Glycol-based brake fluid starts to absorb moisture from the moment it is put in the system. The fluid attracts moisture through microscopic pores in rubber hoses, past seals, and exposure to the air.

The problem is obviously worse in wet climates and here on the west coast, we are surrounded by moisture. Brake fluid contaminated with moisture becomes acidic, corroding vital brake parts. It also lowers the boiling point of the fluid, causing a low or no brake pedal situation as the braking system heats up.

As the concentration of moisture increases, it causes a sharp drop in the fluid’s boiling temperature. Brand new Dot 3 brake fluid has a dry boiling point of at least 401 degrees F. Brake fluid with only 1% water in the fluid can push the boiling point down to around 320 degrees, and 3% will take it all the way down to 293 degrees, which is dangerously close to failure under normal stopping conditions.

An NHTSA survey found that the brake fluid in 20% of 1,720 vehicles sampled contained 5% or more water!

Water contamination increases the danger of brake failure because vapour pockets can form if the fluid gets too hot. Vapour displaces fluid and is compressible, so when the brakes are applied the pedal may go all the way to the floor without applying the brakes!

In addition to the safety issue, water-laden brake fluid promotes corrosion and pitting in caliper pistons and bores, wheel cylinders, master cylinders, steel brake lines and ABS modulators.

If motorists would only follow this simple advice to change their brake fluid periodically, they could greatly reduce the risks associated with moisture-contaminated brake fluid. You can extend the life of your brake system and likely save yourself a lot of money in the long run on brake repairs.

On the A.B.S.-type brake system, which is on most newer vehicles, corroded parts and their repairs can be extremely expensive.

New brake fluid looks very much like clear apple juice. What colour is your brake fluid? Many experts have long recommended changing the brake fluid every two years for preventive maintenance.

Our technicians will:

• Clean dirt and sediment out your master cylinder
• Refill with new fluid
• Pressure-flush your brake lines, hoses, calipers and wheel cylinders
• Bleed any air from system
• Replace any missing or deteriorated rubber bleeder cap plugs
• Road-test vehicle for proper brake operation
• Assess any early warning signs of brake wear

How often should I change my oil?

Most vehicle manufacturers recommend changing the engine oil every 3 months or 5,000 km in passenger cars and light truck gasoline engines. If you are using synthetic oil, it can be extended to every 6 months or 10,000 km.

The importance of regular oil changes is pounded into us. Quick change lube facilities have popped up all over. People are trying to get in and get out. The 15-minute oil change is often promised; however, let's think about what we are giving up in order to achieve this speedy alternative (oil change difference).

We are having the oil changed and the fluids inspected, but that's all. We may be overlooking the most important issues that may indeed save us money in the long run, the inspection.

As an engine accumulates kilometres, wear occurs and blow-by increases. This dumps more unburned fuel into the crankcase which dilutes the oil. This causes the oil to break down. So if the oil isn't changed often enough, you can end up with accelerated wear and all the engine problems that come with it (loss of performance and fuel economy, and increased emissions and oil consumption).

Our technicians will:

• Replace oil with up to 5 quarts of quality motor oil
• Replace oil filter with a quality filter
• Visually inspect brake fluid and antifreeze/coolant reservoir levels
• Inspect air filtration system, wiper blades and lights
• Inspect condition of belts and tension
• Lubricate chassis (when applicable)
• Inspect tires and inflate to the proper pressure
• Rotate tires to even out the wear and extend the life of the tires
• Inspect and top off the following fluids:
• Windshield washer fluid
• Antifreeze
• Battery electrolyte
• Brake fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Transaxle fluid
• Transfer case fluid
• Differential fluid (front and or rear)
• Power steering fluid

How do I choose the best shop for my car repairs?

No matter what you drive—sports car, family sedan, pick-up, sport utility, minivan or truck, when you go in for repairs or service, you want the job done right. The following advice prepared by the experienced mechanics at Moto-Tech Automotive Ltd. should take much of the guesswork out of finding a good establishment for car repairs in Nanaimo and beyond.

Preliminaries
Don't just drop your vehicle off at the nearest establishment and hope for the best. That's not choosing a shop, that's merely gambling.

• Read your owner's manual to become familiar with your vehicle and follow the manufacturer's suggested service schedule.
• Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one; you can make better decisions when you are not rushed or in a panic.
• Ask friends and associates for their recommendations. Even in this high-tech era, old-fashioned word-of-mouth reputation is still valuable.
• Check with your local consumer organization regarding the reputation of the shop in question. 
• If possible, arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a facility solely on the basis of location.

Once you choose a repair shop, start off with a minor job. If you are pleased, trust them with more complicated repairs later.

At the Shop

• Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.
• Professionally run establishments will have a courteous and helpful staff. The service writer should be willing to answer all of your questions.
• Feel free to ask for the names of a few customers. Call them.
• All policies (guarantees, methods of payment, etc.) should be posted and/or explained to your satisfaction.
• Ask if the shop customarily handles your vehicle make and model. Some facilities specialize.
• Ask if the shop usually does your type of repair, especially if you need major work.
• Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area: civic and community service awards, membership in the Better Business Bureau, AAA-Approved Auto Repair status, customer service awards. The backbone of any shop is the competence of the technicians.
• Look for evidence of qualified technicians, such as trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and ASE certifications - a national standard of technician competence.

Follow-Up

• Keep good records; keep all paperwork.
• Reward good service with repeat business. It is mutually beneficial to you and the shop owner to establish a relationship.
• If the service was not all you expected, don't rush to another shop. Discuss the problem with the service manager or owner. Give the business a chance to resolve the problem. Reputable shops value customer feedback and will make a sincere effort to keep your business.

Have more questions? Contact Moto-Tech Automotive Ltd. today.