Our Generation Florida

By Jason Gaschel

QUESTION: My air conditioner is not cold enough at idle sitting at a stop sign, but gets colder when I get on the freeway. Is this a sign that my compressor is weak? Read More »

By Jason Daschel
Question: I just had my disc brakes replaced and they are now squealing. My mechanic says this is normal, why did I have to pay for normal squealing disc brakes?

Jason’s Reply: Brake squealing is probably the most common complaint customers have about disc brakes. This can be caused by several things. The first step in determining the cause of the squeak is the customer interview. The more information given to the service center about the vehicle before any work is performed, the better the technician can repair the vehicle. Since this question seems to indicate squeak after the repair, I will assume that the vehicle did not have any brake squeak before the service work was performed. These noises are usually caused by high frequency rattling or vibration of the brake pads.

There are methods of quieting this noise. Using OEM parts that the manufacturer designs for the vehicle when new should give like new results when installed on the vehicle, given the rest of the brake system is in good condition. Using aftermarket pads with a higher metallic content will often produce more noise. Many times these pads are “lifetime” guarantee pads. If the pads are really resistant to wear, the trade off is extra noise when stopping. The high metal content can also be really hard on the brake rotors. Along with the noise, these pads can wear more metal from the rotor surface, and generate more heat. This vibration can lead to brake pulsation, felt as a shake in the steering wheel when stopping.

If the pads installed are of good, like original equipment quality, then the problem could lie in the installation work. Many vehicles use anti-rattle clips that keep the pads in the caliper under tension so they can’t vibrate. If the technician does not reinstall, replace or clean them properly, then the vibration could lead to squeak. Some vehicles use shims between the pad backing plate and the caliper piston to achieve the same reduction in vibration.

An easy way to reduce squeak is to apply an anti-noise spray to the metal backing plate of the pad. This is the metal part of the pad that the lining is bonded or riveted to. This spray is often sold as “disc brake quiet” spray. Just remember that this is a glue spray applied to the pads to stick them to the caliper. This helps eliminate any pad movement that could lead to squeak. Spraying them directly on the brake rotors is not recommended! Always read installation instructions.

By Jason Gaschel
Since gas prices are skyrocketing in recent months, it seems only logical that the public has gained interest in finding ways to optimize gas mileage in their vehicle. What few people know involves how a vehicle’s computer system monitors fuel usage and adjusts for driving conditions. To better understand how today’s cars are technologically superior to older cars when it comes to the engine’s controls, we first need a quick history lesson. Read More »

By Jason Gaschel

What you need to know to keep your car running in Florida.

It is one of the most popular topics we teach here at SCC. Every year students want to know why batteries don’t last too long in our hot climate. They also ask about myths they have always heard about batteries. Being a native of New York, I can attest that batteries react differently in Florida than they do up north. Read More »

By Jason Gaschel

It wasn’t too long ago that large SUVs ruled the roads. With the price of gasoline creeping past the $3 mark, many consumers are looking to the automotive industry to give them a more fuel efficient form of transportation. The new Hybrid Gas/Electric cars hitting the market make us consider purchasing one if for no other reason than the increased fuel economy. That might not be realistic for many of us due to the cost of a new vehicle; the inherent small size of the hybrid; or maybe your favorite manufacturer doesn’t produce one yet. So what can you do to maximize the mileage on the vehicle you currently own?

Tips that can save you big bucks at the pump.

Let’s start with tire pressure. The next time you are driving, check out the tires on the vehicle in front of you. Here in Florida I can’t help but notice the number of cars driving around on under-inflated tires. Low tire pressure increases the rolling resistance (friction) between the tire and the road. This makes the car work harder to maintain the same speed, thus reducing the number of miles per gallon your car can achieve.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration mandated that by October 31, 2006, all new vehicles sold in the U.S. will incorporate a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). This onboard system alerts the driver of a low tire pressure condition. If this light appears on the instrument panel, check your tire pressure as soon as you can. Since tires can naturally lose up to two pounds of pressure per month, a low tire does not always indicate a leak. A visual inspection of the tire will usually reveal if a leak is present.

So how do you know how much air to put in? Many manufacturers place a sticker on the driver doorjamb to inform of the tire pressure. If there is no sticker present, refer to your owner’s manual. However, these numbers refer to a “cold” tire pressure. As tires generate heat while rolling down the road, it’s always a good idea to check your tires before driving. If you wait and check a hot tire after driving you will record a false higher reading. Some vehicles require a different pressure for front and rear tires. A common mistake is to inflate the tire to the maximum pressure rating on the sidewall. Avoid this to prevent tire damage. Checking your tires at least monthly will help ensure longer tire life and save you money at the gas pump.

Send your automotive questions to editor@ourgenerationflorida.com.

Looking for a career as an automotive technician? Visit www.scc-fl.edu/automotive for more information.