Mazda 5 Brake Problems

Brake Problems- A good look at some common problems with Master Cylinder Auto Repair – Brakes Don …

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Brake Problems

Brake problems can be difficult to diagnose, but most drivers encounter these common symptoms: your brake pedal feels soft or mushy, when braking, your foot

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Master cylinder brakes  fluid may need checking at regular intervals

This Brake Problems video and article written by Joyce Blay is well worth looking at. We in the garage and Autocentre sector are always advising the motorists. Of course, about how they should look after their cars. However, we cannot over stress the important of the cars braking system. Including, how important it is to have your brakes checked. By a professional mechanic or your local garage to avoid future Brake Problems.

The levels that are checked under your bonnet (hood) . Importantly,will include the level in your master cylinder. The lack of brake fluid in the Brake Master Cylinders will lead to spongy brakes and if not corrected will end up in Brake Problems and even brake failure.

Brake Problems

So have these levels checked and if required you may need a complete brake fluid change. This is something else that is recommended by the car manufacturers at intervals. So it is well worth checking to see what intervals this job should be done at. Also if you are topping up the master cylinder yourself, make sure you use the recommended type of fluid for your model, some are different to others, your user’s manual will tell you which fluid to use. These procedures may help eliminate any braking problems for the future!

brake revolution

Of course as time has gone by then brakes have become much more complicated. So one of big advances has been the introduction of ABS to our braking systems. Important to realise that in my life time then braking systems have improved beyond recognition. That is to say that when I was an apprentice mechanic then most regular cars only had drum brakes fitted front and rear.

Later cars that were in the upper class bracket such as Mercedes were fitted with disc brakes at the front. Developments were coming out of the racing car circuits. Consequently, technology would be passed from the racing circuit onto the every day regular cars. Motor racing sped up the developments of all aspects of the modern cars. Up to the latest developments! Including, the introduction of the AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking).So, this system will detect a potential vehicle impact and automatically apply the braking system.

To be truthful I am not sure how this is going to work but I am sure that it will be another brake system success.

Falken all weather and winter tyres

Winter Tyres Work- Less Accidents when Cold Weather Tyres are fitted before winter arrives.

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Winter Tyres Work


Winter Tyres Work but this car struggled? Last winter saw snow like this at Sowerby near Halifax

Accident data strengthens Winter Tyres Work argument,

 

Snow and ice were the cause of more than 6,000 road accidents in Great Britain last year, according to statistics issued by the Department for Transport 

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Snowing scenes like this call for “Winters to be fitted ” 

Winter tyres have in the past three years helped millions of motorists to

make safer journeys and arrive home safely, remember Winter Tyres Work . We are now approaching the time, usually November time when you should fit your winter tyres, or if you do not have any then you should consider buying yourself a set.

Even if you can’t afford a set of four then it is it is still a better and safer proposition to fit a pair on your drive wheels. Out of all the thousands of customers that have had winter tyres fitted, I have never had a single complaint about the  performance, in fact most drivers will give them a raving revue.

This is one of the reasons why the fleet companies are fitting winters to their fleets? Winter Tyres Work . They know that it makes sense to fit them for the safety aspect and also they know that it will benefit the drivers, when they are out in snow and also wet weather, and when the fleets buy them you know they must be good as they will not waste a penny unless it is necessary.

Winter Tyres Work its a fact

We at Pellon Tyres here in Halifax West Yorkshire recommend that you should go for an economy winter tyre such as Jinhu winters if you are on a low budget, or an excellent mid-range tyre is the Nokian winters  and for the SUV or larger sedan type of cars you could look no further that choosing a leading make such as Michelin or Pirelli winters , they are all excellent products.As the article says there was 6000 road accidents here in the UK,due to snow and ice, according to the Department of Transport (DFT)

See on www.fleetnews.co.uk

mot testing and car servicing

Cleaning your EGR Valve-How to clean Exhaust Gas Recircultion for a better performance from your car

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Cleaning your EGR Valve

Cleaning your EGR Valve

With the advent of modern technology. Hence, many drivers own their own vehicle. Thus, the emissions of these vehicles pose a threat of causing air pollution. Of course, there is nothing wrong with modern technology. Especially if it is beneficial to all of us. But if it causes air pollution. Because of the continuous increase in car emissions. Then this becomes a major,problem. Because of this problem, automotive engineers have figured out a solution.Consequently, that is to integrate EGR valves (Exhaust Gas Recircultion) on automobiles.

The main function of the exhaust or the egr gas recirculation valve. Hence is to reduce oxidation of nitrogen. Subsequently, through the reduction of combustion temperature. As a result, the combustion temperature will therefore be reduced. Of course, when the EGR valves send the exhaust gas through the intake manifold. Therefore and back into the cylinders.

With this important function that EGR valves do. Because of polluting gasses, it is really important that they come standard in vehicles.

There are two types of EGR valves that can are included in vehicles.

With an EGR valve on a vehicle. Of course, the combustion temperature can be regulated. So it will not become too hot.Thus preventing the nitrogen to react with other compounds. With this important function. As a result, that EGR valves does, it is really important that they come standard in vehicles. There are two types of basic EGR valves that can are included in vehicles.

With an EGR valve on a vehicle. So it will not become too hot. Thus, preventing the nitrogen to react with other compounds. In other words, through the use of the EGR valve, it is possible to lower the combustion temperature to lower the amount of nitrous oxide produced. This process prohibits the formation of smog that is a harmful threat to the environment.

Mazda 5 Brake Problems

Cheap Brake Pads are they Worth It?

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Cheap Brake Pads

Cheap Brake Pads

Of course, your vehicle’s braking system is composed of multiple components. Subsequently, working in tandem to bring your vehicle to a halt once the brake pedal is engaged. The hydraulic system, which most automobiles utilize. Hence, uses fluid to transmit the pressure from the brake pedal to the brake. The brake discs, a wheel-mounted concave disk. Converts the kinetic energy into thermal energy, which is subsequently absorbed and dissipated by the brake.

Brake fluid is stored within the master cylinder and flows into the callipers through the brake Pipes(lines) Of course, which clamp the brake pads onto the rotors. Thus stopping the vehicle. The brake pads, which are composed of steel with surface-bound friction material. Ultimately, press against the rotor and create the necessary friction to decelerate and halt the car.

As all motorists know to their cost, then eventually, the pads will deteriorate due to constant contact with the rotors. Furthermore, driving habits can affect the brake pad’s lifespan. For instance, frequent braking or driving through urban areas. Which require frequent stops and starts, can necessitate brake pad replacement on a more often.

Four brake pad types are available, each with distinct performance and cost differences.

They are, in order of increasing price:

• Low-Metallic, Non-Asbestos Organic: These brake pads are budget-friendly, but they are also the loudest and generate the most brake dust, which can reduce braking effectiveness.

• Non-Asbestos Organic: These brake pads are made of rubber, glass, fiber, or Kevlar. They are extremely silent, but they wear out much faster than other types and generate a lot of dust.

• Semi-Metallic: These brake pads contain 30% to 65% metal, typically steel, copper, composite alloys, or iron. Durable and economical, semi-metallic brake pads are gentler on the rotors than ceramic pads, but they perform worse in extreme weather conditions and produce more noise.

• Ceramic: Ceramic brake pads are the most expensive, but they are also the highest-performing and most silent option. Unlike the plates in your kitchen cabinet, ceramic pads are interwoven with copper strands to make them tough enough to withstand prolonged usage.

CHEAP VERSUS EXPENSIVE BRAKE PADS

Most cars sold today come with non-asbestos organic brake pads. These are designed for road use and function well in your vehicle. Additionally, they are cost-effective, although they will need to be replaced frequently. Here at Pellon Tyres we use the best pads possible to suit the customers particular budget. We never us the cheapest pads or any other brake parts to that matter.

However, if you want a cleaner and quieter option, ceramic brake pads are the way to go. Although more expensive, ceramic pads will last much longer and can even extend the lifespan of other brake components because of their high heat resistance. Certain car models recommend we fit these ceramic pads, so we do!

It’s important to remember that ceramic brake pads produce less friction, resulting in a longer stopping distance. As a result, larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks are better off with organic pads.

Regardless of which type of brake pads you choose, it’s essential to invest in high-quality versions. Cheap brake pads not only generate a lot of dust and noise but also pose a significant safety hazard.

Brake pads are seeing to be the products of harmful dust and therefore bad for the environment. I fear that this will be a problem to face from governments regarding this in the future.

hydrogen cell cars

Hydrogen Plugin Mercedes Makes Debut-Mercedes prepares hydrogen plug-in hybrid for Frankfurt debut

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Hydrogen Plugin Mercedes Makes Debut

Hydrogen Plugin Mercedes Makes Debut

I must admit that I am loosing the plot regarding the number of alternative fueled cars that are now being developed. On the other hand I am very pleased that other forms of fuel are been experimented with.

None of these companies has yet disclosed any sales figures, but their fuels represent much larger pieces of the alternative fuel market. The EIA report for 2016 included less than In the United States, about 500 hydrogen-fueled vehicles are in use, and about 330 of those are registered in California.

The size of this individually produced marketplace of AFVs (Armoured Fighting vehicles). As a result, may never be officially counted or calculated. It’s clear that the shift from petroleum to the next generation of fuels has already gathered a lot of momentum.Indeed things are now moving on at pace. It is also clear that individuals from around the world.

Thus, are not waiting for big automakers. Including their governments. Hence, to decide what fuels they should use.

The only problem with hydrogen cell vehicles is the lack of  the re-fueling infrastructure. However things are slightly improving with a new hydrogen fuel station opening on the M25 here in the UK and several more in the pipeline.

Hydrogen fuel cells are certainly one of the ways forward and emit zero emissions. Indeed UK supermarket chain Sainsburys have opened a hydrogen fuel facility on one of their sites.

Hydrogen Plugin Mercedes Makes Debut-This new model from Mercedes will only re-enforce the interest in this type of alternative fuel.

Of course,there are three major categories of alternative fuels in use now. One that we seem to have forgotten about is  bio-fuels. Also we have electric power and hydrogen power. Subsequently. we have the  electric battery cars versus the hybrid plug in cars debacle? for example, hydrogen fuel cell vs HHO ( which does not appear to be catching on).

Also, bio diesel vs ethanol. In fact bio diesel fuels are also being made from algae.These alternatives though seem to be falling behind. The main emphasis being the drive for the total electric car EV.
There are hundreds of videos out now about converting your car to use these other non viable fuels. However things in this direction are moving real slowly.
Similar companies exist and sell plans, parts lists, and instructions for converting a car to run on electric power (mostly of the plugin variety). Books and instructions on how to build bio diesel kits and recipes for growing algae bio diesel also are easy to find online.

Individuals have produced hybrid cars and vehicles running completely on all of these alternative fuel sources.I must admit though that in big picture of things then these are very small numbers. One company that sells the instructions and maintains a worldwide support group.

Hence, for people doing their own HHO fuel conversion.So, reported that more than 11,000 people bought their product last year.

There’s the difficulty of tracking just who is converting their vehicles and how. The EIA has surveyed private fleet owners. Including quasi-government and local, state and national government bodies. Thus, to get the basis for their calculations.

There are plenty of automakers, small and large, around the world coming out with different variations of all these cars. Including this new Mercedes Model.

Hydrogen Plugin Mercedes Makes Debut-Lithium-Ion may have a short life?

We do need alternatives? The electric car era will be very short because Lithium-Ion batteries are made up by using “Cobalt”. Cobalt is a very rare commodity and we will soon run out if the current volumes of use are not restricted. We also have had recent developments with the good old fossil fueled cars powered by the good old fashioned lead acid car battery.

Mazda have developed the first petrol engine that ignites by compression instead of a spark plug. Also burning much greener with less poisonous emissions. Yet another good step forward?

Mercedes-Benz is putting the finishing touches on a fuel cell version of the GLC ahead of its debut in Frankfurt. We don’t know many details about the car yet, but Mercedes has pulled back the curtain on the development process leading up to its launch.

Source: Mercedes prepares hydrogen plug-in hybrid for Frankfurt debut

See this important breakthrough from our friends in Australia.

 

Scrap Tyre Dumping Returns

Worn Tyres Dangerous-One-in-six motorists puts safety at risk by driving on worn tyres

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Worn Tyres Dangerous

One-in-six motorists puts safety at risk by driving on Worn Tyres Dangerous?

Irish Independent

PENNY-PINCHING Irish motorists are throwing caution to the winds when it comes to their tyres.

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Worn tyres problem not just Irish motorists.

So,this article in the Irish Independent. Highlighting the problem in the UK as well as Ireland. Significantly, in a recent survey carried out by Micheldever Tyres.

Here in the UK. Checking the tyres outside of a  a primary school. Methodically, the cars were inspected outside of a  a school in the South of England. So by showing the children how to check the tread depth of tyres.

Consequently, the kids then checked their parents and teachers car tyres . Of course, as they came and left school. Somberly, it was found that most of the cars had at least one illegal tyre on their vehicles. Strikingly, in my opinion this is reflected all over Britain and Ireland. Undoubtedly, this is a terrible state of affairs regarding road safety ! Let alone the fact that kids are been driven around in cars with Dangerous worn tyres.

Dangerous tyre becoming a huge problem !

We  retailers see this type of thing all day long. Subsequently, I have started to take pictures of the worst examples of badly Worn Tyres . However, they were so many of them that I had to stop. The tyres in the picture are just a small example of what I am referring to including the part worn tyres fitted to a taxi.

So since writing this post then nothing has really changed! Dangerous and un-regulated part worn tyres are sold all over the UK. Legislation does not seam to have had any effect on this practice although Tyresafe are always raising awareness to the tyre buying public.

Check about tyre safety…www.tyresafe.org

brand new alloy wheel

Potholes Damaging Alloy Wheels-Repairing Alloy Wheels is Making For Steady Business At Local Tyre Stores

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Potholes Damaging Alloy Wheels

Potholes Damaging Alloy Wheels

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Potholes Damaging Alloy Wheels and tyres are a major problem everywhere? But you can claim your money back

Of course, this is a story that I have been harping on about for a few years now. It seems that local government highway departments and city government departments are

struggling with the enormity of the problem.

This excellent article is from the Detroit metro in Canada, but the story could be from any city in the “Western World”. From a local point of view we have the same problems across the whole of the UK. We are also benefiting from the extra business that this problem is bringing into us, damage to the  wheels and damage to the  tyres and many broken springs.

What to do if your wheels/tyres are damaged !

The potholes also cause damage to the cars suspension and often knock out the cars wheel alignment. Some of the damage can be claimed back from your local authority here in the UK.

Unfortunately, I do not know how the law works in other countries. However, if you do have pot-hole damage. Firstly, then you should take a picture of the potholes.  Secondly get an invoice for the work carried out on your car. Thirdly, then you can put in a claim for compensation. Of course, to recover your losses from the damage that the potholes have caused.

A few of our customers did this after our advice and were successful with their claim. Because of the rise in the number of damaged alloy wheels. So, we have purchased an alloy wheel straightening machine. I feel that this along with a new tyre vulcanising machine will give our customers a better all round service !

Importantly, improving customer services is always one of my business priorities. Consequently, many damaged tyres can be repaired with the correct equipment ! So, large tyres that are now used on many SUV family cars are very expensive. Getting a nail in the side wall normally means a new tyre.

However, we have now invested in equipment to make use able to repair such damage! Significantly, these repairs are both safe and legal.

 

See on detroit.cbslocal.com

How Not to get at Your Locking Wheel Nuts

Damaged Alloy Wheels Repaired- This damage could have spread and shattered the wheel very lucky Driver ?

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Damaged Alloy Wheels Repaired

Damaged Alloy Wheels Repaired

Relaxing. last week I was sat in my small office . Day dreaming and  just looking out of the window. So. I noticed a breakdown recovery truck with a blue car on the back. I never thought more a do about it as we have these broken down cars brought into us all of the time, as most busy auto centres do.

About ten minutes later a member of my staff came in shouting for me to have a look at this wheel..The Damaged Alloy Wheel had come off the car that was brought in on the back of a transporter, a Ford Focus with a sport conversion, up-rated brakes and over size Cheap Alloy Wheels, you know the thing I mean this was a young guys car and a bit sporty.

However the guy had been going at speed and hit a massive pot hole in the road. The impact had caused a massive blow out to both his offside (drivers side) alloy wheel and completely

wrecked the tyres and caused severe damage to the alloy wheels. We can have small damages repaired by a local alloy wheel welding specialist. These are very often small cracks that appear on the rims and start to leak air from the wheel and tyre assembly. This is most common on some BMW models and some times we have known BMW replacing wheels free of charge. These small cracks can be repaired successfully, to the pleasure of many of our customers. It has been a bad time for broken and cracked alloy wheels recently due to the large increase of pot-holes on our roads, and so it is good to be able to give our customers the good news when they do not have to buy a new wheel, but we can have their damaged Refurbished Alloy Wheels repaired.

I had not seen alloy wheel so badly damaged ?

We were all amazed at the massive split in the Pothole Damaged Alloy Wheel that came off the front. Shockingly, have never seen one so bad. Splitting was almost all round the circumference of the wheel. If you look at the image bellow then  you can see what I mean. Luckily for the customer we have just become a member of a buying group. Now here in the UK called MD . Fortunately, one of the suppliers we can deal with. Hence, sells TSW wheels Alloy Wheel and Tyre Packages. We were able to supply four new wheels along with two new General Tyres and the guy went on his way a happy driver.

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs now including “Wheel Repairs” to all makes of vehicles.  Also we sell General Tyres online from our website.  Using the tyre selector and choosing your tyre size. Offering courtesy cars to local motorists who need to go to work. Leaving their car with us for work doing. Of course, we are also an official MOT testing station.

So, 80% of cars now have alloy wheels fitted to them! and as you know, every day thousands of these wheels are incurring minor damage. Of course, from kerbing, potholes. Causing  stone chipping and lacquer discoloration. Predominantly, this damage stands out like a sore thumb. Especially on polished rims. Of course by offering this new service we were looking for a cost effective method. Of course to repair and bring the damaged alloy wheel(s) back to a showroom finish.

Scrap Tyre Dumping Returns

Nail in your Sidewall-We now can probably repair most car tyre by Hot-Vulcanising

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Nail in your Sidewall

Nail in your Sidewall

I will always remember my time spent at Kurt Neild Tyres in Leeds UK. Because this is where I learned most of my tyre and business skills. Neilds always employed the best skilled staff to teach others how to carry out tyre repairs. Especially on the large earthmover tyres. 

Importantly, all types of tyre repairing is very much the same. The only difference being the physical size of tyre that are to be repaired. from the giant earthmover tyres to the regular car tyres then the repair systems are pretty much the same. Hence the basic repair materials are made from raw rubber products. Especially, the repairs when using the new “hot vulcanisation machine” that I have just bought to improve our tyre repair service offered to the customers.

As the saying goes “What Comes Around Go’s Around” So this what has happened recently ! So, as I have said, one of the services that we used to offer our customers was a car tyre vulcanising service.

Discerning customers had to buy a new tyre. Because of the rules regarding tyre repairs at that particular time. So, the tyre with the nail in the shoulder or sidewall could not be repaired. The image to the left shows exactly what i am referring to.

Vulcanising machine purchased

Customers had to buy a new tyre if they had this type of damage to their tyre. Passionate about my business, I took the decision to buy a specialist tyre repairing machine. Enabling us to repair this type of tyre damage. So offering a more complete service to our tyre buying customers. Of course, the largest tyre sizes at that time were the new 16 inch tyres. Indeed these tyres were very expensive when they first came out. So, it was more economical to have your tyre repaired at a cost of say £29.90 that pay £80 for a new tyre.

Subsequently, the 16 inch tyres became cheaper ! So making the tyre vulcanising  less viable. Customers would opt for the new tyre. Rather than have a vulcanised repair. Eventually, it became less profitable and we stopped offering the service. However we did continue with the standard puncture repairs and of course still do today.

So this is where the “What Comes Around Go’s Around” applies to our business today. SUV cars and larger tyre sizes have now become common place. Resourceful customers with these large cars are now having to pay well over £100 for a new economy tyre. Significantly, tyre sizes go well over the 20 inch mark with high replacement costs.

Specialist tyre repairing is back on the agenda ?

So, because of the expense of these large tyres we have made a corporate decision. Of course. to buy a new tyre vulcanising machine. Enabling us to repair customers tyres (safely and legally) with say a nail or screw in the sidewall or shoulder area of the tyre. So, the machine will bring the repaired area of the tyre up to new tyre standard and also within the tyre laws.

A vulcanised repair will be half the cost of a new tyre and just as safe.

mot test-Online Bookings on Increase

MOT Test Combined with Car Servicing | FindGarage.Co.Uk

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MOT Test Combined with Car Servicing

Unlike an MOT test, servicing is not a legal requirement for your vehicle. However, you will probably find that regular servicing can help to keep everything.

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

We all must be responsible for our cars servicing and MOT test

Sometimes I find it a great shame. Incredibly,  that we in the motor trade. Insistently, have to keep harping on about servicing your cars. One of the main excuses in recent times! Of course, has been the recession. Recently, car drivers just haven’t had any spare cash to spend on their vehicles. Consequently, we have all seen people just putting £10’s worth of fuel into their cars at the filling station? Ridiculous, but true !

In my opinion I think that these people should have some kind of a budget. A sort of “piggy bank” and save to have their vehicle serviced. Including any mechanical work required when it goes in for its annual MOT test. Incidentally it is estimated that 4.7 million miss their mot testing date. I am sure that drivers either just flaunt the law or are not aware that driving your

car without a valid MOT test certificate is an offense reference section 47 of the 1988 Road Traffic Act.

Also driving without an MOT test will make your insurance invalid and you may receive a fine of up to £1000. Is it really worth it, when you can have an MOT test and a service for most average family saloons for around £150? If you are not sure where you can go for your vehicle serviced you should go online and look for your nearest local independent garage they will offer you excellent service at a fair price.

Once you have had your MOT test and service you should be safer for another year, although I recommend that you have an engine oil and filter change in between the tests to be on the safe side. Also do not forget check your levels at regular periods, say once a week and top them up when required.

Here we are now at the back end of 2020, nearing Christmas time and the price of fuel has plummeted. The only problem is that the price of oil and petrol is not following as fast. The experts say that it may take a little longer for this to take place, but i was just wondering if services on cars wold be also coming down. I am not so sure , but i suspect so.