Wifi in Vehicles and Safety Issues

Since the advent of wifi internet, it has become ultra convenient to browse the internet, check mail and socialize on the go. You don’t have to be home or at your office table to be in touch with friends, family or clients in a different continent and this perhaps, is the greatest contribution of internet towards making the world a global village.

Portable wifi devices are now available for installation in vehicles so you remain connected to the web wherever you go. While the devices offer portability as an added advantage to the countless more that are associated with wifi, it is important to remember that just about everything in this universe has its own merits as well as demerits, and vehicle wifi devices are no exception. The most prominent and critical of all considerations are road safety issues; mobile internet can easily divert the attention of the driver away from the road which can jeopardize many innocent lives.

According to recent surveys, the USA and various other developed countries have seen a rise in a number of deaths occurring in road accidents, and majority of these are associated with mobile phone usage while driving. The second that it takes to check Whatsapp or Facebook behind the wheel and on the road, is enough to take another person’s life. The time calls for strict implementation of road safety rules which must, for the sake of countless innocent lives, include regulatory measures against individuals using their cellphones or the internet while driving. However, internet and broadband companies with their marketing strategies highlighting only the benefits if installing vehicle wifi devices are doing the exact opposite. The more wifi devices installed in cars around the globe, the riskier it will become to travel by road.

Experts agree that social media, work emails and chat-based applications are not worth diverting attention away from the road for. Wifi devices in vehicles may be marketed as the next best thing in staying connected with the world on the go, but it may also be the very last time you interact with anyone virtually. Promote road safety and refrain from using cellular devices behind the wheel.

Improve Fuel Economy and Extend The Life of Your Car

Do you spend more money on your vehicle than is necessary?

I know that it might be hard to believe, but if you spent a few dollars doing regular preventative maintenance on your vehicle, it would save you in the long run and could improve your fuel economy, as well as assist you in avoiding expensive repairs down the road.

In our world today, car manufacturers are creating more economical, environmentally friendly and technologically advanced vehicles. Vehicles with better features, more fuel efficient and the last longer and longer.  Because of increasingly stringent emissions standards, today’s vehicles are more fuel efficient than ever before. But this is only the case when they are maintained to the manufacturer’s standards.

Here are some maintenance tips to help you save at the pump:


Tires-Inspect, balance, check inflation and rotate tires. Check inflation on the spare and make sure the jack is in its place.


Engine Performance- if your engine isn’t properly maintained it maybe difficult to start in cold weather, if even at all. It may run rough and lose power. Have fuel, ignition and emission control systems checked, necessary components replaced and adjustments made.


Use the right tires – Use the type and size of tire recommended by your manufacturer for optimal performance. The wrong tires can increase your fuel consumption and will likely wear more quickly.

Battery and electrical system-How old is your battery? If it's three or more years old, it should be tested and replaced if necessary.  Have your battery terminals cleaned and tightened, because loose or corroded connections can cause symptoms of a weak or dead battery.

Check engine light – Your dashboard indicators provide you with important information about your vehicle, including its fuel economy. If your check engine light is on, bring your car in to have it checked out by a Certified Service Technician at Metric Wrench.

Replace your air filters – Your car is equipped with a number of air filters to prevent contamination of important vehicle systems. Replacing these air filters as recommended by the manufacturer can save you up to 10% on fuel.

Check your gas cap – A missing or cracked gas cap will allow gasoline vapors to escape from your tank.

Have your car inspected – A regular inspection in the spring and the fall can help you identify other problems that may be affecting your car’s performance, such as misfiring spark plugs, sagging belts, worn brakes or transmission problems.

Prevent Major Damage
Spending a little on maintenance can go a long way toward preventing major damage that can leave you stranded and cost you a lot to repair.

If you have questions or concerns about your vehicle, please call Metric Wrench Billings today and talk to a Certified Service Technician.

Safe Winter Driving

Driving in bad weather conditions can test even the best of drivers, so here are a few tidbits to know about to learn how to handles these driving conditions:

Quit while you’re ahead! If you do not need to go out, don’t! Every time you drive in bad weather is risky, no matter how safe or equipped you think your car is. The number one advice for professionals is avoid driving in this weather at all costs.

If you do need to go out however, like to go to work, go to the grocery store, or pick up the kids from school, make sure to be safe.

Practice, practice, practice! If you are new to driving or new to an area of the country plagued with weather unconducive for driving, make sure to test out your car’s handling capabilities in an open parking lot where you can really figure out how your car will drive in bad conditions, and you can practice driving in these conditions with more confidence.

Is the road clear? If the snow plow has not come by yet, try not to go out, even if you think the snow or ice is not thick enough. Less than a centimeter of ice can send you flying off the road and into the hospital or a repair shop. Always wait for them to clear the road and salt your driveway as often as you can.

Give yourself more time. Give yourself more time with almost everything in these dire conditions. Do not drive too fast, and give yourself time to stop because the loss of traction you will get. Also, give yourself more time to get from A to B, because you do not want to speeding or freaking out while driving in these conditions, because it can be extremely dangerous. The general rule is leaving three times more space and time driving in winter weather.

Helpful Hints:
-Don’t use cruise control, especially on icy roads.
-Be more cautious on bridges and overpasses since these will freeze faster than the rest of the road.
-Put your lights on at all time, and keep them and your windshield clean to not risk reducing your visibility any more.
-Even all-wheel drive vehicles are not fully able to deal with this sort of weather, so do not assume that you can drive faster or your car will be safer.
-If you are stuck on the side of the road, do not keep spinning your wheels. Instead, spread gravel, kitty litter, sand, or salt under your tires to gain traction to get out.
-Notice how there are already tire marks in the snow from previous cars? Survivalists suggest not following the track and instead straddling them, because snow being driven over again and again will turn to black ice and it will be like driving on a frozen over lake.
-When driving uphill, all of these are even more important, because the grade will reduce tractions and increase gravity, which is exactly what will lead to a car sliding down the hill.

Winterizing Your Car

Winter is a time of year that brings snow, sleet, frozen ice and dangerous driving conditions. Despite hazardous weather conditions that make driving difficult, for most drivers, hibernating all winter is not an option. If you find yourself needing to get somewhere at a time when the roads are covered in snow or ice, there are many ways to ensure that your drive is as safe as possible.

Auto Advice Every Driver Needs- It is never a good idea to warm up a vehicle in an enclosed space, such as a garage. Starting and warming up your vehicle inside of a garage causes increased carbon monoxide in the air, which can be lethal. It's also a good idea to never let your gas tank be more than half empty during the winter. Empty or near empty gas tanks are more prone to freezing. All drivers should have their vehicle inspected before winter hits in order to make sure that your vehicle is ready to handle the treacherous weather conditions.

Auto Advice for SUV and Truck Drivers- When driving in wintery weather conditions, your tires are the key to staying on the road. Mixing radial tires with other types of tires is not a good idea during the winter months. It is also crucial to ensure that your tires are fully inflated before driving. Accelerating and decelerating slowly is the best way to navigate slippery roads while driving a large vehicle. Once you get to your destination, ensure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow or ice.

Auto Advice for Sedan Drivers- If you are driving a sedan on wintery roads, it can be easy to lose control of your vehicle. Never use cruise control while driving through wintery weather conditions and avoid using your parking brake when driving on slick roads. Using low gears only is the best way to create the most traction on the road.

Auto Advice for Motorcycle Drivers- Motorcycles are one of the most difficult types of vehicles to maneuver on icy or snowy roads. It is best to avoid driving a motorcycle during snow, sleet or hail. Tire chains can make driving a motorcycle in the snow much safer. It is also crucial to ensure that the battery is in good condition before taking your bike out on the road.

Too Flush or Not To Flush

Your auto mechanic recently did some maintenance on your automobile, and suggested that you needed a brake fluid flush. Right now, you're probably feeling a bit confused about having the work done, and wondering how much money it will cost you. You might also be thinking, "Do I really need to have this done?" Well, here is some good advice about why it is important to have the old brake and flushed on your automobile. You can avoid getting taken for a ride, so to speak, and ripped off by your auto mechanic, when you get a second, or third opinion from other auto mechanics. However, if your current auto mechanic suggests that you need these types of repairs, make certain that you get the work done right away.


Flushing The Brake Fluid On Your Automobile 

When the brake fluid in your automobile turns black, you should have the repairs made to keep your brakes functioning properly. Flushing the old brake fluid from your automobile can help remove moisture and debris from your system. Look for a reasonably priced auto mechanic with a good reputation that will completely flush the old brake fluid out of your automobile. Some mechanics perform various brake flushing methods, such as suction or pressure to flush out the old brake fluid on an automobile. However, before you attempt to have any repairs made, always read your owner's manual. Then, determine, which brake flushing method is best for your automobile. Be sure to ask your friends and family about their auto mechanics, and which type of brake fluid flushing method he uses, when they have their brake fluid flushed. 



Summer Means More Car Washes

Here are some things to consider:

- Use products sold specifically for automobiles. Household cleaners can contain harsh detergents, abrasives and additives that strip the wax from the paint and damage the finish.

- Clean your wheels with a wheel cleaner that removes brake dust, which can blacken your front tires.

- Be sure to follow the directions on the container of your cleaning products because applications can vary.

- Once your vehicle is clean and dry, check the vehicle for foreign particles on the paint, then apply a wax as directed. The wax will protect the finish and make subsequent washing easier.

What is Torquing?

Yes we said tourquing and not twerking! Have you ever had an entire wheel fall off while driving? Hopefully not – however without proper and accurate torquing and retorquing you, you and whoever is riding with you as well as other motorists could possibly be looking at a very dangerous situation.  And it happens more than you think! That’s why at Metric Wrench Billings we encourage you to bring your vehicle to a professional when removing the wheels.

What is torquing?

Torquing is the process of specifically tightening your lug nuts at the proper pressure. Each vehicle has different manufacturer specifications for how the lug nuts should be torqued. Problems that can occur:

·      Under and overtorquing-The studs your wheel is secured to are actually designed to have a specific amount of “stretch”. The proper torque stretches the stud JUST enough for it to securely lock with the bolts. An under-torqued lug nut will not lock correctly and an over-torqued lug nut will over stretch the stud, both cause stress.

·      Broken studs- The extra movement caused by a loose nut can stress the stud and cause it to fail. The overly tightened lugnuts can over stretcha nd stress the lugnut, causing failure as well. Replacement will be needed immediately and this can also cause the wheel to fall off while traveling.

·      Expensive Brake Problems- The biggest issue with over torquing is warped brake rotors. This is often caused by mechanics who tighten lugs improperly using a pneumatic gun.  This can cause uneven tightening accross the hub surface of the rotor. Because one or more wheel nuts is not as tight as the other the rotor pressure is unbalance when you apply the brakes. Once a rotor warps it can be difficult and costly to undo.

·      Stressed bolts- Without proper torquing to stretch the wheel stud, you are putting extra stress on the bolt and the hole the stud passed through. This is seen while driving, as it stresses the wheel assembly. This can also lead to a wheel falling off.

·      Extra stress on steering system- Under torquing can cause the wheel/tire to slightly “wobble” while driving and can cause the car to pull to one side while driving. All in all, this puts extra stress on the steering system.

Winter Driving Tips

• Drive according to the weather conditions – which usually means slow down and leave extra space.
• Install four winter tires. Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
• Plan your route so that you aren't making erratic maneuvers on the road.
• When driving on ice or snow, allow plenty of room to stop and start.
• Drive with headlights on to increase your visibility to other motorists
• Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and others. Stopping takes longer on snowy and icy roads.
• Do not use cruise control on wet, snowy or icy highways.
• Keep your gas tank full to prevent the gas line from freezing and to maximize traction on slick roads.
• Stay on well-travelled roads if possible.
• Be sure all windows, lights, mirrors and license plates are free of snow.
• Keep a Winter Road Side Safety and Emergency Kit in your car at all times, including an ice scraper/snow brush, first aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight and a warm blanket.
• Let others know about your route and your expected arrival time.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• Avoid driving in poor weather conditions whenever possible.
• Avoid driving while you're fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
• Always look and steer where you want to go.
• Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.
• If the weather is really bad, just stay home

Not Sure If That Sound Means Trouble Or Not?

While driving your vehicle, you hear a new sound and you’re not quite sure if it’s trouble or not, don’t panic just yet! Here are a couple of sounds and what may be causing them.

That Knock, Knock Sound is no joke – a distant knocking sound that seems to be coming from your engine. This sound could be caused by any number of issues including: bad or stale gas, low oil or it could mean a more severe engine issue. When you hear this sound, you should take your vehicle to a certified service technician at Metric Wrench Billings to find out where the sound is coming from. Squealing doesn’t come just from girls – a high pitch squeal when accelerating, this loud, indisputable sound is more than likely caused by a worn fan belt. You should have your fan belt replaced. As always, we recommend that you check your owner’s manual or bring it in to your certified service technician at Metric Wrench Billings to ensure that it is replaced with the right size. So what do you need to know? – Anytime you hear a strange sound coming from your BMW, Mercedes, Audi or any vehicle, it is best to bring it in to your certified service technician at Metric Wrench Billings to get that sound checked out. This will give you the added peace of mind that you’ve had your vehicle fixed before any further damage can be done and/or you don’t break down on the side of the road.

Check Your Vin Number When Buying a Used Car

When buying a used car, make sure that the VIN on the car matches the VIN stored in the on board control units. In a recent car purchase, the purchaser found out shortly after the purchase the VIN read out of the car with a scan tool was not the same as the VIN displayed on the car in 2 places. The VIN displayed on the car was checked thru Carfax and reported good. However the VIN read out of the car was the correct VIN for the car and as a result the manufactures warranty was void and the history of the car is very questionable. WHAT A MESS! This is one reason for a pre-purchase inspection and it needs to be done at a shop that has the capability to read the internally stored VIN; something we at Metric Wrench Billings have added to our PPI list.



Don’t run the risk of buying used cars with costly hidden problems. Get your VIN number checked before purchasing a used vehicle

How to Improve Your Fuel Efficiency

Summer is fast upon us and so is driving season. We tend to take more road trips to enjoy the nice weather during the summer months. With gas prices so high we wanted to provide you with a few money saving tips to help your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. 1. Remove Excess Weight – get rid of all that junk that you are carrying around like winter snow tires, winter gear, anything that you don’t need in your car. 2. Use Cruise Control Where Appropriate 3. Avoid Sudden Starts and Stops – drive responsible and anticipate when the lights will change to avoid sudden acceleration. By applying light throttle and avoiding heavy braking, you can reduce both fuel consumption and wear and tear. 4. Check Your Tires – if your tires aren’t inflated properly, it will cost you more money in fuel. 5. Avoid Excessive Idling – It’s not cold outside, so your car doesn’t need to idle to warm up. Idling can consume half-a-gallon (1.89 L) to one gallon (3.79 L) of gas per hour and pumps needless CO2 into the atmosphere. 6. It’s a good time to change out your air filters, this can assist your engine in running more efficiently. 7. Limit Air Conditioner Use – when driving at lower speeds an air conditioner that is on dramatically reduces fuel economy.

Repairing Your Old Car vs. Buying a New or Newer One

As a car owner, there comes that inevitable time in which you will be faced with the dilemma: Repair your current car or buy a new one?

It is at this point in history, coming out of a recession, when we are starting to see more and more used cars on the road. And I have to say that these drivers may be on to something, but you decide…

At Metric Wrench Billings, we think that you should consider the value of your broken car that needs a $4000 repair(s), probably about $0. Add to that the cost of repair $4000 in this case and another $1000 for unexpected failures in the next year. So what would you rather have, your car fixed or the car that you could buy for $5000, or the car you could buy with the $5000, plus monthly payments. And suppose you spend $5000 and the car only goes for another year, that’s about $420 per month, a high price to pay for transportation in an older car. So if you're facing that type of repair do the math first.

But we wanted a few more opinions so we found them for you, all evidence points toward going with a used car, repairing and maintaining it as you go along. The Car Care Council (CCC) and Engine Repower Council (ERC) both highly recommend repairing over buying new. Having a well-maintained used car and a little extra money in your pocket is a great feeling, and a choice that has continued to grow in popularity.

If you have questions about repairing your vehicle, please call Metric Wrench Billings today and talk to a Certified Service Technician.

Stress Management Works for Holidays and Automobiles

Holidays bring their own kind of stress to most of us, so don’t let you car add to that stress. Failing to plan for maintenance for your vehicle can turn small problems into bigger ones, putting a serious dent in your automotive budget. The price of procrastinating on vehicle maintenance can range from a heater that runs cold to a battery that won't start your car.

Take care of your car's seasonal services immediately and make plans to get ahead of the game next year. An early visit to Metric Wrench Billings provides the opportunity to budget for unanticipated repairs.

Here is a few things you may want to have checked:

Engine performance

If your engine isn’t properly maintained it maybe difficult to start in cold weather, if even at all. It may run rough and lose power. Have fuel, ignition and emission control systems checked, necessary components replaced and adjustments made.

Battery and electrical system

How old is your battery? If it's three or more years old, it should be tested and replaced if necessary.  Have your battery terminals cleaned and tightened, because loose or corroded connections can cause symptoms of a weak or dead battery.

Visibility

Replace old wiper blades and be sure your washers are working. Carry spare washer solvent in your vehicle.

Cooling system

A vehicle's antifreeze should be changed annually, or as recommended in the owner's manual. Have the system pressure tested for leaks and check hoses and drive belt(s) for tension and condition.

Tires

Inspect, balance, check inflation and rotate tires. Check inflation on the spare and make sure the jack is in its place.

Lights

Check all lights and replace burned out bulbs

Exhaust System

Have the vehicle put on a lift for an inspection of the exhaust system. Leaking exhaust fumes can be deadly.

If you have questions or concerns about your vehicle, please call Metric Wrench Billings today and talk to a Certified Service Technician.

Is Volkswagen’s “Lifetime” Automatic Transmission System an Urban Legend?

Is Volkswagen’s “Lifetime” Automatic Transmission System an Urban Legend? Truth or Fiction? Lets take a look at it and see. We’ll begin with the definition of “lifetime”, the lifetime of the owner, the lifetime of the vehicle, the lifetime of the transmission or the lifetime of the manufactures warranty.

Urban legend? Perhaps, the truth is that at Metric Wrench it has been our experience that life of these fluids (which are very good) is directly related to how the vehicle is driven. While modern synthetic fluid protects better and lasts longer than competing oils, unfortunately it does not last forever. In researching out the facts we’ve learned that legally, the term 'lifetime fluid' refers only to the duration of the VW Powertrain Warranty. So when the warranty expires, you're out of luck.

Volkswagen, along with many other auto-manufacturers, knows that most owners don't keep their vehicles past 100,000 miles. The so-called 'lifetime' fluid is simply a marketing twist used to help sell cars that require 'minimal maintenance.' But after the 100,000 mile mark (when vehicles need real attention) most Volkswagen repair guarantees are null and void. That's why VW schedules a 105,000 mile timing belt change on 1.8T engines, and why most 'lifetime' guarantees are considered urban legends!

If you intend to keep your car for a while, the cost of never-replaced ATF can give you nightmares. Left untouched for an entire 'lifetime' this fluid can cause serious damage to your transmission. Deposits of metallic shavings will build up on your filter and oil pan, and ultimately damage the transmission. And the repair costs can be enormous! So do yourself a favor, for City driving, the technicians at Metric Wrench recommend transmission service at 75-100k. Constant highway use, it will last a long time. A side note, it's hard to tell the condition of the fluid until it is being drained. You should also know that this type of fluid is also used in Mercedes, Audi and BMW.

Air Mass Sensor on VW 2000 Passat, How to Test

First, different names for the same component, Air mass meter (AMM), Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF). MAF is the accepted name.

The purpose of this device is as its name suggests, measure the amount of air going into the engine. The units used to measure this are Grams(mass) per second (g/sec). This is one of the main inputs the engine computer uses to determine the amount of fuel to inject into the cylinder.

So the check engine light (CEL) is on, on your VW and your car is not running right. VW has a history of problems with MAFs and you check online and everyone suggests cleaning or replacing it. You do that and the car is not fixed...so now what!

Proper diagnostics of a MAF fault involves the use and understanding of a good scan tool. The primary values to look at are: g/sec of the MAF under different engine loads, long term and short term fuel trim values. Using the values you can determine if the problem is the MAF, poor connection to the MAF, a vacuum leak, exhaust leak, injector or fuel pressure problem. The other advantage of using a scan tool is after the repair is done and after a short test drive you can verified the problem is solved.

Throw parts at it for common known failures; makes you look like a genius when you guess right, but can be expensive when you guess is incorrect. At Metric Wrench we are equipped and trained to solve problems and eliminate the guess work.

How To Correctly Install Your Car Stereo

I wanted to share a few tips on installing a new radio or CD player in your car correctly. I don’t know how many cars come into Metric Wrench Billings because someone has incorrectly installed their car stereo and we have to fix the wiring and all of the issues that arise because it was installed wrong. (BANG HEAD HERE)

When you purchase your new stereo, the very first thing that you should do is make sure that it’s going to fit correctly into the slot where your old one is. Make sure that if you purchase a wiring harness that it is the correct one for your car’s make and model as well as for the stereo that you purchased. Purchasing a wiring harness will eliminate a few headaches when you’re installing your new car stereo.

Make sure that you have all of the correct tools and material for installation! Some standard tools and material include: screwdrivers, write strippers, wire cutters and electrical tape.

Before you go any further, check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to remove the dash panel and how to CORRECTLY remove your old radio.


Removing Your Old Car Stereo

After you’ve reviewed your owner’s manual and you’re ready to go, the next thing to do is to disconnect the ground cable or the negative cable from your battery. DO NOT EVER work on the electrical system of any vehicle if this is connected!

Now you’re ready to remove the dash panel that covers your stereo! Unscrew and slide out the old head unit. At this point, you’re going to have one of two choices-a single plug with a ton of wires that connects to the back of your unit or a lot of individual wires. This next tip is KEY! If you see several single wires going into the back of your stereo unit, DO NOT detach them all at once. You’re not going to remember what goes where!

If you purchased a wiring harness, now is the time to plug the connector into your new wiring harness. This will then plug into the back of your new stereo and you can skip the next section, because you don’t need it. If you didn’t purchase a wiring harness, then keep reading!

Connecting the Wiring Manually

If you didn’t purchase a wiring harness, you are going to have to connect each wire yourself in order to install your new car stereo. So connect the positive wire from each speaker to the positive connector on the back of your new stereo. Next you would connect the negative wire. Note: If there is only one wire coming from your speakers, your speakers are grounded at the chassis, which basically means that you need to install new speaker wiring.

Next, you will connect the ground (-/black) wire of the stereo to a screw or bolt close to where the radio is mounted on the dash. The must be attached to metal! NOT fiberglass or plastic!

Whew! You’re almost done! (SMILE) Connect the 12 constant and ignition power wires (both +/red) to the new stereo. Go back and check your stereo’s installation manual to be sure that these get to the correct places.

Putting in the Car Stereo

Last process-you’re almost there! Take a look; you should have a single connector that connects all of the wiring in your car-either from the wiring harness or the one that came with your stereo that you have just finished connecting.

Now it’s time to ease your new stereo in the mounting bracket that came with it. If you didn’t measure correctly, you have to use the bracket from your old car stereo.

Plug the harness connector in the back of your new stereo; make sure that there is only one wire left from your old stereo now. This is the antenna which you can plug directly into your new unit. You may have a power antenna wire as well and you will need to connect that too!

Now it’s time to slide your new stereo into the slot in the dash, but don’t jump the gun here and screw it in, you need to test it out first! So go and reconnect the negative cable of your car to the battery. Turn your car on as well as your new stereo. Is there music coming out? Listen to ALL of your speakers to be sure that they are ALL working properly!

If everything is working properly, you can now tighten the screws so that your new car stereo stays in place and put the dash cover back on.


FYI: The number one reason that most newly installed stereos do not work is because of a bad ground wire. If you are experiencing this issue, look for another piece of metal to attach your ground wire too and try it again. Another suggestion is to get a piece of sandpaper and sand the surface of the metal before screwing the ground wire down to make a better connection.

For Volkswagen’s there is a wire that goes to the existing radio, if this wire goes to ground as it does in some of the aftermarket harness adaptors, it will cause no communication with the diagnostic scan tool. This is the most common problem that we see at Metric Wrench Billings.

And just a friendly reminder, don’t EVER work on the electrical system of your car when the ground wire is still attached to the battery! You can severely damage yourself as well as your car!

Audi Auto Repair Tips - Ways to Reduce the Cost of Audi Repair

In today’s tough economic climate, we are all searching for ways to reduce our cost of repair no matter if you drive an Audi, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes or any vehicle. Like everything in the world today, auto repair does not come cheap. If you are experiencing trouble with your Audi, then these tips could help in reducing the cost of repairs.

Check the Warranty of Your Audi
Before bringing your Audi to Metric Wrench Billings, check if it is still covered by the warranty. If it is, then you need to contact your car dealer immediately and tell about the problems that you’re experiencing with your Audi. You can get free service and parts replacement if the Audi is still within warranty. The car dealer and the manufacturer will be the one responsible for repairs.

The Do-It-Yourself Repair
If you understand cars and knows the basics of car repair and maintenance, then you may be able to repair some things on your Audi by yourself. You will not pay for services which are really expensive now.

If repairing your Audi yourself, take advantage of free auto repair manuals which can be found abundantly on the web. You can find general repair manuals and model-specific car repair manuals.

There are also sites that have repair manuals exclusively for Audi cars. Specific Audi problems are listed on these sites. You only have to choose which manual to use and start repairing your Audi.

Simply download these free repair manuals. They are usually formatted in PDF or Word so you can print them easily. Just follow the steps in the manual and you can surely troubleshoot the problem bugging your Audi.

Finding Car Repair Shops
In case you don't know anything about car repairs, then don’t attempt to fix Audi yourself, you can cause more damage and end up with an even costlier repair bill. You should bring your Audi to Metric Wrench Billings and let the certified technicians repair your car.

Take your Audi in for regular checkups-we recommend that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for these, but this will assist in preventing some Audi repair issues in the future.

For more information about Audi, Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes repair in Billings, Montana, please contact the professionals at Metric Wrench today!

Extend the Life of Your Vehicle With Tips From Metric Wrench

With the economy what it is, motorists have been paying more attention to keeping their current vehicle running properly than purchasing new ones. Vehicle owners are looking for improved dependability, economy, performance, safety and ownership satisfaction.

In 2008, R. L. Polk & Co. reported that the median age of passenger cars in operation has increased to a record high of 9.4 years.

To extend your vehicle's life, make sure to keep up with routine maintenance and regular checks of key areas, such as brakes, engine, undercarriage, battery and engine belts.

Make certain that your brake lines, master cylinder, brakes shoes and/or caliper pads are maintained and not worn. Take care of your engine, the heart of your vehicle, and be on the lookout for all drivability problems.

Have the certified technicians at Metric Wrench Billings check underneath your vehicle, including U-joints, half shafts and CV-joints. Examine battery cables and posts and make sure they're clean to avoid corrosion.

Engine belts are extremely important and can greatly affect engine performance. Make sure belts do not have cracks or missing sections.

Costs are always a concern; in a study by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), vehicle repairs cost an average 34 percent more at new car dealerships than at independent repair shops, resulting in $11.7 billion in excess costs annually to consumers.

Save money by having you’re the suggested manufacturers checkups for your vehicle done at Metric Wrench Billings, which offers value and convenience to your vehicle maintenance plan.

Take good care of your car so that it can take care of you. If you are concerned about the life of your vehicle, visit Metric Wrench Billings today to have a certified technician check it out for you. Visit Metric Wrench Billings today for all of your vehicle solutions today!

Prevent Avoidable Problems and Play it Safe by Changing Your Brake Fluid

According to recent studies, 5% of all serious vehicle accidents are caused by maintenance neglect. Preventative checks will greatly extend the life of your vehicle.
Specialists should always check: fluids, tire inflation, battery, lighting systems, and belts. Brake fluid, in particular, is important this time of year, with record weather hitting many parts of the country.

For many, topping off the brake fluid seems a no-brainer, but what about changing the fluid?

According to the Car Care Council (carcarecouncil.org), brake fluid can become contaminated in 2 years or less. This is because the fluid absorbs moisture, which makes its way through the vehicle's hydraulic system. With heavy braking, moisture in the overheated fluid vaporizes (boiling point of water is lower than that of brake fluid) and braking efficiency is reduced.

At Metric Wrench Billings, we feel that it is best to follow the manufactures recommendations. However in the thirty + years of business I have seen very few brake failures due to not changing the brake fluid and I have serviced a lot of cars that probably haven't had the brake fluid changed until the brake master cylinder or some other part fail. Would they have lasted longer if the fluid was changed? Maybe.

The greatest concern is the fluid will boil due to the heat of hard braking and the brakes will fail. Then it becomes a liability issue, which is probably the main reason the manufacture recommend it every 2 years. The boiling as you know is due to the moisture adsorbed by the fluid lowering the boiling point.

The brake fluid is basically a closed system with a small vent in the reservoir cap and this is the only place that air with moisture can enter the system. In the state of Montana I would guess the amount of moisture that gets into the brake fluid through that vent hole is pretty slight.

Common errors I've seen in servicing/changing brake fluid: Changing only the fluid in the reservoir and not bleeding/flushing the system. This does nothing to prevent the fluid from boiling in the calipers or wheel cylinder which is where the boiling will occur. Using the incorrect fluid, there are several types of fluid, DOT3, DOT4, DOT5 etc. The main difference is the boiling point of the fluid. Using fluid from a container that has be sitting in the shop open to the air. Not bleeding/flushing the fluid when the brake pads or shoes are replaced.

Because of the liability, we suggest following the manufactures recommendations for changing brake fluid. We are careful to use the correct fluid and always bleed the brake with pad or shoe replacement.

Take good care of your car so that it can take care of you. If you are concerned about your brake fluid, visit Metric Wrench Billings today to have a certified technician check it out for you. Visit Metric Wrench Billings today for all of your vehicle solutions today!

How to Keep Up with Your Vehicle Maintenance

Median car life has nearly doubled, from 5.5 years in 1970 to more than 9 years in 2000. Engines and drivetrains are superbly refined, as are fuels and lubricants. Equipment developments, and the personnel training to go along with them, have added to this formula for long life.

One thing that has not changed is the importance of regular checkups and change as well; more specifically: oil change. Regular changes of the oil and filter are generally recommended every 5,000 miles, but you should check your owners manual for the specifics on your vehicle. If you just purchased a used car, it’s a good idea to have it serviced so that your certified technician at Metric Wrench Billings can let you know where your car is at for services and if any services need to be completed.

Finally: don't forget about the brakes. Most car owners including BMW, Mercedes and Audi, wait until they hear grinding noises before taking action. Being a bit more proactive - checking to making sure there's adequate material remaining on the brake pads for disc brakes - is a good place to begin. Remember that brakes should be checked every 30,000 - 45,000 miles, and that leaking brake fluid means immediate repairs are required.

Take good care of your BMW, Mercedes or any vehicle to help prevent common tail light, turn signal and brake light failures. Visit Metric Wrench Billings today for all of your car needs!