The Service Schedule is Just a Way For Service People to Make Money-MYTH!

Your vehicle’s service schedule was designed by automotive engineers, not service technicians. Maintaining your car according to your owner’s manual provides you with peace of mind while protecting your investment.

The Service Schedule was created to maintain your vehicle’s high level of dependability and safety, to protect the environment, and to enhance and maintain the value of your automobile.

 A properly maintainedvehicle maintains and enhances vehicle value and saves money in the long term. For example, an un-serviced timing chain can lead to moderate to catastrophic engine damage and a $2000 engine repair bill. Replacing a worn exhaust system bracket can cost considerably less than replacing the entire exhaust system.

Winter Safety Tips

If you are due for a tune-up, have it done before winter hits! Winter magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling. A routine tune-up will restore a vehicle back to its normal operating state, and contribute to the overall efficiency of the engine and emissions system. Keep your gas tank at least half full. This tip limits condensation in your tank and reduces gas-line freezing. Adding a little gas-line antifreeze every second fill-up will also help prevent gas-line freezing. Heaters, Defrosters and Wipers- Wiper blades that are cracked or torn, or that chatter, streak and don’t properly clean your windshield should be replaced. Some manufacturers offer special winter blades that have a rubber boot covering the arm assembly to keep snow and ice out. When changing the blades, have the windshield wiper system nozzles cleaned and adjusted if necessary, and check the windshield washer reservoir in case it needs fluid. Cooling System-As strange as it sounds your cooling system is one of the most important things to watch in your vehicle during the winter time. There are two things -- the concentration of coolant, and the amount. In most parts of the US, a 50/50 mix of coolant and water keeps the coolant from freezing, lubricates the water pump, and protects the cooling system from corrosion. In very cold areas, it may be necessary to increase the concentration of coolant – but never more than 70% coolant to 30% water. Also, coolant should be flushed and refilled at least every two years in most vehicles. Check battery and charging system for optimum performance. Very cold temperatures will reduce a vehicle's battery power so it’s important to keep the connections clean, tight and corrosion-free. Unfortunately, batteries don't always give warning signs before they fail completely. If your vehicle's battery is more than three years old, it's wise to replace it. When choosing a replacement, make sure the new one has adequate capacity for your exact make and model.

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

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.

Back To School Brake Safety Check

It is hard to believe that Labor Day has passed and summer is over and the kids are back in school. So now is the time to make sure your vehicle is safe. When it comes to the safety of your family and your vehicle, the brakes should be at the top of your vehicle safety checklist.

"A properly operating brake system helps ensure safe vehicle operation and control under a variety of conditions," says Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "It is important for motorists to be alert and recognize the signs and symptoms that their brake system may need maintenance or repair. Letting the brakes get to the 'metal-to-metal' point can be potentially dangerous and lead to a more costly repair bill."

If your car is pulling to the left or right, or if you hear odd noises when you apply the brakes, you should inspect your brakes. Other warning signs include an illuminated brake warning light, brake grabbing, low pedal feel, vibration, hard pedal feel and squealing.

If you are worried about your brakes, or if you simply just want to get them checked, bring your car into Metric Wrench Billings. Our certified technicians will perform a complete inspection of your brake system and determine what's needed to restore your brakes to a safe operating condition.

Gonzo's Toolbox

Hi Everyone we wanted to share a blog piece written by Scott “Gonzo” Weaver. He really does have some very good tips and advice. To read more articles from Gonzo’s Tool Box-Click Here!

Scott “Gonzo” Weaver is the owner of Superior Auto Electric in Tulsa, Okla. and has owned the shop for 27 years. He was given his trademark nickname “Gonzo” while serving in the USMC. He is the author of the book “Hey Look! I Found the Loose Nut”

Gonzo's ToolBox: A Jack of All Trades? In This Business, it Pays to Be a Master of One

It pays to be a jack-of-all-trades when you’re a homeowner, and it doesn’t hurt to have a little knowledge about the family transportation either. I’m pretty handy around the house, so, in a way, I guess I’m sort of a jack of all trades too, but I definitely wouldn’t call myself an expert. I know my limitations, and I know when it’s time to call in the pros.

When I’m on the other side of the wrench, I’m the professional, and I see a lot of those home-brewed repairs come into the shop every day. But it’s not just the DIYers who can be a problem. The same thing holds true when it comes to the sub-standard repair shops and their so-called “mechanics.” I’m referencing those who don’t keep up with the technology, but who are working on today’s cars without any scanners, scopes or proper information. Drive by and you’ll see the same cars in the same spots in front of their shops for weeks at a time. Of course, I don’t really know the circumstances of why so many cars are left in the lot, but, to me, that frontage real estate is too valuable to be used as a parking lot for cars that aren’t making me a living. Ask the locals in the area, and you’ll find most of them won’t take their cars there.

I call these shops the true “jacks of no trades.” They’re your typical repair shop that’s pretty handy at banging something apart and figuring out how it works, without any training or reading a tech manual. I’ll bet if you took them your toaster and your Accord, chances are they’ll eventually have them both repaired…if you can wait that long. For the most part, these guys can get by for quite some time, but, sooner or later, they’ll have to give up on the car and find somebody who knows something about that particular type of problem.

When the phone rings and it’s a shop I’ve never heard of with a technical question for me, it doesn’t take me long to determine what kind of repair shop they really are. Listening to how they explain the problem or how they tested for the problem gives me enough clues about their abilities.

“I’ve got one I’m sending your way. I think it needs a new starter, but it’s one of those “import” engines, and I don’t have the tools to get to the starter,” one of those bright tool jockeys tells me.

In some ways, I guess there has to be these types of shops out there. Where else would that type of car owner go — the one who is looking only for cheap parts, cheap labor and cheap results? (The car in question did make it to my shop. The motor was locked up, so it needed more than a starter.)

Trusting today’s modern cars to a shop like this is just asking for trouble. With the amount of advanced electronics and tight engine tolerances, even changing the oil can lead to major problems, not to mention swapping parts without prior knowledge of what it may involve as far as reprogramming or security issues.

I find it hard to comprehend how the general public believes all technicians are created equal. In some quirky way, I really believe they think that. It’s the only way I can make any sense as to why repairs for the trusted family vehicle are left to the less experienced tech/repair shop, just to save a buck or two.

The other day a lady called the shop with exactly this type of situation. Seems her vehicle won’t shut off once it’s started.

One shop put in a new computer, one shop tried a new starter, and another put in a new battery. But, the engine still wouldn’t shut off. The last guy tells her he can’t find the problem, and shows her a fuse she can pull that would shut off the engine. She goes on to tell me, “I had my car at several shops, and they tried everything they can think of, but it still hasn’t fixed my car. I’m out of money, so I need to know what you’ll charge me to fix it, before I bring it in.”

“How about we run some tests on it first to find the cause of the problem?” I asked her.

No dice...there was no money in her budget for testing. Too many people still think you fix cars by the amount of dollars they have to spend, and that any problem can be estimated over the phone. It’s all that matters to them and they see no reason to pay for your diagnostic time.

Then you have the so-called “family jack-of-all-trades.” He’s the most dangerous one of them all. He’ll take six months or more to change a head gasket or something. Then, when the owner does get his/her car back, it still isn’t right. Now, the owner doesn’t want to upset the family, so he/she usually won’t say anything, and will just bring it in and have me diagnose it. When I finally get a chance to examine it, I find he failed to replace the original head bolts with the ones that came in the gasket set.

“I didn't change them because the original ones looked good enough to reuse,” the family mechanic will tell me.

Once I straighten out (teach) the so-called “family jack-of-all-trades” on what stretch bolts are all about, the car ends up going back with the same guy for another six months just because “he’s family...and he’ll take care of it.”

After years of seeing the same thing happen over and over again, I really think there should be a way to separate the “good jacks” from the “bad jacks.” I know a lot of great techs out there, but I know a lot more who I wouldn’t let near my screwdriver drawer.

Certification is a step in the right direction. It’s a way to give the customer, techs and other businesses an idea of what kind of person is behind the wrench.

Some guys don’t want to have the intrusion or some badge on their arm, just to prove they ­understand the complexities of their job. Let me set the record straight. Certification tests are not for the one in a million guy who knows “everything,” nor are the tests set up for the beginner to pass. These tests are designed for the knowledgeable tech with reasonable experience in the field. They’re not for the socket jockey who fixes everything by smacking it with a 3-lb. sledge.

I look at it this way: this arm patch I have that says

Automotive Master Technician isn’t for me. It’s for that lady with the locked up engine; it’s for that shade-tree guy who fixes all the relative’s cars and the shop down the street that needed some help.

That blue seal outside my door doesn’t change my abilities at all, but it does let the customer know they are dealing with a professional.

Some techs may say that certification isn’t the answer; some will say it’s not necessary. That’s an opinion this jack-of-all-trades can answer with…“Well, at least I can prove I’m the master of one.”

Thanks Gonzo for such an insight full article! And for all of you local car enthusiasts, don’t forget to stop by the All-Euro car show, on Aug 25 at Rocky Mountain college on the Green 10:00 to 3:00.

CertifiedService Technicians at Metric WrenchBillings are qualified to meet your service requirements. Build a long-term relationship with your certified servicetechnician to ensure maintenance is done on a timely basis.

Breathe Easier This Summer by Maintaining Your Automotive Filters

Did you know that sustaining regular maintenance of your vehicle’s filtration systems can not only help you spend less on gas, but also save you money by avoiding repair costs as well as help you to breathe easier this summer.

Three of these filtration systems remove contaminants from the air and gasoline that go into your engine and the oil that lubricates it and the fourth controls the air inside your vehicle.

The purpose of filtration is contaminant control. Modern engines with their closer tolerances, increased working speeds and higher operating temperatures need more protection than engines of the past.

Filtering intake air is critical as foreign particles can damage components, replacing a clogged air filter may improve fuel economy by 10%. Filter change intervals are specified in your owner’s manual.

Fuel filters became increasingly important when it comes to fuel injection as the filters keep debris, rust flakes, dirt etc. from affecting the ultra-close-tolerance involved. Fuel filters should be replaced at the intervals specified in your owner’s manual and because in some vehicles these filters operate at high fuel pressures, replacement is best left to the Certified Care Technicians at Metric Wrench.

Oil filters play a vital role by keeping carbon, metal etc., from circulating in your engines lubricating oil and scoring bearings and other surfaces. Like all filters they have a limited lifespan. The majority of vehicle manufacturers recommend oil and filter changes at two times, one for “normal” driving conditions and the other for “severe.” A typical vehicle might require changes under ideal conditions at 7500 miles and severe at 3000 miles, but be sure to follow the guidelines in your vehicles owner manual.

Sever conditions would include stop-and-go traffic, short trips, dusty, lengthy idling and below 10 degree temperatures.

Another element has been added recently with the advent of oil life monitoring systems that can determine when you need to change the oil and filter. At Metric Wrench Billings we recommend changing both based on what the manufacturers recommend

Air filters inside your vehicle began to appear in the mid-1980s and many vehicles now have these systems that keep pollen, spores, dust, soot as well as some toxic gases and odors from entering the cabin. They must be changed at the specified intervals or the flow of fresh air into the car will be reduced, which could have an affect on passengers, as well as making defogging the windshield a problem.

Certified Care Technicians at Metric Wrench are qualified to check and change your vehicles filters!

Myth About Your Vehicle’s Warranty

A big myth about vehicle’s warranty that most people believe is that in order to maintain my warranty I can only have my car serviced at a dealership. Service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in effect. Maintenance may be done by any qualified service facility or person who is skilled in automotive service like the certified service technicians at Metric Wrench Billings. Keep all receipts as proof of completion, and have the certified service technician fill out the Maintenance Record.

The Maintenance Schedule in your vehicle owner’s manual specifies how often you should have your car serviced and what areas need attention. It is essential that you have your car serviced as scheduled to retain its high level of dependability and safety, to protect the environment, and to enhance and maintain your vehicle’s value.

CertifiedService Technicians at Metric WrenchBillings are qualified to meet your service requirements. Build a long-term relationship with your certified servicetechnician to ensure maintenance is done on a timely basis.

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!

Volkswagen Auto Repair, Do Your Brakes Need Repairs on your VW?

Don't Take Chances With Your Brakes - Repair Them Now!
Brake repairs - critical?
Of course! Your brakes keep your family safe.
Brake repairs and parts for Volkswagens - expensive? You bet! Brake rotors for import cars, unlike domestics, are built with minimal thicknesses to save weight - meaning they can't be "turned"; they must be replaced.
Brake rotors for imports are also more sensitive to warping from heat, and overheated brakes are the second most common cause of failure (first is wear-and-tear).

Save money on Volkswagen brake repairs and parts with these tips:
Use Your Eyes & Ears to Inspect Your Volkswagen's Brakes
Visually inspect your brakes' condition at least every six months.

When installing a new fuel pump to avoid fuel system problems in your Volkswagen:
Tip #1: Whether a fuel pump is mounted inside a fuel tank or externally, the inside of the tank should always be inspected and cleaned if rust or debris is found in the pump or filter. Replacing a pump without cleaning a dirty tank will doom the new pump to premature failure.
Tip #2: If you're replacing an in-tank fuel pump, always disconnect the battery to prevent any unwanted sparks. Then drain the tank before removing the tank straps and opening the pump's retaining collar. Keep all flames and sparks away!
Tip #3: When installing the new fuel pump, always replace the filter screen and use a new O-ring or gasket for the sealing collar.
Tip #4: Do not "test" a new pump before it has been installed by jumping it. Running a pump in a dry condition with no fuel to lubricate it risks damaging it. Do not run the pump until fuel has been added to the tank. Also, replace any braided or rubber fuel lines that are flaking or cracked with the correct type of EFI hose.

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

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!

November - an Important Month for Car Care

Here in Montana, winterizing your car, is not only smart, but essential. November is the perfect time to start getting ready for the big chill; we recommend you visit Metric Wrench Billings to have our specialists check these applications:

• Check coolant (antifreeze) - coolant should be checked every winter, but most manufacturers recommend changing it out completely every five years or 100,000 miles.
• Check tire depth and tire pressure-it’s also time to think about putting your snow tires on your vehicle.
• Change oil – is it time for your oil to be changed? Now’s a good time to schedule that oil change along with your other BMW, Mercedes and car winterizing needs.
• Check your battery and exhaust system
• Ensure your heater and defroster are working properly

Take good care of your BMW, Mercedes or any vehicle to help prevent common breakdowns and an uncomfortable commute. Visit Metric Wrench Billings today for all of your car needs!

Metric Wrench Billings, MT Provides Tips for Fall Weather

Summer days are gone and we’ve all seen the days grow shorter, kids are back in school and excited teens are getting up at 6 o’clock in the morning to take Driver’s Ed! Therefore we must endure increased morning traffic that leads to longer commutes and more wear on your car. To ensure that your car is in peak condition, visit Metric Wrench in Billings, MT to have our certified technicians check these components:

Brakes—increased cars on the road means more stop-and-go traffic. Research shows that stop-and-go traffic can wear your brakes down at a much more rapid rate. Metric Wrench’s certified technicians can provide expert brake repair service.

Gas Mileage—and needless to say, the more you stop-and-go, the fewer miles per gallon your car gets. While Metric Wrench can’t help you with the flow of traffic, we can help assist you in helping your car to get the maximum gas mileage by checking components, that when in optimal condition can increase your gas mileage. Components like checking oil filters, air filters and tire pressure just to name a few.

Engine Belts—did you know that worn belts can dramatically affect your engine’s performance? It’s true and they can also lead to breakdowns, which if your taking kids to school, it could prevent you from getting there on time. The certified technicians at Metric Wrench can check for cracks and missing sections and help you to arrive at school on time!

If you would like more information about tips for fall weather, you can try asking your favorite certified technician at Metric Wrench Billings for some pointers. You can also try searching the Internet for pointers on auto repair. If you have a BMW or Mercedes that needs repair, please contact Metric Wrench Billings, today.

Dealership vs. Independent for Service and Repair

So you’ve asked yourself the question a million times, “Do I take my care to the dealership or to an independent service and repair shop like Metric Wrench Billings?”

And that is a very good question, so let’s take a look at the two and see what the difference actually is. When you purchased your BMW, Mercedes or any new vehicle, you received an owner’s manual along with it. The purpose of this manual is to assist you in maintaining your car in the best performing condition possible. In maintaining your vehicle, the type of repairs and services that your vehicle requires will determine where you need to take your car.

For example, scheduled maintenance like oil changes, tune-ups, fluid checks, brake checks, etc. you can take your vehicle to an independent auto-repair shop like Metric Wrench Billings. You will discover that it doesn’t cost quite as much taking it to Metric Wrench then it does to the dealership. You should also know that Federal law states that you have the right to service your car anywhere that you choose and it won’t affect your coverage.

At a dealership, the technicians are trained specifically as well as certified for all facets of your model’s service requirements. The dealership will also have the necessary diagnostic equipment that is required to maintain your vehicle. However, the technicians at Metric Wrench are also trained and certified in all aspects of your car’s service requirements and are very capable of maintaining the necessary maintenance and repairs of your vehicles, they also have BMW and Mercedes diagnostic equipment.

You need to be sure that wherever you decide to take your vehicle that the service repair shop stays on top of the latest technical service bulletins (TSBs), these are the detailed requirements on how to repair common issues that pertain to a specific vehicle. If your vehicle falls under a TSB service issue and is still under warranty, then the repairs may be done for free, but then you will be required to take your vehicle to a dealership to have the work completed. If your car is no longer under warranty, then you may be required to pay for all services.

Repairs to your vehicle can be basic repairs like changing a belt or something more complicated like diagnosing problems with your electrical system. If the problem is covered under warranty, then by all means go to the dealership so that the manufacturer can pay to have your car repaired. It is also better to go to a dealership if your vehicle has been recalled or the automaker wants to fix or replace a defect. If you have an extended warranty, read the fine print, see who is required to perform the repairs that are being covered.

If your car is no longer under warranty, then it’s just a matter of what repairs need to be done that will determine if you should take your vehicle to Metric Wrench or another reputable independent dealer. Metric Wrench has certified technicians and they are trained to work on your vehicle and have the appropriate equipment for your vehicle and they also stay on top of the latest information available on your vehicle.