STANDARDS

For the best care of your vehicle and an
ongoing positive car owner experience.

We use Scientific Testing and Measurement to determine if parts and fluids are within specification. In cases where there is no Scientific Method we use industry-accepted methods and experience to make an educated decision and inform you about what is best for your vehicle.

By following these standards and methods, statistics show that you can save as much as 50% in repair costs over the life of your vehicle, eliminate unnecessary work and reduce the chances of breakdown and inconvenience.

BRAKE PADS, SHOES & TIRE STANDARDS

Measured to accurately determine how much of their life is left. Manufacturers set a standard of 2/32nds (material remaining) as a baseline for replacement.  When your brake pads or tires have reached 2/32nds, the manufacturer states that they have reached their limit and should be replaced.

BRAKE PADS AND TIRES

Some start their life at 8/32nds and some at 14/32nds. We have set a standard of the following:

Since some customers do not return for their scheduled maintenance on time which may cause unnecessary damage to their vehicles we will recommend replacement if your brake pads or tires are at 3/32nds. You can then choose whether or not to wait until your next scheduled service to perform these repairs.

FLUIDS STANDARDS

COOLANT AND BRAKE FLUID Scientific Tests and accepted Industry Standards determine when these fluids need replacing. (Most German and Japanese manufacturers recommend that these fluids be routinely flushed every 3-years or 30,000-miles.)

COOLANT Industry standards are that coolants need to be replaced when their pH level drops to 7 or below, which is acidic. When coolant becomes acidic it starts to remove very small particles of metal from the hot engine block and distribute them in the coldest part of the cooling system, the radiator. This causes a blockage of flow in the cooling system and can eventually lead to overheating and major engine damage. Engine damage due to overheating is the leading cause of engine failure.

BRAKE FLUID Scientific Tests determine if it is good or bad. The most accurate way to test brake fluid is with a Refractometer. This tells us the moisture content of the fluid. When brake fluid reaches 5% moisture its boiling point drops below 300 degrees and has enough moisture in the brake system to cause damage due to Oxidization (rust). It is also possible that on an extended braking period (such as coming down a mountain or steep hill) the moisture in the fluid could boil and cause complete loss of braking. As the moisture content increases, the possibility of expensive repairs and loss of braking also increases. ABS brake systems should also be tested for copper content. When the copper content exceeds set limits the chances of damage to hydraulic components rises. If you are told that your brake fluid needs to be flushed this means that it has failed one or more of these scientific tests.