Repair Theory

Oil changes: we know 'em, and while we may not love 'em (hot oil, anyone?), they are important routine maintenance needed by all motor vehicles. There is an abundance of oil change establishments in the automotive marketplace. Convenience is a key motivator for their success, but at what cost to the motoring public? It is amazing how expensive some repairs can be when they are not detected early on. Having a trained, professional mechanic change your oil can be preventative maintenance at its best. Schedule your oil changes (or at least every other one) with us. Whether you wait while we change your oil or leave your vehicle in our care, feel confident knowing that competent professionals are looking out for your vehicle's service needs.

Check out some photos of what happens to your engine when you don't regularly change your oil.

Brakes

Why do they make loud noises sometimes?

First, one needs to understand that friction between metal (rotors & drums) and brake material causes a vehicle to stop. This friction can develop a vibration which is heard if it gets to the right frequency. There are several relatively successful ways to limit brake noise, like the use of shims or silicone behind the brake pads to dampen the vibration. The most common perception on brake noise is that something is wrong. This is because several manufacturers use a metallic wear indicator that rubs or squeals against the steel rotor when the fricition material gets low. The other noise many people have experienced is the brake pad or a shoe wearing down to the metal and grinding into the rotor or drum. Many drivers associate all brake noise with failure. However, frictional braking noise is a common occurence and can even come and go over time.

Why do brakes shake, vibrate or pulsate?

Ever try to warm your hands by rubbing them together? That’s heat from friction. A brake pad pushing against a rotor generates a tremendous amount of heat. Vehicle manufacturers have reduced the size of today’s braking components to save on weight and costs. Unfortunately, this prevents the brake system from dissipating heat rapidly. Heavy brake use increases the heat load, which can lead to warped drums and rotors. This condition is evident when you feel your steering wheel, brake pedal or the entire vehicle shake as you apply the brakes.

So can I still resurface my rotors?

When brake pads and rotors do their job under normal circumstances, the surface of the rotor can become grooved or ridged. Putting new pads together with a rough-surfaced rotor will accelerate the wear on those brake pads. It’s like taking sandpaper to a piece of wood. The rougher the surface, the quicker the brake pads will wear. New pads mixed with old rotors will also decrease the braking efficiency because less of the pad contacts the rotor.

Resurfacing is a process used to remove a layer of metal from a brake rotor. The area on which the brake pads contact the rotor is where the resurfacing happens. This process ensures a flat, even surface for the pads to grip the rotor. This results in eliminating pulsation and maximizing braking efficiency.

Vehicle manufacturers determine at what point a rotor is too thin to be resurfaced. They also designate a thickness at which a rotor should be discarded. Due to an inability to dissipate heat quickly enough, a thin rotor will warp more easily and diminish the braking efficiency (i.e. brake fade). Drivers who are heavy on their brakes- you know who you are- may experience rapid rotor warping even with a brake rotor that is within specifications. When a car comes in for brake service, we will inspect the braking system and tailor the repairs to your driving style.

Brake Pads - Your Car Has Them. We Replace Them.

There are three basic types of brake pads on the market today: organic, semi-metallic and ceramic. Most cars require semi-metallic pads that have worked well for years. However, they have two annoying by-products: noise and that nasty dust and dirt that sticks to wheel rims and hubcaps. Enter ceramic brake pads.

Ceramic pads address these two issues. Although costing 50% to even 100% more than semi-metallic pads, ceramic pads offer one more advantage: longer pad life. Many new vehicles are now coming equipped with ceramic pads.

Next time you need brake service, ask us to identify whether your car can benefit from ceramic brake pads.

Check Engine / Power Loss Warning Lights

Today's vehicles are more than mere transportation. They are technological marvels. More and more complex electronic systems are being utilized to control various systems such as the engine, transmission, brakes, and even windshield washers! These advanced systems can be difficult to repair without the use of proper tools, training and experience. Rytek has added a diagnostic tool to its arsenal. Our new Mastertech scan tool enables us to interface and test more of these computerized systems. While this new tool is not a 'magic wand' to tell us instantly what needs to be fixed, it is one more specialized tool we use to aid in the repair process.

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports magazine surveyed 43,000 readers and found the following:

Customers of independent repair shops were more satisfied than those who used national repair chain stores or dealership service centers. The #1 sources of complaints were brake-related items. Services for which customers rated independent garages highly were knowledgeable advice, price, promptness in greeting customers, access to mechanics, and convenience.

Rytek Can Care For Your New or Leased Vehicle

Do you miss what Rytek provided when we serviced your vehicle? Perhaps you liked the courteous service, honest relationships, and attention to repair details? You can continue to enjoy this quality of service for your leased vehicle. We will handle the scheduled maintenance required by your lease.

We can also inspect your vehicle before you turn it back in to avoid those expensive surprises and your dealer's labor rates.

Remember that our service meets or exceeds the warranty service requirements of most vehicles.

Extended Warranties

We can work with many warranty companies to provide you with the best possible service for your vehicle. If you are considering buying a policy for your vehicle, carefully check the fine print and let the buyer beware!