How to Check the Brake System:

Automotive Lift Repair Orlando Mechanics typically inspect the brake system during routine oil changes and maintenance, but you can also check it yourself at home. Refer to the service manual (not the owner’s manual) specific to your vehicle make and model for detailed brake system checks and part locations. Follow these steps:

1. Start under the hood:

   – Check the brake fluid level and its condition.

   – Inspect all brake lines and the anti-lock brake module for leaks or loose, damaged connectors.

2. Raise the vehicle:

   – Securely lift it using a lift or jack stands (refer to Lesson 1 if necessary).

   – Remove all four wheels.

3. Inspect brake components:

   – For vehicles with drum brakes, remove the drums.

   – Check all brake lines and hoses for leaks or cracks.

   – Examine the caliper hardware and dust boots for damage.

   – Look for brake fluid leaks around the calipers (or wheel cylinders).

   – Assess the rotors for smoothness; if you find pits or grooves, they need reconditioning or replacement.

   – Measure the thickness of all brake pads.

4. Check for inconsistencies:

   – If there’s a difference in Automotive Lift Repair Orlando brake pad thickness between the driver and passenger sides, there might be an adjustment issue, a defective caliper, or other faulty hardware. Front brakes typically wear faster, handling about 80% of the stopping force. 

5. Pad thickness:

   – There is no universal measurement for brake pad thickness as it varies by vehicle make and model. A few millimeters might be adequate in one car but could indicate the need for replacement in another. Replace the pads if their thickness is 20% or less of the original, as specified in the service manual.

Understanding How the Auto Repair Industry Operates:

Consumers should be aware of the inner workings of the auto repair industry. When you visit a Automotive Lift Repair Orlando auto repair shop, the first person you typically interact with is a service writer. This applies whether you’re at a dealership, a franchised shop (like Midas or Firestone), or a small independent garage. The service writer serves as the intermediary between you and the repair technician. They relay your vehicle’s issues to the technician, receive the technician’s findings, and then communicate these findings back to you. Some shops allow customers to see the technician’s findings directly, but many do not.

The Automotive Lift Repair Orlando service writer’s performance is evaluated by upper management, which might include the shop manager, a director overseeing multiple shops, or the owner. In large shops, the owners often act as investors rather than being onsite. Directors may oversee several locations or manage entire departments, such as the service department at a dealership.

As a middleman, the service writer can be a source of communication problems. For example, if a customer reports a squeaking sound when braking, and the service writer assumes it’s due to the brake pads, they might instruct the Automotive Lift Repair Orlando technician to inspect just the pads. If the actual issue is different, the technician might not diagnose it correctly. Similarly, the technician’s findings might not always be accurately conveyed to the customer by the service writer.

It’s important to note that the service writer is primarily a salesperson, not a technician. Their understanding of vehicle mechanics might not be any better than the customer’s, though some service writers are quite knowledgeable. Regardless, they often appear to understand the vehicle’s issues during interactions with customers.

A significant issue within the industry is that compensation is typically commission-based, incentivizing higher sales and service costs. This can lead to unnecessary services being recommended. For instance, a shop might suggest a cooling system flush that isn’t needed or shorten maintenance intervals to increase service frequency. Since Automotive Lift Repair Orlando maintenance schedules are based on mileage, shops might claim services are due sooner than necessary to boost sales. Therefore, it’s crucial to refer to the vehicle’s maintenance chart in the owner’s manual. Note that some repairs might be needed sooner due to factors like weather, driving conditions, and driving habits.

In auto dealerships, the service and sales departments operate as separate entities. The sales department focuses on selling vehicles, while the service department handles inspections, maintenance, and repairs. The service department must inspect and service each vehicle before it can be sold, making the sales department a “customer” of the service department. Although the service writer, even when working within the same dealership, earns commissions on services, this setup ensures that vehicles are properly prepared for sale. However, it can also lead to increased commissions for service writers by recommending additional services.

When customers bring their cars to a dealership for maintenance, they often assume that certified technicians handle the repairs. However, many times, these tasks are performed by relatively inexperienced entry-level employees, often referred to as “lube techs.” Traditionally, lube techs were responsible only for oil changes, but today some dealerships allow them to perform a wider range of repairs, even if they lack specific training. This practice helps dealerships save money, as lube techs are paid less than certified technicians.

While some shops are genuinely committed to providing quality service, the system has inherent flaws. Staff members are still compensated based on commission, and communication issues can arise between customers and repair technicians due to the intermediary role of the service writer.

At Automotive Lift Repair Orlando, we operate under a different management model. Our owners are also the technicians, and they are not paid on commission. There are no service writers. Customers interact directly with the technician who inspects their vehicle, provides an honest and accurate estimate, and only performs repairs with the customer’s consent. Customers are welcome to observe the inspections and repairs in the repair room. We also make it a point never to recommend unnecessary repairs or services.

Purchasing a high-cost item like a vehicle can be overwhelming, particularly for those who are unfamiliar with the process. This lesson provides a basic guide for buying a car. However, serious buyers should go beyond these initial steps. For instance, while this lesson touches on negotiation tactics, mastering negotiation can significantly improve your chances of securing a better deal—something entire books have been dedicated to.