Archive for January, 2010

When should brake pads be replaced?

Brakes usually have a lifetime of 30,000 miles in the front and a little longer in the rear. It is a good idea to replace the brake pads and shoes when they are thin. Waiting too long to replace your brake pad can cause damage and result in a costly repair job. When the brake pads become completely worn out, metal wears metal and the rotors and/or drums will need to be resurfaced or replaced.

 If you notice any of the listed symptoms when you apply the brakes they need inspection and service.

1).Brake light warning

6 easy ways to get more miles out of your car or truck

-Change Oil and Filter every 3,000-4,000 miles depending on vehicle.

-Have all fluids checked, fluids play a large part in safety and performance.

-Keep you engine tuned up. Fouled spark plugs and restricted fuel injectors can reduce milage up to 30%.

-Chassis lubrication. This extends moving components lifetime.

-Make sure battery connections are free of corrosion.

Ford expanding Chicago area workforce by 1,200

Ford is planning on expanding their work force in Chicago. The Chicago plant is planning to produce the Ford Explorer model by the end of 2010 and increase their work force by 1,200.

GM close to new deal with European Unions

General Motors (GM) completed a restructuring plan for Opel that could be signed by the unions by the middle of February. Belgian Unions filed suit against Opel over Antwerp plant closing, cutting 8,300 jobs.

Toyota to be the #1 automaker in 2010?

Toyota is forecasting growth of up to 6% expecting annual sales of 8.27 million vehicles in 2010. If Toyota meets it forecast, it would be an increase  from 7 million vehicles last year, giving Toyota the lead as the worlds biggest auto maker, expanding their lead over Volkswagen and General Motors.