Tech Toolbox: Brakes

Since the dawn of the automobile, technology has propelled us forward at an alarming rate. Larger displacement motors, more efficient transmissions, stronger differentials, and better tires for traction have fueled our unending need for speed. So how do we STOP?

Remember your high school physics class? Of course you do, but just in case, here is a quick refresher. Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician, discovered that fluids are not compressible and transmit force evenly in all directions. You may recall an equation called Pascal’s Law: Force = Pressure X Area. This is the basis for all hydraulic systems like your vehicle’s brake system.

The hydraulic brake system of your vehicle is made up of the following: master cylinder, brake lines, calipers and wheel cylinders. A master cylinder has two pistons inside that put pressure on the brakes as you put pressure on the brake pedal. The pressure produced by the pistons inside the master cylinder is transmitted through the brake lines and is applied to the calipers or wheel cylinders.

All modern vehicles have disc brakes on the front. Disc brakes are made up of a caliper that, when applied by brake system pressure, squeezes two brake pads against a metal disc called a rotor. The rotor is bolted to the axle with the same bolts holding the wheel and turns at the same speed as the wheel. This squeezing action produces friction and slows the wheel.

Some vehicles, especially trucks, use drum brakes in the rear. In a drum brake system, the wheel cylinder pushes two brake shoes against a metal drum that is bolted to the wheel and axle. This creates friction and slows the wheel.

In either system, the friction material on the pads or shoes wears off over time, and the pads or shoes need replacement. Drum brakes use a series of levers and springs and require periodical adjustment and cleaning. Also, the brake drums and rotors become warped or scored from constant heat cycles. A warped brake rotor or drum will cause your vehicle to vibrate when coming to a stop. These parts require precise machining with special lathes.

Does your vehicle have a brake vibration or squeal when coming to a stop? Come see an Everett Certified Service technician. We use the latest technology in brake lathes to match your rotors to your vehicle.

David Gibbs
Certified Service Technician
Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC

Tech Toolbox: Remote vehicle start

As a modern automotive consumer, we have come to demand a high level of luxury from our vehicles. Looking at some of the current amenities offered by GM -- heated steering wheel, massaging power seats, rain sensing wipers -- it is hard to imagine what will be next. Even the simple interaction of turning the key to crank our vehicle has been reengineered to a futuristic press of the remote.

Before we can talk about how, it is important to discuss why GM has provided you with this feature. Remote Vehicle Start (RVS) paired with Automatic Heat Ventilation and Air Conditioning (AHVAC) allows a vehicle to not only start, but to also adjust the interior temperature at the push of a button. In winter, when you start your vehicle using RVS, the interior is warm and windshield defrosted before you’re done putting on your coat. In summer, your RVS started vehicle will engage the air conditioning on high to cool your car before you can pay for your ice cream cone.

Now days, your vehicle is made up of many computers that share information on an internal network often called GMLAN. This high tech network makes it possible to not only start your vehicle, but also to make adjustments like interior temperature. When the RVS command is sent from the remote transmitter, a receiver built into the Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR) picks up the signal. The RCDLR decodes the message and sends it to the Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM requests the Engine Control Module (ECM) to crank the engine, and tells AHVAC to adjust the temperature. The AHVAC checks the outside temperature so that it can determine what the desired interior temperature will be.

That is a basic explanation of what happens in less than a second when you press the RVS button on your remote.

Certain safeties are built into the system to cancel or prevent RVS in case a malfunction has occurred. That’s where Everett’s Certified Service department comes in. We know all there is about your vehicle’s creature comforts.





David Gibbs
Certified Service Technician
Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC

Tech Toolbox: Most important tool

What is in a technician’s tool box? Do you visualize the latest touch screen computerized diagnostic tools neatly stowed among rows of various adapters and chords? Maybe you imagine gleaming chrome wrenches, meticulously organized by size. 

Opening a technician’s tool box drawer by drawer you would find tools for all jobs; however, the most important tool for a technician is missing. It is the most costly tool, but cannot be bought with money. The most important tool that all technicians bring to work with them is their knowledge.

The physical tools themselves may be of the highest quality, but they do not know which part is malfunctioning and needs replacement. It is all of the factual education mixed with lessons learned from experience that makes Everett’s technicians a cut above the rest. Everett Certified Service personnel attend classes specific to General Motors products.

In addition to General Motors technical certifications, Everett Certified Service technicians are also certified by the Automotive Service Excellence program (ASE).

ASE was started in 1972 as a way to test the knowledge of technicians. To receive an ASE certification, a technician must pass a written test and have at least two years of experience in the automotive field. The ASE blue seal is a symbol worn as proof that a technician has the most important tool of all: knowledge. 

With the constant change in automotive technology comes the need for constant education for technicians. Both GM training and ASE certification require annual renewal to ensure technicians are up to date on the latest technology.

Everett Certified Service means just that. Our technician’s maintain certification by both General Motors and ASE. The Everett service team is the most knowledgeable in the business and that’s what makes us better.

We look forward to providing you and your vehicle with Certified Service!

David Gibbs
Certified Service Technician
Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC

Tech Toolbox: Grown up sleds

As children, we laid awake looking out into the yard watching the snow fall. Coming in silent torrents, a blanket of snow transforms the land into a plush dreamscape of no school and downhill sledding. Through the years, the sled may change from a wooden frame with metal runners to a four wheel drive vehicle, but the feeling of exhilaration is the same. By the way, when was the last time you had your four wheel drive checked over?

 

Modern technology has brought about the convenience of push button four wheel drive; unfortunately, it also allows us to take for granted what four wheel drive means. A four wheel drive vehicle’s drive trains consist of three extra components: a front axle, drive shaft and a transfer case. A two wheel drive vehicle’s engine rotates the transmission which rotates the rear axle using the rear drive shaft. On a four wheel drive vehicle, the transmission rotates the transfer case which is capable of rotating either the rear drive shaft and front drive shaft at the same time or just the rear drive shaft. This system is referred to as selective four wheel drive, meaning the driver can select between four wheel and two wheel drive. On some vehicles, the transfer case always rotates both drive shafts resulting in full time four wheel drive.

On both selective four wheel drive and full time four wheel drive vehicles, the transfer case needs to be shifted between two wheel drive and four wheel drive modes. On push button models, this is achieved by an electronic motor referred to as an encoder motor. The front axle actuator is an electronic motor that locks the front axle to gather for four wheel drive operation. Both of these are controlled by a computer called the Transfer Case Control Module or TCCM.

In addition to providing four wheel drive and two wheel drive, the transfer case also has the capability to provide additional gear reduction to help in severe conditions. This function is referred to as low range four wheel drive.

Now that you know more about what happens when you push the four wheel drive button, you may ask yourself what it takes to ensure it is working when you need it. Both front and rear axles simply need the fluid changed and inspected for leaks or excessive play. The transfer case also needs its fluid changed, inspected for leaks and a functional check of the shifting mechanism. Front and rear drive shafts should have the splines and joints lubed and inspected for free range of motion.

Everett’s service staff will be glad to service your four wheel drive system; however, we are committed to more than just service. Our service staff not only has the knowledge to fix your vehicle, we also want to help you understand your vehicle. That’s the Everett Advantage and that’s what makes us better.

David Gibbs
Certified Service Technician
Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC