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2930 W. Emmaus Avenue Allentown, PA 18103 610-797-3230 |
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PA STATE INSPECTION Diagnostics, General Repairs & Service |
Ask The Pros Who Know!
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I am not satisfied with the service I receive at the Dealer, however I am reluctant to use anyone else for fear of voiding the Factory Warranty. I feel stuck. Do I really have a choice? |
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YES, you do have a choice! According to the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, you can have your vehicle serviced by any competent independent service facility and still maintain your Warranty. The ONLY reason a Manufacturer can require you to have your vehicle serviced at the Dealer, is if the parts and labor are supplied for free. To learn more details regarding Factory Warranty's, your responsibilities and how Binder's Automotive Guarantees your Warranty. |
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Does it really matter where I have my oil changed? |
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20 years ago the answer would be no, however with today's High Tech vehicles, the answer is YES. The engines powering todays vehicles are becoming more & more advanced, therefore, requiring more advanced knowledge. The days of jacking up your car in the driveway to change oil are diminishing. Todays oil change is more than just changing the oil & filter; it SHOULD consist of inspecting ALL of the vital fluids, adjusting tire pressure to the manufacturers specification, not a generic 35psi. and properly testing the battery. These quick checks should be made by a trained professional, with a complete knowledge of your vehicles operating systems. Also, let's not forget the many different grades of oil and types of filters required by todays manufacturers. |
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What is a timing belt and why should it be replaced if my vehicle is still running fine? |
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Timing belts resemble an engine accessory serpentine belt in appearance, only they typically have square teeth on the inside surface. They usually are constructed of rubber reinforced with nylon. The timing belt transfers the rotation of the crankshaft to the camshaft. The rotating camshaft activates the valves, which provide air and fuel to the cylinders and expel combustion gases to the exhaust system. When a timing belt fails, the engine will stop and the vehicle will coast to a stop.The fortunate motorist will only have the inconvenience of being stranded on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck. On the other hand, the engine might suffer severe, if not catastrophic, damage to its internal components. This potential disaster can be avoided easily and relatively inexpensively by replacing the timing belt within the required replacement interval.Unfortunately, the timing belt is protected by covers, making routine visual inspections impossible. Call Binder's Automotive today and ask if your vehicle has a timing belt and when the manufacturer recommends having it replaced. |
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A friend of mine recently told me that the windshield of my vehicle is an essential part of the Safety Restraint System(SRS). I thought that only consisted of the seat belts and Air Bags? Is my friend correct? |
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Your friend is CORRECT! The windshields function for most consumers means keeping wind, dirt & bugs out of our face while driving. But to a vehicle engineer & auto technician, it means keeping occupants inside the vehicle in the event of a collision. The windshield also supports the roof thereby preserving the structural integrity of the passenger compartment and keeping it from collapsing and crushing passengers and driver. Seen from this perspective of personal safety, consumers have a vested interest in making sure any windshield repair or replacement is performed properly and safely. For more information about windshield, click on the Diamond Glass icon in the upper right corner. |
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I am being told that my vehicle should have a "brake fluid flush". I have never heard of this before. I feel that I am the one "getting flushed". Can you clear this up for me? |
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If the brake fluid in your vehicle is over 2 years old, then you're probably not "getting flushed". Years ago we never heard of changing the brake fluid or having the system flushed, however with todays sophisticated braking systems, this has become an important safety measure. This is because brake fluid absorbs moisture, which works its way through the hydraulic system. Under heavy braking conditions, such as those encountered in heavy stop and go driving, mountainous & hilly driving or when towing a trailer, moisture in the overheated fluid vaporizes (boiling point of water is lower than that of brake fluid) and braking efficiency is reduced. Even under normal driving conditions this condition can develop if the brake fluid is seriously contaminated. Not only is the fluid vulnerable to vaporizing, it can also freeze. Ask your service professional to perform a brake fluid test next time your vehicle is in for an oil change. It's quick, easy and at Binder's Automotive, it's free. |
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I keep hearing about cabin air filters. What are they and how do I know if I need mine replaced? |
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Cabin air filters clean the incoming air and remove allergens from the passenger compartment - which is especially beneficial to people who suffer from allergies. During the hot summer months, contaminants, such as pollen, dust, mold spores and smog can easily enter a vehicle's passenger compartment through the air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems, making the air in the car six times dirtier than the air outside. If your vehicle is model year 2000 or newer, there's a good chance it is equipped with a cabin air filter. If the cabin air filter is not replaced, it can cause musty odors in the vehicle, and over time, the heating and air conditioner may become damaged by corrosion. A dirty or clogged cabin air filter can also cause contaminants to become so concentrated in the cabin that passengers actually breathe in more fumes and particles while riding in the car compared to walking down the street. To find out if your vehicle has a cabin air filter, call Mary-Jean (M.J.) at Binder's Automotive - 610-797-3230. |
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I am concerned about how much money I am spending for maintenance and repairs on my vehicle. How do I know when it is no longer worth fixing? I don't want to keep spending good money after bad. |
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This is such a great question. Every vehicle owner should consider this, especially before paying for a large repair. There is an easy formula to help calculate when it is no longer worth repairing a vehicle. The formula, along with a detailed explanation can be found at www.bindersauto.com. and click on the "Money Pit" link. |
All of us at Binder's Automotive Inc. would truly appreciate the opportunity to service your vehicle. We highly value you and your business and strive for your complete satisfaction in our quest for service excellence. If you have any questions, need assistance, or request an appointment, Please call:610-797-3230or E-MAIL us with any other questions you may have:
binders2@verizon.net
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