Spencer Auto Repair Blog

Brake Fluid Flush

A happy driver is a safe driver! Our vehicle's braking system helps keep our family safe on the road. There are times when we need to stop suddenly and maintaining a healthy braking system gives us piece of mind knowing the vehicle will perform the way it should. Many vehicle owners are very familiar with changing their brake pads & rotors or drums and shoes but often don't think about their brake fluid. The main purpose of brake fluid is to transfer the movement of the brake pedal through the brake system to the wheels, thus stopping the vehicle.

Why Does Brake Fluid Need to be Flushed

At Spencer Auto Repair technicians test for two major things when inspecting brake fluid: moisture and copper content. Brake Fluid is hygroscopic which means overtime, brake fluid absorbs moisture, and other contaminates. Too much moisture in the braking system can lower the fluids boiling temperature which could lead to air bubbles in the system. Air bubbles can sometimes lead to a spongy brake peddle. Any time there is significant change in the brake fluid, such as added moisutre or air, it can cause a significant change in the systems performance. 

In addition to moisture, technicians test for is copper content. Brake Fluid contains brake additive packs that typically contain: anti-rust additives, acid neutralizing additives, anticorrsion inhibitors, and stabilizers. These additives are vital to keep the brake system working at its best! A warning sign that these vital additives are being depleted is an increase in copper content in the fluid. In addition to time and normal driving some common things that can accelerate the breakdown of these packs are, stop and go traffic, thermal shock caused by temperature extremes of a vehicle's brakes under different driving conditions, and hauling heavy loads. When these additives brake down it can cause internal brake components to corrode and even for sludge to build up. This can have a negative impact on the braking system. Flushing the system helps control the moisture build up and adds new additives to the system. 

Overtime, Regular Brake Flushes can Save you Money

Contaminated brake fluid is not only a safety concern but it can also lead to premature wear of expensive parts. Brake fluid acts as a lubricant and anti-corrosion fluid for major components in the system. When that fluid becomes contaminated or the additive packs become depleted corrosion can start to occur in major components such as the calipers & brake master cylinder. 

Flushing your vehicle's braking system is so important but it is often an overlooked service. To keep your family safe and to help prevent the depletion of major braking parts consider getting your brake system flushed. At Spencer Auto Repair we test brake fluid with every general inspection to make sure our customers are safe on the road. If you are wondering if it may be time for you to get your brakes flushed give us a call today at one of our 5 East Valley locations: Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, San Tan Valley, & Florence. Our ASE and factory certified technicians are ready to help! 

Now is a great time to get your brake system flushed. Now through February 29th 2020 Spencer Auto Repair is offering $20.00 Off Each Fluid Flush.

Get Coupon Here: 

https://offers.spencerautorepair.com/chandler/flushspecial-1958/google

Fluid Flushes are so important to keep your vehicle running strong!

Your vehicle uses many different fluids to keep it running smoothly. If you want to prolong the life of your vehicle and help to prevent premature wear you will want to consider having your fluids flushed. Common flushes are: Cooling System Flush, Transmission Flush, Power Steering Flush, Brake Flush, Differential Service & Transfer Case Service. Each fluid is different in regards to how often it needs to be maintained or flushed. Also, every vehicle has a different recommended maintenance schedule. Our expert service team is be happy to review that information with you so you can develop a vehicle maintenance plan. 

Why is it important to flush your vehicle's fluids?

Over time, old and contaminated fluids can cause corrosion and other premature failure of expensive parts! For example, in the cooling system, coolant becomes more acidic over time. Very acidic coolant can damage the aluminum components of the engine, rubber hoses, and the bearing on the water pump. Flushing cooling system and adding new coolant prevents your fluid from becoming too acidic thus preventing unnecessary wear of those parts.

To help prevent premature failure it is important to keep your maintenance up to date. Now is a great time to get your fluids flushed. Now through February 29th Spencer Auto Repair is offering a coupon for $20.00 off each fluid flush. Whether you are in need of routine maintenance or a larger repair, our expert service team is happy to help. All our repairs are backed with our 3 year, 36,000 mile nationwide warranty. Visit us at one of our 5 East Valley locations: Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, San Tan Valley, & Florence.

Learn More:

https://offers.spencerautorepair.com/mesa/flushspecial-1958/google

Small Business Saturday is Coming!- Ways You Can Support Local Businesses

Right in the middle of the two busiest shopping days of the year, Black Friday & Cyber Monday, is Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday is a yearly event that celebrates the local stores that make your community special. These stores are typically made of Mom & Pop, locally staffed store fronts. According to the Small Business Administration over 112 million people shopped small last Small Business Saturday. Knowing that shopping small supports local families and helps your local community, it would be amazing to see that number rise even higher. This Small Business Saturday here are a few ways you can support a local business:

1. Shop at their store instead of a large chain.

2. Share your shopping experience on social media with the hashtag #shopsmall.

3. Write the local business a review about a past experience you had.

4. "Like" or Comment on a Post on a Local Businesse's Social Media.

5. Refer a Friend to A Local Business.

Together we can all Shop Small this holiday season and every day! Support people who live and work in your community and together you can have a positive impact! 

#ShopSmall #SmallBizSat

Find a Local Business: https://amex.co/2q23s4b

Visit 1 of our 5 East Valley Locations: Chandler, Tempe, Mesa/Gilbert, San Tan Valley, Florence

A Flash Flood Watch will be in effect from Tuesday Afternoon in Central Arizona! To ensure your safety and the safety of others it is important to make sure your vehicle is ready before the rain hits. Here are a few areas of your vehicle you may want to check: 

1. Check Your Tires- Your tires play a vital role in maintaining traction with the road. This is especially important in wet conditions. Additionally, when the temperatures drops dramatically it affects your tire pressure. It is important if your tire pressure light is on or you are concerned about your tire pressure to get them checked as soon as possible. 

2. Check Your Brakes- Coming to a complete stop in wet conditions can take longer than when it's dry. You want to make sure your brakes are performing as good as they can.

3. Check Your Wipers- With such little rainfall so far this year in Arizona it is likely you have not tested them in a while. Even if they have not been used, the Arizona Sun and Heat causes your wipers to crack and breakdown. Before the rain hits make sure you have properly working Windshield Wipers.

4. Check Your Headlights - To ensure you will have optimal visibility. In heavy rain your headlights may be the only way other drivers will be able to see you are on the road. Make sure they are working and bright enough. Also, don't forget if the rain gets to heavy pull to the side of the road and wait for better conditions.

Don't let the rain catch you offguard. Get your vehicle checked today!

Book Online: www.spencerautorepair.com/appointment 

Visit on of our 5 East Valley Locations, Chandler, Tempe/Scottsdale, Mesa/Gilbert, San Tan Valley, Or Florence

Our School Program is Back for the 2019/2020 School Year!

The Valley is back to school which means the Spencer Auto School Acceleration Program is back too! We are so excited to reopen our voting and start sending checks to local schools in our community!

What is the Spencer Auto School Acceleration Program?

In 2017, Brittney and Geoff Spencer started their Spencer Auto School Acceleration Program. Through this ongoing program Spencer Auto donates a portion of every repair each month to a local school near each of their 5 locations. That means every month Spencer Auto Repair sends a donation to 5 local schools in the Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, and Florence Areas. The money is given directly to the school to obtain supplies, technology, or whatever the school feels would most benefit them! 

How do I Vote For My School?

Simply visit www.spencerautorepair.com/givesback

1. Select the location near your school.

2. Fill out the form to the right of the page & select your school from the drop down menu.

3. Don't forget to share with your friends & family.

How much did Spencer Auto donate last year? 

During the 2018/2019 School Year Spencer Auto Repair donated $7,430.00 to local schools in Arizona!

What if my school is not listed?

If your school is not on our list and is located in Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, or Florence email us at [email protected] and we would be happy to add it! 

We are so blessed and honored to be able to give back to local schools in our community! Please feel free to share and don't forget to VOTE! www.spencerautorepair.com/givesback

Coolant is designed to remove heat from your vehicle's engine. Coolant is also known as antifreeze and there are many different vareties. It is always important to consult your owner's manual to see what type of coolant your vehicle requires. 

What does coolant do? 

The role of the exhaust and cooling system is to ensure that the engine stays cool. The coolant absorbs the heat from the engine and helps prevent the water from boiling in hot temperatures. When the water boils in your cooling system you run the risk of having engine damage and other large issues. Coolant also helps to prevent plastic parts from corroding and metal parts from rusting.

Why should I get a coolant flush?

Coolant flushes provide many benefits to your cooling system:

1. Lubricates your Water Pump- New coolant contains additives that lubricate your vehicle's water pump. This can help lengthen your water pumps life. 

2. Removes Rust and Other Deposits- Coolant flushes remove rust and other deposits that build up overtime. These deposits can cause overheating and damage to your cooling system.

3. Help Prevent Your Water Pump from Rusting- The additives in new coolant can help prevent rust build up in the water pump which helps improve the efficiency of the cooling system. 

4. Helps Prevent your Coolant from Becoming Acidic- It is important to keep the coolant from becoming acidic because it can damage the aluminum components of the engine, rubber hoses, and the bearing on the water pump. 

5. When you get a Cooling System Flush You will Receive an Inspection- This inspection can help identify any large issue before they arise. Anytime a vehicle is at Spencer Auto you will receive a courtesy inspection!

Not sure if you are in need of a vehicle cooling system flush? You can check your vehicles owner's Manuel or give us a call! We have access to manufacturers maintenance schedules and help you get what you want out of your vehicle! Visit one of our 5 east valley locations in Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, San Tan Valley, or Florence. 

Book Online: www.spencerautorepair.com/appointment 

Living in Arizona, The Valley of the Sun, it is so important to make sure your vehicle's A/C system is working properly! It is recommended to get a precautionary A/C Performance Check at the beginning of summer season! This will help prevent any unexpected failures and help preserve the life of your A/C system! Here are a few tips to keep in mind as we move towards the hottest part of the year:

1. Make sure your Cabin Air Filter is Clean- A dirty Cabin Air Filter will restrict air flow and requires your vehicle's A/C system to work harder. Also, a dirty Cabin Air Filter can cause your vehicle's cabin to smell poorly and cause your passengers to breath less filtered air. 

2. Expect your Vehicles A/C System to Produce Air 40 Degrees Below Ambient Temperature- For example if the outside temperature is 90 Degrees a properly functioning A/C system will produce air that is around 50 Degrees.

3. An Air Conditioning System Can be Low on Refrigerant and Still Produce Cold Air- Your vehicle's A/C system uses refrigerant, in most vehicles R134a or in newer vehicles 1234yf, to regulate the temperature in your vehicle's cabin and also to help prevent the A/C Compressor from overheating. If your vehicle is still producing cold air you may not know your A/C sysytem is low on Refrigerant. That is why it is so important you get a preventative A/C Performance check as we enter into the warmest months of the year. 

4. Turn your Vehicle's Air Conditioner off Recirculation when you Park- On a 100-degree day your vehicle's interior temperature can reach as high as 180 degrees within an hour! This is much hotter than the exterior temperature. If you take your vehicle off recirculation it will pull the air outside the vehicle instead of the extremely hot cabin. By doing this your vehicle will cool down quicker!

Now is a great time to get your vehicle's Air Conditioning checked at Spencer Auto Repair! We are offering Free A/C Performance Checks and $79.99 Evacuation and Recharges until the end of May at all 5 of our East Valley Locations: Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, San Tan Valley, and Florence. Our technicians are certified and properly trained to diagnose your vehicle's A/C system. All of our air conditioning repairs are backed by our 3 year, 36,000 mile nationwide warranty!