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Can I Diagnose My Car By Plugging It Into A Computer?

In short, probably not. Using a scan tool or computer system will provide codes and some basic readings from the various sensors around the car, but it doesn’t tell you with any degree of certainty what’s wrong with the car. It just provides enough information for a skilled and experienced technician to know where to look for the actual problem.

ISSUES WITH COMPUTER SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS:

At Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care of Louisville, we can provide the expertise and information to help better understand the root of a problem and the different solution options we can provide to solve it. Often times, using a scan tool can also end up in a misdiagnosis of the real problem, and users end up spending a lot of money replacing parts that may or may not be necessary.

WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST THE PROFESSIONALS AT COTTMAN:

The technicians at your Cottman Transmission and Total Auto Care of Louisville are fully trained on computer system diagnosis. They know just how much of the information they collect through a scan tool that they can trust, and how much they need to verify before they make any repair recommendations.

So, if your check engine light comes on, make an appointment today and be back on the road in no time!

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5 Ways To Get More Life Out Of Your Brakes

5 Ways to get more life out of your Brakes

Owning a car comes with certain responsibilities including periodic maintenance like oil changes, timing belts, brakes, and other wearable parts. Making sure your car is taken care of will save you money down the road. Your brakes are one of the most important safety components of your vehicle.  Keeping them in good working order is one of the easiest ways to limit expensive accidents. Here are some tips to get the most life from them and save you money in the long run.

  1. No Hot Rodding! It takes a lot more work for the brakes to slow the car down if you are speeding. And, on the plus side, you’ll save on speeding tickets too.
  2. Always pay attention to traffic patterns and anticipate your next stop. Let off the gas pedal well before a red light and coast to a stop. It will save the life of your brake pads and may even prevent a rear-end collision.
  3. Slowly pump rather than stomp on the brakes. By releasing and applying the pedal, you give the brakes a chance to cool down improving performance and longevity.
  4. Only use your right foot for both the brake and gas pedals. That way the brake never gets hit while using the gas. Even just resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving can make the brakes drag and cause premature wear.
  5. Use quality brakes. Just because a cheaper brake pad is available does not mean it’s recommended by the manufacturer. By using premium brakes with the correct formulation, you can get many more miles between brake repairs and have fewer issues like brake noise.

Try these 5 tips and you’ll be on your way to fewer headaches and saving money over time on your brake repairs. If you have any brake replacement, brake repair, or even just basic brake inspection needs here in Beaverton Oregon, we at Cottman of Beaverton are always happy to help! Happy motoring.