Master Auto Tech
Master Auto Tech: offering premium quality service with practical pricing for Bellingham's discerning import car owners. All European and Asian makes are welcome.
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| Aug 12 |
Archive for the 'Tech Tips' CategoryChanging Vehicle Battery in Todays High Tech BMWs
You might think replacing a battery in a late model BMW is a simple matter. Just swing by the local tire store and swap it out, right? In reality you may get some life from even the best battery this way but still not get your money’s worth. When replacing a battery with anything but the exact same size and rated battery the vehicle must be reprogrammed. For instance if the vehicle is only driven on short trips or not driven often, the white wet, acid and led plate batteries can tend to fail. Because of the high electrical demands placed on these vehicles upgrading to the Black Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries may be desirable. While some after market systems allow programming individual modules the BMW GT-1 and SSS system does not. After programming, the new battery must then be electronically “registered.” By the way the technician can look in your network and determine how often and how far your vehicle has been driven as well as if the battery in the car has been “registered” or not. Not reprogramming the car to relearn the condition of the battery will result in shortened battery life. |
| Feb 05 |
Archive for the 'Tech Tips' CategoryMore from our BBJ Infomercial on Tires
My next topic came to me some time ago in dramatic form. The shelf life of tires was featured on an ABC News info drama. I choose to leave the fearful drama aside but think it’s a topic worth noting. The video can be found on ABC’s website. I broach the topic for the Bellingham Business Journal with the help of our ever present inquisitive customer. Q: My father in law asked me how old my new tires are? I just bought them they are new, right? A: Not necessarily. Like milk, eggs or corn chips, tires have a “best if used by” date printed on them. Only outdated tires could be a lot more hazardous than tainted treats. On the side wall of every tire is a sequence of letters and numbers beginning with the letters DOT. For example: DOT B97R FW6X 2202. The numbers at the end of our example are the week of the year the tires were manufactured. In our example the tires were manufactured in the twenty second week of two thousand two. Tires older than six years may be unsafe and should not be used. A reputable tire store will readily make this date available for you. I recently bought a set of tires for my wife’s Toyota. The dates of manufacture; 0309, the third week of 2009 were conveniently printed on the invoice. MMMM fresh tires. |
| Oct 27 |
Archive for the 'Tech Tips' CategoryMaster Auto Tech Blog: Your Go To Gear HeadquartersThanks for visiting our Blog Site. We are still under construction. What you may expect in the future is: 1. A regular blog on motor sport, SCCA, Formula 1, WRX and endurance racing. Probably won’t be anything of interest here for NASCAR and little for CART fans. 2. A tech site highlighting Technical Service Bulletins that effect Mercedes Benz, Toyota, BMW and Volkswagen/Audi car owners. 3. Some excellent technical and performance car videos. 4. Tech tips with photos, how to helps for the folks who love their cars and love to tinker. If you have and suggestions on possible topics or comments e-mail me Bob Taylor bob@masterautotechllc.com |