The Push-button Parking Brake July 1, 2008 By: Paul Zangari

To many, electrically operated parking brakes are the answer to a question nobody asked. These systems replace parking brake cables and the lever or pedal with a switch, a processor, wiring and actuators. They started coming into common use about six years ago – not long, but sufficient for some trends to be evident.

Specialized Auto Inc.: A bradening specialized service center July 1, 2008 By: Robert Bravender

While the genesis of Specialized Auto Inc. was in the retail of used Volkswagen parts, since becoming "specialized" it ironically has broadened its market base to include other services and Euro-marques like Volvo, Saab, Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

Motor Age Garage: Acing the Exam July 1, 2008 By: Peter F. Meier

When I first started in this business, you could diagnose most running problems based on a generalized set of rules. Of course, this was in the day of carbureted engines and mechanical ignition systems. Today, the Engine Control Module (ECM) does a pretty good job of keeping an eye on things. While there are general methods used by the ECM for testing, the specific testing procedures programmed by an individual manufacturer can have an impact on how you proceed with your diagnosis and repair.

Servicing Imports July 1, 2008

This is the ninth generation Corolla, and it shares its platform with the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe. Those models are available with all-wheel-drive, and although the base Corolla is about as simple as a modern economy car can be (it even has manual windows), there are some sophisticated options. Along with power windows and locks, the LE and S models are available with traction control and brake assist (which provides full boost in a panic stop), and the XRS "sport" model has upgraded suspension parts, bigger wheels and tires and more horsepower (but not more torque).

Recognizing the Lowly Parking Brake July 1, 2008 By: Paul Zangari

Rodney Dangerfield had nothing on parking brakes: They "don't get no respect" either. Even in modern vehicles, rear-drum parking brakes are essentially straight out of the 1960s (or before.) And motorists regularly "diss" them, too – not a wise move.

Brake Pedal Pulsation July 1, 2008 By: Jacques Gordon

When a brake pedal pulses beneath your foot, no doubt your first thought is "warped brake rotors." Your next thought might be about how it happened, because if you're going to get paid for the repair, you have to make sure it doesn't happen again. Fortunately, most of the things that cause pedal pulsation happen in the service bay. With close attention to detail, it's easy to avoid those particular comebacks.

Ever Feel Like the Cable Guy? July 1, 2008 By: Paul Zangari

While a few high-dollar models' electric parking brakes do away with conventional parking brake cables, it's going to be a long time before servicing those cables, and the mechanisms that pull them won't be standard operating procedure. So let's look at some parking brake cable-control issues.

Active Wheel Speed Sensors July 1, 2008 By: Jacques Gordon

Wheel speed sensors detect the rotation speed of a wheel that's moving. Active wheel speed sensors detect rotation speed all the way down to zero, and the newest sensors can detect the direction of rotation, too. Four different sensor designs are in use today.

Custom Bay: Supercharged Profits July 1, 2008 By: Steve Temple

In textbook terms, a vortex refers to any spinning flow of fluid swirling rapidly around a center. A Vortech, on the other hand, is the name for a centrifugal supercharger used on a variety of muscle cars, import tuners and sport trucks to pump up the performance.