Tag Archives: Olathe KS

Driving on Technology

Driving on Technology

Think of how much technology has changed vehicles in the last several years. And there's a lot more coming. Many will remember when drivers were the ones who had complete control of several driving functions: steering, braking, and skid and accident prevention, just to name a few. Thanks to computers, high-tech systems in the vehicle now assist with many of these. Anti-lock brakes help the driver stop while avoiding uncontrolled skids, traction control helps reduce slippage, and stability control can minimize the chances of losing control. Backup cameras let drivers see what's directly behind them, things they could never see before. Sensors warn drivers if a vehicle is crossing in front of or behind them. Even more sensors and fish-eye cameras alert drivers when they're getting too close to something. And those are just a few of the advances. The quest for self-driving vehicles has produced features that are already making their way into today's cars, trucks, and SU ... read more

Categories:

2018

Let’s Make One Thing Clear

Let’s Make One Thing Clear

When we drive, it's important for us to be able to see well. That means, of course, keeping the glass in our vehicles as crystal clear as we can. If you've ever driven your car directly into bright sunlight, you know dirty, scratched or fogged windows can render you almost completely blind. Not a good thing when you're moving down the road. And, it's important to be able to see your mirrors and other vehicles behind you. So, a little clarity here can go a long way. Let's take a look at how you can maximize your visibility: Clean windows with the right cleaner. Don't use cleaners that have ammonia or alcohol in them. Ammonia can cause the surfaces of your vehicle's interior to dry out and can damage some window tints. Special automotive glass cleaners are available, and your service advisor can make recommendations. Don't use abrasives on your windows. Some kitchen sponges have a pad on one side meant to clean pots and pans. Don't use those! That ... read more

Categories:

2018

Check out how Forbes Magazine rated the Best and Worst Car Ads in the Super Bowl.

Check out how Forbes Magazine rated the Best and Worst Car Ads in the Super Bowl.

By David Kelly  What’s it like to produce a Super Bowl ad? I have been involved with the production of three ads and worked with several different clients and ad agency creative directors on the whole question of whether they should spend the money on the biggest TV audience of the year. The attitudes range from “We gotta go big,” to “let’s just try to have a solid ad as if it was any other time of the year,” to “I’m not paying that kind of money for a TV audience only to have my ad bashed by places like USA TodayAdvertising AgeAdweek and  ... read more

My battery keeps going dead. I had it tested and it is fine - what could be the problem?

My battery keeps going dead. I had it tested and it is fine - what could be the problem?

Well, your problem could be caused by several things. Let's start with a likely suspect: your alternator. The alternator is like a little electrical generator. It is spun by the serpentine belt on your engine and makes electricity. This electricity is used to power the electrical systems required to run your vehicle. It also powers all of your electronic accessories like your stereo, navigation, heated seats, and air fans, as well as charging all the electronics you have plugged in. After the alternator has done all that, any electricity that's left over is used to charge your battery. You can see where we're going: if the battery isn't getting enough electricity to stay charged, the problem may have something to do with the alternator. Now it could be that the alternator is bad – they do wear out over time. There are a number of failure points within the alternator, but in practice, it costs less to simply replace the alternator than to take it apart and r ... read more

WHY IS MY CAR HEATER NOT WORKING?

WHY IS MY CAR HEATER NOT WORKING?

 One of the few things that can make a morning commute worse in the winter is if the heat stops working inside your car. Have you ever turned on the fan for it only to blow cold air and wondered: “Why is my car heater not working?” If yes, then you know the struggle is very real. Not only is it terribly uncomfortable driving in a cold car, but it can actually be dangerous, as you can’t defrost the windshield, either. Here are some things that could be causing your heat not to work. 1. Coolant System Your engine’s cooling system works, in part, by the coolant traveling through a heater core that heats the inside of your car. Basically, it’s a small radiator that hot coolant flows through. The fan inside your car then blows heat off of it to give the cabin heat. If your ca ... read more

Categories:

2018

Can you show me the problem?

Can you show me the problem?

  We sure can show you the problem! We have a new video inspection that sets us apart from the rest! You will see exactly what our techs see. We send the video to you via text or email, so you have a better understanding of the repairs that are needed.  Just another reason Bret's Autoworks is the place to turn for honest auto repair. 

Categories:

2018

Do I Need a New Battery?

Do I Need a New Battery?

Today's vehicles have more electrical components and do-dads than ever before. This really strains your vehicle's electrical system, making it hard for the battery to keep up. Think about it: electric seats, seat heaters, power locks, windows, and sunroofs. And then vehicles have all the power outlets for our cell phones, computers, and DVD players. We also have navigation systems and powerful stereos. Plus there are all the engine and transmission computers, traction control, stability control, anti-lock brakes, sensors and on and on. Even the security system is running off the battery while the vehicle is turned off. And of course, summer heat in KS can take a real toll on battery life. Fortunately, battery technology has given us resilient batteries that are able to meet these strenuous requirements. But the fact is; batteries just wear out over time. Eventually, every battery gets to the point where it cannot hold ... read more

Categories:

2018

Safe Driving in KS: Eliminating Food Distractions

Safe Driving in KS: Eliminating Food Distractions

So what's the most distracting food in the car? Is it: (A) A Hamburger (B) Coffee (C) A Soft Drink (D) Twizzlers Well, all but the licorice make the top ten, but coffee's the number one food distraction. These distractions cause 25% of all car crashes, over a million and a half each year. All the top ten distracting food items are messy. Motorists might spill, then try to clean up. If you've got to eat on the run, take five, then drive. And keep drinks in spill-proof containers. So taking a food break… Or filling out accident reports. It's a no-brainer.     We want Gardner, Olathe and all drivers to keep their eyes, and their minds, on the road

Categories:

2018

Simple Answers from Bret's Autoworks: Check Engine Light

Simple Answers from Bret's Autoworks: Check Engine Light

Question:My Check Engine light is on and my boyfriend thinks he can get the code read and know what part to replace to fix my vehicle. I say it's not that. Who's right?     Bret's Autoworks Answer: Good news – you are! Just look at it logically: there are hundreds of things that can go wrong with your vehicle. Some are simple and some are quite complicated. Let's take a step back. Over 80% of engine functions are computer controlled. The computer receives information from dozens of sensors. When a sensor reading is out of range, a trouble code is entered in the computer and the Check Engine light is illuminated. It's a common misconception by drivers that the trouble code, there is any number of faults that would trigger the code. For example, a code indicating a misfire on cylinder three could be due to a bad spark plug, a failed coil ... read more

Categories:

2018

Things you should know about Windshield Wipers

Things you should know about Windshield Wipers

Today at Bret's Autoworks we're going to talk about windshield wiper blades. Now that may seem like a pretty mundane topic, but think about how important your vision is: We protect our eyes. If we need contacts or glasses, we took care of them too.   And, well, wiper blades are critical to our vision when we drive around the  Olathe and Gardner area. We really ought to think about wipers as part of an important safety system. We should think about maintaining safety – not just responding when our wiper blades fail.  How many times have you been caught off-guard by the first storm of the season with a streaky windshield you can barely see out of? Or with no washer fluid? Wiper blades live outside the vehicle, exposed to heat and sun in the summer and cold and ice in the  area winter. It's no wonder that they get dry, brittle and torn. We recommend changing wiper blades twice a year – before they're so damaged that they don't ... read more

Categories:

2018
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