Author: dev

Most car brakes are made up of three major components. The brake pads are responsible for creating friction that allows your vehicle to stop. The pads are held within the brake caliper, which uses hydraulic brake fluid to press the pads against the final component, the rotors. Your brake rotors are the discs that spin with your wheels and allow the friction between them and the pads to slow the whole vehicle down. 

While all three of these components (pads, rotors, and calipers) need replacement eventually, pads and rotors specifically have important service intervals due to the nature of how they work. 

Why do Brake Rotors Need Replacement? 

With this constant friction coming at the expense of a small amount of both pad and rotor material, rotors start to lose their effectiveness over long periods of usage. 

Brake rotors last a surprising amount of time in spite of how they operate, but eventually, they will need replacement eventually.

How Often Should I Replace My Rotors?

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to brake rotor replacement intervals, as it varies on a range of factors.

One of the most important is how the brakes have been used over their lifespan. Those that brake later and more aggressively will find their brake rotors losing stopping power earlier, while those that brake slowly and gradually (or just drive less in general) will be able to use theirs for a longer period of time. 

Another major factor is the brand and type of brake setup itself. Higher-priced or OEM-quality replacements will often last much longer than their cheap counterparts. This is especially true of performance options such as carbon-ceramic, which will see increased stopping power and lifespan along with their high price tag. 

However, we do have a range of when you should be keeping an eye on the performance of your rotors as well as visually inspecting them from time to time. Most rotors will need to be replaced within 30,000-70,000 miles, dependent on the above factors.

The easiest way to know when its time for a brake job is mechanic recommendations. A trusted mechanic or dealer will often know when your brakes are past their prime and you should start considering a replacement. 

Rotors and Pads or Just Rotors?

While it can be tempting to save the cash and just get a rotor or pad replacement by themselves, getting them done concurrently can provide benefits. Getting both new pads and rotors means that your rotors will not be warped or grooved by new pads, and will in turn last longer. 

How to Know When I Need New Rotors?

Besides a mechanic recommendation, there are a few common signs of old rotors that you should be aware of. These symptoms often mean the rotor is grooved or warped, and will only be worsened by new pads without replacement.

• Vibrations when brakings
• Squealing noise when braking
• Pulsations from brake pedal
• Visible scratches or corrosion
• Smell of overheated brakes

Brake Service at Matson Point S

If your vehicle is in need of a brake service, trust it to Matson Point S in Riverton, Utah. Our friendly service advisors will help you find the right replacements for your vehicle, and our ASE-certified technicians will install them so you can have peace of mind in the safety of your brakes!

Call or schedule online with us today!

Catalytic converters have become a household name for their price and importance to the environment, but do diesel vehicles still utilize this technology despite their differences to traditional gasoline engines?

What Are Catalytic Converters?

Catalytic converters are exhaust devices that use a honeycomb-patterned metal component plated in catalyst material (rhodium, platinum, palladium), and are responsible for removing harmful pollutants from exhaust gasses. 

These catalyst materials engage in a chemical reaction with the emissions that removed harmful gasses before they reach the outside air. 

Are Catalytic Converters Used on Trucks?

Since 1975, the United States has required the use of catalytic converters in gasoline engines to reduce the number of harmful emissions. 

Diesel engines on the other hand burn a different type of fuel and operate in a different way, so most diesel vehicles did not use to utilize catalytic converters and avoided regulation from the government following 1975. 

Come the 1990s, however, and manufacturers and government entities alike started to realize that catalytic converters were also important in diesel vehicles. Since then, the vast majority of diesel vehicles have utilized catalytic converters in their exhaust systems.

Gasoline vs. Diesel Catalytic Converters

While they serve the same purpose, catalytic converters used in diesels are different than their gasoline counterparts. Since gas and diesel are different fuel sources and are ignited in different ways, they let off a different mix of gasses.

Emissions from diesel engines are higher in levels of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, while also exiting the engine at a higher temperature. 

So not only do diesel catalytic converters use a variation of the part found in most cars called a diesel oxidation catalyst, but their exhaust systems also use diesel particulate filters (DPFs) to catch particulate matter (better known as soot).

The vast majority of modern diesel engines also use Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and require the use of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). DEF is a solution of urea and water used to neutralize nitrogen oxides. 

The Wrap Up

So, the answer to the question of if diesels have catalytic converters, the answer is yes in most cases. As we become more vigilant of our carbon footprints, it would be hard to find a modern diesel vehicle that doesn’t utilize some version of emissions reduction.

Diesel catalytic converters still use the precious metals that make their gasoline counterparts so prone to being stolen, so you should keep an eye on yours. 

If you’re worried about your diesel vehicle’s emissions system, bring it to the experts at Matson Point S in Riverton. Our team will inspect and repair your vehicle with the highest level of service!

Ball joints are an easy component to forget. They don’t often need service, and owners can go the entire length of ownership without once needing to have them replaced. Despite this, ball joints are an essential part of your suspension setup, and allow for your vehicle to stay comfortable and under control.

What is a Ball Joint?

The ball joint is a spherical bearing located on the control arm. It allows for both up-and-down as well as side-to-side movement. This ability to freely move allows for bumps and dips to be absorbed, which keeps the ride smooth and comfortable.

Why Do Ball Joints Fail?

Over years of use and abuse, the soft rubber ball joints will begin to tear and become weak. With each speedbump and pothole, the ball joins takes the brunt of the impact, and absorbs the energy. While built to last, ball joints eventually wear like any other component on a vehicle. 

Symptoms of a Bad Ball Joint

• Clunking noise when driving over dip or bump
• Rough ride
• Loose and wandering steering
• Heavy vibrations 
• Unusual noises when taking turns

Can I Drive With a Bad Ball Joint?

Because a faulty ball joint doesn’t stop the vehicle from functioning, many people either ignore the issue or fail to notice it at all. Although there’s no way to predict when the ball joint will fail entirely, it should be inspected at the first sign of any symptoms.

Without proper control of the vehicle, drivers may find themselves in very unsafe situations. Failing or faulty ball joints can cause the vehicle to react harshly to uneven road surfaces and cause a change in direction. 

In the most serious cases, where the ball joint completely fails, it can result in the wheel entirely falling off the vehicle and the driver losing any and all control.

So while the car will drive, that doesn’t mean you should. You should have your suspension inspected and serviced immediately to avoid the problem worsening a potentially causing an unsafe situation. 

How Often Do Ball Joints Need to be Replaced?

The answer as to how long ball joints last has no one answer, but the general rule of thumb is that 75,000-100,000 miles is the usual range for their lifespan. It depends on a variety of factors, such as make/model, vehicle age, and how it’s been driven over time.

Suspension Service at Matson Point S

If you’re experiencing any suspension issues, the experts at Matson Point S in Riverton, Utah are your premier destination for service in the Salt Lake Valley! Call or schedule an appointment online with us today!

With the winter coming to a close and the temperatures rising, it’s time to take that 4×4 out for a spin again! Utah has some of the most scenic and challenging off-road trails in all of North America, which can make for some amazing experiences.

In this article, we’re going to highlight some of the state’s best trails that you should mark down on your bucket list. Whether you’re driving a Jeep, Bronco, 4Runner, or otherwise, these tails are sure to give you an off-road experience unlike anywhere else.

Please note that this list contains trails that are not for inexperienced drivers or stock vehicles. Some of these contain extremely aggressive elevation changes and technical challenges that should be avoided if you are looking for a safe and easy time.

So without further ado, here are five of the best off-road trails in Utah in no particular order!

Moab Rim Trail – Challenging

This 8-mile out-and-back course located right outside of downtown Moab is one of the more popular trails in the area. Due to its popularity with hikers, Moab Rim can be a little crowded during peak hours. However, if you are able to find time to go when it’s emptier, this trail strikes the perfect balance of being beautifully scenic, close to a city, and challenging even for experienced off-road enthusiasts. 

Toquerville Falls – Intermediate

This lengthy 11.7-mile out-and-back trail is one of the most unique on the list, with it providing a breathtaking view of the waterfalls. It’s regarded as a moderately challenging route, and fairly technical. It’s a popular spot, so expect to run into other off-road explorers on your journey. 

Mesa Arch Trail – Entry Level

One of the shorter trails, Mesa Arch is a great trail for those getting their feet wet in off-roading or even advanced drivers looking for a relaxing and scenic drive. Located in Canyonlands National Park, this 0.8-mile loop is popular for hikers, runners, and off-roaders alike. Open year-round, it’s one of the most accessible on this list by far. 

Red Canyon – Intermediate

True to its name, Red Canyon provides some of the brightest red rocks you can find as you drive through the slot canyons of Kanab. It’s an intermediate 8.7-mile out-and-back trail with some of the most breathtaking views of southern Utah’s best nature. It’s dog friendly, and a popular choice for locals with 4x4s. 

Hurrah Pass – Easy/Intermediate

While not too technically difficult, Hurrah Pass in Moab is the longest on this list. Measuring in at over 19.3 miles, the trail can take the better part of a day to complete. It’s a family-friendly adventure and a fun weekend trip. A high clearance 4×4 should have no problem taking on the challenges posed by this trail, but there are a few points where it’s possible to become stuck, and the inexperienced should beware of water crossing along the way (though generally shallow). 

4×4 Service in the Salt Lake Valley

Do any of these trails sound enticing? Make sure your off-road vehicle is prepared for whatever you throw at it with the 4×4 service at Matson Point S in Riverton. Whether you need new off-road tires, suspension work, transmission service, or anything in between, our ASE-certified technicians will ensure your vehicle is ready to go!

So call or schedule online with us today and our friendly service advisors will walk you through the service process every step of the way.

The driveshaft is one of the essential parts of your vehicle’s drivetrain, as it’s responsible for transferring rotation from the transmission to the wheels. Both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles utilize driveshafts, and front-wheel drive vehicles utilize CV axles and joints. This article will focus on RWD and AWD driveshafts specifically.

What is a Driveshaft?

The purpose of a driveshaft is to power your vehicle down the road. It takes the torque from the engine through the transmission and sends it to the rear axles. Without this transfer of torque, your car wouldn’t be able to move.

Driveshafts are metal tubes that run the length of the bottom of the car, connected to both the transmission and differential.

What Happens if My Driveshaft Fails?

Driveshaft issues can transpire in a few ways. A failing driveshaft can have a variety of symptoms, including any of the following.

• Excessive vibration from under the vehicle
• Difficulty taking turns
• Loud squeaking noise
• Shuddering when accelerating
• Clunking noises

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms, it’s important to take your car to a professional, as a full driveshaft failure when driving can leave you stranded.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace?

Unfortunately, there’s no set price for a driveshaft replacement. The cost of both parts and labor varies heavily depending on the vehicle.

One major factor is the make and model of the car. German and European cars will usually have more expensive replacement parts and cost of labor, so you might be paying close to the top of the price range. Japanese and American vehicles will usually have less expensive parts and labor, but it depends heavily on the specific model and shop.

Of course, these are all generalizations. The price is heavily affected by the type of driveshaft, as more complicated shafts with more moving parts are usually the higher priced parts. 

Another factor in the price is the location of the service. Certain cities have higher labor prices for vehicle service no matter the type of vehicle. 

Driveshaft replacements from a shop can cost anywhere between $500-$1500 all in, depending on a variety of factors. Calling a shop for a quote is always the best way to get an accurate idea of what you could pay for a replacement. 

Driveshaft repair is a service you can opt for, but in many (if not most) cases, a full replacement will be easier in the long run. Repairs can fail or be pricey to get done properly, so choosing a replacement outright might save you a headache. 

How Often Do I Need to Replace My Driveshaft?

Driveshafts and the platforms they power vary so heavily that it’s hard to put a lifespan estimate on them, however starting to check for damage and wear at around 75,000 miles is a good rule of thumb.

Some driveshafts will go for the entire life of the car, while others may fail before the 100,000-mile mark. It’s important to keep an eye out for the symptoms of a failing driveshaft and to catch it early. 

Driveshaft Replacement at Matson Point S

Suspect a bad driveshaft? Bring your vehicle into Matson Point S in Riverton, Utah for an inspection and service! Our ASE-certified technicians will have your drivetrain back in running condition with quality repairs and friendly service.

Call or schedule an appointment online today to secure a spot with our knowledgeable service advisors and experienced technicians!