Broadcaster Press 7 September 24, 2019 www.broadcasteronline.com Fall Home Improvement & Car Care Exercise Caution Around Brake Dust As cars age, certain wear and tear is to be expected. One of the realities of frequent driving, particularly for drivers who routinely drive in stop-andgo traffic, is the gradual deterioration of brake pads. Do-it-yourselfers can replace brake pads on their own, but those that do should be aware of a potential hazard when doing so. The Mesothelioma Center says that brakes sometimes contain asbestos due to that material’s heat-resistant qualities. As brakes start to wear down over time, the asbestos can escape. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says that, while many new automotive components are asbestosfree, asbestos hasn’t been eliminated entirely from the industry. That is why mechanics and do-it-yourselfers need to exercise caution when repairing or replacing brakes. Brake dust may Things to Consider Before Warming Up Next to Your First Fire This Winter inadvertently expose individuals to cancercausing asbestos through inhalation or ingestion. OSHA says that exposure to asbestos, if not properly controlled, can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Symptoms may not appear for years or even decades after contact with asbestos fibers. The Mesothelioma Center estimates that asbestos is present in 30 to 80 percent of brakes and other components. The routine task of “blowing out” brake surfaces, which involves using an air hose to clean the surfaces of brakes and rotors, is one of the most common ways people are exposed to asbestos through brake dust. Gray-black brake dust is made up of iron particles formed by the grinding of the brake rotor by the brake pads. However, brake dust also can contain some metallic elements and other components housed in the brake pad, including A warm fire can make even the coldest winter day more enjoyable. Fireplaces may not get much use in spring or asbestos. automotive brake and summer, but come late fall and throughout the winter, the The automotive clutch repair facilities in fireplace can be a great place for families to gather. resource YourMechanic the United States must Before fireplace season hits full swing, homeowners says that, while brake dust comply with the OSHA might want to brush up on a few fireplace facts so they can is not indicative of a poor asbestos standard. These safely enjoy nights spent sitting by the crackling flames. braking system, over time include using negative The Chimney Safety Institute of America advises brake dust can corrode the pressure enclosure/HEPA homeowners with fireplaces to hire a CSIA-certified clear coat on a car and may vacuum systems and low chimney sweep to clean their fireplaces. After a lengthly eat into the aluminum alloy pressure/wet cleaning period of non-use, various issues could be affecting the surface of the wheel. That methods. chimney, many of which might not be noticeable to an is why so many drivers try While asbestos is untrained eye. Professional, certified chimney sweeps to clean away brake dust, being phased out of many have extensive knowledge of fireplaces, making them potentially exposing them automotive components, valuable resources who can let homeowners know if to dangerous materials. it is always best to treat any safety issues developed since fireplaces were last DIYers may be better bakes, clutches and more used. The National Protection Agency recommends that off visiting professional with extra caution in the chimneys be swept at least once per year. service centers to have event that asbestos is A full inspection of the chimney might be in order as brakes addressed rather present. well. Chimney service technicians will conduct thorough than doing the job on examinations of readily accessible portions of the ? MetroCreativeConnection chimney exterior and interior and accessible portions their own. OSHA says all of the appliance and the chimney connection. The CSIA recommends that homeowners who plan to use their chimneys as they have in the past request a Level 1 inspection, which will examine the soundness of the Unusual vibration chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance or thumping installation and connections. Technicians also will verify noises suggest if the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible issues with the deposits. tires. A car that Homeowners also should inspect their chimney pulls in one dampers before lighting their first fires of the season. direction also may Dampers should open and close smoothly. If not, a service be experiencing technician can help fix or replace the damper. tire problems. Firewood is another thing homeowners must consider Vehicle owners before lighting their first fires of the season. The CSIA should be aware says that well-seasoned firewood works best, noting that of the routine wood that is not well-seasoned will produce more smoke • Balancing: AAA says balancing maintenance steps that can keep them than heat. In addition, the home improvement resource safe and improve the life expectancy of also helps minimize uneven wear and This Old House recommends using dense wood that’s tear. Balanced tires are achieved by tires. been split and stored in a high and dry place for at least using small weights attached to the • Tire pressure: The NHTSA six months. Oak is an example of dense wood that, when wheels to limit vibration of the tire and stored properly, can make for an enjoyable fireplace says only 19 percent of consumers wheels as they turn. New tires should properly check and inflate their tires. experience. Avoid softwoods like pine. Pine can produce a be balanced, and tires also should be Keeping tires properly inflated is lot of creosote, which is a byproduct of wood combustion. balanced after one or more is removed Creosote is highly flammable, and as it builds up in a one of the most important steps to to repair a puncture. maintaining them. Tires lose around chimney, the risk for a chimney fire increases. Choosing • Alignment: Vehicles have wheel 1 psi per month, and underinflated the right wood, making sure it’s well-seasoned and having alignment measurements that pertain or overinflated tires can contribute a chimney professionally cleaned can reduce the risk of a to manufacturers’ specifications. to unusual wear, blowouts and even creosote-related chimney fire. A Level 1 inspection should Alignment that falls outside of the range determine if there are potentially dangerous levels of excessive fuel consumption. can impact handling, fuel economy • Rotation: Check the owner’s creosote deposits in the chimney. and tread wear. A drift or pull suggests manual or recommendations from the Before nestling up to a fireplace this winter, alignment problems and should be tire manufacturer, but know that most homeowners should consider a host of factors and safety addressed. mechanics advise having tires rotated measures to ensure their fireplaces are safe and ready for Vehicle owners should keep tire every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Rotation the season ahead. inspection and maintenance in mind as ? MetroCreativeConnection helps distribute wear more evenly on part of their overall car care plan. tires. Tire Maintenance Keeps Drivers Safe Maintaining tires is an important component of safe driving. Tires are some of the hardest working parts on a car or truck and are subjected to wear and tear every time rubber meets the road. Tires affect many components of driving, including handling, braking and the comfort of the ride. Maintaining tires makes driving safe not only for drivers and their passengers, but also for fellow motorists. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that, in 2018, 738 fatalities occurred because of tirerelated crashes. Many of those crashes were no doubt preventable, and that only highlights the importance of maintaining tires and monitoring their performance. Poor tire maintenance can lead to premature wear and potentially result in a blowout. The automotive group AAA notes it is important to visually inspect tires as often as possible. Drivers should look for overall tread wear. Pay special attention to tread wear on one edge of the tires, which could indicate poor alignment. Erratic tread wear may mean tires are out of balance. Drivers also should pay attention to how their cars drive and sounds. ? MetroCreativeConnection BOB’S SINCLAIR SERVICE 624-2731 200 E. Main, Vermillion ProPerty Maintenance ServiceS LLC, Bonded 605-638-6290 HOME REPAIRS • Appliances • Doors • Windows • Carpentry • Cabinets • Debris Removal & More Scott Hanson, 35 Years Experience Commercial, Industrial, Residential CALL TODAY! ALL TYPES OF DIRT WORK - FREE ESTIMATES BIG CITY SELECTION, SMALL TOWN SERVICE Bobcats • Crane • Dozers • Excavators • Grader Grain Trailer • Scrapers • Side Dumps • Trenchers Irrigation Sales & Service Vermillion, SD (605)670-9567 Hartington, NE (402)254-2568 Licensed in SD, NE & IA Irrigation PVC, Wire Installed, Well Drilling Domestic & Irrigation Pump Installation WATERLINE & ELECTRIC TRENCHING Tree & Concrete Removal, Site Clearing, & Ditch Trenching 5 W Main St., Vermillion • (605)624-7491