During May 2019, CSF is offering RockAuto customers an Exclusive 10% Instant Rebate on CSF Radiators. CSF is a fourth generation family owned business that has been serving the US aftermarket for nearly four decades. CSF is also an OE parts supplier to many US, German and Asian brand vehicle manufacturers.

CSF maintains the highest quality by using the most advanced technologies, machines, and experienced personnel to design, develop, and manufacture their radiators (as well as CSF condensers, intercoolers, inverter coolers and oil coolers). To ensure precise fit and maximize durability, all CSF radiators undergo a rigorous testing process in their state-of-the-art testing lab.

CSF manufactures radiators in their ISO certified factories for more than 3,200 applications; radiators for everything from the 2016 Audi A6, to the 2006 Hummer H3, to the 1970 Toyota Land Cruiser. Whether your radiator is Copper-Brass, Plastic-Copper-Brass, Plastic-Aluminum, or All Metal, CSF has you covered with the same materials and style as OE. Find Radiators under "Cooling System" in the RockAuto catalog.

The CSF May radiator rebate is instant. While shopping, put a CSF Radiator in your cart to immediately save 10% off RockAuto's already reliably low prices.

In need of a new set of wiper blades, or interested in stocking up on this maintenance item? Now is the time! Score some major savings, and help us clear out inventory. While supplies last, ACDelco is offering RockAuto customers an exclusive instant savings of 25% off select ACDelco Professional Wiper Blades. Get the fit, form and function you expect from the leader in quality automotive replacement parts for over 100 years.

While shopping, watch for the yellow "Promotion/Rebate" star next to the part names, and put the select ACDelco parts in your cart to immediately save 25% off RockAuto's already reliably low prices. Find Wiper Blades under "Wiper & Washer" in the RockAuto catalog.

Mazda3Club.com is your destination for Mazda3 information. General topics, engine/drivetrain tech, suspension, brakes, performance...all this and more are discussed on this comprehensive and popular website. If you have a Mazda3 or any of its siblings (Protege, GLC, 323), Mazda3Club.com is a website you should visit.

If you are the administrator or member of a forum and you would like to see your website featured in an upcoming newsletter and receive a discount code to share with your members, contact marketing@rockauto.com.

Our Toyota Tundra turned 100,000 miles, and I had changed every fluid in it but one, the power steering fluid. The owner's manual, Haynes manual, and factory service manual did not mention this procedure, but the factory service manual for our Toyota Previa did. I have done it twice to the Previa and consider it a worthwhile procedure. I pulled the return hose from the PS reservoir, plugged the nipple, added a length of tubing to the return hose, and directed it into an empty jug. This was a bit messy, but I was prepared for it. I positioned a funnel in the mouth of the reservoir and prepared to pour a gallon of fresh PS fluid. I instructed my son to start the engine, and I began to pour. Instantly, I was blasted in the face with PS fluid. "Stop the engine!" I yelled out.

After I cleaned off my glasses, I saw that the engine compartment, underside of the hood and the windshield were splattered with PS fluid. The radiator cooling fan blast just blew it away. I got a much bigger funnel to try to shelter the pour, tried again, and got another blast of PS fluid. Ah, such a worthwhile procedure. Next, I wrapped a clean rag around the base of the big funnel and tried again. This worked, and we soon flushed and filled the power steering system. It took me a lot longer to wash the truck and clean the engine bay. I still think this is a worthwhile procedure though. I like knowing all my truck's fluids are clean, and I hope my story helps others keep themselves clean if they try it.

Ty in Maine

Tell us about your most infamous auto repair blunder or unconventional fix. Use your woe to help others avoid similar mistakes or share off-the-wall solutions that worked (at least for a while!). Please email your story to flamur@rockauto.com. Include your mailing address and if you would like a RockAuto T-Shirt (please let us know your shirt size) or Hat if we publish your story. See the T-Shirts and Hats under Tools & Universal Parts in the catalog. The story will be credited using only your first name and your vague geographic location (state, province, country, continent, etc.) so you can remain semi-anonymous!

DOT 5 brake fluid has the advantage of not absorbing water, but it has a major drawback that led to the formulation of DOT 5.1, another glycol ether based brake fluid like DOT 3 and DOT 4. What is the disadvantage of DOT 5 brake fluid that limits its use?

A. DOT 5 brake fluid contains a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon that quickly dissolves nylon and other common, low cost thermoplastics used in brake system seals and parts.

B. Even a low pressure transfer pump can force hyponitrous oxide (laughing gas) distillates to separate from DOT 5 brake fluid and negatively impact mechanics' professional demeanor.

C. DOT 5 brake fluid is silicone based and cannot be used in anti-lock braking systems (ABS). The rapid changes in pressure as ABS cycles tends to turn silicone fluid into a useless foam.

Answer below

After years suffering as a Hertz rental car and decades schlepping through rush hour traffic, my wife's '93 Ford Tempo deserves a cozy garage and occasional jaunts to car shows on sunny weekends. Instead, it gets to experience another learners permit holding teenager behind its steering wheel. April's drivers ed tip is do not drive with the parking brake partially engaged.

Cracked Brake Shoes

The extreme heat that builds up when the brake pads or brake shoes are constantly dragging can cause the pad/shoe metal backing plates to flex and the brake pads/shoes to crack (see the photo of the brake shoes off my wife's '93 Ford). This destruction can happen in less than five miles (8 km) or about the time it takes to notice you are pressing the gas pedal harder than usual and/or that something smells like it is burning.

The brake shoes on my wife's '93 Ford both stop the car and serve as the parking brake. Vehicles with rear disc brakes often have dedicated parking brake pads/shoes. Those can heat up and crack as well if the parking brake is left partially engaged.

Cracked brake pads/shoes are not a cheap way to get high tech chamfers and slots. Chunks of cracked brake material can fall off (see photo) leading to reduced braking performance, noise and damage to the brake rotor or drum.

When replacing brake pads/shoes damaged by heat, it is a good idea to inspect the brake rotor/drum for residue, cracks or other damage. I also inspected the wheel bearings and applied fresh grease (found in the "Brake & Wheel Hub" category of the "Tools & Universal Parts" tab).

Also be sure not to dampen a budding car enthusiast's enthusiasm by fussing too much. If the Tempo can patiently keep on going then so can I!

Tom Taylor,
RockAuto.com

To read more of Toms articles, click this link and choose from story titles on the Newsletter Archives page.

Share Your Hard Work
Do you purchase parts from RockAuto? If so, RockAuto would like to give you the opportunity to have your car or truck possibly featured in one (or occasionally more) of our publications such as the monthly newsletter, collector magnets, RockAuto social media or other commercial use. New, old, import, domestic, daily driver, trailer queen, classic, antique, we want to see them all! Please email flamur@RockAuto.com with your vehicles history, interesting details, your favorite images (tips for taking pictures of your car) and what parts from RockAuto you have used.

DOT 5 brake fluid has the advantage of not absorbing water, but it has a major drawback that led to the formulation of DOT 5.1, another glycol ether based brake fluid like DOT 3 and DOT 4. What is the disadvantage of DOT 5 brake fluid that limits its use?

A. DOT 5 brake fluid contains a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon that quickly dissolves nylon and other common, low cost thermoplastics used in brake system seals and parts.

B. Even a low pressure transfer pump can force hyponitrous oxide (laughing gas) distillates to separate from DOT 5 brake fluid and negatively impact mechanics' professional demeanor.

Answer: C. DOT 5 brake fluid is silicone based and cannot be used in anti-lock braking systems (ABS). The rapid changes in pressure as ABS cycles tends to turn silicone fluid into a useless foam.

Back up to trivia question