Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop – Page 6

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The Important Fluids in Your Car

Your vehicle is a complex assembly of mechanical parts and machinery operating simultaneously. These internal workings are supported by various types of fluids that keep it running smoothly. Without them, your vehicle’s systems will quickly fail and break down. In this month’s blog, we will identify important fluids that keep your vehicle lubricated and when to check and change them.

Purpose of the Fluids

Your vehicle has a variety of different types of fluids that keeps it running properly. Here is a list of fluids that you always keep in mind and occasionally check their levels:

Engine oil – Lubricates and cools the internal workings of your engine.
Coolant – Also known as anti-freeze, the coolant is crucial for regulating engine heat and provides climate control.
Power steering fluid – Lubricates your car’s power steering system and provides a smooth operation.
Brake fluid – Lubricates your brake valves, pistons, antilock braking system. It provides hydraulic pressure to power the braking system.
Transmission fluid – Lubricates and cools your transmission’s internal workings, such as the gears, valves, pumps, etc.
Windshield wiper fluid – A non-freezing cleaning solution to spray and clean your windshield.

Keep Your Fluids at Optimal Levels

It’s extremely important to not let your fluids reach low levels, which is why taking your car in for scheduled general maintenance services is essential. When these fluids reach low levels, you will begin to experience various issues that will negatively affect the performance of your vehicle. For example, neglecting your coolant levels will cause your engine to overheat in the summer and freeze in the winter. This will also lead to reduced cooling efficiency due to corrosion. Another safety issue example is having low brake fluid levels, which can lead to poor stopping performance and jeopardize both you and others on the road.

How Often Should I Check Them?

In general, you should try to schedule an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every six months and check all the other fluids at the same time. You can also check your owner’s manual for specification since this can vary depending on what type of vehicle you own.

If you prefer to check your fluid levels at home, always make sure your vehicle is parked at ground level and the engine is cold. This is especially important if you plan on checking your coolant, because a hot engine puts it under pressure and can cause it to spray and burn you when you open the cap. Try to check your coolant twice a year to ensure your engine is properly regulating heat. On the other hand, your transmission fluid should be checked with the engine running to ensure accuracy and should be changed every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. The brake fluid should be checked with every oil change and replaced about every two years. The power steering fluid only needs to be topped off when needed. Lastly, your windshield wiper fluid is not as important as the rest but if you use it often, always remember to top it off every few months or as needed.

Conclusion

Your vehicle’s fluids are its life line. Making sure the fluids are at optimal levels will increase your vehicle’s longevity and functionality. When you’re in need of a general maintenance and fluid checkup, rely on the professional services of Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop! Our technicians are ASE certified and are experienced with all vehicle makes and models. Learn more about our services by visiting our website or schedule an appointment with us at (817) 834-2725.

How Hot and Humid Weather Affects Your Vehicle

June 30, 2021 / admin / 0 Comments

Summer is officially upon us in the South and with that comes high temperatures and plenty of rain. Months of hot and humid weather can cause cars to need extra attention and care to perform their best during this time because hot environments increase wear and tear. Heat and humidity also put vehicles at a higher risk for overheating and increased likelihood of other heat-related issues. Follow along as we review some ways hot and wet weather can affect your ride and how to prevent any short or long term damage.

Interior

Engines sometimes overheat in hot weather because the warmer the air is, the more air your engine needs to pull to get the oxygen your engine requires to perform at its best.
Humidity has been known to affect car sensors and will sometimes trigger false alarms for check engine lights and other alert systems. Once the internal parts have dried, the indicators should shut back off and return to normal.

Exterior

Besides fogging up the windows, humidity won’t affect the exterior of your car. The sun on the other hand can cause great damage to your vehicles paint and upholstery. During summer always try to park your vehicle in shaded and covered areas whenever at all possible.
When temperatures soar it’s common to see an increased amount of liquid dripping from your undercarriage. Before phoning the mechanic check to see if it’s merely condensation from you’re A/C or exhaust as this is completely normal and no cause for worry.

Prevention

The best defense against the problems hot and humid weather can cause is routine car maintenance. The most important maintenance tasks to check off your list include

Checking the pressure in the tires and refilling them if necessary
Refilling the engine coolant
Changing the oil
Keeping your car equipped with jumper cables

Final Thoughts

Now that the scorching damp weather has arrived it’s crucial to provide your vehicle with the routine maintenance it needs before serious issues arise. Countless locals in the Fort Worth, TX community count on family owned and operated Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop for affordable and convenient oil changes, tire repairs, engine maintenance, and much more! Visit our website to read our story and view our wide array of services or call (817) 834-2725 for more information.

Identifying Tire Damage

May 25, 2021 / admin / 0 Comments

Maintaining your tires is crucial for your vehicle and safety. Sometimes they can be damaged for a variety of reasons and many drivers don’t notice it until they start feeling the symptoms of a deflating or unaligned tire. It’s important to regularly inspect your tires so that you can catch any potential problems early on, especially before and after a long trip or after driving on a rough road. In this month’s blog, we will discuss how to identify tire damage and what they mean.

Punctures and Cuts

Punctures and cuts are most commonly caused by running over nails or glass on the road. This pierces the tire and if the puncture is deep enough, your tire may begin to lose tire pressure and slowly deflate. Cuts can also come from driving on a bad or rough road conditions. They can be hard to notice until you start feeling the consequences of your deflating tire while driving. If this happens to you, the puncture or cut must be patched immediately.

Cracking and Bulging

Cracks and bulges are usually caused by hitting curbs or running over potholes and debris. Cracks are most noticeable along your tire’s sidewall and can also be caused by underinflating your tires. If you notice numerous smaller cracks, this is usually due to old age and wear and tear from the elements. Bulges, or impact breaks, are caused by running over curbs at excessive speed levels. This impact causes internal damage and sometimes the bulge does not begin to appear until weeks later. Bulges should not be ignored and you should get your tire replaced as soon as possible. If left alone, it can lead to tire failure and safety issues.

Cupping

Cupping, also known as scalloping, looks like a waving pattern of lumps or hills. If you notice this on your tires, the culprit may be due to damaged suspension components. This causes the tires to bounce while you’re driving and come down harder on some spots than others. Having bad shock absorbers may also be the issue.

Flat Spots

A flat spot is a single spot on your tire that is very noticeably more worn down than other areas. Often vehicles that have been parked in one spot for a very long time will experience flat spots at the bottom of their tires. Another cause would be skidding on the road after slamming your brakes.

Worn Down Sides

Center Wear: When your tire is only worn straight down the middle. This is due to your tire being overinflated and only allowing the center to come into contact with the road.
Outer-Edge Wear: When only the outside edges of your tire are worn down and not the middle. This is the inverse of center wear and is due to the tire being underinflated. This means there is too little pressure and the tire is forced to flex.
One-sided Wear: When only one side of your tire is worn down. This is most likely due to it being unaligned and making your vehicle lean too much on one side.

Conclusion

If you notice any wear and tear on your tires, especially anything major, it’s best to let a professional handle it. For all of your tire patching and replacement needs, come to Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop. We specialize in servicing tires, brakes, steering and suspension, and more! Our technicians are ASE certified with many years of experience. To learn more about our services, please visit our website or call us at (817) 834-2725.

The Season of Spring and Your Air Filters

April 30, 2021 / admin / 0 Comments

Young flower buds are opening to the sun’s shining rays, which indicates that pollen will be pervading the air soon. Whether it’s intrusive pollen, wintery snow, or even crunchy leaves, each season comes with a difficulty that people have to face. Besides dealing with allergy season, pollen can affect your vehicle’s air filter. Here we will tell you what steps you can take to make sure your air filter is ready for spring!

A vehicle has two fundamental air filters: the cabin air filter and the engine air filter. The air intake system’s objective is to let airflow to your car’s engine. An intake system allows constant clean airflow into your engine. It obtains higher mileage and additional power for a vehicle. The air must be free of debris, dirt, dust, and of course, pollen. The engine air filter guards an engine against these particles by ensuring only unpolluted air reaches the inside of a machine.

The intake system is in control of transporting oxygen, which is essential for combustion. An intake system consists of an air filter, a throttle, and passageways for air to reach the cylinders themselves. If an engine air filter is worn out or filthy, the chance of dirty air creeping into an engine is much greater.

While an engine air filter is in charge of an engine’s health and overall condition, the cabin air filter in a vehicle helps remove harmful pollutants, including pollen and dust. It ensures the air is clean within the car. The filter is located behind the glovebox and purifies the air that flows inside a vehicle’s HVAC system—the cabin air filters out any dust, soot, pollen, or any outside allergens. Not changing the air filter results in the filter will become clogged.

A dirty air filter will compromise the efficiency of the filter and the car’s HVAC system. Also, a dirty engine air filter can cause engine performance problems. The cabin air filter is essential during spring. When the air is inundated with allergens is important to replace both cabin and engine air filters.

The springtime is the best time to have your cabin and engine air filters replaced. You will not worry about pollen or any other particles entering your vehicle. At Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop, we don’t want any pollen or foreign particles entering your cabin or your engine. We can make sure to check you’re A/C and repair if needed. If your brakes or tires seem to not behaving correctly, we can make sure to check it and fix any issues you have. Ensuring your car is secure and safe while driving is not something you want to leave to chance. Please schedule an appointment today at our website to get your air filter checked.

4 Ways to Know You Need a Vehicle Alignment

March 25, 2021 / admin / 0 Comments

Have you ever driven on the freeway at about 80 mph, and suddenly there appears an enormous pothole that you cannot evade? Numerous drivers experience this type of scenario on the highway every day, never knowing that the pothole messed up their car’s alignment. Many influences can cause your vehicle to become out of alignment. Yet, a misaligned vehicle can bring you issues like wearing out your tires faster and less fuel efficiency. It is essential to know when you need an alignment and the four indicators to look for to avoid any safety concerns.

Vehicle Pulls to the Side

When a vehicle is pulling to the side, it is a strong indicator that it needs a realignment immediately. A driver struggling to keep their truck straight is not a good sign for the truck’s overall health. Even if the vehicle is slightly pulling, it is still a good idea to take it to an auto shop, so there are no future issues.

Steering Wheel is Crooked

A steering wheel driven at an awkward angle is another indicator that a vehicle has a horrible alignment. If the car’s steering wheel logo is not facing up or down when the vehicle moves straight, something is wrong. The best option to do is to bring this issue to the attention of a trusted mechanic.

Vibrating Vehicle

A lousy alignment means at least two tires are pulling against each and trying to go in separate directions. When a vehicle is pulling, a driver can quickly feel a vibration in the steering wheel. In worst cases, the steering wheel will shake, and the car as well.

Odd Tire Wear

The final inspection that a driver should do is to check their vehicle’s tire treads. Two tires on the same axle that have to wear in different ways can reveal alignment issues. The tires will be smoother or balder on one specific part of the tire.

Conclusion

Bad vehicle alignment can bring unnecessary issues to a vehicles’ health. Drivers who look for the signs of a horrible alignment can save their car, money, and mind. If you are having alignment issues with your vehicle, you can bring it to Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop. We specialize in alignments for your car and provide auto services in Fort Worth, TX. Visit our store or check out our website for more information about our auto services.

We look forward to speaking with you!

Best Safety Practices for Car Repairs

February 23, 2021 / admin / 0 Comments

Whether you are tackling your vehicle’s oil change or replacing its brake pads, safety should always be the highest priority. Anytime you are working on your vehicle there is opportunity to invest in improved safety practices, methods, and standards. Below we discuss a few simple ways anyone working on their car can take to ensure that they are always maintaining safety first and foremost.

Fire Safety

As a result of cars being filled with many types of gases and oils, they are incredibly flammable pieces of machinery. To ensure you are best protected against fires when working on your vehicle be sure to always keep a fire extinguisher on hand and close by. It’s also crucial to secure and protect your workspace from any smoke, open flames, or other combustible materials.

Protective Gear

Depending on the type of repair you are attempting, a number of protective items can be of great use. Gloves are a great idea when working with anything oily or hot, goggles should be used whenever working with dirt, drills, or high heat hazards, and ear protection should be used whenever sanders, horns, shopvacs, loud engines and drills are in use.

Electrical Safety

Whether or not you are working on an electrical repair for your vehicle, you need to be aware of electrical risks and the necessary precautions. Electricity runs through vehicles via their wires and batteries which is why always disconnecting the battery before beginning maintenance or repairs is crucial. Even if the vehicle is turned off there is still potential for electrical currents to pass through the batteries and wires which can result in injury.

Final Thoughts

Working on a car can be very dangerous whenever best safety practices and protections are not taken seriously. Before you or someone you love attempts a repair or maintenance service on their car, share with them some of these best practices. Or better yet, take your car to a reputable and trustworthy mechanic in your local area. Fort Worth, TX residents should visit Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop, call us at (817) 834- 2725, or visit our website here for more information about our expert services.

Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil

January 29, 2021 / admin / 0 Comments

Your owner’s manual will tell you what kind of motor oil your engine needs to perform at its best. It is important to know that not every oil is the same, so carefully read the manual to figure out which oil your vehicle requires. Most cars are designed to take conventional oil, while high-performance vehicles may need synthetic. Follow along in our blog as we discuss the distinct differences between conventional and synthetic oil.

Conventional Oil

Let’s talk about conventional oil first. It’s designed to be a reliable lubricant for the engine. Taking a closer look at its natural state, conventional oil is an oil that has been distilled and then refined directly from crude oil. Crude oil is a fossil fuel consisting of hydrogen and carbon compounds that is found in nature. It’s an accessible resource, making it cheaper to produce and therefore more affordable. However, with synthetic oil, the benefits might outweigh the cost.

Synthetic Oil

The next best oil for your car is synthetic. Unlike conventional oil, it is manufactured in a lab and engineered for performance. Synthetic oil also is cleaner and runs cleaner, due to refinement processes that remove deposits and the presence of additives that can help clean the engine. This means that the oil doesn’t need to be changed as often. Although synthetic oil costs more, many owners like the effectiveness and durability.

Final Thoughts

If you have questions about motor oil, the expert technicians at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop can help. We are dedicated to your automotive needs, so please do not hesitate to reach out. You can visit us online for more information or call 817-834-2725 to schedule a service.

“Where Honesty, Quality, and Safety Come First” – Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop

Preparing Your Car for a Road Trip

January 6, 2021 / admin / 0 Comments

Adventure is calling. Is your car ready?

Most of us have been quarantining for 10 months or more this past year in hopes of stopping the spread of COVID-19. During the pandemic, many have taken up new hobbies or jobs to keep them busy, while others have turned to nature for an escape. Road trips and camping are activities that have been on the rise, and we all know that in order to have a memorable and enjoyable experience, one must plan and stay prepared!

Your car’s reliability during a road trip will be the most important part of your adventure. Make sure your vehicle is ready to perform during your travels with the following tips.

Fluids

Fluids lubricate your cars components for optimal performance, which is why having them checked before your big trip is recommended. If you know that your car is due for an oil change soon, we suggest getting it done before the road trip to avoid unnecessary issues while on the road. Other fluids such as those for your radiator, transmission, and brakes should be inspected as well.

Tires

Keep those long car rides smooth by ensuring that your vehicles tires are in top-notch condition. Tires that are in good condition deliver safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency, so getting them checked out before you hit the road is best. Have your trusted mechanic inspect your wheel alignment as well as your tire’s pressure.

General Maintenance

Your car needs attention year-round, and when planning a long trip in you car, general maintenance is essential. Are the brake pads in good condition? Should you change the air filter? What about those windshield wipers? A lot of the general maintenance is easy to maintain by the average person, but in order to ensure that everything is functional and dependable; the service from an expert is strongly advised.

Having your car serviced before your road trip is necessary to prevent issues and ensure maximum enjoyment. Do not let your adventure get interrupted by preventable problems. If you are ready to hit the road with friends and family, make sure to contact your local mechanic to have your vehicle inspected before the adventure begins. There is nothing better than traveling with peace of mind.

Common Power Steering Problems (And How to Fix Them)

November 27, 2020 / admin / 0 Comments

Most parts of your vehicle do not need hands-on control – except for your power steering wheel. The system is directly controlled by the driver, so if loss of control happens, then driving on the road becomes more hazardous. The power steering is a top-safety concern for car manufacturers and should be a concern for you too. In this blog, we are going to discuss general power steering problems and how to fix them.

Stiff Steering

When your power steering becomes rigid and unresponsive, you might assume that you are low on power steering fluid. However, this problem can also be linked to an electrical issue. Some of these problems may include faults with the wiring, connections, and even low battery voltage. A quick fix to this issue is to turn off your car and restart it. See your mechanic if the problem persists.

Loss of Hydraulic Power

If you are struggling to turn your wheel, this is most likely due to the loss of hydraulic power. The reasoning behind this loss of power is from a low amount of fluid in your power steering system. Check the fluid level and see if you need a refill. While you are inspecting, also be wary of cracks in the hydraulic lines, defective components, and so on. Visit a mechanic for a more detailed inspection.

Grinding/Squealing During Turns

Are you hearing unpleasant noises, such as shrieking or grinding? Your power steering wheel is telling you that there’s something wrong with the belt drive. Most of the time, you can tighten or adjust the belt drive to get rid of the noises. It’s recommended to have a professional mechanic take a look.

Conclusion

We hope the information in this blog can help you identify power steering problems with your vehicle. You can schedule an inspection for your power steering wheel by contact our team at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop for professional services. We look forward to serving you!

How to Change Your Car’s Oil

October 30, 2020 / admin / 0 Comments

For some, along with changing a tire, changing the oil in a vehicle can be a rite of passage. Having the skills and tools needed to change the oil in a vehicle is a huge asset because it can help save you a lot of time and money year after year. Follow along below as we go step-by-step in explaining how to change a car’s oil.

Step 1: Gather Supplies

Before you get started changing the oil in your vehicle, make sure you’re equipped with the following:

New Filter
Oil specific to your car
Drain pan
Wrench

Step 2: Remove Old Oil

Ensuring your vehicle is no longer hot, locate the oil filter and drain plug which are typically located underneath the car. Place the drain pan in line with the angle of the drain plug, not directly below it. With gloves on and while moving slowly, remove the oil drain plug with the wrench. Allow all of the oil to completely drain and when it’s done tighten the drain plug with the wrench once again.

Step 3: Change the Filter

Also underneath your vehicle will be your oil filter, which looks like a metal cylinder with holes at both ends. Reposition your oil pan below the filter and slowly remove it with your hands. This step tends to get messy so be prepared with rags if necessary. Use a small smear of oil to lubricate the O-ring on the new filter before installing it and tightening it into place using your hands.

Step 4: Add New Oil

Under the hood you’ll find your vehicles oil cap. Remove it and add your vehicle specific oil according to the directions on the bottle, being extra careful not to overfill. Run your car for a little less than a minute before ensuring the oil level is to standard.

Conclusion

While being able to change your own oil is an invaluable asset, it can easily be the messiest and most time consuming chore on your list. When you can’t find the space, time, or tools required to change your oil, head to Mikes Auto Spa for quick and affordable auto services.