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Winter Car Problems and How to Prevent Them

November 26, 2019 / / 0 Comments

The winter brings about cold temperatures that affect vehicles in many different ways. Many drivers experience unique car problems that only happen during the colder season. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent these problems before they occur. Read this blog post to learn some easy fixes for common winter car problems.

Dead Battery

Problem: Dead batteries are one of the most common issues during the winter. Extremely cold temperatures can drain voltage from the battery; on top of that, batteries must also work harder than usual to power the car in the winter. The over-exertion and lack of voltage results in a dead battery.

Prevention: You can fix a dead battery by giving it a jump start, but it’s easier to avoid this problem altogether. The best way to preserve your battery is to park your car in an indoor garage, but if this isn’t an option, buy a new battery before the winter season begins to prepare your vehicle. If you’re keeping your current battery, keep all connections clean and tight to get rid of any substances that can cause corrosion.

Car Won’t Start

Problem: Cars that are left outside overnight often have difficulty starting up. To start the car, turn the key and hold it for no longer than 20 seconds. Turn off all accessories that drain the battery (like the radio, heater, wiper blades, and lights). If the car still won’t start after a couple attempts, you may need a jump-start.

Prevention: To avoid this, turn off all accessories before turning your vehicle off to avoid draining your battery. You can also use block heaters or battery blankets/wraps to keep your engine and battery warm overnight.

Deflated Tires

Problem: When the air in the tires gets colder, it contracts and has less pressure, causing under-inflation. Underinflated tires can overheat and burst, which can result in severe accidents. Factor in the slippery roads and poor tire traction and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

Prevention: Check your tire pressure regularly during the winter, and keep the tire pressure at the level recommended by the car manufacturer. During stormy weather, reduce your speed and downshift to a lower gear. If your tires are old or have worn tread, replace all four tires. If your area has snowfall, ask your local mechanic about installing snow tires.

Frozen Windshield Wipers

Problem: Windshield wipers can freeze to the glass and break, which is inconvenient when you are trying to drive in the middle of a blizzard or downpour.

Prevention: Wipe each wiper down with rubbing alcohol, and clean your windshield of snow and ice before you drive. This can improve visibility, prevent the blades from sticking to the windshield, and clear away any ice that is stuck to the blades. Placing a pair of socks on the blades the night before can save you a world of trouble. You can also purchase hingeless winter wipers, which are made without metal points that snow and ice tend to accumulate on.

Frozen Car Windows

Problem: Ice forms on your windows overnight due to the cold temperatures.

Prevention: Cover your windows with plastic bags, bath mats, or a plastic tablecloth, and secure it with rubber bands or clothespins. Remove them in the morning and your windows will be ice-free! Another way to prevent an ice buildup is to wipe your windows with undiluted white vinegar every night.

Thick Car Fluids

Problem: As the temperature gets colder, the fluids in your car get thicker, causing them to work less efficiently. Think of running molasses through your engine – not a good idea! Thick oils and fluids can cause tears in the internal seals, resulting in expensive damages.

Prevention: Before you leave, run the car for 10-15 minutes; the engine will heat up and thin out the fluids. Change your car fluids on a regular basis, and switch to a low-viscosity oil in the winter. The type of oil you should use is listed in your owner’s manual, or ask your local mechanic for assistance.

Conclusion

The colder temperatures can bring about various car problems. If you need a winter car repair or maintenance service, come to Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop! We’ll get your car fixed up in a flash!

Most Common Transmission Problems

October 30, 2019 / / 0 Comments

When it comes to your transmission, you always want to keep it at its best. The last thing you want is to be left dealing with additional problems due to you not handling your transmission issues right away. Your transmission is a critical component of your vehicle and needs proper care for it to work better as a whole. A faulty transmission is one of the most expensive repairs on the market. It is for this reason that you need to pay attention to the following symptoms to ensure your vehicle doesn’t fall victim to transmission problems.

Gear Shaking or Grinding

Your transmission should always shift smoothly from gear to gear. There should be no grinding, shaking, or slipping of any kind. When symptoms like these occur, you may think of it as insignificant, but it isn’t. This problem won’t go away if you simply ignore it. In fact, it will only get worse. If you are feeling any shaking or grinding, it’s time to get it looked at.

Whining, Humming, or Clunking When In Neutral

Hearing noises like these are not normal, no matter how quiet and unnoticeable the sound may be. Though this issue may likely be minor, it could also be signaling something much worse. When you hear humming or clunking, it can be due to the transmission fluid breaking down. Your transmission fluid has to lubricate all of the mechanical gears and components, so make sure you regularly have it changed.

Do You Smell Something Burning?

When there is a burning smell coming from your vehicle, it is something to be concerned about. The most common cause of the smell is due to overheated fluid. Your vehicle basically runs on this fluid as it helps to protect its complex system. When your fluid begins to deteriorate due to age and mileage, friction damage between all parts will begin to occur. The friction will cause the breakdown of your vehicle’s components as well as a buildup of debris and sludge in your engine.

There are many problems that come along with transmission issues. They start off small, but eventually turn into a costly issue if not cared for properly and in a time efficient manner. If peace of mind is your top priority, then you can count on our team at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop to exceed your expectations.

The Breakdown of a Tune-Up

September 24, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Getting a tune-up on your car may seem like a needless service. However, if you are invested in your car and are hoping it will be running for a while, we suggest a tune-up every so often. Read along with our blog to learn about what a tune-up is and why you should get one!

Checkup

Many people get medical checkups annually to ensure everything inside them is okay! Checkups are great because they can catch a sickness before it becomes a big deal. A car tune-up is very much the same! When you bring your car in for a tune-up, your mechanic will be going down a checklist of parts and systems to check. Some notable ones are spark plugs, fuel pumps, fuel injectors, PVC valves, oil plus coolant levels, and your engine plus cabin air filters. Over time, these basic parts will begin to wear down and need some maintenance.

Why

Little parts and systems in your car may not seem to be very important, but they are in the long run. If just one or two of these systems begins to wear or lag, it isn’t a huge issue. However, over time, all these parts will need to be repaired. Eventually, you are going to be faced with a plethora of mechanical issues which is not only stressful but also costly. Instead of attempting to get a quick fix on all your little maintenance needs at once, you should invest in a tune-up which will ensure everything is good to go. Just like a medical checkup is mostly for preventative measures, so is a tune-up! Instead of waiting till your health is completely unwell, you should annually get checked to get a head start on fixing issues before they become an emergency.

Conclusion

Your vehicle can be an important and key part of your life. If you want to treat it like such, regular tune-ups are essential. Get it regularly checked for underlying mechanical maintenance issues. If you haven’t had a tune-up in a while, check out our website to get started and set up an appointment today!

Basic Tire Maintenance Every Driver Should Know

August 31, 2019 / / 0 Comments

As the only thing between your car and the road, the tires carry quite a bit of pressure. With the amount of rotations they go through to the amount of air normally lost due to how often you drive, a lot can happen to cause excessive wear and tear on your tires. Keep reading to learn more about three of the basic tire maintenance steps every driver should know.

Checking the tire pressure.
Checking the tire pressure.

Check Tire Pressure

To ensure your gas mileage stays in a healthy range and you remain safe on the road, always check and fill your tire pressure. A car’s tires naturally lose about 1-2 psi every month which means continued neglect will result in a dangerous blow-out. Don’t risk your safety and the safety of others while on the road and check your tire pressure periodically.

Rotate Your Tires

Most mechanics recommend rotating your tires every 5-7,000 miles. This is due to the amount of wear most front wheel drive cars experience on their tires. By rotating your front tires to the rear and vice versa you will ensure an even better tread wear on your vehicle. Periodically rotating your tires will also allow you to maintain a good gas mileage. Not taking proper care of your vehicle’s tires will drastically reduce the gas mileage and performance of your car.

Mechanic rotating a car's tires.
Mechanic rotating a car’s tires.

Perform a Visual Inspection

Visual inspections of your tires are a handy way to ensure the tread is still within safety limits. While it is never a good sign that you can tell your tires are going flat, simply taking the time to inspect them will allow you to address any issues. Performing a visual inspection of your tires is an excellent way to spot any cuts or bulges on them.

Thoughts

From simply checking the tire pressure to using proper tire rotation schedules and even visual inspections, you will be able to keep a proper eye on your tire’s wear and tear. Be sure to call on the team at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop for all of your vehicle needs. Call us today to schedule an exceptional tire service!

Common Car Problems & How to Prevent Them

July 25, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Maintaining your vehicle with up-to-date inspections and auto services is essential for your car. Of course, even with such inspections, there may be a reoccurring problem or perhaps a new issue you’re dealing with. From deflated tires to squeaky brakes, we’re going down the list of common car problems and how to prevent them!

Dead Battery

Most car batteries should last about three to five years, or an equivalent of 50,000 miles. A dead battery is usually caused by reduced amps (or electrical currents) which naturally decrease as the battery loses its ability to maintain a charge. A failing alternator, battery temperature sensor, or other charging system component can also cause more damage. Our advice? It’s best to replace your car battery every 50,000 miles or three years, even if it’s not showing signs of damage.

Flat Tires

While most tires become flat after hitting an object or being punctured, it’s likely for wear and tear to be the main cause. Extend your tire’s lifespan by keeping them properly rotated, as suggested by the vehicle manufacturer. Generally, having your tires rotated every 5,000 miles is recommended.

Squeaky Brakes

Like other components in your car, the brake system is intended to wear out over a designated period of time. Brakes are important for stopping safely, so when they start to show any issues, like squeaking or grinding, your vehicle should be inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. A mechanic can replace your brake pads and identify any other underlying problems.

Steering Wheel Shaking

Multiple issues can cause the steering wheel to shake while driving. If it happens right after starting your car or as you begin to drive, it could be from wheel bearings/damaged suspension component. If it happens at higher speeds, it may be from a tire or wheel balance issue. Regardless, having a professional mechanic inspect the problem is your best option!

Conclusion

Dealing with car problems, like a dead battery or flat tires, can be a hassle. We suggest getting your car regularly maintained by the team at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop. We have the necessary equipment and certified staff to get your car fixed in no time. Visit our website for information regarding our professional auto services!

Working With Your Mechanic

June 28, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Many people are hesitant or wary of working with their local mechanic when their car starts to give them trouble. Instead of allowing a professional to work on their vehicle, quick home fixes or expensive dealership trips are made. In today’s blog, we will be discussing different ways that you can work with your local mechanic in order to feel completely secure with the work they can do for you!

Communication

Your mechanic is not a mind reader or the driver of your vehicle. When issues arise, it is important that you are fully able to communicate the situation to your mechanic. If there’s a weird sound occurring, try video or audio taping so you can show them exactly what is happening. Also, if previous work has been done to your car, make sure your current mechanic is up to date on all those details. Maintaining communication will ensure they are able to work on, and solve, all the problems you are having with your vehicle. It is also important to receive good communication back from them. Find out what they believe the issue is, how long it should take to fix, and how much the cost will be. Exchanging numbers so that you can stay in contact while the repairs are being made is also a great way to stay in touch.

Realistic Goals

There are a variety of reasons why you might take your car to a mechanic. All these various issues have different ways of being fixed. Some fixes are easy and should solve the problem entirely. Other fixes are quick and temporary, so you can buy time between now and finding a more permanent solution. These different goals and outcomes should be discussed with your mechanic so that you have a realistic goal in mind. These types of goals will keep you from feeling disappointed and let down when your mechanic is unable to completely fix the problem.


Don’t Hover

Depending on the type of repair you are asking for, the time spent waiting for your mechanic to finish could be short or lengthy. In the case that it is a quick fix and you choose to stay and wait for your vehicle, it is important to give your mechanic space and stay in the designated waiting area. Hovering around your mechanic while they are performing the repair can cause delay in the amount of time it takes to finish, which lengthens the amount of time you’re waiting and also makes it difficult for other people hoping to get a repair. When you are left waiting for your vehicle, it is best to stick to yourself and allow the mechanic to do their work in peace. If you plan on staying while your car is being repaired, bring things to entertain yourself. Bring a phone charger if you plan on playing on your phone or watching a movie, bring a book or magazine, or bring along a sketch book or knitting materials if you have an easy to set up hobby that you enjoy. Allowing your mechanic the proper, unbothered time it takes to correctly finish up your repair is not only good for you, but also helps the people waiting for repairs after you!

Conclusion

Hesitating to send your car to a local mechanic is understandable. When you don’t understand how to work with your mechanic, the idea of taking your car anywhere other than the dealership or to a friend’s garage can be scary. In today’s blog, we discussed ways you can work with your mechanic in order to receive the quality and affordable repairs that you deserve. For more information on mechanic work, head on over to Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop’s website!

Do You Hear That? What Your Car’s Weird Noises Mean

May 17, 2019 / / 0 Comments

It’s a familiar situation for anyone who’s ever owned a car; you’re going about your day, driving to pick up the kids or running errands, when suddenly you notice your car is making an unusual sound. Do you go straight to the repair shop to get it checked out or do you keep driving and hope it goes away? Not knowing what’s causing the sound can make the decision a difficult one, so in this article we’ll explain some of the most common noises and what they mean. You’ll also learn how urgently they need to be addressed by a mechanic.

Squealing, especially when braking.

As one of the most common problems car owners hear, it’s important to know that this is caused by brake pad problems. While the car is not unsafe to drive when this is happening, it’s important that you come for replacements as soon as possible.

Metallic ticking from under the hood.

If you’re hearing a metallic ticking that seems like it’s coming from the engine, park your car, let it cool down a little bit and then check your oil levels. Your oil pressure could be to blame, and if it is, go to the auto repair shop as soon as possible to avoid engine damage.

Hissing.

This is a sound that becomes more common during summer months when the weather is hot; that’s because it’s probably the sound of your engine overheating. You’ll probably notice that the temperature gauge is rising, but even if it’s not, check your coolant levels when the car cools down. Also, beware the smell of maple syrup wafting from under the hood; that’s the smell of leaking or boiling coolant, which is the tell-tale sign of an engine that’s about to overheat. An engine that’s running too hot can eventually stop functioning permanently, so make sure to see a mechanic if adding more coolant doesn’t resolve the problem.

Conclusion

Now that you know what these sounds mean, you’re better equipped at understanding what’s going on with your car. However, the best course of action is always to visit a specialist whenever your car starts making unusual noises. Here at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop, we offer reliable and affordable service to resolve any unexpected issues your car might be having. We’ll keep your car running in top condition.

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Car

April 30, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Winter can bring weather that is challenging for vehicles. Ice, sand, and salt come in huge quantities during the winter time. This can damage your car’s wheel, and even its paint. With spring finally here, you may feel the itch to get cleaning. With more sun and rising temperatures comes an entirely different strategy for car care. It’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to cleaning your car after months of letting it accumulate quite the mess. Even if you don’t come from a snowy region, spring car cleaning should be on everyone’s to-do lists. Here are some car cleaning tips to get you through the spring and to help you avoid auto repair  on the road.

Wash Your Car’s Exterior

After the winter, you want to start your car’s spring time right with a wash and wax. This will rid your vehicle of that damaging salt and dust. It is recommended that you start with a car wash, then move on to a car wax to really make it shine. Waxes can be bought in liquid form or in spray form and have many benefits. They not only strengthen the paint, and also add a sheen. Spring car washing is a must, so don’t wait for the first spring rainfall to do it for you!

Clean Your Car’s Interior

When you clean the interior of your vehicle, make sure to clean everywhere. This includes cleaning under your floor mats. Loads of trash and debris get caught under your mats and are forgotten. You will be surprised to find out what has collected there during winter. Not only that, but you should also check under the seats and vacuum all the dirt that has been trapped there for who knows how long. Make sure to avoid using any chemicals. This can cause damage to the seats, so rub them with a wet rag instead.

Check under the Hood

If you aren’t really a “car person,” you probably never think about the stuff under the hood of your car. This is the place where most of the dirt that can harm your engine accumulates and gets trapped. Keeping your engine clean can undeniably extend your vehicle’s life. Not only that, but it can also prevent any further mechanical issues. When cleaning under the hood, make sure the engine is off. The last thing you want is to be injured by a running engine. We advise that you use soap and water to clean your engine compartment. To ensure the water doesn’t reach the sensitive areas, don’t forget to dry off your engine.

Take an afternoon to detail a cleaning plan for your vehicle. Doing so will help the vehicle to be in the best condition possible for the upcoming summer months.

7 Tips That Will Help You Pass Your Smog Test

March 18, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Smog tests can be difficult to deal with.

Your smog test can be just as scary as taking your SATs. If you don’t pass, you can’t keep legally driving your car. This test ensures that you’re contributing to keeping the air clean. Keep on reading, because these tips will help increase your chances of passing.

Check Engine Light

This is the biggest and easiest issue to avoid; if you go into your smog test with your engine light on, it’s an immediate fail. Simply get your vehicle diagnosed and resolved in order to get one step closer to passing.

Making sure your tires are inflated is key.

Make Sure Your Tires are Inflated

Most states run a dynamometer test, which forces your car to run at high speeds while staying stationary. When your tires aren’t fully inflated, your engine has to work even harder, meaning more fumes will get released into the air.

Avoid Rainy Weather

Rainy weather can cause issues with your tires, such as loss of traction, especially if your car is older. When your tires are wet, they can slip during the dynamometer test. This can result in a fail simply because it can give a false reading from the machine.

If your oil isn’t clean, you will not pass.

Oil Change

If your car is running with dirty oil, it releases more pollutants than it would with clean oil. While you’re in the process of changing the oil, have the technician also check for any issues with the hoses as they can have your car running the wrong way as well.

Drive Highway Speeds

Two weeks before your test, you should be driving at highway speeds causing your catalytic converter to heat up and burn away any gas or oil residue inside of your engine.

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Driving before your test will improve your cars performance.

Drive Before Your Test

You should take your car out for a drive at least 20 minutes before your smog test because this will result in optimal results. When you do this, your car is put in its best state when running, which gives you a better chance of passing.

Tune Up

One of the main things you should do before your test, is take your vehicle in for a tune up. When you have a professional double checking that everything is good, it’s nearly impossible to fail!

These tips are foolproof!

Conclusion

Smog tests shouldn’t be as stressful as everyone makes it seem, and with these tips, it absolutely won’t be. When you run your car through all of these little inspections, you won’t have to worry about this test ever again!

3 Reasons to Get a Tire Alignment

February 15, 2019 / / 0 Comments

When it comes to a car’s maintenance, people will often forget to, or simply not, take care of their tire’s alignment. This non-care can end up leading to an unhealthy car and a poor relationship with the wallet through expensive auto repairs. Don’t let this be you! Read more to find three good reasons why a tire alignment can save your car’s health and your wallet.

Person pumping gas into their car.
Person pumping gas into their car.

Fuel Efficiency

In today’s world, the price of gas can really hurt your wallet. Having a poor tire alignment can cause your car to put more strain on the engine rather than the tires it’s the same concept as an extremity of the human body not working and putting more pressure on the heart. When your tires aren’t aligned, it can cause your fuel efficiency to drop and cost you more for gas down the line.

Smoother Driving

Have you ever felt your car pull to the right or left when you’re driving in a straight line? That’s a sure sign the car could use a tire alignment. When the car moves to the right or left without you touching the steering wheel, you’re also putting in more effort instead of enjoying a smooth ride.

Mechanic inspecting a car's engine.
Mechanic inspecting a car’s engine.

Vehicle Safety

When it comes to vehicle safety, most people think about their brakes or their steering ability, but very few think about their tires. When your tires are properly aligned your car can run smoother and have a better chance of avoiding costly repairs further down the line. Make sure to get your tires aligned and don’t wait until it’s too late; this will be one of the best decisions you make for your car’s safety.

Conclusion

When it comes to your vehicle’s health, you want to do everything you can to keep it going strong. From caring about the engine to the tire’s alignment you can save your car and your wallet from costly repairs down the line. Don’t take your car for granted; take pride in your ownership. When you want a team you can trust with your car, give our shop a call and we’ll get you back on the road in no time!

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