Mike's Brake & Alignment Shop

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Road Trip Preparedness

January 25, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Are you looking to explore your inner Kerouac and embark on a potentially life altering road trip? There’s no better way to get to know your culture and yourself than spending a few days or weeks aimlessly driving the country. Before you get going, you’ll need a vehicle. Not just any vehicle though, you need a reliable and safe mode of transportation for your voyage. If you plan on renting a car, it should already be mechanically sound enough for anything the open road may throw its way. If you’re taking your own car, make sure certain aspects of the mechanical upkeep are accomplished before you depart.

You’ll Need Tires

If you find a way to drive a car without tires, you’re pretty cool. For the rest of us normal folk, the health and safety of the tires on your vehicle are one of the most important maintenance priorities. Especially if you’re preparing for a trip of hundreds if not thousands of miles, checking the tire pressure and tread depth are two of the basic tasks you can do to ensure your tires are good to go. For tread depth, use the penny test. Simply insert a penny into the tread groove of your tire with Honest Abe’s head upside down and facing you. If you can still see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too low and it’s time to replace your tires. Also, don’t forget to fill your tire pressure to the psi requirement on your vehicle. You can find it on the side of the tire or in your owner’s manual.

You’ll Need Fluids

If it’s been a while since your last checkup, take your car to the mechanic and make sure everything is up to par for a long trip. If it hasn’t been an eternity since your vehicle has been looked at by a professional, then there are a few fluid-level checks you can do to make sure your transmission and engine are ready and willing for the task at hand. First thing, check your oil levels. If it’s low, fill it. If the oil looks like tar, it’d behoove you to take it in for an oil change before you leave. Also, check the transmission fluid, because typically transmission fluid doesn’t need to be refilled. Again, if it looks filthy you’d be better off getting it replaced. It’ll also save a ton of time and money in the future. Lastly, pop open your coolant reservoir and make sure there’s adequate antifreeze levels. One of the worst things that could happen would be if your car overheats, and leaves you stranded on the side of the road. That’s how horror movies start, so try to avoid that.

You’ll Need Stuff

Once you’ve got all the mechanical stuff squared away, make sure you have a few things for your car just in case. Think of it as a first aid kit for your vehicle. In this kit, include jumper cables, some engine oil, a small gas canister, coolant, a tire pressure gauge, snow scraper, and mostly importantly a spare tire with a jack. In the horrible event that you are stranded in the middle of nowhere without cell phone reception, bring extra blankets or a sleeping bag to keep warm.

Conclusion

No doubt your road trip will be filled to the brim with unforeseen adventures. Before you leave, make sure your vehicle is up to the task mechanically so you don’t waste time and money fixing your car while on the road. Follow these basic steps and your adventure will be legendary, one for the ages, or maybe just a lot of fun.

Preparing Your Car for the Winter Weather

December 28, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Traveling during the winter can be difficult due to the weather. Cold temperatures can cause automobiles to break down, not start, or even spin out on the ice which leaves you stranded in the case of an accident; this is why you need to be protected during an emergency while on the road! Here are a few tips to prepare for anything the winter season has to throw at you while you’re traveling and why it is so important.    

Emergency Kit

Always have an emergency kit on hand.

Automobile emergency kit.

Multiple automobile insurance and repair sites recommend that you have an emergency kit in your car or truck at all times. A kit is intended to give you what you need in case of an accident, broken down car or, even worse, you’re stranded and waiting for help. You can purchase or make one yourself, but here is what each kit contains and why these items are important:

-Snow Scraper

Snow scrapers are perfect for when your windshield and mirrors are covered in snow or ice which inhibits your vision; this is especially crucial for northern states that have to deal with ice and snow for weeks to months on end. A scraper makes the difference between getting to your destination and getting into an accident.    

-Shovel

A great tool no matter the weather, a shovel can help you dig out of a hole made by mud or snow. It also creates traction for your tires.

-Reflectors

One of the biggest threats of being on the side of the road is getting hit by other motorists who don’t realize you’re there. Having emergency reflectors will let other drivers know that your vehicle has stopped off to the side and signal for them to avoid and slow down near your location.

-Sand or Kitty Litter

When digging fails, sometimes you need to make your own dirt! Shovels are great for most road issues, but in some situations, you need a dry, dirt-like substance for your tires. This is where sand, or kitty litter, can give your tires something to gain traction on when there is only wet mud around your car. Keeping a container in your car is a cheap, plan B option if you’re stuck in a hole or a ditch.        

-First Aid Kit

Bystanders using a first aid kit.

From minor to major, car accidents are extremely dangerous events, and injuries emerge from them all too easily. This is why having a first aid kit in the center console, trunk, or glove box is more important than ever. If the unthinkable happens and you do get into an accident, you can use the kit supplies to administer basic first aid to yourself or an injured passenger while waiting for help! We cannot put into words how important this item is. First aid kits give you access to the basics that are needed to treat a wide range of wounds – from burns to cuts, sprained limps, and much more. Having this item nearby is worth its weight in gold while on the road or traveling where the threat of a collision is ever present.

Conclusion

What items did you add to your kit? Do you have any additional must-haves that you add to your personal emergency kit? Comment below and let us know what you travel on the road with in case of emergencies!

The Warning Signs of Broken Brakes

November 19, 2018 / / 0 Comments

One of the most integral parts of your car that should not be overlooked is your car’s brakes. It is a problem when your car doesn’t want to move, but you have a whole new set of issues when your car can’t stop moving. It is always important to have your brakes well maintained because in most cases, it can mean the difference between being safe, and getting yourself into an accident. We at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop are here to tell you the signs you should look out for so that you know when it’s time to change your brakes.

Look for:

The brake warning light will flash when you are in need of maintenance. When you see this, you should not ignore it, as this is often times the first indicator that you are in need of brake maintenance. Every light is a warning, but the brake light is one of the most important for safety.

Listen For:

Screeching, grinding, or any other type of out of place noises when you push down on the brake pedal. These noises are common indicators that you have either worn out or damaged brake pads. If you fail to get these issues repaired, you risk even more damage to other parts of your vehicle. The cost can be much higher when you’re not only fixing your brakes, but the structural damage done to your car as well.

 Feel for: 

The pedals will need more pressure applied if your brakes are starting to wear down. If you feel that you are pushing the pedal down to the floor, it is time to bring your car in. This is an early sign of the pads becoming worn down. You might notice that it also takes longer for your vehicle to come to a complete stop. When this happens, bring your vehicle in as soon as you are able to for a brake change.

Conclusion

Knowing what to look, listen, and feel for in your vehicle is crucial for keeping up with maintenance. They lead to warning signs that your brakes might be broken. We hope that you feel a little more informed about the importance of your brakes and when you should bring it in for repair.

Everything You Need to Know About Auto Diagnostics

October 25, 2018 / / 1 Comment

Just like us, our vehicles require regular maintenance and checkups to ensure they’re constantly running at peak performance. In much the same vein as a doctor’s visit, auto diagnostic tests can detect problems before they’re given the chance to evolve into something more troubling.

While that may be the case, many drivers can be understandably skeptical of regularly bringing in their vehicle for an auto diagnostics test. After all, doesn’t the “maintenance required” light exist to let us know when it’s time to see a mechanic? Not quite. In many cases, the maintenance required light can show up well after your vehicle has already suffered an unknown breakdown. And with that in mind, we offer up this brief rundown of the auto diagnostic process and its benefits. We hope this helps in convincing you why preventative maintenance can do both you and your vehicle a world of good!

What is a Diagnostic Test?

If you were asked which the most important advancement in automobile construction is, how would you answer? For us personally, we would easily say the computerization of parts and components. Including computer processors, sensors, and microchips in our current engines allows us the opportunity to diagnose problems without having to break apart pieces and take a physical look. In a short and sweet summation, that’s auto diagnostic testing.

Using a computer system that links to the vehicle’s processors and systems, mechanics are able to accurately pinpoint prospective breakdowns before they leave you stranded on the side of the road.

What Gets Tested?

The beauty behind diagnostic testing is that it reveals structural compromises in practically all of a vehicle’s major components. Everything from your transmission and exhaust system to your brakes and fuel injector are checked for even the slightest disturbance.

While this service may sound too good to be true, a diagnostics run won’t spell out the exact problem that triggered that pesky “check engine” light. It will simply show a trained mechanic which parameters are out of their normal range. With that information, a trained specialist will be able to more accurately determine the vehicle’s issue.

What Are the Benefits?

Time is one of the biggest factors when it comes to diagnosing an automobile’s malfunction. And with computerized diagnostics, time is exactly what you save. Now that the process doesn’t involve invasive procedures and constant tests and trials, drivers no longer have to worry about time and budget consuming mechanic services! Instead of waiting to come in when the problem is at its worst, vehicle owners can responsibly come in for preventative maintenance. Couple that with the accuracy and comprehensive servicing computer diagnostics provide, and it’s easy to see just how beneficial the process can be as a whole.

Brake Components Explained

September 25, 2018 / / 0 Comments

When cruising down the road, it’s imperative to have a properly functioning braking system. Without it, you could be in terrible danger. The braking system in a vehicle is composed of many interconnected parts and if just one of these parts is out of commission, the whole system falls apart. Below, we’ve put together a little information on just how the brake rotors, pads, and calipers function.

Rotors

Rotors connect to your tire's axle. So, what are rotors exactly? These are the large discs that connect to your tire’s axle and are in charge of bringing your car to a slow or a stop. They do this by utilizing the brake pads and calipers to maneuver your braking system. In fact, the rotors are arguably the most important part of your entire braking system! Fortunately, they are also traditionally made from iron and will last for a long period of time.

Pads

Your brake pads are the part of your braking system that will need to be replaced most often. They are the components that squeeze the rotors, allowing Brake pads need replacing more often. your vehicle to come to a complete stop. Unlike rotors, pads are made from a variety of materials such as metallic and ceramic. Though they are originally 10mm thick upon purchase, their thickness wears down over time, hence the need for replacement. Experts recommend replacing your pads every 30,000-70,000 miles.

Calipers

Calipers attach to your rotors. Lastly, the calipers are a component of your system that attaches to the rotors. These work together with the brake pads to slow down your vehicle and bring it to a halt. It is the calipers that squeeze the pads allowing the rotors to stop your car. Like rotors, calipers usually last a long while but there may be times when they will need replacing.

Conclusion

There you have it; rotors, pads, and calipers all work in concert to decelerate your vehicle and keep you safe. If you notice squeaking, grinding, or other unpleasant noises or sensations coming from your braking system, then having it checked by a professional is key! If your system is compromised, so is your safety. Do you have more insight into the world of braking systems? We’d love to read about it in a comment below!

Diagnosing Your Auto AC Ailments

August 21, 2018 / / 0 Comments

If you regularly commute to work or school, you understand better than most how essential a properly running AC unit can be for both your internal temperature and sanity. Of course, a car wouldn’t be a car if it put that sanity to the test with sudden and oftentimes inexplicable breakdowns from time to time. And unfortunately, your air conditioning is one of the many fixtures of your vehicle that stands at risk of a variety of different malfunctions. Luckily, those sweaty and steamy treks to your office can soon be a thing of the past if you reach out for efficient care.

That being said, being able to diagnose your misbehaving cooling unit is a strong first step in having it treated. That’s where we plan to help today! Read on for a breakdown of 3 of the most common auto AC concerns and the reasons behind them.

Weak Airflow

One of the most frustrating AC issues to experience on the road is weakened air flow. The excessive heat is bad enough without having your car give you just enough of the cooling air to leave you begging for more. Fortunately, there are reasons behind your coyly behaving unit. Your seals are one of the first components you should check if you feel like your AC is being stingy with the cooling relief. A car’s ventilation systems are incredibly sensitive and all it takes is for one seal to be broken to result in a completely compromises fixture.

It could also be possible that your evaporator core has been attacked by mold or mildew. If these contaminants are left alone to cake on, air can have a difficult time making it to your vents. Speaking of vents, there’s also a possibility your ventilation fan could be shot. Needless to say, with a fan blowing, that air won’t be flowing.

Air Isn’t as Cold

Conversely, your air conditioning can be an entirely different kind of stingy and deliver all the air you need, but hold back on the cool. And yes, even in the face of this cruel joke, there’s rhyme and reason behind why your AC is behaving this way. More commonly than not, the lack of cold air can be attributed to a Freon leak caused by a broken seal or hose. Unfortunately, that’s not all. The same symptoms can be traced back to a number of different conditions including a failed compressor, a blown our blower motor, or even a busted control module.

If you notice your AC isn’t delivering the cooling air you need when you need it, prioritize having it treated by a team of professionals. Leaks can be annoying at first but, if left alone for too long, can leave you needing much more costly repairs. And then you’ll be sweating for an entirely different reason.

Smelly AC Vents

As if stale warm air weren’t bad enough, now your AC is blasting smelly air assaulting two senses at once. If you notice your rides have become noticeably more rank and your deodorant isn’t to blame, make the first place you check your AC’s evaporator. If water sits on the structure for too long, mold can begin to accumulate and, surprise, it’s not the best smelling substance.

Conclusion

Don’t let your AC dictate how enjoyable your commute is. Keep these symptoms and diagnoses we mentioned in mind and drive in class and comfort with cooling and comforting air conditioning.

A Broad Look at Engine Diagnostics

July 31, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Anyone who has driven a car has more than likely been in this situation. You’re on your way to work or some errand, when, all of a sudden, the check engine light on your dashboard illuminates. Clearly, something is wrong with the vehicle, but what exactly could it be? You listen closely, but there doesn’t appear to be any noises coming from the engine. Sure, that armrest is as squeaky as it’s ever been, but that can’t be the problem – the car is running just fine.

Before you decide to your vehicle into the nearest auto repair shop for a service, it’s a good idea to understand what exactly the light is trying to tell you. Of course, this is really all you need to know since the mechanic will run a diagnostic test with a scan tool that provides an alphanumeric value to succinctly determine what the problem is and lay out a plan to resolve it. As an aside, let’s take a look at the few of the most common engine problems!

An Engine Misfire

While the symptoms vary by vehicle, this can be a mysterious and sometimes scary problem. Don’t be alarmed, though – this is usually the result of the engine stumbling or presenting a brief hesitation in its power delivery.

Basically, one or more of the cylinders aren’t operating the way they’re supposed to, and it can cause your vehicle to rock or vibrate while idling. The scan tool can determine whether this is your problem by monitoring the speed of the crankshaft while the engine is running. If there is any loss of speed, you have an engine misfire on your hands.

A Faulty Oxygen Sensor

This is perhaps the most common problems car owners face, and that’s a faulty oxygen sensor. You see, the oxygen sensor is designed to monitor the oxygen in your exhaust system. By doing so, the engine computer can adjust the fuel mixture in order to maximize your vehicle’s fuel economy while also minimizing the emissions going out into the air. You can tell whether this could be happening if your gas mileage decreases or your car randomly stalls.

Poor Exhaust Gas Circulation

Exhaust Gas Recirculation, or EGR, is used to control the smog-causing nitrous oxides your engine emits. To do so, the EGR recirculates a portion of the engine’s exhaust gas back into its cylinders through the car’s computer system which opens and closes the valves.

Unfortunately, this can be impacted if you, for example, haven’t changed the oil hasn’t been changed in a good while or you take one too many short trips that won’t allow the car enough time to warm up to avoid carbon accumulation.

An Issue with the Evaporative System

The evaporative system, or EVAP, contains and removes any vapors that are created when fuel has been burned. This is why they always tell you to make sure your gas cap has been tightened after every fill-up. If the cap is loose, fuel vapors can escape from the gas tank, setting off this specific error code. It may not be a bad idea to check whether this is the case any time your check engine light appears.

A Contaminated Catalytic Converter

Your vehicle’s catalytic converter, which converts pollutants to less toxic pollutants by catalyzing a redox reaction, is monitored by the downstream oxygen sensor. Over time, the converter can become contaminated by these same toxins and can increase tailpipe emissions, especially if the engine is burning oil, is leaking coolant, or is simply worn down due to age.

As you can tell from the explanations above, when that check engine light appears, more often than not, it’s simply an issue with your car’s emissions. However, while we can take this broader examination of what you could be experiencing, it’s very important to note that it can just be the first sign of a much larger issue at play. Just because your car is telling you there could be an issue with your engine doesn’t mean they’re presenting the entire picture in a clear way.

This is why it’s so important to visit a trusted auto repair specialist who can examine your vehicle thoroughly to determine whether you may have a big problem on your hands. At the very least, it should give you some much-needed peace of mind while you are out on the open road as the last thing you need is yet another distraction when you’re already dealing with other drivers.

What Are Shocks and Struts and Do You Need Replacements?

June 26, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Have you ever wondered just how your vehicle stays grounded and stable when you hit those unexpected bumpy roads? The culprits behind such ingenious mechanics and machinery are closer than you think! Whether your car has shocks or struts supporting its wheels, these structural fixtures are what keep your morning commutes from turning into a rocking and bouncing mess.

As amazing as they may be, these fixtures require just as much maintenance and care as every other piece in your vehicle. Of course, when it comes to diagnosing problems tied to these structures, it helps to understand how shocks and struts differ in their operation. Fortunately enough, our team of passionate car buffs is happy to educate! Read on for a crash course in vehicle shock absorption and determine if you’re long overdue for a visit to the mechanic.

Shocks VS Struts

First things first, what exactly are shocks and struts? While both of them perform the same function of dulling impacts your vehicle faces on the road, you can’t necessarily use the two pieces interchangeably. In fact, every vehicle is typically designed with either shocks or struts in mind for both the front and rear and can’t have them swapped for the other freely.

The largest difference between the two parts is the fact that struts are a structural part of a vehicle’s suspension system, meaning they are mounted to the actual chassis of the vehicle. This means that struts hold sway over more than simply the bounce you experience on the road. They also are an integral part of your vehicle’s steering and alignment. This is why we notice a more expensive cost for strut repair and replacements compared to shock services.

Does Your Suspension Need Repair?

Now that we’ve gotten the suspension primer course out of the way, the next step is to keep an eye out for red flag signs that your vehicle needs repair. Fortunately, the signs are easy to spot and diagnose!

First, the obvious sign. If your vehicle bounces excessively when going over bumps, odds are very likely that your suspension needs a looking at. In addition to that, without proper suspension absorbing the movement of the springs in your vehicle, you could begin to see your front end dip into the ground when breaking. It’s also just as likely that your vehicle’s rear will bottom out and make contact with the ground on more bumpy roads.

Conclusion

If you’ve owned a vehicle for more than few years, you’re already more than aware of the fact that, if you ignore problems with your vehicle such as compromised suspension, further and more costly damages await. If you notice any of these red flag signs, visit your mechanic right away. It could also be helpful to know whether your car uses struts or shocks beforehand to further streamline the repair process.

The Process of State Inspections for Vehicles

May 14, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Aside from having auto insurance, many states around our country require you to go through their version of a state inspection to ensure the safety and performance of your vehicle on the road. Their intended goal is to keep drivers, their passengers, and everything around you safe.

As you can imagine, since a state inspection is designed to check every aspect of a vehicle, not everyone is able to pass this test. Fortunately, you should be able to avoid this situation entirely by following a few simple guidelines before you bring your vehicle to our shop to be inspected. With that in mind, here are some of the fundamental aspects of a state inspection.

How to Make Sure Your Vehicle Passes a State Inspection

First things first, you need to make sure that your vehicle’s headlights, signal lights, and brake lights all function properly. Check to make sure none of the bulbs are loose since this may cause a problem. You also want to check the quality of your wiper blades and ascertain whether they have any tears.

Going to the side, take a look at the depth of the tread in your tires; the tread must be 2/32nds of an inch or greater with nothing punctured into the tires themselves. The easy way to find this out is by following the penny test – place a penny between the tread ribs of your tire with Lincoln’s head on the coin pointed down.

If the top of his head disappears between the ribs (or the raised portion of tread that spans the circumference of the tire), your tread is above 2/32nds of an inch. If you can see his entire head, you may need to have your tires replaced. Speaking of which, all your tires must be equipped with their required lug nuts fastened on.

Now that we have the exterior out of the way, let’s take a look under the hood – literally. You will want to check to make sure your vehicle has the proper amount of power steering fluid and brake fluid. If you don’t know how to find this, take a look at your vehicle’s owner manual.

If the fluids are underneath the minimum mark on the fluid containers, you won’t pass the state inspection. The same can be said about the exhaust system – it must be fully intact without any signs of a leak. If you believe that there could be any leaks here or with the fluid levels, bring your vehicle to a professional mechanic to have it checked out.

Finally, the windows. You must be certain the tinting on your windows falls within the acceptable range as enforced by the Department of Public Safety which states how much percentage of light must be able to pass through the vehicle. The place you have your state inspection at will be able to tell you whether you pass or not.

What Happens When You Don’t Have State Inspections

For those who drive in a state that requires state inspections, it goes without saying that complying with the laws will help you avoid being charged a fine while also ensuring you are driving legally. If you happened to be stopped by a law enforcement officer for any type of violation on the road, you could get a ticket for a lapsed state inspection. This is also required if you plan on buying, selling, or registering your vehicle in a state that requires an up-to-date inspection.

The game goes if you park in the street or travel in an urban area where the expectations regarding state inspections are just as great as the heavy fine you’ll receive. Much like vehicle tags, state inspection stickers vary in color on a periodic basis depending on the state, so it’s easy to spot if you have an out-of-date sticker.

By and large, the reason these annual inspections are enforced is it’s a general assumption that people won’t do anything unless they have to. Without them, there’s a good chance people would be driving around all over the road in what can be described as safety hazards on wheels. In essence, state inspections help keep drivers safe from others and from themselves!

Transmission 101: Why You Should Maintain Your Transmission

April 30, 2018 / / 0 Comments

When you are a car owner, you’ve heard the word “transmission” thrown a lot. But, do you actually know what that means, or what the function of your transmission of your actually is? If you do not, that is perfectly okay, not many people do. We are here to inform you a little bit about the function of your transmission and when you should be seeking out a transmission repair.

Basic Functions of Your Transmission

To put it simply the transmission is responsible for sending power from your engine to your wheels, so you can actually accelerate and get somewhere. For those of you who drive a manual transmission vehicle, you will notice the numbers on the gearstick in your car.

Depending on how many gears your car has, you will see they number one through 5, maybe even 6, and obviously reverse. These numbers represent the gear that you are currently. When you accelerate from a full stop, you go into gear one. If you were to accelerate from a full stop, say into gear four or five, then your car would not go anywhere and your car will stall out. That is because each gear refers to the proportion of engine shaft speed to driveshaft speed.

So to make things easier to understand, the lower the gear, the higher the acceleration. You need more RPMs to say, accelerate from a full stop or go up a hill, but if you are going full speed on the highway, you can cruise in a higher gear and a lower RPM. If you were going 60 MPH and still stuck in 3rd gear, you would blow your engine out. An automatic transmission works in much the same way, but as the name states, automatically. There is no clutch and gearstick involved.

Signs You Need Repair

Often your vehicle will show telltale signs that it is in need of service, so pay attention when you feel something is not normal. First and probably the most noticeable is a problem shifting gears. Some of the symptoms could be jerking while shifting gears or your vehicle falling out of gear completely.

Other issues include grinding between gears, strange noises, leaks, and a burning smell coming from your transmission.

Conclusion

So now you know the basic functions of a vehicle transmission. Without it, you wouldn’t be going anywhere, and that is why it is very important to keep your transmission in proper working order. When you need the transmission of your vehicle serviced, make sure you bring it to a trusted auto repair shop, lest the problem become worse. We hope that you feel more informed about the importance of a properly functioning transmission.

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