Mike's Brake & Alignment Shop

Honest & Quality Service

Tag: brake repair

Avoid Going DIY on These Car Repair Projects!

We get it – car repairs are tough and unpredictable, and some auto repairs are a bit expensive to afford. However, cars are huge piece of machinery that involves many moving parts and performing operations, and if you have no experience in fixing the issue, you’ll end up kick starting an entire new chain of malfunctions. In this blog, we will explore some car repair projects that require professionals to handle and should not be attempted at home.

Transmission Repairs

Keep in mind that a broken transmission requires a highly specialized repair job. A car’s transmission is engineered with lots of complex parts, and it requires a set of sophisticated tools and skills to carry out the project successfully. Even if you know a thing or two about a transmission, it’s best to let a professional mechanic handle any repairs.

Related: Learn more about the most common transmission repairs here.

Mounting or Balancing Tires

Changing your car tires might look relatively easy to do. Indeed, you can handle this task yourself. However, remember that balancing your tires or mounting new ones is something completely different. A professional mechanic knows when your wheel needs a balancing, an alignment, or a replacement.

Related: Learn more about how to know if you need your wheels aligned or balanced here

Brake Repairs

Your car brake system tends to be more complicated than you might think. Attempting to repair your brakes on your own could lead to a costly mistake or even an accident. It’s always best to have your brake system inspected and repaired by a professional mechanic.

Fixing the Suspension System

The suspension system in your vehicle is responsible for ensuring a smooth and stable ride. It’s also essential for safety. If you are feeling strong vibrations on the steering wheel or hard jerks whenever your car hits the uneven ground, it may be necessary to get it repaired. Suspension repair requires a certain skillset and knowledge, which is why we don’t recommend DIY repairs.  

Skip DIY and let Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop handle your automotive repair needs!

If you live in Fort Worth, TX, and you’re unsure of how to repair a particular car issue, don’t hesitate to bring it to our shop. With many years of experience, our clients can attest to the shop’s professionalism, repair turnaround time, and customer service. Call us today at 817-834-2725 or visit our website for more information.

4 Signs It’s Time To Install New Brake Pads

Oftentimes, brake pad maintenance is not given much thought until something goes wrong. If you’re a car owner, then avoid making this mistake, because brake pads are also an important component in your car. Try keeping them functioning properly, but if you don’t know when to replace your brake pads, no need to stress. We have listed down all the signs that you should watch out for to install new pads. 

1. Squeaking Sound from Your Brakes 

When you notice a squeaking or squealing noise coming from your brakes, it’s a sign that your brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced. If you experience these symptoms, try to fix them as soon as possible because if you neglect and delay replacement, you will damage your rotors and increase your repair cost.

Related: “The Warning Signs of Broken Brakes”

2. Grinding Sounds

If you notice a grinding sound when you apply pressure to the brake pedal, it’s an alert that your brake pads need to be replaced. Don’t ignore this and avoid waiting for the brake pads to reach the end of their useful life. Just visit a reliable brake and alignment shop and get it fixed ASAP. Because the more you delay and cause damage to your brake pads, the more you will have to pay for the repair.

3. Vibrations When Braking 

Another common sign is vibration. So, if you experience vibration when applying brakes while driving, then it’s time that you need to seek professional help and visit a reliable brake and alignment shop.

Related: “Spring Brake: Should You Check Your Brakes?”

4. Brake Fade – Longer Time to Stop Your Car

If you’re having trouble stopping your car no matter how hard you apply the brakes, then it’s an alert sign that your brakes need to be checked by professionals. This can either be due to worn-out brake pads, leakage, or low brake fluid. So, to get a better understanding, just visit an auto shop and figure out why your brakes and brake pads are not performing well.

The Bottom Line

When your brake pads show alarming symptoms, avoid neglecting them and get them replaced and fixed as soon as possible. If you want professional top-rated, affordable brake repair services or just want a quick diagnosis, head to Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop for a dedicated auto service. Visit our auto shop in Fort Worth, TX or check out our website for more information.

5 Signs of Potential Brake Problems

Your vehicle’s braking system is an essential safety feature. The numerous components of the braking system work in keeping the driver safe. Servicing your brakes is an integral part of vehicle maintenance. It is advisable to be alert on how your brakes are functioning. When your car has loose brakes, it should raise concerns as it can cause a disaster. Below are the signs that indicate that your vehicle has potential brake problems.

  1. Brake Light On

When you notice a brake light indicator on your dashboard, it’s either an alert to a potential problem or it’s time for your regular brake servicing. When this happens, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your mechanic.

2. Squeaking Noises

Squeaking noises coming from your brakes indicate that you need to check them. It suggests that the brake pads are being worn out and the caliper is rubbing against the rooter.

3. Pressing Down Further for Braking Functions

If you notice that you’re stepping down further than usual on the brake pedal or that it’s requiring more time and pressure in performing the same stopping function, then this is a sure sign of brake pad wear. Hence, changing the brakes is imminent to avoid potential danger.

4. Shaking or Vibrating Steering Wheel When Braking

When your steering wheel is shaking or vibrating when engaging the brakes, this is a sign that the surface of the rotor is uneven. When one part of the disk brake is inconsistent, the brake pads encounter a rough surface during application. This causes you to feel a pulsation when braking, therefore lowering the brakes overall effectiveness.

5. Smoke From the Wheels

When you see smoke coming from the wheels, this is an indication that you have struck the brake caliper. When this happens, it’s recommended to have the brake repaired as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Your safety and that of others are vital when you are driving. Brakes play a crucial role as they allow you to stop, slow down, and help you avert serious accidents. Brakes that are not well maintained can be dangerous. When you require brake servicing providers, Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop can ensure that your car is ready for the road. Schedule an appointment today for complete vehicle services!