Mike's Brake & Alignment Shop

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Tag: car maintenance (page 3 of 4)

Tips for Choosing the Right Mechanic

October 22, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Not only are vehicles an expensive investment that require constant upkeep and maintenance, they’re also indispensable and invaluable. These machines are required by millions around the world every day to commute to work, receive health care, visit family and for tourism. Keeping your vehicles in tip top shape year round with help from a loyal mechanic will ensure optimal safety on the road and that the vehicle will run well for years to come. Continue along below for our quick guide made to help you find the right mechanic every time!

What to Look For

  •  Certifications – If your mechanic or auto shop can prove that they have received various certifications then you can rest assured knowing they’ve conformed to a certain set of regulatory industry standards. Some certifications to look for include ASE, AAA, and ASA.
  • Free Estimates – Mechanics should always be able to provide a free estimate for your desired service before they begin any actual work. Even if you’re pretty confident in the legitimacy of your mechanic you should still get a binding written estimate regarding the services they plan to perform.
  • A Second Opinion – Taking the time to get a second opinion can end up saving you countless time and money in the long run. You can get a second opinion from a knowledgeable friend, another mechanic, or even with a thorough internet search.

What to Avoid

  •  Vagueness – If your mechanic cannot or does not provide an explanation of their plans or concerns in layman’s terms you may want to walk away. A major part of a mechanics job is to translate difficult mechanical issues into plain English, explain to car owners what the problem is, and why it needs to be fixed.
  • Intimidation – Some mechanics have a bad reputation for providing unnecessary services, essentially taking advantage of customers who are none the wiser. Be weary of mechanics who attempt to scare you into purchasing services they’ve described as being dire or emergent, as that’s not always true.

Final Thoughts

While most auto mechanics are legitimate business owners that do a great job of repairing both new and used vehicles, it’s always best to do a bit of vetting before handing over your keys for a repair. When you choose Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop in Fort Worth, TX you are choosing a local family owned and operated business with nearly twenty years of proven success. Visit our website for a full list of our services or contact us today for your free auto estimate!

The Important Fluids in Your Car

July 21, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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.

Preparing Your Car for a Road Trip

January 6, 2021 / / 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.

How to Extend the Life of Your Car’s Alignment

August 26, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Most people know when the alignment on their car is going out, but many do not know why it happens in the first place. Generally there are three major reasons for a car’s alignment to go out, all of which we discuss below in addition to what you should and should not do to help extend the life of your car’s alignment.

What to Do

Maintenance is always key! Properly maintaining your car will help to ensure that any worn parts are caught and replaced sooner rather than later. The suspension systems in cars are responsible for the alignment, and over time it’s normal for those parts to wear down and not work as effectively.  It’s best to bring your car to a trusted mechanic one or twice a year for regular maintenance.

What Not to Do

A major cause behind some faulty suspensions and alignments are faulty modifications. For example, modifying a car so that it is lifted will require the suspension be adjusted as well, otherwise you risk causing alignment problems.

Additionally, a car’s alignment can be thrown off by sudden impact. Whether it be a car accident, a pot hole, or prolonged drives on unpaved roads, anything that causes your car to shake or lurch aggressively can lead to alignments issues as well.

Final Thoughts

Unfortunately being a car owner isn’t always economical, so it’s crucial to stay proactive and ensure your car receives the regular maintenance it needs. From alignment repairs to full service tire and brake repairs, the team at Mikes Brake & Alignment Shop strive to offer affordable, honest, and speedy auto services every time. 

Regenerative Braking

June 29, 2020 / / 0 Comments

It’s been approximately twenty years since the first electric vehicles went mainstream and forever changed the way the world would view transportation. Consumers have found that there are countless perks to switching from a traditional gas vehicle to one that’s fully electric or even a hybrid. Besides the obvious long term benefits to our wallets and the environment, electric vehicles are much more energy efficient and simpler to maintain than traditional cars.

What is Regenerative Braking?

Did you know that electric cars use a completely different type of braking system than traditional gas vehicles do? The technology going on behind the scenes in electric braking systems is pretty incredible and can be found in electric bikes, scooters, skateboards and more! These brakes work by storing the energy that typically is lost in braking for future use. The motor of the vehicle works like a reverse generator and stores the energy until it’s next needed to accelerate.

Maintenance

Electric vehicles are praised for their minimal maintenance requirements from the fluids and the battery to the brakes. Due to the fact that much less energy and wear is put on these braking systems, regenerative brakes can last twice as long as traditional brakes. Keep in mind that the brake pads and brake fluid still need to be inspected, topped up, and changed periodically.

Conclusion

Purchasing a vehicle can be one of the largest financial commitments we make in our lives. Part of being a responsible vehicle owner are regular services and maintenance to ensure longevity and most importantly, safety. The braking system in your car is responsible for the safety of you and others, and only you are responsible for your brakes. Whether or not you have a vehicle with regenerative braking, trust the experts at Mike’s Brake and Alignment Shop for high quality brake services every time!

Is Your Car Staying in Shape During Quarantine?

June 1, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Fellow Americans, as a nation we have recently experienced a great crisis in our lives. With the COVID-19 outbreak, many of us were asked to help by staying home and locking down our nation to help flatten the curve. Those whom began to work from home and began practicing social distance parked their vehicles, whom like us remained locked down. A car is much like a human, having it parked without any exercise can lead to a few mechanical issues. Read along as we discuss common situations and how to prevent them!  

Are You and Your Vehicle Experiencing Similar Side Effects of Lock Down?

Being quarantined for a long period, without participating on regular activities, can make one feel slower or sluggish. A car, just like you, can experience the same symptoms when being locked down without travel. Oil condenses when cooled, after being parked for a couple months your car will need a good warm up before hitting top speeds on the road. Don’t remember the last time you changed your oil or just want to be cautious? Take it to your trusted mechanic for a checkup!  

Is There More Flab to Your Tires?

The “quarantine 15” is no joke. Many have experienced some weight gain because of the lock down. Cars may not experience a quarantine 15 per say, but they do experience flabby tires from a decrease in tire pressure. If your car is feeling slow and you’re not getting the same mpg form your vehicle it may be a result of bad tire pressure. While many new vehicles have sensors to indicate a need in tire maintenance, most older vehicles don’t. Have your tires inspected, vehicle aligned, and your brakes maintained to assure a save stop.

Conclusion

While these are just a couple of quick tips for you and your car to safely, get back on the road,

we would like to remind you of the importance of checking your vehicle before taking off the hand brake. Hitting the trails and traveling more after lock down?  We are here for you! Bring your vehicle travel concerns to us. Our highly experienced team is here to assist you with everything from break systems to alignments and tires to ensure that you have a safe trip! To learn more about our services and us please visit our website.  

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!

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!

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!

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