Car Safety – Page 2 – Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop

Tag: Car Safety (page 2 of 3)

Don’t Skid on Safety: Which Brake Pads are Right for You?

Choosing suitable brake pads is essential to maintaining your car’s braking system. When it comes to your car’s brakes, having the right ones can be the difference between a smooth drive and an accident. Not all brake pads are created equal, and different types of brake pads have different benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a rundown of the different kinds of brake pads and which ones are best for your car.

1. Ceramic Brake Pads

Ceramic brake pads are a popular choice for many drivers because they are quiet, produce less dust, and are long-lasting. They are also gentle on your car’s rotors, which can help extend the life of your braking system. However, ceramic brake pads are more expensive than other brake pads, so they may not be the best choice if you’re on a tight budget.

2. Organic Brake Pads

Organic brake pads are made of rubber, glass, and resin. They are generally less expensive than ceramic brake pads, but they don’t last as long and tend to produce more dust. If you’re looking for an affordable option and don’t mind a little extra dust, organic brake pads may be a good choice for you.

3. Metallic Brake Pads

Metallic brake pads are made of metals like copper, iron, and steel. They tend to be more durable than other types of brake pads and can handle high temperatures well. However, metallic brake pads can be noisy and produce a lot of dust, which can be a problem for some drivers.

4. Low-metallic Brake Pads

Low-metallic brake pads are a compromise between ceramic and metallic brake pads. They are made of a mix of metals and other materials, which makes them more durable than organic brake pads but less expensive than ceramic brake pads. They tend to produce less dust than metallic brake pads and are quieter but may not last as long.

Conclusion

Whether you choose ceramic, organic, metallic, or low-metallic brake pads, ensure you’re getting high-quality brake pads designed to work with your car’s make and model. So, which type of brake pad is best for your vehicle? It depends on your driving habits, budget, and personal preferences. If you need help determining which brake pad is right, talk to a professional mechanic or a brake repair specialist like Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop. We can help you choose the best brake pads for your car based on your needs. Contact us at (817) 834-2725 for more information.

Common Signs of Car Steering Problems

March 8, 2023 / admin / 0 Comments

Taking your vehicle out for a spin should be an enjoyable and relaxing experience, especially when you know you’re in control. Your steering system ensures a smooth ride. When you can easily control your vehicle, you’ll feel comfortable and safe behind the wheel. The following are some of the warning signs of car steering problems.

1. The steering wheel feels heavy to turn.

Although the majority of cars feature power steering, the steering wheel can still cause a problem during the drive. Low power steering fluid in the reservoir might diminish the power assist and is a sign of a leak. A faulty power steering pump or a worn belt could also be the culprit. If your car has an electric power assist, a bad motor or blown fuse could be the cause.

2. You experience vibration in the steering wheel when driving.

If you experience vibration in the steering wheel while driving your car, the main issue could be worn-out tie rods. Other reasons, like a bumpy tire or uneven brake pad, could cause the disruption. Faulty tie rods can produce the effect of a vibrating wheel or make the car feel like it is shuddering. This is an immediate sign to get your vehicle checked and serviced for wheel alignment.

3. Your vehicle tilts to one side while driving.

An unbalanced steering wheel can cause the vehicle to drift to one side while driving. This is highly dangerous if you drive in heavy traffic or on the highway at a great speed. A bad steering alignment can point one or more tires in the wrong direction and lead to pulling and wandering to one side, as can a faulty brake caliper stuck open or closed. Worn tie rods can also cause drifting.

Conclusion

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 select a local family-owned and operated business with nearly twenty years of proven success. Visit our website for a complete list of our services or contact us by calling (817) 834-2725 today for your free auto estimate!

How to Get Your Vehicle Ready for Spring

February 9, 2023 / admin / 0 Comments

As the winter season fades, you can finally start to enjoy driving in warmer weather. However, when you are driving in the winter, chances are the cold weather has done a number on your vehicle components. Therefore, it is wise to do a thorough inspection to prepare your car for spring. Here are the most crucial components to check to make sure your car is ready for spring and summer.

Inspect Your Windshield Wipers

With the return of spring, a careful inspection of the windshield wipers is highly recommended to verify that they are in good working order. Nevertheless, the best thing is to replace them, the cold weather is very harmful for the rubber, which then deteriorates, making the brushes less efficient. Also, remember to change them at the end of the summer.

Take A Look At Your Battery

Take advantage of the return of sunny days to take a look at your battery charge and give it a little boost if necessary. If you were noticing a poor performance during winter, consider buying a new one to avoid any battery failures in the future.

Change Your Oil

Regular oil changes are essential to keep your engine running smoothly, and spring is a great time to do it. A fresh oil change can help improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and extend the life of your engine. Keep your car in its optimum condition with routine oil changes.

Related: Learn more about when your car needs oil changing here.

Switch Out Those Winter Tires

Many car owners think that it is not necessary to change tires in the spring or summer and that they can very well continue driving with winter tires to avoid new expenses. Since winter tires are designed for cold roads, they may deteriorate quicker if the ground exceeds 7 degrees. Change your winter tires with summer or all-season tires from mid-March for your safety and your pocket.

Related: Learn more how when to use all-season and winter tires here.

We’re At Your Service All Season Long

Spring is the perfect time to give your vehicle a tune-up and make sure it’s ready to tackle the changing weather and road conditions. Our team is here to help you make sure that your vehicle is running smoothly and safely all spring long. Give us a call 817-834-2725 at for any assistance and check out our website to see our comprehensive list of services.

What to Expect in a State Safety Inspection of Your Vehicle

January 13, 2023 / admin / 0 Comments

Most states require vehicle owners to get their vehicles through a rigorous state safety inspection to ensure a safe road driving experience. A vehicle safety inspection covers all bases with the safety protocols of the vehicle. It ensures that your car and its various components are in perfect condition to be on the road.

Following is a list of all the things you can expect in a state safety inspection of your vehicle.

Braking System

The most important thing that is checked thoroughly in the inspection is the brakes of the vehicles. The brakes play an integral role in your driving experience and failed brakes are one of the leading reasons of road accidents. Keep your brakes in best condition to pass the test.

Windshield Wipers

Inspections focus on windshield wipers as well. It can be easy to overlook, but damaged windshield wipers are safety risk, especially in rainy weather, and can cause you to fail your inspection. Get your windshield wipers in order before the test to avoid any problems later.

Seat Belts

Checking the seat belts if they lock and retract safely is a critical component of passing your safety inspection. Make sure that all the seat belts in your vehicle are working fine.

Suspension

Suspension of the vehicle ensures a smooth ride for the driver. Having a proper functioning suspension can make a huge difference in aspects of road safety. The inspection technician will be looking for any leaks in your shock absorbers. Take a thorough check of your suspension before the state inspection.

Steering & Alignment

All steering components are checked during the inspection to ensure that there are no loose or possible failures. Steering failure during turns can be catastrophic, so identifying worn parts during an inspection can lead to inspection failures.

Conclusion

If you notice any symptoms of unbalanced wheels or alignment issues in your vehicle, head to Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop – the best mechanical specialist in Fort Worth, TX. We will make sure that your vehicle passes the state safety inspection by giving your vehicle necessary repairs and work. Give us a call at (817) 834-2725 to avail our services. Visit our auto shop or check out our website for more information about our services.

Things to Consider When Buying Winter Tires

December 16, 2022 / admin / 0 Comments

Winter is officially here, which means it’s time for winter tires. Have you been overloaded with winter tire ads or related recommendations from your regular service provider? If yes, there’s no need to stress. Here are some of the best tips to consider that will make your decision-making, research, and buying process easier.

First things first: Do you need to purchase winter tires?

If you’re a person living in an area where temperatures regularly dip below 45°F in the winter, then you probably should consider buying winter tires.

What if you live in an area that doesn’t get much snow?

No matter where you live in the winter, you need to get winter tires for your vehicle.Many people believe that winter tires are only needed when the roads are covered in snow or ice. However, that’s not the case. Installing the best winter tires in your vehicles will provide better grip in cold weather conditions, whether the road is wet or dry.

Things to Consider When Buying Winter Tires

Here are some of the best tips that will help you make the right choice when it comes to purchasing winter tires.

1. Specifications

More importantly, you need to determine what size tires to buy for your vehicle, as purchasing the wrong size tire will make it difficult to drive through snow. Instead, consider getting narrower tires, as they can help prevent you from getting stuck on the road. Here are a few things that you need to consider:

Tire Section Width
Tire and Wheel Diameter
Internal Construction
Speed Rating
Rubber Quality

2. Reliable Tire Shop

There are numerous tire shops on the market that claim to be the best. But you need to search for a shop that not only provides you with the highest-quality tires, but also a warranty and exceptional services. Purchasing an entire set of tires is an investment, so you don’t want to regret it later.

Our Final Verdict

If it’s getting difficult for you to decide what type of wheel to buy, it’s best to seek advice from a tire expert. We assure you that we will assist you in making the right decision. For professional advice and services, head to Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop – the best mechanical specialist in Fort Worth, TX. Visit our auto shop or check out our website for more information about our auto services.

All-Season Vs Winter Tires: Which Should I Pick?

November 18, 2022 / admin / 0 Comments

When the temperatures start to drop and summer tires no longer allow you to feel safe in your vehicle, it’s time to change them for winter tires. However, a few years ago, only winter tires made it possible to face winter conditions in complete safety. But today, with the development of “4 seasons” tires, these hybrid tires can take you everywhere, so the question arises: Is it better to use seasonal tires or switch to all-season tires? Simply keep scrolling to learn more.

All-Season Tires: The Champions of Versatility, Master of None

All-season tires are generalists. They are able to cope with all weather conditions due to their versatility. They perform better than winter tires in the summer and are more reliable than summer tires in the cold season. This is where the main advantage of 4-season tires lies, along with limiting the risk of accidents during a sudden change in weather. Just make sure to get them properly aligned. This is because you’ll drive in harsh weather.

Related: learn more on how to know if your tires need to be balanced or aligned here.

Winter Tires: The Sub-Freezing Hero

Winter tires are a type specially designed for driving in winter conditions, such as in the rain, on slippery roads, snow, or ice. In general, it should be remembered that as soon as the temperatures drop below 7°C, you must put on winter tires. Nonetheless, there are many types of winter tires, and with the help of a tires specialist, you’ll get the most functional ones.

What About Summer Tires With Chains?

Chains are a solution that can always prevent you from getting stuck in the snow, even if it obviously offers only very limited versatility and can sometimes be complicated to install. It is, therefore, far from offering the same services as winter or 4-season tires, which can be useful even on dry or wet roads when the temperature is below 7°C. However, in a state like Texas, it is allowed to use chains only during a time of snow and ice, as per Texas law.

Conclusion

Your tires should meet your needs regardless of the season. With the above information, along with your driving habits, you’ll make up your mind about what type of tires are good for you. The expert team here at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop has the knowledge and skills to provide you with the right tires. To learn more about our services, please visit our website.

How to See Past Angles When Inspecting Vehicular Alignment

October 21, 2022 / admin / 0 Comments

Tire alignment is one of the most overlooked parts of vehicle maintenance. Although it is highly crucial to keep up with the maintenance of your car’s alignment, people tend to ignore it. Have you experienced sudden jerks or your car swaying in a different direction? It is high time you schedule a tire alignment service with your mechanic. The following are some of the most effective ways to inspect your vehicle’s alignment.

1. Inspect the Setback

In professional terms, setback is an angle which allows you to see and measure the difference in distance between the centers of the front wheels. Minimizing the distance between toe, camber, and caster close to tolerance will do a pretty good alignment job, but the aftershocks can still be felt on certain occasions. Taking the angle from setback could show damage to control arms, bushings, and frames. As a result, always inspect from the setback.

2. Look at the Ride Height

The caster, toe, and camber are highly dynamic. Long periods of exposure to the road without maintenance and proper wheel alignment may be the primary cause of the distance between these three units. The OEMs will ensure tire functioning and axle health as appropriate if the ride height is correct. If you are missing a coil or a spring, it can drastically change the wheel alignment operations. So always check the vehicle’s ride height.

3. Make Side to Side Comparisons

Sometimes it is hard to figure out a bent shape from one angle. Experts believe that comparing side to side is the best way to find any technical faults in the alignment of your vehicle. If it feels lopsided from one angle, you are in dire need of a wheel alignment. The key areas to observe are the steering arms, strut mounting points, and control arms. Most chassis parts are designed to bend at strategic points to prevent damage to the frame or unibody in the event of a crash.

Conclusion

Every vehicle’s wheels at a certain point will lose its balance, whether it be due to imperfections, blemishes in its rubber, and other causes. If you notice any symptoms of unbalanced wheels or alignment issues in your vehicle, head to Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop – the best mechanical specialist in Fort Worth, TX. Give us a call at (817) 834-2725 to avail our services. Visit our auto shop or check out our website for more information about our services.

Taking Care of Your Power Steering System

July 22, 2022 / admin / 0 Comments

Power steering is an innovation that has facilitated drivers around the world by making it easier for them to turn and maneuver their car with the least effort. Power steering requires maintenance to function properly. If you are not careful with the system’s maintenance, replacing it will cost you a lot of money. Here are some helpful tips that will keep your power steering system of your vehicle in perfect condition.

Tip #1: Power steering liquid should always be full and clean.

Power steering fuel is a hydraulic fuel that helps the movement of the steering wheel through the system. It eliminates unnecessary friction and provides an effortless drive. Keep an eye out for leaks to avoid draining the hydraulic fluid. Also, make sure that the fluid is clean or else it will hinder the performance and your steering experience.

Tip #2: Check and replace the pump if necessary.

A hydraulic pump runs the power steering fluid throughout the system. If the pump is not working properly, there will be no lubrication in the system. Get routine checks to examine if your pump is working properly. Replace the pump if necessary to avoid dangerous situations like accidents due to steering wheel failure.

Tip #3: Check hoses for any damages or cracks.

Hoses can cause serious problems in various systems of your car—not just the power steering system. The hoses help the hydraulic steering fluid flow through the system, and it’s very common for these hoses to crack and wear over time—especially when exposed to fluctuating weather conditions. Having all the hoses throughout your car inspected for cracks or wear is always a good idea.

Conclusion

Keeping your power steering system maintained is essential but technical as well. It is best left to the care of professionals who know what they are doing. For any power steering system repairs or maintenance services, head to Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop – the best mechanical specialist in Fort Worth, TX. Visit our auto shop or check out our website for more information about our auto services.

4 Signs It’s Time To Install New Brake Pads

June 24, 2022 / admin / 0 Comments

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.

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.

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.

Brake Maintenance Guide

April 6, 2022 / admin / 0 Comments

The interior setup of your car’s braking system is quite complex and surprisingly very easy to maintain. A braking mechanism is essential to your car’s performance and your safety. If it fails at any time, you could face consequences of your neglect. Here is a step-by-step guide for you to follow and learn basic maintenance of your car’s braking system so that you’re prepared.

Inspect the Brakes and Brake Pads

The first step is to check the brakes and brake pads of your car. If either is worn out, it is time to get them replaced. A general rule of the thumb is to get the brake pads checked once every year. If they are too worn out, replace them with new ones to ensure smooth performance for your vehicle.

2. Check the Brake Fluid

Your brake fluid is responsible for the transfer of heat generated throughout your car’s system. If you see that your brake fluid is of a dark color, it is time to get it changed. It’s best to flush the brake fluid out to avoid any sort of moisture build-up which is damaging to the car. Then, fill the brake oil after bleeding the brake lines to avoid any excess air into the system.

3. Upgrade the Brakes

Technology has introduced easy updates that you can do to improve the condition and overall performance of your car. If you are at the mechanic’s shop for replacing the brakes, consider upgrading them. Ceramic brake pads are quieter and produce less brake dust. Similarly, you can opt for slotted disc brakes since they are more heat resistant and durable than traditional parts.

Conclusion

Your brakes are your first line of defense against any sort of road accident. Keeping them in top form is essential for your safety and car’s performance. If you don’t have time to look after your braking system, hire the professionals at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop to do it for you. We provide professional mechanical services specializing in brakes and alignment of vehicles. Give us a call 817-834-2725 at for any assistance and check out our website to see a comprehensive list of services.

Honest & Quality Service

Tag: Car Safety (page 2 of 3)

1. Ceramic Brake Pads

2. Organic Brake Pads

3. Metallic Brake Pads

4. Low-metallic Brake Pads

Conclusion

1. The steering wheel feels heavy to turn.

2. You experience vibration in the steering wheel when driving.

3. Your vehicle tilts to one side while driving.

Conclusion

First things first: Do you need to purchase winter tires?

What if you live in an area that doesn’t get much snow?

Things to Consider When Buying Winter Tires

1. Specifications

2. Reliable Tire Shop

Our Final Verdict

All-Season Tires: The Champions of Versatility, Master of None

Winter Tires: The Sub-Freezing Hero

What About Summer Tires With Chains?

Conclusion

1. Inspect the Setback

2. Look at the Ride Height

3. Make Side to Side Comparisons

Conclusion

Tip #1: Power steering liquid should always be full and clean.

Tip #2: Check and replace the pump if necessary.

Tip #3: Check hoses for any damages or cracks.

Conclusion

1. Squeaking Sound from Your Brakes

2. Grinding Sounds

3. Vibrations When Braking

4. Brake Fade – Longer Time to Stop Your Car

The Bottom Line

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