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Common Power Steering Problems (And How to Fix Them)

November 27, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Most parts of your vehicle do not need hands-on control – except for your power steering wheel. The system is directly controlled by the driver, so if loss of control happens, then driving on the road becomes more hazardous. The power steering is a top-safety concern for car manufacturers and should be a concern for you too. In this blog, we are going to discuss general power steering problems and how to fix them.

Stiff Steering

When your power steering becomes rigid and unresponsive, you might assume that you are low on power steering fluid. However, this problem can also be linked to an electrical issue. Some of these problems may include faults with the wiring, connections, and even low battery voltage. A quick fix to this issue is to turn off your car and restart it. See your mechanic if the problem persists.

Loss of Hydraulic Power

If you are struggling to turn your wheel, this is most likely due to the loss of hydraulic power. The reasoning behind this loss of power is from a low amount of fluid in your power steering system. Check the fluid level and see if you need a refill. While you are inspecting, also be wary of cracks in the hydraulic lines, defective components, and so on. Visit a mechanic for a more detailed inspection.

Grinding/Squealing During Turns

Are you hearing unpleasant noises, such as shrieking or grinding? Your power steering wheel is telling you that there’s something wrong with the belt drive. Most of the time, you can tighten or adjust the belt drive to get rid of the noises. It’s recommended to have a professional mechanic take a look.

Conclusion

We hope the information in this blog can help you identify power steering problems with your vehicle. You can schedule an inspection for your power steering wheel by contact our team at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop for professional services. We look forward to serving you!

How to Identify Fluids in Your Car

July 27, 2020 / / 0 Comments

At one point or another, you are going to find liquid underneath your car. However, do you know how to identify the liquid and where it’s coming from? You can investigate the situation by taking a closer look at the color. Identifying the color will help you understand which system is losing fluid, giving you the chance to plan accordingly. It’s not an emergency if its clear water, but other colors may indicate something more serious. Learn how to identify the fluids in your car by reading our blog!

Brown/Black Fluid

When you notice black or brown fluid, it’s most likely engine oil. It will be slick to the touch and hard to wipe off. Cars.com also comments, “oil can leak from gaskets and seals on the front or rear of an engine, from valve covers or from the oil pan underneath, so there are several possible sources of an oil leak.” If you have identified where it’s coming from, you can refill the oil and take it to your nearest auto shop for a diagnosis or repair.

Red Fluid

Transmission fluid can be identified by its reddish color and odorless scent. You can further investigate by looking near the front or middle of the car for the leak. If the transmission fluid is low, fill as needed. Gold Eagle urges to “keep in mind that driving your car without enough of transmission fluid can keep the gears from shifting smoothly and might even damage the transmission, so it’s important to ensure you have enough.”

Yellow Fluid

Yellow, green, and pink are just some of the colors of engine coolant. Besides the rainbow of colors, another indicator of this fluid is its slimy texture and sweet smell. Some of the places you might find your coolant leaking includes the radiator, coolants hoses, and overflow tank. Your mechanic can confirm if the fluid is coolant and repair any parts if needed.

Conclusion

If you have further questions about your fluid leak, contact the team at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop. We are here to provide you with expert automotive services so you can drive safely on the road. Get your vehicle serviced by calling 817-834-2725 today!

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!

Coolant System Parts You Should Check Regularly

April 30, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Are you constantly having issues with your car’s engine? One of the top reasons why your engine may be failing is because of the coolant system. This part of your vehicle works hard to prevent the engine from freezing or overheating. However, your coolant system may need a full inspection to ensure each part is working properly. To keep your engine in good shape, continue reading to find out which coolant parts need to be checked.

Heater and Radiator Hoses

In order for the coolant to move throughout the system, hoses are used to direct where the coolant needs to go. You can check on these hoses when the engine is cool. Some things to look for is cracking, fraying, or swelling. Also, make sure that the hoses are secured correctly. Any loose-fitting parts can have a major effect on the entire system.

Heater Core

The heater core allows for the cabin air to warm up when you have your engine running. It also helps the coolant lose heat before returning to the radiator to be cooled down. AutoZone suggests to “inspect for signs of leakage indicated by fluid around the heater core or wet spots on your carpet. Constant presence of fog on the inside of your windshield can also mean that your heater core needs replacing.”

Radiator Fluid

Your coolant reservoir needs to be filled with an even mixture of antifreeze and water to get the right amount of cool air. You can check to see if the radiator fluid needs a refill if it doesn’t reach the “full” line. To prevent damage to your coolant system, fill with antifreeze as needed. If you’re unsure about the fluid ratio, contact your local auto mechanic.

Conclusion

Your car’s engine depends on the coolant system, which allows for optimal performance when driving. If you’re running into complications with the engine or other parts of your vehicle, schedule an appointment at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop. Our mechanics ensure customer satisfaction with every service, so visit us today!

What is ASE Certification & Why is it Important?

January 28, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Is your car making strange sounds on your morning commute? Have you been looking for a reliable mechanic to trust your normal maintenance schedule with? One way you can know your car is being well cared for is if the mechanic is ASE certified. Keep reading to discover what it is and why ASE certification is important for your vehicle care.

*Note: If you’ve found an ASE certified mechanic you can trust, give our other article a read to learn how to properly work with your mechanic for a flawless maintenance trip every time.

Mechanic and customer giving a thumbs up.
Mechanic and customer giving a thumbs up.

What is ASE Certification?

When it comes to choosing your mechanic, finding one with that little blue and white sticker can be highly reassuring for consumers. Standing for “Automotive Service Excellence,” this certification process is designed to test and certify automotive professionals. The certification process began in 1972 and is used as the standard of excellence for every mechanic in the nation. It’s also useful to note that clients can ask which mechanics in a specific shop are ASE certified and request only their services.

Why is it Important?

With the need to properly maintain and care for your vehicle, finding an ASE certified mechanic or shop provides peace of mind in caring for your vehicle. For auto repair shops it’s highly beneficial because they know they’ve hired knowledgeable and professional mechanics to serve their clientele. Consumers will also rest easy knowing their vehicles are being cared for by a professional mechanic with the necessary training to keep their cars running the way they should.

How it Works

As a measuring tool for consumers, it’s important to understand just how the certification process works for your own knowledge. There are two types of ASE certifications with specific requirements and criteria’s for each. ASE certification requires mechanics to have at minimum two years of automotive experience and should be able to finish and pass at least one of the specialty exams.

Mechanic smiling while working on a vehicle.
Mechanic smiling while working on a vehicle.

For an ASE Master Certification, mechanics who’ve taken and passed the ASE exams on various subjects may choose to go for their master certification. For each specific area there are multiple tests which the automotive professional must pass in order to obtain their certification. It’s also a requirement for all ASE certified professionals to renew their certificate every five years in order to maintain their knowledge.

Thoughts With so many automotive shops and professionals to choose from for your vehicle care needs, the search can be narrowed down by looking for that ASE certified sticker. From understanding what ASE certification is to why it’s important, you’ll be able to trust your car is being well cared for. If you’re still searching for your personal mechanic, bring your vehicle into Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop where our ASE certified mechanics will be able to properly maintain and care for your car. Contact us today!

Most Common Hazards While Driving in the Snow

December 27, 2019 / / 0 Comments

While it is always important to be confident in your driving skills, especially through difficult weather, it is important to understand the dangers that can come with it. With the world throwing any type of rain or shine at us however it sees fit, there is nothing more vital than knowing how to handle the changing seasons when driving on the road. There is no better example of a weather hazard than those that come up when it snows. Read further to learn about the most common hazards that can arise when it snows and how to avoid them.

Dying Battery From the Cold:

A more indirect effect of snow, the extreme cold and insulation created by your hood can result in the draining of your battery. Cold naturally drains the energy out of any battery over time and considering how important they are for a car to run properly, it is important to keep this in mind and take steps to prevent it. The easiest ways to prevent your battery from losing its charge are to get the battery checked before the cold season comes to ensure it is not already low and trying to keep your car parked in some kind of enclosure or garage at all times when it’s not running. Another helpful tip is to give your car some time to warm up after you turn it on before using any accessories; using the radio or heater as soon as the engine is on may not give the battery enough time to recharge from the drain the cold has called, meaning it could stall.

No Traction on Wheels:

It seems like an obvious bit of advice, but it needs to be said again because of how important it truly is to ensure you keep control of your car while you drive. Snow causes an incredible amount of difficulty for your tires to gain traction on the road, which means that as soon as you relax on the wheel for even a minute, you could end up losing control if even the slightest change of terrain occurs. The most dangerous and common concern when it comes to snow is actually not even the snow itself, it’s the ice it may be covering that you wouldn’t notice. Hidden ice on the road is often referred to as “black ice” due to its extremely dangerous nature and the inability you would have to control your car if you drive over it too fast. Ways of counteracting this lack of traction is to constantly keep both hands firmly on the wheel, don’t take turns too sharply and never drive your car too fast when there are snowy or icy conditions.

Poor Visibility:

There is one constant when it comes to driving a car, if you can’t see where you are going, you can’t drive. One of the largest obstacles a person faces in any kind of bad weather is the issues that arise with visibility. Rain and snow can cause serious issues when it comes to seeing the road in front of you, which means you always need to have an increased sense of vigilance as well as taking steps to lessen the effects. Keeping your heater on the windshield setting while you drive helps to keep new ice from forming or snow from sticking on the windshield while still keeping you warm. Keeping a scraper in your car is also very important to help get the ice buildup off of your windows before you even drive it, because with the air being so cold, it would take way too long for it to melt on its own when you drive. Only use your windshield wipers if there is true snowfall, because the friction of the wipers on the windshield with the cold of the outside air could also cause the window to fog up slightly, further reducing visibility.

Conclusion:

There are plenty of different ways in which you can prevent yourself from danger while driving in the snow, but the most important thing is that you always employ these tips and never get comfortable. The ice and snow are constant hazards which require constant vigilance, so always take them seriously. When it comes to preparing yourself with the best tires and alignment for that upcoming cold season, there is no place better to go than Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop, so come on in and let’s tackle this winter together.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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