routine maintenance – Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop

Tag: routine maintenance

The Role of Air Filters in Car Maintenance

When it comes to car maintenance, there are several crucial components that require regular attention to ensure optimal performance and longevity. One such component that often goes overlooked is the air filter. Despite its relatively small size, the air filter plays a vital role in the overall health and efficiency of your vehicle’s engine. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of air filters in car maintenance and why keeping them clean and functioning properly is essential.

What Do Air Filters Do?

Air filters in cars prevent dirt, dust, pollen, and other contaminants from entering the engine. They ensure that only clean air is reaching the combustion chamber, where the fuel is burned to power your vehicle. Over time, however, the air filter can become clogged with debris, affecting the engine’s performance and fuel efficiency. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Additionally, it can lead to decreased acceleration, rough idling, and even engine misfires. Regularly replacing or cleaning your car’s air filter is a simple but effective way to maintain engine health and prevent costly repairs.

How to Change Your Air Filter

Changing the air filter in your car is a relatively simple task that can have a significant impact on the performance and longevity of your vehicle’s engine. To begin, locate the air filter housing, which is usually a black plastic box near the engine. Open the housing by removing the clips or screws that hold it together. Take out the old air filter and inspect it for dirt, dust, or damage. If it looks dirty or clogged, it’s time for a replacement. Align the new air filter properly in the housing, ensuring that it fits securely. Finally, reattach the housing cover, making sure all clips or screws are tightened. It’s important to consult your car’s manual for specific instructions and to ensure you purchase the correct air filter for your vehicle. Regularly changing your air filter, typically every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or as recommended by your car manufacturer, will help maintain engine performance and prolong the life of your car.

Rely On The Professionals

At Mike’s Brake & Alignment, we understand the importance of proper car maintenance, including the regular inspection and replacement of air filters. As a trusted auto service provider in Fort Worth, Texas, we offer professional air filter checks and replacements to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Our experienced technicians are well-versed in the intricacies of various car models and can ensure that your air filter is clean and functioning optimally. Don’t neglect this essential aspect of car maintenance – visit our website at mikesautospa.com or call us at (817) 834-2725 to schedule an appointment today.

Routine Maintenance vs Repairs: The Critical Difference and Why Both Matter!

July 7, 2023 / admin / 0 Comments

In the world of automotive care, there are two fundamental categories that every car owner should understand: regular check-ups and fix-ups. At Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop, we believe that this division not only refers to the complexity of the tasks but also plays diverse roles in your vehicle’s overall maintenance. In this month’s blog, we will walk you through the key differences between maintenance and repairs and illuminate why both are crucial in preserving your vehicle.

Routine Repairs

Routine repairs also referred to as preventive or regular maintenance, are the cornerstone of proactive vehicle care. The main purpose is to maximize the life and performance of your vehicle. However, this category includes some tasks that should be done depending on the time and season, such as oil changes and switching from all-season to winter tires.

By investing in routine maintenance, you can minimize the need for major repairs, thereby safeguarding your investment and ensuring the longevity of your vehicle.

Major Repairs

On the other hand, major repairs are typically unplanned and often result from accidents, prolonged neglect, or parts reaching the end of their lifespan. They are complex tasks such as transmission repairs, installing new brake pads, body work following an accident, or fixing serious electrical issues. These repairs are considerably more time-consuming, expensive and may require specialized knowledge and tools to perform correctly.

Related: Learn more about the importance of hiring a good mechanic for your car here.

The Symbiotic Relationship

Routine and major repairs are interlinked as they represent different aspects of vehicle care. Routine maintenance acts as the first line of defense against major repairs, while neglecting these minor repairs can accelerate the need for the latter.

Simply put, both maintenance and major repairs are not just about keeping your car on the road; they’re about optimizing performance, longevity, and your overall driving experience.

Keep Your Vehicle in Top-Notch Condition Today!

At Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop, we have the necessary expertise to diagnose and fix any problems that may arise, from engine repairs to electrical issues. Call us at (817) 834-2725 or visit our website at mikesautospa.com to schedule your maintenance or repair service. We’re ready to help you make an informed decision and promise to deliver quality workmanship.

How Hot and Humid Weather Affects Your Vehicle

June 30, 2021 / admin / 0 Comments

Summer is officially upon us in the South and with that comes high temperatures and plenty of rain. Months of hot and humid weather can cause cars to need extra attention and care to perform their best during this time because hot environments increase wear and tear. Heat and humidity also put vehicles at a higher risk for overheating and increased likelihood of other heat-related issues. Follow along as we review some ways hot and wet weather can affect your ride and how to prevent any short or long term damage.

Interior

Engines sometimes overheat in hot weather because the warmer the air is, the more air your engine needs to pull to get the oxygen your engine requires to perform at its best.
Humidity has been known to affect car sensors and will sometimes trigger false alarms for check engine lights and other alert systems. Once the internal parts have dried, the indicators should shut back off and return to normal.

Exterior

Besides fogging up the windows, humidity won’t affect the exterior of your car. The sun on the other hand can cause great damage to your vehicles paint and upholstery. During summer always try to park your vehicle in shaded and covered areas whenever at all possible.
When temperatures soar it’s common to see an increased amount of liquid dripping from your undercarriage. Before phoning the mechanic check to see if it’s merely condensation from you’re A/C or exhaust as this is completely normal and no cause for worry.

Prevention

The best defense against the problems hot and humid weather can cause is routine car maintenance. The most important maintenance tasks to check off your list include

Checking the pressure in the tires and refilling them if necessary
Refilling the engine coolant
Changing the oil
Keeping your car equipped with jumper cables

Final Thoughts

Now that the scorching damp weather has arrived it’s crucial to provide your vehicle with the routine maintenance it needs before serious issues arise. Countless locals in the Fort Worth, TX community count on family owned and operated Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop for affordable and convenient oil changes, tire repairs, engine maintenance, and much more! Visit our website to read our story and view our wide array of services or call (817) 834-2725 for more information.

Mike's Brake & Alignment Shop

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