Mike's Brake & Alignment Shop

Honest & Quality Service

Tag: vehicle safety

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!

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!

3 Reasons to Get a Tire Alignment

February 15, 2019 / / 0 Comments

When it comes to a car’s maintenance, people will often forget to, or simply not, take care of their tire’s alignment. This non-care can end up leading to an unhealthy car and a poor relationship with the wallet through expensive auto repairs. Don’t let this be you! Read more to find three good reasons why a tire alignment can save your car’s health and your wallet.

Person pumping gas into their car.
Person pumping gas into their car.

Fuel Efficiency

In today’s world, the price of gas can really hurt your wallet. Having a poor tire alignment can cause your car to put more strain on the engine rather than the tires it’s the same concept as an extremity of the human body not working and putting more pressure on the heart. When your tires aren’t aligned, it can cause your fuel efficiency to drop and cost you more for gas down the line.

Smoother Driving

Have you ever felt your car pull to the right or left when you’re driving in a straight line? That’s a sure sign the car could use a tire alignment. When the car moves to the right or left without you touching the steering wheel, you’re also putting in more effort instead of enjoying a smooth ride.

Mechanic inspecting a car's engine.
Mechanic inspecting a car’s engine.

Vehicle Safety

When it comes to vehicle safety, most people think about their brakes or their steering ability, but very few think about their tires. When your tires are properly aligned your car can run smoother and have a better chance of avoiding costly repairs further down the line. Make sure to get your tires aligned and don’t wait until it’s too late; this will be one of the best decisions you make for your car’s safety.

Conclusion

When it comes to your vehicle’s health, you want to do everything you can to keep it going strong. From caring about the engine to the tire’s alignment you can save your car and your wallet from costly repairs down the line. Don’t take your car for granted; take pride in your ownership. When you want a team you can trust with your car, give our shop a call and we’ll get you back on the road in no time!

Recent Posts

Search

Contact Us

© 2025 Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑