vehicle solutions – Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop

Tag: vehicle solutions

How Hot and Humid Weather Affects Your Vehicle

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.

How to Extend the Life of Your Car’s Alignment

August 26, 2020 / admin / 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.

Common Car Problems & How to Prevent Them

July 25, 2019 / admin / 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!

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