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Tag: auto care (page 5 of 6)

Why Do You Need To Hire a Good Mechanic for Your Car?

September 23, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Vehicles have massively complex systems and are an expensive investment. Keeping your vehicles in tip-top shape requires a lot of time, money, and effort. Mostly, just to save some money, car owners tend to service their own cars or get their cars repaired by a friend. But trust us, this can easily damage your car especially if you have limited experience repairing vehicles. Therefore, it is always recommended to hire a professional mechanic to service your vehicle to ensure optimal safety on the road and that it runs well for years to come. To help you understand better, we have listed some of the reasons why it’s important to hire a knowledgeable and reputable mechanic to work on your car.

1. Professional services for repair and maintenance.

When you’re not constantly upkeeping and maintaining your vehicle, a minor fault can end up becoming a huge problem. Therefore, hiring a professional auto mechanic becomes important because an experienced mechanic will inspect your vehicle and diagnose the problem to offer you a fast repair. They will also ensure that your other car components, such as the engine, brakes, transmission, and belts, are also functioning correctly.

Related: “Tips for Choosing the Right Mechanic”

2. A knowledgeable mechanic can save you money.

Hiring a skilled auto mechanic will save you not only money, but also time. An experienced mechanic will provide you with an excellent value for your money and reduce your bills with efficient and quick fixes. But if you refer to a less reputable mechanic, there’s a chance you will end up increasing your repair cost without the problem being properly resolved. Be sure to research your local auto shops and compare their estimated prices before continuing.

3. They will help you prevent future problems.

Do you want to reduce future maintenance? Then hiring a knowledgeable and highly-rated mechanic is the smartest choice you can make. A professional auto mechanic will address all the vehicle issues, providing you with the peace of mind that all repairs are fully covered and carried out under guarantee.

Related: “Basic Tire Maintenance Every Driver Should Know”

Find Your Professional Mechanic Today!

Your vehicle can have a variety of different issues. Sometimes these problems can be fixed and repaired with some slight adjustments, whereas other times, these vehicle issues can be a complete mystery. Therefore, hiring a knowledgeable mechanic means you won’t have to wait long for your vehicle to get fixed.

If you’re looking for an auto mechanic in Fort Worth, TX, come to Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop when you need a knowledgeable mechanic for your car. Contact us at (817) 834-2725 today to find out exactly how we can help you keep your car in perfect running condition. Please feel free to explore our online website to learn more about us.

How to Troubleshoot Your Car’s Light Issues

August 26, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Car lights are an essential part of maintaining the safety and security of your vehicle on the road, especially at night. While headlight technology isn’t overly complicated, there are a lot of different ways headlights can fail. Therefore, if you find that your headlights have suddenly stopped working, it’s important to note the type of failure you’re dealing with and go from there. In this month’s blog, we’ve compiled common light issues that can come like a bolt from the blue and what to do in such cases.

Dynamo Fixture

The dynamo provides direct current through the electrical system of the vehicle with the help of the commuter. In case of a problem with the charging system of the dynamo, there are important parts that will be affected, such as the engine cooling fan as well as the lights. Furthermore, the task of the car dynamo is not limited to that. It also recharges the battery, which is necessary to start the engine of the vehicle. 

Where exactly do you begin? Well, don’t procrastinate and go consult an auto repair shop. 

The Battery

The battery is an essential element that is necessary for the car to operate and the engine to run. But if the battery malfunctions, is poorly charged, or the end of its life is approaching, this affects the illumination strength of the lights. Therefore, your headlights dimming may be a clear indication of a problem with the car battery and that it needs to be charged or replaced.

Related: Learn more about how to jump start a car’s battery here.

A Battery Wire Disconnection Might Be the Blame!

Typically, fuse shortages of the ground wires or some other connections between their poles weaken the light and affect the performance of the headlights or tail lights. However, if your car has no lights at all, the problem is an electrical disruption. We recommend you to start with the fuses and then check all the connectors in the wiring leading to the taillights. Also, check your vehicle service manual for adjustment procedures. If the issue is still not palpable, don’t dilly-dally and take your vehicle to the nearest auto shop in your area.

Conclusion

You may be surprised by the low intensity in the performance of your car lights, especially the headlights. And sometimes, the poor lighting may be evidence of a bigger malfunction in the car, which needs to be maintained immediately so that the car does not break down and stop working completely. The next time you notice a teeny-tiny light issue with your vehicle, call on the local mechanics at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop in Fort Worth, TX. Visit our auto shop or check out our website for more information.

Taking Care of Your Power Steering System

July 22, 2022 / / 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 / / 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.

Related: “The Warning Signs of Broken Brakes”

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.

Related: “Spring Brake: Should You Check Your Brakes?”

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.

4 Warning Signs Your Car’s Oil Needs Changing 

May 27, 2022 / / 0 Comments

A car’s lubrication system is not only the most important function, but it is also the most critical system for maintaining the engine’s performance and extending its life. That said, the oil must be changed every now and then because every delay can cause serious problems. Many car owners get confused and ask these questions: How do I know if the engine oil in my car needs to be changed? What is the condition of the oil that needs to be changed? Well, all these questions will be answered in detail in this blog. 

1. The Oil’s Color 

One of the obvious alerts that the oil needs to be changed is the color. If you notice any slight change in the oil color from a brown or light honey color to a darker black, then it’s without a doubt that the oil is saturated with sediments and dust inside the engine. Therefore, if you don’t want to compromise on the performance of the engine, try to check the oil at least once every couple of weeks or after a long journey. 

2. Engine Oil and Dashboard Light

The dashboard in front of you shows many warning signs indicating any defect in the car, whether there is a lack of fuel or an imbalance in tire air pressure and other alerting signs. However, if the oil pressure warning light is on, you have to stop your car as soon as you have a safe place to park in and change the oil immediately. Some car dashboards may display the word “OIL” instead of the oil pressure symbol. 

Related: learn more about how to change your car oil here.  

3. Engine Oil and Smoke 

If the translucent vapor emanating from the car’s exhaust changes to smoke, stop your vehicle immediately. The smoke emanating from the exhaust is a dangerous sign that indicates actual damage to the engine’s internal parts. Check up on your engine – you may find an oil leak and, in worst cases, faulty engine parts. 

4. The Oil’s Smell 

Under normal conditions, the smell of engine oil is not supposed to leak into the car cabin, but a strong odor inside the car cabin means that the engine oil needs to be changed. If you smell burning oil, stop your vehicle as quickly as possible and schedule a maintenance appointment immediately. 

Conclusion 

The bottom line? Ignoring the above warning signs can completely damage the performance of your engine and put your safety at risk. So, whether you want a professional diagnosis for your car or just want to change the engine oil, head to Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop for quick and affordable auto services. Visit our auto shop or check out our website for more information.

How to Jump Start a Car’s Battery

August 23, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Eventually most car owners have to face jump starting other vehicles or needing their vehicle jump started due to battery issues. Oftentimes when car batteries die all they need is a quick electrical recharge from another vehicles battery to return to normal. Reasons for dead car batteries range from leaving on interior and exterior lights to extreme temperatures. Follow along below this month as we describe step-by-step how to jump start a car’s battery.

Items You Will Need

  • Jumper Cables
  • Gloves
  • Owner’s Manual

Important Tips

  • Read your owner’s manual first. Your manufacturer may advise against jump starting a vehicle due to sensitive electronic circuitry.
  • Don’t try to jump a frozen battery.
  • Do NOT jump a battery that is cracked or leaking. This is very dangerous. You will need to purchase a new battery at this point, so call a tow truck or a friend that can help you out.

Step 1: Park vehicles close together so that the jumper cables will easily reach both batteries. Turn off both engines, put on gloves, and properly lock both vehicle’s engine hoods in their upright positions. Remove any tangles from the jumper cables and be sure to not let any of the four metal ends touch one another.

Step 2: Once you’ve located the batteries (check owner’s manual if not sure), identify the two post “terminals”. One is positive (+) and usually red while the other one is negative (-) and usually black. Remove any plastic or rubber protecting the terminals so that you expose the metal beneath.

Step 3: Grab one of the POSITIVE (red) clamps on the jumper cables and attach it to the dead car’s positive terminal post (+ or red). The clamps should have metal teeth that help them grip the terminal post.

Step 4: With both vehicles still turned off, take the POSITIVE (red) clamp at the opposite end of the cables and attach it to the positive terminal post of the good, working battery.

Step 5: Take the NEGATIVE (black) clamp on that same end and attach to the negative terminal of the good, working battery.

Step 6: Take the final NEGATIVE (black) clamp and attach it to negative terminal of the car that is being jump-started.

Step 7: Triple check that all negative and positive terminals are correctly connected before starting the vehicle of the car with the good, working battery. Allow the vehicle to run this way for 3-5 minutes. You can now try to start the dead car as normal. If the engine does not start allow the battery to charge for several more minutes before trying again. At this point both cars should be on and running successfully.

Step 8: Working in reverse order, unhook each of the clamps from the terminals without ever letting the ends touch one another. Safely store jumper cables, remove gloves, and return engine hoods to their normal positions.

Final Thoughts

Engine and battery issues are almost always unexpected and tend to occur at the most inconvenient times. The next time your vehicle won’t start or produces an odd noise or smell, call on the local mechanics at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop in Fort Worth, TX. We are committed to making sure all of our customers are happy with our work and safe on the road.

Best Safety Practices for Car Repairs

February 23, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Whether you are tackling your vehicle’s oil change or replacing its brake pads, safety should always be the highest priority. Anytime you are working on your vehicle there is opportunity to invest in improved safety practices, methods, and standards. Below we discuss a few simple ways anyone working on their car can take to ensure that they are always maintaining safety first and foremost.

Fire Safety

As a result of cars being filled with many types of gases and oils, they are incredibly flammable pieces of machinery. To ensure you are best protected against fires when working on your vehicle be sure to always keep a fire extinguisher on hand and close by. It’s also crucial to secure and protect your workspace from any smoke, open flames, or other combustible materials.

Protective Gear

Depending on the type of repair you are attempting, a number of protective items can be of great use. Gloves are a great idea when working with anything oily or hot, goggles should be used whenever working with dirt, drills, or high heat hazards, and ear protection should be used whenever sanders, horns, shopvacs, loud engines and drills are in use.

Electrical Safety

Whether or not you are working on an electrical repair for your vehicle, you need to be aware of electrical risks and the necessary precautions. Electricity runs through vehicles via their wires and batteries which is why always disconnecting the battery before beginning maintenance or repairs is crucial. Even if the vehicle is turned off there is still potential for electrical currents to pass through the batteries and wires which can result in injury.

Final Thoughts

Working on a car can be very dangerous whenever best safety practices and protections are not taken seriously. Before you or someone you love attempts a repair or maintenance service on their car, share with them some of these best practices. Or better yet, take your car to a reputable and trustworthy mechanic in your local area. Fort Worth, TX residents should visit Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop, call us at (817) 834- 2725, or visit our website here for more information about our expert services.

Basic Steps for Changing a Tire

September 25, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Getting a flat tire on the road isn’t something you planned; however, you can solve the problem with a simple fix. With a couple of tools and a little bit of car knowledge, you can be back on the road in no time. From finding a safe location to change your tire to jacking up the car, we have organized a list of what to do when you need to change a flat tire.

1) Park in a Safe Place

Whether you are on the side of the freeway or in a shopping center, try to park away from any traffic if you can. Make sure your hazard lights are on, letting the cars around you know you are stopped. Once you have found a safe location, observe your surroundings to find a flat surface. A flat surface allows the jack to sit evenly. Also, apply the parking brake to ensure you don’t roll.

2) Remove the Hubcap and Loosen the Lug Nuts

If your vehicle has a hubcap covering the lug nuts, it’s easier to remove the hubcap before lifting the vehicle with the jack. If your lug nuts are exposed, you can skip this step. After removing the hubcap, loosen the lug nuts, but don’t remove them completely. Use as much force as necessary.

3) Place the Jack and Raise the Vehicle to Remove Flat

To replace your tire, you are going to need a jack to raise the vehicle off the ground. You can find one located in the truck in your car. Refer to the owner’s manual to find where the jack is needs to be positioned. Next, crank the vehicle at least 6 inches on the ground and start removing the lug nuts. Once removed, carefully remove the flat tire.

4) Position Spare Tire and Tighten Lug Nuts

Mount the spare tire and align it with the lug nut bolts. Next, place the lug nuts on the bolts and tighten until they are secure. Now, you can finally lower your jack and place the hubcap back on. Place your equipment and flat tire back in your car.

Conclusion

The final recommended step is taking your car to the nearest auto shop, such as Mike’s Brake Alignment Shop. We are dedicated to your automotive needs, including tire services, repairs, and more. Call 817-834-2725 to schedule an auto service today!

Most Common Transmission Problems

October 30, 2019 / / 0 Comments

When it comes to your transmission, you always want to keep it at its best. The last thing you want is to be left dealing with additional problems due to you not handling your transmission issues right away. Your transmission is a critical component of your vehicle and needs proper care for it to work better as a whole. A faulty transmission is one of the most expensive repairs on the market. It is for this reason that you need to pay attention to the following symptoms to ensure your vehicle doesn’t fall victim to transmission problems.

Gear Shaking or Grinding

Your transmission should always shift smoothly from gear to gear. There should be no grinding, shaking, or slipping of any kind. When symptoms like these occur, you may think of it as insignificant, but it isn’t. This problem won’t go away if you simply ignore it. In fact, it will only get worse. If you are feeling any shaking or grinding, it’s time to get it looked at.

Whining, Humming, or Clunking When In Neutral

Hearing noises like these are not normal, no matter how quiet and unnoticeable the sound may be. Though this issue may likely be minor, it could also be signaling something much worse. When you hear humming or clunking, it can be due to the transmission fluid breaking down. Your transmission fluid has to lubricate all of the mechanical gears and components, so make sure you regularly have it changed.

Do You Smell Something Burning?

When there is a burning smell coming from your vehicle, it is something to be concerned about. The most common cause of the smell is due to overheated fluid. Your vehicle basically runs on this fluid as it helps to protect its complex system. When your fluid begins to deteriorate due to age and mileage, friction damage between all parts will begin to occur. The friction will cause the breakdown of your vehicle’s components as well as a buildup of debris and sludge in your engine.

There are many problems that come along with transmission issues. They start off small, but eventually turn into a costly issue if not cared for properly and in a time efficient manner. If peace of mind is your top priority, then you can count on our team at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop to exceed your expectations.

Common Car Problems & How to Prevent Them

July 25, 2019 / / 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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