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Tag: auto maintenance (page 5 of 6)

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.

Brake Maintenance Guide

April 6, 2022 / / 0 Comments

The interior setup of your car’s braking system is quite complex and surprisingly very easy to maintain. A braking mechanism is essential to your car’s performance and your safety. If it fails at any time, you could face consequences of your neglect. Here is a step-by-step guide for you to follow and learn basic maintenance of your car’s braking system so that you’re prepared.

  1. Inspect the Brakes and Brake Pads 

The first step is to check the brakes and brake pads of your car. If either is worn out, it is time to get them replaced. A general rule of the thumb is to get the brake pads checked once every year. If they are too worn out, replace them with new ones to ensure smooth performance for your vehicle. 

2. Check the Brake Fluid 

Your brake fluid is responsible for the transfer of heat generated throughout your car’s system. If you see that your brake fluid is of a dark color, it is time to get it changed. It’s best to flush the brake fluid out to avoid any sort of moisture build-up which is damaging to the car. Then, fill the brake oil after bleeding the brake lines to avoid any excess air into the system. 

3. Upgrade the Brakes

Technology has introduced easy updates that you can do to improve the condition and overall performance of your car. If you are at the mechanic’s shop for replacing the brakes, consider upgrading them. Ceramic brake pads are quieter and produce less brake dust. Similarly, you can opt for slotted disc brakes since they are more heat resistant and durable than traditional parts. 

Conclusion 

Your brakes are your first line of defense against any sort of road accident. Keeping them in top form is essential for your safety and car’s performance. If you don’t have time to look after your braking system, hire the professionals at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop to do it for you. We provide professional mechanical services specializing in brakes and alignment of vehicles. Give us a call 817-834-2725 at for any assistance and check out our website to see a comprehensive list of services.

How to Know if You Need Your Wheels Aligned or Balanced

March 25, 2022 / / 0 Comments

The world of car maintenance is teeming with technical jargon, and nothing is more confusing for all vehicle owners than trying to find the difference between a wheel alignment and wheel balancing. Both of these affect your driving experience and are important factors for a smooth and safe ride. If you’re not sure if you need a wheel alignment or balancing service, continue reading to differentiate between these two processes with our guide below.

What Is Wheel Balancing?

If you’re normally driving between 40 mph and 50 mph and you feel the steering column vibrate, this means you need a wheel balancing and your wheels need to be checked. Also known as tire balancing, wheel balancing is the process of distributing the weight of a wheel evenly around its axis of rotation. This process ensures that the entire surface of the tire is perfectly in contact with the road surface while driving.

What Is a Wheel Alignment?

When your car appears to be swerving left or right, even though it feels like you’re driving in a straight line, it is a strong indicator that your car needs a realignment as soon as possible. Also known as a tire alignment, a wheel alignment ensures that the four wheels of your vehicle are parallel to each other. This process aligns them at the correct angle according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Why Do I Need an Alignment or Balancing?

The bottom line is that maintaining proper wheel alignment and balancing is essential to your vehicle’s performance and will avoid unnecessary wear on your tires, steering, suspension, and brakes. These two services will ensure a safe and efficient operation while allowing you to maintain control on difficult roads and during harsh weather. It also ensures a smooth ride and a longer lifespan for your tires.

Conclusion

Every vehicle’s wheels at a certain point will lose its balance, whether it be due to imperfections, blemishes in its rubber, and other causes. If you notice any symptoms of unbalanced wheels or alignment issues in your vehicle, 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.

5 Signs of Potential Brake Problems

December 30, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Your vehicle’s braking system is an essential safety feature. The numerous components of the braking system work in keeping the driver safe. Servicing your brakes is an integral part of vehicle maintenance. It is advisable to be alert on how your brakes are functioning. When your car has loose brakes, it should raise concerns as it can cause a disaster. Below are the signs that indicate that your vehicle has potential brake problems.

  1. Brake Light On

When you notice a brake light indicator on your dashboard, it’s either an alert to a potential problem or it’s time for your regular brake servicing. When this happens, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your mechanic.

2. Squeaking Noises

Squeaking noises coming from your brakes indicate that you need to check them. It suggests that the brake pads are being worn out and the caliper is rubbing against the rooter.

3. Pressing Down Further for Braking Functions

If you notice that you’re stepping down further than usual on the brake pedal or that it’s requiring more time and pressure in performing the same stopping function, then this is a sure sign of brake pad wear. Hence, changing the brakes is imminent to avoid potential danger.

4. Shaking or Vibrating Steering Wheel When Braking

When your steering wheel is shaking or vibrating when engaging the brakes, this is a sign that the surface of the rotor is uneven. When one part of the disk brake is inconsistent, the brake pads encounter a rough surface during application. This causes you to feel a pulsation when braking, therefore lowering the brakes overall effectiveness.

5. Smoke From the Wheels

When you see smoke coming from the wheels, this is an indication that you have struck the brake caliper. When this happens, it’s recommended to have the brake repaired as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Your safety and that of others are vital when you are driving. Brakes play a crucial role as they allow you to stop, slow down, and help you avert serious accidents. Brakes that are not well maintained can be dangerous. When you require brake servicing providers, Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop can ensure that your car is ready for the road. Schedule an appointment today for complete vehicle services!

Tips for Choosing the Right Mechanic

October 22, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Not only are vehicles an expensive investment that require constant upkeep and maintenance, they’re also indispensable and invaluable. These machines are required by millions around the world every day to commute to work, receive health care, visit family and for tourism. Keeping your vehicles in tip top shape year round with help from a loyal mechanic will ensure optimal safety on the road and that the vehicle will run well for years to come. Continue along below for our quick guide made to help you find the right mechanic every time!

What to Look For

  •  Certifications – If your mechanic or auto shop can prove that they have received various certifications then you can rest assured knowing they’ve conformed to a certain set of regulatory industry standards. Some certifications to look for include ASE, AAA, and ASA.
  • Free Estimates – Mechanics should always be able to provide a free estimate for your desired service before they begin any actual work. Even if you’re pretty confident in the legitimacy of your mechanic you should still get a binding written estimate regarding the services they plan to perform.
  • A Second Opinion – Taking the time to get a second opinion can end up saving you countless time and money in the long run. You can get a second opinion from a knowledgeable friend, another mechanic, or even with a thorough internet search.

What to Avoid

  •  Vagueness – If your mechanic cannot or does not provide an explanation of their plans or concerns in layman’s terms you may want to walk away. A major part of a mechanics job is to translate difficult mechanical issues into plain English, explain to car owners what the problem is, and why it needs to be fixed.
  • Intimidation – Some mechanics have a bad reputation for providing unnecessary services, essentially taking advantage of customers who are none the wiser. Be weary of mechanics who attempt to scare you into purchasing services they’ve described as being dire or emergent, as that’s not always true.

Final Thoughts

While most auto mechanics are legitimate business owners that do a great job of repairing both new and used vehicles, it’s always best to do a bit of vetting before handing over your keys for a repair. When you choose Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop in Fort Worth, TX you are choosing a local family owned and operated business with nearly twenty years of proven success. Visit our website for a full list of our services or contact us today for your free auto estimate!

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.

The Season of Spring and Your Air Filters

April 30, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Young flower buds are opening to the sun’s shining rays, which indicates that pollen will be pervading the air soon. Whether it’s intrusive pollen, wintery snow, or even crunchy leaves, each season comes with a difficulty that people have to face. Besides dealing with allergy season, pollen can affect your vehicle’s air filter. Here we will tell you what steps you can take to make sure your air filter is ready for spring!

A vehicle has two fundamental air filters: the cabin air filter and the engine air filter. The air intake system’s objective is to let airflow to your car’s engine. An intake system allows constant clean airflow into your engine. It obtains higher mileage and additional power for a vehicle. The air must be free of debris, dirt, dust, and of course, pollen. The engine air filter guards an engine against these particles by ensuring only unpolluted air reaches the inside of a machine.

 The intake system is in control of transporting oxygen, which is essential for combustion. An intake system consists of an air filter, a throttle, and passageways for air to reach the cylinders themselves. If an engine air filter is worn out or filthy, the chance of dirty air creeping into an engine is much greater.

While an engine air filter is in charge of an engine’s health and overall condition, the cabin air filter in a vehicle helps remove harmful pollutants, including pollen and dust. It ensures the air is clean within the car. The filter is located behind the glovebox and purifies the air that flows inside a vehicle’s HVAC system—the cabin air filters out any dust, soot, pollen, or any outside allergens.  Not changing the air filter results in the filter will become clogged.

A dirty air filter will compromise the efficiency of the filter and the car’s HVAC system. Also, a dirty engine air filter can cause engine performance problems. The cabin air filter is essential during spring. When the air is inundated with allergens is important to replace both cabin and engine air filters.

The springtime is the best time to have your cabin and engine air filters replaced. You will not worry about pollen or any other particles entering your vehicle. At Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop, we don’t want any pollen or foreign particles entering your cabin or your engine. We can make sure to check you’re A/C and repair if needed. If your brakes or tires seem to not behaving correctly, we can make sure to check it and fix any issues you have. Ensuring your car is secure and safe while driving is not something you want to leave to chance. Please schedule an appointment today at our website to get your air filter checked.

4 Ways to Know You Need a Vehicle Alignment

March 25, 2021 / / 0 Comments

            Have you ever driven on the freeway at about 80 mph, and suddenly there appears an enormous pothole that you cannot evade? Numerous drivers experience this type of scenario on the highway every day, never knowing that the pothole messed up their car’s alignment. Many influences can cause your vehicle to become out of alignment. Yet, a misaligned vehicle can bring you issues like wearing out your tires faster and less fuel efficiency. It is essential to know when you need an alignment and the four indicators to look for to avoid any safety concerns.

  • Vehicle Pulls to the Side

When a vehicle is pulling to the side, it is a strong indicator that it needs a realignment immediately.  A driver struggling to keep their truck straight is not a good sign for the truck’s overall health. Even if the vehicle is slightly pulling, it is still a good idea to take it to an auto shop, so there are no future issues.

  • Steering Wheel is Crooked

A steering wheel driven at an awkward angle is another indicator that a vehicle has a horrible alignment. If the car’s steering wheel logo is not facing up or down when the vehicle moves straight, something is wrong. The best option to do is to bring this issue to the attention of a trusted mechanic.

  •  Vibrating Vehicle

A lousy alignment means at least two tires are pulling against each and trying to go in separate directions. When a vehicle is pulling, a driver can quickly feel a vibration in the steering wheel. In worst cases, the steering wheel will shake, and the car as well.

  • Odd Tire Wear

The final inspection that a driver should do is to check their vehicle’s tire treads. Two tires on the same axle that have to wear in different ways can reveal alignment issues.  The tires will be smoother or balder on one specific part of the tire.

Conclusion

Bad vehicle alignment can bring unnecessary issues to a vehicles’ health.  Drivers who look for the signs of a horrible alignment can save their car, money, and mind. If you are having alignment issues with your vehicle, you can bring it to Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop. We specialize in alignments for your car and provide auto services in Fort Worth, TX. Visit our store or check out our website for more information about our auto services.

We look forward to speaking with you!

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.

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