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Tag: auto maintenance (page 6 of 6)

Common Power Steering Problems (And How to Fix Them)

November 27, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Most parts of your vehicle do not need hands-on control – except for your power steering wheel. The system is directly controlled by the driver, so if loss of control happens, then driving on the road becomes more hazardous. The power steering is a top-safety concern for car manufacturers and should be a concern for you too. In this blog, we are going to discuss general power steering problems and how to fix them.

Stiff Steering

When your power steering becomes rigid and unresponsive, you might assume that you are low on power steering fluid. However, this problem can also be linked to an electrical issue. Some of these problems may include faults with the wiring, connections, and even low battery voltage. A quick fix to this issue is to turn off your car and restart it. See your mechanic if the problem persists.

Loss of Hydraulic Power

If you are struggling to turn your wheel, this is most likely due to the loss of hydraulic power. The reasoning behind this loss of power is from a low amount of fluid in your power steering system. Check the fluid level and see if you need a refill. While you are inspecting, also be wary of cracks in the hydraulic lines, defective components, and so on. Visit a mechanic for a more detailed inspection.

Grinding/Squealing During Turns

Are you hearing unpleasant noises, such as shrieking or grinding? Your power steering wheel is telling you that there’s something wrong with the belt drive. Most of the time, you can tighten or adjust the belt drive to get rid of the noises. It’s recommended to have a professional mechanic take a look.

Conclusion

We hope the information in this blog can help you identify power steering problems with your vehicle. You can schedule an inspection for your power steering wheel by contact our team at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop for professional services. We look forward to serving you!

How to Extend the Life of Your Car’s Alignment

August 26, 2020 / / 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. 

Coolant System Parts You Should Check Regularly

April 30, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Are you constantly having issues with your car’s engine? One of the top reasons why your engine may be failing is because of the coolant system. This part of your vehicle works hard to prevent the engine from freezing or overheating. However, your coolant system may need a full inspection to ensure each part is working properly. To keep your engine in good shape, continue reading to find out which coolant parts need to be checked.

Heater and Radiator Hoses

In order for the coolant to move throughout the system, hoses are used to direct where the coolant needs to go. You can check on these hoses when the engine is cool. Some things to look for is cracking, fraying, or swelling. Also, make sure that the hoses are secured correctly. Any loose-fitting parts can have a major effect on the entire system.

Heater Core

The heater core allows for the cabin air to warm up when you have your engine running. It also helps the coolant lose heat before returning to the radiator to be cooled down. AutoZone suggests to “inspect for signs of leakage indicated by fluid around the heater core or wet spots on your carpet. Constant presence of fog on the inside of your windshield can also mean that your heater core needs replacing.”

Radiator Fluid

Your coolant reservoir needs to be filled with an even mixture of antifreeze and water to get the right amount of cool air. You can check to see if the radiator fluid needs a refill if it doesn’t reach the “full” line. To prevent damage to your coolant system, fill with antifreeze as needed. If you’re unsure about the fluid ratio, contact your local auto mechanic.

Conclusion

Your car’s engine depends on the coolant system, which allows for optimal performance when driving. If you’re running into complications with the engine or other parts of your vehicle, schedule an appointment at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop. Our mechanics ensure customer satisfaction with every service, so visit us today!

Most Common Hazards While Driving in the Snow

December 27, 2019 / / 0 Comments

While it is always important to be confident in your driving skills, especially through difficult weather, it is important to understand the dangers that can come with it. With the world throwing any type of rain or shine at us however it sees fit, there is nothing more vital than knowing how to handle the changing seasons when driving on the road. There is no better example of a weather hazard than those that come up when it snows. Read further to learn about the most common hazards that can arise when it snows and how to avoid them.

Dying Battery From the Cold:

A more indirect effect of snow, the extreme cold and insulation created by your hood can result in the draining of your battery. Cold naturally drains the energy out of any battery over time and considering how important they are for a car to run properly, it is important to keep this in mind and take steps to prevent it. The easiest ways to prevent your battery from losing its charge are to get the battery checked before the cold season comes to ensure it is not already low and trying to keep your car parked in some kind of enclosure or garage at all times when it’s not running. Another helpful tip is to give your car some time to warm up after you turn it on before using any accessories; using the radio or heater as soon as the engine is on may not give the battery enough time to recharge from the drain the cold has called, meaning it could stall.

No Traction on Wheels:

It seems like an obvious bit of advice, but it needs to be said again because of how important it truly is to ensure you keep control of your car while you drive. Snow causes an incredible amount of difficulty for your tires to gain traction on the road, which means that as soon as you relax on the wheel for even a minute, you could end up losing control if even the slightest change of terrain occurs. The most dangerous and common concern when it comes to snow is actually not even the snow itself, it’s the ice it may be covering that you wouldn’t notice. Hidden ice on the road is often referred to as “black ice” due to its extremely dangerous nature and the inability you would have to control your car if you drive over it too fast. Ways of counteracting this lack of traction is to constantly keep both hands firmly on the wheel, don’t take turns too sharply and never drive your car too fast when there are snowy or icy conditions.

Poor Visibility:

There is one constant when it comes to driving a car, if you can’t see where you are going, you can’t drive. One of the largest obstacles a person faces in any kind of bad weather is the issues that arise with visibility. Rain and snow can cause serious issues when it comes to seeing the road in front of you, which means you always need to have an increased sense of vigilance as well as taking steps to lessen the effects. Keeping your heater on the windshield setting while you drive helps to keep new ice from forming or snow from sticking on the windshield while still keeping you warm. Keeping a scraper in your car is also very important to help get the ice buildup off of your windows before you even drive it, because with the air being so cold, it would take way too long for it to melt on its own when you drive. Only use your windshield wipers if there is true snowfall, because the friction of the wipers on the windshield with the cold of the outside air could also cause the window to fog up slightly, further reducing visibility.

Conclusion:

There are plenty of different ways in which you can prevent yourself from danger while driving in the snow, but the most important thing is that you always employ these tips and never get comfortable. The ice and snow are constant hazards which require constant vigilance, so always take them seriously. When it comes to preparing yourself with the best tires and alignment for that upcoming cold season, there is no place better to go than Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop, so come on in and let’s tackle this winter together.

Do You Hear That? What Your Car’s Weird Noises Mean

May 17, 2019 / / 0 Comments

It’s a familiar situation for anyone who’s ever owned a car; you’re going about your day, driving to pick up the kids or running errands, when suddenly you notice your car is making an unusual sound. Do you go straight to the repair shop to get it checked out or do you keep driving and hope it goes away? Not knowing what’s causing the sound can make the decision a difficult one, so in this article we’ll explain some of the most common noises and what they mean. You’ll also learn how urgently they need to be addressed by a mechanic.

Squealing, especially when braking.

As one of the most common problems car owners hear, it’s important to know that this is caused by brake pad problems. While the car is not unsafe to drive when this is happening, it’s important that you come for replacements as soon as possible.

Metallic ticking from under the hood.

If you’re hearing a metallic ticking that seems like it’s coming from the engine, park your car, let it cool down a little bit and then check your oil levels. Your oil pressure could be to blame, and if it is, go to the auto repair shop as soon as possible to avoid engine damage.

Hissing.

This is a sound that becomes more common during summer months when the weather is hot; that’s because it’s probably the sound of your engine overheating. You’ll probably notice that the temperature gauge is rising, but even if it’s not, check your coolant levels when the car cools down. Also, beware the smell of maple syrup wafting from under the hood; that’s the smell of leaking or boiling coolant, which is the tell-tale sign of an engine that’s about to overheat. An engine that’s running too hot can eventually stop functioning permanently, so make sure to see a mechanic if adding more coolant doesn’t resolve the problem.

Conclusion

Now that you know what these sounds mean, you’re better equipped at understanding what’s going on with your car. However, the best course of action is always to visit a specialist whenever your car starts making unusual noises. Here at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop, we offer reliable and affordable service to resolve any unexpected issues your car might be having. We’ll keep your car running in top condition.

Everything You Need to Know About Auto Diagnostics

October 25, 2018 / / 1 Comment

Just like us, our vehicles require regular maintenance and checkups to ensure they’re constantly running at peak performance. In much the same vein as a doctor’s visit, auto diagnostic tests can detect problems before they’re given the chance to evolve into something more troubling.

While that may be the case, many drivers can be understandably skeptical of regularly bringing in their vehicle for an auto diagnostics test. After all, doesn’t the “maintenance required” light exist to let us know when it’s time to see a mechanic? Not quite. In many cases, the maintenance required light can show up well after your vehicle has already suffered an unknown breakdown. And with that in mind, we offer up this brief rundown of the auto diagnostic process and its benefits. We hope this helps in convincing you why preventative maintenance can do both you and your vehicle a world of good!

What is a Diagnostic Test?

If you were asked which the most important advancement in automobile construction is, how would you answer? For us personally, we would easily say the computerization of parts and components. Including computer processors, sensors, and microchips in our current engines allows us the opportunity to diagnose problems without having to break apart pieces and take a physical look. In a short and sweet summation, that’s auto diagnostic testing.

Using a computer system that links to the vehicle’s processors and systems, mechanics are able to accurately pinpoint prospective breakdowns before they leave you stranded on the side of the road.

What Gets Tested?

The beauty behind diagnostic testing is that it reveals structural compromises in practically all of a vehicle’s major components. Everything from your transmission and exhaust system to your brakes and fuel injector are checked for even the slightest disturbance.

While this service may sound too good to be true, a diagnostics run won’t spell out the exact problem that triggered that pesky “check engine” light. It will simply show a trained mechanic which parameters are out of their normal range. With that information, a trained specialist will be able to more accurately determine the vehicle’s issue.

What Are the Benefits?

Time is one of the biggest factors when it comes to diagnosing an automobile’s malfunction. And with computerized diagnostics, time is exactly what you save. Now that the process doesn’t involve invasive procedures and constant tests and trials, drivers no longer have to worry about time and budget consuming mechanic services! Instead of waiting to come in when the problem is at its worst, vehicle owners can responsibly come in for preventative maintenance. Couple that with the accuracy and comprehensive servicing computer diagnostics provide, and it’s easy to see just how beneficial the process can be as a whole.

Diagnosing Your Auto AC Ailments

August 21, 2018 / / 0 Comments

If you regularly commute to work or school, you understand better than most how essential a properly running AC unit can be for both your internal temperature and sanity. Of course, a car wouldn’t be a car if it put that sanity to the test with sudden and oftentimes inexplicable breakdowns from time to time. And unfortunately, your air conditioning is one of the many fixtures of your vehicle that stands at risk of a variety of different malfunctions. Luckily, those sweaty and steamy treks to your office can soon be a thing of the past if you reach out for efficient care.

That being said, being able to diagnose your misbehaving cooling unit is a strong first step in having it treated. That’s where we plan to help today! Read on for a breakdown of 3 of the most common auto AC concerns and the reasons behind them.

Weak Airflow

One of the most frustrating AC issues to experience on the road is weakened air flow. The excessive heat is bad enough without having your car give you just enough of the cooling air to leave you begging for more. Fortunately, there are reasons behind your coyly behaving unit. Your seals are one of the first components you should check if you feel like your AC is being stingy with the cooling relief. A car’s ventilation systems are incredibly sensitive and all it takes is for one seal to be broken to result in a completely compromises fixture.

It could also be possible that your evaporator core has been attacked by mold or mildew. If these contaminants are left alone to cake on, air can have a difficult time making it to your vents. Speaking of vents, there’s also a possibility your ventilation fan could be shot. Needless to say, with a fan blowing, that air won’t be flowing.

Air Isn’t as Cold

Conversely, your air conditioning can be an entirely different kind of stingy and deliver all the air you need, but hold back on the cool. And yes, even in the face of this cruel joke, there’s rhyme and reason behind why your AC is behaving this way. More commonly than not, the lack of cold air can be attributed to a Freon leak caused by a broken seal or hose. Unfortunately, that’s not all. The same symptoms can be traced back to a number of different conditions including a failed compressor, a blown our blower motor, or even a busted control module.

If you notice your AC isn’t delivering the cooling air you need when you need it, prioritize having it treated by a team of professionals. Leaks can be annoying at first but, if left alone for too long, can leave you needing much more costly repairs. And then you’ll be sweating for an entirely different reason.

Smelly AC Vents

As if stale warm air weren’t bad enough, now your AC is blasting smelly air assaulting two senses at once. If you notice your rides have become noticeably more rank and your deodorant isn’t to blame, make the first place you check your AC’s evaporator. If water sits on the structure for too long, mold can begin to accumulate and, surprise, it’s not the best smelling substance.

Conclusion

Don’t let your AC dictate how enjoyable your commute is. Keep these symptoms and diagnoses we mentioned in mind and drive in class and comfort with cooling and comforting air conditioning.

What Are Shocks and Struts and Do You Need Replacements?

June 26, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Have you ever wondered just how your vehicle stays grounded and stable when you hit those unexpected bumpy roads? The culprits behind such ingenious mechanics and machinery are closer than you think! Whether your car has shocks or struts supporting its wheels, these structural fixtures are what keep your morning commutes from turning into a rocking and bouncing mess.

As amazing as they may be, these fixtures require just as much maintenance and care as every other piece in your vehicle. Of course, when it comes to diagnosing problems tied to these structures, it helps to understand how shocks and struts differ in their operation. Fortunately enough, our team of passionate car buffs is happy to educate! Read on for a crash course in vehicle shock absorption and determine if you’re long overdue for a visit to the mechanic.

Shocks VS Struts

First things first, what exactly are shocks and struts? While both of them perform the same function of dulling impacts your vehicle faces on the road, you can’t necessarily use the two pieces interchangeably. In fact, every vehicle is typically designed with either shocks or struts in mind for both the front and rear and can’t have them swapped for the other freely.

The largest difference between the two parts is the fact that struts are a structural part of a vehicle’s suspension system, meaning they are mounted to the actual chassis of the vehicle. This means that struts hold sway over more than simply the bounce you experience on the road. They also are an integral part of your vehicle’s steering and alignment. This is why we notice a more expensive cost for strut repair and replacements compared to shock services.

Does Your Suspension Need Repair?

Now that we’ve gotten the suspension primer course out of the way, the next step is to keep an eye out for red flag signs that your vehicle needs repair. Fortunately, the signs are easy to spot and diagnose!

First, the obvious sign. If your vehicle bounces excessively when going over bumps, odds are very likely that your suspension needs a looking at. In addition to that, without proper suspension absorbing the movement of the springs in your vehicle, you could begin to see your front end dip into the ground when breaking. It’s also just as likely that your vehicle’s rear will bottom out and make contact with the ground on more bumpy roads.

Conclusion

If you’ve owned a vehicle for more than few years, you’re already more than aware of the fact that, if you ignore problems with your vehicle such as compromised suspension, further and more costly damages await. If you notice any of these red flag signs, visit your mechanic right away. It could also be helpful to know whether your car uses struts or shocks beforehand to further streamline the repair process.

Common Causes For a Check Engine Light

March 27, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Although our check engine lights are meant to help us diagnose problems with our car, more often than not, seeing that light pop up on our dash can leave us just as ignorant if not more so than before! With so many different issues that can be linked to that infamous light, how can drivers be expected to go down the list and find the one ailing their vehicle?

Fortunately for those dreading the idea of being left in the dark until their visit to the mechanic, there are a few common reasons that cause that light to rear its head. Read on for some of the more common issues linking back to that light and see if you can get a head start on discovering the cause of your car’s problem before having it confirmed with engine diagnostics.

Spark Plugs

Damaged spark plugs are a very common sight for most mechanics and one of the first things checked when you car’s check engine light brightens up. For those a little lacking in their familiarity with how their car runs, the spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air and fuel in combustion chamber to ignite the vehicle when it starts. If these crucial components become worn down your car’s fuel economy can take a noticeable plummet. In addition, damaged spark plugs, if left unchecked for long, can go on to further damage other fixtures like catalytic converters and ignition coils.

If you notice your check engine light is followed by higher fuel consumption, a misfiring engine, and trouble starting your car, you might be looking at some damaged plugs that need some attention.

Oxygen Sensor

Your oxygen sensor is what measures the amount of un-burned oxygen remaining in a car’s exhaust. If damaged, your engine can easily begin consuming more fuel than necessary to get it moving. In addition to the lost fuel economy, like the spark plugs, a damaged oxygen sensor can go on to damage other fixtures in the vehicle like the converter.

Unfortunately, a variety of symptoms pertaining to a damaged oxygen sensor are also experienced in the case of damaged spark plugs. If you’ve experienced rough engine idle and misfires or increased gas consumption along with you check engine light, it would be wise to visit a mechanic to get to the bottom of the cause.

Catalytic Converter

Without getting too technical, your catalytic converter is what converts harmful carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. That being said, a malfunctioning converter is just as harmful to others around your vehicle as it is to you. If this happens to be what’s causing your check engine light to show, failing to have it checked can cause you to fail future emission tests and diminish your vehicle’s performance and lifespan.

Conclusion

It’s no surprise that your car is an infinitely complex piece of machinery. So much so that even tools like our check engine light only rule out a few prospective issues. If you notice that your vehicle is acting strangely and your dash is visited by some concerning lights, consider these three issues and receive the aid of a diligently trained mechanic to have them addressed and alleviated in no time flat!

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