Last updated 1 year ago
Proper brake maintenance is critical to ensuring your safety as well as the safety of everyone else on the road. Neglecting brake repair today could land you in trouble tomorrow. Do you know the signs of brake problems? Brake failure rarely happens without warning, and since you don't have an auto maintenance expert riding with you all the time it pays to learn how to avoid brake failure.
1. Don't ride your brakes.
When going down steep inclines, change into lower gears to help ease the burden on your brakes. As brakes get hot, they warp the rotors and start to function poorly. The last place you want to be when your brakes give out is halfway down a hill.
2. Change your brake fluid.
Brake fluid should be replaced about every 3 years. Over time, it becomes contaminated and is less effective. Changing your brake fluid is just as important as changing your oil and transmission fluid.
3. Listen to your brakes.
If your brakes are making squealing noises or your steering wheel shakes when you brake, you should have your brakes examined. Your brakes may be worn, or your rotors might be warped and need to be re-machined.
4. Note changes in your braking.
If your brakes start to feel “spongy,” your brake system is no longer doing its job effectively. This could be due to excessively worn brake pads or low brake fluid levels. For your safety, you should bring your car to a mechanic and have your brakes examined immediately.
If you're experiencing the warning signs of failing brakes, bring your car to Brake Specialists Plus today. Call us at (512) 795-4066 if you have any questions or come in to one of our convenient locations. We also replace struts and perform general maintenance.
Last updated 1 year ago
When it comes to car care, a little knowledge can go a long way. If any of the topics we've covered in recent blogs have inspired you to learn more you can find additional information in the resources provided below.
While it is great to be knowledgeable, there is nothing like having a specialist on your side. Be sure to call Brake Specialists Plus at (512) 795-4066 for all of your needs.
Last updated 1 year ago
Tires are expensive. A decent set of tires can run you more than $400, and losing tires prematurely to wear problems can really put a dent in your finances. It's not difficult to diagnose tire wear patterns and solve the problem even if you're not an auto maintenance expert.
One way to prevent problems is to check your tire pressure regularly. Test it when the tires are cold (before you drive more than a few miles to the nearest service station) and do a visual inspection when you check the pressure. These signs of potential problems will help you solve a problem before it becomes severe:
1. Improper Inflation
Properly inflated tires should wear evenly across the entire width of the tire and all the way around. You can take a penny and check the tread depth by putting the top of Lincoln's head in the tread. If you can see his entire head it's time for new tires.
2. Middle Tread Wear
This indicates over-inflation. Part of the reason you should check tire pressure during regular auto maintenance is that as the temperature changes, so does the pressure in your tires. Tires that were properly inflated in winter might be a overinflated in summer, causing bulging that will cause improper wear.
3. Outer Tread Wear
This indicates under-inflation of the tire. When tires are flat, the middle of the tire sags inward and the outer edges wear more than the middle.
4. One-Sided Wear
Improper wheel alignment can cause one-sided wear as a result of uneven pressure exerted on the tires. By scheduling a wheel alignment as part of your regular maintenance, you can easily address this problem.
5. Cupping, Uneven Wear and Bald Spots
All of these problems occur due to either bad wheel alignment or improper tire rotation. Have your auto maintenance shop check out your tires and they'll be able to diagnose the most likely cause.
Checking your tires for proper inflation and wear problems and rotating them every 5,000 miles will ensure you get the most out of your tires.
If your tires aren’t performing as well as they should, call Brake Specialists Plus at (512) 795-4066. We'll take care of your tire problems today. Also, with the purchase of a set of two or more tires, you can receive $20 off alignment! Just use our coupon here:
Last updated 2 years ago
Few things are more stressful than heading out for work in the morning and finding that your car won't start. Even if you perform regular auto maintenance and take your car for scheduled tune-ups, this can happen to you.
Modern cars are very complex, with computer systems controlling how your car starts and every aspect of how it drives. But this doesn't mean that you can’t figure out why a car that won't start. Here are a few things to check:
- Battery: This is usually the best place to start. If the car is dead, check whether the dome light, radio, or other electrical components are working. It's also a good idea to check the battery cables for corrosion to make sure your starter motor is getting enough power.
- Starter Motor: If your car is cranking but sounds sluggish and your battery is good, the next likely culprit is your starter motor.
- Spark Plugs: Changing the spark plugs on your car should be part of your regular auto maintenance routine. This will give you better gas mileage and ensure that your car runs smoothly.
- Fuel Supply: If your car dies immediately after it starts, the engine might not be getting enough fuel due to a clogged fuel filter or a bad fuel pump. Because of the complexity of this repair, you should leave this to the auto maintenance pros.
You can probably fix some car problems yourself. Even if you can’t, it’s useful to investigate the problem in order to be able to provide your mechanic with as much information as you can.
If it's been a while since your car as been tuned-up, bring it to Brake Specialists Plus. We perform general maintenance, brake repair and even wheel alignment. Give us a call at (512) 795-4066 or stop by our shop today.
Last updated 2 years ago
Jump starting your car is a relatively easy process that can get you going, but it should always be done properly and safely.
This video will show you how to hook up a dead battery for a safe jump. It's easy to do, and when done right will have you back on the road in just a matter of minutes.
If your battery has died and you're not sure if it's still good, bring your car to any of Brake Specialists Plus' 13 locations. We can test your battery and install a new one if you need a replacement, and perform any other maintenance your car needs. Call (512) 795-4066
