Saturday, May 2, 2009

Taking Care of Your Brakes

Your car's braking system is one of the most important safety features on your car which is why it's important to understand how to maintain your brakes for the life of your car. Most drivers, even if their basic understanding of how their car brake system works is as basic as understanding the brake pedal is connected by a rod to the master cylinder- know that proper maintenance of their automobile braking system is vital to the upkeep of their automobile.

A few steps you can take towards brake maintenance is to fully understand what you can do to help prevent expensive brake repairs in the first place. One suggestion is to avoid riding your brakes. This creates unnecessary wear and tear on your system and will lead to a brake replacement sooner rather than later. Another suggestion is to downshift when going down a steep grade. Of course this is something to avoid during snowy or icy road conditions since downshifting on bad roads can actually cause you to skid and loose control of your vehicle.


It is also important to bleed your brake system every two years. This is one of the easiest and most effective things anyone can do with or without the services of a mechanic and it will help to ensure the life of your brake components. If you take your car in to a mechanic to have your brakes maintained, make sure you ask to have the brakes bleed. Some mechanics insist it does not need to be done but it has been shown to increase the life of your brakes and it is an easy maintenance project to do.

And if you are bleeding your brakes every two years, you are already doing the last suggestion, which is to change your brake fluid every two years. Brake fluid can absorb moisture and left unchecked this can lead to a variety of mechanical problems including internal rust and corrosion damage to the braking system.

Whether you have it changed by a qualified mechanic or do it yourself make sure you use the correct fluid for your vehicle. Most domestic cars and Japanese car models use DOT-3 brake fluid. A few domestic and most European models use DOT-4 brake fluid. If you're not sure which fluid you need, check your owner's manual or ask your mechanic.

Prevention is the key to maintaining your brake system and avoiding unexpected brake repairs down the road due to negligence. And since your brakes are the most important safety system on your car, you have everything to gain and nothing to loose by following this suggestions.

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Thursday, April 30, 2009

Signs That You Need Brake Repair

No one likes to learn they need brake repair, but getting it could help protect the wear and tear on your entire car. The brakes are not something to put off caring for or maintaining. They not only stop the car, but they also play an important role in the overall function of the vehicle. When they are not working properly, the brakes can damage other structures and systems within your vehicle. That is why it is so important to take steps to get any necessary repairs as soon as you notice they are occurring.

When to Get Help

Getting brake repair is necessary in many instances. However, most vehicles do not have systems to warn about specific replacement needs. Rather, you will need to pay attention to your vehicle as well as how it is working to determine if you do need repairs. The following are five signs that your vehicle may need an inspection.

1.You hear a loud or quiet squealing coming from the tire when you depress the braking pedal. Some misconceptions are that soft squeaks are okay. The system should work without any sound at all.

2.It becomes more difficult to push down on the pedal. If you notice any tightness here, get the car in for repairs. This could indicate a problem with the function of the brakes.

3.It takes longer for the car to stop. You may need to push the braking pedal harder or longer to get the vehicle to come to a complete stop. This can be very detrimental especially since the wear and tear could eventually lead to the vehicle not stopping properly.

4.You notice any type of smoke coming from the tires when stopping. This indicates a significant problem and one you should stop to inspect right away. In some cases, having the emergency brake engaged can cause this.

5.You have not had your system inspected in the last six months. It is a good idea to have the entire braking system inspected with every other oil change, or more frequently. Sometimes, you will need brake repair even when there are no real signs something is wrong.

Normal wear and tear on a vehicle, accidents or misuse of the vehicle's braking system can all contribute to the need for break repair. The worst thing you can do is to avoid getting the car into the shop. Do not put it off. Doing so could cost you more damage to the vehicle or put you at risk of being unable to stop on the road. Good care of your braking system is critical to maintaining a functioning car that is safe to operate. You should feel confident in operating your car.
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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Signs Brake Repair Is Necessary

This might sound silly but if you just "listen" to your car it can tell you a lot. People who have had the same car for years know all the little ticks, hums, and sounds that their car makes and know immediately when something is wrong. Often times, by just paying attention to the signs that there is a problem, you can head off a brake repair before it gets to be really expensive.

Probably the most obvious sign that brake repair is imminent is the sounds, the squeaking and grinding that makes every driver cringe. It's almost like nails on a chalkboard; it's just as annoying and very distinctive. By taking your car in when that sound first starts, though, you can stop further damage. That sound is from the metal brackets scraping against the metal rotor which can cause scratches on the rotor or the rotor to warp. You should act when you first hear the sound; it'll save you some money and a lot of frustration.

Pads, however, aren't the only thing to go bad and require brake repair. If you are driving along and feel a soft feeling when you go to stop the car then you could have issues with the master cylinder. The master cylinder is the part of the car that contains the brake fluid. When the fluid starts to get low, or the cylinder starts to leak, you'll feel a soft, squishy, or spongy feeling when you try to stop your car. If the fluid is simply low you can buy some at your local auto supply store and be on your way. If, after filling it up, you notice this feeling again you might want to have a mechanic look at it to ensure the cylinder isn't the issue.

Another indicator that brake repair is really necessary is having trouble stopping. Usually by this point you'll have noticed other indicators like the soft feeling, continuing depression of the pedal once you've pressed it, or the scraping and grinding noises. But if you've let it go this long you have a major problem. This could be worn pads, warped rotors, leaking capillaries, or worn out cylinder. It could also indicate air in the lines. The point is that by this point the maintenance bill is going to be an expensive one. This is where the cost rises because you'll have multiple items that need to be repaired.

If you pay attention to your car you can avoid this last indicator all together. By having routine inspections performed and simply paying attention to what your car is "telling" you then you can have your repairs performed quickly, easily, and relatively cheaply.
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Should You Attempt A Brake Repair Job

Many Americans have been hard hit with the economy in the tank and jobs hard to find. Because of the economic pinch, a lot of people are looking for ways to save money by becoming more savvy consumers and attempting to complete jobs themselves instead of hiring professionals to get the jobs done. In light of this, should you attempt to do a brake repair job on your car or should you pay the extra money to have the service completed on your vehicle?

When deciding whether or not to fix your car yourself, you really need to take an honest look at the cost and time involved. You may find that by the time you price out the parts, order them, and then complete the brake repair, you may have spent more money than just having the job done at a local shop. Unless you have experience with brake repair, you will have to have someone show you how to do the work. You can look up tutorial videos online and check out manuals from the library, but you do run the risk of causing more damage if you do things incorrectly.

Consider this: if you attempt the brake repair yourself and you botch the job, you now have two additional problems to deal with. You may have made the problem worse which will cost more to fix, and you have already spent money and will end up spending twice the amount you had planned to spend.

A lot of frustration can be avoided if you take your vehicle to a trusted professional at the onset of trouble. Unless you are a mechanic by trade or have a particularly handy friend or relative, many times it is best to leave technical, messy jobs to the professionals.

If you are concerned with the cost of repairs, call around to a few different locations to see which shop offers the best price. It also does not hurt to ask if they offer any type of financing or discounts. Many brake repair shops run specials and publish money saving coupons that you can use to help reduce the cost of the work.

Chances are that you will be able to find a viable option for affording the work that you need to have completed. In the event that you are so strapped for cash that traditional methods will not work, you may have to barter for the work. Offer to swap services with a friend, or ask family members if they know of anyone who would be willing to donate their time to get the work done. Driving a vehicle with poor brakes is not ever advisable, as you put yourself and others in grave danger if the brakes should fail and you are unable to stop your vehicle. If at all avoidable, do not drive unless you can do so safely and without issue.
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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Searching For Just Brakes Reviews Near Albuquerque

COMFORTABLE!!! Excellent Repair Service by Brit T. at InsiderPages My friend and I had been in her and it just stopped working so we went here to see what was wrong and they told us that the auto required new tires and some new brakes. So she got it carried out and the individuals didn't actually charge her significantly at all. they actually helped us because we didn't really know what was wrong with the car. They talked to us and made us feel comfy.

JUST BRAKES FIXED IT WONDERFUL!! They were just the greatest men and women. Just Brakes fixed it wonderful! By no means going anywhere else! Susan W. W.


VERY AFFORDABLE!! I arrived at Just Brakes in Albuquerque. I referred to as Bart over the phone and asked about how much their costs are for brake pads and just how much Rotors are. He was really nice and polite. I was worried about becoming over charged simply because I am a woman. He asked me to come to the store so that he could give me a price following seeing my car. I arrived at the store. There is where I met Bill. He was also quite,quite Nice. Right after speaking to them about the diagnosis of my vehicle, they created the function extremely cost-effective.

THANKS JUST BRAKES!!! Just Brakes in Albuquerque. I have by no means had a mechanic go through all of that trouble without charging me some thing! And to top it off, they created my automobile drive so significantly smoother! I am undoubtedly taking my vehicle back here for each brake dilemma it might have in the future. Just Brakes has earned a brand new customer!

DIDN'T CHARGE SIGNIFICANTLY AT ALL!! Wonderful Repair Service! My friend and I were in her auto and it just stopped working so we went to Just Brakes in Albuquerque to see what was wrong and they told us that the automobile necessary new tires and some new brakes. So she got it carried out as well as the men and women didn't really charge her considerably at all. they truly helped us simply because we didn't truly know what was wrong with the automobile. They talked to us and created us feel comfortable.

NOTICE: This review of Just Brakes Albuquerque is real. This positive testimonial review of Just Brakes Albuquerque may possibly be modified to qualify as distinctive content inside the review space provided herein. Call Just Brakes Albuquerque at (505) 884-1441 for much more FIVE STAR***** Reviews and Ratings.

JUST BRAKES in Albuquerque New Mexico originated with one brake store in 1980. Because JUST BRAKES' inception, the business has expanded to a lot more than 160 stores spread over seven states and fourteen significant markets with approximately 950 employees nationwide. As the nation's largest True Brake Specialist for over 25 years, our Certified Brake Safety Experts are dedicated to supplying the finest service within the marketplace. Our mission would be to assure a safe brake system in each customer's vehicle by consistently performing high quality, dependable brake repair and service. Call us nowadays at one of our 3 Albuquerque locations San Mateo (505) 884-1441; Eubank (505) 271-1797; Montano (505) 792-8323 or go to our web site at http://JustBrakes.com.

For more insider tips and advice visit Just Brakes Albuquerque Reviews
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Monday, April 27, 2009

Safety First When It Concerns Auto Brake Repair

A car has many parts and if one part is worn out or not functioning properly the car won't work well or it may not even be safe to drive. One of the most important parts of a car is the brake system. If your brakes won't work properly it puts you in danger so it is important that you always have your brakes checked on a regular basis. If you even feel like something is wrong, have it checked out immediately by a quality mechanic.

Here are some important precautionary measures that will inform you when you need a brake repair.

If you hear a screeching sound when you press on the brakes of your car, you should immediately get your brakes inspected. This noise occurs when one metal surface is rubbing against another metal surface causing the screeching sound. If you hear this sound it usually means the pads of the brakes are worn down to the metal and you need to get them replaced. Be advised though that some brand new cars may have a screeching sound when the brakes are pressed but the sound will usually stop when the car is driven some and the pads are broken in. It is always better to be safe though and have it checked by a professional mechanic.

If you step on your brake pedal and your steering wheel wiggles, then you probably need your brakes repaired. When your wheel wiggles or vibrates it is a sign that something is wrong with your rotors and they need to be inspected and possibly replaced. Rotors are the round metal discs that the brake pads clamp onto when the pedal is depressed. You can also have rotors machined down to make them last longer by taking the grooves out of them. This process is called turning the rotors.

The brake system of any car should be well taken care of. When you apply your brakes make sure to stop in a smooth motion and not slam on the brakes to make them last as long as possible. If you apply the brakes and the brake pedal feels mushy or goes quickly down all the way this could mean you have air in your brake lines and you need to have them bled right way. It is important to have your brake system checked immediately when this happens as it can be a very dangerous situation.

Having a brake repair done can be expensive especially when you take your vehicle to an auto care service center. If you have no knowledge about car repairs the best thing to do is to talk a technician about what is wrong with your car. But if you are mechanically inclined and think you can handle fixing the problem on your own you can save a lot of money. Replacing brake pads, adding brake fluid, and bleeding the lines are not that hard to do. But if you are unsure it is best to have your vehicle fixed by an expert.

Your brakes will usually give you signs when something is wrong. You can actually tell if you need a brake repair by just paying attention to your vehicle and listening to what it tells you.
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Sunday, April 26, 2009

Repairing your Car is Just a Click Away!

To maintain a car regularly is not an easy task. For this, a good auto repair shop is needed, which can be the prime stop for all your car related issues. To find a good and reputable car repair shop, browse the web! These days you get a lot of reliable information on the internet about auto repair services that can offer you great mechanic help.

Car repair shops come as a huge relief, as they provide services to keep your vehicle damage-free. The facilities given to you by the auto repair shop are of great assistance. There are many shops that are AAA approved, thus receiving a status of importance amongst its competitors. Mend all types of car problems such as radiator and cooling system repair, brake repair, chassis and suspension repairs, exhaust and muffler repairs, minor and major engine overhauls, along with shock & strut service with the help of the repair service.

To find a shop that can help you with the services of all types of cars is very important. Talk to your friends, relatives and peers, as they can give you decisive advice on selecting the correct repair shop. Some of the shops also offer special towing service. This particular service helps to tow your vehicle if it is stopped or damaged in the middle of the road. You can just call up the service provider and ask for this special service. Get such distinctive and unique advantage for your vehicles and enjoy the auto repair service like never before.

There are also special aids provided to the cars that come with a brand name. You would want a trustworthy mechanic to hand over your Ford or Lexus, in case of break repair services or oil change. There are many service providers that give amazing Ford service at very reasonable rates. You dont have to wander around places in search of Ford service centers. There are reliable service centers that provide Ford repair aids that will save you from unnecessary worries. It is very important to find genuine automotive parts for your car. If you need a Lexus service, be sure that the parts of the cars offered to you are reliable. For this you need to keep a tab on your research over the web. A car repair shop with responsible working ethics will yield more trust and reputation. For Lexus repair, make sure that you get the servicing done from the service center involved with car repair for many years; thus you can give your car smooth and effective functioning for the long run.

Not only cars, but you can also repair your truck effectively with the help of these auto repair shops. There are many truck repair service centers; you just have to keep your eyes wide open when you browse through the net. The unique towing service is of great help for big vehicles like the trucks. Select your credible auto repair service shop and fix your problem soon.
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