Archive for December, 2009

Why Replace a Timing Belt?

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

Why you need to replace your timing belt.

We get a lot of people who ask us if they really need an Albuquerque timing belt replacement for their vehicle.

The answer is a definite yes.

The timing belt is part of the engine that connects the crankshaft to the camshaft. It is responsible for opening and closing valves that make the engine work correctly. Without it, your engine will not run. Some timing belts are also used to make the water pump and oil pump work.

A good indicator that you need to replace the timing belt is if you hear a rattling noise coming from the front of your engine.

Having a timing belt in working order is vital to the continued operation of your car. In fact, if the timing belt is not replace you risk breaking it causing huge damage to your engine.  Never put off your El Paso timing belt replacement.

What’s New at the 2009 SEMA Show?

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

The future looks greener at this year’s SEMA Show.

The 2009 SEMA Show annually features the latest and greatest products set to innovate all markets within the specialty equipment industry.  It’s an exciting event where all of the big shots in the industry come together in Las Vegas for a week of aftermarket innovation.

This year was no exception with sharp new products and sleek new automotive designs making their debut.  These cars were so new that they won’t need their first Phoenix timing belt replacement for many years to come.

However, maybe the biggest focus this year fell on greener pastures as the spotlight featured a move toward becoming more environmentally friendly.  Everything from vehicles running on alternative fuels to more custom cars displaying water-based paints put the green on SEMA this year.

The focus on going green, signals an important area of growth for the industry and for SEMA.  SEMA continues to educate members about the shifting market and the newer technologies that emerge. Hopefully soon we will see a green Tucson oil change.

The Most Common Car Breakdown We See

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

The most common car breakdown and how it can be prevented.

Having your vehicle breakdown while you’re driving can be a scary and aggravating process. If you’ve had your Las Cruces brake check recently you can at least rest easy in knowing that you can stop your car and get to the side of the road.

The most common issue we see every day is a flat tire. They usually happen at the most inopportune time and if you do not know how to change a tire, it can be an incredibly frustrating experience.

Flat tires are mostly caused by wear and tear and lack of maintenance. Try to remember to check your tire pressure when you stop for gas and observe the wear on your tire tread at the same time. Check often for nails or glass that may be stuck in your tire and may potentially puncture it. Also, make sure that you have the right equipment to change a tire in your trunk and double check your tire pressure in your spare tire also.

If you’re not sure how to do any of this, don’t hesitate to ask somebody during your next Santa Fe car tune up.

What Kind of Oil Should You Use in Your Car?

Monday, December 28th, 2009

Learn the best oil to use to get the most out of your car.

In general, most motor oils will serve your vehicle just fine.  Generally a type is specified in the vehicle manufacturer manual and is usually any oil that meets the American Petroleum Institute’s “SH” rating.  While some prefer high performance synthetic oil, it is not necessary for all vehicles.

Most new engines require a multi-viscosity 5W-30 oil for general driving. Most engine wear occurs during a cold start, so it’s important to have oil that is thin enough to circulate easily

Regardless of the type of oil that you use, you will still need to get an Albuquerque oil change and an El Paso car tune up regularly to keep your engine running smoothly for longer. Every 3,000 miles is the rule of thumb for oil changes, but ask your brake mechanic for specific recommendations.

Car Repair Resource Centers for Women

Saturday, December 26th, 2009

Learn about 3 great online resource centers designed specifically for women.

1. Ask Patty – Ask Patty is a website and blog that provides women with advice on car buying, maintenance and various other automotive topics.  Female users can shop for cars, tires and services like a Phoenix oil change or a Tucson brake check through a network of Certified Female Friendly retailers throughout the United States.

2. Women’s Automotive Solutions Women’s Automotive Solutions has a mission to make car buying easy.  They work with the consumer to help secure the best deal possible. Women’s Automotive Solutions tries to make car buying easy for women who are balancing a family and a career.

3. Foxy Choice Foxy Choice is a website that has identified the best female friendly automotive garages, dealers, and dealerships.  Foxy Choice tries to help women feel more at ease with the automotive industry and help female consumers get what they want.

Brake Masters Holiday Greeting

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

Happy holidays from Brake Masters!

We want to take this opportunity to let you know how much you are appreciated. Every one of our customers means the world to us and we’re so thankful for your continued support.

From everyone at Brake Masters,

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday and a happy New Year.

Five Ways to Get Better Gas Mileage from Any Vehicle

Friday, December 18th, 2009

Learn how to get the best gas mileage no matter what kind of vehicle you have.

1. Carry Less Weight – The more you carry, the more you are weighing down your vehicle. The added weight takes extra gas to move your car while driving. Take some time and clean out your vehicle, removing unnecessary materials that are not needed.

2. Maintain the Correct Tire Pressure – Check your tire pressure often and keep it at the recommended PSI. You can find the PSI on the tire or on the inside of your door, where the SIN number is located. You can pick up a tire gauge at any local automotive parts store for a low price.

3. Keep Your Car in Good Condition – When the time comes for maintenance work to be performed on your vehicle, do not wait. Take your vehicle in and get a quality auto tune up. Maintenance as simple as changing an air filter or performing an engine flush can greatly increase your gas mileage. If your vehicle is in good condition, it should maximize its gas mileage.

4. Watch Your Speed – You do not need to push the pedal to the metal. The more you push on the gas, the more gas you use. It is additionally not a good practice on your vehicle as well. Increasing your speed gradually is the best way to increase your gas mileage.

5. Don’t Idle – This one may be a bit obvious but if you drive less, you lose less gas. Try running all your errands at one time to avoid unnecessary ware on your vehicle and wasting gas.

Why We Blog

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

Introducing the new Brake Masters blog.

Welcome to the Brake Masters Blog.

This blog is owned and maintained by Brake Masters, the “honest brake” store.

Its purpose is to provide consumers with product updates, news, Brake Masters coupons and consumer suggestions for automotive inquires and operations.

We will write about how to maintain your vehicle, auto brake repair issues, common causes for vehicle issues, product suggestions, how to expand the life of your vehicle, money saving ideas, and other important information to help benefit you.

We hope you will become a regular reader of our blog. Grab the blog feed here and enjoy!

$100 Free Coupons

Get $100 in free discount coupons for car repair and maintenance services from any participating Brake Masters location.

Get Yours Here Now »

 
 

About Us

Brake Buddy's Auto Repair Blog is your resource center for the straight scoop about car repairs. We cover tips and best practices for auto repair do-it-yourselfers and those interested in getting the most out of their vehicles. Brake Buddy's Auto Repair Blog is owned and operated by Brake Masters, an auto repair center with 55 locations in Texas, Arizona, California, Nevada and New Mexico. Interested parties are invited to contribute to this blog. Send your contributions to BuddyBlog at BrakeMasters dot com.

Links We Like