Posts Tagged ‘Phoenix Brake Check’

Your Car’s Tire Pressure Is Important

Monday, November 15th, 2010

When was the last time you check the pressure in your car or truck’s tires? If you can’t remember, it’s probably time to check the tire pressure.

Checking your car or truck’s tire pressure is an important safety issue. If the tire pressure on your vehicle is not correct, it could cause problems with braking and stability. Most importantly, correct tire pressure prevents accidents.

If your car or truck’s tire pressure is incorrect, your tire could fail causing you to get into a car accident.

You Should Check Your Tire Pressure At Least Once A Month.

If you can, try to check your tire pressure once a week at the gas station or during the weekends. If you don’t check your tire pressure, here’s what can happen.

Too Much Air

Cars with too much air in the tires will bounce more as they roll across the road. This decreases the amount of traction, which increases your stopping distances.

Not Enough Air

A car with not enough air in the tires will cause your tires to wear down faster. Less air also causes more friction between the road and the tire. This could lead to the tread separating from the rest of your tire.

The Right Tire Pressure For Your Car

You can usually find the recommended tire pressure for your car in one of two places:

  • The owners manual
  • On label on the inside of the driver-side door

Most standard sized cars recommend between 32 and 35 psi. But be sure to read your owners manual before adding more air to your tires.

Additionally, you should have a tire pressure gauge in your car’s emergency road kit. If you don’t have one, it’s a good investment.

Besides tire pressure, it’s always important to get your brakes checked. Be sure to stop in for a Phoenix brake check or an Albuquerque brake check from time to time.

Five Thanksgiving Driving Tips You Need To Know

Monday, November 8th, 2010

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, millions of people will soon be on the roads to visit family and friends.

According to AAA, more than 30 million people will drive more than 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday. With millions of cars on the road, there’s bound to be some car accidents.

To help keep your family safe this Thanksgiving, follow these driver safety tips.

1. Don’t Eat Too Much … Eating too much can cause you to get sleepy. Driving while tired is very dangerous because your reaction time is slower. Try not to over eat before a long road trip home.

2. Don’t Drink And Drive … Everyone knows there’s a lot of drinking going on during New Years. Thanksgiving is not that far behind. If you have been drinking, do not drive your vehicle.

3. Wear Your Seat Belt … You should always wear your seat belt just in case you get in an accident. With more cars on the road, the odds of getting into an accident increases.

4. Take Breaks While Driving … If you’re driving a great distance, you should take breaks every few hours. Taking breaks helps you regain your focus. Be sure to stop for food during breaks.

5. Take Your Time … Follow the speed limit. A lot of times people will speed and drive erratically to get to their destination faster. It’s not worth the risk on Thanksgiving. Mapping your trip out ahead of time will help you get to the Thanksgiving dinner on time.

Finally, bring your car or truck in for a Las Cruces car tune up or a Phoenix brake check before going on any long road trips. A certified technician can help discover any problems before you head out on the road.

Preventative Maintenance That Keeps Your Brakes Working For Longer

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

Taking care of your vehicle increases its longevity and decreases the time and money you have to spend at the mechanics. When it comes to brake care, there are several preventative measures you can take to ensure your brakes are working and lasting longer.

  1. Don’t ride your brakes: Many people will hit their brakes to sightsee or for no apparent reason. Use your brakes responsibly. Also, using a lower gear when driving down hills can help save your brakes.
  2. Change the brake fluid: From time to time your brake fluid will need to be changed. Flushing your brake fluid prevents major problems down the road.
  3. Don’t carry unnecessary weight in your vehicle: If you’ve been driving around with a weight set in the trunk of your car or any other unnecessary weight, ditch it. It can cause your brakes to wear down faster.
  4. Buy quality brakes If you’re planning on keeping your vehicle for a while, plan on purchasing quality brake parts. The extra money you spend will be well worth it in the long run because quality brakes use better materials.
  5. Don’t wait too long to replace parts: If you’re hearing grinding or squealing from your brakes. Don’t wait too long to bring your vehicle to the mechanic. Waiting could cause more serious problems to your vehicle’s brake system.

While it’s good to avoid riding your brakes, remember to always drive safely. Constant gas braking could cause an accident and damage to your vehicle. Remember, safety comes before saving a few dollars.

Following these steps along with a Phoenix brake check or a Tucson brake check will keep your brakes working longer.

How To Tell If You Need A Brake Fluid Flush

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

The other day we wrote a blog about the importance of brake fluid flushes. In it, we mentioned that not having your brake fluid flushed regularly can cause major damage to your brakes and can be very expensive to repair.

Since then, we’ve received a number of questions about just how often your brake fluid needs to be flushed and how to tell when you need to do it.

At Brake Masters, we recommend that you have your brake fluid flushed every 30,000 miles or during your next Phoenix brake check or El Paso brake check.

If you’re not sure when you’re last fluid flush was, there are a few easy ways to check for yourself. Some auto parts stores will sell you test strips that will tell you how high the moisture is in your brake fluid is. If it’s too high, it’s time for a flush.

The other method, which is less precise, but also less expensive, is simply looking at the fluid. Remove the cap from your brake master cylinder and examine your vehicle’s fluid. If it’s black or very dark, it’s time for a change. If it’s clear or has a slightly yellow color, you still have time before your next fluid flush.

Brake Failure Prevents Car Theft

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

Just about everyone would agree that brake failure is never a good thing. It can be scary, and potentially cause major damage if the brakes fail while you’re driving.

However, a Pennsylvania car with brake problems turned out to be an unlikely hero in an attempted theft at an auto dealership last month.

The thief, who managed to get away with $450 in cash, attempted to steal a car that was in the process of being serviced for brake problems. When he went to flee the scene, the brakes failed and he crashed the car.

The thief then fled on foot, leaving the car behind. Police are still looking for the criminal but at least the owners get their car back.

It’s not often that brake failure is a good thing but in this case it seems to have worked out for the best.

For once it’s just a good thing the owner didn’t get a Phoenix brake check or Tucson brake repair at Brake Masters!

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Win Diamondbacks Tickets!

Friday, May 7th, 2010

Brake Masters is giving you an opportunity to win tickets to one of two Diamondbacks games! Stop in to any Phoenix or Tucson Brake Masters today, tomorrow, or Monday and get a FREE brake or A/C inspection.

When you do, you’ll be eligible to win two tickets to either Monday’s Diamondbacks vs. LA Dodgers game or Tuesday’s Diamondbacks vs. LA Dodgers game.

We’ll see you at Brake Masters and GOOD LUCK!

Which Type Of Brake Pads Do You Need?

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Discover the best brake pads for your vehicle.

Some signs that you need to have your brakes checked include squeaking or squealing sounds when braking, the vehicle pulling to the side when braking, the brakes grabbing or vibrating, and the brake pedal feeling easier to push. At your next Phoenix brake check talk with your mechanic about the four main types of brake pads to choose from and which would be best for your car.

Ceramic brake pads are mainly composed of ceramic fibers. They are usually lighter in color from other brake pads. Ceramic brake pads are more expensive but they are cleaner, quieter, and brake better without wearing down the rotors on your car.

Semi-metallic brake pads are 30-65% metal including steel wool, iron powder, and graphite or copper with inorganic fillers. These pads do very well with heat transfer and are also very durable. The downfall to these brake pads are they may not perform as well in colder temperatures, can be a bit noisy, and are not as easy on your rotors.

Non-asbestos organic brake pads are made from fibers like glass, carbons, Kevlar and rubber with filler materials and resins. These pads are quiet and quite soft, but they do not last very long and produce a lot more dust.

The last type of brake pad is the low metallic non-asbestos organic brake pad. These are made from an organic formula with copper or steel which helps with better heat transfer and braking. Because of the added metal they can be a bit noisier and produce more dust.

If you are not sure that you need new brake pads, stop by a Brake Masters location and let us check it for you! Also, before buying new brake pads, talk with your mechanic or the sales staff to choose which brake pad is the correct choice for you and your car at your Albuquerque brake check.

$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