What does vehicle maintenance consists of?

You’re the proud owner of a vehicle and with that comes some responsibility. What exactly does that consist of though? To keep a vehicle in operating order some monthly maintenance needs to be completed so it to not break down and wind up with a lengthy repair bill in an auto shop. Let's talk more about what car maintenance means for your vehicle and how to deal with your car maintenance. 

What does vehicle maintenance consists of? Here's a breakdown of what vehicle maintenance typically includes:

1. Regular Inspections: Routine visual checks of various parts such as lights, tires, fluid levels (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid), belts, hoses, and batteries.
2. Oil Changes: Regularly changing engine oil and oil filter to ensure proper lubrication of the engine's moving components.
3. Fluid Inspection and Replacements: Inspection, topping up, or replacing various fluids in the vehicle, including coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
4. Tire Maintenance: Rotating tires to promote even wear, inspecting tire pressure, and inspecting tires for signs of damage or wear.
5. Brake System Inspection: Inspection brake pads, rotors, brake fluid levels, and the overall condition of the braking system for safety and functionality.
6. Air Filter Replacement: Replace the engine air filter to ensure proper air intake and engine performance.
7. Battery Maintenance: Inspection of the battery terminals for corrosion, ensuring a secure connection, and inspection of the battery's overall condition.
8. Timing Belt/Chain Replacement: Replacing the timing belt or chain according to the manufacturer's recommendations to prevent engine damage.
9. Spark Plug Replacement: Replacing spark plugs at recommended intervals for optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency.
10. Suspension and Steering Inspection: Inspection of the suspension system, including shocks, struts, and steering parts, for wear, leaks, or damage.
11. Cooling System Maintenance: Checking the radiator, hoses, and thermostat, and flushing the coolant as recommended.
12. Exhaust System Check: Inspection for leaks, damage, or rust in the exhaust system to maintain proper emissions and performance.
13. Drive Belts and Hoses Inspection: Inspecting drive belts and hoses for wear, cracks, or damage and replacing them when compulsory.

Wondering about what does vehicle maintenance consist of? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about car maintenance and to schedule an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.

What are the signs of bad brakes?

One of the most critical safety features for any car is ensuring the brakes are working properly. For this reason, knowing what are the signs of bad brakes of the essence for every driver. Below are some of the most common signs of bad brakes.

1. Brake Lights On

If your vehicle's brake warning light on the dashboard comes on, it's an indicator of potential problems. Parking brakes can trigger the alert in some vehicles, but if it persists after disengaging the brake, it's time to act. 

2. Squealing Sounds

When your brake pads wear out, an indicator makes a really irritating noise. The noise is more evident when you depress the brake pedal. This noise can also be caused by rust over your brake pads. However, since it is hard to tell the difference, it's advisable to have the pads checked to ensure your safety. 

3. Vibration When Braking

If you feel a vibration or pulsation through the brake pedal or steering wheel when the brake pedals are pressed, it may indicate warped brake rotors. This can affect braking performance and should be addressed promptly.

4. Visible Wear-and-Tear

The question of what are the signs of bad brakes can also be answered by visual inspection. The condition of your car brakes tells a lot about the functionality of your brakes. If the pads are a quarter-inch thick, it's time to replace them. 

5. Leaking Brake Fluid

There are a lot of things that take place every time you apply your brakes. One of the processes is the creation of hydraulic pressure by the brake fluid. Without sufficient brake fluid, your car might not stop safely. Brake fluid decline can be natural or due to leakage, requiring professional attention.

Your car might demand regular brake replacement if you drive it more often. Delay in servicing your car puts you and other road users at hazard. Have your car serviced regularly for your safety and durability.

Need to know what are the signs of bad brakes? Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about brake replacement and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.

How often should you get your brakes done?

How often should you get your brakes done? It is best to do a brake repair periodically to be safe on the roads. When you go for a brake replacement service, your car's brakes will be cleaned, lubricated, and resurfaced to help them be reliable for your safety on the road. You should understand various things to know how often you should get your brakes done. First, some car manufacturers usually tell you how long you should take before doing a brake repair. Most recommend that you check your brakes after about every 4-6 months or 5,000-7,000 miles.

Second, you know it is time for a brake repair if you start hearing excessive vibrations or unusual noises when applying the brakes. It is a sign that you should repair your brakes as soon as possible to avoid brake failure while driving. However, most auto shops check brakes every time the wheels are ejected from your vehicle. Others check brakes at every oil change, considering the interval between which you change your vehicle's oil. It is best that the brake specialist measures the brake pad's thickness, ensures that the caliper guide pins and the pads are lubricated and clean, and that they clean the rotors. Replace your car's rotors after about 50,000-70,000 miles.

How often should you get your brakes done is a common question most people ask themselves, considering the costs involved. The average cost of purchasing new brake pads is from $35-$150. The total replacement cost of brake pads may be between $115 and $300, depending on the type of vehicle. Brake technicians can check your brakes and tell you how many miles they will last before you do a brake repair.

You might not be thinking about brake repair services very often, but when you do, it's usually because your brakes are starting to feel shaky or the warning light on your dashboard just came on! With so much going into ensuring that our cars run smoothly—from oil changes to air filters—it makes sense that car owners don't always keep an eye out for their brake service needs. But if you ever need extra preventative maintenance, it's good to know how often to get your brakes done.

1. How Often Should You Get Your Brakes Done?

Cars' brakes are made of two major components: the brake pads, which grab the car's rotors and slow the automobile, and the brake calipers, which press against the pillows to squeeze on them. Brake pads and calipers go through a lot of wear and tear over time; as they do so, they get drier and less effective at slowing your car down. While there are no hard-and-fast rules regarding how often you should contact your brakes, the general rule is that they need to be replaced whenever they're made less effective than ten percent of their original power. When it's time for your brakes to be serviced, work with a shop you trust—an independent mechanic, for instance. Your car's braking system is critical, and you need to ensure that the technicians who handle it are well-trained and experienced.

2. How Much Does Changing Your Brakes Cost?

Your car's brakes are essential to every driving experience, so they're an oversized ticket item for brake service. While the cost of your brake service will vary depending on various factors—from the car you have to what type of labor is involved—it's hard to pin down an exact amount. Generally speaking, you should be looking at a few hundred dollars for an emergency brake replacement and about $300 for a brake job.

Need to know more about how often should you get your brakes done? Call our ASE Certified mechanics at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about brake repair services and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.