Put a Stop to Brake Trouble Before School Starts

 

A properly operating brake system is critical to safe vehicle operation and control under a variety of conditions. Brake Safety Awareness Month is the ideal time to stop and make sure your brakes are working properly before the new school year and colder temperatures arrive.

“When it comes to vehicle safety, the brake system is at the top of the list,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Motorists can put a stop to any potential brake system problems by recognizing the signs and symptoms that their brake system may need maintenance or repair.”

Brakes are a normal wear item for any car and eventually they’re going to need to be replaced. If your car is pulling to the left or right, or if you hear odd noises when you apply the brakes, you should inspect your brakes. Other warning signs include an illuminated brake warning light, brake grabbing, low pedal feel, vibration, hard pedal feel and squealing.

For routine maintenance, check your vehicle’s braking system at least once a year. A thorough inspection should include brake lining wear, brake fluid level, rotor thickness, condition of hoses and brake lines, brake and dash warning lights, as well as taking the car for a test drive to detect other potential brake system problems.

Several factors that affect brake wear include driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type and the quality of the brake lining material. Never put off routine brake inspections or any needed repair, such as letting the brakes get to the “metal-to-metal” point, which can be potentially dangerous and lead to a more costly repair bill.

Check Engine Light On? Could Be A Faulty O2 Sensor

According to the annual CarMD® Vehicle Health Index™ one of the most common check engine light repairs is replacing the oxygen sensor. This relatively minor repair can be costly if neglected, leading to as much as 40 percent lower fuel...

Keep Maintaining Your Vehicle Even If It Sits Idle

With a majority of vehicle owners living in areas of the country that have stay-at-home orders, many vehicles may be sitting idle for days or weeks at a time. The non-profit Car Care Council recommends starting your car at least once a week and...

Check Vehicle A/C and Stay Cool on the Road

Imagine being stuck in traffic on a 90-degree day when your vehicle’s air conditioning system malfunctions. With summer heating up, the non-profit Car Care Council recommends that motorists be car care aware and have their A/C system checked...

Is Your Car Road Trip Ready?

Before you hit the road this summer, make sure your vehicle is road trip ready so you can have any problems fixed before you go. A pre-trip vehicle checkup will help avoid the inconvenience, potential safety hazards and unplanned expense of breaking...

Add Your Vehicle to Spring Forward Safety Checklist

Spring is here and its arrival means warmer weather, more hours of daylight and spring break travel. As you set your clocks forward on March 11, and plan to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, take a few steps to make sure your vehicle...

Learn about the Dangers of Potholes in New Video

The Car Care Council, in conjunction with AutoNetTV Media (ANTV), has produced a new video about the perils of potholes and how they can adversely affect a vehicle’s handling and performance. The new video titled “Dangers of...

Top 10 Most Common Vehicle Repairs

Changing the oil and oil filter, replacing wiper blades and air filters, and scheduled maintenance top the list of the 10 most common vehicle repairs of 2017. According to research conducted by IMR Inc., an industry leader in automotive research,...

Six-Point Vehicle Check: A Gift that Keeps on Giving

A six-point vehicle check is a gift that will keep on giving, both in better vehicle performance and fewer unexpected repairs this winter, says the Car Care Council. “Why not wrap up the holiday season with a gift for you and your car?...

As Temperatures Drop, Check Tire Pressure More Often

You may notice when the weather turns colder, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light on your dashboard lights up more frequently. The Car Care Council recommends checking your tire pressure regularly during the winter to help keep the TPMS...

Are Your Headlights Ready for Your Next Road Trip?

Most drivers need to do at least some driving at night, and with the days getting shorter, the time spent behind the wheel during darker hours will surely increase. While properly functioning and properly aimed headlights are always important, this...

Routine Auto Care Drives Home Savings

Whether changing the oil, replacing the wiper blades or checking the tires, finding the time to perform simple preventative vehicle maintenance is money in the bank, says the non-profit Car Care Council. According to research conducted by IMR...

Don’t Let Tires Flatten Your Summer Travel Plans

Getting a flat tire is no fun for anyone at any time, especially on vacation. To keep your summer road trip rolling along, the non-profit Car Care Council recommends a quick tire check before you leave the driveway. “The excitement of...

Auto Care Steps for a Stress Free Road Trip

Summer road trip season is here. Taking proactive steps to make sure your vehicle is operating properly will help avoid the hassle and unexpected cost of a breakdown away from home, says the non-profit Car Care Council. This summer, AAA expects...
Page: 123456 - All
Find An Auto-Lab® Near You!
Be Part Of Our Growing Community

…I would drive out of my way to have them service my vehicle any day of the week because I know I am getting service the way it should be!! Capt Colter B., US Marine Corps
star star star star star
Read More Reviews