What Does Brake Service Include?

As an experienced driver, you know that good brakes are important for safe driving!  That means that you want to drive your car with confidence, knowing that your brakes have been taken care of by qualified brake repair mechanics.

Here a few helpful tips for when you are ready to take your car to a brake repair shop:

1. Understand what brake service includes.  Typically, old brake fluid is flushed out and replaced with clean fluid, brake pads are replaced, rotors resurfaced, and all other braking parts (boots, seals, pistons, and bushings) are cleaned, adjusted, and lubricated. 
2. Know the cost of the brake service. And how long it will take.  Ask your brake repair specialist to give you a detailed explanation of the work that wants to be done with the projected cost (including components and labor)
3. Find out how long the work will take.  You may want to ask for transportation if the work will take more than an hour or two.  
4. Use high-quality components.  Find out what kind of components are used and make sure they are good quality.
5. Ask questions about any guarantees before the work is done.  Does the guarantee cover only components, or does it include labor?  Is it good for a period of time only, or is it by number of miles driven?  Is there a follow-up on the work done?
6. Is the shop trustworthy?  Don’t be afraid to ask your auto mechanic to explain the work done and show you the old components that may have been replaced.

Inappropriately, there is no set rule on when brake service should be performed.  Your auto mechanic can let you know what does brake service include on your car.  Don’t delay until you experience stopping issues because of worn-out brakes.  By then, you may be faced with a major brake repair.   

Do you know more about what does brake service include?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about brake repair service and to schedule an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE,  Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

What Car Maintenance is Really Necessary for Winter Driving?

 

Winter driving conditions can be risky due to the snow and ice that accumulates on the road. It’s vital that your vehicle is ready for the challenge.  If you’re concerned about what car maintenance is really necessary for winter driving, the first step is to have the recommended preventative vehicle maintenance items taken care of before winter arrives in full force.  If you’ve not yet taken care of the following items, now is the time!  

• Battery – Battery power decreases as the temperature drops so it takes more power to start your vehicle in the winter. If your battery is already having weak, your hazard of breaking down increases. You may want to have a battery at or above 600 CCA installed for optimal winter performance.
• Cooling system – Normally, a ratio between 50/50 and 70/30 of antifreeze to water is sufficient.  Though, ask your auto mechanic which antifreeze should be used for your car and the appropriate coolant-to-water ratio to prevent corrosion and potential freezing.
• Brakes – Cold weather doesn’t necessarily affect your brakes, but a thorough checkup will ensure that they are providing the best stopping performance possible in winter conditions.
• Belts, spark plugs, hoses, wires & cables – Although these can go bad any time of year, make sure they are in good condition so you are stranded somewhere in the cold.
• Tires – Switch to winter tires are advisable if you live in a place that experiences extremely cold weather.  The rubber compounds in non-winter tires harden in freezing temperatures, decreasing the tire’s ability to grip the road. Winter tires are made with special compounds engineered to resist hardening in cold temperatures, which offers better traction in ice, snow, slush, and even dry pavement.  All-season tires are sufficient if you live in an area that doesn’t usually have intense winters. 
• Maintains Tire Pressure – Every 10° change in ambient temperature could mean a gain or loss of 1 PSI. Inspect tire pressure more regularly during winter and add air as needed. 
• Install Winter Wipers – These wipers use rubber that keeps snow from collecting on the blades. As winter wipers are heavier than regular ones, remove them when springs arrive to decrease the load on the wiper motor.
• Keep Washer Fluid Full – Refill the washer reservoir frequently with windshield wiper fluid formulated for winter conditions.

Need to know more about what car maintenance is really necessary? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about preventative vehicle maintenance and to request an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves car owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.