Car Safety Tips for Driving Teens This Winter
As the winter months approach, it’s important to ensure your teen driver is prepared for the challenges of winter driving. Here are some essential car safety tips to help keep your young drivers safe on the road:
1. Winterize Your Vehicle:
- Tire Check: Ensure your teen’s car has all-season or winter tires with adequate tread depth.
- Battery Check: Have the battery tested to ensure it can withstand cold temperatures.
- Wiper Blades: Replace worn wiper blades with winter-grade ones.
- Windshield Washer Fluid: Use winter-grade windshield washer fluid to prevent freezing.
- Antifreeze Check: Ensure the antifreeze/coolant mixture is appropriate for cold weather.
2. Teach Defensive Driving Techniques:
- Increased Stopping Distance: Emphasize the importance of increasing stopping distance in icy conditions.
- Avoiding Sudden Maneuvers: Discourage sudden braking, acceleration, and turning, as these can lead to loss of control.
- Safe Passing: Teach your teen to be patient and avoid passing other vehicles in hazardous conditions.
3. Emphasize the Importance of Seat Belts:
- Buckle Up: Remind your teen to always wear a seatbelt, even for short trips.
- Proper Seat Belt Usage: Ensure they know how to properly adjust and wear their seatbelt.
4. Limit Distractions:
- Phone Usage: Reinforce the dangers of using a cell phone while driving, even with hands-free technology.
- Passenger Distractions: Encourage your teen to minimize distractions from passengers.
5. Practice Winter Driving Skills:
- Find a Safe Location: Look for a deserted parking lot or quiet road to practice driving in snowy or icy conditions.
- Controlled Skids: Under controlled conditions, practice how to recover from a skid.
- Hill Starts: Practice hill starts to avoid rolling back.
- Emergency Braking: Practice emergency braking techniques on a snow-covered road.
6. Emergency Kit:
- Essential Items: Encourage your teen to keep an emergency kit in their car, including:
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight
- First-aid kit
- Warm blankets
- Non-perishable food and water
- Ice scraper and snow brush
By following these tips and setting a good example as a driver, you can help your young drivers stay safe on the road this winter. Remember, a little extra care and attention can go a long way in preventing accidents and keeping your teen safe.
Fall Car Care Checklist: Get Your Vehicle Ready for Winter
As the leaves begin to change and the temperature drops, it’s time to prepare your vehicle for the colder months ahead. Fall car care is crucial to ensure your vehicle is safe and reliable during the winter season. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through a step-by-step checklist to help you get your car winter-ready.
Why Fall Car Care Matters
Neglecting fall car care can lead to a variety of problems, including:
- Poor performance: Cold weather can affect your car’s engine, battery, and tires, leading to decreased performance.
- Safety hazards: Faulty brakes, worn tires, and poor visibility can increase the risk of accidents.
- Costly repairs: Ignoring small issues can lead to more significant problems and expensive repairs.
Essential Fall Car Care Tips
1. Tire Check:
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- Tire Pressure: Ensure your tires are inflated to the correct pressure, as recommended by the manufacturer. Underinflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency and increase the risk of blowouts.
- Tire Tread Depth: Check the tread depth to ensure adequate traction in slippery conditions. If the tread is worn, consider replacing your tires.
- Tire Rotation: Rotate your tires to promote even wear and extend their lifespan.
2. Battery Inspection:
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- Battery Health: Have your battery tested to ensure it can withstand cold temperatures. A weak battery can cause starting issues, especially in cold weather.
- Battery Terminals: Clean the battery terminals to prevent corrosion, which can hinder electrical conductivity.
3. Coolant Check:
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- Coolant Level: Ensure your coolant level is sufficient and that the coolant is mixed with water in the correct ratio.
- Coolant Strength: Test the coolant’s freezing point to ensure it can protect your engine from freezing.
4. Wiper Blades:
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- Wiper Blade Condition: Inspect your wiper blades for signs of wear, such as cracking or streaking. Replace worn blades to ensure clear visibility during rain and snow.
- Wiper Fluid: Fill your windshield washer fluid reservoir with winter-grade fluid that can withstand freezing temperatures.
5. Heating System:
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- Heating Function: Test your car’s heating system to ensure it’s working properly. A faulty heater can make winter driving uncomfortable.
6. Lights:
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- Headlights and Taillights: Check all exterior lights to ensure they are functioning correctly. Replace any burned-out bulbs.
- Fog Lights: If your car is equipped with fog lights, make sure they are clean and working properly.
7. Undercarriage Inspection:
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- Rust and Corrosion: Look for signs of rust and corrosion on your car’s undercarriage. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
- Fluid Leaks: Check for any fluid leaks, such as oil or transmission fluid.
Additional Tips for Fall Car Care
- Clean Your Car: Remove leaves, dirt, and debris from your car’s exterior and interior.
- Wash Your Car Regularly: Regular car washes can help prevent rust and corrosion.
- Use a High-Quality Car Wax: Waxing your car can help protect its paint from the elements.
- Store Your Summer Tires: Properly store your summer tires to prevent damage.
By following these fall car care tips, you can ensure your vehicle is ready to handle the challenges of winter driving. If you need any assistance with your car’s maintenance or repair needs, contact Showcase Collision.
By taking the time to prepare your car for the colder months, you can enjoy a safe and comfortable driving experience.
How to Spot Rust on Your Car: A Comprehensive Guide
Rust is the enemy of every car owner. It’s a silent, insidious problem that can quickly escalate from a minor blemish to a major structural issue. Early detection is key to preventing costly repairs. This guide will walk you through how to inspect your car for signs of rust and what to do if you find it.
Understanding Rust
Rust, or corrosion, is a chemical reaction that occurs when iron comes into contact with oxygen and water. While it might seem like a slow process, it can significantly weaken a car’s structure over time.
Where to Look for Rust
Rust can appear in various parts of your car. Here’s where to focus your attention:
Exterior
- Undercarriage: This area is particularly susceptible to rust due to exposure to road salt, water, and debris. Look for bubbling paint, flaking paint, or exposed metal.
- Wheel Wells: These areas can trap moisture and dirt, creating the perfect environment for rust. Check for rust spots, especially around the wheel arches.
- Doors: Pay attention to the edges of the doors, where they meet the body. Look for bubbles, peeling paint, or rust holes.
- Hood and Trunk: Inspect the edges and corners of these panels for signs of rust.
- Roof: While less common, check the roof for any rust spots, especially if your car has a sunroof.
Interior
- Trunk: Look for rust on the inner panels of the trunk.
- Floor Mats: If you notice dampness or a musty smell, it could be a sign of underlying rust.
- Frame Rails: While difficult to access, if you have the opportunity, inspect the frame rails for rust.
Signs of Rust
- Bubbling Paint: This is a clear indication that rust is forming beneath the paint.
- Peeling Paint: If the paint is peeling or flaking, it could be a sign of underlying rust.
- Rust Holes: These are obvious signs of advanced rust damage.
- Surface Rust: This is a reddish-brown discoloration on the metal surface.
- Scale: A flaky, powdery substance that forms on rusted metal.
Preventing Rust
While early detection is crucial, prevention is even better. Here are some tips:
- Regular Washing and Waxing: Removing dirt, salt, and other contaminants helps protect your car’s finish.
- Undercoating: This protective coating can help shield your car’s undercarriage from rust.
- Car Covers: Using a car cover can protect your car’s paint from environmental factors.
- Promptly Address Damage: Repairing dents, scratches, and chips quickly can prevent rust from starting.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you find signs of rust, it’s essential to address the issue promptly. While minor surface rust can sometimes be treated with a rust converter, more extensive damage requires professional attention. Showcase Collision can provide expert rust repair services, restoring your car to its former glory.
Remember: Early detection and treatment of rust can save you money and extend the life of your vehicle. By following these tips and seeking professional help when needed, you can protect your car from the ravages of rust.
Don’t Sweat It! Signs Your Car’s A/C Needs Attention This Michigan Summer
Summer’s here in Michigan, and with it comes the blazing sun and scorching temperatures. As you crank up the air conditioning (A/C) for a cool ride, you might be met with a blast of lukewarm air instead. Don’t despair! Here at Showcase Collision and Auto Care Center, we understand the importance of a functioning A/C system, especially during Michigan’s hot summers.
This blog will guide you through the telltale signs that your car’s A/C needs attention. By recognizing these symptoms early on, you can avoid discomfort and potential damage to your vehicle’s cooling system.
Signs Your Car’s A/C Needs Service
Several red flags can indicate your car’s A/C system isn’t performing optimally. Here are some key ones to watch out for:
1. Weak or Lukewarm Airflow
The most obvious sign is a lack of cool air coming from the vents. You might feel a slight breeze, but it won’t be enough to combat the summer heat. This could indicate low refrigerant levels, a clogged cabin air filter, or a malfunctioning compressor – the heart of your A/C system.
2. Unpleasant Odors
If you turn on the A/C and are greeted by a musty or moldy smell, it’s a strong indicator of a clogged evaporator core. This core helps cool the air, and moisture buildup within it can lead to mold growth, causing an unpleasant odor.
3. Strange Noises
Your A/C system should operate relatively quietly. If you hear grinding, hissing, or clunking sounds when you turn on the A/C, it could be a sign of a failing compressor, worn bearings, or debris caught within the system. These noises require immediate attention to prevent further damage.
4. Leaks
Finding puddles under your car after using the A/C could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is a vital component that absorbs heat within the system. A leak will significantly reduce cooling efficiency and could damage other A/C components if left unchecked.
5. Inconsistent Performance
Does your A/C only blow cold air intermittently? This inconsistency could be caused by electrical issues, a faulty A/C control module, or low refrigerant levels that fluctuate with temperature changes.
Benefits of Regular A/C Maintenance
Scheduling regular A/C maintenance offers several advantages:
- Improved Cooling Performance: A well-maintained system ensures your car stays cool and comfortable even on the hottest days.
- Enhanced Fuel Efficiency: A properly functioning A/C puts less strain on your engine, leading to better fuel economy.
- Reduced Repair Costs: Addressing minor issues early on prevents them from snowballing into expensive repairs later.
- Extended System Lifespan: Regular maintenance helps your A/C system last longer.
- Improved Air Quality: A clean cabin air filter removes dust, pollen, and other allergens, promoting a healthier in-car environment.
Schedule Your A/C Service Today!
At Showcase Collision and Auto Care Center, our certified technicians are equipped to diagnose and service all your car’s A/C needs. We offer a comprehensive A/C maintenance package that includes:
- Leak Detection and Repair
- Refrigerant Level Check and Recharge
- Evaporator Core Cleaning
- Cabin Air Filter Replacement
- A/C System Performance Inspection
Don’t let a malfunctioning A/C system ruin your summer drives! Schedule your appointment with Showcase Collision and Auto Care Center today. Call us at (586) 979-6450 to experience the cool comfort you deserve this Michigan summer!
Looking for more car care tips? Check out our blog for informative articles on various auto maintenance topics!
Spring Tire Maintenance
Seasonal Tire Maintenance Routines
As the weather transitions from winter to spring, it’s important to keep an eye on your tire pressure. During the cold winter months, temperatures drop, causing tire pressure to decrease. Temperature changes often lead to the need for additional air in a to maintain the recommended psi. However, as spring arrives and temperatures rise, the previously added air can cause overinflation, leading to harder sidewalls and treads, reduced traction and performance, and accelerated wear in the center section of the treaded area.
In addition to temperature-related pressure changes, road treatments like salt and sand used to improve traction on icy roads can be harsh on tires and wheels due to their abrasive and corrosive nature. Potholes resulting from winter plowing and the freeze/thaw cycle can also pose a threat to tires and wheels, causing damage to the sidewalls and rims.
Aligning Your Tires
Furthermore, hitting a pothole can jar the steering system, leading to misalignment and steering issues. This can be identified by symptoms such as the car pulling to one side or decreased steering responsiveness. Regular tire rotations, along with inspections and alignments, can help preserve balanced handling, maintain traction, and promote even tread wear, ultimately prolonging tire life.
If the winter has taken a toll on your tires and you need replacements, it’s essential to consult with professionals to find the best tires at a great price. Keeping up with routine tire evaluations and maintenance recommendations, including regular visits and tire rotations, can help prevent potential road problems.
Getting a Tire Rotation
Ensure that you are getting your tire alignment checked every season change. When you take your vehicle in for a tire alignment it is a smart idea to have your tires rotated too. Tire rotation is changing the position of your tires by moving them to different spots on the axle. There are some great benefits to tire rotation.
- Improved traction and performance in rainy and wet road conditions
- Fosters even tread wear and increases tire longevity
- Keeps your car handling in check
Big Tire Savings
If you are looking for deals on maintenance and new tire savings keep an eye on our promotions and our Facebook page.
Is It More Cost-Effective to Repair or Replace Your Transmission?
When faced with transmission issues, one of the most pressing questions for car owners is whether to opt for repairs or invest in a replacement. This decision involves considering various factors, including the extent of the damage, the age of the vehicle, and overall cost implications. In this guide, we will delve into the key considerations that can help you determine whether it’s cheaper to repair or replace a transmission. Understanding these factors will empower you to make an informed decision that aligns with both your budget and the longevity of your vehicle.
1. Assessing the Severity of the Issue
The first step in deciding between transmission repair and replacement is evaluating the severity of the problem. Minor issues such as fluid leaks or slipping gears might be resolved through targeted repairs. On the other hand, extensive damage to internal components could warrant a complete transmission replacement. Consult with a qualified mechanic to conduct a thorough diagnosis and provide insights into the specific nature of the problem.
2. Vehicle Age and Mileage
Consider the age and mileage of your vehicle when weighing repair versus replacement. In some cases, older vehicles with high mileage may benefit more from a new transmission, as it ensures a fresh start and improved performance. However, for newer vehicles with a relatively low mileage, targeted repairs might be a cost-effective solution to address specific issues without the need for a full replacement.
3. Cost of Repairs vs. Replacement
Obtain detailed cost estimates for both repairs and replacement. While repairs might seem financially attractive initially, recurring issues could lead to cumulative expenses. A new transmission, although a larger upfront investment, could provide a more reliable and long-term solution, potentially saving money in the extended lifespan of your vehicle.
4. Warranty Considerations
Evaluate the warranties associated with both repair work and replacement transmissions. Reputable repair shops often provide warranties for their services, ensuring that you are covered in case issues persist. Similarly, replacement transmissions may come with warranties, offering added peace of mind regarding the longevity and performance of the new component.
5. Resale Value Impact
Take into account the impact on the resale value of your vehicle. A new transmission can enhance the overall value and marketability of your car, especially if you plan to sell or trade it in the future. Potential buyers are often more inclined toward vehicles with recent, reliable transmissions.
Making the Right Choice
The decision to repair or replace a transmission depends on a combination of factors unique to your vehicle and situation. Consulting with a qualified mechanic you can trust, obtaining comprehensive cost estimates, and considering the long-term implications will guide you toward the most cost-effective and practical solution. By weighing these factors carefully, you can ensure the optimal performance and longevity of your vehicle without unnecessary financial strain.
Michigan Winter Driving Guide for 2024
With the winter snow flying already in Michigan and elsewhere, now is a good time to review some winter safety tips. Everyone is aware of these tips, but they can easily be forgotten over the course of a long spring, summer, and fall season. So when winter rolls around again, most of us have already forgotten our good habits driving through inclement conditions, and we are sometimes surprised by the impact weather has on driving conditions. So you don’t get surprised this year, it would be a good idea for you to re-acquaint yourself with some of the most useful driving tips for the winter. The last thing you’ll want is to make a foolish mistake behind the wheel, and find that your car needs some auto body repair after having been in a collision. Winter driving conditions can be very treacherous, and it’s well worth your while to do what you can to prepare.
Have your vehicle prepared for winter
The first thing you should check when you’re preparing for winter is your tires, since these are the number one components contributing to safety. It’s also important that you have good traction as you drive through winter snow and ice. It has been determined that under such conditions you can generally stop somewhere around 50% faster on poor road conditions when your tires have good traction. After making sure you have good tires, think about items that you want to pack in your car when you’re traveling any distance. The things that can be really helpful include the following: First Aid kit, sand for gripping the snow, a snow brush or an ice scraper, an emergency kit, jackets or blankets, and emergency food and water.
If you ever happen to be stuck somewhere on the road in bad weather conditions, you’ll appreciate having these items and even more on hand in your vehicle. Every time you start out driving somewhere in the winter time you should make sure that any snow or ice have been removed from the hood and grill of your car, from your door windows and mirrors, and from the rear window and tail lights. It’s very important that these components be cleared of snow and ice, so that you can drive safely where you need to. When driving through wintry conditions, turn your low beam headlights on so that you are easily seen by other drivers on the road.
Given that winter driving requires more from your vehicle, and the hazards of getting stuck in bad weather are so extreme, you should take the time to make sure that all aspects of your vehicle are prepared for the task. Some components to check on your car include the battery and the ignition system, since these can definitely be affected by cold weather and can cause failures. You’ll also want to know that the heater is in good working order, if you should happen to be stuck in snow somewhere.
It goes without saying that your brakes need to be operating at peak efficiency, because road conditions are almost always significantly worse in winter time than they would be at any other time of year. Make sure all your headlights, tail lights, and all other lights are operational and allow your vehicle to be clearly seen by others on the road. You’ll also want to know that your windshield wipers are operating efficiently, especially when there’s heavy snow or rain, to keep all that nasty stuff off your windshield, so you can see and drive properly. Lastly, make sure to check the fluid levels on your vehicle, so you don’t unexpected run out of wiper fluid, transmission fluid, or any other fluid that helps your vehicle to operate more efficiently.
Winter driving
Winter driving is a little different from good weather driving, and generally will allow for less traction than you would find on bare, dry roads. That means every time you get behind the wheel in winter time, you’re more likely to be involved in some kind of an accident or have some kind of driving mishap on the road. To minimize the chances of you getting involved in some kind of problem, you should adapt your driving in winter time to the conditions prevalent. Be especially careful when you are aware that you’re running behind schedule – don’t try to make up that lost time by driving faster on your trip. This kind of attitude is responsible for far more accidents than you might think, and it’s a dangerous mentality to have.
It will help tremendously if you leave extra space between yourself and other motorists on the road, drive slower and brake sooner, make slower turns, accelerations, and stops, and if you give yourself more time to reach your destination. Even cars with four-wheel drive have difficulty stopping on ice in winter, so you can count on your car being subject to the same constraints. If you should ever find yourself in the midst of a prolonged skid, make sure not to panic. The best way to react is to remove your foot from the accelerator, and turn into the skid without slamming on your brakes.
You should also be mindful of the glare of the sun, because it’s generally angled lower in the sky during the winter months. This can obstruct your vision and make driving somewhat dangerous, especially if you happen to be driving in the direction of the sun itself. If you do have any trouble seeing traffic on the road, slow down and leave lots of space between yourself and other vehicles. It’s a good idea to have a pair of sunglasses in the car to combat the glare. Keep in mind that when the weather gets really nasty, your best bet would be to just stay home and delay the driving trip you had in mind. If you’re forced to go out into bad driving conditions, just make sure that you are totally alert and that your car is prepared for those conditions.
What Makes Car Batteries Die in Cold Weather and Avoiding it in Michigan
A Michigan winter can get pretty cold at times, especially when northerly winds descend upon the state and usher in ultra-cold air. This can cause your car battery to die, and then you’ll need to take it in for auto repair or car maintenance in order to get back on the road again. In this article, we’ll discuss why it is that your battery is so vulnerable to damage from extreme cold, and just what you can do to prevent that from happening. Nothing is worse than heading out for work in the morning and discovering that your car is dead, so remember this information and avoid that kind of mishap this winter.
What makes car batteries die in winter
Normally, a car battery operates by converting chemical energy into electrical energy, and this is what powers most of the systems in your vehicle. When the weather gets cold, this whole operation gets slowed down significantly, and when the temperature dips below freezing, you can count on your battery losing roughly one-third of its starting power. That means it will automatically be more difficult to start your car when the temperature is less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit. At the same time, the oil in your engine will become thicker, and this too impedes the successful startup and operation of your car. Since the oil is thicker, it will require even more battery power to get your vehicle going, and this quickly drains away the power stored in the battery.
How to prevent dead batteries in Michigan
There are several tips you can use to prevent your battery from dying unexpectedly after some frigid night in Michigan. First of all, you should have your battery strength tested at the onset of winter, so you know how strong it is before the really cold weather arrives. If your professional mechanic recommends that you switch to a new battery, you should follow his/her advice and put a fresh unit in your vehicle. If you can park your vehicle inside a heated area like a garage, that will allow you to avoid having the worst of the cold weather impact your vehicle.
You should get in the habit when leaving your vehicle for the day to turn off all the electrical accessories, so you’re sure something isn’t draining your battery without your knowledge. All those accessories can represent a serious drain on the life of your battery, so it’s important to ensure that they’re all turned off after using them. Make sure that your car doesn’t sit for long periods of time during cold weather, meaning that it should not be sitting in the driveway for a week at a time.
When you don’t drive your vehicle, it begins to lose power even if nothing is being used. By driving your car regularly, you can keep your battery charged up and you can avoid the possibility of a failure. One last thing you can do is purchase a battery heater, and these are available at all auto parts stores and some department stores as well. By keeping your battery heated during cold weather, you can go a long way toward keeping it operational all winter long.
Need battery help?
If winter does somehow sneak up on you before you’ve had the chance to take precautions, you can call the Showcase Auto Care Center in Michigan at (586) 979-6450. Our team will have you back on the road before you know it, and you’ll be good to go for this season and several more to come.
Fall 2023 Driving Tips
With the arrival of autumn, driving conditions will change for much of the country, so it’s time to be aware of those differences and modify your driving behavior to accommodate them. Below we’ve provided some driving tips for Fall Driving 2023, so that you can continue your safe driving during the changing season. The first recommendation will be to have your vehicle serviced for fall driving, and that should include a check of your tires, brakes, fluid levels, and essential systems like lights and heating. If any kind of auto repair is necessary, this should be done as soon as it can be arranged. Other more specific tips are described below.
Watch out for wildlife
Wildlife tends to be more active during the hours around dawn and dusk since many wild animals have become nocturnal. Deer can be particularly dangerous to motorists since they have a habit of leaping in front of running vehicles at unexpected moments. Other smaller animals might also be crossing the road at these times of day, so watch out for critters like opossums, rabbits, raccoons, skunks, and even stray dogs and cats. If you should collide with any kind of larger animal, it could result in serious damage to your car, and possibly to yourself as well.
Be extra careful on overpasses and bridges
As the weather cools, especially at night, it becomes possible for bridges and overpasses to freeze up. This creates hazardous driving conditions, because most drivers won’t be aware they’re about to hit a frozen patch, and will maintain speed. A high-speed slip can create the potential for loss of control over your vehicle, and when that happens, serious accidents can occur. Bridges and overpasses have a tendency to freeze up before other areas, so it generally comes as a surprise when you hit a skid on one of these areas.
Watch out for foggy conditions
Fog can create all kinds of hazardous conditions, so it becomes necessary to proceed with caution in foggy areas. It’s super important that you see other drivers and that they are able to see you. So make sure your lights are in good working order and that they’re on when you encounter any foggy conditions. It’s best to avoid using your high-beam headlights, because they create a glare in fog and don’t allow for best vision in those conditions. It’s always a good idea to drive a little slower in a fog patch, so you have more time to react to a suddenly developing traffic situation.
Be prepared to drive through leaves
There will be times when you encounter piles of leaves or even sheets of leaves on the roadway during autumn. These can reduce your level of traction and introduce a slippery element to driving. You’ll be much safer if you slow down when driving through a patch of leaves, so any slips won’t be so costly. If there happens to be a frost or any kind of icy condition present, that will exacerbate the danger presented by leaves. That means you’ll need to be extra cautious when driving over leaves on chilly days.
Prepare for different patterns of daylight
Fall days are substantially shorter than summertime days, by several hours. That means it will get dark sooner in the evening and it will stay dark longer in the morning. This can make it more dangerous to drive through your own neighborhood since it will be harder to see children playing or pets running into the street. It’s also true that the sun doesn’t climb as high in the sky as it does during summer. This means it’s more likely that the sun will be in your eyes at some point while you’re driving. Have some sunglasses ready for times when there’s a huge glare of sunshine, so your driving vision isn’t impaired.
Contact Us
Sometimes, even with the best approach to driving and in relatively safe and dry conditions, accidents can still happen. If you’ve been involved in any kind of traffic mishap, contact us at (586)-979-6450 where our Showcase Collision experts will be waiting to restore your vehicle to prime condition. We also handle all kinds of auto repairs, and you can always count on reliable, professional service from our team of experienced mechanics and collision specialists.
Common Brake Problems and Solutions for Your Car
It shouldn’t be surprising that your vehicle’s brakes wear out so often, given the fact that they are one of the most used systems in your entire vehicle. The braking system is also one of the most important systems on your vehicle because its functionality can either be life-saving or life-threatening in actual usage. Almost everyone has been obliged at one time or another to suddenly slam on the brakes to prevent a collision with some object, either wildlife, property, or even a pedestrian. Those are the times when you need your brakes to be functioning perfectly.
Anything less than that could result in serious or fatal injuries to the vehicle occupants, and to anyone else who might be involved. Therefore, it will be to your advantage to be aware of some of the most common problems occurring with your brakes. Even if you don’t intend to investigate or fix the problem yourself, it helps to identify the problem in the first place, so you can get the appropriate professional help. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common brake problems, so that you’ll know whether you need brake replacement, new brakes, or just some specialized brake service.
Brakes hanging up (not disengaging)
Sometimes breaks fail to completely disengage when your foot is removed from the brake pedal. When this happens, you may notice a smell like something is burning, which comes from all the heat that is generated by the brakes when they fail to disengage. Of course, it is completely unsafe to drive while the brakes are dragging or hung up like this, and it will definitely cause more damage to the brakes if you drive with them while engaged, because they’ll wear out much much faster. When brakes become hung up like this and do not disengage, it’s usually because the rotor or drum is rusted, the master cylinder return hole is clogged, the brake line has become pinched, the parking brake cable has seized up, or the calipers or pads have seized up.
Of these, the most likely cause is having the calipers or pads seize up. This can occur regardless of the age of your vehicle or its brakes and is often triggered by salt used on winter roads, that accumulates on the brake pads. Any parking brakes which are cable-operated might jam up in the same way, and will generally require the parking brake cable to be replaced. For the most part, this can be prevented by avoiding driving through deep puddles, as well as areas that are heavily salted during the wintertime. Of course, this may not always be possible, so after you have driven through such an area, it would be wise to clean the underside of the car as well as the wheels. This will prevent the possibility of a rust buildup, which will definitely degrade the brake system.
Shudder after repeated braking
This usually occurs when the rotors on your brakes are either bent or warped, which happens sometimes from a buildup of localized material on the surface of the rotors. This can be overcome by resurfacing the rotors and grinding them flat and smooth. However, this option is only available if the problem has not deteriorated to a severe point where resurfacing will not solve the problem. If rotors have become warped or bent because of overheating, this cannot be fixed by grinding the surface flat again, since the rotors will simply become warped again as soon as they are exposed to heat.
Hard pedal/Soft pedal
Sometimes you’ll notice poor performance from your brakes, where you might feel the brake pedal is either too easy or too difficult to depress normally. In the case of a soft pedal, the culprit could be any one of the following:
- failed wheel bearing
- overheated brake fluid
- failed master cylinder
- damaged wheel cylinders or calipers
- blown brake line
- low level of brake fluid
- air included in the brake fluid
- bad residual valve
- fluid leak in the system.
Of these, one of the most common issues comes in the area of the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir. Any leak here might cause the fluid level to be so low that the failsafe braking system is also ineffective. When you notice a low fluid level, it will likely be because the pads are experiencing excessive friction, or the drums could be completely worn out. Sometimes brake hydraulics will get air in the lines after service has been performed, and it’s also possible for a bad master cylinder to inject air into the line. A bad wheel bearing can cause the brake pads to be pushed back into the caliper too far.
When you notice that it takes a great deal more pressure to bring your car to a stop than it normally would, this is a hard pedal indication on your brake system. Most of the time when you experience a hard pedal situation it will be due to a failure in the power boost system. Since the power booster uses an engine vacuum to help apply the brakes, it is a standard feature in most modern cars. If this booster or a vacuum hose becomes bad, it can cause a leak that will be expressed as rough engine idling or poor brake boost. Here are the likeliest causes of a hard pedal indication:
- bad check valve
- worn-out brake pads
- seized up calipers
- failed power booster
- leak in the vacuum hose
- complete collapse of the vacuum hose.
Squealing noise when braking
The annoying high-pitched sound which comes from your brakes sometimes is intended to alert you that you only have about 25% of your brake pad left intact. Of course, your brakes will also squeal more loudly when you run through a wet or glazed patch on the road, or you’re in stop-and-go traffic. In this case, depressing the brakes emphatically will generally clean off the surfaces and return your brakes to normal. There are also some factors that can trigger excessive noise because brake pads sometimes resonate in the same range they vibrate at during usage. This is because of different manufacturer tolerances, unexpected wear factors, different levels of friction with materials, and several other causes. You can generally overcome this by applying an anti-squeal paste, which raises the resonance outside the vibration range.
Sinking pedal
You may notice this situation when stopped at a traffic light, and you observe that the pedal is slowly sinking to the floor when your foot rests on it. This is often because a master cylinder is beginning to fail, or because somewhere in the system you have a leak. If you find that there are no leaks after investigation, the most likely cause of the sinking pedal issue is that one of the rubber seals on the master cylinder is leaking and allowing fluid to creep in. For this situation, and all others that are abnormal, you should have your brake system checked out by a professional. When your life and the lives of your passengers depend on great brake performance, you simply must have your brakes in good working order.
