Keeping Your Car Clean

I still remember the day that I bought my first car. I thought it was the most perfect vehicle in the world, and I vowed to care for it diligently. Unfortunately, within a few days I had forgotten about my promise, and I started tossing fast food wrappers in the back like everyone else. After awhile I realized that neglecting my car was turning the inside into a garbage pit, and I decided to learn how to take better care of my vehicle. I took a class on auto detailing, and it really helped me to turn things around. I want to teach you what I learned, so you should read this blog.

Early Warning Signs That Your Rotors Need To Be Checked

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If you have a modern car, chances are that you have disc brakes at least in the front. Many models have disc brakes on all four wheels. Disc brakes work to slow or stop the car by pressing a set of brake pads against the disc (also commonly known as a rotor). When there's a problem, it's important that rotors be repaired or replaced to keep the brakes in good working order. It's even better to keep problems at a minimum. Rotors give signs that something might be wrong before problems become serious. Here are some common signs which tell you that your car is due for brake maintenance before serious damage happens.

Your brakes are squeaking or chirping:

Most brake pads come with special metal tabs that warn you when your brake pads are getting worn. Usually, the warning a tiny squeak that you will hear even if you are not pressing on the brake. If the pads wear further, the squeak may get louder and last longer. If you ignore these squeaks, the next sound you may hear is of metal scraping. By then, it's probably too late and your rotors will either need turning (refinishing) or replacement. 

There is a vibration, pulse or pull when braking:

Ideally, braking should feel smooth and not change the direction of the vehicle. When rotors are worn or damaged, they will tend to pulsate or noticeably pull to one side when the brakes are applied. You will feel a vibration if the rotors are severely worn. Any of these symptoms, even if it's not caused by a bad rotor, warrant a brake inspection.

There are grooves or marks on your rotors:

You can usually get a good view of your rotors by jacking up the car and removing the wheels. If you have styled wheels, you may also be able to see them through the spokes. If you see any type of groove or pitting, especially in the center area of the rotor where they have contact with the brake pads, then you will need to take your car in for repairs immediately. Do not continue driving if your rotors are scored because it most likely means that your brake pads are completely worn or there's another problem that severely reduces your brakes' effectiveness.

If you heed the warning signs as soon as possible, chances are that there will little or no damage to your rotors and they will last as long as possible. Minor problems can often be fixed by refinishing the rotors as part of a brake job. Any time you have problems with your brakes, no matter how small, take it to a mechanic to have your car checked out. Brakes are an important safety feature that shouldn't be ignored.

For brake repair, contact a company such as Elkhart Auto Center

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13 April 2016