Perhaps we’ve all been there… driving along on snow or ice. We hit our brakes, but nothing happens. The car just continues to move forward. Obviously, in certain conditions, even the best brakes and tires will not stop the car, but don’t let bad tires or worn brakes be the cause of your next accident! It’s important any time of year, but especially in the winter, to have fully functioning brakes and tires with a proper amount of tread to ensure that you can drive your car safely on the Minnesota snow- and ice-covered roads. If you live or work in the Blaine area, let us check your brakes and tires for you.
Recognizing Worn Brakes
Brakes are eventually going to need replacement. Some vehicles have indicators to help alert you when new pads are needed, however, it is recommended that as a car owner you are proactive about knowing the condition of your brakes. Avoid letting the brakes get too worn (i.e., metal to metal), as that can mean a more expensive rotor or drum replacement and a potential safety issue. If you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms or have any other concerns in regard to your brakes, please contact Clark Automotive:
● Car pulls to one side during braking
● Brake pedal pulsates when you apply the brakes
● Brake pedal feels “mushy”
● Noise when you step on the brake pedal
● Repeatedly need to add brake fluid to the master cylinder
● Brake and/or ABS warning light
Replacement Of Damaged Tires
Nobody wants to replace a new tire or a tire with plenty of tread still left. But the reality is that our safety should always come first. Your tires are your most important automotive part and the only automotive part that touches the road. The deciding factors on whether a tire can be repaired depend on how much damage has occurred and where the damage is located. The following situations will always warrant a new tire:
● Any damage to the shoulder or sidewall of the tire
● Large holes anywhere in the tire of more than ¼” in diameter
● Evidence of any severe damage, such as tread separation or large gashes
● The tire is damaged in a previously repaired area
Winter Vehicle Inspections And Maintenance
The roads can be a dangerous place, especially when you add unprepared vehicles into the mix with winter weather, and we want to help make sure you stay safe this season. Before the harshest winter weather arrives, you should have your vehicle serviced for the challenges winter can pose. Schedule an appointment today for our mechanics to inspect your vehicle. Call us today at (763) 784-7944.
The holidays are here, and you may be getting ready to travel. Whether you are traveling 10s of miles or 1000s of miles, if you travel by car, you should make sure that your car is ready to make the journey safely. The last thing you need is to get stuck with a dead battery, a flat tire or a broken-down vehicle when you are miles away from home and lots of businesses are closed for the holidays. Bring your vehicle to Clark Automotive and we will complete our winter maintenance checklist for you so that you can be confident that your car will not interfere with your upcoming holiday travel plans.
When you are looking for someone to repair your car, you likely have an idea of some of the qualities you need: honesty, responsiveness, affordability and the ability to communicate clearly. In addition, you also want to look for someone who has experience with many different types of vehicle repairs and has received training on fixing cars and trucks. One certification that you can keep your eye out for when you are looking for vehicle repair services is an ASE Certified Mechanic. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence was first established about 50 years ago with the goal of improving the quality of vehicle service and repair by testing and certifying automotive professionals. This has become the gold standard as a nationally recognized credential for auto mechanics in the US. Clark Automotive is proud Blaine auto repair shop with ASE Certified Technicians.
Anyone who is knowledgeable about automobiles–from your amazing local mechanic to a sales representative at an auto dealership to a neighbor who does work on his own car and can fix anything–will tell you that periodic maintenance is the key to keeping your vehicle running smoothly and reliably. One of the reasons our automobiles need unscheduled maintenance is that it can be difficult to keep up with the scheduled maintenance recommended by your vehicles’ manufacturers. Clark Automotive has made a name for us by helping our clients with the routine maintenance needed to keep your car in good shape and also the unscheduled maintenance or repairs when something unexpected happens.
Your brakes are one of the most important safety features on your vehicle. Most current vehicles come with two front brakes and two rear brakes. Your brakes are what allows you to stop the car when necessary. You can expect your brakes to last between 25,000-60,000 miles depending on how you drive. Your vehicle owner’s manual will give you a specific idea of what to expect when it comes to your specific car. Here are some signs that it may be time to have your brakes serviced:
