It all starts with a sound. You are driving like normal, following your daily routine. But then, when you go to stop your car, you hear a weird sound. A grinding sound. For those unaware, this is the first sign that you need a brake pad replacement.
Just recently, we replaced brake pads that were down to nothing! Due to this, we want to ensure that people understand the importance of brake pads and why you cannot neglect them.
We did an entire series about brakes last year, focusing on their history, systems, and the cost of replacing them. Brake pads play an integral part in a braking system. These pads are designed to slow down and stop your car. This is done by applying friction against the rotors (or brake discs), creating a force to oppose the motion of the wheels. However, this friction generates heat which causes the breakdown of the pads. While the brake pads are made with materials that can handle the friction and heat, your brake pads will fail eventually.
As mentioned above, one of the first signs that you need a replacement may be a grinding sound, but not always. Brake pads are designed with metal tabs that will grind against the rotors when the pads are worn down. This creates a high-pitch grinding sound to alert the driver. Normally, this is enough to get people to bring their cars in. However, there are other signs.
Many drivers may also see that their stopping distance is increasing as the brake pedal becomes sponge-like. The increased stopping distance is due to the worn brake pads not creating enough friction. If the brake pads are uneven, you can feel your car pulling to one side over the other during a stop. Then, most drivers will begin feeling the brake pedal vibrate as the metal continues to grind against the rotor.
So, what happens if you ignore the signs? Well, one of our customers told us a story from when they were a new driver. Because of inexperience and not knowing the signs, they didn’t realize the vehicle’s brake pads were failing until it was too late. When they were trying to stop at a light, the brake pads exploded! This did damage to multiple parts of their car. As a result, they barely escaped crashing into other drivers and had to quickly apply their emergency brakes. While the car survived, the customer spent more money replacing the parts in their car.
Let’s make it clear. Ignoring failing brake pads is very dangerous. In addition to putting yourself in danger, you are risking the lives of your passengers and other drivers.
If you are experiencing braking problems, visit Mr. Muffler to get your brake pads checked and replaced!
People tend to have set routines for the morning. However, during the winter, people tend to forget to add a few extra minutes to warm up the car. While forgetting to warm up your car is annoying, there is a reason why warming up a car should be added to your daily routine.
Taking extra time in the morning to start up your car can be irritating, but warming up your car is beneficial. Overnight, the cold weather can thicken engine oil which can prevent it from flowing easily till it warms up. Below-freezing temperatures can also impact transmission fluid, brake fluid, washer fluid, and other lubricants.
Allowing your car to run for about 60 to 120 seconds will allow the fluids in your car to loosen up and better serve their purpose. This short idling period allows the fluids to circulate more effectively, minimizing engine wear. For a lot of modern cars, warming up your car is not a requirement due to new engine designs. However, modern cars should idle in freezing temperatures.
If you need to schedule some winter maintenance or tune-up, you need to contact Mr. Muffler today! Mr. Muffler can handle all your oil changes, tune-ups, brake repairs, and other car needs!
When it comes to car accidents, everyone can relate to the feeling. The moment after it happens, you feel a sense of shock. Your heart is pounding and you get a pit in your stomach before panic sets in. You can be distraught or angry but in the end, it’s an experience you have to deal with. As a result, some people forget or might not know the best way to handle the situation. To help handle automobile accidents when they occur, Mr. Muffler has put together a handy guide that will hopefully help.
You might suffer a little shock after an accident. However, safety is the most important thing for both parties involved. You should immediately check yourself for any injuries. If you are injured, you or another person should call 911 before doing anything else. However, if you are seriously injured, you should remain where you are if it is safe and wait for emergency services. After that you should also check on your passengers (if any) to see if they have any injuries. It’s best to make the 911 call and wait for emergency services in any case.
If you can move safely, you and your passengers should move off the road. However, if your car is causing a hazard and you still can drive, you should pull it over to the side of the road or a parking lot if one is near.
Depending on the state you live in, calling the police might be mandatory. Although involving the police might cause more anxiety, it can be important for insurance claims. Police officers will compile an accident report and also document the crash sight. It is important to ensure you have all the information that you need by getting the names of the officers and a copy of the documentation. During this time, you should exchange information with the other party.
In some cases, you may be the victim of a parking lot accident where the police are not required. Identifying the party and getting their information is the most important. Typically, insurance claims can be directly made to their insurance company, without police intervention (or even contacting your insurance agent). If you cannot get their information. Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible. If it’s your fault then you’ll want to contact your insurance agent.
Typically, you’ll go to a body shop to get your car repaired. Although in Michigan they would like you to get multiple estimates, that shouldn’t be necessary. Get it fixed where you want. Let your repair shop make the case to the insurance company. If the accident involves mechanical repairs, Mr Muffler is ready to assist as well. Whether you have some front-end damage, exhaust leaks, or something more serious, we can give an estimate. The most important thing is that after an accident, your automobile is safe to drive!
Unfortunately, when you live in Metro Detroit, everyday driving takes a toll on our vehicles. Front-end damage is a very common and scary problem for Michigan drivers. Potholes, construction, and collisions are all common reasons for front-end damage to occur in cars or trucks. Driving around with this type of damage can be very dangerous. That is why you should get an inspection whenever damage is done to the front of your car.
If something just “doesn’t seem right” with your vehicle, whether it is; pulling, shaking, or rattling, it is important to have your car or truck checked out. Driving with front-end damage can be very dangerous as your steering is affected and avoiding more damage is very important. Having any of the above damages to your vehicle results in unsafe driving conditions, especially in Michigan’s crazy weather and construction.
Let Mr. Muffler help you will all your alignment repair needs. When roads start to get slippery it is important to have full control of your vehicle! Our professional mechanics will inspect your vehicle for free. Then we will give you a clear and honest appraisal of damage and a fair estimate on any necessary repairs.
The summer weather is setting in, making it the perfect time to get your air conditioning inspection! It’s normal for cars to struggle when temperatures are fluctuating.
Has your car been affected by having to switch from the heater to the air conditioner rapidly? No worries! Come on into Mr. Muffler and we’ll check the condition of your air condition and repair whatever you need to be repaired!
Check out our summer specials! We have a radiator coolant flush starting at $49.95 (price fluctuates with car make and model). And we have a thorough A/C check-up starting at only $19.95! Don’t suffer through the summer’s heat in silence. Come to us and we will fix your air conditioner at a great price!
When people think of AC problems, their thoughts go to the thermostat or control panel. This is due to the control panel being visible and in front of the driver. However, there are a lot of parts that make this cooling system. Just a few weeks ago, a customer came in with no AC running. After popping the hood, it was clear that the AC was running. However, no air was coming through. It was one of the moments where another component of a car can affect your car’s ability to cool down. These components include:
Fortunately, the only problem the customer had was a broken blower fan. However, replacing these fans can be one of the most challenging air conditioning repairs. That is why we recommend getting your car’s AC inspected.
Inspections can catch problems early, which can prevent expensive repairs. An inspection can catch issues like component wear/tear and refrigerant levels. In addition, you can ensure your system is working at optimal performance and has good air quality!
Here are some tips to help you keep your car cooler:
Use a Sunshade or Window Visor
Put up a sunshade or window visor every time you exit your car to keep the interior cool. Keep it even cooler by putting a sunshade in your rearview window as well. Block the sun’s rays from your car!
Use a Dash Cover
A fabric or upholstered dash cover can make your car’s interior more comfortable and a lot less hot. You won’t feel as overwhelmed by the heat if you don’t have to touch hot vinyl and leather surfaces.
Park in a Shady Area
So, whenever possible, park in a shady area. You’ll be happy to enter a not-so-hot car when you return from your being away.
Keep Windows Slightly Cracked
While it’s not a good idea to leave your windows all the way open, it is a good idea to leave them slightly cracked. Even the smallest crack will promote ventilation and help to keep your car from overheating.
Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have! Come to visit us today at 125 S. Wayne Rd. in Westland, MI or call us at (734) 721-2800. We can’t wait to hear from you!