Even if you follow your car maintenance schedule, unexpected problems can arise. To help you prepare for these expenses, set aside monthly money in a high-yield savings account. Learn about common auto repair terms and processes. Educating yourself can help avoid being overcharged or scammed by unscrupulous repair shops. Check out this website at https://juanitosautobody.com/ for more details.
Brakes
Your brakes are an incredible system of parts and fluid that allow you to control a fast-moving, heavy car and slow it down or stop it with just a slight press of your foot. They are one of your most important safety features and should always be kept in top working condition.
Your braking system starts with your master cylinder and a series of hydraulic lines that run from it to each wheel. When you push your brake pedal, it activates these lines, which create the extreme hydraulic pressure that stops your vehicle. These hoses and lines are subject to heat, road salt, corrosion, and normal wear and tear and need routine inspections to ensure they continue to function properly.
Brake pads and rotors are another part of your braking system that can wear down over time. Many modern pads have a built-in metal component that creates a squeal when they wear down to alert you of their condition. Your technician will check these pads, rotors, and clips during your service visit to ensure everything functions as it should.
Suspension
Not as obvious as an engine or transmission, the suspension (or suspension system) plays a critical role in guaranteeing a comfortable ride and safe handling of your car. The suspension system uses a combination of springs and shock absorbers to reduce the bumpiness you feel when driving on rough or uneven road surfaces.
It’s important to check that your vehicle has a good suspension system because the law of physics dictates that every force exerted on the wheels has magnitude and direction. If your car’s suspension isn’t performing as it should, the tell-tale signs include an extra ‘bounce’ in your drive, a crooked steering wheel or uneven tire wear.
While the suspension is a vital component of your car, there are also other components that need to be serviced regularly to ensure you’re a safe and confident driver on the road. Some of these components may require more maintenance than others, so it’s a good idea to check your owner’s manual to see what needs to be done and when. For example, parts like tie rod ends can be replaced at regular intervals to keep your car running smoothly.
Tyres
Tyres are the black rubbery things on your car wheels that stop the wheels from bouncing all over the place as you drive. They are made mainly from natural rubber (which is pretty strong but also flexible – play with the rubber in your pencil case to see) and have two main parts, the tread and the body.
The tread has groves that channel water away from the surface of the road. This helps with traction and prevents aquaplaning, where the car loses control due to not having enough grip on the road. A well-maintained tyre should have plenty of tread remaining to do this.
When you have new tyres, you will often see little rubber hairs sticking out of the sides of the tread. These are tyre spews and serve no practical purpose, but they do indicate that the tyres are brand new. These hairs will eventually be shaved off with regular use and wear.
Tyres come in many different designs and sizes to suit cars of all kinds, from small city runabouts to 4 x 4’s. They can also have different speed ratings, which are indicated by the alphabets on the tyre’s sidewall.
Electrical
Today’s cars are built with a very complex electrical system. If you have issues with your alternator, battery or starter it’s time to get a team of expert technicians involved in your auto repair. Our automotive electricians can handle all of your car electrical services.
A blown fuse is a clear indicator that one of the electrical devices in your vehicle is not working properly or it’s getting too much current and burning out. Replacing fuses without identifying and fixing the underlying problem is not a long term solution.
Electrical problems can occur due to a variety of reasons including age, wear and tear, environmental conditions or poor maintenance. Our technicians will conduct a full electrical diagnostics and identify the cause of your electrical problems. We can then repair your vehicle with new, remanufactured, rebuilt or salvage parts. New parts are manufactured according to the original manufacturer’s specifications and usually come with a warranty. Remanufactured and rebuilt parts are returned to a factory condition and generally have limited warranties, while salvage parts may not be available at all. Our technicians can advise you on the best part option based on your budget and needs. You can also take care of some routine electrical services like cleaning battery terminals and cables.
Air Conditioning
Auto HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) technicians specialize in the inspection and repair of vehicle climate control systems. They diagnose issues and perform tasks such as refrigerant recharging, compressor replacements, and air conditioning system repairs.
In addition to a strong brand identity and high-quality mechanics, you should also invest in business insurance to protect yourself from lawsuits or damages caused by your shop’s staff or customers. You should also consider establishing your repair shop as a separate legal entity. A limited liability company (LLC), partnership, or corporation will protect you from having to pay damages out of your personal finances if your business is sued.
Before you have any work done, ask the shop for a written estimate and request that it be itemized. This will give you a clear idea of what is being repaired, and if any parts are new, used, or remanufactured. Some states require repair shops to disclose this information on their invoices. You should also check whether the odometer reading on the repair order and the odometer on the invoice match. If the odometer on the repair order differs from the odometer on the invoice, it’s important to resolve the dispute before you pay the bill.
