How to Tell If Your Brake Pads Need Replacing
November 1st, 2019
With power brakes, it can be hard to notice when brake pads have worn to a point of needing replacement. Braking performance often doesn’t seem to drop off considerably until the brakes have gotten to a point of actually being dangerous. For this reason, regular inspection can make all the difference. Milstead Automotive in Spring, TX has compiled this helpful list to help keep drivers ahead of a problem like worn brakes:
Listen to Your Brakes
Many brake pads are designed with a spring-steel tab that protrudes from the backing plate and serves as a wear indicator. When the brake pad friction material has worn down to a minimum thickness, the tab will dr ...[more]
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Auto Repair 101
How Do My Brakes Work?
April 11th, 2019
It’s a sunny day and you’re driving down the road with your windows down and music turned up. All of a sudden, the car in front of you stops abruptly, causing you to slam on your brakes. Thank goodness your brakes worked perfectly, and you avoided a collision. Until this incident occurred you probably haven’t given your brake system much thought. Sure, you know your brakes should be inspected and serviced every once in a while… but how do they actually make your car stop with just a tap of the foot? 
When you really stop and think, you realize brakes are a pretty amazing invention. They have the power to bring a large, multi-ton machine traveling at 70 miles per hour to a complete stop with just a push of the pedal. This ability is all thanks to science!
&n ...[more]
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Auto Repair 101
What to Do if Your Brakes Fail
October 30th, 2018
As far as automobile technology has come, failing brakes is an issue most people will never encounter in their lifetimes. Nonetheless, it’s important to be prepared for every possible situation on the road. If you are driving and suspect your brakes have failed, here is what you should do: 
Stay Calm: Rarely, if ever, does panicking help in an emergency. Do your best to remain calm and stay focused on the next steps. Your goal will be to get your vehicle off of the road as safely as possible.
Make Sure the Brakes are Out: Because new vehicles have dual braking systems (which control the front and rear brakes separately) you may have only lost half of your braking pow ...[more]
Posted in:
Auto Repair 101
What to Do When Your Parking Brake is Stuck
March 15th, 2018
Have you ever gotten a little too excited using your parking brake? At some point, most of us pull up just a little too hard and get our brake lever jammed. There are several situations that require a little extra braking power. Knowing when and how to use your brake will help you avoid sticky situations.
When should I use my parking brake?
If you drive a manual transmission you might use your emergency brake every time you park your vehicle. You might even be using it when you are driving! Those of us with automatics might only use our e-brakes when we are parked on a hill. In reality, you should use your parking brake all the time!
When we park our vehicles it engages a device known as ...[more]
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Auto Repair 101
Will You Bet On Your Brakes?
November 20th, 2017
Brakes are one of the most important parts of your vehicle. They can mean the difference between being able to stop when the vehicle in front of you stops short and getting into an accident. Here are some helpful tips and information you can use to keep your brakes in tip-top shape.
Preventative maintenance is key when it comes to your brakes. You should not ride your brakes if possible. This means keeping your foot off the brake unless you are needing to stop. You should also only slam on your brakes if it is an emergency. As for the parking brake, it is only supposed to be used for... you guessed it… parking.
These tips alone can help with preventing wear and tear of your brakes. You should also routinely have your brake fluid checked and replaced when it is recomme ...[more]
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Auto Repair 101
Winter is Coming
October 15th, 2015
The days are getting shorter, there’s a snap in the air, and before you know it, the winter months are going to be upon us. Is your vehicle ready? 
• Wipers: Even the best windshield wipers are only good for about a year; normal wear, the sun’s UV rays and the elements take their toll on them. Get a good look and check them for chunks, strips or chips missing, and replace if necessary for a streak-free field of vision in wet weather. Hint: a fresh application of
Rain-X on your windshield and window glass can help visibility greatly.
•...[more]
Tags:
auto service, preventative maintenance, winter20repair, driving safety, car repair, car battery, brakes
Posted in:
Auto Repair 101
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