News - The Bearded Mechanic

4 Auto Services You Might Need

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 16:56:04 GMT

When you own a vehicle, it's a simple fact that you'll need to perform regular maintenance. The global automotive manufacturing market was estimated to be worth around $2.7 trillion in 2021 and the market is projected to grow to about $2.8 trillion in 2022, according to Statista. With such high numbers, those vehicles will need occasional repairs to keep them safe and drivable. Here are some of the most common auto services you'll need.

1. Oil Changes

Most vehicles need a standard oil change every 3,000-5,0000 miles. The oil in your car circulates throughout the engine, ensuring everything is properly lubricated. It also runs through a filter to ensure that dirt doesn't get in the components of your engine. Over time, oil becomes dirty and thick and the oil filter will become covered in dirt. Regular oil changes include putting in clean oil, draining out dirty oil, and changing the oil filter.

2. Tire Services

Tire services go hand-in-hand with other automobile services. Your tires are a critical component to keep your car safe on the road. When you need new tires, your vehicle will lose traction, making it likely to slide across the road if on wet or icy surfaces. Old tires may also blow when you're on the highway, putting you in danger and leaving you stuck on the side of the road. Regular tire services often include tire replacement, rotating your tires, and tread inspections.

3. Yearly Tune-Ups

Regular tune-ups are essential to keep your vehicle running correctly. These annual inspections can also improve fuel efficiency. A standard tune-up often involves checking and replacing spark plugs. Some shops automatically replace the wires when they replace the plugs to be thorough. Mechanics will also inspect air and fuel filters to ensure they don't wind up clogged. This preventative maintenance will help you to avoid future problems.

4. Brake Jobs

Your brakes are another crucial aspect of your vehicle that will require maintenance. If you need new brake pads and don't get them replaced, it can result in warped rotors, which are costly to replace. You'll also notice that your vehicle won't stop on a dime like it should. Contact a local garage specializing in auto services when you hear your brakes squeaking. Prompt repairs and replacements will ensure your vehicle is safe to drive.

When you need auto repairs or maintenance, don't put yourself in danger by procrastinating. Instead, call Bearded Mechanic. Our experienced technicians can provide a complete evaluation of your car, perform routine maintenance, and fix engine problems. Contact us today for more information.

How to Know if You Need Brake Repair

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 13:18:38 GMT

Brakes are one of the most important parts of every car. They can easily prevent an accident, and not getting brake repairs can lead to a dangerous situation. It's essential to know the signs that you need brake repair to ensure your vehicle is safe for you and your family. If you notice the following signs, consult an experienced mechanic to check your brakes.

Squeaking Sounds

Brake pads slowly wear away whenever the brake pedal is pressed. When the brake pad is thin enough to be replaced, the brakes squeak when you stop. Have your brakes inspected and the pads replaced if you hear any noise when pressing the brake pedal.

Shaking While Braking

If the vehicle shakes when you press on the brake pedals, this is a sign that the rotors are warped. Warped rotors can have various causes, such as hard braking. Once you have warped rotors, it'll take your car longer to stop, which is unsafe. It's important to take your car to a local mechanic for brake repair as soon as this happens.

Flashing Brake Light

An early indicator of a problem with your brake system is the brake light coming on. This could mean a sensor needing replacing, such as an ABS sensor. However, there are plenty of other things that a brake light can mean. Having a mechanic inspect your car will tell you why the brake light's on.

Running Low on Fluid

Cars don't naturally go through brake fluid. If you notice that you have to top off your brake fluid, there's a leak somewhere. If it doesn't get fixed, your car can run out of brake fluid while you're driving, making it impossible to stop the car.

Pressing Soft Brakes

Soft brakes are when you press on the brake pedal and it feels unresponsive. It feels like pressing on a sponge instead of your brake pedal. This is typically caused by air in the brake lines. The air bubble in the lines prevents brake fluid from properly flowing through the brake lines, which means that your brakes won't work as well.

It may seem obvious, but having your brakes inspected will ensure your safety on the road. According to Zippia, in 2020, there were 286.9 million registered vehicles. With that many vehicles on the road, it's critical that your car is safe to drive. Contact Bearded Mechanic to discuss brake repair services today.

3 Signs You Need to Visit an Auto Shop

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 16:32:50 GMT

The automotive services industry is booming, which should be good news for any vehicle owner. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 69,000 openings for mechanics and automotive service technicians each year. This means you'll never run out of professionals to fix your vehicle when you need a repair. That said, having professional help available doesn't mean much if you're unsure what constitutes a necessary repair. How do you know when it's time to visit an auto shop ?

1. Weird Car Sounds

This is an obvious sign that something is wrong with your vehicle. There are several things that can cause your car to produce weird sounds while you're driving. Some of the most common weird vehicle sounds include grinding noises when you hit the brakes. This is a sign that your brakes need to be replaced. You can also hear a whining noise from the transmission, which can be a sign that you're low on transmission fluid. Whining can also be attributed to worn needle bearings. Weird sounds are never a good sign for your vehicle. Fortunately, an auto shop should be able to identify what's causing them and fix any issues so you can enjoy a smooth ride again.

2. Strange Smells

Is there a lingering odor in your vehicle? This is a sign that something is wrong. Odors usually represent serious vehicle problems. If you can detect a maple syrup odor in your car, there's probably something wrong with the cooling system. On the other hand, dirty laundry smells can indicate that there's mold in the heater vents or AC. If there's a burning smell, it might mean that your clutch is worn out. These aren't the only smells that can come from your car. The best way to find out what might be causing whatever smell you're detecting is to take your car to an auto shop. They'll be able to get to the bottom of the issue.

3. Odd Vibrations

Your car shouldn't shake when you're driving. If it starts doing this, then you need to get it serviced. If your brake pedal vibrates each time you step on it, you're probably driving with warped rotors. Your gas pedal can start shaking too. This is usually caused by exhaust leaks. If it's the steering wheel shaking, you might be dealing with a wheel alignment issue or power steering problems. You must find an auto shop as soon as possible when you notice any of these signs.

If you notice any of these red flags, it's likely time to visit an auto shop. You may also notice dashboard indicator lights on your car. Each light signifies a certain problem. Your owner's manual should give you some hints, but the best would be to take the car to an auto shop for repairs. Get in touch with us at Bearded Mechanic today if you suspect that there might be something wrong with your car.