Category: Brakes

How to Know When It’s Time for New Brakes

When it comes to driving safely, your brakes are your vehicle’s most crucial component. No matter how powerful your engine, it’s your brakes that help you maintain control and avoid accidents. And here in Albuquerque, with its steep hills, summer heat, and stop-and-go city traffic, your brakes work even harder. Understanding the signs of brake wear isn’t just about saving money on repairs; it could quite literally save your life.
At Northside Auto Repair, we’re here to keep Albuquerque drivers safe with expert brake service you can trust. Read on to learn how to recognize signs of brake trouble, what causes brake wear, and how regular inspections can prevent costly or dangerous issues down the road.

Common Warning Signs Your Brakes Need Attention

Your car has ways of telling you when something is wrong with your brakes. Here are the most common warning signs that it’s time for a brake inspection:

1. Squeaking or Squealing Sounds

Do your brakes make a high-pitched noise when you stop? This is often the first sign of worn brake pads. Brake pads have a built-in metal indicator that emits a squealing sound when it’s time for replacement. Ignoring this noise can lead to more expensive damage, like worn-down rotors.

2. Grinding Noise

A grinding noise when braking usually means the brake pads are completely worn out, and the metal backing plate is making contact with the rotor. This is not only dangerous but can lead to costly repairs. If you hear grinding, don’t wait to take action.

3. Vibrations or Pulsing Brake Pedal

If you feel your brake pedal vibrating or pulsing when stopping, it could be a sign of warped rotors. Rotors can warp over time due to excessive heat or wear, especially in high-demand driving conditions like towing or mountain driving.

4. Increased Stopping Distance

A noticeable delay in your vehicle’s ability to stop can be dangerous. If your car seems to take longer to come to a halt, worn brake pads or a hydraulic issue could be to blame.

5. Brake Warning Light on Dashboard

Modern vehicles alert drivers to brake issues via the dashboard. If your brake light comes on, it could indicate anything from low brake fluid to worn components. Don’t ignore it; get your brakes checked immediately.

6. Car Pulling to One Side

If your car veers to one side while braking, the issue could be uneven brake pad wear, a stuck caliper, or an issue with your vehicle’s alignment. Continuing to drive with this problem can cause uneven tire wear and unsafe handling.

7. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal Feel

When your brake pedal feels soft or sinks too easily to the floor, it could signal air in the brake lines or a brake fluid leak. Both scenarios affect your braking ability and need immediate attention.
If you’re noticing any of these warning signs, don’t risk your safety. Schedule a brake inspection at Northside Auto Repair today.

Causes of Brake Wear

Why do brakes wear out in the first place? Here are some factors that contribute to brake wear, particularly in Albuquerque’s unique driving conditions.

Heavy City Driving

Stop-and-go traffic puts consistent pressure on your brake system, wearing down pads and rotors faster than highway driving.

Mountain Driving and Towing

Driving through Albuquerque’s mountain roads or towing heavy loads generates higher heat levels, which accelerate brake wear.

Worn Brake Components

Brake wear isn’t limited to pads. Over time, components like rotors and calipers can also degrade. Worn rotors create vibrations, while faulty calipers can cause uneven brake pad wear.
Understanding these causes can help you anticipate wear and schedule regular inspections, especially if you drive under demanding conditions.

What to Expect from a Brake Inspection at Northside

At Northside Auto Repair, we take brake safety seriously. When you bring your vehicle in for a brake inspection, here’s what you can expect from our process:

Comprehensive Check-Up: Our trained technicians will inspect all brake components, including pads, rotors, calipers, brake fluid, and hoses.
Honest Estimates: We believe in transparency. You’ll receive an accurate estimate of repairs with no upselling or hidden fees.
Quality Parts and Service: We use high-quality parts to ensure long-lasting results, and many repairs can be completed the same day.
When you leave our shop, you’ll feel confident that your brakes are in top condition, keeping you and your family safe on the road.

Preventative Tips to Extend Brake Life

While brake wear is inevitable, there are steps you can take to prolong the life of your brake system.

Schedule Regular Inspections: Have your brakes checked every 12,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first.
Pay Attention to Dashboard Lights and Sounds: Don’t ignore early warning signs. Getting issues fixed promptly can save you money and stress.
Modify Your Driving Habits: Avoid riding the brakes on downhill stretches, and keep a safe following distance to reduce sudden stops.
Small changes to your routine can make a big difference in keeping your brakes in good shape.

Hear Something Weird When You Stop? Call Us

Your brakes are essential to your safety, so don’t take chances if something doesn’t feel right. Whether it’s a strange noise, a warning light, or a spongy pedal, Northside Auto Repair is here to help.
Call us today at (505) 823-2226 to schedule a brake inspection. You can also visit us at our conveniently located shop at 7601-A San Pedro NE, just three blocks south of Paseo Del Norte in Albuquerque. With honest estimates, same-day service in many cases, and a reputation for reliable brake repair, we’re proud to be Albuquerque’s trusted shop for safe stops.

Top Summer Auto Repair Service Priorities

Navigating the Heat: Essential Summer Auto Repair Priorities

As the summer heat intensifies, it’s crucial to ensure your vehicle is in top condition to handle the rising temperatures and increased travel. At Northside Auto Repair, we prioritize your safety and comfort on the road. Here are the top summer auto repair priorities you should consider to keep your car running smoothly this season.

1. Brake Inspection and Maintenance

Your vehicle’s braking system is vital for your safety, especially during summer when road trips and stop-and-go traffic are more common. Increased temperatures can affect brake performance, so it’s important to have your brakes inspected for wear and tear. Our expert technicians will check brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels to ensure your braking system is responsive and reliable.

2. AC Service and Repairs

Driving in the summer heat without a properly functioning air conditioning system can be unbearable. If your AC is blowing warm air, making strange noises, or not working at all, it’s time for a service. At Northside Auto Repair, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing AC issues, from refrigerant leaks to compressor problems, ensuring you stay cool and comfortable throughout your journey.

3. Coolant Flush

The engine’s cooling system works overtime during the summer to prevent overheating. A coolant flush is essential to remove old, contaminated coolant and replace it with fresh fluid. This helps maintain optimal engine temperature and prevents costly repairs due to overheating. Our team will thoroughly inspect your cooling system and perform a coolant flush to keep your engine running efficiently.

4. Windshield Wipers

Summer thunderstorms can strike unexpectedly, and having clear visibility is crucial for safe driving. Over time, windshield wipers can become cracked and ineffective. Replacing them before the rainy season ensures you can see clearly during downpours. We offer a range of high-quality wiper blades and will gladly install them for you.

Schedule with Northside

Summer driving can be challenging, but with proper maintenance, you can enjoy a smooth and trouble-free season on the road. At Northside Auto Repair, we’re here to help you with all your summer auto repair needs. Schedule an appointment today and let our experienced technicians keep your vehicle in peak condition.

Get Your Car Ready for Summer

As summer approaches, ensuring your vehicle is prepared for the hot months ahead is crucial. At Northside Auto Repair, we understand that a smooth-running car can make all the difference in your summer plans. From road trips to daily commutes, here are essential services to consider for a trouble-free summer.

Oil Changes

Regular oil changes are fundamental to maintaining your car’s engine health. During summer, high temperatures can cause engine oil to thin, reducing its effectiveness. By changing your oil, you ensure proper lubrication, preventing overheating and engine wear. It’s a simple step that can save you from costly repairs down the road.

Air Filter Change

Your car’s air filter plays a vital role in maintaining engine performance by keeping dust, dirt, and debris out. During the summer, increased pollen and dust levels can clog the filter faster, leading to reduced engine efficiency and higher fuel consumption. A new air filter will help your engine “breathe” better, improving performance and fuel economy.

Brake Inspection and Repair

Safety should always be a priority, and your brakes are critical to safe driving. With the extra driving that often comes with summer plans, it’s imperative to have your brakes inspected. We check for wear on brake pads, rotors, and other components to ensure they are in top condition. Addressing any issues early can prevent more severe damage and keep you safe on the road.

Annual AC Service

A properly functioning air conditioning system is a must for comfortable summer driving. Regular AC service can help identify and rectify issues like refrigerant leaks, worn-out components, or electrical problems. By keeping your AC in top shape, you ensure a cool and comfortable ride, no matter how high the temperatures climb.

Taking these steps to prepare your car for summer can lead to a smoother, cooler, and safer driving experience. At Northside Auto Repair, we’re dedicated to helping you enjoy your summer worry-free. Schedule your appointment today and let us take care of your vehicle’s summer readiness!

Know your rotors, repair your brakes.

Do you think you are having brake problems? More specifically rotors? Proper maintenance and service of your brakes is a top safety priority. The surface of the rotor is just as important as its thickness. This is why most rotors are coated, such as an anti-rust coating. This coating helps to protect the rotor from corrosion, reduce noise and vibration and improve braking power. Rotors also have different types of ventilation, such as vented rotors and cross-drilled rotors. These allow the brake pads to cool more quickly and reduce heat stress on the rotor surface. The type of ventilation used depends on the driving conditions, so it’s important to get professional advice when choosing a rotor for your vehicle.

At Northside, we always make sure you use quality brake pads when replacing your rotors. Cheap, low-grade brake pads can wear down the rotor more quickly and increase the risk of damage. Quality brake pads are designed to work in harmony with rotors to provide maximum braking performance and safety. Remember that good brakes are essential for safe driving, so always get professional advice before making any changes to your braking system. Your technician can inspect, diagnose and repair any brake problems you may have and suggest the best solution for your vehicle. This way, you can be sure that your brakes will keep you safe on the road.

Rotors Wear Out

Sometimes, Rotors may no longer be able to be machined and operate safely. When this happens it is time to replace the rotor completely. Schedule a brake inspection with Northside Auto Repair to have the rotors replaced using quality parts. https://northsideautorepair.com/ This will ensure that your car is safe to drive and that the brakes perform as they should. Brake pads are also part of what we inspect in a brake inspection. We believe the use of quality pads can extend the life of your rotors. Brake pads play an essential role in the safe and effective operation of your brakes. Brake pads provide a cushion between the rotor and brake caliper, causing them to press together when you step on the brake pedal, creating friction that slows down your car.

We understand how important your safety is, so we always make sure to inspect your brakes and replace any worn or damaged components with quality parts. Brake maintenance is essential for keeping you safe on the roads, so don’t hesitate to contact Northside Auto Repair for your brake service needs. We’ll get you safely running and stopping in no time! Fixing Brakes can be complicated. Let us help keep you.

Springtime Brake Inspection

Why You Need to Get Your Brakes Checked at Northside Auto Repair, a Neighborhood NAPA AutoCare Center

At Northside Auto Repair, we understand that vehicle safety is a top priority for you and your family. That’s why we highly recommend getting your brakes checked regularly. Don’t wait until it’s too late to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Importance of Regular Brake Inspections

Regular brake inspections are essential because they identify any issues before they become major problems. Our team of ASE certified mechanics at Northside Auto Repair will inspect all brake components, including brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, and calipers, using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment.

Addressing these problems promptly can help you avoid costly repairs or complete brake failure. By having your brakes inspected regularly, you can have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is safely equipped to stop.

What Can Go Wrong with Brake Parts?

Brake systems are comprised of multiple parts that work in unison to bring your vehicle to a stop. Over time, these parts can become worn, damaged or corroded, leading to reduced braking performance and potential failure.

The most common issues with brake systems are worn brake pads and rotors. When brake pads wear down, the metal backing plate starts rubbing against the rotor, causing a metal-on-metal grinding sound and reduced stopping power. In extreme cases, brake pads can completely wear down, leaving the metal backing plate to grind against the rotor, causing severe damage and complete brake failure.

Similarly, rotors can become overheated, warped, or corroded, leading to a shuddering sensation or pulsating brake pedal when you apply the brakes. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to complete brake failure, putting you, passengers, and other drivers on the road in danger.

Get Up to $50 Back on New NAPA Brakes and Components

This month, customers who have new NAPA Brakes and components installed at Northside Auto Repair can get up to $50 back. NAPA Brakes are designed to provide superior stopping power, noise-free performance, and longer life, backed by the NAPA’s nationwide Peace-of-Mind Warranty.

Your safety is our top priority. Contact Northside Auto Repair, your neighborhood NAPA AutoCare Center, today to schedule a brake inspection. Contact us today to learn more about this offer.