(970) 353-3401
16th Street and 10th Avenue
Tailored Automotive Services

Unevenly Worn Brake Pads

brake pad replacement greeley mechanicTaking proper care of your car can be difficult and overwhelming, even when you have a mechanic in Greeley who helps with maintenance. There are too many systems to keep track of on your own, and between scheduled oil changes, inspections, and replacements, particularly if you own a used car or an older model, it’s easy to forget about your brakes and brake pads, especially if they aren’t making any squeaking noises.

One common brake problem that almost any mechanic has dealt with is uneven brake pads. When you press the brake pedal, a simple mechanism clamps down on the wheel discs. You can see these discs in the middle of the car’s wheels behind the hubcap. The brake pads are made to apply friction and pressure to these discs, essentially clamping them on both sides, to get the wheels to stop turning, thereby stopping your car.  

These pads need to be replaced usually every 50,000 miles. Sometimes, the pads themselves, because they’re made of softer materials meant to grip (not grind) metal, they can be worn down unevenly. How does it happen and are there ways you can avoid it?

Causes of Unevenly Worn Brake Pads

The most common cause of unevenly worn brake pads is what mechanics call Disc Thickness Variation or DTV. Any small difference in the thickness of your discs will cause the brake pad to wear down differently over time. Thinner sections of the discs will slip through the grip of your pads more easily than thicker sections, so when there’s variation in disc thickness, your pads’ effectiveness will vary as well.

A mechanic will recommend machining the brake rotors to smooth out any thickness variation, but they can only be smoothed out by a mechanic so many times before this fix become ineffective. If you’re installing brake rotors or discs yourself, make sure you wipe them with brake cleaner first to clear the surfaces of dirt and other contaminants that could cause DTV.  

Another cause of uneven brake pad wear is the brake calipers. Components of the calipers, such as the guide pins, sometimes seize up and cause the brake pad to drag along the rotor when the brakes aren’t being applied. Your Greeley mechanic can grease these pins or replace them.

When to Check Brake Pads

Checking your brake pads every 50,000 miles is a good rule of thumb, but there are several noticeable symptoms of brake pad wear that you should pay attention to. First, if you have any difficulty braking, you don’t need us to tell you to visit a mechanic immediately. But another nearly surefire sign that your rotors are wearing on your brake pads unevenly is your steering wheel shaking when you apply the brakes. Mechanics will sometimes find that your pads have been worn through in this case and will likely suggest a replacement.

Visit Autotailor in Greeley for an inspection to determine the health of your brake pads and your entire braking system.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Local Mechanic

questions to ask when choosing local mechanic, GreeleyWe’ve all needed last-minute car repairs at times, and too often we rush to the nearest mechanic rather than finding the most reliable Greeley mechanic for help. Sometimes, we don’t have much of a choice in mechanics because we need something done right away. But what about routine maintenance, or when your Check Engine light comes on? Choosing a reliable local mechanic can be a challenge at times, and it’s a nerve-wracking decision because it involves hundreds if not thousands of dollars being spent on your car.

Finding the Most Reliable Mechanic

It can feel impossible to learn how reliable or skilled a prospective mechanic is before you pay them, but if you ask the mechanic these questions, you’ll get a better sense of whether you want to give them your business:

Can You Work on My Make and Model?

Most mechanics will say ‘yes’ to this question and find out if they can actually do the work later, but it doesn’t hurt to ask what the shop specializes in and whether they can handle your car. This should be your first question after you research mechanics who specialize in certain cars, such as Japanese or European models.

What Automotive Associations are You Certified With?

There are several reputable automotive associations out there that hold auto shops to certain standards. The most common is the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. If the mechanic is certified by this group, they’ll say they’re ASE-certified. AAA (known for its roadside assistance service) is another organization that certifies mechanics across the country.

My Car is Making a Strange Noise. What Could it Be?

You should be able to call and ask any mechanic any question about your car. Usually, they’ll say, “Well, I’d have to look at it first but…” and give you a few ideas about what your issue might be. You should be comfortable asking any and all questions that come to your mind about your car and its performance. Too many people are afraid to ask questions and end up paying more for repairs later. Compare their responses to other mechanics to get an idea of how they operate.

What Should I Do?

Sometimes the best test of a reliable Greeley mechanic is asking them what they would do in your shoes. It might not be worth it to make certain repairs on cars a certain number of years old, for instance. There might be a cheaper repair that a mechanic can do that will solve your problem better than a more expensive one. Make judgments on how honest the mechanic is when you ask questions like this. The mechanics that don’t automatically upsell you repairs you don’t need are the ones you want.

Which Repairs Should I Prioritize?

If you take your car in for an inspection and the mechanic hands you a laundry list of work they feel they need to do, ask which ones they consider a top priority and which can be put off. A reliable mechanic will be happy to recommend which need to be done now and which can wait.

 

Experiencing issues with your car? Contact the mechanics at Autotailor today to learn how they can help.

Important Car Repair Safety Tips

Man working on his carWhile some drivers in the area prefer to take their cars to a trusted Northern Colorado mechanic for any maintenance or repairs, there are also some who like to tackle a DIY task every now and then. You may be one of those people who finds working on your car and getting your hands dirty a fun Saturday afternoon experience. Remember, however, that you’re working with a powerful machine that could cause injury if you are not careful to take safety precautions.

Any time you are working on your car, make sure you follow safety tips recommended by your factory manual. Here are just several safety measures you will want to take when working on your vehicle:

Wear the Proper Safety Equipment

No matter how experienced you are working on your car, safety should always be a priority. Make sure you are protecting yourself with the right equipment. Here are a few things you may need:

Quality mechanic’s gloves: Gloves can help protect you from sharp objects, and could protect your hands from a bad burn. It’s important to remember as well that there are plenty of toxic fluids under the hood of your car that you need to protect against.

Dust Mask: Depending on the repair you are tackling, you may need to wear a mask to protect yourself from the fumes of harmful chemicals or dust.

Eye Protection Glasses: Whether you’re lying under the jacked-up car or bending over the hood for a repair, we cannot stress how important it is to protect your eyes. Eye protection is key to keep out dust, dripping fluids, falling bolts, etc.

Stick to the Factory Manual

The engineers of your vehicle know your car better than anyone else. It should go without saying that following the manufacturer’s manual (different than your owner’s manual) will not only help you better handle the repair or maintenance you working on, but it can also provide important information for your safety.

Don’t Tackle the Task Alone

A set of helping hands can make a challenging task much easier. Not only that, but having another person to help with your car repair adds another layer of safety. If something happens, they will be there to help or to call for help.

Even if you don’t have a buddy available to work on the car with you, it’s helpful to at least make sure someone else is around in the vicinity in case of something going wrong.

Prioritize safety When Jacking Up Your Vehicle

You can imagine why it’s important to make sure you are jacking up your car correctly. First of all, you’ll want to make sure you have a jack and jack stands that can support the weight of your car. Important note: don’t skimp when buying your vehicle jacking equipment. The consequences could be far more costly later.

If your jack and/or jackstands are rated to hold the weight of your car, the next step is to make sure you understand the appropriate jacking points of your vehicle. Otherwise, you risk damaging your car, and worse, getting hurt. It is possible for a car to slip off the jack stand if it’s not in the right place. Refer to your manual for a list of the right jacking points and other important safety tips.

Additional Safety Tips:

This article by no means includes an extensive list, so please be sure to check for more auto repair safety steps online. Here are just a few more important tips for your safety:

  • Avoid smoking while repairing your car.
  • Make sure the wheels are blocked properly before jacking up your vehicle.
  • Remove rings and other jewelry before you begin working on your vehicle. Tie hair back if it’s long.
  • Work in an area that is properly ventilated, either outside, or if in your garage, make sure you leave the garage door open.

Hire a Mechanic

Finally, one of the best ways to ensure your safety with a car repair is to leave it up to a professional mechanic. Autotailor in Greeley has years of experience in vehicle repair and maintenance, as well as the appropriate tools to get the job done safely and correctly. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Learning About Your Car’s Alternator

what does my car's alternator do, greeley auto repairFor many people looking for auto repair in Greeley, the alternator is a common problem. It can cause many costly repairs and is frequently the bane of many Northern Colorado drivers’ existence. Numerous people come in with alternator problems, but they don’t know why the alternator is so important or what it does.

What the Alternator Does for Your Car

According to Samarins.com, your car’s alternator is a generator of electric power and a major component of the engine’s charging system. Every car with a combustible engine, with the exception of some hybrids, has an alternator. When the engine runs, the alternator charges the battery and acts as an energy supply for the vehicle’s electrical systems. When your battery runs down and you have to run your engine to charge it again, the alternator does the work. Alternators are bolted to the engine and are driven by a serpentine, or drive, belt.

You might be surprised that your alternator is usually maintenance-free. Typically, they last 10 to 15 years without needing to be repaired. When the alternator fails, the battery sometimes runs the car for a time, but eventually, the battery will run out of power and die.

The most common action car repair experts will take is to simply replace the part, a task that is actually not so simple and can be very expensive.

Typically, your car expert will test your alternator by using a charging system device, which will indicate if the charging system is weak or inoperable. Maintenance experts can also use this to determine if one of the alternator diodes has failed.

Rebuild vs. Replacement

An auto repair expert in Greeley can also rebuild your alternator, instead of replacing it, for much less. Usually, your auto repair shop will need to send the failed alternator to a specialized alternator/starter rebuilding shop.

Many times, if you see a battery warning light or a dashboard light that says GEN or ALT, the problem could be the alternator. An alternator replacement or rebuild will be your options. Car experts can also rebuild an alternator at home, but it is difficult to do on your own and can take longer than replacing it. However, alternator rebuild kits are usually available for less than replacing the alternator or going to a rebuild shop. Please remember that it’s not advisable to do a DIY repair if you don’t have the experience necessary just to save money when the function and safety of your car are at stake.

Alternator or Battery?

It can be difficult at first to diagnose your vehicle’s electrical issues without taking your car to the shop. Obviously, the difference between replacing a battery and replacing an alternator is hundreds of dollars, but there are a number of signs that could point toward whether it’s your alternator or battery. Some indications of a failing alternator could include service engine lights as we mentioned earlier, a stalling engine, strange noises, and more. Check out this article for more about diagnosing a bad alternator.

How to Maintain Your Car’s Alternator

Keeping your alternator from failing will save you hundreds of dollars in the future. Keeping it up and running properly comes down to three basic concepts: make sure you have the right drive belt, keep your engine relatively debris-free, and keep your alternator properly aligned.

One of the first things auto repair experts look at when examining your alternator and engine is the drive belt. These belts will fray and crack over time, usually between 40,000 and 70,000 miles. It’s a good idea to replace the belt at the first sign of aging or damage.

Alternators, just like engines, run best when they’re not overheated. Dust, dirt, and other debris are often the culprits of overheated engines and alternators. Always inspect your engine and alternator and clean out any debris. If you see an excessive amount of debris there, air could not be getting to your alternator.

As things get jostled around by the roadways, all that movement can tip your car’s pulleys, throwing off your engine’s alignment. The crankshaft and alternator pulleys have to be perfectly aligned to work properly without excessive wear and tear. Minor damage to the drive belt and other small factors can affect crankshaft and alternator alignment.

If you have questions about your alternator or other maintenance issues, contact Autotailor today.

Ignored Vehicle Repairs that Could Get You Pulled Over

ignored vehicle repairs that can get you pulled overA trusted Greeley auto mechanic like Autotailor can work with you to avoid damage to your engine in the future, saving you thousands of dollars when you invest in regular maintenance. In addition to minor issues like needing an oil change (neglect of which could lead to more expensive damage down the road), you also have to pay attention to mechanical issues leading to traffic tickets and similar expenses.

For many mechanical issues, getting pulled over by law enforcement can be the least of your worries. But there are a number of small fixes and repairs your local auto mechanic can do to help you avoid getting expensive traffic tickets for entirely solvable issues. Before you get back on the road, make sure you’ve already paid to have these issues fixed, or you’ll have to pay a traffic ticket on top of the repair, which is never fun. Pay attention to these often-forgotten repairs.

A Few Vehicle Repairs Could Keep You from a Ticket

Many small auto repairs will get you pulled over and ticketed if you don’t take care of them quickly. Here are a few:

  • Non-functioning turn signals, headlights, or taillights. One of the most obvious traffic infractions highway patrol and local police notice is non-functioning lights. If you can’t turn on your headlights an hour before dusk, you’re subject to a ticket. When you think about it, if law enforcement is there to keep people safe, they have to pull you over if your turn signals, headlights, or taillights don’t work for some reason. They’re usually relatively easy to fix, but they can cause serious danger if they don’t work when they’re supposed to.
  • Cracked or modified windshield. Most drivers don’t do anything special to their windshield, but some tint it or modify it in some way. In some states, any modification of the windshield is prohibited, while tinting the glass beyond a specific level is illegal. If you have damage to your windshield, you could also be faced with a fine. Small chips and cracks will eventually elongate and spread over time, not only creating a dangerous situation but also giving law enforcement cause to ticket you.
  • Loud exhaust system. A modified or damaged exhaust system can also trigger fines in most states, although the decibel level of your exhaust system might cause different punishments in different states. Still, it’s a good idea to get your exhaust system checked out if you think it’s excessively loud because it could lead to further damage, and it will get you pulled over quickly if your car is too loud for the road.
  • Braking and steering issues. If you’re having trouble braking, you shouldn’t be on the road at all, but if you’re considering risking a short trip with worn brakes or a problem with your steering shaft, you could be pulled over (learn more here), in addition to taking an unsafe trip. If cops see you driving erratically because you’re trying to compensate for a leaning steering wheel, they’re sure to pull you over.
  • ‘Unsafe conditions.’ Since they’re only concerned with driver safety, the cops will always pull you over if you have parts hanging off your car. For example, if your car runs great, but your bumper is hanging by a thread, the cops will pull you over because they fear your bumper could fall into the road and cause havoc for you and/or other drivers on the road. Anything that looks like it could fall off your car in transit is grounds for a fine. Make sure you have all your car’s parts secured before you go anywhere.

Stay Safe and Fine-Free

First, a word about license plates. Another common reason why many drivers get pulled over (other than speeding) is for illegible license plates. If your license plate can’t be read because of damage to it or an overly-large plate border, it’s grounds for a ticket. Make sure you don’t have anything covering up any part of your license plate.

Visit Autotailor to get your vehicle tuned up and ready for your next trip. The mechanics at Autotailor can help find any issues that might catch the eye of law enforcement on the road and make sure you don’t get any preventable tickets.

The Autotailor Advantage

  • Locally Owned
  • Master Technicians
  • Quality Parts
  • Foreign & Domestic Vehicles
  • Tailored Advice
  • Shuttle Service
7 BBB Customer Reviews