Here is a list of All Around Auto Repair’s top five signs:

1. A high pitched squeal or grinding. That’s when the material called a shim wears down to the point where less than ¼ inch is left. That metal piece begins to touch the vehicle’s rotor,  making a pretty good fingernails to chalkboard impression.
2. Does it take you longer to stop than it used to? If your brake pedal travels farther than it did a few months ago, it might be a good idea to get your stoppers checked.
3. Vibration. A vibration or pulsating brake pedal is often a symptom of warped rotors (but can also indicate that your vehicle is out of alignment). The vibration can feel similar to the feedback in the brake pedal during a panic stop in a vehicle equipped with anti-lock brakes.
4. Pedal sinking.  If your brakes are not as responsive as they should be or if the pedal “sinks” toward the floor, this could be an indication of a leak in the braking system. It could be an air leak (in the brake hose) or a brake fluid leak. You may also see evidence of a small puddle of dark fluid when the car is parked.
5. Pulling. If your vehicle “pulls” to one side while braking, it may be a sign that the brake linings are wearing unevenly or that there is foreign matter in the brake fluid.

Taking your car in for regular maintenance, checking fluid levels, pads and rotors visually — will help you avoid costly brake problems down the road. In most cases, the pads should be replaced every 30,000 miles, depending on driving conditions in your area. Rotors will usually last much longer.

For more information or questions on your brakes, please call All Around Auto Repair. We are here to keep you safe on the road. (707) 837-0646.

Quick oil change places are convenient, but they may not always do a good job. Places that promise a 10-minute oil change are fast because they are in the business to get you in and out. The truth is, you need approximately 30 minutes to an hour depending on the type of  vehicle to properly drain your engine oil.

These shops also don’t employ mechanics, they employ lube technicians that are paid minimum wage and are hourly. Thus, trying to get you to spend more money than necessary on things like dropping $150 on a fluid flush because your oil is dirty. Oil flushing does nothing but lighten the consumers wallet.  Worse, it thins out the oil causing accelerated engine wear. And at the very worst, it causes chunks of sludge buildup to become dislodged and to clog up the oil filter-which would result in catastrophic engine failure.

A licensed auto mechanic might spot a problem with your engine than the average lube technician. This is akin to the difference between seeing a general practitioner for a medical problem versus seeing a specialist.

Finding a good professional mechanic doesn’t have to be as hard as finding a good doctor! People do business with people they trust, and when it comes to potentially high car repair bills, you want to make sure your mechanic is honest, fair and well known in your community.

Lastly, rely on professionals to provide these services. Utilizing a licensed professional is the best way to guarantee a high quality oil change service. Your mechanic will be able to recommend the best grade and weight of oil to use. In addition, they will be able to properly dispose of the used oil.

There are some auto maintenance jobs and safety checks that are specific to chilled air and winter driving. So to be sure your budget doesn’t end up on ice this season – thanks to unexpected auto repairs, have your trusted local mechanic look under the hood to be sure things are in top shape. As with any change of season, you should go to your regular maintenance log to make sure your car is up-to-date on the maintenance items that should be taken care of throughout the year. The change of season is an ideal time to go through some once-a-year or twice-a-year auto maintenance tasks.

Here are some great winter driving tips to get your car Winterized:

Inspect your oil: This should be done at least monthly. But in case you suffer from amnesia…it is advised to get an oil change as well.

Inspect your brakes:  Brakes are not a good area to cut corners. Be sure your brakes have enough meat left on them to get you through the season.

Inspect your tires: Winter is not the time to get cheap about your tires, so take the time to check the tread depth. The old penny test is as reliable as anything to find out whether your treads are ready for winter action. Also, be sure to check your tire pressure. Believe it or not, they lose a little pressure when it gets cold.

Inspect your battery: The cold weather can dramatically reduce a battery’s available starting power, so have the vehicle’s starting and charging system tested every three months or during every oil change.

Inspect your spark plugs: Cracked up plug wires affect performance, gas mileage and general reliability. Be sure yours are in top shape.

Inspect your antifreeze: This is the juice that goes in your radiator and is an essential part or your car’s winter protection. You did remember to perform a radiator flush last spring, didn’t you?

Inspect your wipers: How many times have you experienced a windshield that is smeared with insects, bird droppings, road tar or other messy deposits? Removing them with worn wiper blades is nearly impossible. Usually, you wind up smearing the mess and obscuring your vision even more. If you change your blades regularly, you can avoid these problems and keep your eyes on the road.

Inspect your washer fluid: You’ll be using lots of washer fluid as you try to keep your windshield sparkly. Tip: Don’t fill your washer fluid reservoir with anything except washer fluid, it won’t freeze!

Regardless of your driving skill or vehicle preparation, there are some winter conditions that can’t be conquered. But hopefully these tips may help prevent  icy and wet roads from ruining your day.