It all starts with a sound. You are driving like normal, following your daily routine. But then, when you go to stop your car, you hear a weird sound. A grinding sound. For those unaware, this is the first sign that you need a brake pad replacement.
Just recently, we replaced brake pads that were down to nothing! Due to this, we want to ensure that people understand the importance of brake pads and why you cannot neglect them.
We did an entire series about brakes last year, focusing on their history, systems, and the cost of replacing them. Brake pads play an integral part in a braking system. These pads are designed to slow down and stop your car. This is done by applying friction against the rotors (or brake discs), creating a force to oppose the motion of the wheels. However, this friction generates heat which causes the breakdown of the pads. While the brake pads are made with materials that can handle the friction and heat, your brake pads will fail eventually.
As mentioned above, one of the first signs that you need a replacement is a grinding sound. Brake pads are designed with metal tabs that will grind against the rotors when the pads are worn down. This creates a high-pitch grinding sound to alert the driver. Normally, this is enough to get people to bring their cars in. However, there are other signs.
Most drivers will begin feeling the brake pedal vibrate as the metal continues to grind against the rotor. They will also notice that their stopping distance is increasing as the brake pedal becomes sponge-like. The increased stopping distance is due to the worn brake pads not creating enough friction. If the brake pads are uneven, you can feel your car pulling to one side over the other during a stop.
So, what happens if you ignore the signs? Well, one of our customers told us a story from when they were a new driver. Due to their inexperience, they did not know their brake pads were failing until it was too late. When they were trying to stop at a light, the brake pads exploded, damaging multiple parts of their car. They barely escaped crashing into other drivers by quickly applying their emergency brakes. While their car survived, the customer spent more money replacing multiple parts in their car.
Let’s make it clear. Ignoring failing brake pads is very dangerous. In addition to putting yourself in danger, you are risking the lives of your passengers and other drivers.
If you are experiencing braking problems, visit Mr. Muffler to get your brake pads checked and replaced!
The winter is officially here in Michigan. This causes many things for us; fear of driving in the snow and on ice, concern about the safety of our vehicles and much more. Luckily Mr-Muffler in Westland is here to help with it all! Check out our tips for driving in the winter weather and how we can help with your vehicle’s safety with winter tune-ups.
Allow plenty of time to get to your destination. Check the weather regularly so you are not tempted to drive faster than you should, let your friends and family know your travel route and what time you plan to arrive.
Know what kind of bakes you have and what they will do. Do you need your brakes checked or brake replacement? See Mr-Muffler for a test drive and brake check. If you have anti-lock brakes, stomp on them with firm pressure constantly. If you have non-anti-lock brakes, pump the brake pedal.
Remember stopping distances are longer on ice. Keep a safe distance between cars and salt trucks. Drive at a speed that matches the weather and road conditions even if it’s under the speed limit.
If you lose traction of your vehicle, continue to steer in the direction you want to be heading.
If you get stuck in the snow, straighten the wheel and accelerate gradually. Sand and cat litter can help under the drive wheels to stop the tires from slipping and spinning in the snow.
Do not use cruise control in rain, snow or ice.
Prepare and Maintain your car with a tune-up. Starting and idling in the winter is critical, with a proper tune-up they will help your fuel economy and keep you on the road. Here are more things to check your vehicle for in the winter:
Mr Muffler will always put vehicles and their driver’s safety first. That’s why we hope that these winter driving tips and information about your vehicle’s safety help. If you have any other questions about our auto repair services and safety please contact us. Check out our oil change, windshield wiper and other specials we offer monthly at our Westland Michigan Muffler and Brake Repair service station.
Summer is fast approaching and that means a lot of things, road trips, beach time, and cabins just to name a few. How is your car or truck doing though? Do you wonder if it’s going to make it through the summer? Don’t wait till your broken down on the side of the road, get your car inspected and tuned up from Mr. Muffler.
Get your car inspected before you break down this summer. Come to Mr. Muffler!
When you have an older car or want to ensure your used car lasts longer. Regular check-ups and tune-ups are part of regular car maintenance. Also, getting your car checked out every oil change isn’t enough to ensure your car’s longevity. You may notice little things that are underperforming, be it your gas mileage, brake squeaks, or a loud noise coming from the engine. Don’t leave these things to chance, or worse, damage your car. Get your car checked out or inspected at Mr. Muffler in Westland.
Here at Mr. Muffler, we have a 21 point inspection that will help keep your car running longer. When you come into Mr.Muffler we’ll check your battery, car belts, fluids levels, filters, and breaks just to name a few. We make sure your car is running well and will be safe to drive on the road before you leave the shop. Make sure Mr. Muffler is part of your car’s pre-summer maintenance before you have any trouble getting your car inspected and tuned up.
When you get your car tuned up at Mr. Muffler, we check all your car’s regular wear and then some. We make sure that your spark plugs are working, check all your wires, and replace them if needed.
Finally, with the summer in full swing, you’ll want to ensure that your car can handle any trips or vacations you have planned, come into Mr. Muffler in Westland today!
Get your car ready for the winter months
Winter is almost here in Michigan, and we here at Mr. Muffler, we want to make sure your car is ready for the upcoming cold season. The temperatures are dropping and driving conditions are changing, make sure your car can handle the upcoming winter season.
We highly recommend getting a thorough check of all critical systems on your vehicle. This will not only prepare you for the winter months ahead, but it will also give your car longevity through the harsh winter season.
Have your tires checked over before the roads ice up? Some people like to use the change in season to rotate out their summer tires for sturdier winter tires. We here at Mr. Muffler will get you a new set of winter tires, or change out your current tires to your snow tires. We’ll also do essential things like checking the tire pressure, rotate tires and balance if necessary. Remember to check your tire pressure periodically, as it changes substantially with the temperature. All of these things will pay off in the cold winter months.
It’s a simple thing that we all have to do with our car, but keeping on top of your oil changes during the winter months is especially important. This will help car performance in the long run. For your convenience, Mr. Muffler in Westland has frequent specials on oil changes, so be sure to check them out.
In the winter months the cold will affect the conductivity of your battery, so head this problem off at the pass. We can check your battery and help you replace it if necessary.
Having good and dependable working brakes are essential to have, especially during the winter months. We will inspect your brakes and advise if you need brake system repair and/or replacement. From pads to rotors to calipers and brake lines. We use only quality Monroe Prosolution Brake Pads and Wagner Brake Pads so you’ll be set for the ice and snow.
We want to make sure you’re treated like a part of the family at Mr. Muffler in Westland just a couple of miles from Canton down Cherry Hill road or up Wayne road to Livonia. We pride ourselves on friendly customer service and top-notch work on your car. Finally, call today for our current specials and a quote for your next tune-up!