Tag Archives: Bob's Main Street Auto

Why does my car shake when I apply the brakes?

Why does my car shake when I apply the brakes?

           As you apply the brake pedal does your car start to shake? Over time, brake pads start to gather road debris such as oil, dirt, and other materials. This can be what causes the vibration, especially when you are applying the brake pedal. When the brakes are applied, heat is generated and can cause the rotors to have uneven wear. When the uneven wear occurs on your brake rotors, it causes your vehicle to shake when the brakes are applied. If you have any concerns regarding the brakes on your vehicle, give us a call! 

Categories:

Brakes

Why are my brakes sticking?

Why are my brakes sticking?

One of the most common causes for your brakes to stick is a stuck brake caliper. Most vehicles use disc brakes which consist of brake pads, rotors, and calipers. If your vehicle pulls to one way as you are driving can be an indication that the brakes are stuck. Believe it or not, it can cause lower fuel economy. Call us today to schedule an appointment to have us inspect your braking system. With the raising gas prices, we want to keep all vehicles fuel economy as friendly as possible. Call us today to schedule an appointment for a brake inspection! 

Categories:

Brakes

Why is my car burning oil?

Why is my car burning oil?

Why is my car buring oil?  When you start to think your vehicle is burning oil, don't hesitate to bring your vehicle to our shop. When your vehicle starts to burn oil, it usually is a result in worn out parts. Worn out seals or piston rings can lead to a vehicle burning oil. The vehicle's seals and piston rings work to keep the engine oil out of the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber is the area where fuel and air mix is ignited. It is also possible that your car is burning oil on the outside of your vehicle. This is because your vehicle's engine oil is leaking out and landing on a hot surface. Call us today if you suspect your vehicle is leaking oil to schedule an appointment. Our service team is ready to serve you!   

Categories:

Oils

Tips to Improve Gas Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

Tips to Improve Gas Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

How to Improve Gas Mileage As the gas prices keep climbing, now is a great time to reflect on your driving habits. There are a few tips and tricks to help you improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Start by limiting the vehicles idling time. Idling uses more fuel than restarting your vehicle and gives off 80% more pollution than when your vehicle is traveling down the road.  After you hit anywhere between 45 and 50 mph, your vehicle becomes less fuel efficient. The faster you start to travel the worse the fuel efficiency becomes. When you are traveling at the same speed for a good amount of time consider using your cruise control. Rapid braking and hard braking uses up fuel quickly.  Something as simple as just checking your vehicle's tire pressures can also help with fuel efficiently. When the tires are under inflated, fuel consumption can increase by as much as 3%. It can also cause uneven wear on your tires.  Performing routine main ... read more

Categories:

Auto Blog

Winter tips for your windshield wipers!

During the winter months in Wisconsin, we never know what to expect for weather. Drivers hear snow is coming and the first thing they do is put their wipers up on their vehicle. They do this to prevent them from freezing to the windshield. When you put the wipers up, keep in mind that it is putting stress on the spring that holds the wiper arms against the windshield. Leaving the wipers up exposes the plastic gears and other mechanical components. Those items could be weakened or damaged by forceful wind gusts. Exposing your wiper blades to the weather can also cause the rubber blade to be blown off. If the wind does catch the wipers or someone bumps them, it can cause the wipers to slam against the cold windshield and crack your windshield.   The best way to keep the elements off your windshield and to save your wipers is to cover the entire windshield. You can use a blanket, tarp, or they even make covers you could over on amazon specifically made for this purpose

Categories:

Auto Blog