But bad sounds aren’t the only warnings that your brakes need a check-up. Here are four other things to look out for: 

Leaking Fluid — Do you see a small puddle of something pooled under your car? This could be brake fluid. Without brake fluid, your brakes will not work, so take that leak seriously. 

Pulsating — If you hit the brake and your entire car pulsates — or feels like someone’s taken a jackhammer to your tires — this could be a sign of warped rotors that need to be replaced, among other concerning issues. 

Dashboard Warning Lights — These lights are installed for a reason: To warn you if something’s wrong with your brakes. With the brake light, not only will your vehicle fail MA State Vehicle Inspection, but this could be a sign of a fluid leak. Not always “Paradise” by the dashboard lights when they are warning you…

It’s Been Awhile — You should consider getting your brakes and brake pads examined if it’s been some time since you’ve done so (or can’t remember!). Brakes need to be replaced at different times depending on a number of factors — age of vehicle, how you drive, where you drive, etc. — and if you know you’re hard on your vehicle, it’s best to have them checked regularly. If your brake pads are worn to under ¼ inch wide, they should be replaced.

Next service visit, get a Cape Auto complimentary brake check up, stay safe & understand how much life is left on YOUR Brake Pads!!! 

Most of us think about our car battery during the winter, worried that our car won’t start in sub-freezing temperatures. But did you know that the summer heat can be just as bad — if not worse — for your car battery? 

As the battery fluid evaporates in the high temperatures, it can cause all kinds of damage inside the battery itself. Heat can also cause battery corrosion — and who wants to start a road trip to the beach only to discover their car won’t start? 

Obviously you can’t turn down the heat outside, so how do you take care of your battery in super hot weather? Here are a few ideas: 

• Keep it clean. Clean dirt and grease off of the battery with a simple water and baking soda solution to reduce corrosion. 
• Park in the shade. If you can, find cooler places to keep your car so it doesn’t overheat. Remember it can be up to 50 degrees hotter under the hood than it is outside! 
• Next service appointment, ask for a battery check! If you aren’t sure how your battery is holding up, we can test it. 

If you’ve ever wondered what causes potholes, keep reading!

Water Expands, The Road Erodes 

Simply put, water from snow and rain gets underneath the road surface via weak spots in the asphalt. When the weather gets cold, it freezes the water and the ice expands and can further crack the road. 

When the weather starts to warm up, that ice melts, and the road begins to collapse in on itself. After that happens enough times, and cars zoom over the weakening pavement, it can crumble and create the dreaded pothole. 

Salting the roads actually makes it worse, too. The salt melts the ice artificially, meaning instead of only freezing when the weather gets cold and thawing once spring is well on its way, the water under the roads freezes and thaws over and over with the application of salt during icy/snowy weather. That repetitive force breaks down the pavement even quicker! 

What Happens To You 

Even with yearly road repair, there’s almost no way to prevent potholes from occurring. And no matter how carefully you drive, it’s likely you’ll hit one (or multiple) at some point, unfortunately. Like you have been doing lately… (Sorry!)

Did you know it can take up to 20 minutes for your car battery to recharge after the initial start up? If you’re in and out of your car regularly on cold days, it could easily lead to that “car won’t start” scenario. 

AAA reports that your vehicle’s battery loses 60% of its strength at 0°F and 35% at 32 degrees: couple that with thickened engine oil (product of the cold) and increased use of accessories like wipers, and batteries take a beating this time of year. 

Your battery has roughly a 3 to 5 year lifespan. If you feel like your car is struggling a bit when starting, get your battery checked at Cape Auto when in for service — before you get stranded in the next Nor’easter!