4 Things About Auto Maintenance and Road Trips Your Kids Want You to Know

by jclautomotivewpuser | Dec 30, 2020 | Auto Repair

Moms and dads aren’t the only ones whose ideas should be taken into consideration when planning your summer road trip. Kids are people too, and they’re pretty smart when it comes to automobile safety, which should be your #1 concern. In a nutshell, they believe that when going on a long drive, it is important to have good wheels, good window wipers, lots of gas and stuff, and be able to stop…brilliant!

To prevent a flat-tire or blow-out, and to ensure good gas mileage, make sure the air pressure in your tires is accurate. You will find the number for the recommended amount of PSI (Pound Force per Square Inch) on the driver’s side door or in the owner’s manual. In addition to air pressure, check the tread on your tires. If it’s too worn, it can result in a disaster.

As for clean windows, the bottom line is, if you can’t see, you shouldn’t drive! Give your windows a good washing before you head out on the road, check to make sure the windshield wipers are in excellent condition and fill up on wiper fluid. For added safety, consider using a solution that causes water to bead up and roll off the windows.

Keep your gas tank full so you don’t end up on the side of the road, especially along unfamiliar routes. And unless you’ve had an oil change recently, you should get one before heading out. The motor oil lubricates the engine and its components. If it’s not properly maintained, it can shut down on you. That is not something you want to deal with on summer vacation.

Take your vehicle for a spin around the block a few times and make sure the brakes are working properly. If you hear any squeaking or grinding noises, or if the pedal feels squishy when you press down, bring the car in for an inspection. JCL Automotive, in Hellertown will assess and address your situation and have you on your way quickly and safely.

In addition to the above tips, it’s a good idea to make sure all the lights on your vehicle are working properly, the battery is in good condition, and you have emergency roadside equipment on board. Smart planning will keep you and your family safe so you can enjoy your trip and spend your money on fun activities instead of expensive car repairs.

Do You Have Worn Brake Pads?

by jclautomotivewpuser | Dec 19, 2019 | Auto Repair

Here’s How to Tell When It’s Time for Brake Repair

The brakes are one of the most vital components of your vehicle. For both your safety and the safety of others on the road around you, you need to pursue brake repair services as soon as you notice something is wrong. As a general rule of thumb, you want to replace your brake pads once every 50,000 miles, but you need to be aware of other warning signs your pads are on their last legs. Keep reading to learn tips for recognizing brake problems from the pros at JCL Automotive in Hellertown, Pennsylvania.

Vibrating Brake Pedal

When you press down on the brake pedal, it should feel smooth. It should go down without an issue. When the foot pedal begins to vibrate or feels unsteady, it’s a sign your brakes have lost too much padding. To avoid further damage to your car, you should take your vehicle to a mechanic and get it back up-and-running properly.

Squealing or Squeaking Sounds

You should not hear any noises coming from your brakes when you press down. The only exception is if it is raining outside, then you may notice squeaking sounds. In any other circumstances, those sounds are a sign your brakes are wearing down. You need to have your brakes evaluated by a professional.

Illuminated Indicator Light

You need to take notice when the indicator light turns on in your car. In certain models, this is a sign the brake pads are too worn out. No matter what, the light illuminating is a sign you need to take your vehicle to an expert. A mechanic will make a recommendation on how you need to proceed to drive safely around town.

When your BMW’s brakes start to wear out, you need to take your vehicle to the professionals at JCL Automotive. You can find us in Hellertown, Pennsylvania, near Grist Mill Park. Make sure to reach out to us ahead of time to schedule your next appointment. Afterward, you can be confident your car is as safe as it can be.