Author: leahysauto

As you use the braking system in your car, over time the brakes tend to wear and tear and as such, they become ineffective and even useless! If you want to keep your braking system performing optimally, it is important to service it.

The Components of a Braking System

The braking system of your car compromises of a disc which is also known as a rotor, a caliper, and the braking pads. When driving, it may seem that you just push a pedal and the car stops automatically. However, for a car to stop, there are complex internal mechanics going on. On pressing the pedal, brake fluid is usually sent through the brake lines while simultaneously a piston moves into the master cylinder. As the pistons which are in the caliper move into place, the brake shoe usually squeezes against the brake rotor which in turn causes friction with the drum in the braking system. In simple terms, the pressure of the brake pad on pushing against the drum is what causes your vehicle to reduce speed and eventually stop.

Why Do You Need to Engage A Mechanic for Brake Repairs?

Most cars usually attempt to replace their car brake pads. Though replacing brake pads is easy, you need to know exactly what you are doing if you attempt to change your brakes. Brakes are a critical part of the vehicle and instead of attempting repairs on any part of your braking system, we recommend that you rely on the expertise of a skilled mechanic for repairs. Though you may be looking to save a few bucks with a DIY repair, if you damage any components of the braking system or fail to do the repair properly, your car can end up becoming a road hazard and menace.

If you notice that your car brakes are sticking squeaking or they seem to require too much pressure to engage, then it is time to engage the services of an auto body repair shop.

The friction created when you are using your brakes will definitely cause your brake pads to wear out with time. As such, you will need to replace your brakes from time to time. Servicing your braking system is an important maintenance routine that you should never forget. Don’t hesitate to get this fixed, so give us a call now!

A tune-up usually involves thoroughly checking the engine, to make sure there are no leaks, and that the engine feels right when the engine is running. Below are some benefits of a tune-up, which will help you know ways that a tune-up is going to improve your vehicle.

Better Mileage: a tune-up can help in fixing the little things that are going on in your vehicles that you might not easily notice but end up forcing you to spend more on gas. A tune-up will include inspection of the brakes, and replaced if they are no longer working well. Another reason for poor fuel mileage is the improper alignment of tires, which can cause them to rotate at an odd angle, increasing friction on axles and the road. When these issues are dealt with, you can get better mileage.

Fixing a Rough Ride: There is one thing everyone can agree with, a vehicle will not run as smoothly as it used to when it was still new. Maybe it has started shaking, or you start having a harder time starting it in the morning, especially during cold weather. A mechanic can do a power check and energy check to diagnose these problems and find the cause of the rattling, and also determine why your vehicle is no longer holding power the way it should.

Glowing Lights on the Dash: The warning lights that appear on the dash of your vehicle are there to tell you something, but many people don’t know what they mean. Our team knows the meaning of these warning lights, and we will be able to fix the problem and ensure your car is running smoothly.

A Thorough Check-Up: You should see the tune-up of your car like a medical checkup. It gives auto body repair experts the chance of inspecting the different components, finding the problems, and then fixing them.

The mechanic is going to perform a code scan to see whether there are any problems with ignition or exhaust leaks. They will check everything from engine leaks, battery voltage, to valves, gaskets, and rings. If you have a check up or tune up to get done give us a call.

Over a million people die every year as a result of car accidents, with over 30 million people getting injured. There is a good chance you know how to avoid collisions and surviving them, but a big part of surviving a car crash is not the things you do, but the protection in place. This is why it is very important to buy a safe vehicle.

How Should I Choose?

When purchasing a vehicle, many different factors play a big part, although safety is the most important. A single person might not see the need to get a midsize SUV. A family that doesn’t have a lot of money can decide to go with the sedan because it is fuel-efficient or it is the one they can afford. If you cannot afford to get the safest option when it comes to vehicles, there are things you can do to increase your survival when involved in a crash. Below are some tips that will go a long way;

1. Buying newer, especially if used. Getting a used car is a financial move that many people like. The older models usually don’t have the safety features in the newer models, which means you should get the newer model, even if you are buying a used one (Choose a vehicle made after 2005)

2. Checking the safety rating. If you settle on a sedan (because it makes sense for your family or within your budget), go with one that is the safest. Go online and search the safety ratings, do a lot of research.

3. Focusing on safety features. An older SUV with no important safety features such as airbags is not going to be safer than a smaller car that has lots of protective structures. You should choose a vehicle that has backup cameras, emergency communication systems, collision warning systems, and more airbags. These features will increase the chances of surviving the crash no matter the type of vehicle.

You can protect your family when you choose to buy a safe vehicle. This does not mean it will prevent a crash. If you need repairs after a collision, call a Leahy’s Auto nearby.

You probably are already familiar with the rules of the road surrounding car crashes when two drivers are involved. When it comes to accidents that only involve one driver, however, things may not be quite as clear. For instance, what do you do if you run into a parked car when driving?

#1 – Stay At The Scene Of The Accident

When something bad like this occurs, your first reaction might be to drive away from the accident. No matter how tempting it is, you should never do that. According to insurance.com, close to 70% of the hit-and-run accidents that occur happen in parking lots. No matter what, you should stay at the scene of the accident. Most parking lots have security cameras, which means that the accident was probably captured on film.

Regardless of how minor the damage seems, you still need to act responsibly and follow the law. The repercussions for hit-and-run accidents can be severe, resulting in the loss of your license, hefty fines, and possibly even criminal charges. Paying a little bit of money for cosmetic repairs is far better than dealing with all of these other issues.

#2 – Find The Person Who Owns The Other Vehicle

The next thing that you should do is try to find the person who owns the other car. Even if it is a minor accident, you should still make an effort to find the owner. If you can’t find them right away, you don’t have to sit around for hours until they return to their vehicle. Instead, you can leave a detailed note. In the note, include the following information:

– A description of what happened
– Your full name
– Your contact information, including your home address and your phone number
– Your insurance information

#3 – Gather Evidence

To protect yourself, it is important to gather as much evidence about the accident as you can. If anyone witnessed the accident, try to get them to give you a signed statement. Make sure you get their contact details, as well. Take photos of your car and the other car, making note of the specific damage that was caused by the collision.

#4 – Contact Your Insurer

The final step is to reach out to your insurance company to let them know about the accident. Even if you don’t want to, it is important to make sure that they are in the loop so that you can get your car repaired as quickly as possible.

When seeking out an auto body shop to fix a vehicle after a hit, call your local Leahy’s Auto to get your car looking like new.

The engine might look like just a single car part, but many different components make up the engine, and they all work out together to ensure energy has been distributed throughout the vehicle.

1. Keep it Clean: There is a lot of work done by the engine for your vehicle. Your car wouldn’t be able to move without the engine, which is why it is important to ensure it is clean of debris, grime, and dust. The filters will start getting blocked over time, insects find their way into the vehicle, and leaves and dirt blow under the hood. Grease covering the engine traps heat, which makes it harder for the engine to cool properly.

2: Spark Plug Service: You should ensure your spark plugs have been periodically cleaned to keep grime and dirt out of the combustion chamber. The mechanic is going to remove the plug lead then start cleaning the space around it, removing the plug, then using a special brush and cleaner to remove any buildup of dirt or dust. This can seem like a simple job, but it will do a lot to improve the performance of the engine.

3: Proper Lubrication: The engine has a lot of moving parts, which makes it important to always have proper lubrication. If not properly lubricated, the friction of these pieces will start rubbing and gridding, which results in a lot of damage. Some damages are irreparable, and you will be forced to spend money replacing these parts before the engine can start functioning properly.

4: Oil Change: This is a simple process. Changing engine oil can make a lot of difference in terms of the performance of your engine and the vehicle in general. The oil starts to become murky, cloudy, and sticky with time, and this makes it hard for the engine to get the best out of the lubrication system. You should have oil regularly checked and changed every 10,000 miles or 6 months if you want it to be in top shape. Have Leahy’s Auto do the check for you. Contact us as a first step to preserving your engine.

When you first buy a new car, the paint has a mirrorlike finish, adding to the beauty of the vehicle. Over time, however, exposure to the elements can take a toll on your paint job, leaving it faded, peeling, and rusty. The outside of your car may even be dented or dinged from rocks, parking lot mishaps, and other minor incidents.

Ideally, you should take steps to prevent this type of damage from occurring. If the paint on your car is already damaged, however, there are some steps that you can take to improve it. If you want your car’s paint job to look as good as possible, try using these three tips:

1. Take Steps To Protect Your Vehicle’s Paint

A lot of times, paint damage can be prevented by taking a few simple steps. Some techniques that you can try include:

– Regularly washing your vehicle. Removing dirt and grime from your vehicle can help keep your paint from getting scratched. Bird droppings are notorious for causing dull areas to appear in your vehicle’s finish. If you notice any droppings on your vehicle, wash them off immediately to minimize the risk of damage.

– Choose the right cleaning products. Although you may be tempted to use dish soap when washing your vehicle, it is almost always a bad idea. Dish soap includes degreasers, which can wind up harming the paint on your car. Instead, purchase cleaning products that are specifically made for use on vehicles.

2. Pay For A Professional Paint Job

Even if you are on a tight budget, you should never try to paint your vehicle on your own. Although you might save a little bit of money doing it yourself, it is almost impossible to get good results with DIY paint jobs.

Although there are many maintenance and repair tasks that you can handle on your own with your vehicle, you should always leave the paint to the professionals. The last thing that you want is to have to pay even more money to repair the damage that you caused when trying to paint your car on your own. The best option is just to take it to a professional to have it painted in the first place, you can call us at Leahy’s Auto to find out how we can assist with your car’s body work.

The Difference In A Dent Vs Ding

Basically, a ding is when the size of damage is under a half of an inch in diameter. Additionally, with a ding, there is no metal exposure or paint chipping on the vehicle. Some possible reasons for getting a ding on your vehicle includes the door of another vehicle hitting it, contact with a rock or shopping cart etc.

In some parts of the country, dings can also be caused due to hail. Unfortunately, when hail falls, it can cause multiple dings to the panels of your vehicle. When there are multiple dings, the cost for repairing them can add up significantly. However, there is a particular process to fix dings due to hail and it is referred to as paintless dent repair.

Next, we will look at dents and this type of damage is more extensive than the damage caused by dings. Dents can be caused by the same situations and items that cause dings, however, dents have a larger diameter. Dents are also more difficult to repair especially when they are due to collisions. With dents, there can be a lot of damage under it which is hidden by the depression of the metal. One example of this is when a dent exposes the metal which leads to rust.

Repair

Dings are usually at the bottom of the list to repair for most car owners. Also, most people ignore dents as well because of the perception that they are only cosmetic. Unfortunately, this is a potentially very costly mistake. If a dent is not fixed, there will be many issues when it comes to selling the vehicle, turning it in at the end of the lease, trading it etc. The majority of leasing companies charge extra for these issues and many dealerships may also not want to take in your vehicle to trade due to these “small” damages.

Leahy’s Auto can fix any dings or dents you may have. Give us a call and let us estimate the damage.

It is important to choose the right mechanic for your preventative maintenance

1. License and Certifications: Many people out there love cars, are passionate about engines and will offer their services to fix your vehicle for a bargain price. But you need to keep in mind that most of them are not certified mechanics. When you let someone who has not been certified to work on your vehicle, it voids the warranty, and can result in even more problems later.

2. Meeting the Staff in Person: It has become very easy to book an appointment online or over the phone. Many people have left their vehicles without having to speak to the company doing the work. You should try going to the garage in person. Talk to the mechanic and explain to them the problems your car has, then see whether the team is genuinely trying to help you with your problem.

3. What Are Others Saying? Before companies started using advertising companies and covering park benches with their business logos, there was word of mouth, one method of advertising that is still effective today. The good thing is the internet has made it very easy for people to see what others are saying about a given business and the quality of products and services they provide.

4. Price Check: When it comes to pricing, there is an industry-standard for the different types of repairs, especially when the insurance is paying for it, but there are services that will differ in pricing from one mechanic to another. You should take your time and have a look at different options before choosing the one you think is the best. You should not make the mistake of choosing the first option you come across. This doesn’t mean going with the cheapest option, but there are times when you can get a reputable auto repair company providing quality services without charging a lot. Our services are very affordable, and we are ready to work with you and ensure your car is in great shape without having to go through a lot of stress. Our goal is making our customers feel satisfied with the services we provide, and this is why we tailor our services to fit the budget and schedule of our clients, if you have questions, don’t hesitate to call us.

A roadside emergency or auto accident can cause escalated emotions even if you’re typically a calm driver. Even a simple repair like a dead battery or flat tire can become a total catastrophe if it happens somewhere where it’s difficult to get help. Many insurance companies provide around the clock roadside assistance, to help provide help in case you break down. Although this service is conveniently available, a lot of drivers opt out of buying the coverage. Specific insurance coverage is a personal decision, but there are numerous reasons that each individual driver should agree to purchase roadside assistance if it’s offered.

1 – Roadside assistance gives you vital services when needed.

Each roadside assistance program’s unique, but many providers have similar services. This type of service can be quite useful in an emergency, and can include:

Changing or repairing a tire.

Jump starting a dead battery.

Bringing you gas if you’ve run out.

Getting you into your vehicle if your keys are broken or lost.

Towing you out of the snow or a ditch.

2 – You’re covered, not your car

It’s important to check with your provider for the details of your policy, but one of the best benefits of a good roadside assistance program is that it covers you, not just your vehicle. This can help provide you with peace of mind when you’re driving a vehicle that isn’t yours. If you borrow a vehicle from time to time, or if you use a vehicle that isn’t yours, this type of policy can be very helpful. It can cover you if you have issues with a vehicle that you don’t own yourself.

3 – It’s inexpensive

Usually, you can add roadside assistance to the auto insurance policy that you already have for just a few dollars a month. This means that you could pay less than $60/year for around the clock roadside assistance coverage. A single tow might cost you more than what you pay out in a year for complete coverage. The risk of not buying coverage may outweigh the cost you pay upfront.

Leahy’s Auto can help you if you end up needing a service that your insurance doesn’t cover. It’s good to have our number close by to give us a call.