Ceramic Brake Pads Are Worth It!

Over just the past few years, disc brakes with most passenger and sports cars have overtaken drum brakes for standard stopping power. With this evolution has also come the need for better brake pad technology. Although conjuring up notions of glass and bakeware, ceramic materials offer tremendous performance and safety features for today’s disc brakes. The ceramics used for these high-stress installations are not clay or some sort of glass but a combination of ingredients fired at a very high heat to produce strong, heat-resistant pads able to stop cars in the most extreme conditions.

Ceramic brake pads offer several advantages over the older types. First of all, for many years brake pads consisted of asbestos lining. Since discovery of asbestos’s adverse health affects, it has been phased out of production. Ceramic brake pads offer long life and also reduce the excessive amount of the grab-black brake dust that can cover a wheel rim. This makes for a cleaner and healthier installation for a better looking car and no worries when working around the drivetrain.

Another advantage with ceramic brake pads is heat dissipation. As is easily imagined, when the brake caliper clamps the pads on a spinning rotor, friction generates a tremendous amount of heat. Often times when the vehicle stops it must be several minutes before the rotor is cool enough to touch. Ceramic’s thermal properties convey the heat away much quicker than older materials. There is still the friction necessary to generate stopping power but the ceramic brake pad does not hold the heat and quickly cools. The rotor is also cooler because of the less-abrasive nature ceramic holds the rotor.

Finally, ceramic brake pads last longer and maintain a smooth face to the rotor longer. This results in less wear on rotors and longer life for the brakes. Although ceramic brakes will wear over time, the ceramic pad’s lifetime is much longer. Rotors will also maintain a smooth finish longer and with ceramic pads may never require turning (getting a new face) or replacement for the life of the car.

Why you should get your AC tuned up

If you are not ready for the summer to come, you may want to make sure your car is. There are things that you can to keep it in good condition when the warmer months come. An AC tune up is one of these things. It will help your car to run more efficiently. A tune up will also help you to stay cool for any long summer drive.

As the weather changes, the parts on your car also go through changes. More so if you park your car outside. The contraction and expansion can cause things to come loose. It can also cause problems with the AC on your car. This can be fixed with a simple tune up of the AC system. 

If you take your car to the mechanic for an AC tune up, they will do a few things. They will check the compressor and other parts for problems. There are simple problems like loose bolts, pulleys and belts. These are problems that can easily be fixed by just tightening a few bolts.

During the winter months, the compressor can also have problems. It can lose coolant do to tubes being loose. It can also be broke and need to be replaced, but usually it is loss of coolant is due to other issue that need to be addressed. The mechanic will be able to fix these problems for you. They will also be able to charge the AC compressor which provides your car with the cool AC you need to stay cool in the summer.

If you want to be prepared for the summer months, it is a good idea to have an AC tune up done now. It will not only help you to stay cool, but it will also help your car to run more efficiently when the heat is here.

Do you need to replace your brake pads?

Brakes are one of the most important parts of a car. Without them, roads would be clogged with accidents, and cars themselves would never be used because nobody would be able to stop. Yet, most people pay little to no attention to the state of their brake pads – after years of wear and tear, brake pads can fail at an extremely inopportune moment, resulting in thousands of dollars of property damage, not to mention possible injuries and even death. Because of this, it is heavily advised that every car owner go to a shop or mechanic to get their brake and brake pads checked out at least once per year, or whenever the car’s brake pads appear to be failing or simply wearing away.

Finding out if you need new brake pads is a very easy but important process – doing so could save your life, or even the lives of others in the future. The first sign that you may need new brake pads is obvious: if it is becoming increasingly harder to slow down or stop your car at intersections or during traffic jams, it is likely an issue with the brake pads. In addition, try going on a drive with the windows down and radio or music off. If you hear a squeaking or grinding noise when braking, it is a sure sign that your brake pads are starting to wear off. The final method of inspecting your brake pads is slightly more subtle. Pay close attention to the positioning of your car while braking. If you car appears to shift to the right or left a bit, it is a sign that the break pads are starting to wear off unevenly.

Remember, it is important to get your brake pads replaced as quickly as possible when they begin to wear down. Failure to do so could result in automobile accidents. So save a life, and save money – inspect your brake pads, and if they need replacing, go get them replaced as soon as possible!

If you need to get your brakes repaired by the experts at M&R Auto Repair, Call us at 305-253-7499 to schedule an appointment today!

Does your car need an alignment?

Is your car pulling one way or another when driving? Have you hit something recently that makes you wonder if your car is driving right? There are a few simple ways to test your vehicle to see if an alignment is necessary. First check the tires to make sure that they are not the problem. Check the air pressure and the tread on the tires. If that seems to check out then you can assume your tires are not your problem.

The next step would be to take your car for a test drive. Drive down a straight, smooth road. When safe to do so, remove your hands from the steering wheel and see if it pulls in one direction or the other. Cornering is also difficult when your vehicle is not in alignment since you are not getting the traction that you are needing. A vibration may also be felt in the steering wheel while driving. This is a sign that an alignment may be necessary. 

Check your tires. If the outsides appear to be normal but the insides are worn excessively more, that is another obvious sign of a necessary wheel alignment. The tires are not wearing evenly. The insides tend to be eaten away and often go flat while the outside still appears new.

Have your vehicle checked professionally. A trained mechanic can look and see if the wheels are in proper alignment. This is sometimes the easiest way to determine this and the safest. It is also the only way to be sure.

Driving a vehicle that is not in alignment can be very dangerous. A tire can blow out causing you to lose control of your vehicle. Your suspension can also wear out faster which will make you have to replace ball joint and much more. It is not a safe way to drive so have your vehicle checked out if you are at all unsure.

Need to get an alignment for your car in Miami? Call us now at  305-253-7499 to schedule an appointment!

Need a tune up before the Summer?

As a car owner, you already know the maintenance that comes with having a car. A lot of times, car owners take their cars for granted. Sure, you appreciate having an independent mode of transportation but, in most cases, filling it up with gas is the most maintenance that most cars see on a regular basis. Those who have more knowledge and experience with cars may take care of them more thoroughly, but a majority of people do not think about the health of their car until it is smoking and you are stranded on the side of the road.

Big repairs can be costly and stressful to deal with. What most people don’t realize is that most major issues with your car would be avoided if you took the time to get a professional tune up.

There are numerous benefits to getting a tune up and one of the most important is getting a thorough fluid flush. The fluids within the car are what keep it the well oiled machine that it is. The average driver may not even realize exactly how many different types of fluids are used in the car. There is brake fluid, oil, and transmission fluid and more, all of which are important to keeping your car in top shape.

A battery check is also a standard part of the tune up. It is important to know the status of your car battery to avoid being unpleasantly surprised by a car that will not start.

Tires are another part of the car that often gets ignored until something drastic happens. While some accidents cannot be avoided, a tune up will help to give you a proper assessment of when it may be time to replace the wheels.

The most important part of getting a turn up is having a mechanic check out the internal parts of the car. There are so many parts of a car engine that are important and you will not know that something is wrong until it is too late.

As with most health issues, catching problems early is better for your cars health, and health of your wallet. Getting a regular tune up is a good choice on all accounts.

Need to get your car tuned up before the Summer in the Pinecrest area? Call us now at  305-253-7499 to schedule an appointment!

Why synthetic oil is worth it.

There are many benefits to using synthetic oil. Much research has been done to prove the quality of synthetic oil, and there is a possibility that using this oil may actually increase the life of your engine by providing better protection against the typical wear and tear that occurs with use. Moreover, you do not have to change your oil as often if you use synthetic oil. While everyone has their own opinion about the benefits of synthetic oil, it may be an option that you want to consider, especially if you are driving a high mileage car or you frequently drive in adverse weather conditions.

Synthetic oil typically does a much better job of protecting your car’s engine against damage, making it useful for automobiles that have accumulated a lot of miles. In addition, this type of oil is better suited for driving in varying temperature extremes, as its synthetic composition allows it to perform better whether the ambient temperature is below freezing or above 1oo degrees Fahrenheit. Due to the excellent ability of the oil to protect your car’s engine, it is a good choice regardless of the driving conditions that you usually face.

Synthetic oil costs more, but you get roughly twice the mileage before you have to have the oil changed again. All things considered, you pay about the same amount of money in the end, and you get the added convenience of not having to get the oil changed every time you turn around. When you factor in the potential for added protection, using synthetic may prove to be a good option for you. Furthermore, in some newer models and in almost all high performance automobiles, synthetic oil is actually prescribed for use by the vehicle manufacturer. In this case, using anything other than synthetic oil could possibly damage the car’s engine, and may also void the warranty from the manufacturer. If you have any questions about the type of oil that you should use in your car, it is a good idea to consult your owner’s manual. You should be able to find out which type of oil your car’s manufacturer prefers you to use in it.

Need an oil change in the Kendall area? Call us now at  305-253-7499 to schedule an appointment today!

The transmission is a vital part of a car. When a car starts having transmission problems, the driver must diagnose the problem further. Most people do not know how to diagnose a car problem, and they often end up at the mechanic. While a mechanic can help, a driver should have an idea on how their transmission operates. By knowing how to diagnose problems, a car owner can save a lot of time and money. Here are four signs a transmission may be in need of repair.

Strange noises or grinding: When a car shifts and there are strange noises, it may be wise to take the car to a mechanic. A qualified mechanic can verify that the sounds are natural and expected or if the noises are something worse. The solution may be painless; the car owner may need to add transmission fluid or the owner of the car may have to have their transmission flushed. Either way, when a transmission makes odd noises, it is time to look deeper at the problem.

Problems shifting gears: Whether one drives a stick or automatic, they must pay attention to the shifting of the transmission. When a car has trouble shifting, this is often a sign that the transmission is in need of repair. If a car suddenly has problems shifting gears, it is critical to take the car to a mechanic as soon as possible.

Strong chemical smell: When driving, if the driver smells a chemical burning smell, he or she should take the car in immediately. This smell is often an indicator of a transmission that is overheating. If ignored, not only can the transmission fail, the car can easily catch fire. With a burning chemical smell, a driver should immediately see a transmission specialist.

Transmission repairs are often costly and time-consuming. A smart driver must take caution when he or she notices anything out of the ordinary. While it is hard to avoid inevitable wear and tear, a car owner who takes caution may save themselves with even more expensive repair bills.

A transmission problem is a major car problem and should not be overlooked, if you think your car may have a transmission problem contact M&R  Auto Repair today at 305-253-7499

If you are unsure about your car or truck’s maintenance status in regards to your upcoming vacation or trip, then having a licensed professional take a look can save you hundreds in unexpected costs.

It is always better to be proactive. When attempting to embark on a long journey, your vehicle will be your livelihood. Running into problems will not only put a damper on spirits but it may kill your funds before you even reach your destination. A car can have a large variety of problems but many of these come from simple maintenance factors which are not kept up on. Such factors include wear and tear, connectivity of wiring or hoses and more. When a professional auto repair expert comes in to check on your vehicle, he will be able to ensure that all of these factors have been considered so you can be safe.

You should consider how old your car is and how much use you have already put on it. If you are not sure about the urgency of certain maintenance jobs, you can always have a look at our recommended vehicle repair schedule. If you realize that your vehicle is primarily used from in-city transit and you are about to venture to an area which may have more open roads or perhaps gravel then you need to consider having your vehicle fitted with better suspension components and possibly tires. The length of time you will be leaving, the temperature and climate of the place you are going will be essential to monitor as well.

A trip check from an expert technician will be a valuable safety net for both comfort and reliability. AC units and electrical components will eliminate some convenience and comfort during your trip which can make a ride stressful and intolerable. Brake failures, headlight or other light malfunction will completely eliminate the safety of your vehicle which means that your life and your family’s life could be in danger. It is essential and imperative to make sure that you factor in the possibility of a problem with the safety mechanisms in your car. The time to think about them is always before the trip.

Making proactive repairs are also cheaper than making impromptu repairs while you are on a trip. The Auto Shop you will be forced to use might try to when more cash from you than need be because you have little choice. You will not have the luxury of shopping for an auto mechanic when you are actually in an emergency. A local Miami, FL Auto Repair center can make sure your car is up to scratch for an affordable price.

Contact M&R Auto Repair today at (305) 253-7499 for trip check service on your automobile. Your safety is what’s most important and your car will get you to your destination safely if you take some time to have it properly checked.

A Miami, FL tire rotation can be quick and painless, but they are always necessary.

We find that people are often confused as to the purpose of rotating tires. Tire rotation is an important maintenance duty that extends the life of your tires and ensures safe driving. It is first important to know what “rotating” tires even means as well as how exactly it affects the lifespan and wear of tires. A “rotation” does not mean to switch tires from either side of the car (only in certain cases this is done). Rather, it most often means to send tires on each side of the car from front to back and vice versa.

The reason why we rotate tires is because of the simple fact that front and rear tires wear differently. Depending on whether your car is front wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, the tires directly being affected by the torque of the engine will face wear from all sorts of different sources. There is wear from turning, weight from the angles of alignments, as well as braking. Since these wheels are dealing with the brunt of the stress, they will naturally deteriorate much faster causing you to waste time and money on another replacement.

When the tires turn from the direct torque of the engine, they encounter resistance. Resistance causes friction, which in turn produces heat. The result? The front tires wear quicker than the rears on front wheel drive cars, vice versa on rear-wheel drive cars. Because of this, it’s necessary to rotate the tires front-to-rear several times during their life cycle to make tread wear equal and to maximize the life of the tires. This is what we refer to when we say “rotate the tires.”

If your car has staggered wheels — the front and rear tires are two different sizes, you may need to swap the tires side-to-side, but not front to back. If your tires are unidirectional or asymmetrical, then you can only rotate them front to back.

How often you should rotate your tires: This depends on many factors like what car you have, what tires you have, your driving habits and your car’s age. On average, we expect to have to rotate tires on a vehicle every 9000 miles. Only your local preferred auto mechanic can ensure that your tires are rotated properly as per your car’s needs. Regarding the rotation of tires as unimportant and neglecting to partake in this inexpensive and quick maintenance task would mean having to take another trip to install expensive new tires many miles before they were expected to last.

Prioritize the longevity of your tires with a Miami, FL tire rotation from local experts M & R Auto Repair. Call us today at (305) 749-9787 for expert automotive care when you need it most!

There are mechanics all around claiming to be the best of the best but how can you know for sure which one to trust with your valuable vehicle?  The right mechanic must not only be affordable and efficient, but he must also be trustworthy and competent. No one likes to be told one thing and receive another. Some mechanic like to hide numbers and facts in order to squeeze from you the most time, money and patience you’re willing to give out. This is not the mechanic you want to trust with your vehicle. You should always screen several mechanics across certain criteria depending on what you’re looking to have done. Without this screening you might pay far too much for an inexpensive repair or you may even be in danger of having your repair done improperly which could put your life at risk.

To know how to find the right mechanic, you must first consider what it is you are trying to do. Some people are looking for all around service and maintenance while others are looking for modifications or upgrades to their already well maintained vehicles. Maintenance and casual repairs are best handled by mechanics that are insured and backed with multiple guarantees so that you can rest assured your service was completed to expectation. You should also research what others have said about the technician, what kind of offers they provide, what prices they operate at and what brands they use. Remember that not all shops support every type of car. Cross checking these should help you gauge which local auto mechanic in Miami, FL you ought to stick with.

When you are looking for a more specialized job done like a modification or a custom part installation, you should see if you can find a specialist. Sometimes shops have certain specialists in house who can take care of “odd jobs,” so to speak, which you may be in the market for. Some vehicle owners simply don’t have the proper tools and need a mechanic who is willing to try different and newer things with him or her. In this case, you will want to call in advance with your specific request and ask if they have a specialist on staff. If they do, then make sure they understand exactly what it is you want them to do. This proactive communication can save time which will save your hundreds on lengthy installations.

The right Miami mechanic for you is one who you feel comfortable with using. There should be no secrets or surprises. Ask as many questions as you have and see how well they disclose their work and their procedures to you. If you can’t understand what is about to happen, then you might want to do some research and come back before committing to a purchase. In addition, you should research how long it normally takes auto mechanics to perform the said job and compare it to the projected time they supply for you. If it will take longer then, you should find out exactly why. Get the most bang for your buck this way.

We want all local vehicle owners looking to get a repair done to make the right choices. At M & R Auto Repair, we take pride in offering affordable, expert service which is built upon a foundation of reliability and integrity. You can count on us for your vehicle maintenance and repair tasks. Call us today at (305) 749-9787.