Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Car Tire Maintenance
For most regular folks who own an automobile, regular scheduled maintenance of their vehicle’s tires doesn’t usually come to mind. However, keeping an eye on your tires is extremely important, not just for safety but also to save money. With regular monitoring and maintenance of your tires, you can increase their lifespan and purchase fewer tires over the life of your car.
In regard to automobile part longevity, your tires are one of the major components you want to monitor on a regular basis, and this is fairly easy to do once you know how. Unlike some other aspects of your vehicle that you may need to consult Budget Brakes on, you don’t have to search very far to find the pertinent information about your car’s tires. In fact, the government now mandates such information to be printed right on the tire itself, on their sides.
First and foremost, you’ll want to keep your tires inflated at the recommended pressure. It has been estimated that keeping your tires at their optimal inflation level can result in a 3.3 percent increase in fuel efficiency. Tire gauges are fairly inexpensive and can be found at Budget Brakes at reasonable prices. To find the optimal pressure, simply check the sides of the tires or check the owner’s manual. Remember to only measure tire pressure at times the tire is “cold,” meaning when you haven’t driven on them for a few hours.
Another aspect of maintenance for your tires that is easily forgotten is to routinely rotate your tires about every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Rotating your tires allows the tread to wear evenly so that you can increase its efficiency as well as its lifespan. Rotating tires are simple enough but if you want to make sure it is done correctly, the people at Budget Brakes will happily assist you.
Doing simple maintenance checks like these will ensure that you get the most out of your vehicle, the least out of your wallet, and, most importantly, ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.

Budget Brakes: Car Engine Maintenance

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

According to experts at Budget Brakes, the most important factor in keeping your car in great running shape and avoiding costly repairs is following a good maintenance schedule. This can make the difference between having your engine run for hundreds of thousands of miles without any issues and having it break down after a relatively low number of miles.
If you are unsure of what maintenance schedule you must follow, experts at Budget Brakes strongly advise you to read your vehicle owner’s manual. This will inform you on the things that need to be serviced on a regular basis. Generally you need to keep all your fluids (e.g. oil, coolant, transmission fluid) clean and topped up.
As most of us already know, regular oil changes are the number one way of making sure your engine will be in good condition for a very long time. You also need to service or replace brakes, timing belt, spark plugs, etc. in a timely manner and check your tire pressure regularly.
Avoiding overheating the engine is also an extremely important way of making sure your engine stays in great shape. Preventing corrosion by not leaving the car in high humidity environments for long periods of time is also strongly recommended by Budget Brakes.
Another important suggestion is making sure to warm up the engine regularly by taking sufficiently long trips at intervals. Budget Brakes specialists strongly recommend dealing with small problems early, as they arise, in order to prevent them from getting worse, which may lead to serious engine issues and costly repairs in the future.

Budget Brakes: Car Brake Maintenance

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Budget Brakes is concerned for the safety of your driving, helping you stay informed on properly maintaining and scheduling your brake maintenance. Budget Brakes reminds you that the age of your car and driving habits can play a major role in its performance. Temperature can affect how quickly our brake pads last, with cold weather causing them to wear out quickly.
Driving habits matter too. Some people tend to have a lead foot, and, depending on how hard and often a driver slams on the brakes, your brakes may wear out quickly or last a year or more.
Monitoring your brake fluid is a very important part of having your brakes last longer. It is wise to check your brake fluid once a month, noticing when the fluid is becoming darker in color. Dark brake fluids should be flushed and replaced. Budget Brakes would recommend that, on average, you should have your brakes, fluids, rotators, and calipers checked professionally.
Budget Brakes knows that feeling safe is of the utmost important while driving with friends or family. Keeping up with your brake maintenance schedule can help protect you and save you unwanted costs.

Budget Brakes: Car Transmission Maintenance

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

In today’s world of futuristic, well everything, transportation has evolved to a complicated, yet convenient, solution to travel. From cars, to planes, to motorcycles, automobiles have become a daily part of our lives. Cars are something that almost everyone uses (my condolences to the Amish), and while everyone may have a car, not everyone knows how to take care of one. No matter where you bought your car, or how long ago, learning to maintain your vehicle is important. And at Budget Brakes, you can keep your expensive and useful investment running well with the utmost high quality of care.
Budget Brakes cares about your car as much as you do, so show your investment that it deserves to be taken care of while saving yourself some money on the way. Most transmission failures result because of lack of care, not enough fluids, etc. People who haul heavy things and people who live in what Budget Brakes might refer to as “severe weather conditions” should change their fluids more often than those who don’t.
Replacing or repairing a transmission can be one of the costliest repairs on your car, so if you would like to keep that cash in your pocket and keep your car happy, just remember to replace your fluids regularly! To check when you should replace your transmission fluid, check with your vehicle manufacturer.

Budget Brakes Safe Driving: Driving in Heavy Rain

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Budget Brakes has put together some tips to help you drive safely in heavy rain. Heavy rain can both reduce your visibility and make your car harder to control.
• Slowing down enhances your visibility, makes it easier to brake, and encourages other motorists around you to slow down.
• Use your headlights so that other drivers can see you.
• Maintain at least three seconds of space between you and the car ahead of you by tracking when they pass a point on the road and counting to three before passing it yourself.
• Replace old wiper blades at least once a year.
• Never drive through water if you can’t see the ground through it. You can easily flood your engine, ruin your electrical system, or be swept off the road by driving through water that is deeper than the bottom of your car’s frame.
• Get your brakes checked at least once a year at Budget Brakes.
Driving in wet weather requires a gentle application of accelerator, brakes, clutch, and steering. Budget Brakes hopes these driving tips will keep you and your family safe during inclement weather.

Budget Brakes Safe Driving: Driving in the Snow

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Driving in the snow is common for customers in the northern part of the United States, but many people from the South or coasts have never driven in snow. Driving in snow requires more stable acceleration and turning, as your car is prone to sliding across the road due to reduced friction. Budget Brakes has put together a list of tips that will help you drive safely in the snow.
• Driving after the snow plows have cleared the streets is far safer than driving before the plows and rock salt.
• Brake and accelerate gently to avoid skidding and sliding.
• Do not use the accelerator or brake while you are turning.
Correcting from skidding wheels or hydroplaning is instinctual. If possible, practice winter driving in a snowy open parking lot to learn how your car handles. It’s a lot of fun to practice sliding and correcting from slides and it can keep you safe if you ever encounter an icy patch on the road.

Budget Brakes Safe Driving: Driving During Dust Storms

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Parts of the world, including the Southwest United States, frequently experience long droughts which create the perfect conditions for dust storms. Dust storms can significantly reduce visibility and create a driving hazard. Budget Brakes has prepared several tips for driving during dust storms to help keep you and your family safe.
• Just park your car. Dust storms usually only last a couple of minutes, so you can afford to wait it out. The denser the dust storm, the more important it is that you pull as far off the road as possible.
• Turn OFF your lights and hazard lights while you are pulled over. Cars approaching from the rear might expect you to be traveling on the road and veer off the road and into your rear end.
• If you can’t pull off the road to park, occasionally use your horn to announce your presence to other cars around you. Use the painted lines on the right or center of the road to help guide you at a suitable speed until you can find a place to park.
Budget Brakes hopes your family stays safe while traveling in areas where dust storms are prone to strike.

Budget Brakes Safe Driving: Driving in Foggy Weather

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Fog is a cloud that formed at ground level due to the temperature dropping to the dew point. Fog can significantly reduce visibility and create hazardous driving conditions. Budget Brakes has a few tips for drivers who often drive in the early morning, when fog is heaviest.
• Turn on your lights, but do not use your high beams, which will be reflected off the fog and reduce your visibility.
• Reduce your speed and keep an eye on the speedometer. Fog creates an illusion of traveling slower than you actually are.
• Open your windows to hear traffic that you cannot see.
• Use the markings on the right edge of the road as a guideline, as the white line is easier to see in foggy conditions than the yellow line.
• Pay attention to brake lights of vehicles around you, which are easier to see during heavy fog.
Following Budge Brakes’ driving tips during heavy fog can keep you and your family safe.

Budget Brakes Safety Reminder: Passenger Safety

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Budget Brakes knows that traveling with passengers can be a lot of fun. Listening to the radio, joking around, or chatting can be mildly distracting at best and dangerous and risky at worst.

Budget Brakes wants to remind all customers that the only safe way to socialize in the car is calmly, with both eyes on the roar. Talking to passengers by facing them can endanger your life and your passenger's life. Blaring music on the radio and yelling can cause drivers to miss valuable auditory signals like car horns and emergency sirens.

Passengers can also be an ongoing distraction, even when behaving. They may ask you to change the radio (tell them to change it themselves), look at something on the wide of the road, or encourage you to make quick stops or turns ("Pull in here!"). Try to remember that you're in control of the car and responsible for their safety, and don't let passenger influence the way that you drive.

Budget Brakes cares for the safety of your family. Budget Brakes encourages drivers to be mindful of road safety, even when passengers might serve as a distraction. Budget Brakes also hopes that parents teach safe driving rules to teens, who are at a higher risk of erratic driving due to peer influence.

Budget Brakes Safety Reminder: Dealing with In-Car Distractions

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Budget Brakes knows that some driving distractions are unavoidable. A spilled drink, rowdy children, or digging in a purse or bag for entry keycards can distract even safe drivers.

Still, the key to safe driving is keeping your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. Having a passenger who is capable of handling distractions and allowing them to do so is the safest way to keep driving safely. If that's not possible, though, simply pull over and handle your distractions off the road.

Budget Brakes wants all of its customers to be safe while driving, but unavoidable driving distractions are common. Instead of trying to remedy the situation while driving, simply pull over. This advice applies equally well to handling emergency phone calls, food or drink spills, unruly children, and applying makeup. No arrival time is worth risking your life, your family's lives, and the lives of other drivers on the road in order to save a few minutes.

Budget Brakes Safety Reminder: Vanity Mirror Usage

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Budget Brakes knows that getting ready in the morning often means rushing out the door without makeup or with other personal hygiene issues. At times, individuals are concerned with minor issues and choose to apply or fix makeup while driving. Budget Brakes does not encourage this distracting practice.

Not only is it dangerous, but its not effective. It is better to quickly apply makeup at home and be five minutes late than to risk your life and the life of others on the road. The amount of makeup that can be applied with one hand while driving is limited. Lipstick can be applied in seconds after parking; eyeliner in under a minute.

The use of the vanity mirror while parked at a stop light is the only safe in-car time to correct personal hygiene issues. Budget Brakes hopes that you and your family take driving distractions seriously in order to improve road safety for all road users.

Budget Brakes Safety Reminder: Texting While Driving

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Budget Brakes cares about your safety. For this week's article, we are covering driving distractions like texting or talking on the phone while driving.

Budget Brakes strongly recommends that all cellular phones are put away while driving. Texting while driving is the fastest-growing cause of both fatalities and fender benders. Even sending short texts requires taking both your eyes and your hands off the wheel, delaying normal reaction time by up to half a second on average. It can also be a distraction that results in missed road signs or stoplights.

Even talking while driving can be dangerous. Holding a phone can lead to loss of control, and using earbuds while driving can block important aural information like the sound of a car engine from a passing car, emergency siren, or horn. The safest way to use a phone in the car is with a hands-free system, but in a pinch, use the speakerphone and keep the phone in the console.

Budget Brakes hopes that you and your family are serious about enforcing driving rules, especially with teens, the demographic at the greatest risk of accidents while texting.

Leaving Children Behind in Cars

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Budget Brakes is here to protect your family. That's why we want to remind you of the "zero second" rule for leaving children unattended in cars. Budget Brakes firmly believes that, for their safety, children should never be left alone, unattended, for any reason.
In 2009, non-profit organization Harrison's Hope documented 789 children left unattended in or around cars and 146 children who lost their lives in these incidents. Budget Brakes encourages parents to realize that these deaths are not accidental, they are neglectful. If every parent put forth the effort required to unbuckle a car seat and carry his or her child inside for a two-minute trip to the ATM or convenience store, hundreds of children's lives would be saved every year.
KidsAndCars.org, an advocacy organization, also recommends two crucial car habits to avoid accidentally leaving a child behind.
• Keep something you'll need for work in the back seat of the car, like a cell phone or employee badge.
• Keep a large teddy bear in the child's car seat when it is not occupied and in the passenger's seat of the car when the child is occupying the car seat. This serves as a visual reminder that the child is in the back.
The next time you consider leaving your child in the car, Budget Brakes hopes that you remember the zero second rule: a child should never spend time alone in a car for any reason.

Car Seat Safety

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Budget Brakes wants to remind every parent of the value of car seats from the time a child is born until they are eight or nine years old. Car seats are vital to protecting your loved ones in the event of an accident.
The most important thing you can check on a car seat is whether or not your child is securely seated in the car seat. The key is to make the seat belts as tight as they can be so that the child stays secure in an accident. Car seat manufacturers make optional ratchet-style adjustments to be fixed to the car seat belts to tighten the belts to the optimum level.
Older children should have booster car seats, as well. As an adult, riding in a car places the edge of the seat in line with the knee. Children, however, with shorter legs, often find that their legs stick straight out. Without a booster seat, an accident that causes the car to compact would also crush a child's legs. A booster seat also prevents the seatbelt from crossing the neck, instead, placing it firmly across the shoulder as it was designed.
Budget Brakes hopes every parent realizes the value of proper car seat use.

How to Keep Your Family Safe on Road Trips

Wednesday, August 24, 2011




Budget Brakes cares about your family's continued safety. Before leaving on your next road trip, be sure to stop by and have your brakes inspected at Budget Brakes. Here are some other things to remember before starting a road trip.

Check your windshield wipers and wiper fluid. New wipers are a small investment and they can make driving in inclement weather much safer.

Check the oil in the car for both color and depth. Oil should come up to the “Full” line on the dipstick and be clear or tan. If you are within 1000 miles of a scheduled oil change, or if the oil is dark brown or black, change the oil.

Check the other fluids, like transmission fluid, radiator fluid, and freon. Most new cars do not leak these fluids, but older cars have issues and should be checked regularly.

Check your tires for air pressure and tread. If necessary rotate, or even change, your tires before traveling. If you are headed to a snowy region, change into snow tires.

Finally, be sure to come by Budget Brakes for a brake inspection to ensure that your brakes are operating at peak efficiency for your safety.

What Your Teen Needs To Know About Driving

Wednesday, August 17, 2011



Budget Brakes cares about the safety of you and your family, that's why this series of Budget Brakes articles is devoted to keeping your family safe while driving. This article discusses things your older teen going off to college needs to know.

Stay off the phone while driving. Any distraction that takes your mind off driving increases the risk of having an accident. This includes eating, talking on the phone, or rubbernecking at accidents.
Learn the new state laws. If your child is going out of state, new laws may apply with regard to road rules, vehicle inspection, or parking. Make sure your teen has reviewed the new state's drivers handbook.
Keep your car maintained. Car maintenance is often overlooked by young drivers or busy individuals. College students fall into both categories, so take extra care to remind them of scheduled maintenance.
No drinking and driving. Drinking often makes smart people do dumb things like drive. Even your college student may make bad decisions. Be sure to remind them that cabs and designated drivers are always available, and are only a phone call away.

Budget Brakes hopes these tips helps your teen stay safe while they are at college.

Budget Brakes Used Car Tips: Check the Suspension

Friday, August 5, 2011

Budget Brakes' encourages customers to thoroughly check a used car's suspension and not overlook bumpiness, even in older cars.

First, visually inspect the car to see if it is sitting higher in the front or back. If so, the springs could be worn. Next, check the shocks by pressing down on the bumper in both the front and back. The car should bounce up and down only once. If the car bounces easily or multiple times, have a mechanic inspect the shocks and struts for wear.

When test driving the vehicle, pay particular attention to stability, traction, alignment, and comfort. A vehicle that pulls either to the right or left is either out of alignment or has uneven tires. The vehicle should feel tight, responsive, and not shake.

Budget Brakes wants to remind used car buyers that the suspension, shocks, and struts are often overlooked parts of a purchase, but they can be as costly as an engine or transmission repair. If you have any doubts about the car, Budget Brakes recommends that you see a mechanic before purchasing.

Budget Brakes Used Car Tips: Check the Engine

Friday, July 29, 2011

Budget Brakes encourages its customers to do a full examination of a used car before purchase, including checking the engine for frequent problems on high-mileage cars.

First, Budget Brakes reminds customers to check the oil before starting a test drive. Oil should be tan or brown, but not black. Additionally, check the date of the oil change on the inside window of the car. If the oil was changed recently, be sure to check the oil again after a test drive as well, as there could be serious engine problems that are being covered up by the owner.

During your test drive, listen for knocking or ticking sounds. Additionally, after the test drive is over and the car is parked, race the engine a couple of times and listen again. Knocking and ticking sounds inside the engine mean costly repairs.

Budget Brakes' technicians are savvy mechanics, and they hope these tips will help used car buyers avoid finding themselves stuck with a lemon.

Budget Brakes Used Car Tips: Check The Interior

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Budget Brakes' friendly technicians have another tip for purchasing a used car. Check for interior wear to see how often, and how hard, a used car was driven.

First, Budget Brakes recommends inspecting the interior of the car for any signs of leaks, particularly along windows, doors, and sunroofs. Spraying the car with a water hose can help avoid costly new seals.

Next, examine the brake pedal pad for signs that the pad has worn through to the metal underneath. Stop-and-go driving or heavy braking can age a car faster than cruising along at highway speeds.

Finally, take a look at the dashboard to find signs of tampering. Odometer readings can be reset by removing the instrument panel. Fingerprints or scratches inside the plastic cover and misaligned numbers are two common errors made by amateur mechanics.
We hope all of our customers are now aware of common used car problems. This is just another example of Budget Brakes' commitment to customer service.

Budget Brakes Used Car Tips: Check the Transmission

Friday, July 15, 2011

As a part of Budget Brakes' commitment to its customers' automotive health and safety, this series of tips will teach Budget Brakes customers what to look for when considering whether or not to buy a used automobile.

Transmission repair or replacement is one of the most expensive automotive maladies. Doing a full check on the transmission can ensure that any obvious problems will become apparent before the purchase is made. First, Budget Brakes recommends referring to the owner's manual for directions on checking the transmission fluid. The fluid should be a shade of pink or red.

If the fluid is brown, black, or smells burnt, this can indicate internal transmission damage. Next, Budget Brakes recommends taking the car for a test drive. Pay particular attention to any whining noises during shifting as well as any delays or a sliding feel when shifting between gears. The transmission should firmly and noticeably engage each gear including park, reverse, and the first couple of gears.

Budget Brakes hopes every customer considering purchasing a used car follows these free tips from your helpful auto technicians at Budget Brakes.

Budget Brakes Advanced Driving Guide: Driving Around an Accident Scene

Thursday, July 7, 2011

When driving on highways, it is an unfortunate fact that we often see accidents when cars drive off the road, collide with other cars, or inclement weather causes a loss of traction. Budget Brakes wants to remind all of its customers of how to drive around an accident.

•If you see an accident and no other cars or paramedics have stopped, pull off the road and call 911 for further instructions.

•If the accident is in the road and the cars have not yet pulled off the road, slow down to no more than 30 miles per hour as you go past the accident.

•Be aware of your own state’s laws. Some states require that you vacate the outside lane.

•Do not “rubberneck” or stare at the accident. Keep your eyes on the road for your own safety and the safety of cars around you.

Budget Brakes customers must be good drivers, even when others are not. By being attentive around an accident scene, instead of slowing down and staring at the victims, you set a good example for the other cars around you and the other people in your own car.

Saving Gas by Driving Safely

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Budget Brakes has always encouraged drivers to drive safely for obvious reasons, but did you know that driving safely can help you save gas? Budget Brakes knows the importance of saving money on gas, as well as being safe on the road. This is why Budget Brakes encourages all drivers to drive safely while they are in their vehicles.

As we know at Budget Brakes, one of the main ways that driving safely saves gas is by avoiding excessive acceleration. At Budget Brakes, we want drivers to know that excessive acceleration is not only unsafe, but it negatively affects gas mileage. Budget Brakes urges all drivers to accelerate at a normal and safe speed to promote safety and save gas.

At Budget Brakes, we know that keeping your vehicle maintained is also part of driving safely. Budget Brakes also knows that properly maintained vehicles get much better gas mileage than vehicles that are not maintained. Budget Brakes wants drivers to know that keeping tires properly inflated keeps you safe on the road while keeping your gas mileage where it should be. Budget Brakes encourages drivers to keep their vehicle properly maintained to help with gas mileage.

Differences in Available Hybrid Models

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Budget Brakes wants drivers to know that not all hybrid cars are alike. If you are shopping for a hybrid vehicle, Budget Brakes wants you to know that it is important to know the differences in the hybrid models. At Budget Brakes, we encourage all drivers to learn more about the different hybrid models before choosing the one they wish to purchase.

At Budget Brakes, we know that drivers want to get the most out of their vehicles, and this is why many Budget Brakes customers are switching to hybrids. So, which model is right for you? Budget Brakes recommends that you choose a proper-sized vehicle first. After you have chosen which size is right for you, Budget Brakes recommends that you choose a vehicle with the best gas mileage that fits all of your needs.

As we know at Budget Brakes, the smaller the vehicle is, the better the gas mileage it gets, and hybrids are no exception. This is why Budget Brakes recommends that drivers buy only the space they need, rather than buying a larger vehicle than they need. This allows drivers to save more money on gas, which is very important, as we know at Budget Brakes.

Driving a Hybrid Car to Save Gas

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

At Budget Brakes, we know how important it is for drivers to save money. With the high prices of gas, a hybrid car can be a great investment for some drivers. Budget Brakes knows that hybrid cars use much less gas which saves drivers money by cutting their need for gasoline. Budget Brakes encourages drivers who wish to cut down on gas costs to consider driving a hybrid car.

Many Budget Brakes customers are concerned about their car’s MPG. As we know at Budget Brakes, most hybrid cars allow drivers to get between 20 and 30 extra miles to the gallon compared to non-hybrid vehicles. Hybrid vehicles do this by using a combination of electricity and gasoline, rather than gasoline alone. As we know firsthand at Budget Brakes, hybrid cars are able to get anywhere from 50 to 100 miles per gallon, making them ideal for many Budget Brakes customers.

Some Budget Brakes customers drive hybrid vehicles to cut down on pollution. Budget Brakes encourages drivers who are concerned about their effect on the environment to drive hybrid cars, as they greatly reduce the pollution you create when driving your car. Budget Brakes wants drivers to know that hybrid cars can save them money, as well as cut down on pollution.

Budget Brakes Reminds Drivers of the Importance of “Gentle” Driving

Friday, April 22, 2011

At Budget Brakes, we know that there are a number of factors that affect the performance and longevity of your vehicle, but did you know the way your drive can be harmful to your vehicle? “Gentle” driving is a great way to increase the overall life of your vehicle, and this is why Budget Brakes encourages all drivers to practice gentle driving.

As we know at Budget Brakes, drivers who drive more aggressively are more than likely to need a new car much sooner than those who practice gentle driving. If you accelerate very quickly every time you go from a stopped position, you can cause harm to your vehicle. Instead, try to gradually accelerate so that you do not put too much stress on your car’s engine. As we know firsthand at Budget Brakes, excessive acceleration can also harm your vehicle’s brakes and tires by causing them to wear earlier than they normally would.

Budget Brakes would like to remind all drivers to drive “gently” as much as possible to make sure their vehicles last as long as possible.

Budget Brakes Tips: Properly Maintaining Your Vehicle

Thursday, April 14, 2011

At Budget Brakes, we know just how important vehicle maintenance can be. Taking proper care of your vehicle can make it last years longer than it normally would, and of course, that can save you a lot of money. Budget Brakes would like to encourage drivers to keep their vehicle properly maintained by following these Budget Brakes tips.

-Get your vehicle inspected regularly for problems (Budget Brakes offers free brake inspections)
-Keep proper air pressure in each tire
-Change your vehicle’s oil on time
-Watch, listen, and feel for any unusual sounds, jerks, or warning lights
-Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible if there are problems

Following these Budget Brakes tips can help drivers properly maintain their vehicles, and doing so will increase the performance of the vehicle, as well as its overall lifetime.

Vehicle Maintenance is Part of Defensive Driving

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Many drivers think defensive driving only happens while they are driving their vehicle. At Budget Brakes, we want drivers to know that vehicle maintenance is definitely a part of defensive driving. Defensive driving means making sure that you are able to avoid an accident as much as humanly possible. It only makes sense that keeping your vehicle properly maintained can help you accomplish this. Budget Brakes reminds drivers to keep their vehicle properly maintained as part of defensive driving.

At Budget Brakes, we have seen many vehicles that have caused accidents due to lack of maintenance. A vehicle that lacks maintenance is much more likely to be the cause of an accident, especially when the brakes or tires need service. At Budget Brakes, we offer drivers a free inspection to check for problems like these. Drivers who have their vehicles checked often at Budget Brakes are much less likely to have an accident due to vehicle maintenance problems. This is why Budget Brakes strongly encourages drivers to get their vehicles checked often for problems that could cause accidents.

Communicating with Other Drivers

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

At Budget Brakes, we want to stress the importance of communicating with other drivers while on the road. This is one of the most important parts of defensive driving. The only way other drivers know what you are going to do is by looking at your vehicle. This is why all vehicles are equipped with horns, brake lights, and turn signals. Budget Brakes encourages drivers to keep all of their vehicles’ signals in working condition to increase safety while behind the wheel.

We know firsthand at Budget Brakes that many accidents are caused by lack of communication between drivers. Budget Brakes wants drivers to known that this can be avoided by using turning signals every time you plan to turn, as well as making sure the brake lights, hazard lights, and horn all work properly.

Budget Brakes also wants to remind all drivers that the only way other drivers can tell whether you are turning, slowing down or stopping, or having vehicle problems is if all of your vehicle’s signals are in good condition. At Budget Brakes, we want all drivers to know that properly communicating with other drivers is an important part of defensive driving and lowers the risk of having an accident.

What is Defensive Driving?

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

At Budget Brakes, we get this question more often than you would think. Defensive driving is being aware of all of the factors of driving, including road and weather conditions, as well as the other drivers on the road. At Budget Brakes, we know that people who practice defensive driving and pay close attention to the road every time they drive are more likely to react to certain problems in a better way than those drivers who do not. At Budget Brakes, we want all drivers to know that defensive driving is the best way to drive.

As we know at Budget Brakes, there are many defensive driving examples that drivers can learn from. Perhaps a neighbor is backing out of their driveway and shows no sign of slowing down, even though you are approaching them. A defensive driver would either bring their neighbors attention to their vehicle by honking the horn, slow down to avoid a collision, or swerve, but only if necessary and safe. At Budget Brakes, we encourage all drivers to drive patiently and pay full attention to driving conditions, as this can save lives, and as always, Budget Brakes is happy to answer any defensive driving questions drivers might have.

Defensive Driving Tips from Budget Brakes

Friday, March 18, 2011

Budget Brakes would like to remind all drivers that driving defensively can save lives. All drivers should practice defensive driving each and every time they get into their vehicle. These Budget Brakes safety tips can help drivers stay safe while on the road by helping them drive defensively.

-Always pay attention to your surroundings
-Follow all traffic sign instructions
-Avoid road rage at all costs
-Keep a safe distance from other vehicles
-Always use proper turn signals to let other drivers know that you are turning
-Be very cautious at intersections and stop signs
-Never drive in another vehicle’s blind spots (especially larger trucks)
-Always take in to account how the weather can affect your driving and the drivers around you
-Keep brakes in good shape in case you need to stop quickly (Budget Brakes can help with this)

By following these Budget Brakes defensive driving tips, you can lower your risk of having an accident. Budget Brakes wants all drivers to be safe on the road and strongly recommends that drivers follow each Budget Brakes defensive driving tip on the list.

Safe Driving Practices from Budget Brakes

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

When driving a vehicle, there are many different safety practices that drivers need to take. Budget Brakes would like to remind drivers about these safety practices.

At Budget Brakes, we believe the number one safety practice is to always use a seatbelt. At Budget Brakes, we have seen accident aftermath, and without seatbelts, some of the drivers could have been seriously injured or worse.

Budget Brakes wants all drivers to know the dangers of overcrowding a vehicle. Not only will some passengers not have seatbelts, but the driver will be more likely to become distracted. As we know at Budget Brakes, these two factors can lead to very serious consequences.

Budget Brakes would like to remind drivers to always use turn signals and headlights when necessary. We at Budget Brakes want drivers to know that a turn signal is the only thing that lets other drivers know what you are going to do next. Headlights are useful for obvious reasons, but they also increase other drivers’ visibility of you in bad weather.

Budget Brakes wants drivers to stay safe, and these safety practices are a great way for drivers to do just that.

Budget Brakes Reminds You to Drive Safely

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

At Budget Brakes, we think that one of the best ways to avoid accidents while driving is to know what causes them. At Budget Brakes, we see many vehicles needing to be serviced in our shops because of accidents, and as we know at Budget Brakes, accident repairs are not cheap. Budget Brakes would like to share the top causes of accidents with drivers so that they can avoid these things.

•Speeding
•Driver distractions
•Weather
•Drinking and driving
•Driving recklessly

Budget Brakes wants drivers to know that these are the main things to avoid while on the road. At Budget Brakes, we have seen firsthand the effects these driving problems can have. Aside from weather complications, drivers can avoid these problems and lessen their chances of having an accident. Budget Brakes would like to tell all drivers to avoid doing everything on the above list (except weather.) To solve the weather problem, only drive in undesirable weather if it is absolutely necessary, and also drive very carefully in bad weather. At Budget Brakes, we hope all drivers avoid these driving problems to promote safety.

Budget Brakes Driving Safety Tips

Friday, February 25, 2011

At Budget Brakes, we know that drivers are at risk of an accident every time they get in their vehicle. Budget Brakes would like to share some safety tips with drivers that can lessen their chances of getting in to an accident. These Budget Brakes safety tips are simple and easy to understand but can save lives. The Budget Brake safety tips are as follows:

•Obey the speed limit at all times
•Obey every road sign
•Keep vehicle well-maintained
•Be a defensive driver
•Remain calm while driving (avoid road rage)
•Try to avoid roads that have undesirable driving conditions
•Check brake performance often (contact Budget Brakes for help)
•Report accidents or other roadside problems
•Avoid all distractions

Budget Brakes safety tips are designed to help drivers avoid accidents and other roadside problems. At Budget Brakes, we think the more information drivers know, the better their chances of avoiding an accident. At Budget Brakes, we hope drivers will obey these safety tips, and drive safe to lessen the chances of accidents.

Budget Brakes Presents, ‘Pay Attention!’

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

At Budget Brakes, we know that there are a number of things that can happen to drivers on the road, but the chances of an accident can be reduced by following a few Budget Brakes safety precautions. Budget Brakes recommends that all drivers obey the traffic laws, avoid distractions, and never drink and drive.

We at Budget Brakes know that obeying traffic laws, including the speed limit, can be a lifesaver for drivers. Traffic laws were created to promote the safety of drivers, and any driver that disobeys them has a higher chance of having an accident. At Budget Brakes, we have seen this firsthand.

Budget Brakes wants drivers to know that distractions are to blame for many accidents today, especially with more people on cell phones. Budget Brakes would like to remind all drivers to avoid their phones and other distractions while on the road.

Don’t drink and drive. It is common sense to most people, yet it is still one of the main reasons many drivers are involved in accidents. Budget Brakes wants to remind every driver to never drink and drive, regardless of the reasons.

Avoiding In-Car Distractions - A Tip from Budget Brakes

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

As we know well at Budget Brakes, in-car distractions are one of the leading causes of accidents among drivers today. Budget Brakes wants to remind drivers to try to avoid any distractions while on the roads. Budget Brakes shops have seen many vehicles with damages from incidents involving in-car distractions.

Everyone has a cell phone these days, and it is because of this that distraction accidents have risen. Budget Brakes encourages all drivers to refrain from using their cell phones while driving, even short distances. Other distractions to avoid include GPS navigators, the vehicle’s radio, and eating while driving. Budget Brakes wants drivers to know that avoiding all of these things can greatly increase the chance of an accident.

At Budget Brakes, we know that drivers can not be completely focused 100% of the time, but by making an effort to avoid distractions, driver safety is increased. Budget Brakes encourages every driver to avoid vehicle distractions as best they can to ensure safety while driving.

Common Vehicle Safety Features

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Budget Brakes believes driver safety should be the most important thing to vehicle owners. Budget Brakes shops have seen many vehicles that were missing important safety features. This is one thing that should never be ignored. Budget Brakes strongly encourages all drivers to keep vehicle safety features very well maintained.

At Budget Brakes we know that air bags, seatbelts, and indicator lights are all important safety features of a vehicle. Budget Brakes wants all drivers to know that without these features, you could be in serious danger. If any of these features malfunction in your vehicle get them serviced immediately.

Budget Brakes believes that all drivers should be safe on the road, and some simple procedures can save lives. When wearing your seatbelt, be sure to position it over the chest area (not the neck) and make sure it is properly buckled. Also, never place the diagonal part of the belt behind you while driving. Budget Brakes encourages all drivers to follow these steps to ensure proper seatbelt function.

Keeping Teenage Drivers Safe

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Budget Brakes services many vehicles in our many shops. Some of the most problematic vehicles are those that belong to teenage drivers. The less driving experience the driver has, the more the chance of an accident. Budget Brakes wants newly licensed drivers and veteran drivers alike to be safe while on the road.

Budget Brakes sees many teenage drivers with vehicle repairs needed. From our experience at Budget Brakes, this is usually due to lack of knowledge among younger drivers who are not sure when to have their vehicle maintained. Budget Brakes inspects vehicles for free to keep drivers safe on the road.

Teenage drivers should always wear their seatbelt in case of an accident. Teenage drivers have the highest chance of being in an accident due to lack of knowledge. Even so, Budget Brakes encourages all drivers to wear seatbelts, regardless of age.

Following all roadside laws is perhaps the most important part of driving safely, and Budget Brakes recommends that all teenage drivers follow road sign instructions, including the speed limit at all time.

Avoid Roadside Problems or Accidents with Safe Driving - A Tip from Budget Brakes

Friday, January 21, 2011

Budget Brakes values driver safety over everything else. With all of the vehicle problems we see at Budget Brakes, we know that there are many safe driving tips that can help drivers avoid roadside problems or accidents. Budget Brakes recommends that all drivers:

-Always wear a seat belt
-Obey the speed limit at all times
-Follow all other roadside instructions
-Stay off of cell phones while driving
-Never drink and drive
-Avoid all other in-car distractions
-Keep vehicle well maintained (Budget Brakes can help you with this)

These tips are mostly common sense, but you would be surprised how many vehicles Budget Brakes services as a result of driver carelessness. At Budget Brakes, we see all kinds of vehicle problems, but by following these safety tips drivers can reduce their risk of accidents. Budget Brakes cares about drivers and their safety and encourages everyone to follow these driver safety tips.

What are the most common brake problems?

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

At Budget Brakes, we see all types of brake problems, ranging from simple to very serious. We would like to take the time to explain problems and solutions of common brake problems that many of our customers experience.

Warning light indicators such as “ABS” or “BRAKE” in the cars dash are a reason for concern among many customers. These lights can indicate anything from low brake fluid to a problem in the brake system, so it is important to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified technician to ensure that there are no serious problems.

Squeaking brakes are one of the most common problems we see at Budget Brakes. If a vehicle’s brakes do this every time they are applied it is best to have the brakes inspected, as this can mean anything from dust build-up to broken parts.

Brakes that lock when they are applied are not as common as some other brake problems, but this is still a serious problem that occurs somewhat often. If the brakes lock every single time they are applied, the vehicle should be serviced immediately because this poses a serious threat to the driver, especially if the brakes must be applied quickly.

These are some common problems that customers have with their brakes, and if your vehicle is experiencing any of these, bring it to Budget Brakes for a free inspection.

What should I do if my vehicle is leaking brake fluid?

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

There are many parts to all vehicles’ brakes, which means a problem can be caused by a number of things. From our experiences at Budget Brakes, one of the most overlooked issue that causes problems is one of the most simple to fix. Brake fluid issues cause more visits to Budget Brakes shops than one would think, simply because it is easily overlooked. Brake fluid is an important aspect of any vehicle’s brakes and can cause problems if something goes wrong.

Brake fluid is used in a vehicle’s brake system to send a “message” to the brakes to stop the car. When the brake pedal is pressed, brake fluid is used to send hydraulic pressure to the brakes allowing them to create friction and stop the car. A large lack of brake fluid can create very hazardous problems for a driver. If there is very little or no brake fluid in the brake system whatsoever, the car can become almost impossible to stop. Brake fluid doesn’t dissipate like old oil and other vehicle fluids, so a large amount of missing brake fluid can usually be caused by a broken or severed brake line. Budget Brakes encourages anyone who is having a large brake fluid loss to have their vehicles serviced as soon as possible.