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.