Aurora Auto Repair

Summer presents plenty of traffic safety concerns that, if ignored, can turn a dreamy ride into a nightmare. Motorists should keep these summer driving safety tips top of mind before hitting the road. Driving vacations are expected to be at an all time high this summer! • Whether traveling 5 or 500 miles, every driver should carry important items like a mobile phone charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, drinking water, extra snacks and food, booster cables, emergency flares or reflectors, windshield wiper fluid and a basic toolkit with a tire pressure gauge and adjustable wrench. Despite the importance of these items, more than 40 percent of motorists don’t carry such an emergency kit, one of the most valuable summer driving safety tips. • Sun glare can be a serious hazard. A sweet pair of sunglasses will ... read more

For many of us, when we first started driving, brakes meant “pedal”, and some even knew there were pads and rotors. But lots of car owners learn about brake fluid when their mechanic recommends the brake fluid flush. Unlike blinker fluid (not a real thing!), brake fluid is very real and very important to the braking system! Brake fluid is hydroscopic, meaning it attracts moisture. The unwanted moisture/water in the brake fluid can boil (boiling point of water is lower than that of brake fluid), causing vapor to form in the hydraulic brake system. That vapor causes pockets of air in the brake lines and results in a spongy brake pedal = brake pedal responds more slowly. And moisture acts to corrode metal components (brake lines, calipers, the master cylinder and others) within the braking system -, possibly causing an eventual failure. If you notice a need to start braking earlier than you used to, odds a ... read more

The brakes are obviously how we stop or slow down a vehicle but  many drivers don’t realize the various components of the braking system that work together to keep us safe. It's more than just pushing the pedal.  The components of the brakes are pads, rotors, shoes, drums, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake hoses, brake lines, brake fluid, brake calipers – phew! That’s a lot of moving parts. When you get a brake inspection, these are the components should be inspected! If the ABS light is on, that is an indication that something is awry; you should schedule diagnostics to be performed.  Most newer vehicles have Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS System) but many drivers don’t understand its function. The ABS System enhances the brakes by preventing preventing the wheels from locking up while you try to steer normally ... read more

Winter is coming and now is the time to winterize your vehicles. But what does that really mean?  If you keep up with regular maintenance, there is not a whole lot to do. A simple inspection before the cold settles in is helpful to avoid delays or bigger issues. Most of winterizing is pretty common sense, but here is a list of items that will have you feeling extra prepared. Battery – have it tested and replaced if needed Fluids – windshield washer fluid will be needed often so be sure the reservoir is full. Be sure that coolant is at the proper level and condition Wipers – check for tears which cause streaking and reduced visibility Heating and Air Conditioning – Heat is obvious but the A/C system is important for the defrost to work well. Lights – be sure headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are working well Tires – You want g ... read more

Windshield wipers are the helpful driving tools we rarely think about until they are really needed. They are also frustrating if not working well! Typically, wipers can last from 6 months up to a year. You’ll know they need to be replaced when they aren’t clearing well - they skip, streak, squeak, or smear – and are impairing visibility, rather than making it better. To help your windshield wipers last longer, consider the following: Regularly wash your car. Or at least your windshield! This will reduce the amount of grit that adheres to your wiper blades and causes them to deteriorate faster. Consider washing your wipers on occasion. As you use them, your wipers blades are collecting some of the grime that they are wiping away. You can wash the rubber blades and help pr ... read more