June Manager's Minute

June Manager’s Minute

Posted by Mechanic on with 0 Comment

As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, we’re excited to get into summer. This time of year is perfect for family road trips and creating lasting memories. Our team at Dearholt AutoCare is committed to ensuring your vehicle is ready and safe for all your adventures.

With Father’s Day just around the corner, there’s no better time to hit the open road with your loved ones. Nothing has been more important over the years than raising my children and embarking on family adventures. And, Heaven knows I’ve seen every kind of road problem over the years. I even keep a special kit in my rig when I’m traveling of common things other people might need if they run into trouble. Staying on top of your vehicle maintenance is the first step.

We offer a range of services to guarantee your car is in great shape for your summer excursions.

Dearholt AutoCare’s Special Summer Services:

  • Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection
  • Oil Change and Fluid Top-Off
  • Tire Rotation and Alignment
  • Brake Check and Replacement
  • Air Conditioning Service and Repair
  • Battery Testing and Replacement

To show our appreciation for dads everywhere, we’re offering a Father’s Day Special on Coolant Flush and Fluid exchange, 10% OFF in June. Print or show us your coupon when booking your appointment on your next visit.

Booking your appointment is easy! You can either:
Call us at (505) 857-0868
Visit our website at https://dearholtauto.com/appointment-request/
Drop by our shop at 6401 Signal NE Albuquerque, NM 87113

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to ensure a hassle-free journey for you and your family. Choose Dearholt AutoCare for all your auto care needs, and let’s make this summer one to remember!

Happy travels,
Jim Dearholt & your Service Team at Dearholt AutoCare

NAPA Brakes

The Brake Breakdown

The Brake Breakdown – Your Guide to Brake Inspection and Maintenance

Posted by Mechanic on with 0 Comment

When it comes to your vehicle’s health, few things are as crucial as maintaining a reliable and efficient braking system. In this post, we’ll break down the importance of regular brake inspections, the components involved, warning signs of brake problems, and how these issues can be repaired. Let’s dive into “The Brake Breakdown”!

The Importance of Regular Brake Inspections Your brakes are one of the most critical safety features of your car. Regular brake inspections not only ensure the safety of you and your passengers but also help prevent costly repairs down the road. Experts recommend having your brakes checked at least once a year or following your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

Components Examined During a Brake Inspection During a brake inspection, a technician will examine several key components of your vehicle’s brake system, including:

  1. Brake Pads: These help create friction to slow down or stop your car. Over time, they wear down and need replacement.
  2. Calipers: These hold the brake pads against the rotors to create friction. They can become damaged or corroded over time.
  3. Rotors: These metal discs work with the brake pads to slow down your vehicle. Warped or unevenly worn rotors can cause reduced braking performance.
  4. Brake Lines: These transfer brake fluid from the master cylinder to the calipers. Damaged or leaking lines can lead to a loss of brake pressure.

Warning Signs of Brake Problems Here are some common warning signs that indicate a potential issue with your brakes:

  1. Screeching or Squealing: This noise typically occurs when your brake pads have worn down and need replacement.
  2. Grinding: A grinding sound may indicate worn-down brake pads or a damaged rotor.
  3. Vibrations: If your brake pedal vibrates while braking, it could be due to a warped rotor or worn brake pads.
  4. Reduced Brake Performance: If your car takes longer to stop than usual, it’s a clear sign that your brakes need attention.

Brake Component Wear and Repair Different brake components may experience wear and tear over time. Here’s how they’re commonly repaired:

  1. Brake Pads: Worn-out brake pads are replaced with new ones to restore braking performance.
  2. Calipers: If damaged or corroded, calipers may be rebuilt or replaced.
  3. Rotors: Warped or unevenly worn rotors can be resurfaced or replaced, depending on the severity of the issue.
  4. Brake Lines: Damaged or leaking brake lines should be replaced immediately to prevent loss of brake pressure.

Regular brake inspections are essential for your vehicle’s overall health and safety. By understanding the components involved, warning signs of brake problems, and repair methods, you can ensure a safe driving experience for yourself and your passengers. Trust Dearholt AutoCare for all your brake inspection and maintenance needs!

$50 Back On NAPA Brake Installation

May Manager's Minute

May Manager’s Minute

Posted by Mechanic on with 0 Comment

Spring Maintenance Tips for Your Vehicle

Spring is finally here, and with it comes Mother’s Day, a time to celebrate the special care and love that our mothers give to us. At Dearholt AutoCare, we believe that your vehicle also deserves a little extra care during this season. In honor of Mother’s Day and the arrival of spring, we’d like to share some maintenance tips to help you take care of your vehicle, so it can last for years to come.

Change Your Cabin Air Filter

Pro Tip: If you are prone to bad seasonal allergies, consider changing your cabin air filter more often. Especially before and after high pollen season.  

Check Your Tires

As the temperatures start to rise, it’s a good idea to check your tire pressure and tread depth. Proper tire pressure can improve fuel efficiency and help prevent blowouts or flats. Additionally, when the tread is worn down, your tires won’t grip the road as well, which can be dangerous, especially in wet conditions.

Check oil and other fluids.

Check Your Fluids

Springtime is an excellent opportunity to check your vehicle’s fluids, including coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. Top up any fluids if they’re low, and if necessary, schedule a fluid flush to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Get Your Battery Checked

Winter can be tough on your car’s battery, so it’s a good idea to have it checked in the spring. A faulty battery can lead to unexpected breakdowns, which no one wants. Get a battery test to help you ensure that your vehicle starts effortlessly each day.

Get Your Car Washed and Detailed

Your car deserves a little pampering, and it’s an excellent time to get your vehicle washed and detailed. A professional clean-up can help you identify minor issues that need attention, and it can also make your car look and smell great, boosting your mood and self-confidence.

Schedule a Spring Maintenance Check-Up Including Brakes

ASELet an experienced technician take care of your car’s springtime maintenance, you can schedule a spring check-up at Dearholt AutoCare. Our trained mechanics will examine your vehicle’s brakes, suspension, alignment, and more to ensure that it’s running at its best. This maintenance check-up will help you address any issues before they turn into bigger, more expensive problems.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day and the arrival of spring, it’s essential to take care of those things we value, such as our vehicles. By following these spring maintenance tips outlined here, you can prolong your vehicle’s life, improve your safety on the road and ensure the comfort of your ride.  At Dearholt AutoCare believe that your vehicle is worth the effort, and we’re always here to help you keep it in top condition, year after year. Happy springtime, and cheers to all the moms out there who inspire us to care for what we love!

$50 Back with NAPA Brake Installation

Brakes

Brakes: Important Safety Equipment

Posted by Mechanic on with 0 Comment

YOUR VEHICLE’S MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY SYSTEM

When it comes to vehicle safety, your brake system is at the top of the list. Brakes are a normal wear item for any car & eventually they’re going to need to be replaced. For routine maintenance, check your vehicle’s braking system at least once a year. A thorough inspection should include brake lining wear, brake fluid level, rotor thickness, condition of hoses & brake lines, brake & dash warning lights, as well as taking the car for a test drive to detect other potential brake system problems.

If your car is pulling to the left or right, or if you hear odd noises when you apply the brakes, you should inspect your brakes. Other warning signs include an illuminated brake warning light, brake grabbing, low pedal feel, vibration, hard pedal feel & squealing.
Several factors that affect brake wear include driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type & the quality of the brake lining material. Never put off routine brake inspections or any needed repair, such as letting the brakes get to the “metal-to metal” point, which can be potentially dangerous & lead to a more costly repair bill.

“A properly operating brake system helps ensure safe vehicle operation & control under a variety of driving conditions,” said Rich White, Executive Director of the non-profit Car Care Council. “Motorists can put a stop to any potential brake system problems by recognizing the signs & symptoms that their brake system may need maintenance or repair.” The Car Care Council offers tools to help you learn more about auto care & brake repair.

$40 Coupon NAPA Brakes

Spring Brakes Special

Posted by Mechanic on with 0 Comment

Spring is a great time to get your brakes inspected. After a long winter of driving through snow, slush, and other road debris, your brakes can start to show signs of wear and tear. Additionally, the spring dust that starts to fill the air in the warmer months can also be a culprit for corrosion and damage to your brakes. At Dearholt AutoCare, we have years of experience in brake repair and maintenance, and we know exactly what it takes to keep your brakes in great shape.

 

To help keep you safe this spring, we are offering our customers $40 back when they choose from a selection of NAPA brakes. Whether you need new pads or rotors, trust us to get you back on the road safely with brakes that are guaranteed to last for miles and miles. So why wait? Schedule an appointment today and let us help you save on brake repair this season!

 

Do I need a Brake Fluid Service?

Posted by Mechanic on with 0 Comment

BRAKE FLUID FLUSH

Why do I need a Brake Fluid Service?

This two stage service consists of 1) Vacuum Flush to remove contaminated fluid 2) Brake bleed assures fluid is free of moisture and air.

Did you know?

Brake fluid naturally absorbs moisture and that moisture is a leading cause in brake failures. Additional moisture will reduce the boiling point and may cause your brakes to become sluggish or non-responsive.

Most manufacturers recommend changing your brake fluid about every 30,000 miles — approximately every two years. DON’T OPEN THE BRAKE FLUID CAP! Introduction of dirt and additional moisture can happen easily if you are not careful. The reservoir should be transparent so you can see how dirty the fluid is just by looking. But fluid color is not the only indicator and you may not be able to visibly see corrupted fluid.

Some of the benefits of a fluid flush include:

  • Extends life of the Brake System
  • Better stopping power
  • Better power braking
  • Decreases braking distance
  • Reduces system wear an corrosion