Lafayette Auto Repair

Brake pads are one of the most commonly serviced and changed parts in your vehicle. Their whole purpose is to be used up in the process of deceleration - the contact they make with the rotors decreases the rotation speed of the wheels. But, what if you don't know when to change them? Don't worry because we are here to help!. Continue reading and you will find out six must know signs of needing new brake pads. 1. Noise When Braking Due to the brake pads wearing off, a noise can be heard because of the improper contact. It can also be caused by wear indicators that some manufacturers put in the brake pads to warn the driver. Most of the time, it's a distinguishable sound resembling sharp grinding or squeaking, so make sure you take notice of it and visit a repair shop. 2. Drifting To One Side Is your car drifting to one side on its own? This may be caused by uneven brake pad wear or even completely worn-out ones. And if you experience thi ... read more

Proper wheel alignment is essential for the overall performance and safety of a vehicle. In this blog, we'll explore what wheel alignment is, how it affects a vehicle's performance, and why it's important to maintain proper wheel alignment. What is Wheel Alignment? Wheel alignment refers to the positioning of a vehicle's wheels in relation to the vehicle's body and the road. Proper wheel alignment involves adjusting the angles of the wheels to meet the manufacturer's specifications. This includes adjusting the camber (the inward or outward tilt of the wheels), the caster (the forward or backward tilt of the steering axis), and the toe (the direction the wheels point in with each other). How Wheel Alignment Affects a Vehicle's Performance Good wheel alignment is crucial to a vehicle's performance, as it affects the way the car handles, steers, and brakes. If the wheels are not properly aligned, the car may pull to one side, the tires may wear unevenly ... read more

Winter is a time of year that can be tough on your vehicle. Cold temperatures, snow and ice, and other seasonal elements can all take their toll on auto performance and require extra attention to keep your car running smoothly. To ensure your vehicle is properly prepared for winter weather, it's important to pay attention to a few key maintenance items. Auto repair shop professionals suggest following these winter auto maintenance tips to help you get ready for the cold weather. Winter Auto Maintenance Tips 1. Tire Pressure and Tread Depth Having tires with proper air pressure is essential in any season, but is particularly important in the winter months. Cold temperatures can cause your tire pressure to drop and if it's too low, it can affect handling and fuel economy. Make sure to check your tire pressure often and have it adjusted if necessary. It is also important to inspect the tread depth of your tires before winter weather sets in. The deeper the tread, the better gr ... read more

Brake fade is a paramount safety concern for drivers that can affect the performance of their vehicles. It occurs when brakes become overheated and lose effectiveness, resulting in braking distances that are longer than average. Although brake fade isn't frequent, it does happen often enough to require driver attention and consideration. What Causes Brake Fade? Brake fade occurs because of heat buildup in the brake system caused by repeated hard braking or long periods without rest. Brakes convert kinetic energy into heat through friction as they press against rotors or drums, which then displace heat. When the brakes become too hot, the friction causing them to stop the vehicle's wheels lessens significantly, resulting in what is known as brake fade. Ways to Prevent Brake Fade Fortunately, there are a few ways that drivers can reduce their risk of encountering brake fade: Be aware of how often and how hard you're braking: The more gently and slo ... read more