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auto repair in Philadelphia, PA

Understanding Your Brakes For Auto Repair Needs

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There are a lot of moving parts in any vehicle and auto repair in Philadelphia, PA sometimes becomes necessary. If you maintain your vehicle properly, with all the right tune-ups, you will likely be able to see repairs coming. Technicians will notice small things that are going wrong, so you are able to catch them early before they become a big deal. But of all the parts and things that could go wrong on your vehicle, the last thing you want to lose without warning are your brakes. In order to prevent that from happening and put yourself in serious danger, it’s nice to know how they operate. You know you put your foot on the brake pedal and your car slows, but what happens between?

The brakes are pretty amazing, when you think about it. They utilize a pedal to bring a large machine to a stop, even if you are driving very fast down the interstate. You don’t have to do much yourself in order to slow the car. Just push a pedal.

Moving vehicles have a lot of kinetic energy built up in them, especially when they are going very quickly. That type of energy is basically energy in motion. When you want to stop your car, your brakes have to take away that energy. Pushing your foot on the pedal connects you to a lever that pushes against a cylinder filled with hydraulic fluid. That fluid will travel through your car’s system into lines with larger cylinders that are connected by a wheel. When fluid enters, they push the brake pads against the brake rotor. When the pads and rotor meet, the friction slows the outer wheels and tires, which makes your vehicle stop.

Does that sound like a foreign language to you? That’s okay. You don’t have to know a lot about brakes or your vehicle to understand when something going awry. All you really have to do is pay attention to what’s going on with your car. Is your car taking longer to slow down to a full stop? Are you hearing squealing noises when you depress the brake pedal? Those are signs that your brakes are on their way out. Usually, you just need new brake pads. If you catch the issue early enough, that’s a simple fix that can keep your car running safely for many more years. If you let the issue go, however, and the brake pads wear out completely, larger issues will loom in the near future.

If you think you need help with your brakes, or you need any kind of auto repair in Philadelphia, PA, contact the experts at Schafer’s Auto Center. Whether you’ve noticed a longer stopping distance or you hear a sound coming when you use your brakes, we’re here to help. Call SAR at (215) 755-1270 for an appointment or stop by and ask questions in person. Our shop is located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148 and we’re here to help in any way we can.

Philadelphia, PA brake repair

Do You Have Good Brakes Or Do You Need Brake Repair?

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There are some things you need to be confident about in your vehicle and the brakes are definitely one of them. You need to feel safe in your car and the brakes are directly related to how safe you can feel. If you need Philadelphia, PA brake repairyou can’t feel as safe as you should. You don’t want to find out you need brake repair when you are trying to stop and can’t. That can lead to a dangerous situation to you, anyone riding with you, and even those around you. Knowing that your brakes are in good condition can help you with peace of mind as you drive down the road.   

There are several things you can do to check up on your brakes and the best thing is to get them checked by a professional on a regular basis. You can have them looked over when you get an oil change, for example, or with every tire rotation. You should have the brakes inspected at least once a year, but you can certainly do it more often. A regular check can spot small problems before they become bigger issues and that can save you time and money down the road. You can also be mindful about how you use the brakes. Try not to stop suddenly and don’t ride the brakes with constant pressure. Use them gradually for stopping and avoid other instances.  

If your brakes do need brake repair, there are warning signs that you might want to get into the shop as soon as you can. Here are things to watch for:  

Grinding 

If your brakes growl or grind when you press on them, this is a big warning sign that they are wearing down and might need repairs. Get them checked out right away as they are no longer safe to operate.  

Squealing  

The squealing noise can come on for a number of reasons. Brakes that are wearing down will start to squeak and you might have a part or two that needs to be replaced. Added moisture can also induce the noise. If it only happens when you’re out in the rain, it might be a moisture issue. If the weather and roads are dry and they are still making noise, you need to get them looked at.  

Long Stops 

If it’s taking you longer to stop than normal, or you have to push on the brake harder to slow down, get the issues checked out. There might be worn parts or another internal problem that needs to be addressed before it gets worse.  

No one wants to have to have Philadelphia, PA brake repair, but if you drive your vehicle long enough, it happens to everyone. When you want a brake inspection, or you need repairs, contact Schafer’s Auto Center at (215) 755-1270 for an appointment. You can also stop by SAR with your questions at 1924 S Columbus Blvd Philadelphia, PA 19148. 

brake repair in Philadelphia, PA

Stay Ahead of Brake Repair Needs

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There are plenty parts in your vehicle that are essential to how it runs, but there’s nothing more essential to your safety than the brakes. The brakes are what you use to slow down fast if something gets in your path. They are the difference between getting into an accident or stopping in time. That makes Philadelphia, PA brake repair an essential car maintenance item. Instead of waiting until it’s too late, stay on top of break repair so you are proactive about your chances on the road.  

Learning the signs that your vehicle needs brake repair isn’t too hard. Much of it boils down to the sounds your vehicle makes. You know what your car sounds like normally so if you notice squealing or screeching when you are stepping on the brake, brake repair is probably in order. If you address the issue quickly, it is probably just a brake pad that needs to be replaced. That part is relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. If you ignore the sounds, there could be further damage in the future.  

Philadelphia, PA brake repairYou also know what your vehicle feels like as you operate it around the curves and down the road. If you feel vibrations in the vehicle when you are trying to brake, it might be that your brake rotors are wearing down from use. They can be warped over time and brake repairs are in order in those cases as well.  

You also likely know how long it usually takes you to stop. Consider your normal route to and from work and pay attention to when you press on the brakes and where you stop. If that changes and it takes you longer and longer to stop, it’s only a matter of time before you get into an unsafe situation. Get your brakes check to see if they need brake repair. Being able to stop in a short distance can make a huge difference in a dangerous situation. 

Ignoring brake repair is not in anyone’s best interest. You want to get where you need to go safely, and you want those traveling with you and anyone around you to be safe as well. The moment you notice that your brakes aren’t functioning up to par, you should get in for brake repair. It’s possible they just need a little adjustment or some new pads. But it’s certainly not worth the risk to drive on brakes that aren’t 100% working. You never know what’s going to happen out there and you need to have your vehicle in the best stopping order at all times.  

If you’re ready for Philadelphia, PA brake repair, or you just want to get your brakes checked out to see what they might need, contact Schafer’s Auto Center at (215) 755-1270. We’ll set you up with an appointment and make sure your brakes are in perfect working order. SAR is located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd Philadelphia, PA and we’re here to help with your brakes before it’s too late. 

Philadelphia, PA brake repair

Do You Need Brake Repair For A Stuck Parking Brake?

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Drivers use their regular brakes on a daily basis, but the parking brake is a different story. It’s something that only gets used when you park on a big hill and are worried about your car rolling when it is parked. Since it’s not something you use every day, you might not be completely sure how hard you need to yank on it to get things into place. Putting too much force on the parking brake can cause a jam and Philadelphia, PA brake repair may even become necessary. Understanding how and when to use the parking brake can help you avoid brake repair you’d rather not have.  

brake repair in Philadelphia, PAWhen To Use The Parking Brake 

If you drive a manual transmission, you might use the parking brake every time you park your car. That helps you understand how to use it a little better so you are less likely to get it stuck. On the other hand, since you use it so often, there are more opportunities for you to get into a jam. The parking brake engages a parking pawl, which is a metal pin that goes into a ring attached to the transmission. The transmission shaft can no longer turn so your vehicle won’t roll when parked. This brake is often a safeguard people use to keep their vehicle from moving on a hill.  

How Do Parking Brakes Get Stuck? 

Parking brakes are like any part on a vehicle—they can wear out. One issue with these brakes is corrosion. Water and dirt causes things to erode and that can then cause the brake to fail. Cables can snap and brake pads can stick. When that happens, you’ll need brake repair. To avoid corrosion, use the parking brake more often. At the very least, you will know when it needs to be fixed before it becomes an emergency.   

Another reason parking brakes get stuck is because you might have pulled on it too hard. The brakes can get stuck against the wall of the wheel drums if you pull on the lever too hard. To release a brake when it is stuck, try rocking the vehicle back and forth or climb under the car and manually pull the cables. You can also try setting and releasing the brake to knock them free. If you can’t get anything to work, you might need brake repair and a tow truck.  

The best way to avoid getting stuck with a parking brake that doesn’t work is to get Philadelphia, PA brake repair and maintenance checks. When you have your vehicle in to Schafer’s Auto Center for tune-ups, the professionals will check everything over and make sure things are operating in the highest order, including the parking brake and the ordinary brakes. Call us at (215) 755-1270 to make an appointment and we’ll get started on any maintenance items your vehicle needs. We’re located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd Philadelphia, PA 19148 and we’re happy to help your car in any way we can. 

 

The Inconvenience of Brake Repair

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Was there ever a time when you woke up in Philadelphia, PA, jumped out of your bed, and clapped your hands because you got to take your car in for repairs that day? No! Of course not! Car repairs aren’t something anyone wants, and you would be just fine if nothing ever went wrong with your vehicle. In fact, it always seems to happen at the worst possible time, right? Of course! That’s how life operates. But when you need something like brake repair, it’s something you have to take care of immediately. Sure, brake repair can be inconvenient, but it’s a lot more inconvenient if you don’t get it in time. Here are a few inconveniences that lack of brake repair can cause.

Accidents
You don’t want to have to get brake repair, but even worse than that, you really don’t want to be in an accident. Brakes that aren’t working properly can cause accidents. If your brakes were working at their best, perhaps you could have stopped in time when the guy in front of you slammed on his brakes. Or maybe you could have slowed down and gotten out of the way when that guy ran a red light. You never know what could have happened, but if you don’t get brake repair when you need it, you’re in a lot more danger.

More Damage
Brakes are an important part on your vehicle, but they are connected to a lot of other parts. When you ignore their issues, they can damage themselves beyond repair and have an effect on the efficiency and effectiveness of other parts of your vehicle as well. When one thing is thrown off, who knows what else will go bad. Get brake repairs fast and you only have a little to repair. Ignore them and who knows what else will go wrong and how much more it will cost.

Complete Failure
How scary would it be to be in a vehicle with brakes that completely failed? What if you’re going down the highway at a good speed? What if you’re approaching a walkway with kids and you can’t stop? There’s no need to play the “what if” game. It’s really too scary to think about. Brakes that get ignored when they need brake repair will most likely completely fail at some point, and you don’t want to put yourself in any scary situations at all.

When you need Philadelphia brake repair, the best option is to contact the professionals at Schafer’s Auto Center. Call us at 215-755-1270 with your questions or to make an appointment. We’re happy to take a look at your brakes, change your oil, or work on any other repairs or maintenance your vehicle needs. It’s our goal to honestly get your car working in its best possible manner. Stop by and see our shop at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148 and let us know how we can help your vehicle today!

Race to the Finish, but Know When to Stop

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It feels like life is filled with races, right? You race to get to work and then you race to get home. You race to the store and back so you can get all your errands in before the kids get home from school. And then you help them race through their homework so you can race them to their activities that night. When does it end? It’s a good idea to slow down from time to time to really take stock of your life. That’s especially true when it comes to your vehicle. When you live in Philadelphia, PA, everything can feel like a race at times. But you don’t want to be in a race of any kind without good brakes on your vehicle. Here are some signs to watch for so you know when you need to stop what you’re doing and where you’re going to get brake repair.

The Brake Repair Light Comes On
There’s nothing worse than seeing a warning light on your vehicle at an inconvenient time. But really in your life, is any time going to be convenient? Probably not! And those lights are on the dashboard for a reason. If you take care of the brake repair right away, it could be something minor like worn brake pads that can easily be replaced. If you ignore it, things could get much worse and more expensive.

The Brakes Squeal When You Use Them
Your brakes aren’t something that should make noise. You have driven your vehicle long enough to know what noises it does and doesn’t make on a regular basis. Sometimes brakes might squeal a little when they’re wet, but if your brakes consistently make noise when you step on them and you notice it’s taking you longer to stop than normal, you need brake repair right away. There’s no use rushing around and putting you and your family in danger with bad brakes.

You Haven’t Had Brake Service In As Long As You Can Remember
Perhaps you’re faithful about your oil changes and that’s great. When you work with the right auto repair shop, if you need brake repair, they’ll tell you! But if you haven’t had any brake repairs in a really long time, you really should have them inspected. It’s a lot easier to race around with peace of mind that your brakes are going to help get you there safely.

Whether you need brake repair in Philadelphia or have another issue with your vehicle, the professionals at Schafer’s Auto Center is here to help. Give us a call at 215-755-1270 to make an appointment. We’ll check over your brakes, change your oil, and make sure your vehicle is running as efficiently as possible. Sure checkups and repairs cost money, but they actually end up saving you money in the long run. Plus who doesn’t want to drive a safe vehicle! Stop by and see us at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148!

Tips to Avoid Brake Repair

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There are certain things that happen to every vehicle eventually. All cars need oil changes, for example, and they must be filled with gas to run properly. While it takes more time for some more than others, brake repair also becomes necessary in most vehicles at some point. You want to have your vehicle inspected on a regular basis, perhaps when you have oil changes, to ensure your brakes are running as they should. But it’s possible to avoid brake repair for longer than other repairs if you take these tips to heart.

Know what you are doing

When it comes to using your brakes properly, the best thing you can do to avoid brake repair is to use them as they are intended. Most drivers have to slam on the brakes at some point to avoid another vehicle that stops suddenly, but don’t make it a habit. Use your brakes to slow down gradually and let up on them when you are stopped. Using your brakes properly will help extend their life and allow you to avoid brake repair for as long as possible.

Have inspections

When you get your oil changed or have other regular maintenance checks, have the brakes checked to ensure that they are wearing evenly. Uneven wear can cause brakes to fade faster, and you will want to keep an eye on that situation. You will also be able to recognize when small brake repair is necessary, like new brake pads, before the lack of good pads damages something else on your brakes.

Listen carefully

You should know what your vehicle sounds like. Sure, it’s fun to drive around with the radio on, but sometimes, drive in silence so you know what your vehicle sounds like on a normal basis. Then, if some different sounds start piping in, you can recognize them. You might notice your brakes making squealing sounds when you step on them or you might feel like it’s slower to get the vehicle to a complete stop. These are signs that major brake repair is on the way. If you catch the small issues fast, you won’t have as much to fix at a Philadelphia shop later.

If you need Philadelphia brake repair, or you need help preventing it, contact Schafer’s Auto Center at 215-755-1270 with questions about your brakes. We want to keep you and your vehicle as safe as possible and that means paying close attention to your brakes. The brakes are an integral part of your vehicle’s safety and while you may not want to need repairs, it’s likely going to happen eventually. By catching the small repairs early, you can save a lot of money later. Stop by our shop at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148 and let’s talk about brake repair and how you can avoid is as long as possible! We’re experts on vehicles, including brakes, and we want to share our knowledge with you to keep you safe!

DIY Brake Repair…A Bad Idea

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Are you handy when it comes to vehicles? Perhaps you’ve changed the oil on cars before and you know where all of the parts are located. When you think you need some brake repair, you might want to take a crack at that as well. After all, the brakes are just another series of parts, right? You can figure them out just like anything else. Well, the brakes are a series of parts all right, but they’re a rather important series of parts. They keep you and those around you safe when you are driving. If you think your brakes are on the fritz, it’s really best to seek professional help in Philadelphia and here’s why.

Guarantees

Let’s say you work on brake repair on your own and everything seems to go okay. But then a few days later, the brakes are acting up again. What do you do? Well, you have to pay for more parts, spend more time fixing them, or take it in to a shop and have a professional look at it. All of that costs more time and money than it would have in the beginning had you taken it to a professional in the first place. When you come to Schafer’s Auto Center the first time, we guarantee that we will fix things right the first time as well. If anything goes wrong later, we’ll be there to help correct the issue.

Prevention

Brakes are a testy area and if you simply need new brake pads, professional installation will help things get put together correctly to prevent further issues. If you install them yourself, you may or may not do it right and there might be another issue down the road which could cause problems with a deeper part of the brakes.

Time

They say time is money and when it comes to fixing your vehicle, you should think of it that way. How long would it take you to work on brake repair? You have to look it over, figure out what’s wrong, find the right parts, and try to install them. All of that adds up! When you take it to a professional, you don’t have to do a thing but sit back and wait. You can go to work, head back home, or bring your laptop to the waiting room and use that time in a constructive manner.

It’s always smart to consult professionals when it comes to something as important as Philadelphia, PA brake repair. That’s one job you want done right so you and those around you are as safe as possible whenever you are on the road. If you think your vehicle is in need of brake repair sometime soon, contact Schafer’s Auto Center for an appointment at 215-755-1270. We’ll take a look at your brakes and give you a no-obligation, detailed estimate. We don’t start the work until you okay the job. We’re located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148 and we’re ready to help!

Qualities of a Brake Repair Shop

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You know enough about cars to understand that the brakes are a very important element when it comes to your safety. If you have started to notice signs that your brakes aren’t in full working condition, it is important to get your vehicle in to an auto repair shop as soon as possible. But there are so many shops out there that do brake repair. Which one is right for you? There are a number of qualities you will want in a Philadelphia shop when you are looking for brake repair. Here are a few to watch out for.

Experienced Technicians

When it comes to your brakes, the first thing you want is experienced technicians who will be working on your vehicle. Auto repair shops might do a lot of different things, but you want to ensure that the technician who will be working on your vehicle specializes in brakes. It’s okay to ask for certification papers before you allow an individual to work on your car.

Cleanliness

Of course, no brake repair shop is going to be sparkling clean, but you should see that things are in order. If everything looks like a complete mess, you might be concerned about the organization of the shop. They should care about appearances and if they don’t, they may not care about your vehicle either. Brake repair shops have a better reputation in general when they are clean and organized.

Modern Tools

When you have to work with an auto repair shop, you will want them to have the most modern tools and technology to fix your brakes. You might not understand the auto industry, but you probably know enough to realize that things are changing fast. A repair shop that keeps up with the changes is one that cares about what they are doing when it comes to your vehicle.

References

You can look online at reviews or even ask the repair shop for references for past customers that got brake repair. Then, call those people and ask what their overall experience was like. You can also ask family members who may have visited the shop before. You just want to get an idea what their customer service and satisfaction label is before you take your vehicle in for brake repair yourself.

When it comes to Philadelphia brake repair and a number of other services, you can’t find a shop better than Schafer’s Auto Center. Check us out for yourself and see why we have such a long history of satisfied customers. If you’re ready, make an appointment by calling 215-755-1270 or call to ask questions. We’re located at 1924 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148 and we’re happy to take care of brake repair, other repairs, general maintenance, and plenty of other services. We want your vehicle to operate in its best possible manner and your time and efforts are important to us. We’ll do the repairs at a fair price as quickly as possible!

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