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(502) 203-0454 for Bashford Ave or (502) 230-4279 for the Preston Hwy location | 3435 Bashford Ave Ct Louisville, KY 40218

AUTO REPAIR & MAINTENANCE BLOG

Maintaining your vehicle at home is a satisfying way to keep your motoring costs down. With the right knowledge and products even someone who isn't very mechanically inclined can take care of many of the smaller issues in everyday driving. Sometimes, however, car issues can be too specialized or complex for the average motorist to take care of by themselves and it becomes time to take your car to the pros. Below you'll find three major warning signs that you need to get to a mechanic ASAP, as well as some of the potential causes behind them.



Engine and Drivetrain Problems

Let's start at the beginning. If your car won't even turn over and start up, then the rest of the problems on this list won't come into play. The simplest cause of this issue is a dead battery, which you can remedy with jumper cables, and the instructions that come printed on their packaging. If jumping the car doesn't work, you may have a larger problem with your ignition system. It's advisable to take your car into the shop at this point because finding the root of the problem will likely involve removing a few parts from your engine. Whether it's dead spark plugs or electrical problems, it's better to have it dealt with by a professional. Likewise, engine surging where the revs rise and fall can mean a problem with your fuel injectors, which are fairly deep within your motor. It's unwise to drive around with a surging engine, as this burns more gas and can cause unintended acceleration. Drivetrain issues are another major issue requiring professional attention. Everybody fears the dreaded transmission repairs, so if certain gears won't engage or they shift at the wrong times you should definitely take your car to the qualified mechanics here at American Brake Centers Inc..



Vibration While Driving

This issue can be caused by damaged drivetrain components, but can also stem from misaligned wheels or unbalanced or flat tires. If you feel any vibration or shuddering as you drive along, you should get to a mechanic as soon as you can. At its worst, this issue can lessen your control over the car, potentially causing accidents. This will also wear out your tires more quickly than if everything was straight and true. Unwanted vibrations put stress on important (and costly) components like suspension and brakes while decreasing gas mileage, so it's smart to take your car in as soon as these issues develop.



Poor Braking Performance

Your brakes are vital to keeping you safe on the road and should definitely be cared for by a professional, unless you're absolutely sure you know what you're doing. Common signs of issues with your car's braking system include squeaking or squealing when the brakes are applied, or the brakes feeling spongy and failing to slow your vehicle properly. Squealing brakes are caused by the brake pads wearing through the pad surface to the metal underneath. At this point the metal behind your brake pad is coming into contact with the brake rotor. This can be disastrous and produce unwanted heat, reduced stopping power, and cause you to have to buy new rotors as well as the relatively cheap pads. Spongey and weak brakes can mean there's a problem with your master cylinder, which converts the mechanical pressure of you pressing the pedal into hydraulic pressure to apply the brakes. In either case, it's best to have your brakes seen to by the professional mechanics here at American Brake Centers Inc..



There are instances where car maintenance is simple and easy, but if you notice any of these issues developing, it's best to take your car in for a qualified mechanic's checkup so the problems can be remedied before they turn into much more serious issues. American Brake Centers Inc. has the tools and expertise to have you safely back on the road in no time at all.




What Our Customers Are Saying

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Awesome management and great upfront service. No hidden agendas or price tag gouging.

, 05/16/2023

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Scott and team are fair and honest. Highly recommended.

, 05/04/2023

I had some brake/rotor work done here.. the mechanics found I needed new wheel bearings as well. I was grateful for that as I travel a lot for work. My car feels brand new! Great customer service, up front, fair pricing. I will return!

, 04/20/2023

As requested by the manufacturer, I was recently required to have my vehicle serviced by a dealership as part of my warranty for an engine diagnosis. After several months of multiple misdiagnoses, overlooked and newly created issues after their first repair, a lack of communication, transparency, and accountability, and multiple expenses being billed to my extended warranty, in addition to my loss of work time and out-of-pocket costs, I decided to obtain a second opinion from AMERICAN BRAKE CENTER and AUTO CARE. As compared to the dealership's three options at a higher cost with limited warranty coverages, AMERICAN BRAKE CENTER and AUTO CARE presented the best sustainable option and timeframe. After receiving approval from my extended warranty, AMERICAN BRAKE CENTER and AUTO CARE completed the engine replacement and kept me informed of the progress throughout the process. It has been my pleasure for the past ten years to be a customer of AMERICAN BRAKE CENTER and AUTO CARE at both of their locations. A hallmark of their company is the dedication and commitment they have to providing exceptional and quality customer service, education and care, effective and transparent communication, reasonable prices, warranty coverages, and recommended maintenance and services, all of which builds and sustains trust with their customers and the community. A special thank you to AMERICAN BRAKE CENTER and AUTO CARE for another service that is second to none!

, 04/15/2023

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ALWAYS EXCELLENT service!!!!

, 03/24/2023

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They did an absolutely fantastic and thorough job at an incredibly reasonable price! The service was excellent and efficient! I will be recommending them to everybody I know!

, 02/07/2023

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