Posted on 12/14/2012
If you have heard someone use the term, “ASE-Certified Technician,” but were never quite sure what it meant in terms of your vehicle’s needs, Albuquerque car repair services Don Brown Parts and Automotive Inc. offers the answer. In 1972, a national non-profit program called the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was established to test and certify individual technicians in all major technical areas of repair and service. The organization was created to help consumers distinguish between competent and incompetent mechanics using difficult national tests that prove their technical skills and knowledge. Becoming an ASE-certified mechanic requires passing at least one exam and fulfilling two years of work experience. Specialty exams cover major areas of repair including: Manual Drive Train and Axles, Engine Repair, Suspension and Steering, Heating and Air Conditioning, Engine Performance, Brakes, Automatic Transmissions and Electrical Systems. Th ... read more
Posted on 12/14/2012
If it’s no big deal for you to wake up in the winter months and find 3 or 4 inches of snow on the ground, then chances are you’ve thought about a good set of snow tires once or twice. Snow tires can give you a huge advantage during the winter months on the road, no matter what kind of vehicle you have. If you’re on the fence about whether to upgrade your tires for the winter months, consider the following facts: You’ll Have a Huge Advantage on Winter Roads Winter tires are made out of a softer rubber compound with deeper tread, giving them a much easier time gripping to the road—even on snowy, icy roads. A better grip means easier braking, easier turning, and a safer ride in general. The softer compound allows the tire to dig into the road, despite the snow and ice. Snow Tires vs. All Weather Tires You might think that by purchasing a set of all-weather tires that you’re covered for winter. While all-weathers are ma ... read more
Posted on 10/16/2012
Texting and driving is a dangerous action that thousands carelessly participate in every day. Teens are one of the biggest offenders, as studies have shown that teens are more likely to engage in distracted driving. As an Auto Repair shop, we want all the Albuquerque teens to be safe on the road! Check out this video imagining how difficult it’d be if you HAD to be able to text and drive to get your license
Posted on 8/1/2012
There are a million resources available online to do just about anything. From great crafts to simple fixes, it’s all just a click away. But sometimes, there helpful hints are try-er beware! When it comes to automotive repairs, let’s look at a few things you should leave to the experts: Replace a Clutch Ah! It’s just a clutch! Look at how easy it is on YouTube! What you may not realize is that your clutch is located under your transmission and removing it will take a cherry picker and an engine lift to get out. Renting these is a hefty bill and then you’ll need a transmission jack and a clutch alignment tool—plus the skill to use it! Your vehicle’s clutch is made with precision and close enough won’t work out well for you. Trust precision work like this to the Albuquerque Car Repair experts and save you ... read more
Posted on 7/30/2012
Unfortunately, being a vehicle owner also comes with the expectation that there will be “hiccups” in your tenure. One of these “hiccups” your local Albuquerque NM Auto Repair is all-too familiar with is when a car overheats. If you haven’t experienced an overheated engine, then chances are you’ve seen one on the side of the road. The elaborate scene is painted with an exasperated individual accompanied by a vehicle pulled off to the side, with the hood popped and smoke seeping from the edges. Perhaps a tow truck is off to the side about to hook the broken down vehicle. While these situations seem exhausting, avoiding them is as easy as knowing the signs. Here are a few tips from your local Albuquerque Car Repair for keeping your engine from overheating: Dashboard The dash in your vehicle is the best resource in your vehicle for determining your engine’s status. There are two indicators, the first being the temperature gauge. One end is mar ... read more
Posted on 6/28/2012
Check the weather report HERE. I dare you. Doesn’t look like the sun’s going let up any time soon, does it? Looks like we’re swimming in 90-degree weather for quite some time! In that light, what sort of state is your air conditioning in? We all know the importance of maintaining this system (especially in the summer), but some of the things we do to keep it in shape are counterintuitive. Here are a few of those air conditioning myths debunked from your local Albuquerque NM Auto Repair: A/C Wastes Gas? Many argue blasting the air conditioning wastes gas, but your local Albuquerque Tires shop begs to differ. Consumer Reports has found that if you’re traveling faster than 40 MPH, it’s b ... read more
Posted on 6/14/2012
I allow you to see around and behind your vehicle so you don't have to risk taking your eye off the road for one second while driving. What am I? A: The Side View Mirror! Want more safe driving and preventive maintenance tips, fun facts, and special offers? Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonBrownAuto
Posted on 5/29/2012
I make your car rides in warm weather “cooler” than summer itself. But when I get built-up with dirt and grime, your summer drives might become uncomfortably hot. What am I? Answer: Air Conditioning! Want more safe driving and preventive maintenance tips, fun facts, and special offers? Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonBrownAuto
Posted on 5/10/2012
When it comes to your engine’s longevity, there’s nothing more crucial than a healthy cooling system. Should your vehicle ever overheat, the resulting damage could be bad enough to require a lengthy, expensive repair like an engine replacement! But by taking just a few preventive maintenance measures with your local Albuquerque, NM Auto Repair, you will extend the life of your vehicle significantly. Your cooling system contains several different components, all of which need their own individual attention. The parts that are most susceptible to damage and erosion are the rubber coolant hoses. If any of these hoses are inflexible or brittle, they should be replaced as soon as possible by an ASE-Certified tech at your local ... read more
Posted on 3/23/2012
Of the thousands of components in modern vehicles, only one has the responsibility of contacting the road surface and keeping you there. That component is the Albuquerque tire. Tires are one of the most important safety items on your vehicle. The Rubber Manufacturers Association recommends that you take only five minutes per month to inspect your tires’ inflation and tread wear. This is a relatively simple task to perform and only takes a few dollars out of your wallet and a few minutes of your time. There are four actions that should be taken to ensure the longest life possible from your tires. In this issue we will look into the area of pressure. The first is to regulate the proper pressure in your ... read more