Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Los Ranchos De Albuquerque Auto Repair

Even though it’s been more than a decade since its introduction, many auto repair shops still do not offer auto air conditioning R1234YF refrigerant. Brown’s Automotive Experts, Albuquerque’s premier auto repair shops, offer full range of auto ac services and repairs, including R-1234YF recharge. R-1234YF was specially designed to be more environmentally friendly than the old R134a refrigerant. For your convenience, our Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, and Northeast Heights facilities offer both R134a and R-1234YF refrigerants and have the equipment necessary to perform auto ac refrigerant recharge. R134a is still found in many older vehicles, while R1234YF is prevalent in newer cars. The refrigerants are not interchangeable, hence the need for new equipment to service vehicles that use R1234YF.  If you wonder if your vehicle uses the new refrigerant, it’s best to consult your Owner’s Handbook. You may ... read more

The Essential Guide to Factory Scheduled Maintenance: Why It's Crucial for Your Vehicle   When it comes to keeping your vehicle running smoothly and extending its lifespan, nothing is more crucial than adhering to the factory scheduled maintenance. For those in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho looking for the best auto repair services, understanding the importance of regular maintenance, including timely oil changes and other preventative measures, is key. Brown's Automotive, renowned as the best auto repair in Albuquerque and a trusted name in New Mexico, stands at the forefront of ensuring your vehicle receives top-notch care, aligning with the manufacturer's recommendations.   Why Follow Factory Scheduled Maintenance? Factory scheduled maintenance is a comprehensive plan laid out by your vehicle's manufacturer, detailing when and what services your car needs. This can range from regular oil changes, which are vital for your ... read more

     Driving a car involves navigating various road conditions and situations, and two crucial components that aid in maintaining control and safety are Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Traction Control System (TCS). These advancements in vehicle technology help save lives and prevent accidents. Both serve distinct yet interconnected purposes, contributing to a safer driving experience. ABS vs. Traction ControlABS     Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a safety feature designed to prevent wheel lock-up during sudden braking. When you apply hard and sudden pressure on the brake pedal, ABS sensors detect wheel speed. If the system senses a wheel locking up, it modulates brake pressure, pulsating the brakes to prevent the wheel from skidding.      When driving in winter conditions, or any condition that creates slick roads, this system will help you maintain control of your vehicle if you need to make an ... read more

      As the summer comes to an end and fall begins, we are all finding ourselves getting into a new routine. This can include house cleaning, getting ready for school, or focusing more on our careers. Summer vehicle trips are in the rearview mirror. I always find fall as a time to buckle down and focus on completing the goals I set in January. The last thing anyone needs is unexpected car problems to slow them down during this busy time. Browns Automotive is your trusted partner in vehicle repair and maintenance, here are some great fall weather tips to help your car be dependable all season long.  1) Check your tires. Yes this is on the list for every season, however, that is because your tires are key to proper vehicle performance. Fall weather can vary, so you want to be sure you have good traction all season long. Browns Automotive can inspect your tires and perform any tire maintenance/replacements you might need. Three key areas to inspect are Thread Depth ... read more

Maximize and Maintain Your Vehicle's Air Conditioning with Brown's Automotive Experts in Albuquerque, NM During scorching summers in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, New Mexico, a properly functioning air conditioning (A/C) system in your vehicle is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. Brown's Automotive Experts is here to help you understand the importance of A/C maintenance and repairs, ensuring your A/C system remains in top-notch condition. In this article, we will explore the significance of proper vehicle air conditioning use, the benefits of A/C maintenance, and how Brown's Automotive Experts can assist you with A/C repairs in Albuquerque.   Understanding the Importance of Vehicle Air Conditioning Driving in extreme temperatures without a functional A/C system can be highly uncomfortable and even dangerous. A properly functioning A/C not only keeps you cool but also improves your concentration and red ... read more

     Consumers of automotive repair in Albuquerque put a lot of trust in their mechanics. But how do you know if your mechanic or technician has the qualifications to perform the vehicle service you need? Browns Automotive prides itself on ensuring the technician that services your vehicle has the training and tools needed to perform the repair correctly.      As automotive technology continues to evolve and become more complex, the role of ASE technicians in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho becomes increasingly important. ASE stands for Automotive Service Excellence, and an ASE-certified technician is someone who has taken the time to become highly skilled in their field. Here we will explore the importance of ASE technicians and how they benefit automotive repair in New Mexico and car owners.       First and foremost, ASE technicians at Browns Automotive Experts are highly trained professionals who have proven the ... read more

    Many vehicles in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho are equipped with a Timing Belt that requires replacement at mileage intervals or age intervals. Performing this maintenance will save you money by preventing costly repairs if the belt is damaged or breaks.      The timing belt has replaced the timing chain in a lot of vehicles. This belt connects the crankshaft to the camshafts and ensures the engine valves are in proper position compared to the pistons which allows for proper ignition. When the timing belt fails, there is a possibility for the valves and the pistons to contact each other. This will cause the valve to bend. The only way to repair a bent valve is to remove the cylinder head which is timely and costly.       Typical replacement intervals for timing belt replacement is between 90,000 - 120,000 miles or 10 years. Your service manual will let you know when your belt replacement is recommended. We advise to follow the manufa ... read more

Many people fail to budget vehicle maintenance and repairs while creating an annual budget. Do not let vehicle repairs catch you off guard this year and follow these 4 simple tips for planning your vehicle maintenance budget. Have a complete vehicle inspection performed to understand the overall condition of your vehicle. Here at Browns Auto, we perform complete digital inspections that come with photos and educational videos. We can send the inspection to your email or smart phone. What we do is then help to priority any repairs or maintenance that needs to be performed in order of safety, dependability and preventative maintenance. Check your maintenance service schedule in your vehicle owner’s manual. Are you approaching a larger service interval such as 60,000, 90,000, or 120,000 mile service? Some of those services can be quite involved, and modern fluids are becoming expensive to change. We are happy to provide a free estimate on any ... read more

     Browns Automotive believes that giving back to the community we serve is important. We are blessed to be able to repair and maintain so many vehicles here in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. We are proud of the community we belong in. That is why we have decided to focus our efforts on one organization that is special to us. That is the Albuquerque Christian Children's Home. They provide a safe place for displaced children to learn and grow. What they do for the children in their care is amazing and they have a proven track record of helping children grow up to be fantastic humans. They are a non-profit that does not receive any government funding, all its support comes directly from the community.      When people think of children's needs, they often think about school supplies, clothing, or toys. We have found that what the children's home needs the most are everyday items that we often take for granted. Soap, trash bags, tissue p ... read more

Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter With cold weather right around the corner, it is a good idea to be thinking about some important steps to take regarding your vehicle. Here at Browns Automotive, we like to keep people informed about proper car maintenance and repairs in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos, and Rio Rancho. Follow these three simple rules to ensure your car or truck will be dependable during the cold weather. Tires Check your tire pressure regularly. Tire pressure will decrease as the temperature decreases. Most modern vehicles are equipped with Tire Pressure Monitor systems that will indicate on the dash if the tire pressure is low. We get a lot of calls during the cold weather about this light. Oftentimes a simple tire pressure adjustment will cure the annoying warning indicator. Use the penny test to ensure you have adequate tread left on your tires. Place the penny head down in the tire tread, if you can see to the top of Lincolns head your tires need replacement. We ... read more