Baltimore Auto Repair

THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE CAR - BRAKES AND BRAKE REPAIR IN BALTIMORE           “…there’s no use going anywhere, if you can’t stop when you get there.” When Kyle Larson’s car’s brakes failed and he slammed into Ty Dillon’s car in a NASCAR race this July, they were probably traveling at upwards of 120 MPH, which on it’s face appears to be the catalyst for a catastrophe.  Luckily NASCAR vehicles are equipped with world-class safety features, such as the game-changing HANS device (Head and Neck Support restraint).  The accident itself begs the question however- what would happen in normal city traffic if a car lost the ability to brake? Brakes are one of the components of your automobile that need to be maintained on a regular basis.  Frequently drivers will get oil changes, fill the car up with gas, add wiper fluid, or inflate tires.  Although a process lik ... read more

"What is that shaking when I am braking?" This vibration from your brakes can be very slight at high braking or just about take the steering wheel out of your hands when coming to a stop. All newer vehicles have front disc brakes and more manufacturers are switching to rear disc brakes instead of drum brakes. If you have ever had a bicycle with the hand brakes, there is a caliper that squeezes the pads on each side of the rim to stop. The disc brakes on your car are similar but the brake pads are squeezed against a metal disc (called a brake rotor) by a hydraulic caliper to stop. What causes that shaking while braking is uneven thickness of the rotor. Sometimes rotors can be resurfaced to make them straight and even. Many newer vehicles are using thinner and lighter rotors, with a different construction. Resurfacing rotors in this case can make them thinner then allowed by the manufacturer and require replacement. Sometimes rotors get thin from normal braking o ... read more

Do you need brakes or wonder if you do?  Each year during the month of October, we participate in a program called Brakes for Breasts. Brakes for Breasts is a fundraising program dedicated to the development of a vaccine that prevents breast cancer.  Dr. Tuohy at the Cleveland Clinic has actually created a vaccine that has proved effective in laboratory animals in actually preventing breast cancer. Think about Polio, eradicated because of a vaccine, a distant memory for most generations. This is the same principle! Dr. Tuohy and his team are rounding the corner and are hoping to start Phase 1 trials in early 2020. 100% of the proceeds from the ‘Brakes for Breasts’ fundraiser goes directly to the Cleveland Clinic for research on the Breast Cancer Vaccine. This is a WIN WIN for you, because you receive a FREE brake inspection and if they are needed, we provide FREE brake pads or shoes, up to $125 val ... read more

Are you planning a road trip for the Memorial Day Weekend? Have you thought about making sure that your car is ready to go when you are? Your car should be inspected before taking a trip to ensure that you arrive safely and without unexpected delays and bills. Generally speaking all your fluids should be inspected and topped off, your tires should be checked for condition and the correct amount of air pressure, and your battery should be checked as well. One tip is to also check the condition and the amount of air pressure in your spare. They are often neglected but are very important if the need arises. Your air filter should be changed if not done recently. Your oil level should at least be checked and have your oil and filter changed, if due. Check all your lights and wipers to be sure they are working properly. Your brakes should be checked, as well as your suspension parts. Let's not forget your air conditioner; you definitely want to be cool while traveling. This rain is goi ... read more

Brake pad engineers tell us all brakes make noise but the trick is to keep it below what the human ear can hear. When your brakes are loud enough for you to hear there are many reasons for this. Brake noise comes from the brake pad or shoe vibrating. Vibration is allowed from weak hardware and/or lack of lubrication of the pad or shoe contact areas where they are mounted. A proper brake service, when pads and shoes are replaced, should always include replacing the hardware that weakens over time. This is due to the heat that is generated naturally from the friction of braking. Sometimes the wrong pad or shoe material is installed and it is too hard which causes squeal. Our professional technicians can determine the best course of action to return your vehicle to smooth and quiet braking

Have you noticed a puddle of fluid under your car and wondered what it was? That fluid could me something as simple as condensation from your air conditioner to gas or brake fluid. The condensation is quite normal and is to be expected. Windshield fluid is blue in color and if leaking is usually due to a small leal or tear in the line. This is not a serious issue but a repair will help you with cleaning your windshield, especially with all the salt on the roads right now. An antifreeze or coolant leak can be one of several colors, from light green, blue, orange, gold or red, to name a few. This leak could lead to you on the side of the road, overheating and waiting for a tow truck. If the leak is gasoline you will smell it, even while not running your vehicle. This will also lead to a “leak” in your wallet, causing you to literally lose money in gas. This could be a dangerous situation and should be evaluated by a mechanic. Brake fluid is yellowish in color and is a da ... read more

Do you REALLY Need A Pre Purchase Inspection? You should absolutely take the time to have any previously owned vehicle inspected by an experienced technician!  We have seen many issues arise when this is not done and have also saved perspective buyers many issues. The following are a few of the many areas that we inspect: Battery Tires Frame Suspension Brakes Fluid Levels and condition Hoses/Belts Radiator When you have the vehicle inspected before you buy, many areas are inspected and you get the complete picture, literally and figuratively.  We complete a digital vehicle inspection so you really do get the pictures.  This way you have “proof” of what you may need to talk about or use as a bargaining chip in the sale, if the issue is not a deal breaker. Click here to see what a digital vehicle inspection looks like.   ... read more

When deciding if you need to take your car to a mechanic use 4 of your senses: what you feel, hear, see and smell. Do you feel anything unusual? Does you steering wheel shake? Do you feel a vibration? Do you hear anything unusual? Are there clunking noises or squeaking sounds? Do you hear a noise when turning? Do you see anything unusual? Are any of your dashboard lights on? Do you see fluid in your driveway or on the street? Finally, do you smell something strange? There could be a gas or oil odor, or even the smell of something burning. This is not meant to include everything but it does give you some things to think about. The other thing I would tell you is to go with your gut. If it doesn't seem right, get it checked out. You can always stop by or call for an appointment and our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you. Our experience technicians are all ASE Certified and here to help. call us

The temperatures are heating up, the travel season is officially here and you are so ready! But… is your car ready? Your car should be inspected before taking a trip to ensure that you arrive safely and without unexpected delays and bills. Generally speaking all your fluids should be inspected and topped off, your tires should be checked for condition and the correct amount of air pressure, and your battery should be checked as well. One tip is to also check the condition and the amount of air pressure in your spare. They are often neglected but are very important if the need arises. Your air filter should be changed if not done recently. Your oil level should at least be checked s get your oil and filter changed if they are due. Check all your lights and wipers to be sure they are working properly. Your brakes should be checked, as well as your suspension parts. Let's not f ... read more

What are your brakes trying to tell you? Have you been hearing those pesky squealing or grinding noises? Do you feel the brakes pulsating or car pulling to one side or the other? These are all signs that your brakes need to be inspected. Because brakes wear differently depending on many factors, including driving habits, it is important that they are inspected at least once a year. Brake wear is also affected by driving conditions, type of car and the quality of your brakes. If you think your brakes may be trying to tell you siomething, you have a concern, or it's that time to have them inspected, give us a call at Framerite Auto Repair. Our experienced mechanics will inspect them, keep you safe and give you piece of mind. #brakesinbaltimore #carrepair #mechanic