Cleaning your car won't only make it look better but also bring a couple of other benefits. Firstly it will clean the brakes, making them work better and preventing them from getting stuck. Another advantage of regular car washes is getting rid of all the debris in the suspension system, which also improves its performance. If you want to learn how to clean your car like a pro at home, make sure to continue reading because we will find exactly that. 1. Start With The Wheels Start by giving your tires and rims a good clean. You can use a hard bristle brush because there is no paint that you can damage. Make sure you get into the rims, brakes, and suspension so all the debris will be washed off. 2. Spray The Car With Water Sprain your car before you start scrubbing it with a cleaning agent, ensuring that all the bigger particles will be washed away and won't damage your paint. 3. Apply The Cleaning Product Use a cleaning pr ... read more

The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is a safety feature in today's vehicles that prevents the wheels from locking up during sudden braking, allowing the driver to maintain control and steer the car. When the ABS light on your dashboard comes on, it could indicate a problem with the system, which requires prompt attention from a qualified auto repair shop. Here's everything you need to know about the ABS system and what to do if the ABS light comes on in your vehicle. What is the ABS System? The ABS system is a computer-controlled braking system that uses sensors to monitor the speed of each wheel. If the system detects that one or more wheels are about to lock up, it automatically modulates the brake pressure to prevent skidding and losing control. What Causes the ABS Light to Come On? There are several reasons why the ABS light might come on, including: Failed Wheel Speed Sensor: The wheel speed sensor measures the speed of each wheel and ... read more

Oahu is a beautiful island destination with breathtaking landscapes, making it a perfect destination to explore. The island is relatively small and easy to navigate, so you can explore many of its scenic routes in a day or two. Here are some of the best spots to drive to in Oahu:North Shore: One of the most popular spots in Oahu, the North Shore is famous for its surfing competitions and the picturesque Waimea Bay. You can take a scenic drive along Kamehameha Highway and explore the stunning beaches, scenic views, and charming small towns. Diamond Head State Monument: Diamond Head is a volcanic crater that offers a panoramic view of Honolulu and the surrounding areas. You can take a leisurely drive along Diamond Head Road, which takes you to the summit of the crater. Hanauma Bay: Located on the southeastern coast of Oahu, Hanauma Bay is a protected marine life conservation area with a stunning coral reef. You can ... read more

The alternator is one of the most important, yet overlooked, parts of your vehicle. It is the electrical component responsible for charging your battery and powering multiple electronics. Therefore, a bad or failing alternator can be a nightmare to deal with. If you want to learn more about the alternator and how to detect a bad one, keep reading. What Are the Signs of a Bad Alternator? Dimming or flickering headlights is a common symptom drivers experience when their alternator is on its last leg. Other people may notice unusual noises coming from under the hood, typically coming from the belt next to the alternator. Some other red flags include troubled starts, burning smells, and malfunctioning accessories. If you experience any of these symptoms, please bring your car to LexBrodies Honolulu for an inspection of the alternator. How We Diagnose an Alternator Problem at LexBrodies One of our mechanics will look around under the hood, locate the alternator, and perform a test usin ... read more

Airbags are a core safety feature in your vehicle to protect you from injuries in the event of an accident. Like many other vehicle components, the airbag has a warning light that turns on when a problem arises. However, since airbag repairs are not common, many drivers may ignore the warning light. What Causes the Airbag Light to Turn On? This light looks like a driver with an airbag deployed. When it's on the dashboard, it indicates a problem with your Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). Airbags are part of the SRS, including seatbelts and sensors. But why is your airbag on, and you haven't been in any accident? Here are the most common reasons. Battery Backup is Depleted The light turns on when your vehicle's battery has recently drained and depleted the backup powering the airbags. However, it usually corrects itself when fully recharged. Faulty Sensors Different sensors in your vehicle are directly linked to the computer system to detect any problems. Sometimes ... read more

A good rule of thumb is that you should never ignore unusual noises that your car makes. As your vehicle ages, your vehicle will work harder and emit odd sounds, and they sometimes spell trouble. Depending on the nature of the sound, such as when it occurs, can tell what the issue could be. Read on to learn what could be behind your noisy turns. When your ride is in good working order, you shouldn't hear any noises as you travel. If you are experiencing loud turns, read on to learn what could be the culprit. Reasons Why Your Car Is Noisy When Going Through Turns Suspension Joints: Creaking and clunking are typical sounds that worn suspension parts will make during turns at low speeds. Struts and Shocks: Often controlling your vehicle over bumps and patches in the road, your shocks and struts can make noises once they're no longer effective. Power Steering Pump: Another common problem behind loud turns is a failing power steering pump. It can often be described as a w ... read more

A car battery provides electrical energy to various systems in the vehicle. More importantly, it powers the starter, which then cranks the engine. Getting stranded in the middle of nowhere because of a dead car battery can be a harrowing experience. Not all car batteries will give you a sign before dying out, but luckily, most do. What Causes a Dead Battery? There are several reasons why your car battery is dying or not performing optimally, which include: Corroded terminals or loose battery connections Leaving your headlights on for an extended period Extreme temperatures in winter or summer The battery is too old The battery is not charging while you drive Parasitic draws on the battery due to faulty electrical systems Taking too many short drives that don't allow sufficient battery recharging Signs of a Dying Car Battery The following are the top 5 most common signs of a battery in need of a thorough check or replacement: Clicking Sound When You Turn ... read more

If you’ve been a good vehicle owner who is on top of their maintenance, then you are probably familiar with tire rotation services. Tire rotation service is the process of switching the position of your tires from front to rear or side to side. Tire rotation is one of the most important services you can get to maintain your tires. This service ensures even tire wear, improves gas mileage, promotes safe handling, and more. You should aim to rotate your tires every time you change your oil. Read on to learn about the pros of rotating your tires. #1: Improve Fuel Mileage One of the biggest benefits of tire rotations is improved efficiency. When your tires wear evenly, it requires less energy for your tires to roll on the road. Your engine won’t have to work hard to get wherever you need to go. #2: Longer Tire Life Another major advantage of tire rotations is that it extends the life of your tires. With even tire treads, your tires can last for years longer than tires that ... read more

Back-to-school season is right around the corner. While you may be busy shopping for school supplies, clothes, and shoes, for your kids, we’re here to remind you not to forget about your car. Most of you will be back in the routine of dropping your children off for school and practice soon, and the team at LexBrodies Honolulu is ready to help you with all your car care so that you and your family can be safe.   Here are the top 3 auto services that we think you should get for the back-to-school season: General Inspection There’s no better time to get a multi-point inspection. Our professionals can check your vehicle bumper-to-bumper for any potential problems. If we detect minor problems, we can fix them early on so you can dodge extensive repairs. Plus, it’ll give you peace of mind knowing that your brakes, battery, wipers, etc. are safe. Tire Pressure Check Your tires should always be properly inflated. Fortunately, checking your tire pressure is an easy ... read more

Oil lubricates your engine and protects it against frictional damage. It contains anti-foaming agents, anti-oxidants, dispersants, and detergents that protect the engine. However, with continued use, it forms an oil sludge. With time, contaminants such as dirt, dust, water, and coolant, build up and oxidize due to the engine's intense heat. When these contaminants combine with oxidation in the engine, it forms a thick gel called engine or oil sludge. Preventing engine sludge formation is vital since it can damage your car. How Oil Sludge Hurts Your Car Oil protects the engine by cooling and absorbing contaminants. But, with time, it reaches its absorption capacity and deposits them on the engine instead. It hinders adequate engine lubrication and increases friction, causing overheating. The heat causes engine parts to rapidly wear out, lowering your car's efficiency. It also reduces your engine's lifespan by blocking the oil screen siphon, preventing proper circulation ... read more