Caring for your cars coolant system should be part of your regularly scheduled car maintenence routine. The coolant system in your car is the key to how well your vehicle operates in extreme heat, extreme cold and everything in between. Here are the top 7 signs your vehicle may be in need of a coolant flush sooner rather than later. Vehicle Running Hot And Overheating If your temperature gauge is running high or close to the danger zone while driving you might want to schedule that coolant flush before you have a bigger problem to deal with. Steaming Hood If you notice steam coming from under the hood or hear a hissing sound escaping from under the hood, you should schedule a coolant flush Coolant Leak or Discoloration If you start noticing a puddle of liquid under your car that has a greenish tint or a sweet smell it means you have a coolant leak and you should schedule a coolant flush as soon as possible. Also if you notice a discoloration in your coolant you want to get any ... read more

If your shocks or struts start failing, it could lead to disaster. So how do you notice the signs of worn shocks or struts? Shocks and Struts: What's the Difference? A vehicle's struts are a major part of your suspension system. It both acts as a shock absorber and provides structural support for your suspension system. A shock absorber, however, does only one job. Absorbing the shock from movements in your suspension system. Your shocks do not support the weight of your vehicle or provide structural support. So what are the signs these components are failing? #1 — Dipping or Leaning During Use If you notice your vehicle leaning to one side while making a sharp turn, this could be a sign of a worn shock or strut. Another sign is the front end dipping lower than usual if you have to step on the brakes harder than usual. #2 — Instability at High Speeds If you're on the highway, and your vehicle feels shaky, this might be an indicator that your suspension sys ... read more

Vehicle braking systems are composed of various parts, including rotors. Rotors are oversized metal discs that can often be seen behind a car's wheels. A common problem with rotors is that they can sometimes warp. You might wonder, how does it even happen?   Rotors can't warp on their own unless an external force like heat interferes with their performance. When they have been exposed to extremely hot conditions, the rotors can bend.    For your overall braking process to work correctly, the brake pads must even apply against the rotor. However, excess friction can cause some brake pad materials to form a leaking substance which can get onto the brake rotors. Once this residue drops onto the rotor, uneven surface levels can cause.     Lastly, drivers with terrible brake habits can also contribute to uneven rotors. For instance, riding the brakes for prolonged periods of time can cause hot brake pads to drip the rotors. To prevent a warped rot ... read more

Just because Hawaii appears to get all sun doesn't mean that driving conditions are always stable. In fact, Hawaii's rain season spans from November to March. When it rains, driving inevitably becomes more dangerous. However, being behind the wheel with a rain-covered windshield doesn't have to be a nerve-wracking experience. We've created a trusty checklist to keep in mind whenever it starts pouring during your drive. Tip #1: Stay alert This advice is a no-brainer, but you must stay extra attentive to your surroundings when weather conditions aren't ideal. Drivers should practice defensive driving and remember to check their blind spots frequently.  Tip #2: Use your headlights Please remember to turn on your headlights in bad weather when visibility is low. Many states even have laws requiring drivers to put on their headlights in certain conditions, so it's better to be safe than sorry. Tip #3: Careful with hydroplaning Whenever a surplus of water s ... read more

Tire tread is the key factor that indicates when you need to replace your vehicle's tires. Tread provides you with the necessary traction to safely stop and turn. Lastly, treads on your tires help funnel water out from under the tire to minimize hydroplaning on wet roads.  The U.S. Department of Transportation suggests that motorists replace tires when they've worn down to 2/32 inch (or 1.6 mm).  Signs of Wear Besides tread depth of less than 2/32 inch, other signs can indicate the need for new tires, including: Exposed fabric or cord on the tires Bump, bulge, or knot that impacts the tire structure Unrepairable punctures Uneven wear caused by driving on a flat tire Bent, cracked, rusty, or damaged rim/wheel Improper tire repairs and services While tread depth is an obvious indicator, it can be difficult to measure an increment that tiny. Most professionals use a tread depth gauge to measure tread. But if you don't have one on hand, you can use a penny ... read more

How do you know which type is best suited for your vehicle with multiple engine oils to choose from? Fortunately, the process of finding a good match doesn't have to be overwhelming, and it is relatively easy. First and foremost, you should always check your manufacturer's recommendations (listed in your owner's manual). When making this decision, you should also consider driving habits, vehicle style, and environmental factors (climate). Here's a deeper look at the different types of oil you can get for your vehicle! Full Synthetic Oil Synthetic oil has many attractive attributes. For instance, it has a higher viscosity, which can withstand sludge buildup, hot temperatures, and corrosion. Synthetic oil is also more consistent in formulation, which minimizes the friction inside the engine and increases overall efficiency. If you own a high-performance vehicle, synthetic oil is the preferable option. The only setback of synthetic motor oil is its higher price tag. Howe ... read more

An auto warranty is an important factor to consider when it comes to purchasing a car. It is a contract that compensates for the cost of repairing or replacing parts of your vehicle for some time. However, not all car warranties are created equally, which is why you must read over the fine print before making your purchase. Factory Warranty If you bought your vehicle from a dealership, you probably have a factory or manufacturer’s warranty. This type of warranty is possible for new, used, and certified pre-owned cars to cover any defective parts caused by any assembly errors. It is also only valid up to a certain number of miles or years. Some manufacturers are more forgiving than others, so that the numbers can vary. Another feature of the factory warranty is that it is movable from one owner to another as long as it hasn’t expired or been terminated. Unfortunately, they can void the contract if you fail to follow factory guidelines, such as keeping up with regular main ... read more

At first, you may think that a tire blowout is the same as a flat tire, but they are not the same. Flat tires typically have a slower pressure loss, whereas blowouts encompass rapid pressure loss and happen more dramatically. Because most of today's tires on the market are usually very reliable, blowouts don't occur as often as they did in the past. However, they are still possible!  Here are the six most common causes of tire blowouts!   Road Damage We all know that the road is a dangerous place to be. Rubble and potholes can wipe out a tire in a blink of an eye if you are not careful. You can blow out a tire when you drive over something you may not have seen while driving. Things like glass or a nail can sneak up on you and be just as dangerous as hitting a curb. Running over these items in the road in combination with poor quality tires can result in a blowout! Too Low of Air Underinflated tires pose a higher risk for a tire blowout. If your tires don't h ... read more

Every car will experience a leak from time to time. However, be wary of an oil leak because it can lead to major complications if left unattended. The most apparent indication of an oil leak is if you see a dark puddle of oil underneath your car. You may also be able to smell it since oil gives off a distinct scent. The problem with oil leaks is that they can be hazardous to the environment and harm your engine. Here are some of the most common causes of oil leaks that we see here at LexBrodies:   Damaged or Worn Seals The system that stores your engine oil has gaps in it that are supplied with valves or seals. If these components become damaged or old, it can cause oil to seep out of the system.   Broken Oil Pan Damaged pans usually emerge from collisions or when you run over rubble on the road. The oil pan is situated very close to the ground, which causes it to damage easily. Do your best to avoid road impediments when you're driving.   Old Filter  O ... read more

Your vehicle's braking system is the most important safety feature of your car, which is why you should always replace them on time. Your brake pads will last about every 50,000 miles, but they can vary depending on driving conditions and usage. Here are our top tips on how to prolong the life of your brake pads.   Avoid Speeding Surprise-surprise, but speeding never ends well for anybody. If you hit a full and complete stop after ramping up your RPM, you are at risk of prematurely wearing out your brake pads. Brake pads operate by converting energy into heat – and this means they become worn out more quickly the more energy they have to dissipate. If you slow down slowly, you can save wear and tear on your brake pads. Another negative of hurrying into a stop is that you're wasting excess gas.   Only Use 1 Foot  As you probably learned all the way back from Driver's Ed, you should only have one foot operating both the brake and acceleration pedals ... read more