HESCO Automotive & Performance Center Blog

Your vehicle’s engine is its heart, and keeping it in top condition is essential for reliable performance. Regular engine maintenance helps prevent breakdowns, improves efficiency, and can extend the lifespan of your car. By following these basic engine care tips, you help promote smooth operation for years to come. Change the Oil and Filter Regularly One of the most important aspects of engine maintenance is routine oil and filter changes. Engine oil lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, and prevents overheating. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes contaminated with dirt and debris, reducing its effectiveness. Regularly changing the oil and filter, as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer, keeps the engine cleaner and running more efficiently. Keep the Cooling System Healthy Your engine generates a lot of heat, and the cooling system is responsible for preventing it from overheating. If the cooling system is not functioning properly, overheating can cause severe damage, including warped cylinder heads and blown gaskets. Regularly flushing the cooling system and replacing coolant according to the manufacturer’s guidelines helps maintain optimal performance. Replace Air and Fuel Filters as Needed Engines require a proper balance of air and fuel for combustion. A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, reducing efficiency and causing the engine to work harder than necessary. Similarly, a dirty fuel filter can limit the flow of fuel, leading to poor performance. Replacing these filters at recommended intervals helps ensure that your engine receives clean air and fuel, promoting better mileage and overall reliability. Monitor the Spark Plugs and Ignition System Spark plugs play a vital role in engine performance by igniting the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders. Worn or faulty spark plugs can lead to misfires, poor acceleration, and reduced fuel-efficiency. Regularly inspecting and replacing spark plugs, along with maintaining ignition coils and wires, helps ensure smooth engine operation. Stay on Top of Fluid Levels and Leaks Regularly checking fluid levels and inspecting for leaks can prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs. If you notice puddles or drips under your vehicle, it’s important to identify and fix the source promptly. Addressing leaks early can help prevent engine damage. Engine Repair & Maintenance in Birmingham, AL When you need an experienced mechanic in Birmingham, AL and the surrounding area, contact HESCO Automotive & Performance Center at (205) 526-3796. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

When your brakes start showing signs of trouble, it’s essential to address the issue immediately to prevent accidents and costly repairs. Ignoring brake problems can put you and others in serious danger. At HESCO Automotive & Performance Center, we provide expert brake repair in the greater Birmingham, AL area. Here are five common signs of a brake problem. Squeaking or Grinding Noises If you hear a high-pitched squeaking or a grinding noise when you apply the brakes, it’s a clear sign of trouble. Squeaking often indicates that the brake pads are worn down and need to be replaced. Grinding sounds usually mean that the brake pads have worn away completely, causing metal-on-metal contact. This can lead to severe damage and expensive repairs if not fixed promptly. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal A brake pedal that feels soft, spongy, or requires extra pressure to engage is a serious warning sign. This could indicate air in the brake lines or a fluid leak. Low brake fluid levels reduce braking power and increase stopping distances, making it unsafe to drive. If you think your car may have a brake fluid leak, you should get towed to the shop instead of driving there. Vibrations/Shaking When Braking If you notice vibrations when you apply the brakes, it could be a sign of warped brake rotors. Rotors can become uneven over time due to excessive heat buildup. Warped rotors reduce braking efficiency and make it harder to stop smoothly. If you experience this issue, have your rotors inspected and resurfaced or replaced if necessary. Car Pulling to One Side When you apply the brakes, your vehicle should stop in a straight line. If your car pulls to one side, it may indicate a stuck caliper. Uneven braking can make it difficult to control your vehicle, especially in emergency situations, so this issue needs to be addressed ASAP. Brake Warning Light on the Dashboard Your vehicle’s brake warning light is designed to alert you to potential problems with the braking system. If this light comes on, it could indicate problems such as low brake fluid or malfunctioning wheel speed sensors. Never ignore this warning light, as it could mean that your brakes are not functioning properly. Have your vehicle checked by the mechanic to diagnose and fix the issue. Brake Repair in Birmingham, AL When you need auto repair in Birmingham and the surrounding area, contact HESCO Automotive & Performance Center at (205) 526-3796. At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!