Grisham’s

Having a properly functioning car is absolutely critical in this day and age. Getting yourself from place to place on time without problems allows for a flexible lifestyle with various activities. If your car is having problems, especially brake problems, you won’t be getting anywhere until you fix them. Here are some of the ways in which you can diagnose your brake problems and take the right steps to fixing them.

As mentioned above, the first step of properly fixing your brakes is determining what exactly your problem is. Turn off your car engine and slowly let off the brakes. If they feel like they are mushy or soft, you might be low on brake fluid.

If you’re driving at low speeds, try braking if it is safe. If you hear a squealing noise, your brake pads might be the issue. Consider replacing or even just cleaning them. In a safe area such as an empty parking lot, try sharply pressing on the brakes. If your car fails to brake properly, you may have worn pads, or need to decontaminate you brake fluid and pads.

If you’re finding that when you break your car is being pulled to one side, you might need to adjust the brake’s clearance. Not only may the problem just be the clearance, but also you could potentially have to replace the pads and rotors, or have insufficient hydraulic pressure in part of the brake system.

While driving slowly, pay attention to if the brakes drag behind or bind, because this might be a situation in which grease may be present on the pads or rotors. If your brakes are making a grinding noise, be sure to check the lining and surface of the brake, as there may be some potentially severe damage to both parts. Look for a seized or even partially seized brake, because this can cause premature and uneven brake wear, significantly shortening the life of your brakes.

If the pedal feels firm but lacks the proper amount of stopping power to slam on the brakes, check the operation of the brake booster and also the check valve. If there are any parts that are damaged or destroyed, be sure to replace them. Look for any hydraulic parts that are contaminated or damaged, and clean and potentially replace them as well.

If you find that your brakes are producing a burning odor, check for rust in places such as the brake caliper or the caliper piston. If there is no problem with rusting, be sure to take a look at the parking brake. If damaged in any way, consider investing in a repair job.

When looking for a repair job for your brakes, nobody does it better than Grisham’s Transmission. Located in Nashville, Grisham’s has experts with years of experience ready to fix not only brake problems, but also axels, clutches, auto, standard, flywheels, starters, and much more. Call today at 615-226-2789.

Let’s face it: car problems are incredibly frustrating, especially if your knowledge of cars is limited. One of the most complex parts of your car is the transmission. It controls the power from your driveshaft to the engine. Since there are so many moving parts and components to the transmission, you will tend to find that the transmission is the most susceptible to damage. Here are some common problems that you may be having with your transmission and the steps to identifying them.

One of the potential issues your transmission may be having is lack of response. If your car sometimes hesitates and is difficult when trying to change gears, you may be experiencing this issue. Your vehicle should instantly shift gears without a problem. This problem is usually caused by unresponsiveness of your clutch and it may need to be properly replaced.

Sometimes your car may make a very peculiar noise that you haven’t heard it make before. Depending on the make and model of your car, your noise might be a distinct humming, whining, or clunking. This is most likely a problem with your transmission. If you have a mechanical transmission, be aware that the sound it makes may be more like a mechanical lag as opposed to a whining sound. Be aware that it’s better to diagnose this sort of problem sooner than later, as the cost of repairs might increase depending on how damaged the transmission is.

The easiest problem to recognize with your transmission is a leak or low fluid issue. Leaking is also one of the most common causes of transmission failure. While recognizing this issue is fairly simple, it is also incredibly important. If you continue to let your fluid go to waste, the engine will eventually fail to work entirely. Your leaker fluid should be a bright, reddish color. Fixing the hole is the one of the fixes, but if the fluid you find is a darkish color or has a burnt smell, it is probably better to change the fluid all together.

If it begins to smell like your car is burning, your transmission fluid may be overheating. If the fluid begins to break down, the system runs too hot and will eventually break down the transmission and require a very expensive repair. Make sure that you’re using the correct brand of fluid for your transmission because this can be an easy fix for a burning transmission fluid issue.

Fixing a transmission problem can be as simple as checking your engine light. There are sensors in your car that recognize when there is an issue with not just your transmission but other parts of your car. If your car is having an issue and you can’t seem to find the simple fix, call Grisham’s Transmission Center. With the variety of services they offer at affordable prices, they will be able to efficiently and effectively solve your car issues. Call today at 615-226-2789.

How To Identify Your Brake Problem

Identifying Your Transmission Problems