You don’t often think about brake maintenance, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important. Most people wait until their brakes have become a real problem before they repair them. Never wait until the last minute when it comes to your braking system. Keeping your brakes in top working condition ensures the safety of you, your passengers, and other motorists. If you suspect something might be wrong, contact the brake experts at Aarrow Transmissions, the most trusted auto repair in Richmond, VA and Midlothian. We guarantee honest and affordable pricing for all brake and auto repairs.

If you’re unsure if your brakes are working properly, here some signs that you may need them replaced:

1. Screeching

When stopping at a red light or stop sign, you might notice loud screeches coming from your car or someone else’s. Sometimes it’s just water, but it could also be more serious. If this loud noise happens frequently, it means your wear indicators are worn down and it’s time to change your brake pads.  Waiting too long will cause the indicator to scrape against the rotor, which can cause even more issues. The mechanics at Aarrow Transmissions will be happy to get rid of this obnoxious noise.

2. Vibration

It’s not normal for your brake pedal to vibrate while coming to a stop. Get your car the professional attention it deserves with the brake repair experts at Aarrow Transmissions. We will take a look at your braking system and diagnose the problem. Most likely, this vibrating sensation is caused by warped rotors. When this happens, your brake pads become uneven, which makes it harder for them to grab the surface correctly. 

3. Pulling

If you’ve been driving around Richmond or Midlothian and noticed your vehicle pulling to one side while braking, your pads are probably uneven. Brake pads don’t always wear at the same rate, so one side begins to pull when it happens at a faster rate. Waiting too long to replace the pad will only put more stress on the vehicle. Aarrow Transmissions can replace your pads and have your brakes feeling good as new.

4. Stopping Takes Longer

Does your car not brake as quickly as it used to? This is commonly referred to as “brake fade.” If your car regularly brakes on hills, eventually it will take a toll on the braking system. Usually, it means your brake pads are worn or your brake fluid is low. Just to be safe, have the best brake technicians in Richmond make sure everything is working properly.  

5. Grinding

Similar to screeching, your brakes may make a grinding noise if the pads need to be replaced. There’s no one better to call than Aarrow Transmissions.

6. Thinning Brake Pads

It’s never a bad idea to inspect your brake pads. You can easily do this by looking between the spokes of your wheel. If the padding is less than a ¼ of an inch thick, it’s time for a new set. Bring your vehicle by Aarrow Transmissions, and we will replace your brake pads at an affordable price.

7. Your Brake Light Is On

If the brake light is on, your car is trying to tell you something. Have a professional take a look to make sure your brakes are functioning properly. As Richmond’s top choice for brake and auto repairs, the experts at Aarrow Transmissions will be happy to inspect your car’s brake system.

8. Burning Smell While Driving

If you’ve noticed a sharp, chemical odor coming from your car while driving, pull over immediately. This smell coming from your engine is due to the overheating of your brakes or clutch. Typically, this happens after repeated braking on steep hills. Check to make sure your parking brake is fully released and allow your brakes to cool down. If the burning smell returns, contact Aarrow Transmissions. We will get to the root of the problem so you can safely get back on the road.

Honest Auto Service In Richmond, VA

You trust your brakes to take care of you and your family. Trust Aarrow Transmission to take great care of your brakes. Feel free to call or contact us today for any general questions you might have about our brake services or if you need a quote.

Pretty much everyone will experience the horror and frustration of a car that won’t start at least once or twice. A dead car battery can leave you stranded with no idea where to turn for help. Once your new car battery is installed, it’s important to know how long the battery will last before needing to replace it again. You don’t want to find yourself stranded again!

Your Battery’s Life Span

Car batteries don’t last forever. While regular, lead-acid car batteries are maintenance-free, it’s still important to know ahead of time how long your battery will last before you need to replace it. However, with so many different brands, types, and qualities of batteries available, there is no set estimate of a battery’s life span.

Battery life depends on the battery’s quality, and many experts and mechanics agree that three to five years seems to be the average life span. Some experts recommend that car owners replace their car battery after four years no matter the current condition, but it’s always better to test the battery first. Every battery’s life span is different, and some will last longer than others. Testing out the battery is the only way to know the strength of your battery and if it’s wearing down and needs to be replaced.

While there is no exact expiration date for car batteries and no definite way to know how long it will last, there are still ways to tell if you need to replace your battery soon. Instead of getting stranded with a vehicle that won’t start, look out for:

• Dimming headlights
• Frequent need for revving and jump-starting
• Strain in cold weather
• Power fluctuations

Your car may show some of these signs if your battery is nearing the end of its life. Check the battery warranty and when it was manufactured to figure out how old it is and determine if a replacement is needed.

How to Prolong Your Battery’s Life

While car battery replacement is inevitable, there are ways that you can prolong your battery’s life. Over time, your battery will inevitably start to weaken, but there are many factors that you can adjust to improve your battery’s life and prevent it from failing prematurely:

• Properly secure your battery. Vibrations and rough travel can impair normal functioning, so make sure the clamps are on tight.
• Turn headlights off while parked. This preventative action will help keep your battery fully charged since you only need headlights while driving.
• Routine Maintenance. Check your battery every time you check your oil to test its quality and strength.

Professional Auto Repair

When your car battery dies and needs to be replaced, some car owners try and fix the issue by themselves, which can be ineffective and even dangerous! Leave it to the professionals and take your vehicle to an auto repair service.

At Aarrow Transmission, our automotive service experts can replace your battery with a brand new one, and you don’t have to lift a finger! Changing a battery can be unsafe for an amateur mechanic considering the live currents that need to be worked around.  We have the skills and knowledge to get the job done right, so you don’t have to risk replacing the battery yourself.

If your vehicle won’t start, instead of the standard “auto service near me” search, call Aarrow Transmission. We’ll fix the issue and have your car rolling out of the lot in no time!