Louisville auto repair

1. Strange Noises Squeaking and Squealing If you hear high-pitched squeaking or squealing noises when you apply your brakes, it might be a sign that your brake pads are worn down. Over time, brake pads can become thin and create a loud, unpleasant noise as they come into contact with the rotor. It's important to get these replaced before they cause further damage. Grinding Sounds Grinding sounds are usually a more serious indication of brake issues. It could mean that your brake pads have worn down completely, and now the metal caliper and the rotor are rubbing against each other. This can cause severe damage to your braking system and can be dangerous. 2. Poor Performance Longer Stopping Distance If you've noticed that it takes longer for your car to come to a complete stop, it may be time for a repair. As brake components wear out, they can become less effective at slowing down your vehicle. Don't ignore this sign, as it can lead t ... read more

Whatever you drive, the right tires will enhance your driving experience. Tires often don't get the spotlight they deserve, yet they're the only contact your car has with the road and greatly influence vehicle performance, safety, and even efficiency. Tony's Brake & Alignment is the "tire shop near me" you've been looking for. We're a full-service auto repair shop in Louisville, KY that can take care of your tire maintenance and provide the professional assistance you need to find the perfect tires for your vehicle. How to Choose the Right Tires for Your VehicleConsider Driving Conditions Weather plays a significant part in tire performance. Do you regularly drive in heavy rain or go off road where there's a lot of mud? Up into the mountains when it's icy? If so, consider tires designed for these specific conditions. The complexity of your usual routes should also be considered. Rough terrain demands robust ... read more

Weather experts project 2023 to have one of the hottest summers on record. Before the summer heat arrives, consider bringing your car to an auto repair shop in Louisville for an inspection and tune up. Hot weather can cause several kinds of car problems, including engine and tire issues. A quick checkup before summer's at its hottest can prevent more serious damage to your car and avoid costly repairs. Here are a few common problems to watch out for. Overheating Engines The most common issue that drivers face in summer is overheating. Your vehicle's engine needs to remain within its ideal operating temperatures. It uses a radiator to cool your engine. However, when the air temperature gets very high, radiators become less efficient. When temperatures go over 100 degrees, a car can easily overheat if put under too much stress. An overheating engine can experience serious mechanical problems or even a full-blown failure. Overheating is hazardous because it cau ... read more

1. Check Your Tires When the roads are slick, your tires need to be in top condition for maximum traction. Check their tread at the start of the rainy season. Afterward, check the tire pressure, and turn this into a habit every other week. 2. Brake Check Remember that wet roads make it harder for your brakes to ever get truly dry. When your brakes are constantly in humid Kentucky weather, it may take longer for your car to stop. It's important to make sure your brakes are in good condition and the pads aren't degraded. It's also a good idea to ask to have these checked when your oil gets changed. At Tony's Brake & Alignment, we perform professional brake checks to make sure everything is in working condition. While driving, watch out for any unusual sounds like grinding or squeaking when you brake. If you hear anything like that, bring your car in to get checked out immediately. 3. Check Your Windshield Wipers Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condi ... read more

Changing your tire may not be one of your favorite parts of car ownership, but it is certainly one of the most important. Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, your tires should be rotated. Every winter, you should put snow tires on your vehicle because all-season tires don't cut it when it snows in Louisville. Additionally, tires sometimes go flat and need to be replaced. If you have never changed a tire before, keep reading this comprehensive guide to learn everything you need to know. A Guide to Changing Your Tire A tire can be changed in just 15 to 30 minutes if you have all the necessary equipment on hand. Assuming that your vehicle is in a safe location, like your driveway, the first thing you need to do is pry off your wheel cover. First, you need to attach your wrench onto a lug nut and loosen it by turning the wrench counterclockwise. Then, loosen the remaining lug nuts. Each should be loose enough that you can turn it by hand. Next, place the jack perpendicular ... read more

If you've ever spent one day driving through Derby City, you know that potholes are no rare occurrence. You probably also know that potholes can do some serious damage to cars. Are you wondering about the risks of driving over potholes instead of around them? Are you curious whether you should schedule an appointment with an auto mechanic in Louisville, KY for repair of pothole damage? If so, you're in the right place. How Potholes Can Damage Your Car There are several ways that potholes can damage your car. For instance, there is the potential that your tires and rims are damaged. If the damage is only moderate, your tire may be repairable, however, if the damage is severe then it may not be that easy. Your suspension and steering can also be affected negatively if you drive over a pothole. What Signs Should I Look for That Indicate Vehicle Damage?  Two of the most common signs that your vehicle has been damaged by a pothole include leaking fluids and an oddly loud ex ... read more

Photo by Michael Bartlett on Unsplash  There’s such a thing as too much planning–and who among us doesn’t know someone who has their ten-year plan mapped out down to the minute–but that’s not true when it comes to your car. Sure, there are always unexpected things that pop up here and there (nobody ever planned for a flat tire!), but it’s important to schedule the things that matter.    Below, I list some things you can add to your 2023 maintenance calendar. Whether in your phone, your planner, or a physical calendar you hang up, setting reminders for the things that matter will help you follow through! Change Your Oil Every 6 Months or 3,000 Miles It's essential to change the oil in your car regularly because oil can break down over time and become less effective at lubricating and protecting the engine. As the oil becomes dir ... read more

Photo by Dagmara Dombrovaska on Unsplash  Christmas Gift Ideas for Car Lovers As a car lover, I know how hard it is to find the perfect gift for your favorite car enthusiast. Because of this, we've put together this list of great Christmas gift ideas for car lovers. So read on for inspiration and ideas about what to get them this year! Leather Cleaner Leather cleaners are an excellent gift for car lovers. Whether a beginner or an experienced driver, the leather cleaner can help them keep their vehicle looking good.   This will make it easier to clean the seats and protect them from wear and tear. Leather cleaners come in a range of products that include spray bottles, wipes, and even sponges to help you get into all those hard-to-reach places in your car. A New Set of Tires A new set of tires is a great gift for car owners who are always on the go.    ... read more

Photo by David Emrich on Unsplash  Holiday Playlist To Cheer You Up Even During The Longest Rides Many of us are headed out on the road in the next few weeks to visit family and friends. Depending on how we feel about driving, this can be stressful to do. However, when life gets tough, we can all use a reminder that there's more to be grateful for. I love these songs about being thankful and grateful during the Thanksgiving season! They prove that music is a great way to express gratitude—and healing.  "God's Country" by Blake Shelton "God's Country" by Blake Shelton is a song about the country, and it's just as appropriate to listen to now as it was released in 2019. The singer is thankful for simple things like seeing something as beautiful as the sky and listening to birds chirping or hearing laughter from children playing outs ... read more

Photo by Bekir Donmez on Unsplash    Halloween is one of the busiest times of year for cars–but we rarely think of it that way. We’re more alert and cautious during the winter holidays, but the fact of the matter is that October is busy! Many people spend much more time on the road than usual between trick-or-treating, costume parties, and Halloween-themed works events. This can be an exciting time, but you'll want to take extra precautions so your car doesn't break down and leave you stuck in traffic in an oversized Halloween costume. Get an oil change.  Changing the oil in your car is one of the most important things a driver can do to ensure their vehicle runs smoothly and safely. Oil changes are crucial for keeping a car's engine healthy and preventing costly repairs down the line. For example, if you don't change your oil regularly ... read more