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Tire & Auto Repair Blog

Welcome to our blog! Tony’s Brake & Alignment strives to provide an auto repair blog that is interesting and shines a spotlight on the communities around the Louisville region. Please visit us each month to see helpful information from our auto mechanics, excellent road trip ideas, advice about fleet service, and so forth. You never know what you might learn in the monthly blog articles of Tony’s Brake & Alignment in Louisville!

Tag Archives: general auto repair

Does Your Car Need A Transmission Repair?

Does Your Car Need A Transmission Repair?

The transmission is responsible for moving power from the engine to the wheels. It ensures that your car operates efficiently, whether you're driving on Louisville, KY's bustling streets or cruising the countryside. Getting a transmission repair as soon as you notice a problem is important to keeping your vehicle on the road and you and your passengers safe. Does Your Car Need a Transmission Repair? A Perspective from Louisville, KY Common Signs of Transmission Trouble: Unusual Noises If you hear grinding, whining, or clunking sounds coming from your vehicle, especially when changing gears, it's a sign of transmission issues. These sounds often indicate that the transmission components are wearing out or not functioning properly. These issues can also worsen over time, potentially leading to more severe transmission damage if not addressed promptly.   Difficulty Shifting Gears In manual transmissions, if you find it hard to shift gears or if the gear slips back t ... read more

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8 Characteristics of a Quality Auto Repair Shop

8 Characteristics of a Quality Auto Repair Shop

When seeking auto repair services in Louisville, KY, it's important to consider several key factors to ensure you choose the right shop for your needs. Reliability, expertise, customer service, and quality of workmanship are crucial elements that define a top-notch auto repair facility. In a city with numerous options, at Tony's Brake & Alignment, we strive to stand out as a premier choice for your auto repair needs.  1. Customer-Centric Service A top-quality auto repair shop is defined by its focus on customer service. At Tony's Brake & Alignment, customer satisfaction is the cornerstone of our business. We prioritize solving customer problems with honesty and integrity, a philosophy that has served the Louisville community for three generations. 2. Skilled and Experienced Team The expertise of the mechanics is crucial. Our staff is well-trained and specializes in various services for cars, performance vehicles, light trucks, and SUVs. Our mechanics are ad ... read more

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Prepare Your Car for the Cold Weather

Prepare Your Car for the Cold Weather

As winter approaches, ensuring your vehicle can handle the harsh conditions is one of your most important tasks. Professional auto repair in Louisville, KY can help you get your car where it needs to be for the cold, and there are some auto maintenance and prep steps every driver should know. Knowing when it's time to seek professional car repair in Louisville, KY, can make the difference between smooth winter travels and finding yourself stranded in the cold. Essential DIY Checks and Basic Auto MaintenanceBattery Health Assessment Cold weather can be harsh on your car's battery. Conduct a visual inspection for any signs of corrosion, and if your battery is more than four years old, consider replacing it. A simple voltmeter test can also help assess whether the battery can hold an adequate charge. Tire Inspection and Rotation Check your tires for tread depth, ensuring it's suitable for snowy conditions. If you're facing a particular ... read more

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Reasons Your Check Engine Light May Come On

Reasons Your Check Engine Light May Come On

If you've ever seen the check engine light flare to life after starting your car, you know how stressful it is to wonder if your vehicle has potentially expensive engine issues. Don't put off having the problem diagnosed until your routine car maintenance appointment. A check engine light means it's time to head to Tony's Brake & Alignment for auto repair and maintenance in Louisville, KY. Reasons Your Check Engine Light May Come On There are numerous reasons why your check engine light may turn on, and most require a visit to a professional to diagnose. Many automotive problems become more costly to fix the longer they go unrepaired, so taking action as soon as your check engine light comes on can end up saving you money down the road. Faulty Spark Plugs Spark plugs provide the tiny spark of electricity necessary to ignite air and fuel in the combustion chamber. Failing spark plugs can cause your engine to misfire, triggering you ... read more

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4 Signs Your Car Needs a Brake Repair

4 Signs Your Car Needs a Brake 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

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How to Choose the Right Tires for Your Vehicle

How to Choose the Right Tires for Your Vehicle

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

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Common Car Problems in the Summer

Common Car Problems in the Summer

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

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6 Tips for the Rainy Season From an Expert Auto Mechanic in Louisville, KY

6 Tips for the Rainy Season From an Expert Auto Mechanic in Louisville, KY

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

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A Guide to Changing Your Tire

A Guide to Changing Your Tire

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

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How Potholes Can Damage Your Car

How Potholes Can Damage Your Car

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

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