Gardner Auto Repair

Why Winter Is Tough on Your Battery, Brakes, and Fluids The holidays often mean long road trips, stop-and-go traffic, packed cars, and unpredictable winter weather. Once the decorations come down and life returns to normal, many drivers forget one important step: post-holiday vehicle maintenance. At Bret’s Autoworks, we see firsthand how winter driving can quietly take a toll on key systems—especially your battery, brakes, and fluids. Addressing these issues early can help prevent breakdowns, extend your vehicle's life, and keep you safe during the coldest months of the year. Why Winter Driving Is Hard on Your Vehicle Winter conditions are tough on cars for several reasons: Cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency Snow, ice, and road salt accelerate wear on braking components Short trips and temperature swings stress engine fluids Even if your vehicle seems to be running fine, winter wear often builds slowly&mdas ... read more

Here are the top warning signs that indicate it’s time for new tires: 1. Balding Tread Tread depth is essential for traction, especially in wet or slippery conditions. If your tread is worn down, your tires lose their grip, increasing the likelihood of hydroplaning or skidding. A simple way to check tread depth is the penny test—insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see all of his head, your tread is too low, and it’s time to replace your tires. 2. Uneven Wear Patterns If you notice one side of your tire is more worn than the other, it could indicate alignment issues, improper inflation, or suspension problems. Uneven wear reduces your tires’ effectiveness and could lead to premature failure. Regular tire rotations and alignment checks can help prevent this issue, but replacing the tires is the safest option if the damage is already significant. 3. Cracks or Bulges in the Sidewall Over time, exposure to the element ... read more

Keeping your tires in good shape is essential for safety and optimal vehicle performance year-round, but it becomes especially critical during the winter months. Cold temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop more quickly, making regular checks even more important. Proper tire pressure not only improves fuel efficiency but also enhances traction, which is crucial when driving on icy or snow-covered roads. In addition to regular maintenance, consider switching to winter tires if you live in an area with harsh winters. Winter tires are specifically designed with a rubber compound that remains flexible in low temperatures, providing better grip and control. They also feature deeper treads and unique patterns to handle snow and slush effectively, reducing the risk of sliding. As you prepare for winter, inspect your tires for adequate tread depth. The "penny test" is a quick way to check, but for winter conditions, a better standard is to use a quarter—if the tread does ... read more

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it’s time to prepare your vehicle for the demands of winter. Cold weather can be harsh on your car, but with some preparation, you can avoid breakdowns and ensure your ride is reliable no matter the forecast. Here's a checklist of tips to help you keep your vehicle in top shape for the colder months ahead. 1. Check Your Battery Cold weather can drain your battery quickly, especially if it's already a few years old. Before winter hits, have your battery tested to ensure it's strong enough to handle the chill. If it's weak, consider replacing it now to avoid being stranded in subzero temperatures. Also, clean any corrosion from the terminals and check the battery cables for tight connections. 2. Inspect Your Tires Your tires are crucial for traction on icy or snow-covered roads, so it's essential to check their condition before the first freeze. Make sure your tires have suffi ... read more

Summer Heat and Your Car's Tire Pressure: Why It Matters As the summer sun beats down, it's not just you feeling the heat – your car is, too! Tire pressure is a critical but often overlooked aspect of car maintenance during the summer months. Why does it matter so much, and how can Bret's Autoworks help keep you rolling smoothly? Why Tire Pressure Matters Tire pressure is crucial for several reasons, especially in hot weather: 1. **Safety First**: Properly inflated tires ensure better traction and handling, reducing the risk of accidents, particularly on hot, dry roads.     2. **Fuel Efficiency**: Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, meaning your car needs to work harder and burn more fuel – not ideal during summer road trips. 3. **Tire Longevity**: Correct pressure helps tires wear evenly, extending their lifespan and saving you money in the long run. Summer Heat and Tire Pressure Hot temperatures c ... read more

As summer approaches, it's crucial to ensure your car is ready to handle the heat and long road trips. At Bret's Autoworks, we’re committed to helping you keep your vehicle in top shape. Follow these essential car maintenance tips to ensure a smooth and safe summer driving experience. 1. Check Your Cooling System The cooling system is vital during summer to prevent your engine from overheating. Make sure to: - Inspect the Radiator: Look for any signs of leaks or corrosion. - Check Coolant Levels: Ensure there’s enough coolant and that it’s in good condition. If necessary, flush and replace it. - Inspect Hoses and Belts: Check for cracks, leaks, or loose connections, as these components can deteriorate faster in hot weather.  2. Air Conditioning System A functioning air conditioning system is essential for comfort during summer drives. Make sure to: - Test the A/C: Run your air conditioning to ensure it’s cooling properly. - Check Refrigerant Level ... read more

Tires can wear faster in hot weather due to the following reasons: Rubber becomes softer. The rubber in tires becomes softer in hot weather, which makes it more susceptible to wear and tear. This is because the heat causes the rubber molecules to become more flexible and less resistant to deformation. Tires expand. As the rubber becomes softer, the tires also broaden. This can strain the tire walls and lead to premature wear. More friction. When tires rub against the road surface, there is more friction in hot weather. This is because the heat causes the road surface to become softer and stickier. The increased friction can also lead to premature wear. More frequent braking. Drivers brake more often in hot weather, which stresses the tires more. More debris on the road. Hot weather can cause more debris to accumulate on the road, such as leaves, gravel, and sand. This debr ... read more

You don’t need us to tell you there is a lot of construction on the roads throughout the area. But did you know that driving on those bad roads can cause problems with your wheel alignment? Road hazards can prematurely knock your wheels out of alignment, causing the need to have the wheels realigned.   We are going to list the various road hazards below.Auto Accidents Things other than bad roads can also knock your wheels out of alignment. For example, your wheels and alignment may be affected if you get into an automobile accident. Even a minor incident can cause problems with your vehicle’s wheel alignment. Bumpy Roads Bumpy roads are a pain, aren’t they? Driving too fast on rough roads can knock your wheels out of alignment, unbalance them, and even damage your tires. Bumpy roads can also wreak havoc on your struts and shocks as they struggle to absorb the uneven pavem ... read more

  Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause aerodynamic drag. But, operating the air conditioner on the maximum level can reduce your mpg by 5% to 25%, compared to not using it. Also, try to park your car in the shade so you won't have to keep the AC working as hard. Properly inflated tires are safer, lasts longer, and improve your gas mileage by more than 3% per tire. Slow down! Although vehicles reach their optimal fuel economy at different speeds, gas mileage usually decreases over 60 mph.  Try to drive at a constant speed—both acceleration and deceleration waste fuel.  Use cruise control when possible. The car's cruise control system's minor, more precise adjustments will keep your speed constant and save you fuel. Wax your car and keep it clean. This will reduce aerodynamic drag, thus providing better mileage. A clean air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as10%. Perform routine maintenance

Car maintenance intervals don’t only tie-in to how many miles you drive in a given year — they’re also linked to the seasons. If you live in a part of the country where the difference between winter and summer driving is stark, then you might already be familiar with the regular rituals of tire swaps, fluid changes, and other seasonal car maintenance duties. But if seasonal changes are more subtle in your neck of the woods, you can still use this natural clock to help time your basic vehicle maintenance. In addition to checking tires and fluids, seasonal car maintenance also includes inspecting items on your vehicle that commonly wear out in order to see if they need to be replaced. Specifically, rubber or plastic components like wiper blades, engine belts, and battery cables are all worth taking a look at. If you see any cracks, discoloration, or signs of corrosion around the battery, these are solid indicators that the part should be replaced