New tires typically come with 10/32” or 11/32” tread depths, and some truck, SUV, and winter tires may have even deeper tread depths than other models. In Massachusetts, the minimum tire tread depth is 2/32 inches. This means that all of your tires must have at least 2/32 inches of tread depth in the proper […]
As a part that’s under a lot of stress, your brakes will wear out over time. “Metal to metal” is the term used to describe brake pads or shoes that have worn through all of their friction material. When this happens, the metal backing of the pad or shoe rubs on the rotor or drum, […]
Wheel studs are designed to keep your tires and wheels safely secured to your car. In most cases, these hard steel components don’t go bad or wear out. However, because the wheel stud is exposed to the elements and takes on tremendous daily stress, there are other issues that can cause these parts to wear […]
Coolant is crucial to your engine’s operation. Rusty, old, or leaking coolant could be a sign of a serious problem. But how do you know if it’s serious? The Basics Before we dive into potential problems, let’s cover the basics. Each manufacturer uses different types of coolant in their vehicles, with different levels of dilution. […]
In our last article, we talked about irregular tire damage. But tires can also become damaged without the driver’s knowledge. The most common damages are caused by cuts, punctures, and impact. Cuts Cuts are tears in your tire tread. Cuts are the result of an external influence, such as potholes, protruding bodywork parts, or sharp, […]
Constant velocity axles, commonly referred to as CV axles, transfer power from your engine’s transmission to the wheels and propel the vehicle forward. The flexible joint in a CV axle, which accommodates wheel movement, is covered in a rubber boot that is referred to as the CV Boot. This boot serves as a simple dust […]
While modern disc brakes are very effective and reliable a brake rotor can break from time to time. A broken or fractured rotor creates an immediate threat to your safety on the road and must be replaced as soon as possible. Here are the signs and symptoms to watch for, and what causes them: Signs and […]
“Metal to metal” is the term used to describe brake pads or shoes that have worn through all of their friction material. This happens when the metal backing of the pad or shoe rubs on the rotor or drum, which is also made of metal. This is not only dangerous but can require expensive repair […]
Rack and pinion steering systems are often used in sports cars and other vehicles that are low riding or have limited space in the front of the vehicle. They’re relatively compact and don’t require complex linkages like the steering gear systems found in most trucks. How It Works The pinion is simply a small gear […]
What is the caliper? The caliper is the part of the brake system that houses the pads and pistons. When you press the brake, the caliper squeezes the brake pads against the rotors bringing the car to a stop. If the caliper gets stuck or frozen, the brake pad can’t completely disengage from the surface […]