Safety is of the utmost priority any time you set foot behind the wheel. Being inattentive to the inner workings of your car can lead us to become complacent. It isn’t always the easiest to tell when your vehicle needs to get to an auto mechanic in Nashua, but it’s something to be aware of. Broken parts can lead to hazardous situations for you and other drivers. A safety feature of primary importance is your brakes. Without brakes, cars cannot go on the road, no questions asked. Over time, brakes can wear and need replacements. Here are five signs that your brakes may need an upgrade.
Looking
Humankind was given their five sense for a reason. The best way to get a feel for the environment around is to use your sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste. When it comes to your brakes, sight is going to be super helpful. You can look at the brake pads through the spokes in your wheel. There should be about a ¼ inch of padding there. Any less means you need to see an auto mechanic in Nashua.
Less Response
Response time is the key to safe braking. You need to know that you can stop on a dime in case of unexpected circumstances. You never know when a child can run into a road, so your car needs to respond accordingly. If you notice the response time of your brakes getting longer, your brakes may need replacing.
Pulling
Pulling refers to the action of your car moving more toward one side. When you brake, your vehicle should stop evenly on both sides. Sometimes people find they move more toward one side than the other when they step on their brakes. This can be a sign that your brakes pads have worn unevenly and need replacing.
Grinding
This is where another sense will play a role in identifying brake problems. You shouldn’t be able to hear your brakes bringing your car to a stop. Sometimes over the years, brakes start to make a grinding and growling sound. Listening for this can let you know it’s time to visit an auto mechanic in Nashua for brake replacement.
Vibrating
Another common result of old brakes is vibrating. The point of a car is to run smoothly and comfortably. As brakes wear down, it takes more effort to stop your tires. The pressure of the brakes can rub and lead to vibrations as you stop. Get your brakes checked as soon as you feel vibrations to prevent accidents and collisions.
Every driver should put vehicular safety at the top of their to-do lists. For any trouble with your brakes, visit an auto mechanic in Nashua. Contact RK Auto at 603-595-7575 or visit them online.
The winters of New England are no joke. Weather drops below freezing, so the air hurts your face, and the snow pummels everything. Driving becomes much harder in the winter than in other seasons due to the ice and snow. In extreme cases, roads are closed off. It can be intimidating to drive when you know the weather is going to get rough, which is why it’s important to make sure your car is prepared for anything. Here are a few tips to get your vehicle winter-ready from the best mechanics in Nashua.
Tire Pressure
Tire pressure and tread depth are going to play significant roles in how your car handles in winter weather. As the temperature fluctuates, the air in your tires expands and retract. This causes your tire pressure to fluctuate as well. You can test your tire pressure with a gauge and fill it with an air compressor to your manual’s recommendation. As for tread depth, you can use a penny to test that. Place a penny in the tread with Abraham Lincoln’s head pointing up. If you find his head is still visible at the top, it’s a sign to replace your tires before winter hits.
Supplies
As a safety precaution, you should make sure you have a supply kit in the trunk of your car. While you should always keep an emergency kit in your car, you should make sure it is well stocked as winter comes around. Your kit should include essential items like road flares and a flashlight, a first aid kit and a radio. To customize the kit for winter, you should add blankets, a warm change of clothes, an ice scraper, and a bag of sand to get traction on the road.
Coolant
Making sure your car’s coolant and antifreeze levels are ready for winter is the key. The only thing keeping your engine from freezing and stalling in the winter chill is your coolant. You can check your coolant levels at home with a kit or bring your car to the best mechanics in Nashua to make sure it’s done right.
Driving in the winter is an intimidating thought that becomes less intimidating when you know you’re prepared. Making sure your tire pressure and coolant levels are at peak performance are the first steps. For extra safety, be sure to update your emergency kit with winter supplies. For any questions on how to prepare your car for winter, contact RK Auto Repair, the best mechanics in Nashua at 603-595-7575 or visit them online!
Living in New England, the seasons and accompanying weather tend to dictate our behavior over the course of the year. It dictates how we dress, how we travel, and when we travel. One thing the seasons shouldn’t dictate, at least not entirely, is taking care of our vehicles. Too many people think preparing their car for the winter months is enough. This isn’t true. Cars are just like people in the sense that we need to pay attention to them to keep them running smoothly. RK Auto Repair has some of the best mechanics in NH to help you. Here are few things to remind you that vehicle maintenance should be done throughout the year.
Seasonal Preparation
So, yes, seasonal preparation is essential. You can’t ride your car the same way in the summer months as you do in the winter months. The weather conditions in the colder months take a toll on your car, so it’s best to be pre-emptive. Bring your vehicle to one of the best mechanics in NH to check your coolant system and check the tread on your tires. They can ready your car to get you through the winter months safely.
State Inspections
It’s the law that you must have your vehicle inspected annually to ensure it is safe to drive on the road. When you need to get your car checked depends on the state. In Massachusetts, the date of purchase and registration decides your inspection month. In New Hampshire, the month of inspection depends on your birthday.
Worn Parts
Almost any product that is sold and purchased has a shelf life. Given the wear and tear your car goes through, the individual parts of your car are no different. It’s vital that you stay on top of which parts of your vehicle are aging. As they get older and stop working at their best, they need to be replaced.
Unfamiliar Smells or Sounds
Nobody knows how your car drives better than you do. Most people know their car like the back of their hand. You’ll be the first to notice unfamiliar smells or sounds coming from your vehicle. These are surefire reasons to go to get your car checked out by the best mechanics in NH.
While seasonal car care is important in New Hampshire and areas that experience all four seasons, it shouldn’t be the only time you take care of your vehicle. RK Auto Repair has some of the best mechanics in NH ready to help you with vehicle maintenance and inspection. Contact them at 603-595-7575 or visit them online!
Tires are four pillars of vehicles we consistently rely on. It is imperative that they are in good condition, and work well enough for us to get by. Quality should not be compromised. This is why it is best, in most cases, to go for brand name tires for your vehicle. Observe why you should opt for quality tires below, and always contact us if you need assistance with your tires in Nashua, NH.
1.) They Will Last
You can guarantee that plenty of time and research has been given to brand name tires and their respective companies. Quality is on the mind of these brand name manufacturers. You will be able to have peace of mind and know that these tires are going to stand the test of time if they are name brand. However, they will still need to be changed every now and then – even quality tires cannot last forever.
2.) More Options
If you need a more specific tire with extended functions, a brand name is more likely able to accommodate you. There will definitely be room for more types of tires if the company is well-established and has plenty of funding. For example, if you need all-weather tires or larger sizes, you will be able to turn to a brand name to satisfy your needs, as they will more likely have the option available.
3.) Mechanics Know Brands
When you encounter any issues with your tires that require a slightly involved fix, your mechanic will need to be able to work with the tires and provide solutions. Due to popularity and demand, mechanics know brand names better than lesser-known companies. This means your mechanic will have likely worked with your model or brand before, and can provide you quality care by drawing from their experience. RK Auto Repair has a staff full of expertise, so visiting us when you have to fix your tires in Nashua, NH is worth your time.
4.) Availability
Demand and popularity will translate into sales, which will make way for a name brand to appear in plenty of shops. A quality tire will be desired by plenty of drivers, so the manufacturer needs to keep up with the demand and market. As a result, a quality name brand tire is going to be readily available for you. Chances are, an auto repair shop is going to be able to offer a brand if it has enough appeal and popularity in the public.
5.) Less Money Spent on Your Vehicle Overall
Though shelling out money for a brand name set of tires may seem like a heavy expense, it is going to work out in your favor. By purchasing quality tires, you are making a sound investment in your vehicle. With breaks, poor pressure, and other issues unlikely, you are actually going to save money with proper tires – they will not eventually become difficult to keep up with, and no additional tire expenses outside of routine maintenance will be expected.
Keeping your vehicle safe and drivable is a necessity. Quality, brand name tires are a component of the vehicle that will certainly have advantages and pay off. Go for the extra quality and shop brand name when you can, and always give us a call for assistance with tires in Nashua, NH!
When you operate something as efficient and strong as a motor vehicle, safety is of paramount importance. Not only will safe driving prevent damage to your vehicle, but, more importantly, you will stay safe and keep those traveling with you well also. Practicing safe driving is something you can do each and every day, and are fairly easy to keep in mind as you apply it to your life. Vehicle safety requires efficient driving habits, ones that you can implement easily to keep things safe. Below, see which driving habits can keep you safe and prevent damage to your vehicle. For quality auto repair in Nashua, NH, contact RK Auto Repair!
1.) Obey the Speed Limit
It is posted, enforced, and observed for a reason. Plenty of thought and consideration goes into establishing these limits, and obeying them will keep you safe on the surface as you drive. Speeding can cause accidents, tire damage, and many more problems that compromise you and your vehicle’s safety.
2.) Stay Focused
A distracted driver is a dangerous driver for themselves and others. If your eyes are not on the road, you cannot see any hazards on the path or other conditions that may cause harm. Be sure to stay completely focused on the road when you drive, and always be aware of your surroundings. It is one of the few ways you can be 100% sure of your safety.
3.) Change Tires
Tires become worn down from excessive travels or damagers on the road when they do not have regular maintenance or pressure. Stay on top of your tires’ condition, fill them with air regularly, and change them as frequently as manufacturing standards suggest. You will avoid blowouts or other hazards that can bring your car down, and leave you on the side of the road.
4.) Change Oils
Oils are essential for your vehicle’s parts to function, for each and every part. However, they have expiration dates and become ineffective after a set amount of time. For your gas and other parts of your vehicle to work efficiently, you need to change your oil frequently and put the right types of oil in the vehicle.
5.) Be Careful
If you are wandering into an area that you are unsure of, or that is facing some hazardous weather, it is best to tread lightly. Of course, if possible, you should avoid driving in hazardous weather as you drive. That aside, always drive a bit more slowly and carefully when you encounter areas that are unfamiliar to you, undergoing maintenance, or filled with dodgy traffic that can cause unsafe road and driving conditions.
Safe driving habits help you stay well, and will keep your vehicle in good shape if you practice them each and every day. Be a cautious driver, and you will arrive to your destination without any worries. However, accidents can happen. Routine maintenance is also necessary. For those needs and more, you can visit us for excellent auto repair in Nashua, NH.
Any vehicle owner knows just how important it is to maintain your vehicle. After all, you use it every day and do your best to make sure it looks great and functions well. However, it can get quite expensive. For that reason, people tend to avoid “check engine” lights if it doesn’t seem like there is a glaring issue. While it may save you money in the short-term, it’s never a good idea to avoid visiting an auto mechanic in Nashua to get your vehicle’s problems fixed for a few reasons.
-
Pay now, save later
People hesitate to get routine maintenance because they just don’t want to pay for something that seems simple enough to fix or something that doesn’t directly impact their driving experience. However, it’s well worth it: if you ignore any malfunctions, it will only get worse and end up costing you much more money down the line. It’s better to pay for a simple repair now so you can have peace of mind and not have to shell out a ton of money later.
-
Safety
You may not see or feel the impact of a malfunction underneath a vehicle’s hood, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods. It’s always better to take care of a problem, so you don’t have to risk your safety. If you ignore an issue, your vehicle could quickly break down and potentially cause harm to you as you drive – especially if the problem leads to catastrophic engine failure or something of the like.
-
Extend vehicle life
It’s critical that the vehicle you use is reliable and gets you from Point A to Point B. A lot of vehicle owners like to own their car for a while and love when their car still runs after a long time with little to no hiccups. When you visit an auto mechanic in Nashua and get your vehicle fixed as soon as possible, you ensure that your car is in the best shape possible and potentially make your vehicle last longer. The quicker you keep up with vehicle maintenance, the more likely it is that the car will last for a while.
Going to a garage for a minor vehicle problem may seem unnecessary, but it is critical and keeps you safe. For quality service, visit RK Auto Repair and talk to an auto mechanic in Nashua about your car. We’ll get it back on the road in no time.
It may seem like spring is far away during the colder months, but it is finally here! After New England winters, a new season is welcome and feels like a new beginning. People love to take care of their lawns and ensure everything else is ready for the new season. That includes vehicles. If you haven’t prepared your car for the spring, consider the following ways you can ensure that your car works well for the season and is ready for its challenges. For all of your auto repair in Nashua, NH needs, contact RK Auto Repair!
1.) Observe tire pressure
Fluctuating temperatures can have an impact on tires. While spring is far more mild and less effective against your tires than winter or summer, it can still present challenges. The temperatures will suddenly warm up, and that can increase tire pressure. When in doubt, measure it and keep an eye on it. Bring it to a professional if you have any doubts.
2.) Check alignment and brakes
As snow and ice coat the roads you drive on during the winter, they leave an impact. Not only do you have to look out for your safety but you also have to deal with any residual effects the road have on your vehicle’s mechanisms. Brakes and alignment may be out of line since they encounter pot holes, salt and other residual grime, and other issues. Make sure they work well.
3.) Get a wash and wax
Salt can do a number on your vehicle. After consistent exposure, your car is bound to show signs of salt damage and look a bit worse for the wear. However, that can get remedied with a quality wax and wash. While auto repair in Nashua, NH is crucial, maintaining an appearance is excellent, too. What better way to welcome a new season than a new look on your car?
4.) Look under the hood
After harsh conditions and consistent driving, there’s no doubt that the items under your car’s hood may get worn down. Take a peek under the hood and see if any belts or hoses are loose and check oil levels. If you need to get them fixed, go to a professional as soon as possible.
Spring is a favorite season, and we’re happy to ensure your car is ready for it. For quality auto repair in Nashua, NH, call RK Auto Repair at (603)-595-7575!
Everyone knows that winter can cause a lot of interruptions and annoyance for New Englanders. We often think about it regarding how we have to protect our homes or layer our clothing, but it impacts vehicles, too – especially tires in Nashua. As you drive this winter, there are a few things that can get affected by winter to bear in mind.
1.) Tires
The most obvious and most impacted area of the vehicle. Tires face a lot of dangers during winter: slippery ice that reduces traction, cold air that may deflate them, and the potential for rust from the excess moisture snow carries. Your tires need to get observed more than ever during winter, so make sure you schedule pressure tests and keep maintenance up.
2.) Battery
Car batteries, like tires in Nashua, can get impacted by extreme temperatures. It’s always best for you to have a neutral zone for your battery so it can operate at its fullest potential and work efficiently. When left unattended, a cold cell may not let your vehicle start. Try to start your car well ahead of time when you need to go somewhere and start it often, so the engine’s energy keeps the battery running.
3.) Exterior
Snow doesn’t care where it strikes: it just does. Unfortunately, that means you have to work hard to keep your car’s exterior clean. If you don’t, you may see a rusty coat or salt-damaged paint in your future. It’s important to take care of the exterior as well as the interior.
Winter is a time where plenty of hazards arrive for drivers, but you don’t have to be caught unawares if you look out for parts that get affected. For assistance with tires in Nashua and more, call RK Auto Repair at (603)-595-7575!
Though some vehicular issues can be easily resolved, they may not be all that simple. When it comes to complicated machines like cars, even smaller fixes are best left to the professionals. Going to a mechanic instead of trying to fix something yourself has many benefits. Observe them below, and contact RK Auto Repair for quality auto repair in Nashua, NH.
Proper diagnosis
You may have a hunch something is wrong, but no idea what exactly is going on underneath the hood. A mechanic comes in very useful during these moments of doubt. Since they are trained professionals with extensive information about vehicle parts and operations, they will have plenty of knowledge at their disposal. Using their know-how, a mechanic will be able to offer you a diagnosis to let you know what is really happening, and how they can fix it (if possible).
Plenty of knowledge
Especially if you are not knowledgeable about cars, fixing them yourself is not a wise choice. Leave it to someone who knows what they are talking about. Mechanics have years of training and experience related to vehicles, so they are able to work with them better than anyone without know-how ever could. Our staff has about 25 years of experience and are a trusted source for auto repair in Nashua, NH. Your mechanic will be able to come up with plenty of solutions and recommendations at the drop of a hat.
Equipment
Chances are, you do not have a highly specialized tool for auto repair just hanging around in your garage. If you are not a professional, it does not make sense to carry much outside of a standard toolbox, anyway. Mechanics have access to and are able to use technically advanced equipment to do repairs. Their equipment will be sure to get the job done. Specialized tools are not so easily found, so take advantage of the tools at their disposal.
Success rate
Vehicles are serious, delicate machines that require proper methods to operate and repair them. Unlike crafts or something else you can learn on the fly, fixing a serious car issue is not something you will definitely excel in on the first try. A mechanic will probably be able to perform what is necessary – and do it properly. Going to the mechanic will ensure your problem will be fixed, with no guesswork necessary.
Variety of services
Unless they state otherwise, you can expect a professional auto repair shop to offer plenty of services. Whether it is something basic like a state inspection or more involved, you will be covered. So, if you have a problem that leads way to other complications, the mechanic should be well-versed enough and have plenty of maintenance operations in their arsenal to take care of each bit of service you need.
It can be tempting to save money by skipping the mechanic and trying to fix your car’s problem yourself, but vehicle repair is not something for rookies. Proper fixing and repairs require experience, seasoned professionals, and anything else a mechanic can offer. For quality auto repair in Nashua, NH, give us a call at (603)-595-7575!
When taking care of vehicles, proper parts are a huge part of the equation for operation. We want to be sure our vehicles are working at optimal level, so we should always be aware of the best car parts on the market.
While some car parts are simple and do not need to be brand name to work well, there are certainly others you should not sacrifice the quality of. Observe some of these types of parts below, and always contact us any time you need quality auto repair in Nashua, NH.
Engines
They are the driving force behind your vehicle, and their function cannot be compromised. Investing in a strong engine will give your vehicle the torque, horsepower, and function it needs.
Other parts of the vehicle will benefit from this as well: since the engine drives the vehicle, and provides energy, other portions of the vehicle will be able to work their hardest as well.
Tires
You need to be sure that your driving experience is going to be safe and well-protected. Tires are a huge part of vehicle safety and will safely guide you across the surfaces you encounter when you drive.
Invest in proper, quality tires that are going to function well. Tires require a little bit of maintenance, so be sure to observe their air quality every so often. For more complicated fixes, contact us to get your tires fixed and get proper auto repair in Nashua, NH.
Lights
Whether they are at the front or back of your vehicle, lights are also essential to a safe driving experience. They help illuminate your vehicle and provide some visibility as you drive through poorly lit surfaces. You want to be seen so no accidents happen.
Make sure your lights are inspected regularly, and change faulty or burnt out bulbs. You will be safer and more secure with the right visibility.
Battery
After all, it powers every little bit of your vehicle. It needs to be strong, charged well enough, and be quite durable. Be sure to invest in the proper battery so your vehicle can operate.
Without a quality battery, your engine will not be able to function: this spells trouble for the rest of the vehicle!
Exhaust System
The exhaust system is imperative to both vehicular function and, surprisingly, your health. This system works with several parts to filter air that comes in and out of your vehicle, allowing clean air to make its way into it.
A faulty exhaust system is going to allow poor air to enter the car, which could have toxic effects if you or others in the vehicle breathe it in – so be sure to ensure safety and have a quality system set up.
Providing your vehicle with strong parts will only make your vehicle stronger and offer a better performance. Sometimes, it is best not to go all out for name brands or high prices, but vehicle care is always worth it.
For assistance with these parts and any other vehicle needs, count on us to do the job right. Give us a call at (603)-595-7575 for auto repair in Nashua, NH.