Miami Car Repair | M&R Auto Repair | Kendall Mechanic

When purchasing a vehicle (new or used), one should prepare themselves for all the expenses that come along with owning a vehicle.  An obvious expense is fuel, but if you would like to keep major costs down over the life (extended life if you maintenance the vehicle regularly) of your vehicle,  you need to take it to a reputable mechanic for regular check-ups.

Vehicle manufactures have  services recommended at various mileages.  This is based on how the vehicle is built and what it is built out of. Manufacturers know how many miles/years certain items will most likely last and so they recommend a multitude of maintenance items be replaced at said intervals. Some of the most common parts to be replaced based on manufacturer recommendations – plugs, wires, fluids, filters, pcv valve, and timing components (belt/pulleys/roller/tensioner/cam and crank seals).  They recommend these items in hopes of stopping issues before they start. Many may turn up their nose at such expenditures but who knows a vehicle better than its maker!? While maintenance repairs may seem unnecessary, they are recommended to save you money in the long run. Its sounds simple when put like this – replacing a part BEFORE it actually breaks will ensure that the part doesn’t have a chance to damage additional items.  It makes financial sense to be proactive.

Pop Goes Your Tire….

Once you can identify that you have a flat, you must remove yourself from the road as soon as possible.  If you are changing a tire roadside, be sure to set up your reflector lights a few feet back and turn on your hazards.  Next, find your spare. It is of utmost importance that your spare be a capable tire or this is all for naught. Spares are usually located (in some fashion) under the trunk.  Also, always be careful when lifting heavy objects, for lifting incorrectly could cause damage to your body.

Now, make certain that you are on level ground. This will ensure the vehicle will not fall off the jack.  Next, break the wheel lugs loose BEFORE lifting vehicle. Once lugs are broken loose, lift vehicle.  Position the jack in an area recommended by your car’s owner manual to facilitate the process. When secured, jack the car up roughly six inches off the ground.  Now you can completely remove lug nuts/bolts.  Having some sort of container to place the bolts/nuts in would be preferred. You do not want to lose one.

Pull the tire off and place the spare centered on the wheel stud where the lug nuts belong. Install the lug nuts clockwise by hand, not too tight. Lower the vehicle with the jack and tighten the lug nuts. Rather than tightening the lug nuts in sequential order, tighten on lug nut about 50% and tighten the lug nut in the opposite direction of the one that was just tightened. Follow this pattern until all lug nuts are as tight as possible. Once completing your tire change, remember to place all tools, including the flat tire in your trunk.

EVERYONE NEEDS A BOOST FROM TIME TO TIME; ESPECIALLY YOUR CAR!

You rely on your vehicle for a myriad of reasons, let your car know it can rely on you too. Cars run so well today that most drivers believe you just add gas and go. As usual, it’s never that simple. Just as we take vitamins to help us keep our bodies healthy our cars need some help as well. They don’t get everything they need merely via gasoline. In fact, depending on where you buy your gas it’s really anyone’s guess as to what you are actually filling up with anyway. We recommend using a “FUEL ADDITIVE” 4 X a year. M&R highly recommends a product called “SEAFOAM”. Its simple to use; just add 1 bottle when fill your tank up. Empty the entirety of the bottle in first, and then refuel. Now as you are driving, enjoying yours tunes and dodging the crazies; you are cleaning and conditioning your fuel system. What a multi-tasker you are! Aside from keeping the fuel system in top shape, you may also notice better fuel mileage, smoother idle and stronger acceleration – which are all good things. As aforementioned, you rely on your car – allow it to rely on you, it will enhance your relationship and that’s what everyone desires, is it not? Buckle up!!

XOX KISSES AND SUCH

M&R Auto Repair is your locally owned Miami Auto Repair shop. Conveniently located just north of The Falls shopping center of 87th Avenue. For more information visit us online www.mandrautorepair.com, or visit our shop 8825 SW 129th Street, Miami, FL 33176 – 305-253-7499. M and R Auto Repair.

I’m assuming that pretty much everyone reading this would go to an eye doctor if their vision slowly became hazy, right? It would be not only a nuisance but also (more importantly), a danger to you and those around you. It is no different with your vehicle and its headlights. The headlights enable you to see when you drive at night and they should be treated as such. If I told you that one of your tires is bald and in danger of a blowout, you would be concerned, would you not? Does not being able to see clearly at night concern you? I should think so. While ‘headlight polishing’ may sound like a cosmetic issue more than a safety one, it is not. Hazy headlights are a danger to you, others on the road, animals and pedestrians alike. Accidents prove to be far more costly than our service. The process is a simple one, the technicians sand off a thin top layer, buff and polish the headlight assemblies. So, do the responsible thing and have them polished at M&R, it only takes an hour and the effects are long lasting. You will be happily surprised at how much of a difference it makes!! Buckle up!!

BEFORE (ABOVE)

AFTER (BELOW)

XOXO KISSES AND SUCH

M&R Auto Repair is your locally owned Miami Auto Repair shop. Conveniently located just north of The Falls shopping center of 87th Avenue. For more information visit us online www.mandrautorepair.com, or visit our shop 8825 SW 129th Street, Miami, FL 33176 – 305-253-7499. M and R Auto Repair.

It’s YOUR choice! Unless of course your preference is to inhale unfiltered air, laden with grotesque bugs bits, dust, dander, pollen, small children and the like. Not only that, but you are forcing your unknowing passengers to do the same! For shame! If we learned anything from Spiderman it is that with great power comes great responsibility. What is the name of this item that begets this power? It is none other than your cabin air filter. It works just like the one in your home. This filter doesn’t just trap pollutants from reaching your lungs, it also stops them from making their way to the evaporator, where it can clog it and cause it to fail prematurely. Many vehicles’ cabin air filters are very dirty – falling victim to the saying ‘out of sight, out of mind’. Being the considerate and health conscious person you are, I know that after being enlightened by this literature – you will come to M&R and we will happily change yours for you. It usually only takes a few minutes! So call or stop in and we’ll help you breathe easy.

BUCKLE UP!! XOXOXOXO

is this what YOU are breathing in!? my lungs hurt just looking at it!

this is what your cabin air filter should look like!
M&R Auto Repair is your locally owned Miami Auto Repair shop. Conveniently located just north of The Falls shopping center of 87th Avenue. For more information visit us online www.mandrautorepair.com, or visit our shop 8825 SW 129th Street, Miami, FL 33176 – 305-253-7499. M and R Auto Repair.

So many fluids….so little time!!! Many people are taken aback when they realize just how many serviceable fluids exist in their vehicle.  Servicing your vehicle regularly is one of the best ways to ensure that your vehicle is not only performing at optimum levels but also to help it last for a longer period of time.

Although it may seem obvious, you need an oil change on a regular basis. While vehicles running on synthetic fluids can wait 5,000 miles before a full change, most vehicles should not. Every vehicle comes with a manual that states the regularity with which the oil is recommended to be changed. They made the car, so they should know.  Even if a vehicle isn’t driven much, the oil still needs changed every 6 months. Unused oil still degrades and can potentially harm your engine.  For vehicles that are driven regularly, oil needs to be changed so as not to sludge up the engine. Sludged up engines make for costly repairs.

Coolant is another fluid that needs flushed. Old coolant can be laden with debris and rust, which isn’t healthy for your vehicle.  Coolant should be a 50/50 mixture,  straight water will corrode a multitude of items within the cooling system. Coolant is what keeps the engine cool, which in turn, allows for many other components to function properly. Overheating your engine is one of the WORST things you can do to you car. When mechanics recommend a coolant flush, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Coolant levels should be checked often to ensure a leak is not present. If your coolant is low, a quick pressure test should pinpoint the problem.

Brake fluid should also be flushed with some regularity.  Brake fluid becomes low and dirty naturally over time.  Filthy fluid doesn’t allow for easy movement of the caliper pistons and can actually end up seizing the brakes.  The dirt in the lines can degrade the seals in the master cylinder, causing a leak. Brake flushes should be performed with every brake replacement, but if your fluid is dirty enough, it should be done on its own.

The differential fluid is probably the most often neglected of the fluids. (The differential distributes power from the engine to the wheels.) Differential needs vary from vehicle to vehicle. For example, 4X4′s have two differentials to service.

Lastly, the power steering fluid. This level shouldn’t drop much, so if it is, you might want to check for leaks. Although not common, leaks are possible, so keep an eye on this if the levels are dropping quickly.

M&R Auto Repair is your locally owned Miami Auto Repair shop. Conveniently located just north of The Falls shopping center of 87th Avenue. For more information visit us online www.mandrautorepair.com, or visit our shop 8825 SW 129th Street, Miami, FL 33176 – 305-253-7499. M and R Auto Repair.

Certified mechanics go through countless hours of schooling and hands-on training, and this is not for naught.  For example, changing the oil may seem fairly straight forward, however, an untrained eye could miss the beginnings of potential future problems. These are problems that could be rectified early when caught early, instead of allowing (possibly expensive) damage to be done. Also, many people accidentally strip drain bolts when they attempt to do at home oil changes.  This is because many people don’t know how to properly tighten them. A stripped drain bolt leads to oil leaking out, as could an improperly tightened oil filter.

As mentioned in a previous post, battery installation is another favorite among the DIY crowd. Batteries installed incorrectly can have dire consequences, such as shorting out multiple computers in the vehicle. This would be a terribly costly mistake.

Finally,  brake repair is gaining momentum in the ‘internet mechanic’ world as well.  This at home repair can be very costly and devastating if not done correctly.  Many people don’t have the tools to push the pistons in or bleed the system properly. Many times, they open the brake lines unnecessarily, allowing air to get in, then they find that they lack the tools to get the air out. This will result in a spongy pedal and ultimately, an unsafe ride. Backyard mechanics tend to throw on pads, without resurfacing or replacing the rotors.  I’m assuming people prefer doing it themselves in order to save a buck, but in reality, you are going to cost yourself a lot more in the future by doing things in this fashion. Pads can’t grip an unsurfaced rotor evenly, resulting in squealing upon braking and uneven pad wear. Pads are also worn down faster in this manner.

I’ll end on this….there is  a reason the mechanics went to school for what they do – it is their calling, not yours! So leave everything to the pros, you and your car will thank me later!

HUGS N KISSES XOXOX BUCKLE UP!

M&R Auto Repair is your locally owned Miami Auto Repair shop. Conveniently located just north of The Falls shopping center of 87th Avenue. For more information visit us online www.mandrautorepair.com, or visit our shop 8825 SW 129th Street, Miami, FL 33176 – 305-253-7499. M and R Auto Repair.

Do you hear a roaring sound when you drive but last you checked Simba wasn’t your passenger? If you blindfolded someone and placed him or her in your backseat – would they think perhaps they were on some shoddy ride at the county fair? If so, it sounds to me like your tires are ‘cupping’ due to severely worn shocks and/or struts. Take a gander at your tires – do they look like the image below? ‘Cupped’ or ‘choppy’ tires are uneven from tread to tread. This will ruin tires prematurely and cost you more often than needed. Now if you are thinking, ‘My tires don’t look like that – I am not in need of new shocks or struts’ – think again! At 50K+ shocks have lived a long, full life and are ready for retirement – it’s not very nice to make the elderly work that hard!  So do your vehicle a favor and let M&R inspect your tires/struts/shocks, it only takes a few minutes and its FREE and painless! Everyone loves things that are free and painless. Buckle up!! xoxox

 
M&R Auto Repair is your locally owned Miami Auto Repair shop. Conveniently located just north of The Falls shopping center of 87th Avenue. For more information visit us online www.mandrautorepair.com, or visit our shop 8825 SW 129th Street, Miami, FL 33176 – 305-253-7499. M and R Auto Repair.

After packing the car full of melting groceries, you go to start it and….. nothing. You turn the key, and it’s so quiet you could hear a mouse sneeze. The dash isn’t lighting up and the dome light won’t come on.  Don’t fret about the possibility of it being a starter or alternator just yet, sounds to me like you have a failed battery my friend!

First and foremost, it is important to know that most batteries only last about 3 years (5 if you are lucky!) in areas such as South Florida, with high heat and humidity, regardless of how coddled they are.  Luckily there are a few ways in which to prolong the batteries life and protect against premature failure. The first way to ensure you get the most out of your battery is to not allow it to sit indefinitely. Even if you have no intentions of driving a vehicle, it MUST be started, and allowed to run, at least once a week.  You’ll know if you have let it go too long if your vehicle is starting in a sluggish fashion.  A slow starts means a battery is on the fence, with a negative outcome likely. Another way to maintain your battery is to have the corrosion cleaned off regularly.  Corrosion can lead to damaged terminals, which are not only a more costly repair, but this can also lead to a slow or no start condition.  If your battery looks like the pictures below, come in and let us check your battery. It rarely snows in Miami and I can assure you – that isn’t snow under your hood.  The white/blue powder you see onthis battery terminal is corrosion.

When your battery does die, think twice before attempting this seemingly simple task on your own. Installing a battery incorrectly can have seriously dire repercussions, such as shorting out multiple computers. Replacing or reprogramming (if able to) computers is not an inexpensive venture. It is always best to have a professional install a battery for you, better safe than sorry, after all!

P.S – If you are questioning the integrity of your battery, have no fear, it takes 10 minutes to check your battery andthe BEST part is it’s FREE.  You can’t beat that with a stick! Just ride by M&R AUTO and let us take a gander.

HUGS AND KISSES!! XOX BUCKLE UP!

WHAT’S BLACK, CURVY and COULD LEAVE YOU ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD?

Hmmm…..what could it be…what could it be? OH I KNOW! A COOLANT HOSE! Although what’s even worse than that is now there is serious potential that you could have damaged your engine. This would cost thousands of $$$.  Playing the waiting game with the possibility of bursting hoses isn’t an intelligent option. Replacing all the cooling and heating hoses is more affordable and sensible with regards to time. Once your vehicle reaches the age of 6 years or has over 60,000 miles COOLANT HOSE REPLACEMENT MUST be near the top of your “TO DO” list!  If your vehicle meets the aforementioned criteria then please pay increasing attention to your temperature light/gauge.  If that beacon begins to glow ‘OVERHEAT’ or the temperature needle begins to dance its way upward toward the DANGER ZONE you need do but ONE thing – STOP, STOP, STOP NOW!! Turn your vehicle off and allow the engine to cool. Call a tow truck (or phone M&R and we would be more than happy to arrange a tow for you).  While hose jobs generally aren’t inexpensive, this minor inconvenience is a lot cheaper than if you damage your engine.  You could avoid all of this “enjoyment” by being proactive and replacing all your hoses before they ruin your day, your week…even your month.  I’ll try my hardest not to burst your bubble, but a burst hose surely will. Get them before they get you! Buckle up!