Ingredients for a common winter time auto repair recipe: brake pads, brake rotors, more salt, more corrosion and more rust. The ending result, brake pulsation and premature brake failure. If you asked, "why are my brakes pulsating?" or maybe asked google, "why are my brakes pulsating?" then let our expert mechanics answer that for you. In winter driving conditions where excessive salting is common, brake pads commonly rust into place in their sliding brackets. As a result, the brake pads do not wear evenly. Sometimes half the pad contacts, a little bit contacts, sometimes not at all (such as the pictured brake rotor). Due to the minimized surface area of the brake pad actually working to stop the vehicle is now working harder, it creates extra heat. Too much heat distorts the brake rotor leading to pulsation. Sometimes the brake rotor rusts up into the area that the brake pad is riding on causing a pulsation from riding on an uneven surface. New York State Inspection requirements require at least 50% of the brake rotor making contact with the brake pad. However, the brake rotors are not allowing to pulsate for inspection and have tolerances that need to be met. The proper ending repair in our climate is replacement of the brake pads and rotors. If you have questions about brakes, calipers, pads and rotors, then give us a call. ​

​Second opinions are important, especially when you are considering spending a good amount of money on auto repairs. Often times we get asked if a car is worth putting money into. This was the case with a first time customer's vehicle. Another shop quoted thousands of dollars for repairs to make their car road legal after performing a new york state inspection. They also stated it would be good for a couple more years. Upon getting the vehicle in the shop and on a lift, the cars longevity became clear. Indeed, it needed thousands to become road legal; however, the structural integrity of it was compromised. We do not always like to have first time meetings that are heart to heart, but we do them when it is necessary. Unfortunately this vehicle's time has come to be put to rest. Thankfully the customer understands that for their own safety and financial well being that it is time to find new wheels. 

On a side note, I still see lots of blue inspection stickers on cars driving by. If your inspection sticker is the color blue, those are no longer legal. 

Are you finding yourself slipping and sliding in the snow? Not every "all-season" tire is actually rated for all weather, including snow. The requirements to be considered all-season tires are not much since other states don't get snow in winter months. There are strict requirements in order to become a certified snow tire. Look for the snowflake emblem on the sidewall of your tire. That emblem means that model tire has met the federal requirements to be considered a snow tire. If you don't have that emblem, then your tires do not meet requirements to be considered a snow tire. This can explain why you are slipping and sliding. If you have questions, then please call. ​