Author Archives: Japanese Car Specialties

Your brakes may not be something that remains on your mind on a regular basis, but this is a feature that should always be functioning properly. Here are several ways to determine whether or not your brakes are in need of servicing.

• First, be sure to check your brake pads for wear through the spokes of your wheels. The pad on the outside should press against the rotor. The pad should be at least 1/4 inch. If you see anything less than that, have your brakes inspected.
• If you’re noticing that when you press on the brake pedal and there is a delay in response, this could be a red flag. Your vehicle could potentially be experiencing an air leak in the brake hose or a loss of brake fluid. Keep an eye out for a puddle under your vehicle after it’s been sitting. Brake fluid looks like oil, but has a less slimy texture.
• If you happen to notice that your vehicle pulls to one side or another when braking, this is could be caused by brake linings are wearing inconsistently. This will call for either an adjustment or a draining and replacing of the fluid.
• One of the last ways to tell that your brakes need servicing is if you begin to hear a grinding or squeaking noise.That’s resulting from two pieces of metal rubbing together and means that your pads have completely worn down. This can make the surface of your rotors become uneven.

So if you’ve noticed any of this signs with your vehicle, call Japanese Car Specialties at 949-583-0811 to schedule your appointment today. We provide quality brake repairs for all of Mission Viejo, CA.

It’s the summer time and the perfect time to get in the car and hit the road, right? But it’s no fun when that road trip is cut short due to a car issue. It’s always a good idea to have a few things checked before heading out.

Check all fluids – Your fluids are basically the bloodline of your vehicle. This means to make sure that all of your fluids are topped off and changed if necessary, including coolant, oil, washer fluid, etc.

Check the tires – The tires are the most common cause of trouble on a road trip. You getting a flat and having to call roadside assistance can all be avoided if you do a simple check before you leave. make sure that you get the pressure checked, double check for any other issues, such as baldness or punctures, and always have a spare and a jack.

Check your brakes – Your brakes are the last thing that you want to have a problem with while on the road. Make sure that you have enough brake fluid and there are no scraping or squeaking sounds, that could be a sign that you need new ones.

Get your vehicle a check up – The same way that you need to go to the doctor for a check up, your car needs it as well, but with a mechanic of course! This helps to point out anything that needs to be addressed and could help avoid major problems in the future.

Once all of this is in good standing then you’re all set to go. So before you head out on that wide open road, stop by Japanese Car Specialties for your vehicle inspection today. Stop in or call at 949-583-0811 to schedule your appointment.