HESCO Automotive & Performance Center Blog
Your vehicle’s braking system is one of its most vital safety features. However, brakes experience significant wear and tear over time. Neglecting maintenance can lead to reduced performance, longer stopping distances, or even brake failure. Fortunately, with proper care and attention, you can keep your braking system operating smoothly for years. At HESCO Automotive & Performance Center, we provide expert brake service in the greater Birmingham, AL area. Here are four tips for maintaining healthy and reliable brakes. Schedule Regular Brake Inspections Routine inspections are key to keeping your braking system in top condition. Most experts recommend having your brakes checked at least once a year—or more often if you notice unusual noises, vibrations, or reduced braking power. The technician can inspect the pads, rotors, calipers, and brake fluid to identify early signs of wear. Catching small problems early helps prevent major issues that could compromise your safety and lead to more expensive repairs. Replace Brake Pads Before They’re Fully Worn Brake pads are designed to wear down gradually, but waiting too long to replace them can cause serious damage to the rotors. If you hear squealing or grinding noises when braking, it’s a clear sign that your pads may be worn out. Replacing them promptly helps ensure consistent stopping power and can extend the lifespan of other components in the system. Properly Maintain Brake Fluid Brake fluid plays a critical role in transferring pressure from the pedal to the braking components. Over time, it can become contaminated with moisture, leading to corrosion and reduced braking efficiency. Check your fluid level regularly and be sure it’s topped off as needed using the type specified in your owner’s manual. It’s also a good idea to have the fluid flushed in accordance with your manufacturer’s guidelines. Address Signs of Trouble Immediately If you notice symptoms like a soft brake pedal, vibrations, pulling to one side, or a dashboard brake warning light, don’t ignore them. Prompt diagnosis and repair by a mechanic can prevent further damage and keep your vehicle safe to drive. Brake Service in Birmingham, AL When you need brake service in Birmingham and the surrounding area, contact HESCO Automotive & Performance Center at (205) 526-3796. At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!
A healthy suspension system absorbs bumps, keeps your tires in contact with the road, and helps maintain control during cornering and braking. When suspension components begin to wear out or fail, your car’s handling, comfort, and safety can all be compromised. Knowing what to watch for can help you address issues before they escalate. At HESCO Automotive & Performance Center, we provide expert suspension repair in the greater Birmingham, AL area. Here are four common signs that your vehicle may have a suspension problem. Ride Feels Rough One of the most obvious indications of suspension trouble is a noticeable decline in ride comfort. If your car starts feeling unusually rough, bouncing excessively over small bumps, or jarring when driving on uneven roads, your shocks or struts may be worn out. These components are designed to absorb impact, and once they lose effectiveness, every bump in the road becomes more pronounced. Uneven Tire Wear Your suspension system helps distribute weight evenly across all four tires. When it’s not functioning properly, tires may wear down unevenly, often showing more wear on one side than the other. This pattern suggests that the wheels are not staying properly aligned or that the suspension is failing to keep the tires firmly planted. Uneven wear not only shortens tire life, but can also make your vehicle harder to control. Drifting or Pulling During Turns If your vehicle drifts or pulls to one side while turning, it could indicate a suspension issue. A failing suspension system may not be keeping the car balanced, which can affect stability and cornering performance. This problem can make handling unpredictable, especially at higher speeds or during sharp turns, increasing your risk of losing control. Visible Damage or Leaks A quick visual inspection can reveal clues about suspension health. Leaking hydraulic fluid on the sides of shocks indicates they’re worn and need replacement. You might also notice sagging in one corner of the vehicle, which suggests a broken spring. Suspension Repair in Birmingham, AL When you need auto repair in Birmingham and the surrounding area, contact HESCO Automotive & Performance Center at (205) 526-3796. At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
When your car’s temperature gauge rises or steam escapes from under the hood, it’s a clear sign that something isn’t working as it should. Overheating is not only inconvenient, but also dangerous for your vehicle, as it can cause severe engine damage if ignored. Understanding the common problems that lead to overheating can help you catch them earlier and have a better chance of avoiding major engine damage. At HESCO Automotive & Performance Center, we provide expert cooling system repair in the greater Birmingham, AL area. Here are four common reasons that cars overheat. Failing Water Pump Your vehicle’s water pump is at the heart of its cooling system, responsible for pushing coolant through the engine and radiator. If it fails, coolant circulation slows or stops entirely. Without proper flow, the engine cannot cool down, leading to overheating. Warning signs of a bad water pump include coolant leaks and unusual whining noises. Low or Leaking Coolant Coolant is essential for regulating engine temperature by absorbing and transferring heat away from the engine. If coolant levels are too low due to leaks in the radiator, hoses, or water pump, the system cannot function effectively. Without enough fluid circulating, the engine quickly overheats. Regularly checking coolant levels while the engine is cool—and addressing leaks promptly—is key to preventing this issue. Faulty Thermostat The thermostat controls the flow of coolant between the engine and radiator. When it works correctly, it opens and closes at the right times to maintain a safe operating temperature. If the thermostat becomes stuck closed, coolant cannot circulate, causing the engine to overheat. Clogged/Damaged Radiator The radiator’s job is to release heat from the coolant before it cycles back into the engine. If the radiator is clogged with debris, corroded, or leaking, it cannot do its job effectively. A damaged radiator fan can also reduce airflow, making it harder for the system to dissipate heat. Any of these problems can lead to overheating. Cooling System Repair in Birmingham, AL When you need auto repair in Birmingham and the surrounding area, contact HESCO Automotive & Performance Center at (205) 526-3796. At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment for car care in greater Birmingham, AL! .
