RIck's Auto

Not every trip to have your brakes looked at ends in a full brake job. Sometimes what’s needed is a much smaller fix — cleaning and lubricating a caliper pin, for instance — and it helps to know the difference before you book an appointment. Signs you’re likely due for a full brake job If … Read more

Ask most drivers what’s involved in a brake job and they’ll say pads, maybe rotors. Almost nobody mentions caliper pins and sliders — the small hardware that lets a caliper move freely as your pads wear. They’re easy to overlook, but a stuck one can wreck an otherwise good brake job. What caliper pins and … Read more

When people think about brake maintenance, they think about pads and rotors — parts you can see wear on. Brake fluid doesn’t get the same attention, but it ages too, and letting it go too long can affect how your brakes perform. Why brake fluid ages Most brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it naturally absorbs … Read more

When we tell you a brake job is needed, it helps to know what’s actually being replaced and why. Pads, rotors, and calipers don’t wear out on the same schedule — here’s the plain-English version of what each part does and roughly how long it lasts. Brake pads: the wear item Pads are designed to … Read more

Most drivers wait for a warning sign — a squeal, a grind, a soft pedal — before they think about their brakes. But a lot of brake wear happens quietly, with no symptoms at all until a part is already in bad shape. That’s why Rick’s Automotive recommends a full brake inspection at least once … Read more

The old “every 3,000 miles” rule has stuck around for decades — but for most modern vehicles, it’s simply out of date. So how often do you really need an oil change? The honest answer: it depends on your vehicle and how you drive it. What the manufacturer says comes first Your owner’s manual is … Read more

Brakes are the one system on your vehicle you never want to gamble with — and the good news is they almost always warn you before they fail. Here are six signs it’s time to get them checked. 1. Squealing or squeaking Many brake pads have a built-in wear indicator — a small metal tab … Read more

Few dashboard lights cause as much worry as the check-engine light — partly because it can mean almost anything, from something trivial to something serious. Here’s how to read it. Steady vs. flashing A steady check-engine light means the system has detected an issue that should be looked at soon, but usually isn’t an emergency. … Read more

There’s a reason so many vehicles refuse to start on the first really cold morning of the year: winter is brutal on car batteries. A little attention before the deep freeze can save you a frustrating no-start when you least expect it. Why cold weather is so hard on batteries Cold slows the chemical reaction … Read more

Your vehicle relies on a handful of fluids to run safely and smoothly. You don’t need to be a mechanic to understand them — here’s a plain-language rundown of the main ones and when they need attention. Engine oil The one most people know. Oil lubricates and cools the engine’s moving parts. It breaks down … Read more