Your vehicle’s braking system is one of its most important safety features, and keeping it in top condition is essential for safe driving. Whether you drive daily through city traffic or take periodic long-distance trips, good brake maintenance goes a long way in protecting your vehicle and everyone inside it. At Auto Repair Specialist, we provide expert brake service in the greater San Rafael area. Here are four tips to help you keep your brakes in peak condition. Have Your Brakes Inspected Regularly Routine inspections are the foundation of healthy brakes. A qualified technician can spot signs of wear—such as thinning brake pads, leaking brake fluid, or warped rotors—before they become bigger problems. It’s generally recommended to get a brake inspection at least once a year. Regular checkups help ensure that small issues are corrected early. Replace Brake Pads Before They're Fully Worn Brake pads gradually wear down as they create friction to slow your vehicle. Waiting until they are completely worn can damage your rotors and lead to more expensive repairs. If you hear squealing or grinding when braking, it may be time for new pads. Replacing pads early protects more expensive components of your braking system and keeps your vehicle stopping efficiently. Keep an Eye on Brake Fluid Levels Brake fluid plays a crucial role in delivering hydraulic pressure to your brake components. Over time, fluid can become contaminated or depleted, reducing braking performance. It’s important to check your brake fluid level regularly and have it flushed and replaced according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Maintaining clean, full brake fluid helps ensure strong, responsive braking, especially during emergency stops. Address Signs of Brake Trouble Immediately If you notice unusual noises, longer stopping distances, a soft brake pedal, or a dashboard brake warning light, don’t ignore it. These symptoms often indicate serious issues that require immediate attention. Continuing to drive with failing brakes can put you and others at risk. Prompt repair not only restores your safety, but can also prevent additional damage to the braking system. Brake Service in San Rafael, CA When you need brake service in San Rafael and the surrounding area, contact Auto Repair Specialist at  (415) 612-3933  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!

Few things make drivers more anxious than seeing the check engine light glow on the dashboard. While it can indicate something minor, it may also warn of a more serious problem that needs immediate attention. Ignoring the light can lead to reduced performance, higher repair costs, and even serious engine damage. At Auto Repair Specialist, we provide expert check engine light diagnostics and repair in the greater San Rafael area. Here’s a look at four common check engine light triggers. Faulty Oxygen Sensor One of the most frequent causes of a check engine light is a failing oxygen sensor. This sensor monitors the amount of unburned oxygen in your vehicle’s exhaust system and helps regulate the air-to-fuel ratio for efficient combustion. When it goes bad, it can cause reduced fuel-efficiency and increased emissions. Replacing a faulty oxygen sensor promptly not only improves performance, but can also prevent damage to your catalytic converter. Malfunctioning Catalytic Converter The catalytic converter is an essential emissions control component that reduces harmful pollutants from your exhaust. Over time, it can become clogged or damaged. A failing catalytic converter can cause reduced power, poor fuel-economy, and increased emissions. Failing Ignition Coils or Spark Plugs Your ignition system plays a key role in powering your vehicle by igniting the air-fuel mixture inside the engine. If spark plugs or ignition coils start to fail, you might experience misfires, rough idling, or difficulty starting the car. These issues often trigger the check engine light. Regularly replacing spark plugs according to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule helps keep your ignition system functioning properly. Problems with the Mass Airflow Sensor The mass airflow (MAF) sensor measures how much air enters the engine so that the proper amount of fuel can be injected. When this sensor malfunctions, it can cause rough acceleration, stalling, and poor fuel-economy. Dirt buildup or a damaged sensor are common culprits. Cleaning or replacing the MAF sensor typically resolves the issue and helps restore smooth performance. Check Engine Light Diagnostics & Repair in San Rafael, CA For expert auto diagnostics and repair in San Rafael and the surrounding area, contact Auto Repair Specialist at  (415) 612-3933  . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment for car care in greater San Rafael!