Replace Your Car Battery Every Four Years As Preventive Maintenance

When starting your vehicle does it go click, click, click?
Has your battery light been coming on lately?
Is there corrosion growing on your battery?
Have you had to jump start your vehicle?

Typically when it gets cold out is when your overdue battery likes to take a dump on you. If your vehicle is suffering from any of the above conditions your more than likely overdue on your vehicles battery replacement service. Are you due for a battery replacement?

Replace Car Battery Every Four Years

Do you know when your suppose to change your vehicle’s battery? It really depends on where you live and how you drive your vehicle, the condition of your charging system, plus a few other determining factors. But typically a battery lasts about four years on average. Sometimes they last longer, sometimes not as long, where in the long run you can make them last longer with a little T.L.C. otherwise known as preventive maintenance.

Low charge and acid stratification are the most common causes of battery failure. Around 50% of premature car battery failures are caused by the loss of water for normal recharging-charging due to the lack of maintenance, evaporation from high under hood heat, or even overcharging. Undercharging, inactivity, heat, deep cycling, low electrolyte level, parasitic drain, and or even overcharging are the typical culprits that prematurely kill batteries. Hence the less your battery sees these determining factors, the longer your battery (investment) can last.

What is worse for your vehicle’s battery, the cold, or heat? Heat kills batteries plain and simple. Now you might not realize it until the winter brings out what the heat did to it. But in the long run it is always recommended to test your vehicles battery after the second year of use, then after every few services and then replace it at your four year mark as preventive maintenance. Unless you like being stuck, paying for tows, and or basically wasting money.

How To Make Your Car Battery Last Longer

Want to know how to make your car battery last longer? Keep it clean, avoid short trips whenever possible, wrap it up whenever possible if it isn’t already, brush it off (which can be included under keeping it clean, just hence the importance). Going on an extended vacation? Try disconnecting your battery, it will help it last longer. Before you do though make sure you know your radio code if applicable. Some people just can’t live without their radio.

One of the best tricks of the trade to making your battery last longer is if your not going to drive your vehicle for an extended period of time simply disconnect your battery terminals.

Keep your battery & battery terminals clean. Simple but basic step to prolonging the life of your vehicles battery. The dirt that builds up on top of your battery overtime can and will eventually discharge or even short out your battery. Hence an importance of keeping it clean. Another thing is if you notice a corrosion build up on your terminals, that is a sign of a problem.

Low Brake Fluid Can Cause Your Brake Light To Come On

Is your brake light on your dash blinding you to the point of wondering why it is on? Give Last Chance a call.

Your vehicle’s dashboard is filled with many different lights. But in this particular blog were going to breakdown your brake warning lights. So hopefully after reading this you’ll have a better idea of why your brake light is on.

Do You Know Why Your Brake Light Came On?

For starters if your brake warning light is on you should get it checked out ASAP. Brake problems are not something you want to put off. It could be a sign that your brakes are on the verge of failing. Stop by a brake service shop like Last Chance Auto Repair in Plainfield, IL. Will actually look at it for free of charge. Is your brake light on? Stop by, it’s not worth putting lives in danger.

Typically when a brake light is on it means your parking (emergency) brake is engaged. Easy enough, release your parking brake, boom good to go. But if your brake light stays on it’s time to brake out the shovel and dig a little deeper, so to say, or what not.

So after digging for a bit you may find the cause to your brake light might also be that your brake fluid is low. Easy fix, filler up, boom, light goes off. Typically most modern day vehicles have a brake fluid level senor located on your master cylinder which you can find under your hood. Easy fix yes, but why was your brake fluid low is an important question. Brake fluid doesn’t evaporate, it leaks. You don’t want to drive a vehicle that is leaking brake fluid. Take no chances call a tow truck.

Question: Are you leaking brake fluid? Do you know what to do?

Answer: Get it checked out ASAP! Leaking brake fluid is not only dangerous but it can contaminate your brake linings, causing them to slip or grab (hence dangerous). The uneven braking action that occurs may cause your vehicle to veer from side to side when the brakes are applied. Brake shoes or pads that have been contaminated with brake fluid cannot be dried or cleaned, they must be replaced. Hence your bill is going to go up. Hence if you notice a brake leak the importance of getting the issue fixed as soon as possible.

Question: Are you noticing that your brake lines are leaking?

Answer: In the dictionary under dangerous one of the many definitions should say something about leaking brake lines. If not we just want to reiterate how dangerous leaky brake lines can be. So to make this blog short and sweet avoid driving your vehicle until the system can be inspected to determine what exactly is wrong. Leaks can occur in brake hoses, brake lines, disc brake calipers, drum brake wheel cylinders, or even your master cylinder.

In other cases, your brake warning light may remain on if the brake switch that is connected to your parking brake pedal misadjusted and or even broken. Nothing may be wrong with your brakes and a simple adjustment may fix the problem. But in other cases you may have to replace your brake switch. Sometimes a faulty brake switch may even cause your brake lights to stay on or even maybe not come on at all. Which in most cases is a cheap easy fix.

Understanding Your Dashboard Lights: Figuring

Out Why Your Car’s Warning Lights Are On

Ever noticed all those lights on your car’s dashboard and wondered what they mean? If you’re scratching your head over why your “brake light on” signal is shining, don’t worry—I’ve got the lowdown for you.

Making Sense of Your Dashboard Signals

Think of your car’s dashboard as its way of talking to you. Among the different lights, the “brake light on” signal is like your car’s way of saying, “Hey, we’ve got something important to talk about.”

Cracking the Code: Why Your Brake Light is On

If you see that brake warning light, it’s not a suggestion to wait. Brakes are super important for safety, and that lit-up brake light might be a sign that something needs fixing. Play it safe—head over to Last Chance Auto Repair in Plainfield, IL. They’ll check out your brake light for free.

Easy Fix: Parking Brake Check

Sometimes, it’s as simple as letting go of your parking brake. Just a quick look and a little adjustment might be all you need to turn off that warning light and get back on the road without worries.

Digging Deeper: Low Brake Fluid Troubles

When it’s not the parking brake, it could be low brake fluid. Fixing it is easy—just top up your brake fluid. Most cars have a sensor for this under the hood. But don’t ignore the question of why your brake fluid was low; it doesn’t just disappear—it might be leaking.

Watch Out for Brake Fluid Leaks

Leaky brake fluid isn’t just a hassle; it’s a safety issue. A car with a brake fluid leak can mess with how the brakes work, leading to weird stops and potential accidents. If you think you’ve got a brake fluid leak, be safe—get a tow truck.

Brake Switch Issues: Another Possible Problem

Sometimes, a messed-up brake switch connected to your parking brake pedal could be the reason the brake light is on. A simple tweak might do the trick, but if the switch is broken, you might need a new one.

Understanding Dashboard Lights: Take Charge

Now that you know what your “brake light on” signal is trying to tell you, it’s time to take action. Whether it’s an easy fix or something a bit trickier, the team at Last Chance Auto Repair is ready 24/7 to keep you safe on the road. Don’t wait—give them a call, and let’s figure out what’s going on with your car together.

Brake Light Basics: Grasping the Essentials of Your Brake Warning Light

Your car has this little red light on the dashboard that looks like a brake symbol. It’s not there just for decoration – it’s your brake warning light, and it’s trying to tell you something important. Let’s talk about it in simpler terms so you can figure out what’s going on.

1. Red Light Means Action Time

When that brake light comes on, it’s not a suggestion – it’s urgent. Also, it’s your car’s way of saying, “Hey, we’ve got a problem with the brakes; let’s sort it out ASAP.”

2. Don’t Wait Around – Act Fast!

Unlike some other dashboard lights that can wait, the brake light needs your immediate attention. Ignoring it could mean trouble, and we want to keep you safe.

3. Parking Brake Check: The First Stop

Sometimes, the brake light is just telling you the parking brake is still on. No big deal, just release it, and the light should go away. In addition, if it sticks around, it’s time to look deeper.

4. Low Brake Fluid: Keep it Topped Up

Your car needs something called brake fluid to work its magic. If the brake light sticks around, it might be because this fluid is running low. We’ll show you how to check and fill it up – easy stuff.

5. Leaks: The Sneaky Trouble-Maker

Brake fluid doesn’t vanish; it sneaks out through leaks. Find out why leaks are a big deal and how to catch and fix them before they become a safety issue.

6. Brake Switch: The Small Part with a Big Job

Sometimes, it’s not about the brakes but a little thing called the brake switch. It can mess with your light too. We’ll explain how a quick fix or switch replacement can solve this puzzle.

7. Knowledge is Power: Take Charge of Your Brake Light

Now that you’re in the know about your brake light, you’re in control. Whether it’s freeing the parking brake, adding brake fluid, or spotting leaks, understanding your brake light’s ABCs means you can keep your car safe.

Conclusion

Remember, if things get confusing, we’re here for you at Last Chance Auto Repair. Additionally, we can give you the lowdown on your brake light and make sure everything’s in tip-top shape. Don’t let the brake light stress you out – stay informed, and stay safe!

Now that You’ve Got the Scoop on Your Brake Light,

What’s Your Next Move?

So, now you know a bit more about why your car is blinking that brake light at you. What should you do next?

Do Something: Your Safety is the Key

If that brake light is still shining, don’t ignore it. In addition, staying safe on the road is super important, and dealing with the issue ASAP is the way to go.

Meet the Brake Squad: Last Chance Auto Repair

Our team at Last Chance Auto Repair is your go-to crew for anything brake-related. We cover everything – from A to Z. Whether you’re puzzled about your brake light or need a full-on inspection, we’ve got your back.

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers – for Free!

Got a burning question about that pesky brake light? Wondering if it’s an easy fix or a big deal? We’re handing out free answers. Give us a shout, and we’ll help you figure it out.

Checkup Time: Free Brake Light Inspections

Worried sick about that brake light? Let us ease your mind with a free brake light checkup. Also, our pros will take a look, find the issue, and guide you on the next steps – all for free.

Day or Night: We’re Your Brake Buddies 24/7

Brake troubles don’t care about the time. That’s why we’re here for you 24/7. If your brake light is stressing you out at some odd hour, give us a ring. Your safety is always our top priority, anytime.

Far Away? No Worries. Give Us a Call Anyway.

Even if you’re not around the corner, don’t hesitate to call us. While we can’t magically fix your brakes from afar, we can still chat with you, give some advice, and help you understand what might be going on.

Don’t Sweat it – Dial Us Now

Feeling the heat about your brake light? Take a breath, grab your phone, and dial us up. Furthermore, let’s tackle this together and make sure your car is running safely and smoothly. Your peace of mind is just a call away.

Last Chance Has Been Helping Vehicles Last Longer Since 1978

• Do you want your investment to last?
• How long do you want to keep your car?
• How many miles does your vehicle have?
• Have you been maintaining your car properly?
• Last Chance has been making cars last since 1978.

Making Your Vehicle Last Is All About Regular Inspections

Are you wondering how to make your vehicle (investment) last? Last Chance Auto Repair knows how to make a vehicle last. Any questions? Maybe the following will help out and answer your questions where you don’t even need to leave the comfort of your home. Otherwise give us a call were here for you day & night, rain or shine, sleet & snow, 24-7.

• Don’t Drive – As in the less you drive the longer your car (investment) will last. Silly but true. For one it will be better for the environment, two your wallet, three your health (hence walking, biking, etc) four your car will last longer. Plus can’t forget all the gas money you’ll be saving.

• Your Vehicle Doesn’t Like Short Trips – A short trips of 10 minutes or less can be extra hard on a vehicle, resulting in more wear and tear. During a short trip, your car’s engine never has a chance to reach its full operating temperature. Hence an importance of making sure your vehicle warms up before you getty up and go so to say. When cold, oil flow is insufficient to properly lubricate your engine because the oil is too thick and will not flow the same as when warm. Short trips will also not allow sufficient time for condensation in the oil system to burn off. Which hence may cause oxidation to build up inside your engine.

• Don’t Drive It Like You Stole It – Why drive it like you stole it? Are you a race car driver practicing for a race? Are you late for work? Is your wife about to pop? These are reasons to drive maybe 5 over the speed limit, safely of course. But typically you don’t have to peel out. You shouldn’t give your passengers whip lash as you drive. Are tickets worth getting and paying for in the long run one way or another? I don’t think so. Not driving your vehicle the way it was designed to be driven, only equals your vehicle not lasting as long as it could have lasted.

• Is Your Check Engine Light On – Typically your check engine lights don’t come on for no reason. If your engine oil light is on don’t drive it. You can blow your engine, hence your costly engine. If the engine temperature gauge and the brake lights are on you better figure out why with the quickness. If your brake light is on you might end up or even wake up in a corn field wondering how you got there. Temperature gauge lite up may mean your about to cook your engine and or transmission to the point of being well done. Regardless, not good.

• Extra Weight Equals Extra Wear & Tear – Are you driving around with stuff in your vehicle that you just don’t need? Extra weight adds stress to critical components and causes premature wear and tear that could of been prevented. It will also save you money on your gas bills in the long run.

• Keep Up On Your Maintenance – They don’t call it preventive maintenance for nothing.

• Change Your Oil & Other Fluids – Changing your fluids like the manufacturer recommends if not earlier is the way to go hands down. Not changing engine oil is the number one killer of engines these days period. Who is in second place you wonder? Broken timing belt. How do we know? Bills don’t lie. However that is pretty much covered under the maintenance section as changing your fluids are considered basic maintenance also it is so important we thought we’d list it under it’s own section. Better safe than sorry, keep up on your maintenance, plain and simple.

• Get Your Issues Fixed Sooner Than Later – You don’t want your vehicle’s problems to suffer from a snowball effect. Vehicle problems don’t typically fix themselves. However some problems are intermittent but don’t let it fool you the problem may come and go but in the long run it’s only going to get worse. If you think you have an issue with such things as your brakes, brake lines, ball joints, tie rods, airbags, seat belts or even the structural integrity of your vehicle, get it checked out ASAP. For one it’s not going to fix itself. Two if you don’t take care of it you may be putting people’s health at risk. Where in the long run is not worth it.

• Find A Mechanic You Can Trust Plus Afford – Finding a local auto mechanic you can trust is key to making sure your car plus wallet will feel better in the long run. Maintaining your car should be looked at as a partnership between you and your mechanic. When a problem occurs you should both be there for each other. Last Chance is here for you 24-7.

Jack Piecuch

Couldn’t say anything better about these folks. I’d give 10 stars if I could. Their customer service, quick turnaround, and reasonable pricing is second to none. All I had to do was call them, tell them the issue, they towed my car that night and got it all done within 2 days. I’d recommend their services to anyone and will definitely be back if anything else comes up. Thanks again!

Benjamin Chernivsky

Not a shop I would give repeat business to. **Just updated the review because their reply to this review claimed they completed the job in 5-7 days, which is simply not true and I have evidence. Take a look at the 2 images I just uploaded. I texted the shop the morning I dropped my truck off: November 20. And there's also a copy of my receipt dated December 5 (when I picked up the truck). So, 15 days to get a 5 hour job done! "Family-owned" doesn't automatically mean good family and business values. There are plenty of families that thrive on manipulation and drama. I have zero reason to be dishonest here - they simply do not want to honor their warranty. Not for me. Stay away. Their big flaw here is communication: if they don't communicate the details, then they don't need to be held accountable. It's just plain manipulative and lacks accountability. They didn't go over the warranty details at all before they did the work, and they also said the part I brought them was a quality part. Original review: Last Chance took 2 weeks to repair a job that takes 5 hours, they reused old bushings and seals causing more leaks on my truck, and they ultimately denied warranty repair after the pinion bearing they replaced began to fail within 6 months. This job cost me $1600, so it was hard to hear them casually say no. There was no room for finding a middle ground, either. They had zero interest in finding a solution together. They said I had gone over the miles for the warranty, even though it was only 9 months after the repair by the time I brought it into Last Chance again. I had paperwork proving part failure earlier in the year - I began to hear bearing failure noise around 6 months after repair, but it took me a few months to figure out where the noise was coming from (I replaced tires, did an alignment, changed wheel bearings - did a lot of work hoping it wasn't the same issue). They literally didn't care about any of that. Last Chance had zero interest in hearing that the noise had developed within the warranty period. Bearings take a while to fail, and the noise slowly develops - they should know this as an established mechanical shop. But they expected me to act a very specific and certain way in order to follow their warranty guidelines. I'll never understand people who are not really helpful. And so the overall experience was Last Chance only cared about themselves, and I didn't really feel important as a paying customer. I ultimately found another shop who got the work done in just 2 days. It was night and day difference. The new shop was informative, honest, and understanding. They were also upfront and honest about their warranty terms and details. Last Chance experience felt patronizing and lackadaisical. Shop elsewhere and get perspective before giving your business to Last Chance. It wouldn't have taken much for them to make this a positive experience, but they seemed very uninterested in even trying.

Auni Ausborn

Last Chance Auto Repair saved the day (again). The brakes were shot, needed new front brakes and calipers for my SUV. Originally brought it somewhere else a few blocks away, and ouch, no way. Then I remembered the great service and prices I got over at Last Chance Auto Repair on my last visit. I'm glad I remembered them. Long story short, they did not disappoint. I will never go anywhere else again.

Joel Coronado

We had a small emergency when the alternator quit making power as soon as the battery light came on. Luckily I was across the street at Plainfield East High School. Very conveniently they had a tow truck there dropping off another vehicle. After the 1st call, I was towed over in about 20 minutes. Tested it right away and showed me the results. Ordered the alternator and I picked up my CR-V the next morning. All in all, great experience, and fair numbers. Highly recommend this garage.

Melissa Swonke

They did an excellent job on replacing my struts, tie rods, wheel bearings, and alignment. Quick service that included a fair bill. Very responsive and on-point communication. I will definitely refer to family and friends.

Francisca Estrada

Great family-owned and operated type of car repair shop. Top-notch customer service, high-end quality work, and the icing on the cake is the team at Last Chance Auto Repair.

Christopher Burch

This repair shop plays no games. Very informative almost educational and prices that are more than fair can be counted on. Saved me over $2000 on a transmission repair one trip and then on another saved me $600 when getting my brakes replaced. Good all around experience. My family and I are life long customers.

Amanda Brown

Great people, great prices, same-day service (when scheduled), and always there when needed. Brake service done right!

Adam Durbin

Excellent service at a great price! They got my struts replaced and alignment done the same day on this last visit. The staff was very helpful, honest, and knowledgeable. We bring all of our vehicles to Last Chance Auto Repair. Highly recommend!

Francisco Mendez

I've been having starting problems for awhile now and then my starter officially took a turn for the worse. Bit the bullet and had no choice but to tow it to Last Chance Auto Repair in Plainfield. In and out with the quickness and as always an unfortunate but fair price tag included.