Car Shaking When You Brake? Here's What to Do! Any unfamiliar sound or feeling from your car can be alarming, especially if you’re unsure of the cause. Shaking and braking problems can be difficult to identify because there are so many potential causes. Your car might shake when you hit the brake pedal for many reasons, from tire problems to disc rotor issues. No matter the cause, it’s time to get your car serviced if you notice shaking when you brake. Why Is My Car Shaking When I Brake? There are a few reasons your car might shake when you brake. Figuring out the cause of the issue is best left to a professional, but you can help them narrow it down by having answers to the following questions before you head in: When does your car shake?: Does your car shake more at certain speeds or when you brake downhill? Do you notice it more when idling in park or with your foot on the brake? Where is the shaking?: Do you notice your car sha ... read more
Automotive topics pop up from time to time on TV quiz shows. Now Auto Plus helps prepare you for the “hot seat” in case one of the following comes your way. True or False: Using a heavier grade of oil in cold weather affords greater engine protection. Because of fuel additives and removal of lead from gas, spark plugs no longer need to be replaced. When you turn the key and you just hear a click, you know the battery needs recharging or replacing. During 50,000 miles of driving at 55 mph, over a million gallons of antifreeze-coolant circulates through your car’s engine. Tire pressure decreases one pound for every 10 degree drop in temperature. Answers False. You should always use the manufacturers recommended grade of oil. False. Spark plugs do last longer but they require periodic replacement for quick starts and maximum fuel economy. False. The problem may be corrosion on the battery terminals. True. For maximum protection the coo ... read more
We think we offer the highest quality auto service possible, but is that our greatest value to you? In our opinion, our most valuable feature is the way we inspect, and then prioritize our recommendations, making sure your vehicle gets the services it needs most, on a schedule that makes sense, and with the least impact on your budget. When a vehicle comes into Auto Plus behind a tow truck, the priority is pretty obvious… fix it and get it back on the road safely, quickly, and confidently. But even in this straightforward situation, there’s a decision to be made. Our Service Advisors can help with the most basic of prioritization decisions. They can’t ALL be the most important, right? Aside from the basic fix-or-don’t-fix question, there may be a question of competing priorities. At any given time, vehicles may have ongoing issues of varying severity, importance, and expense. When we do our Inspection (designed to get a detailed picture of the ... read more
We think we offer the highest quality auto service possible, but is that our greatest value to you? In our opinion, our most valuable feature is the way we inspect, and then prioritize our recommendations, making sure your vehicle gets the services it needs most, on a schedule that makes sense, and with the least impact on your budget. When a vehicle comes into Auto Plus behind a tow truck, the priority is pretty obvious… fix it and get it back on the road safely, quickly, and confidently. But even in this straightforward situation, there’s a decision to be made. Our Service Advisors can help with the most basic of prioritization decisions. They can’t ALL be the most important, right? Aside from the basic fix-or-don’t-fix question, there may be a question of competing priorities. At any given time, vehicles may have ongoing issues of varying severity, importance, and expense. When we do our Inspection (designed to get a detailed picture of the ... read more
It’s unclear exactly where the April Fool tradition originated, but some people are more than happy to have the opportunity to play personal pranks on their friends, family or coworkers. Similar precursor holidays can be found in Rome (the Festival of Hilaria on March 25th) and the medieval Feast of Fools in December. Some believe that the holiday stems from Pope Gregory XIII’s decision to restore January 1st as New Year’s day on the Gregorian calendar – the Julian calendar that it replaced celebrated New Year’s day on April 1st. We thought we might offer a few ideas for the more mischievous among you (and if you’re not prone to mischief, now you’ll have some idea of what to look out for).We definitely don’t advocate hurting anyone or destroying or damaging anyone’s property, but if you want to prank someone – here are some good ways to do it! *Block someone’s computer mouse sensor with a piece of ... read more
The battery is what powers every electrical component in a car. At some point, the car battery needs to be replaced, but when? Is there a way to tell that the battery is failing? How long does it last? How long can it last? An average car battery lasts from 4 to 7 years. If the vehicle is parked for extended periods of time without starting, the battery will need to be replaced sooner. The battery lasts longer when it’s kept fully charged, although overcharging can also damage it. Therefore, problems with your vehicle’s charging system can also cause the battery to fail prematurely. Is there a way to tell that the battery is failing? Not always, but there are some telltale signs. When the battery is failing, it can hold less charge than when it was new. If your battery has low capacity you may notice when you are starting the car, the engine turns over slower than before, even if the battery is fully charged. It sounds like the vehicle is “lazy” and n ... read more
Spring cleaning feels great—once it’s finished. But getting there isn’t always so fun. To help you get to the enjoyable side of spring cleaning, we’ve rounded up some tips and tricks to streamline the process. Add a Lazy Susan to Your Fridge - If you’re already taking everything out to give the fridge a good scrub, add a lazy Susan to each shelf before you restock. Being able to spin it to access things in the back will cut down on spills. Disinfect Your Sponge - If you’ve got a big job to do and only one sponge to do it with (the horror!), freshen things up halfway through by squeezing it out and microwaving it on high for a minute. Don’t Forget to Clean the Garbage Disposal - Drop in a cut-up lemon, some salt, and a few ice cubes to clear away any unwanted odors or built-up residue. Wax Your Stovetop - After you’ve scrubbed the grime off your stovetop, appl ... read more
Every year, as winter wanes, a curious ailment spreads across the country. The thump of basketballs, the squeak of sneakers, and the roar of the crowd are sure signals that basketball fever is with us. It's a condition called "March Madness," and it afflicts millions of people with no known cure. Where did this malady originate? The history of NCAA March Madness dates back to 1939 and since then, the Division I Men's Basketball Championship has evolved from a small college basketball tournament to one of the most anticipated sporting events in America. The single-elimination tournament appeals to many people, from the diehard fans to the casual observers, as 68 teams compete over a three-week period for the college basketball championship crown. Interestingly enough, Sports announcer Brent Musberger is credited with being the first to use the phrase "March Madness" to describe the men's college basketball tournament, in 1982. However, the phra ... read more
Hold Your Horses A horse-drawn carriage ride around the Magnficent Mile is about as romantic as they come. Make sure to bundle up and bring along a blanket to snuggle under with your Valentine. The Noble Horse Carriage Rides are a fun way to tour the North Michigan Avenue shopping district. Boarding and Drop off is at Michigan Avenue and Chicago Avenue (800 North). Pick up and Drop off service to/from a nearby hotel/restaurant is available for an extra fee. Romantic Dinner at White Castle???? Yep, seriously. Cloth table cloths, candle light, the whole works. Check your local White Castle since its only available at certain locations. And book early! They fill up fast. Jazz it Up Chicago has a proud history of jazz and blues music, and there are multiple venues that offer live music several days a week. One of the most famous and popular is the Green Mill jazz club, located in Andersonville, about 20 minutes north of the Loop at 4802 N. Broa ... read more