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Winter weather can be harsh on your vehicle. From salted roads to icy conditions, all that wear and tear can add up. As we roll into spring, here’s why it’s so important to give your vehicle a thorough check-up: Road salt and grime can build up on your undercarriage and cause rust or damage to important parts. Temperature fluctuations can affect tire pressure and battery performance. Potholes and rough roads may have knocked your alignment out of place. Now is the perfect opportunity to get everything back in shape. At Eureka Brake & Automotive, we’ve got all the tips and services you need to ensure your vehicle is ready for the warmer months ahead. 5 SPRING MAINTENANCE TIPS CHECK YOUR TIRES- Winter driving can be tough on your tires, especially if you’ve hit a few potholes along the way. Spring is the perfect time to check for uneven wear, ensure proper inflation, and maybe even consider a rotation or replacement. Good tire health means better traction and improved fuel efficiency. CHANGE YOUR OIL AND FILTER- Regular oil changes are critical to keeping your engine running smoothly. After winter’s cold temperatures and extended idle times, your oil may have thickened or become dirty. Fresh oil ensures that your engine stays properly lubricated, helping to extend its life. INSPECT YOUR BRAKES- Your brakes have likely been working overtime during winter, especially if you've been driving on slick roads. At Eureka Brake & Automotive, we recommend having your brake pads, rotors, and fluid checked regularly, and spring is the perfect time to do it. Don’t wait for squeaks or grinding sounds—catch potential brake issues early! TOP OFF YOUR FLUIDS- Spring cleaning for your vehicle isn’t just about the outside. You should also make sure your essential fluids—like windshield washer fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid—are topped off. This keeps your vehicle running smoothly as you prepare for the hotter months ahead. WASH AND WAX- A good wash and wax is like a spring refresh for your vehicle’s exterior. Washing your vehicle removes any salt, mud, or grime buildup from winter, while waxing protects your paint and keeps your vehicle looking shiny and new. DON’T FORGET YOUR SUSPENSION AND ALIGNMENT Winter roads are filled with surprises—from potholes to ice patches. If you’ve noticed your vehicle pulling to one side or a rougher-than-usual ride, it’s time to have your suspension and alignment checked. Proper alignment extends the life of your tires, improves fuel efficiency, and ensures a smoother ride. At Eureka Brake & Automotive, our team of expert technicians are here to help you with all your maintenance needs from realigning your wheels to oil changes. We know how important it is to keep your vehicle in peak condition, and spring is the perfect time to give it the attention it deserves. Don’t wait for the heat of summer—get ahead of any potential issues with a spring tune-up! Schedule an appointment online or call us now at 707-443-2122! *Stay connected with us on social media for updates, tips, and special offers throughout the year. We love hearing from you and are always here to help with any automotive questions or needs you might have.

At Eureka Brake & Automotive, we understand how crucial it is to stay safe on the road. One of the most important innovations in automotive safety is the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Whether you're cruising the highways or navigating city streets, ABS plays a key role in preventing accidents by helping you maintain control of your vehicle. But how exactly does this system work? Let’s break down the science behind it. WHAT IS ABS? Anti-lock brakes are a safety feature designed to prevent your wheels from locking up during heavy braking. In emergency situations, or when road conditions are slick or uneven, locking the wheels can cause your vehicle to skid, reducing your ability to steer. ABS solves this by modulating brake pressure to each wheel, allowing you to brake without losing control. HOW DOES ABS WORK? Here’s where science comes in! ABS is all about controlling friction and maximizing traction: 1. SENSORS MONITOR WHEEL SPEED- ABS uses speed sensors placed at each wheel to monitor how fast they’re turning. If one or more wheels suddenly slow down and start to lock up, the system detects this loss of traction instantly. 2. THE CONTROL MODULE TAKES ACTION-The ABS control module, often considered the brain of the system, processes the data from the wheel sensors. When it detects potential wheel lockup, it sends signals to the hydraulic valves in the braking system. 3. MODULATING BRAKE PRESSURE- Instead of applying full braking force, ABS rapidly pumps the brakes for you—often as fast as 15 times per second! This prevents the wheels from fully locking, allowing them to keep turning while slowing down. This controlled braking action gives you better steering control in critical moments. 4. WHY IT MATTERS: MAINTAINING CONTROL- Without ABS, hitting the brakes hard—especially in a panic stop—can lead to skidding or spinning out, particularly on slippery surfaces like wet roads or ice. ABS, by continuously adjusting the brake pressure, allows you to maintain steering control and avoid hazards. It’s not about stopping faster but about stopping safely while staying in control. THE PHYSICS BEHIND ABS: FRICTION AND TRACTION The magic of ABS lies in its ability to manipulate friction and traction. When your wheels lock up during braking, the tires slide along the road, reducing the **frictional force** between the tires and the pavement. This sliding friction is less effective than the **rolling friction** that occurs when the wheels continue to turn. ABS keeps your wheels turning, ensuring they maintain maximum traction with the road surface. The result? Better control, shorter stopping distances, and a reduced risk of accidents. THE HISTORY OF ABS While ABS is now standard in most vehicles, its origins trace back to the aviation industry. Engineers developed early versions of the system to prevent aircraft wheels from locking up during landing. In the 1970s, car manufacturers began adapting the technology for passenger vehicles, and by the 1980s, ABS became a game changer for automotive safety. HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR ABS IS WORKING When you start your vehicle, the ABS light on your dashboard should briefly light up and then turn off. This signals that the system is functioning correctly. If the light stays on, it’s a sign that there’s an issue with your ABS, and you should bring your vehicle in for a checkup. At Eureka Brake & Automotive, our team of professionals is equipped to diagnose and repair any ABS issues to ensure your safety. WHY YOU CAN TRUST ABS—AND EUREKA BRAKE & AUTOMOTIVE Anti-lock brakes are more than just a standard feature—they’re a vital part of keeping you and your loved ones safe on the road. The science behind ABS is all about enhancing control, maximizing safety, and giving you peace of mind in any driving situation. At Eureka Brake & Automotive, we’re committed to keeping your vehicle in top condition. Whether you need an ABS diagnostic, brake service, or general maintenance, our experts are here to help. Stay safe, stay confident, and let us keep you rolling smoothly. Is your ABS light on? Don’t wait! Schedule online or call us now at 707-443-2122! *Stay connected with us on social media for updates, tips, and special offers throughout the year. We love hearing from you and are always here to help with any automotive questions or needs you might have.