Blog | Mechanic Tips | Rick & Ray's Auto Plaze in Fort Worth Texas

03 Feb 2021

How to Budget for Car Repairs

Car repairs can break a carefully planned out budget, that’s for sure. Such repairs are usually unexpected, and hit right when you think you’re doing OK financially. Then, bam, your savings are depleted and you’re starting from scratch again. If this sounds familiar to you, it’s time to come up with a budget for car repairs that will provide a cushion in the event of emergency. When you factor future car repairs and maintenance into the budget for your household, you’re lessening the chance that you get sidelined by an expensive visit to the mechanic. Repairs can cost hundreds and even thousands of dollars, which can put you over the edge when trying to balance other bills and expenses. Many people…

18 Jan 2021

9 Common BMW Service Issues

If you have a BMW, you may be aware of certain problems that always seem to crop up. If your BMW is new, you may not see these issues now, but you may down the road. Here we will go over some common BMW service issues to keep in mind as you enjoy your European vehicle. 1. Cooling System Failure The cooling system features plastic fittings on the cooling system components. As the BMW gets on in years, these plastic pieces start to get brittle and fail. This most commonly leads to leaks. Your coolant system is one of the most important components of your vehicle, as it keeps the engine at an optimal temperature and prevents it from overheating,…

06 Jan 2021

Common Car Noises and What to do About Them

Banging…pinging…squeaking…screeching: these are all common noises that you may have heard at one time or another emanating from your vehicle. Sometimes you know exactly what the noise is, such as the brake system on its way out. Other times, you have no idea what the sound means or how extensive a repair it will take. It’s important to note that all strange noises don’t indicate something serious. However, any time you hear a repeated noise you’re not used to, you should have it looked at just to make sure. Check out some of the most common car noises, what they may mean, and what to do about them. Tire Noise Your tires can make many abnormal noises, and they can…

30 Oct 2020

4 Signs Your BMW Needs New Brakes

As a BMW owner, it’s never pleasant to hear that tell-tale screech of spongy brakes. However, neglecting it will only make things worse and lead to more costly damage. While it may not be something you think about often, your BMW’s brakes are one feature that you need to keep in optimal working condition. Your brakes will tell you when something is wrong, you just have to listen and be aware. LOOK AND LISTEN There are two ways you can check for wear on your disc brakes: looking and listening. Inspect your brake pads through the gaps that exist between your wheel’s spokes. The outside pad should be pressed up against the metal rotor, with at least 1/4 inch of…

18 Sep 2020

Importance of Preventive Maintenance for Your Mercedes Benz

When your Mercedes-Benz needs preventive maintenance, you understandably don’t want to take it to just any mechanic. After all, you spent a lot of money and time on that vehicle, and you’re proud of it. Just like you wouldn’t take your child to a doctor you haven’t researched, you shouldn’t take your other “baby” to an auto repair shop without doing your homework. There’s no denying the importance of preventive maintenance for all vehicles, especially Mercedes-Benz. You want to protect your investment by giving your car the TLC it needs throughout its lifecycle. Why You Need Regular Car Maintenance You need regular maintenance service for your Mercedes-Benz to… Increase Your Safety Keeping up with routine car maintenance boosts your safety…