Brakes are the most important safety system on a motorcycle. Technology has improved enormously, but the rider’s technique still decides how much of that potential is used. Disc brakes Almost all modern motorcycles use disc brakes, at least at the front. A caliper squeezes pads against a disc attached to the wheel. Discs cool well, … Read more
A motorcycle is less forgiving of neglect than a car. Tires, brakes and the chain have a direct effect on your safety, and small problems show up quickly in how the bike rides. A simple routine keeps it reliable and pleasant. Before every ride The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s T-CLOCS checklist is easy to remember: Tires … Read more
Every car needs tires, brakes, wipers and a regular look-over. Beyond that, maintenance depends a lot on what powers the car. Knowing the differences helps you budget correctly and avoid paying for services your car does not need. Gasoline cars The familiar routine: oil and filter changes, air filters, spark plugs at long intervals (often … Read more
Weather puts different strains on a car through the year. Heat is hard on batteries and cooling systems, cold on tires and starting, salt on the body. A quick check at the start of each season avoids most weather-related breakdowns. Spring: clean up after winter Road salt and grit cause most damage in the months … Read more
Cars that reach very high mileages are rarely lucky. They are usually owned by people who follow the schedule, notice small changes and fix them before they turn into big repairs. None of it requires mechanical talent, just a little regularity. Follow the right schedule Your owner’s manual has a maintenance schedule, and often two: … Read more
A vibration that appears only when you brake points almost always to the brakes themselves, most often the discs (rotors). Where you feel it and when it happens help narrow it down. Uneven rotors: the most common cause When brake rotors develop uneven thickness, the pads grip harder at some points than others as the … Read more
