So you need to new brakes on your car.. Either a mechanic told you so or you've started feeling that guh, guh, guh vibration or hearing squealing when you step on the brakes while driving.  Bummer! But, we can help.  Bottom line, there are 4 things you need to know when you think you need new brakes.
1.  First, brakes are EVERYTHING, keeping you, your family and friends safe.  How often have you been driving, maybe not paying attention a bit and had to stomp on the brakes to stop your car just in the nick of time?  You?  Never!  Right, me neither. Yeah, you need em.   
2.   Do I need brake pads?  Brake pads should last between 30-50,000 miles and are measured with that thingy on the left.  Ask to see the measurements to make sure they DO need to be changed.
3.  What type of brakes should I have installed? There are 3 types of brake pad, basically: Basic/Good, Better, Best.  Found this good article with lots of pictures and details, ignore the typos and misused words...we didn't write it.   We DONT recommend the basic metallic pads because they tend to make noise and throw off a lot of brake dust making your tire rims look dirty. 

4.  Should I replace rotors at the same time?  Notwithstanding budget,  YES.  Since you are going to replace your brake pads only every 3 to 5 years....it's not that much more $$$ to do both at the same time and avoid another trip to the brake shop.  It also ensures that new brake pads don't get torn up by warped rotors.  With that said, no sense replacing rotors if they are silky smooth:)  At Cutshaw Automotive we can advise you on the best brake buy for your budget.  

So this is the most basic question for the entire auto repair industry because it defines the life of the vehicle for gas and diesel vehicles (not electric.)  The simple answer is: follow the owners manual.  Some vehicles call for an oil change every 3000 miles, some 5000 and some higher (bad call.)
Why these numbers?  Back in the day there was only one type of oil and it was dirty...not well refined, but now we have more highly refined oils that are cleaner and can last longer.  Engines have advanced and so has oil.  So we recommend changing your oil every 5000 miles for a couple of reasons:

1.  For most people an oil change every 5000 miles = twice a year.  Easy to remember.
2.  Your tires should be rotated every 5000 miles so, it's a 2fer.  Do both at one time, keeping your in shop time most efficient.
3.  Seasonal change.  From hot weather to cold weather your car goes through changes and need different treatments.  So perhaps Spring and Fall or Winter and Summer.... kind of like when you bring out your summer clothes and put away winter clothes....get a car check up. 
4.  The majority of car manufacturers recommend every 5000 miles.  

So fine print, blah blah, blah....folks can argue with the above or nitpick...but at Cutshaw Automotive, we are about helping our customers decide how often to get their oil changed in a way that is convenient for them.   Twice a year,  summer and winter, spring and fall, Halloween and Easter....however you can remember it (and we'll remind you .)

Visit us at 3105 Cutshaw Ave. Richmond, Va. 23230, 
Call us  804.355.666 or click below to schedule your oil change and tire rotation appointment .​