#Brake pad maintenance

[autozilla]

Everything You Need to Know About Brake Pads: Guide for Indian Drivers

The significance of brake pads in our vehicles is often underestimated until we're met with the dreaded squeaks or longer stopping distances. As an Indian driver, navigating the bustling streets of cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore, you know the importance of reliable brakes. Let’s explore brake pads, understanding their significance, lifespan, signs of wear, and the cost of replacement, while also shedding light on some trusted Indian aftermarket brands like Bosch, TVS, and Rane.

Understanding the Basics: What Are Brake Pads?

Brake pads are small yet crucial components of your vehicle's braking system. Made from materials like ceramic or metal alloys, these pads sit inside the calipers behind each wheel. When you press the brake pedal, the calipers clamp the brake pads against the rotor, generating friction that slows down your car and brings it to a stop. {provide link to a video on YouTube or show a relevant image to make this easy to understand.}

In India, where traffic congestion is a common occurrence, having reliable brake pads is essential for ensuring safety on the roads. Whether you're maneuvering through crowded city streets, driving on the highway or navigating winding mountain roads, your brake pads play a vital role in maintaining control over your vehicle.

How Long Do Brake Pads Last in Indian Conditions?

The lifespan of brake pads can vary depending on several factors, including driving habits, road conditions, and the quality of the pads themselves. In India, where diverse terrain and varying traffic conditions are prevalent, brake pads typically last up to 25,000 kilometers. However, aggressive driving, frequent braking, and prolonged exposure to harsh conditions can accelerate wear and shorten their lifespan.

For Indian drivers, it's crucial to pay attention to signs of brake pad wear and address any issues promptly. Failure to do so can compromise your vehicle's braking performance, putting you and others at risk on the road.

Signs of Brake Pad Wear: What to Look Out For

Identifying signs of brake pad wear is essential for maintaining the safety and performance of your vehicle. In India's challenging driving conditions, where sudden stops and heavy traffic are commonplace, it's essential to stay vigilant and recognize when your brake pads need attention. Here are some indicators to watch out for:

Squeaking Noises: One of the most common indicators of worn brake pads is the presence of squealing or squeaking sounds when you apply the brakes. These high-pitched noises are caused by a small metal indicator built into the brake pad. When the pad wears down to a certain level, this indicator makes contact with the rotor, producing the squealing sound. If you hear such noises, it's a clear sign that your brake pads need attention. Brands like Bosch and TVS offer high-quality brake pads designed to minimize noise and provide reliable performance in Indian conditions.

Grinding Noises: If you ignore the squealing sound for too long, it may progress to a more severe grinding noise. This noise occurs when the brake pad material has completely worn away, and the metal backing plate is grinding directly against the rotor. Grinding noises indicate significant wear and potential damage to both the brake pads and the rotor. Ignoring this symptom can lead to costly repairs and compromised braking performance.

Indicator Lights: Some vehicles come equipped with brake pad wear sensors that trigger a dashboard warning light when the pads need replacement. If you see this warning light, it's essential to have your brake pads inspected by a qualified mechanic and replaced if necessary. Rane is another reputable brand known for manufacturing durable brake pads suitable for Indian vehicles.

Brake Pedal Vibrations: Another sign of worn brake pads is vibrations or pulsations felt through the brake pedal or steering wheel when braking. These vibrations indicate uneven wear or damage to the brake pads, causing inconsistent braking performance. In severe cases, vibrations may be a sign of warped brake rotors, which can occur if worn brake pads are not replaced promptly. Investing in quality brake pads from trusted Indian brands like Rane can help maintain smooth and consistent braking performance.

Increased Stopping Distance: Noticeably longer stopping distances can indicate worn brake pads that are no longer able to provide sufficient friction to slow down your vehicle effectively. In Indian traffic conditions, where sudden stops are often necessary, having reliable brake pads is essential for ensuring your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Visual Inspection: Performing a visual inspection of your brake pads is a straightforward way to assess their condition. Most brake pads have a small window on the caliper that allows you to see the thickness of the pad material. If the pads appear excessively thin (less than a quarter-inch thick), cracked, or worn unevenly, they need to be replaced. Additionally, check for any signs of metal-to-metal contact, which indicates severe wear and potential damage to the rotor.

Choosing the Right Brake Pads: Indian Aftermarket Brands

When it comes to replacing your brake pads, opting for quality aftermarket brands can ensure reliable performance and durability. In India, several reputable brands specialize in manufacturing brake pads specifically designed for Indian road conditions. Here are a few notable options:

Bosch: Bosch is a globally renowned brand known for its high-quality automotive components, including brake pads. With a focus on innovation and performance, Bosch brake pads are designed to meet the demanding requirements of Indian drivers, providing excellent stopping power and durability.

TVS: TVS is a trusted name in the Indian automotive industry, offering a wide range of aftermarket components, including brake pads. With a commitment to quality and reliability, TVS brake pads are engineered to deliver consistent performance in various driving conditions, making them a popular choice among Indian drivers.

Rane: Rane is a leading manufacturer of automotive components, including brake pads, with a strong presence in the Indian market. Known for their precision engineering and superior quality, Rane brake pads are designed to withstand the rigors of Indian roads, ensuring safe and reliable braking performance.

Cost of Brake Pad Replacement in India

While the cost of brake pad replacement can vary depending on factors such as the brand, vehicle make and model, and labor charges, it's essential to prioritize safety and quality when choosing replacement brake pads. In India, the average cost of brake pad replacement ranges from ₹2000 to ₹5000 per axle, depending on the brand and type of pads chosen. Investing in quality brake pads from trusted aftermarket brands may require a slightly higher initial investment but can ultimately save you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing the risk of brake-related issues on the road. Brake pads are a critical safety component of your vehicle, especially in the challenging driving conditions prevalent in India. By understanding the signs of brake pad wear and choosing quality aftermarket brands like Bosch, TVS, and Rane, you can ensure reliable braking performance and maintain safety on the road. Whether you're navigating city streets or embarking on a long-distance journey, prioritizing the health of your brake pads is essential for a smooth and safe driving experience in India

[lostandbackagain]

as a person with anxiety and fear of violent vehicular death, that most people do experience the same amount of car trouble that I do but they usually just. let their car break down before doing something about it vs working themselves into a faint over every noise is a lesson I'm trying to teach myself

[pierre-ford-seattle]

The Importance of Brake Maintenance for Your Ford’s Longevity

Regular brake maintenance is essential to keep your brakes working effectively so you can drive safely. As your Ford dealer, we want to tell you some of the signs you have a brake problem and need to visit us ASAP so we can fix it.

[prioritytoyotachesapeake]

Brake pads are a key component in your braking system as they generate friction that slows and stops your wheels. These pads gradually wear down or become damaged, and they’ll need to be replaced – which can be done easily at your trusted Toyota dealer. Here are some tips on when your pads should be replaced to ensure your braking system always works effectively.

[hutchford]

Few things are as central to your safety on the road as your brake pads. They play a vital role in bringing your car to a halt when needed, but most people rarely think about them. Like every part of your vehicle, the pads of your brakes wear down over time and need to be replaced. The question is, how often should you visit your Ford dealer to swap them out?

[diamondcertified]

Brake System Repair Service - An Essential Aspect for Your Vehicle

Brakes play a pivotal role in the automobile industry, primarily installed to control the speed of our cars. Therefore, it's crucial to remember that brake pad replacement becomes necessary when they start to grind or squeal. Thankfully, replacing the brake pads in a car's disc brake assembly can be done easily, quickly, and with the right tools. Many people opt for DIY replacements to save money, but for those unable to do it themselves, professional brake repair services are readily available online.

Understanding Brake Pads

In modern times, most cars come equipped with front disc brake systems. As a result, front brake pads tend to wear out more quickly than rear brake pads, necessitating more frequent replacements. Brake pads should be changed once they become too thin. A persistent heavy grinding noise when applying the brakes is a clear indication that replacement is necessary. However, it's prudent to anticipate and inspect the width of the pads regularly before reaching that point.

Importance of Brake Pad Replacement

Brake pad replacement is of utmost importance for a car, as wear and tear are normal during braking operations. These friction materials play a pivotal role in the braking system, ensuring vehicle safety. Understanding the necessity of brake pad replacement involves several key factors:

Wear and Tear: Brake pads are made of metallic compounds or composite materials that press against the brake rotors to generate the friction needed to stop the rotation of the wheels. Over time, this friction causes the brake pads to wear out, necessitating eventual replacement.

Safety: Ensuring the safety of the vehicle's occupants is paramount. Properly functioning brake pads help avoid vehicle damage and accidents, while worn-out brake pads can compromise braking performance.

Preventing Damage: Prompt replacement of worn brake pads prevents potential damage to other crucial brake components, such as the brake rotors, thus avoiding more extensive repairs.

Noise Reduction: Worn brake pads can produce irritating squealing noises, indicating the need for complete replacement. Taking action on this promptly ensures silent braking.

Performance: High-quality and well-functioning brake pads significantly improve the overall braking system's performance and provide a smoother driving experience.

Avoiding Costly Repairs: Ignoring the replacement of worn brake pads can lead to severe damage to the braking system, resulting in more expensive repairs in the future. Timely replacement is a cost-effective way to maintain the vehicle's braking system and prevent costly issues down the road.

Maintaining a vehicle's braking system is vital for ensuring complete safety. Regularly checking the condition of the braking system, following the manufacturer's suggested maintenance schedule, and having certified professionals inspect the brake pads are essential steps. Replacing the brake pads when they reach their minimum thickness is necessary to ensure optimal performance.

In conclusion, brake repair is an utmost requirement, as the braking system is a critical safety feature for any vehicle. It is solely responsible for slowing down and stopping the vehicle, ensuring the safety of passengers, drivers, and others on the road.

[cipheress-to-k-pop]

bluetooth j.t.

Pairing: Jason Todd x Reader

Warnings: A little suggestive if you squint

Word Count: 1.2k words

You don't know how you allowed yourself to get manipulated into being a girlboss and moving out of your childhood home to live in your own apartment. While it was nice to have your own privacy and decorate your home however you liked, you realized just how many privileges you lost now that you weren't in the care of your parents.

There was no one there to make sure you woke up on time in the few cases where you slept through your alarm, no one that you could call on your way back from work to ask to switch on the water heater so you could take a steamy shower immediately.

You didn't have your mother's homecooked meals and you didn't have your father to pick you up snacks from the grocery store.

And one of the biggest thorns in your side was the reason you were dreading the entire day. Car maintenance. The auto shop was one of the most daunting places in your life as a girl who knew nothing about cars. Never once had you regretted not learning how to take care of your car or even the procedure required when you eventually take your car down to the auto shop.

But now standing in the hot and dusty garage, you were seriously rethinking your life choices. You should've scheduled these things for when your dad was visiting so you could ask him to take it instead. Or, even better, you should've gotten a boyfriend.

You were complaining in your head, dragging your feet about having to be here in the first place and whined about handing your car keys, with a bunch of adorable keychains attached to some rando.

But when Jason Todd, 6'2 man with biceps that were larger than your own head and a body that looked like he was shaped out of marble by Michelangelo himself walked out with a form for you to fill out, you were all too happy to be there.

Perhaps you'd be leaving here with a boyfriend after all.

"I have to admit, I don't really know much about cars so please don't scam me."

Jason chuckled, a deep, hoarse laugh that made you a little weak in the knees honestly and the boy-crazed fraction of your brain began to imagine how he would sound as soon as he woke up next to you, after a night of—

"A bit of advice, you probably don't want to let scammers know that you have no idea what they're talking about."

You giggled, scolding yourself mentally for finding that funny.

'Come on, (Y/N), pull yourself together it wasn't even that funny. His face is just great delivery.'

"Or I could keep coming here and have you check my car, since you're so trustworthy." You mused, sparing him a teasing smile.

Jason was completely picking up what you were putting down, giving you a coy smile of his own before responding, "Or perhaps this is just a tactic to get you to keep coming back."

You narrowed your eyes playfully, "Devious."

Looking back at his little clipboard, a thin metal rod of some kind tucked behind his ear instead of a pen, Jason asked, "When was the last time you got your car checked out? If your battery and brake pad was replaced recently, we could probably skip that and just do a routine check to make sure everything's running smoothly."

You winced, "I couldn't tell you, honestly. My dad usually handles this kinda stuff for me, I'm still kind of a new lamb when it comes to taking care of my car."

Jason raised his eyes from the clipboard for a second, "Your boyfriend can't do this kinda stuff for you instead?"

"I don't have a boyfriend."

He perked up immediately and you ducked your head to hide your smile, "I'm sure you probably have a record of it in your glovebox or something. Most places keep a little sticker with the date of your last service under the dash. I'll check it out for you, do you have somewhere to be, or do you have a couple minutes so I can make sure?"

You shook your head, shrugging your shoulders with a carefree smile, "It's my day off so I'm free as a bird."

He grinned, "Noted. Just give me a second."

You watched his back receding as he walked toward your car, shoulders looking like they could span the entire ocean and it was only when he was sat in the car and had turned on the engine did you whip out your phone at lightspeed.

"Ohmygosh Julie, I think I just met my future husband. Holy shit. He's so cute—gorgeous actually. He's working on my car right now and God, those arms, wow. And those eyes? God, I feel blessed just by looking at his face." The end of your message was interrupted by another mechanic running the engine.

You waited patiently for the sound of the engine to die before replaying the voice message so you could re-record the part that got cut off. Only you couldn't hear a thing.

Confused, you increased the volume, taking a sip from your coffee to soothe the inhumane squeal that you had let out while sending Julie the voice message. Once again you heard nothing.

You bit your lip at this, swiping down at the corner of your phone at access your control center and realizing the reason you couldn't hear anything was because it was connected to the Bluetooth on your car.

Wait.

THE CAR?!

You whipped around in horror only to find Jason smirking at you from the front seat of your car. If the world were fair, you'd be struck down with lightning right then and there. Or, since you were at an auto shop, a sentient car might run you over.

Alas, you continued to stand there in horror, completely unharmed no matter how badly you wished to be reduced to a puddle on the ground.

You called him your future husband. The ground should've swallowed you then and there. Instead, you just stood there in complete mortification and embarrassment while you stared at his amused expression.

Something startled him out of his gaze for a second and he pointed at your console, making a gesture like he was taking a call. Confused, you glanced at your phone.

'Incoming call: Julie'

Ah, saved by the bell.

*

"How much do I owe you?" You asked, quickly popping open your purse to fish out your credit card. You had stretched out the conversation with Julie as long as possible, begging her not to hang up and only interrupting her tangent when Jason finally came up to you, saying that your car was good to go.

"It's on the house." He gave you a charming grin, leaning an arm against the counter, "Can't have my future wife paying for anything, can I?"

Your cheeks flared red, still holding out your card for him to take, "O-Oh, I couldn't, really."

"If you insist, then you can always repay me with dinner. Today's your day off, right? Think you can pencil me in for 7?"

A shy smile grew on your face, your body so warm you had to resist fanning your burning cheeks, "Sounds like a plan."

Forever Taglist:

@simonsbluee

@notslaybabes

@superheroesaremyjam113263

@writers-whirlwind

DC Taglist:

@emmacata

@p--e--a--c--h--e--s

@sometimeseverythingsucks

@sokkas-honour

@unstable1902

@lostgirlheart

@missdisapear

@tadpole-san

@isawachickeninatree

@uxavity

@battlenix

@capricorn-stark

@evermoore580

@dumbbitchgalore

@fuckingjinkies

@some-lovely-day

[jakesweeneychev]

Brake Service

https://www.jakesweeneychevrolet.com/service/index.htm

[ace-turned-confused]

shiftin' gear | part one

joel masterlist | series masterlist

pairing: mechanic!joel x f!reader series outline: a slacker of a boyfriend, no job, and now your car needs serious maintenance. heading to the mechanic’s, you’re just expecting him to rid you of your car troubles and move on — you’re certainly not expecting him to change your life chapter summary: your dad finally takes you to have your car fixed, where you meet joel miller — dangerously handsome and charming beyond words word count: 3,7k warnings: 18+ only, reader is able-bodied and wears a dress, description of a rather useless boyfriend, strained father-daughter relationship, probably highly incorrect information about cars, smutty thoughts a/n: i watched one single fifteen minute video about changing brakes, so if anyone needs a bootleg mechanic you can hmu and i'll be there 🫡 endless hugs & head pats to @frannyzooey for not only all the help on this chapter, but all the kindness & encouragement overall 💜

Your car’s had warning lights on for probably a dangerous amount of time. You’d told your dad numerous times what was going on, not that it mattered all that much to him because the car still gets you from A to B and maybe if you drove a bit more delicately then these things wouldn’t need maintenance so often.

If you turn the music up loud enough it just drowns all that out – both the warnings and your dad’s constant berating. Coming home one night, you try one last time to ask him for help.

“Some jackass cut right across me on the freeway, I made sure he knew exactly what I thought of him though. Lucky I didn’t fly out through the windshield when I slammed on my brakes, considering there's more warnings on my dash than on a fuckin’ storm-season weather report.”

That seemed to do the trick, God, if only you’d done this a month ago. Suddenly he was scouring his search and call history for some mechanic he’d been to for his own car – “Miller’s Auto Repair”, though he doesn’t know who the Miller in question is, saying he dealt with some young boy named Eddie with greasy hair and stains on his shirt to match.

He found some time in his oh-so-busy schedule to go with you. Was he about to lecture you on your attitude? Definitely, but at least your car’s going to be fixed.

-

You park in the street behind your dad and haul yourself out of your car, walking up to meet him. Taking in the place, it looks decent enough – tools scattered around, a young guy working on a car on a lift, plastic chairs and a steel leg table off to one side. Maybe decent is a slight exaggeration, but it’s spacious and airy and doesn’t reek of sweat and toxic masculinity. You’re certainly out of place, the sun blazing down on you in your simple daisy-print dress and you feel slightly overdressed.

An older man comes out of a partitioned-off room, the drywall not quite reaching the rafters and sheet metal above. He’s wearing well-fitted and surprisingly chic black coveralls — a hint of skin peeking from behind the lapel, cuffs buttoned up below his elbows, belt around his hips and there are even pleats in the pant legs. And you thought you were overdressed. You mindlessly smooth out your dress, suddenly feeling like you haven’t made enough of an effort.

It’s not that you were expecting someone unattractive, but the man waltzing towards you is criminally handsome — if only you could find a boy your own age who looked like this. A part of you is actually jealous your dad found this place before you did.

He reaches out to both you and your father with a firm handshake, “Name’s Joel. What can I do for ya?”

“My daughter here’s been having some car troubles.” He gestures to you and you notice Joel gives you a once-over and nods.

Taking the silence as your queue to speak, you start listing everything gone wrong with your car. “First it told me the brake pads need changing, and that was about, what, six weeks ago now?” You glare at your dad, your tongue in your cheek and arms tight across your chest.

“Told you I’ve been busy, you know this.” He matches your look and you turn your attention back to Joel, rolling your eyes and he smirks ever so slightly.

“Aircon needs regassing, and the headlights don’t seem to want to go bright anymore.”

“Well, lights and aircon are quick fixes, can do both right now for you, not expensive. I’ll take a look at the brakes and see if we have sets here that’ll work and let you know about that.”

Your dad excuses himself when his phone starts ringing, leaving you alone with Joel.

“So why’d you bring your dad with? You seem capable enough to me.” He crosses his arms, tilting his head.

“I’d rather not have some macho mechanic clock me from a mile away, and end up getting handled for knowing fuck all about cars. No offence.” Joel smiles at your brash commentary, leaning closer towards you. “Wouldn’t do that to a pretty girl like you. Cute dress, those your favourite?”

You’re not quite sure what he’s talking about, to be honest — a fog came over your mind after ‘pretty girl’ fell from his lips and you stand there in silence, mouth hanging open in a daze.

He leans to the side and points to your chest, snapping you back to reality. “The daisies on your dress? That your favourite flower?”

“Oh! No, uh…” Your voice fades off, unsure of what to do about the heat creeping up your neck and into your ears.

 Joel just smirks at you. “You can bring in that car of yours onto the lift, sweetheart.”

You nod and start walking away, your dad ending his call and he’s already asking questions about the cost of all this work. Getting in your car again, you’re flustered. All this man has done is call you sweetheart and pretty once and it’s all you can think about. You pull your car up to the shop, lining up with the lift as best you can and roll down your window.

Joel leans into the open window with a slanted smile, voice low enough for just you to hear him, “Lined up perfectly there, just go slow and I’ll tell you when to stop,” and God if that doesn’t have your mind racing. You give him a weak smile and manoeuvre your car onto the lift, stopping when he raises his hand. Pulling the bonnet lever and climbing out, you move to stand with your dad again, stepping over discarded rags and dried oil stains.

Joel does what looks to you like a whole lot of fiddling and tapping and knocking of random car parts under the bonnet, and takes the light covers off to change the bulbs; he takes a wheel off and checks the brakes and you watch him the whole time. Skilled and calloused hands moving with ease, your mind wanders off to what else he’s good at with his hands. Crouching down to feel around a toolbox, his coveralls pull tight around his ass and thighs. That heat you felt a few minutes ago only getting worse just from watching him work, embarrassment washing over you – though not enough to look away.

Everything looks like it’s back in place and he lowers the lift, walking towards you and your dad. “Gas and bulbs are done, should be good as new now. Brakes you’re gonna have to come back for, though. Eddie just used the last of the pads and discs you need on that car there, but we can get 'em easily enough, should be here next week.” You nod at him, not sure if it’s easier to look him in the eye or avoid him altogether.

“And you can’t get them any sooner? Or, how long are these current ones gonna be safe for? I’m out of town again next week and–”

“It’s fine, next week is fine.” You put a hand out to cut your dad off and shake your head. You’re really not in the mood for his entitlement, and truthfully you’re looking forward to the chance to come here again without him.

“You gonna manage on your own?” he asks, his tone almost mocking and eyebrows raised.

“I’ll be fine, thanks,” you chirp back, voice curt and monotone.

“You sure?” Of course, he wasn’t going to believe you were capable.

“I’ll get Jake to come with me. It’s fine. Really.”

Right, Jake – your boyfriend. Someone you should’ve been thinking of a long time ago, when instead you were all but undressing Joel with your eyes, imagining the nice things he’d do for you, with you, to you.

You and Jake have been together just over a year now, slept together a handful of times, and all around he’s a decent guy. You met while you both were in training and were given the same placements for industry experience. He’s never done anything inherently bad to you, but lately, you’ve found yourself putting more and more distance between you — subconsciously initially, but now it feels more like a chore to spend time with him.

He’s been sweet and kind to you from the start, but it would be nice to have him make an effort every so often, brag about you, show you off. His grand plan for celebrating your anniversary was taking you out for lunch and calling it a day; if he visits while your dad’s around, the two of them spend more time talking than you do. It’s been about two months since he fucked you, if you could even call it that, and you’re tired of either faking an orgasm or reassuring him it’s fine you never came when you forget to put on the act at all.

You can’t picture someone like Joel giving you such mediocre treatment and being satisfied with that, living life so blissfully unaware.

Joel’s voice snaps you out of your fog and you notice your dad’s already walked out.

“See you then,” and he retreats with a tilt of his head and a wink.

Fuck it’s going to be a long week.

-

Joel already texted your dad three days ago to say you could come in, and you’ve been oddly nervous about it, your mind racing: what’s gonna be the quietest time to go, I wonder if Joel will be too busy with another job, I should make sure I’m not wearing the same dress again. You even made sure you washed your hair the night before in preparation, scolding yourself the whole time – he’s some random guy fixing your car, not to mention you do have a boyfriend.

Eddie’s nowhere to be seen, Joel’s wearing those same coveralls and there’s music playing from a worktop speaker.

“Afternoon, princess,” he holds your door open, eyes following you across the room, just the same as the week before. “Thought you were bringing a friend – what was his name?”

Fingers toying with the hem of your top, you only hope you made the right decision coming here alone. You’re not worried about something that Joel would say or do, no, but worried about something you yourself might. You never were good at hiding your feelings; you pray he can’t see through you.

“Oh, Jake?” You could keep it a secret and enjoy Joel’s attention a while longer but weighing up your options, maybe it’s better to just be honest with him. “He’s my boyfriend. He was uh, busy… today. So, just me.” He doesn’t need to know you never even asked Jake to accompany you to begin with.

“Is it cool if I stay while you work?” you ask timidly. “I can get a ride home though, if you’d prefer.”

“It’s no trouble, here.” He pulls a stool towards you, wiping it off with a smile. Joel gets to work on your car and it’s like a show, just for you. Definitely the right choice to come alone, you smile to yourself.

“So this boyfriend of yours, what’s he like?” he shouts out from the far side of your car and your smile drops.

“Oh, uh… he’s nice.” He is nice, but you can’t be bothered to think of anything worthwhile to say about him.

Joel rounds your car to stop and look at you. “Sounds to me like you don’t want ‘nice’.” His eyes trail up and down your figure and you gawk at his remark. Okay, maybe he actually can see right through you.

“Well, my dad really likes him. Says it’s good to have someone to ground you, or whatever.” Joel simply nods in response and turns his attention back to your car.

You take the opportunity to really take him in this time, with no dad around as a source of shame. Thick curls that you would love to run your hands through, sculpted nose, well-trimmed moustache, grey and patchy scruff for a beard, wide back and broad shoulders and firm chest and—

God, you need to think of something else before you get carried away. Again. You look around the room to refocus on something more appropriate, taking in all the arbitrary decor. Dog-eared posters of old rock bands, exposed bulbs dotted between fluorescent lights, a chain of mini chequered flags strung up along the wall.

You risk another look at Joel and see he’s taken two wheels off already, doing more twisting and turning of car parts you never even knew were there in the first place.

“What’s that?”

He looks to you over his shoulder, coveralls pulling tight again over his arms and back.

“What, this? Called a calliper. Holds the brake pads that squeeze against the disc, stopping the car.” You purse your lips, nodding slowly and Joel huffs out a laugh, facing away again. “Got any siblings that need car part lessons?” He continues, “Or better yet, maybe they can teach you instead.”

“Nope, just me. What about you? Any other Millers gracing the town?” You see him shake his head and he chuckles to himself. 

“Got a brother, Tommy. He’s in construction. I worked with him a while back — much prefer this, though. What’s a girl like you do? Working your dream job?”

‘I’m uh, in between jobs, actually. I’m a chef — was a chef.” You look down to your lap, picking your nails. “I quit. Place was full of sexist dickheads. They suggested I put myself forward for promotion, then gave it to some egotistical asshole with both less experience and qualification. So I told them exactly where they could shove their promotion and never went back.”

You sigh and look up and see Joel’s already watching you, a faint smile on his face almost like he’s proud of you for standing your ground. His eyes are a mix of sympathy and understanding — not something you’re often on the receiving end of.

“I know I kinda fucked myself quitting like that, but I was tired of constantly being treated like shit. And not a fuck was I gonna stick around and take orders from a guy like that.” You crack a smile and Joel matches it.

“You keepin’ yourself busy?”

“Trying to figure out what’s next. Not sure if maybe I should do some more training somewhere, expand my skill set y’know, or just find another job. Not very easy with my dad breathing down my neck.” Joel nods, and his keen attention spurs you on. He’s one of few people who have actually listened to you about all this without giving you his own unwanted opinion or unsolicited advice.

“Only real silver lining is having time to pick up some old hobbies again. And talking to you, I guess.” Joel gives you a skew grin and you smile bashfully, lowering your gaze as you feel your cheeks redden.

“So what do you get up to when you’re not talkin’ to me, then?”

“Bits and pieces here and there. It’s been nice to get back into piano again.”

“Keen musician, are you? Play guitar myself, do a lot of the stuff that’s been playing here.”

The mental image of Joel playing guitar is not good for keeping your mind out of the gutter, and you're soon thinking about what one hand looks like plucking away at the strings, the other in a firm grip around the neck. One hand plucking away at you, the other in a firm grip around your neck. You stop yourself before that runs rampant in your mind, focusing on the song playing in the background.

“Wait, can you play In The Gallery?” You lean forward, eyebrows shooting up to your hairline, a grin spreading across your face in shock and amazement.

“You know this?” Joel points off in no direction, giving you the same bewildered look, and your expression changes from that of awe to insult.

“Of course I do, it’s Dire Straits. Look, I may know jack shit about cars but I do know other things. Do you sing, too?”

He shifts his weight to one leg, cocking his head to the side. “Do you?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” You flash a smile and he faces away again.

Joel’s bolted the front wheels back and is busy removing the rear ones when a phone starts ringing above the music.

“Hands a little full here. Can you answer? It’s just on the bench there.”

Your eyes widen slightly, but you stand and make your way to find it. Sliding to answer, you hold the phone to one ear and press a finger in the other to drown out the noise, slinking off towards Joel’s office.

-

Joel watches as you walk into his office, phone pressed into your ear. He’s been thinking about you since you arrived with your dad last week, and he’s glad to spend some time hearing what you have to say. And, you know, getting to really look at you without your dad around. 

He thought you looked beautiful in that dress last week — thought what you’d look like out in public with him in that same dress, with his jacket over your shoulders as the air grows cold, you writhing underneath him behind closed doors and waking up in his shirt next to him the following morning. He scolded himself when you drove off last week for allowing himself that indulgence, that twisted fantasy about a girl as young as you — but seeing how you are today, maybe he was right all along.

You’ve been staring at him since you parked, and the way you bite your bottom lip and openly ogle at him when you think he doesn’t notice tells him you’re thinking about the same things, too. 

You seemed shy, scared even, when you first stood in front of him, overshadowed by your father and his clear frustration with you. It seems you have no issue with pushing him, but he can see in the way you stand, closed off, and hear the unease in your constant defence that maybe this eats away at you more than you like to admit. He’s spent a mere two hours with you so far, and you shine when you’re free to say whatever you want, be whoever you want.

Your boyfriend Jake, however — he might be a challenge. Your smile faded when he was mentioned, saying your father’s fond of him, that he’s nice. Maybe you haven’t been together all that long, or on the contrary, been together too long, but if ‘nice’ is his most redeeming quality… He took your indifference and curt response as a sign to not push any further for now, but that boy, whoever he is, clearly doesn’t know how to keep a girl like you happy.

He’s considering fabricating some story of something else that needs repairs on your car just so you’d have a reason to come back, even if under false pretence. You probably would believe him given the evident gaps in your knowledge, but the risk of breaking your trust might not be worth it. He should keep his distance.

He focuses on the task at hand again and finds himself paying extra attention to his work. You won’t recognise good handiwork, but he knows you’ll be excited about having a fully functional car again. It’s not much, but seeing that winning smile spread across your face will be enough for him.

-

Much like Joel himself, it seems, his office is pleasantly well-kept, bar a few too many half-empty coffee mugs and stray papers littering the desk. A tatty plaid-print couch against the back wall, a mini fridge tucked next to the desk, a leather jacket hung over his chair. Blinds drawn and with no sign of Joel approaching, you trace your fingers across the collar, wondering what it would feel like hanging over your own shoulders, arms drowning in the too-long sleeves and you drowning in him.

You leave his office to walk back towards him and Joel raises his eyebrows questioningly, wiping his hands off on a rag. “So?”

“Woman named Hazel? She didn’t leave much of a message, she just asked if you could call her back. Said you’d have her number.” You hand the phone to him, his hands cool compared to the heat burning under your skin.

“Ah, guess I should,” he mumbles, a hand coming up to scratch the nape of his neck.

“Hm, so who’s Hazel? Is she pretty?” You wiggle your eyebrows at him, a cheeky grin on your face.

Joel scoffs a laugh. “Nobody you need to worry about, not my type.” You feel an odd sense of assurance at his admission. “Well, everything’s done, you’re good to go. Your dad paid last week already.”

“And what about all the hard work you put into this? Surely I owe you something for that?”

“You spendin’ the afternoon was payment enough.” He smiles at you, eyes softening. “I’ll see ya round, sweetheart. Come by any time, I mean it. And hey, if you ever need a change of scenery, you’re welcome to come answer the phone for me.”

You’re not entirely sure if he’s seriously offering you a job or just passing it off as banter. It would get you out of the house and put a bit of extra cash in your pockets; you’d get to spend days on end around Joel, watch him work, and maybe get a glimpse into who he is beyond the charming mechanic you know so far. 

It would certainly test your resolve being so close to him. You consider all the afternoons that may look like the one you’ve just had — easy work, no Eddie or other customers around, just you and Joel and the tension between you. You suppose you’d have to find something to do to pass the time on days like these… Then again, do you really want to risk having him see you as just the girl who answers the phone?

Maybe you can fake something, an excuse to bring you back here to see him again. The ruse wouldn’t last long, not when Joel takes one look at the car and sees clear as day there’s nothing wrong, but you can pin it all on inexperience. Either way, you won’t be forgetting him any time soon.

comments & reblogs are hugely appreciated, forehead kisses to all 💜

dividers by @saradika-graphics

[bsit1aviernes]

Hi, Are you interested in cycling? If you do, then you’re in the right spot let’s talk about them shall we?

But, what is Cycling?

Cycling is a physical activity that involves riding a bicycle for transportation, recreation, or sport. It is characterized by the use of pedals to propel the bike forward, typically requiring coordination between the legs and upper body to maintain balance and control.  Cycling offers numerous benefits, both physical and mental. Physically, it enhances cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles, and improves flexibility and coordination. Regular cycling can help manage weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and promote overall health. Mentally, cycling can reduce stress, boost mood, and provide a sense of freedom and adventure, often allowing individuals to connect with nature and their surroundings.

As for my experience it was really fun,. I ride with my uncle, and my friends, I suddenly reached a total of 472.km in 3 months. Riding with my bicycle took me everywhere, also cycling helps me forget my problems, and also cycling helps relieve stress. My furthest I’ve gone is Tagaytay that distance is 100.96km it was tiring but fun. The app i used to record my bicycle journey was “STRAVA” this app used to track your activities, heart rate, route, distance, and etc. if you want to try it out here’s the link https://www.strava.com. Strava is a popular fitness tracking app and social network designed primarily for cyclists and runners. It allows users to record their workouts using GPS technology, track their performance over time, and connect with other athletes.

Cycling with friends refers to the practice of riding bicycles in a group, typically for recreation, fitness, or social interaction. This activity allows participants to enjoy the camaraderie of shared experiences while exploring different routes, landscapes, and terrains together. Then cycling with friends makes the ride even more fun, encourages social bonding, and allows for shared enjoyment of the outdoors. Cycling with friends is important because it enhances the overall experience of the activity by fostering motivation, support, and social connection.

Here are some helpful tips for cycling, whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your skills:

1. Choose the Right Bike:

Select a bike that suits your riding style (road bike, mountain bike, gravel bike and etc.) and ensure it’s the right size for you.

2. Wear Proper Gear:

Invest in a good-quality helmet for safety.

Wear moisture-wicking clothing and padded shorts for comfort.

Use cycling shoes if you have clipless pedals.

3. Maintain Your Bike:

Regularly check tire pressure, brakes, and gears.

Clean and lubricate the chain to ensure smooth operation.

4. Plan Your Route:

Familiarize yourself with the terrain and traffic conditions.

Use cycling apps or maps to find safe and scenic routes.

5. Stay Hydrated:

Carry water and take regular breaks to drink, especially on long rides.

6. Practice Good Cycling Etiquette:

Signal your intentions to other cyclists and motorists.

Ride in a straight line and be aware of your surroundings.

7. Start Slowly:

If you’re new to cycling, begin with shorter rides and gradually increase your distance and intensity.

8. Work on Your Technique:

Focus on maintaining a steady cadence and proper posture to avoid strain.

Practice shifting gears smoothly to adapt to varying terrains.

9. Ride with Friends:

Group rides can be more enjoyable and provide motivation and safety in numbers.

10. Listen to Your Body:

Pay attention to how you feel. Rest if you’re fatigued, and don’t push through pain.

Using this tips make's your cycling journey more smooth, also my advice for beginners is start in short rides, focus on technique, invest in gears, basic maintenance, discuss your routes, stay hydrated, and most important be humble. Because when my first time in cycling with my friend's the first thing we do is boasting contest, because your not filipino without it, So when we took are first ride in the vermosa road we challenged ourselves to the limit, the challenge was the first who stop will do the consequence, after the loop i was the first one to stop then i used to take 10 pushups in a row without stop, it was tiring but fun.

That's all

Always ride safe! and take care.

[hawkfurze]

Anyone wanna commission me to help with my car?

Last week I took my car in for maintenance work and ended up needing my brake pads and rotors replaced along with some other repairs that needed to be done. On Sunday, when I was driving to work, my cars breaks ended up giving out and stopped working. Turns out the pistons in my rear wheels are fucked and leaked brake fluid everywhere and need to be replaced. In total, I’m looking at over 3k in repairs, including getting a rental to pick up my car (I live in a different city from the one I work at), and the toll truck fee, since I’m not sure the company I got my original repairs done at will cover the cost of it since the cars current problems are not because of those previous repairs. I hate begging for money but I’m a college student in my last year of school whose paying for my tuition out of pocket and am going out of the country for a couple of days in August and this takes a huge chunk out of my finances. I’d much rather have people commission me for art if I’m gonna ask for money, so if you want to commission me, nows the best time to do it. Here’s the link to my form

[teathattast]

Tbh I never really understood the Audi vs BMW thing or why both brands get sm hate. They're both pioneers in the automotive industry that expand the boundaries of what cars can do

Like yes they're expensive to maintain and each have had their issues, but that's because they're high performance luxury vehicles. They push like 200hp minimum at the base model level and endure more wear and tear than other cars in their class

Regular maintenance expands beyond oil changes, brake pads and tires

[oneminutefiftysixseconds]

while fixing my flat tire this morning i pondered the question if and who of the cyclists know how to do it. like not only change a whole wheel, but get the tube out, find the hole, put the little sticker on it, get it back in (be so fucking frustrated bc now the brakes are making weird things and when they come back 20mins later the fucking tire is fucking flat again)? what do you think? which of them would feel me?

this is a SUPERB question and one that merits much consideration 🤔

i'm assuming/hoping they all at one point or other, did in fact know how to maintain their own bikes (hmmm. most of them at least.)

however, after many years of being handed a shiny new sponsor bike every January and spending almost all of their time riding a handful of minutes away from a team car/mechanic/NSV for spare bikes/wheels, it's entirely possible they've forgotten. having a crack team of mechanics servicing your bike's every need will undoubtedly lead to forgetting stuff

okay seriousness over let's get silly!

long gone are the days of pros carrying spare tubes over their shoulders (which is a shame because it's hot), but who, given the opportunity, would be capable of fixing a puncture?

direct evidence:

Wout van Aert ✔️

growing up as a teenager in cross without an eminent father and the connections that brings, bikepacker in the off season, wout can 100% fix it himself and wash the bike at the end of the ride

at the opposite end of of the spectrum, G ✖️

after eighteen years as a pro i'm not sure whether g remembers how to change rim brake pads let alone discs. the team give him a fresh pinarello and he rides it. simple. when it breaks a mechanic gives him another one. though once he retires the knowledge will come back to him

distantly justified gut feelings/completely unjustified Visions:

tadej ✔️ he can change tubes but always forgets the left pedal screws the opposite way

remco ✖️ owns at least one unnecessarily fancy multitool that he has never used. aero nerd but basic maintenance eludes him

mathieu ✔️ but it will take a fair while because he has not done it in soooo long and he doesn't remember to check the tyre for embedded sharps (this could be causing your repeated flat or the tube may be caught between tyre bead and rim)

jasper ✖️ forgets shoes and socks on training camp. has never bought his own inner tubes; begs one from someone else on the group ride and then struggles with a tyre lever for 20 minutes before someone takes pity

jonas ✔️ part time carpenter adept at handiwork, has been given the same unnecessarily fancy multitool as remco (BY remco? at the vuelta?) but it's unused in favour of an infinitely more practical one.

tom (pidcock) ✔️

joshy t ✖️ the lad vaguely knows what an innertube is and that you can pop them by putting the pressure too high but has never had to handle one himself

mads ✔️✔️ father (dads pedersen, if you will) runs a bike shop. not only can mads change a tube in under four minutes but he will show others how to look after their bikes and get irritated at poor maintence

matej ✔️✔️✔️ in another timeline it's moho instead of frank herzegh who invents tubeless tyres

[enriquemzn262]

Welp, time to finally do my brakes, and man did I take my sweet ass time with them, because holy shit

My disks were basically gone, the pads needed changing too, and even the brake fluid needed draining because it was too dirty.

I wanted to do check them last year, but with the broken windshield, dead battery and new alternator my budget was essentially gone.

Thankfully the rear brakes just needed maintenance, so no new parts there.

All in all, this whole thing came down to 250 dollars (980.000 pesos), which for once I had on hand due to not being paid for a month straight up until this Monday.

Still, I wanted to use that money to get some stuff for the new place me and my girl are now in, so if anyone can help out to cover that, it would mean a ton!

And man does the Patreon money always comes in handy, I held out this long thanks to it

It’s gone now, but it was well used!