Welcome to the B&R Repair Blog
We strive to help everyone when it comes to vehicle repairs, no matter what they drive. Here you can find tips about vehicle maintenance and why it’s important. If you can’t find what the answer you’re looking for, give us a call today!
Batteries and Alternators: Don't Get Stuck With a Truck That Won't Start
Nothing ruins a morning like turning the key and hearing nothing but a click. Most no-start problems come back to the battery, alternator, starter, or the cables that connect them, and they usually give you a warning first. In our latest blog post, we cover what each part does, why it fails, and the signs to watch for on your car, truck, or SUV. Read the full post on our website, or call us at (815) 699-2641 to get your charging system tested.
Front End Parts: The Clunks and Wanders You Shouldn't Ignore
Clunking over bumps? Steering feel a little loose? Between gravel roads, field entrances, and spring potholes, front end parts take a beating out here. In our latest blog post, we cover ball joints, tie rods, shocks, and struts, plus the warning signs to watch for on your car, SUV, or pickup. Read the full post on our website, or call us at (815) 699-2641 to get your front end checked.
Wheel Bearings: That Humming Noise Isn't Your Tires
Hearing a hum that gets louder the faster you drive? It might not be your tires. Wheel bearings are one of the most common parts we replace on cars and SUVs, and our gravel roads and potholes don't help. In our latest blog post, we cover the warning signs and how to catch a bad bearing before it becomes a bigger problem. Read the full post on our website, or call us at (815) 699-2641 to get it checked.
Cooling System Care: Keeping Your Engine From Cooking Itself
Nobody thinks about their cooling system until the temp gauge is pegged and there's steam rolling out from under the hood.
We see it all the time: farm trucks with radiators packed full of chaff after harvest, coolant that hasn't been tested in years, and hoses that look fine on top but are soft as a noodle underneath. An overheated engine can turn a cheap fix into a blown head gasket in minutes, and on a diesel, that's a bill nobody wants.
The good news is that cooling problems almost always give you a warning first. In our latest blog post, we cover what to check, the warning signs to watch for, and simple maintenance that keeps your truck running cool.
Read the full post on our website, or give us a call at (815) 699-2641 to get your cooling system checked before the next busy season.
Diesel Engine Issues We See At The Shop (And What To Do About Them)
We work on a lot of diesel engines around here—farm trucks, semi tractors, tandem trucks, and the occasional beat-up piece of equipment someone swears still “runs like a top.” Diesel’s a different animal than gas, and while it’s known for durability and torque, it’s not without its problems. Like anything mechanical, it’ll give you grief if it’s neglected too long or worked too hard.
Gas Engine Issues We See at the Shop (And What You Can Do About Them)
Out here in the cornfields, we see a little bit of everything roll into the shop—trucks, cars, SUVs, you name it. Most of them run on good old gasoline engines. And while each job has its quirks, there are a few issues that come up time and time again. So we figured we’d take a few minutes between oil changes and carb cleanings to share what we see most often—and how you can stay ahead of the worst of it.
Getting Your Classic Ride Ready for Summer Crusing
There’s nothing quite like the sound of a classic engine firing up for the first time after a long winter nap. Whether it’s an old Chevy your granddad bought new or a muscle car you’ve spent the last few years wrenching on in the garage, summer’s when that vehicle finally gets to shine.
Spring is Coming: Time to Get That Pickup Ready to Go
If there’s one thing every farmer’s got, it’s a pickup that’s seen it all. Hauled more than it should’ve. Pulled someone out of the mud. Spent too many nights running fence lines or feeding in the dark. It’s a workhorse, not a showpiece—and when spring rolls around, that truck needs to be ready to go as hard as you do.
Winter Tire Care: Don’t Let Snowy Roads Catch You Slipping
Around here, winter doesn’t play games. One day it’s 40 and slushy, the next it’s a sheet of ice with a bitter wind to match. Whether you’re running backroads to feed cattle, hauling kids to school, or heading to town in the early dark, your tires are the only thing between you and the ditch.
Winter Care for Your Truck & Trailer: Cold Weather, No Excuses
When the temperature drops, everything gets a little tougher—especially if you're running a semi. Whether you’re hauling grain from the bins, pulling livestock, or running loads for hire, winter doesn’t care what you’re doing. It’ll test your rig from the first cold start to the last icy mile.
A Look Back: Key Moments in Automotive History That Still Drive Us Today
We work on a little bit of everything around here—from beat-up farm trucks to shiny weekend cruisers. And every time we pop a hood or turn a wrench, we’re reminded: these machines didn’t just show up out of nowhere. There’s a long road behind every car and truck, built by folks who weren’t afraid to try something new. So we thought we’d take a minute here at the end of the year to tip our hats to a few big moments in automotive history—milestones that helped get us from hand-cranks and horse carts to the rigs we see in the shop today.
Winter Diesel Care: Cold Mornings Don’t Have to Mean Trouble
If you run a diesel, you already know winter isn’t its favorite season. Cold mornings, hard starts, gelling fuel, frozen filters—it’s all part of the deal if you’re not prepared. But with a little know-how and some solid maintenance, your diesel can handle winter just fine.
Prepping Your Vehicle for Winter: Cold Weather is Coming, Are You Ready?
We all know how winter goes around here—one day it’s sunny and 50, and the next morning you’re scraping ice and wondering why your truck won’t start. Whether you’re commuting, feeding cattle, hauling kids to school, or running backroads to town, winter puts your vehicle to the test.
Putting Your Classic to Bed for the Winter
We get it—you’d drive that old truck or car year-round if you could. But once the air gets cold and the roads start getting salty, it’s time to think about putting your classic away for the season. Whether it’s a restored muscle car, a patina-covered farm truck, or just something with a little sentimental value, proper winter storage can save you a heap of problems come spring.
Getting Your Farm Truck & Trailer Ready for Harvest
When harvest season hits, you don’t have time for breakdowns. Whether you’re running one truck or a whole fleet, every load counts—and every minute your semi’s parked is another minute the combine is sitting.
Is Your Vehicle’s A/C Ready for Summer Heat?
When summer rolls around in Bureau County, the heat doesn’t mess around. Whether you’re out checking crops, running errands in town, or hauling kids to the county fair, there’s nothing worse than flipping on your A/C and getting hit with… warm air.
Diesel Engine Maintenance: Keep Your Workhorse Running Strong
If you drive a diesel, you already know—it’s built different. Whether it's your farm truck, work van, or heavy-duty semi, a diesel engine is a powerhouse. It’s made for hauling, towing, and getting the job done. But just like anything that works hard, it needs regular care to stay reliable.
Getting Your Classic Ride Ready for Summer
When the weather warms up and the roads clear off, there’s nothing better than firing up that old classic and going for a drive. Whether it’s a Sunday cruise through the backroads or heading to the local car show, summer’s the time to let your vintage beauty stretch her legs.
Tire Rotations: The Simple Step That Makes a Big Difference
Out here in the country, our vehicles put in the miles—on gravel, pavement, dirt, and fields. Whether you’re hauling, commuting, or just heading into town for groceries, your tires take a beating.
Spring Prep for Your Farm Truck: Get Ready Before the Fields Do
When the weather starts warming up and the ground starts drying out, you know what’s coming: long days, dirty boots, and plenty of time behind the wheel of your pickup. Whether it’s hauling seed, checking fences, or towing equipment, your farm truck is about to earn its keep.