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What to Do After a Car Accident

Tue, 16 May 2023 12:43:26 GMT

What to Do After a Car Accident

Staying safe on the road is every driver’s priority. This is why we get our cars repaired the moment we think that a problem exists. It's for the safety of everyone that there are so many laws in place that drivers need to follow. We all love the ability to drive to get where we want to. But we also need to take care of ourselves and other people on the road.

While you may be the most careful driver out there, mistakes happen, and bad drivers can happen too. Automotive accidents are extremely unexpected and can happen to anyone, no matter how careful they are. Car crashes are violent and scary, and if you’re ever in one, you might not know what exactly to do. This is why we’ve prepared an auto accident checklist to help you get through those unexpected accidents.

Our Post-Accident Checklist

Don’t Leave the Scene — If your car is not in a safe place and is drivable, move it somewhere out of danger. Try to keep it nearby the accident scene. Ensuring that you’re somewhere safe is important as well. If you can’t move your car, then leave it where it is. Try to leave your hazard lights on to warn other drivers that they need to slow down upon approach.

Call 911 — If you or somebody else is injured, you should contact the emergency services. If there is property damage involved, getting in touch with the police is a must. If you are unable to make the call, let somebody know that you are injured and need assistance. Calling 911 can be the difference between life and death for yourself or anyone else who is hurt. Even if there is no injury, it’s still a good idea to call 911 to help get the facts straight before insurance companies begin to file cases.

Get Personal & Insurance Information from Other Drivers Involved — When you’ve been in a collision with any other vehicles, ensure that you get the following information:

Name
Insurance Info (Carrier, Policy Number, Agent Name, and Phone Number)
Driver’s Phone Number
Driver’s E-mail Address
Make/Model of Car
License Plate Number
Driver’s License Number
Once you’ve gotten that information, it’s best practice to also volunteer your own.

Get Names & Contact Info from Any Witnesses — Getting this information will make it easier to contact any witnesses that were present during the time of the collision. This will help you in helping the insurance companies and authorities to get a clear timeline.

Take Pictures & Videos — If you’re able to, ensure to take pictures and videos of vehicle damage, skid marks on the road, and of the accident scene (If you have to move your vehicle somewhere safe, make sure that you take pictures before you move anything).

Do Not Discuss Responsibility — Under no circumstance should you admit guilt, apologize, give explanations or discuss responsibility for the accident. If somebody wants to bring this topic up, don’t say anything.

Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer — A lawyer can help you understand the legal situation of your collision and help you know what to do next.

File a Claim — As soon as everything at the scene has settled, immediately call your insurance company to begin the claims process. Your insurance card should have a 24-hour phone number to call, so an agent is available to start the process. Your agent will get in touch with you as soon as possible, and they should assist you every step of the way with your claims process.

Get Automotive Repair Services Post-Collision

Hopefully, you don’t ever have to use this checklist, but if you do, you know what to do now. Ensure you have an insurance policy that suits you best and do your best to drive carefully. After the accident, you can worry about getting auto repair services or new tires to help get your car to peak performance. Stay safe out there!

How is a Tire Made?

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 07:22:57 GMT

How is a Tire Made?

The tires on your vehicle and vehicles across the world, was a result of multiple inventors across several decades. Robert William Thomson invented the first vulcanized rubber pneumatic tire in 1845, but it was too costly and ahead of its time and attracted little interest. In the 1880’s John Boyd Dunlop was the inventor of the first practical inflatable tire for bicycles. Several years later, André Michelin and his brother Edouard were the first to use pneumatic tires on an automobile, but they were not successful in making them durable. It wasn't until Philip Strauss invented the combination tire and air-filled inner tube in 1911 that pneumatic tires could be used on automobiles with success.

Tires are made of strong, flexible rubber attached to the rim of a wheel to provide a gripping surface for traction and serve as a cushion for the wheels of a moving vehicle. Tires offer your first and only contact with the road and allow effective steering, braking, accelerating, and turning. Let’s go through the fascinating process of how these feats of engineering are made.

The Tire Making Process

Raw Materials: The main ingredients used in tire production are natural and synthetic rubber. The raw rubber used in tire manufacturing is produced by combining liquid latex with acids that cause the rubber to solidify. Excess water is removed from the rubber and formed into sheets that are dried and pressed in bales to be shipped to tire factories around the world. Synthetic rubber is produced from the polymers found in crude oil. The other primary ingredients are metallic and textile reinforcement cables, carbon black, silica, sulfur, and other chemicals.

Design: Car tires are made of four basic components: beads, the body, sidewalls, and the tread. Many tires are custom designed to the desired specifications and performance needs of the maker of a particular model vehicle. Depending on the design of the treads, the tires are optimized for certain conditions. Computer systems play a major role in tire design to simulate the effects of different types of rubber compounds. Tire engineers perform thorough computer studies of a new tire before a tire prototype is made for testing. When the tire passes all inspections for safety, performance, and durability, tire factories begin mass production of the new tire.

Manufacturing: A machine called a Banbury Mixer combines the raw materials for each compound into a regulated batch of black material. The mixing process is computer-controlled to assure standardization. The compounded materials are then sent to machines for further processing into the sidewalls, treads, or other parts of the tire. The task of assembling the tire then begins.

The body, beads, and tread of the tires are produced, and a tire assembler starts building a tire by wrapping the rubber-covered fabric plies of the body around the machine drum. The beads are added and locked into placed and special power tools shape the edges of the tire plies. Finally, the extruded rubber layers for the sidewalls and tread are glued into place, and the assembled tire, called the green tire, is removed from the tire-building machine. The tire is then placed in a mold for the curing process, then inspected and tested before distribution.

Your vehicle’s tires are considered the most vital component of a car. Tires are found on automobiles, trucks, buses, aircraft landing gear, tractors and other farm equipment, industrial vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles, and more. Modern tire technology blends a unique mix of chemistry, physics, and engineering to give consumers a high degree of comfort, performance, efficiency, reliability, and safety. Tire factories staffed with skilled workers all over the world produce more than 250 million new tires every year.

How Often Should a Car be Cleaned?

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 07:35:31 GMT

How Often Should a Car be Cleaned

We live busy lives and often don’t have time for tasks like cleaning our car. Cleaning your car is an important aspect of car maintenance that many don’t realize the benefits of keeping up with. A clean car is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it can also increase the resale value of your car. While some clean their cars themselves, others pay a professional car wash to do the work for them. Ideally, you should get your car cleaned on a weekly basis. However, many car owners clean their cars only when it is dirty. How frequently you drive your car also matters.

As a general principle, the more miles that you drive, the more frequently you will need to clean the car. The climate and air temperature are also important considerations. Snow, salt and grit from the roads can quickly erode and damage your paint work, and high temperatures can cause erosion to be accelerated, as chemicals in contaminants become more active in hot temperatures.

Why You Should Clean Your Car More Often

Preserve Your Car's Paint Job

Dirt and dust particles wear out your car's paint job over time. It leaves your vehicle looking dull and lackluster as a result. Regular cleaning will preserve your car's paint job and remove debris that would otherwise damage your vehicle's exterior. A professional car wash will make your car shinier and protect its paint finish from the sun and sand. Your vehicle should be waxed every three months, and your car's exterior buffed once a year. To protect your car's finish, washing the exterior alone — no matter how frequent— will not keep your paint job from fading.

Prevent Expensive Repairs

It is crucial to regularly maintain your car to preserve it, and more importantly, extend the life of it. Damages to a car’s exterior could be a simple repair, but they can lead to irreversible damage that will need a complete replacement, which could be extremely expensive. If your car is constantly dirty, this will cause parts to rust and corrode, leading to a lower resale value when it comes to selling your car. A properly cleaned and maintained vehicle in the interior and exterior will help hold the vehicle’s value and give you a reliable car.

Increase Driving Safety

Many accidents are caused every year because of a dirty window, windshield, or side mirror — reducing visibility. A dirty interior of your vehicle can also have debris and dirt that can cause distraction while driving. Clutter can block your sight or even the path from your foot to the gas/brake pedals, and it can be catastrophic.

Avoid Health Issues

The interior of your car needs to be kept clean to eliminate harmful bacteria that can build up over time. An unclean, closed-up vehicle is an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Dust and dirt create poor air quality inside of your car, making it more common to catch a cold, develop possible allergies, or even create an unpleasant smell. Keep the parts of your car you touch the most such as your steering wheel, dashboard, door handles, seatbelts, and the gear shift clean. Cleaning will keep germs and bacteria from lingering in your vehicle.

A clean vehicle will contribute to the fuel economy, safety, performance, and resale value of your vehicle. De-clutter, dust, sanitize, and vacuum your car, and schedule routine car washes. Routine preventative maintenance and auto repairs will also keep your vehicle at its peak performance. A clean car will protect you from harmful bacteria. To most people, cleaning your car is not a priority, but you will be shocked once you realize how damaging a dirty car could be. Schedule car cleaning and sanitizing at least once a week to keep your vehicle healthy and safe.

Should You Buy a Spare Tire

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 09:58:49 GMT

Should You Buy a Spare Tire

Many new cars are now missing a spare tire and are coming from the factory equipped with tires or inflator kits that claim to make a spare tire unnecessary. We usually don’t think about the need for a spare tire until we need it. You should always have a spare tire in your vehicle because you never know when you’ll get a flat or puncture and be on the side of the road stranded. A spare tire and wheel provide you with a direct replacement, allowing you to become mobile again until you get a tire repair service.

Many spare tires for modern cars are smaller than normal tires to save on trunk space, gas mileage, weight, and cost, and they should not be driven on for long before replacement with a full-size tire. Don't wait until you're on the side of the road to invest in a spare tire. If your vehicle doesn’t come equipped with a spare, purchase a spare tire so you can safely replace a damaged tire, and travel to your nearest auto repair shop for proper service.

Types of Spare Tires

A Full-Size Spare Tire: A full-size spare is the same size as the other tires on the vehicle. The major advantage of having a full-size spare is that it’s not a temporary fix. Always have a tire rotation done on all your tires, including the spare if you have a full-size spare tire. Full-size spare tires are an exact replica of your existing tire and wheelset. Their only disadvantage is that they require the most storage space.

Temporary Full-Size Spare: A full-size temporary spare matches your vehicle's original tire dimensions, but it isn't the same in terms of tread depth and weight. These spares are lighter, which makes the tire easier to install. This spare is full size but does not match your regular tires.

Compact Temporary Spare Tire: A compact or donut spare is a temporary fix and should not be used to drive a significant number of miles. These tires are small and narrow, which takes up less space in your trunk but has shallow tread depth. Compact spares purpose is to save the day by getting you to an auto repair shop to have your tires replaced.

Folding Temporary Spare: These are foldable or collapsible tires that will require inflation before they are installed as a temporary spare tire.

A Run-Flat Tire: Run-flat tires are now becoming common for some car manufacturers to include instead of a spare tire. Rather than including a spare tire, these run-flat tires are built to withstand most road hazards, including punctures, and can continue to drive after a puncture for about 50 miles before needing to be replaced.

Flat tires are random occurrences that are beyond your control. Always keep some type of spare tire in your vehicle. You never know when you may get a puncture or flat tire and are stranded on an isolated highway. Regardless of the type of tire, your spare needs to be replaced sooner rather than later. If you use a temporary spare tire, you should not drive more than 50 miles, and no more than 50 miles per hour before replacing your spare tire. A spare tire is meant to get your vehicle safely to the nearest auto repair shop. Driving for long distances on a spare tire can potentially cause damage to other car parts, including the transmission. Inspect your spare when you get replacement tires and when performing monthly air pressure inspections.

Social Distancing Behind the Wheel

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 10:07:07 GMT

Social Distancing Behind the Wheel

Your vehicle is a good way to maintain social distance compared to taking the bus, train or a taxi. If you are traveling in a vehicle with other people, you can still ensure that social distancing is being practiced by sitting at the far opposite side of the car (2m or 6 feet separation). You also need to consider how many people are in the cab, perhaps using a larger vehicle to provide more distance between occupants and always ensure good ventilation by keeping windows open where possible.

Social distancing simply means keeping a safe distance away from other people and includes measures such as not shaking hands and staying about 6 feet away from other people. In your vehicle, staying 6 feet apart is difficult, but there are other preventative measures you can take. There should also be routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched objects and surfaces such as door handles, steering wheels, and controls. Of course wearing a mask may also be a good idea.

Social Distancing Is Key

Share a ride safely: If you must be in a car with other people, properly sanitize the vehicle before entering and while in the vehicle, avoid physical contact with the other occupants. If you have to sneeze or cough, use a tissue or cough/sneeze into your arm behind the elbow and away from anyone else. Depending on the social distancing measures in your area, you may be restricted to driving around with only the people you live with.

Keep it clean: Wash your hands thoroughly throughout the day and clean surfaces in the car. The right car cleaning regime can reduce the spread of germs and viruses without harming your car's interior surfaces. Cars should be sanitized every time they are entered or exited. Use disposable cloths, wipes or paper towels if possible. Always clean your car first with car cleaning products to clean seats, steering wheel, doors, touch screens, seatbelts, windows, and other areas that are touched frequently. After a thorough cleaning, disinfect with anti-bacterial or alcohol-based products that are safe to use on upholstery, paint, leather. You can also take your car to a drive-thru car wash to get the exterior cleaned properly.

Park Properly: When you are out and you need to park your vehicle to get out, keep social distancing in mind and make sure to park your vehicle a distance away from other vehicles. This will allow you to stay the recommended 6 feet away from other people while exiting your vehicle. This will make it easier for pedestrians and drivers to stay a safe distance apart in parking lots.

Stay Safe

Always follow the guidelines and safety measures set out by the authorities in your area, to keep safe. While you are practicing social distancing and proper hygiene, remember to keep your vehicle up to date with regular oil changes, battery checks, tire pressure, and clean ups. Giving your vehicle some love during this time by following these steps and keeping it well maintained, will keep you and your family safe and ready to go when you’re able to drive again and plan your next road trip.

How to Safely Sanitize Your Vehicle

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 10:21:35 GMT

How to Safely Sanitize Your Vehicle

Germs and dirty surfaces can make you cringe on the thought of touching or sitting in an area filled with it. Well, fun fact, your car probably isn’t the pristine haven you think it is. According to studies, the average steering wheel is four times dirtier than a public toilet seat. Then they are all the other frequently touched areas in your cars such as the cup holder, seat belts, and door handles, and touch pads; they can’t be too much cleaner. Now more than ever, it seems timely to offer some tips on how to safely sanitize your vehicle.

Sanitizing your car is different than giving it a good spring cleaning. It’s essential to keep germs and viruses off the parts of your car you touch the most. We’ve all been doing a lot of washing and cleaning lately, and cleaning our car probably hasn’t been one of those places. Many people spend a lot of time in vehicles, so keeping it well sanitize and clean is important. In order to prevent the spread of viruses and other harmful germs, you’ll want to make sure you know how to sanitize your vehicle the right way.

Methods for Sanitizing Your Car

Remove Dust and Mold — Your car has a sealed environment, and the chances of bacteria growing inside are much more than open spaces. You can remove most of the dust from the interior of your car by vacuuming and cleaning any heavy debris from inside your vehicle.

Clean/Replace the Cabin Air Filter — The cabin air filter is responsible for cleaning the air inside a car. Change the air filter at least every 6 months, especially if you notice that the air is not cool enough, or if unpleasant, moldy air is being circulated in the car. A dirty air filter can dispel bacteria in your car from the car’s air conditioning system.

Use Car-Safe Disinfectants — Use a good quality car-safe disinfectant on the surfaces of your vehicle that is frequently being touched. This includes the steering wheel, gear stick, armrest, touchscreen, buttons, door handles, and mirrors. The chances of germs and viruses in your vehicle are reduced greatly if these surfaces are kept clean.

Clean the Entire Upholstery — Leather seats or cushions should be done gently with a microfiber cloth. You can clean the seats and other soft surfaces by using a vacuum cleaner to remove loose dust and then with soapy water or an alcohol-based solution.

Car Wash — Don’t forget about the exterior of your vehicle. Running the car through the car wash will definitely give you a fantastic look, and also helps you to effectively decontaminate and sanitize the exterior of your car properly.

Routine auto repair, maintenance, and cleaning will keep your vehicle healthy and safe. Always do your best to drive with clean hands. Keep sanitizing wipes and sprays handy in your vehicle to clean frequently touched surfaces regularly. If you’re low on cleaning supplies, soap and water are a safe and effective alternative to clean your vehicle. With these tips, keeping a clean car is easy!

What Happens When Tires Sit Too Long in One Place?

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 10:28:02 GMT

What Happens When Tires Sit Too Long in One Place?

Your tires are your car's only connection to the road. Taking care of your tires will save you money on gas and a smoother, safer ride for you and your family. Your vehicle’s tires affect how your vehicle steers, how it brakes, and how it hugs the road. Your tires need to have the correct air pressure, tread depth, tire balance, and wheel alignment to be safe and cost-effective. If your car is left unused for an extended period of time, know that your tires and other components will still require maintenance and upkeep.

Leaving a car unused for a long period could leave it vulnerable to problems with your battery, brakes, and tires. Tires will be prone to deteriorate, lose air pressure, and develop flat spots. When you decide to start driving your vehicle again, instead of the smooth ride you expected, it will be all bumps, thumps, and vibration due to ineffective tires.

Here Is What Happens to Tires When a Vehicle Is Left Unused

Tire Deterioration

Although you will always have to replace your tires at some point, premature tire deterioration can be avoided so your tires can last longer. Your wheels carry the full weight of the car, so when your vehicle is left in one stationary position, your tires can soon become deflated, flat, rotten, or warped. While inflating the tires can help, it's not always safe to drive on tires that sat in the garage for too long.

Tire Bubbles

When your vehicle isn’t in use, your tires may develop bubbles that may not always be visible. Tire bubbles can also form in areas where the rubber has worn very thin. Driving on a tire that has a bubble is very dangerous, and there is a high possibility that it will blow out on you. Damage as a result of tire bubbles cannot be repaired because a tire bubble means the tire’s structural integrity has been compromised.

Flat Spotting

The most common cause of flat spots on tires is when your car is left too long in the same place. When your vehicle is parked and unused, the area of tire touching the ground can become rigid. You will feel a ride disturbance or shimmy during the first few miles of driving after your vehicle has been parked for a few days, weeks, or months. Flat spots damage the tires' functionality and can be dangerous because one or more flat-spotted tires can cause a shimmy or harmonic vibration, which makes it difficult to steer your car.

Tires that are in poor condition can be potentially dangerous and even lead to serious vehicle accidents and injuries. Always check the inflation pressure before you drive around. Cars should not sit still; they are meant for driving. When you let a car sit for several weeks or longer, a lot of problems can pop up, and not all of them are repairable or preventable. Start your vehicle and move it around periodically to keep fluids circulating and ensures all the moving parts such as the transmission and brakes are kept well lubricated. Moving your vehicle can help avoid potential tire deterioration, bubbles, and flat spots. Visit our auto repair service center to have your tire replaced as soon as you notice any issues.

Is It Safe to Drive on a Tire with a Bubble?

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 10:31:54 GMT

Is It Safe to Drive on a Tire with a Bubble?

Bubbles in your tires are generally caused by impacts on the road. Hitting the edges of potholes, small collisions, hitting a curb and speed bumps can all cause the sidewall to bulge in your tires. Your tires should always be smooth and round, so if you notice a bubble on the sidewall or see a section of tread bulging, it’s a sign that something is very wrong, and you should stop driving immediately. Tires that have a bubble are not safe to drive. When your tire has a bubble, the fabric of the inner tire can no longer protect your tire from bursting when pressure develops from contact with the road.

The most common place to see a bubble in the tire is the sidewall. Tire bubbles can also form in areas where the rubber has worn very thin. Driving on a tire that has a bubble is very dangerous and there is a high possibility that it will blow out on you. Your top priority should be getting the tire replaced as soon as possible because as more moisture and air seeps in, the bubbles will get larger.

How to Prevent Tire Bubbles

There are some ways to prevent tire bubbles from occurring. It may be difficult to avoid coming in contact with potholes and speed bumps, but there are some precautions we can take to avoid bubbles from forming. Prevention is always better than cure, so to make sure your tires are able to have a long lifespan and keep you safe, follow these steps for preventing tire bubbles.

Avoid Potholes – Potholes are the biggest culprit behind tire bubbles. Always try to steer safely away from hitting potholes.
Drive Carefully – Drive carefully without rushing over speedbumps. Be cautious when parking and driving around curbs and sidewalks.
Maintenance – Inspect your tires often and look for changes in structure and pressure. Use a tire pressure gauge to check your tire pressure regularly.

Damage as a result of tire bubbles cannot be repaired because a tire bubble means the tire’s structural integrity has been compromised. It’s just no longer safe to drive on because the tire’s internal structure has failed. The tire will have to get replaced, and driving should be suspended. As a precautionary measure, regularly inspect your tires and make sure they have enough pressure. Visit our auto repair service center and have your tire replaced as soon as you notice a tire bubble.

How Does a Car’s Muffler Work?

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 10:38:42 GMT

How Does a Car’s Muffler Work?

Your vehicle’s engine produces small explosions of harmful emissions which come from the combustion chamber. These explosions produce dangerous gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. For safety, these dangerous gases are dispersed away from your vehicle’s cabin using an exhaust system, which the muffler is a key component of. To explain how the muffler works, we need to know the different components of the muffler.

There are four sections in an automobile’s muffler:

Inlet — The inlet attaches from the exhaust system. Exhaust gases and sound enters the inlet from the exhaust system.
Resonator — The resonator acts as an echo chamber by reducing the overall noise volume of the engine by canceling sound waves.
Perforated tubes — The perforated tubes are metal tubes located inside the muffler and are responsible for how loud or quiet your car sounds. They suppress the sound and work to increase your vehicle performance.
Outlet — The outlet emits both the remaining sound and exhaust gases.

How a Muffler Functions

The muffler contains tubes, channels, and holes which direct gases and reduce exhaust pressure. It quiets the engine by reducing the sound pressure emitted. The muffler is designed not to just dampen sound, but to combine sound waves and make them cancel out one another.

The muffler is also responsible for releasing the toxic gases, which can harm you and your passengers if released into the cabin of your vehicle. Some mufflers are designed to be silent while others are specifically designed to create what could be considered a growling sound. The muffler also improves the overall performance of your vehicle. Your engine can generate more power faster if it is able to get rid of all the exhaust gases it produces quickly.

Keeping your exhaust maintained and functioning properly will keep your vehicle from making unpleasant, loud noises and controls how your vehicle impacts the environment. Making sure these harmful emissions stays on the outside of your vehicle, will protect your health and the safety of your passengers.

What to Do About a Cracked Windshield

Thu, 28 May 2020 10:44:36 GMT

What to Do About a Cracked Windshield

Damage to your windshield happens unexpectedly. The windshield is an important safety device of your vehicle, with its main function being to protect passengers as well as ensure the airbags properly do their job of protecting the vehicle occupants. A small chip on your windshield can turn into a crack across the entire length of the surface and require windshield replacement if not repaired quickly. Your windshield is there to help protect you from outside elements coming into the vehicle and also provides up to 60% of structural support to your vehicle.

When your windshield is damaged, it compromises your vision when driving and can cause an accident. Not only is having a cracked windshield dangerous, it is also against the law in most states. The laws in different states are different, but most states in the United States require that your windshield be free of cracks or anything that can obscure your vision while driving. If you have a cracked windshield, depending on the severity of the damage, you can either repair or replace the damaged windshield.

Windshield Repair

Chips smaller than a quarter and cracks up to three inches long can be easily repaired. Since a small crack or chip of your windshield can quickly turn into a large crack, it is important to repair your windshield as soon as possible. A technician will determine if your windshield can be repaired based on three factors; size, depth, and location. Large, deep cracks in the glass that extend to the edges of your windshield will need replacement, while small shallow chips away from the edges of your windshield can be repaired. Windshield repair should not be performed if the damage is within the driver’s line of sight, which is the portion of the glass covered by the driver’s windshield wiper.

Windshield Replacement

Your safety is of paramount importance. To ensure the structural integrity of your vehicle, have your windshield evaluated by a professional as soon as possible, and make any recommended repairs. Your windshield should be completely replaced if:

• The glass is tempered glass, not laminated glass

• The crack is longer than a dollar bill

• The crack or chip is deep enough that it penetrated more than halfway into the windshield

• The crack or chip extends to the outside edge of the windshield

Chips and cracks on your windshield will worsen with time, temperature fluctuations, or from repeat damage. A crack in the windshield compromises your safety. Have a reputable repair shop assess your windshield and advise you if it can be repaired or needs replacement. Repairing or replacing a chipped or cracked windshield is simple, fast, and cost-effective.

The Importance of Tire Rotations

Fri, 15 May 2020 10:46:32 GMT

The Importance of Tire Rotations

A crucial factor in your vehicle’s health, efficiency and performance is getting regular tire rotations. A tire rotation is when the tires of your vehicle are moved from one position on the vehicle to another. The front tires will move to the rear and the rear tires will move to the front, typically in a cross-diagonal direction, meaning they will also change sides. Your vehicle carries more weight at the front, so front tires will typically wear out faster. Tire rotation is done to prevent the uneven wear this can cause and to prolong the life of your tires.

Your tires should be rotated at the same interval you get an oil change. The guidelines in your vehicle’s owner manual offer timing as well as the best rotation pattern for your vehicle and type of tires. The tires are the only part of the car which make direct contact with the road and influence your vehicle handling, ride, braking and safety. For optimum performance, tires must have the correct air pressure, tread depth, balance, proper alignment and regular rotation.

Why are Regular Tire Rotations Important?

Extend Tire Tread — When tires are not rotated regularly, your tires will wear unevenly and cause many problems. Uneven tire wear will affect the performance of your tires and the handling of your vehicle. Worn tires become unstable and make driving dangerous. Uneven tire wear is the most common sign you can recognize to know your tires need to be rotated. Your tires will last longer with regular tire rotation.

Maximize Performance — Your tires contribute to how effectively your vehicle performs. Getting your tires rotated will help your vehicle be more efficient, provide a smoother more comfortable ride and extend the life of your tires.

Increased Gas Mileage — Worn tires put a strain on your engine and increases your fuel consumption. When you rotate tires regularly, it decreases the amount of work it takes for the vehicle to drive and helps the engine to run more smoothly and efficiently, which decreases the amount of gas it takes to move the vehicle.

Savings — You will be saving a lot by getting your tires properly rotated. You will save on fuel cost, needing to buy new tires and the expensive repairs caused by worn or uneven tread.

By taking proper care of your tires with proper rotation, you will have safe driving on your travels, better fuel economy and extended tire life. When was the last time you had your tires rotated? If you need a tire rotation, don’t delay; visit our auto repair shop or schedule an appointment today!

What to Know About Nitrogen-Filled Tires

Tue, 05 May 2020 11:08:41 GMT

What to Know About Nitrogen-Filled Tires

Keeping your tires properly inflated is a key to getting the maximum fuel efficiency from your vehicle. Properly inflated tires also reduce tread wear, improve your car’s stopping distance, and decrease the chances of a blowout. Nitrogen-filled tires are said to have the benefit of keeping your tires inflated longer than the standard compressed air tires. The air in your tires eventually escape through the tire’s inner liner, but nitrogen-filled tires take a longer time.

Routine maintenance is critical to long tire life, and proper tire pressure will ensure the good health of your tires. The greatest benefit that nitrogen-filled tires are said to provide is keeping your vehicle’s tires inflated longer, which saves you money at the pump. Even so, researchers have concluded that although nitrogen will slow down tire inflation loss, you’ll still need to check and top off your air roughly every other month to stay within the ideal inflation range.

Nitrogen-filled Tires FAQ

Q: Will I get better fuel economy with nitrogen filled tires?

A: Better fuel economy is based on proper tire inflation, whether they’re filled with nitrogen or air will not affect that. When your tires are underinflated, gas mileage is lowered.

Q. Can nitrogen tires be filled with air?

A: Nitrogen isn’t readily available everywhere, so it is perfectly fine to top up your tires with normal compressed air if necessary. Normal air will likely negate any said benefits of nitrogen, but it is unsafe to drive on underinflated tires. You can always deflate your tires and re-inflate with nitrogen when it becomes available.

Q: Can tire pressure be checked less often using nitrogen than compressed air?

A: Regular tire pressure checks should be done regardless of what is used to inflate the tires.

Q: Where do I get nitrogen for my tires?

A: You will need to go to a nitrogen dealer location at a service center.

Contact Us to Learn More About Nitrogen-Filled Tires Near You!

There is nothing wrong with using nitrogen in passenger cars and trucks, but it does require commitment and extra cost. For your safety, always make sure that your tires are neither underinflated nor overinflated. This could create excessive strain and heat build-up and lead to catastrophic tire failure. Check your tire inflation pressure regularly to make sure they are inflated to the proper manufacturer recommended pressure level, either with air or, if you so choose, with nitrogen.

How to Know You Need a Wheel Alignment

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 11:15:11 GMT

How to Know You Need a Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment is the process of adjusting the angles of the wheels on your vehicle to the specifications of your vehicle manufacturer. When your vehicle was built, the wheels were perfectly positioned to the manufacturer’s ideal specifications, but over time your vehicle loses its alignment. Misalignment issues can lead to serious safety and performance issues and costly repairs. A wheel alignment service will optimize the various angles of your wheels to each other, and to the road.

Aligning your wheels requires the vehicle to be placed on a wheel alignment machine. This machine uses specific measurements to allow the technician to set and adjust the suspension components back to the factory specifications. The common alignment angles are camber, caster, and toe. These angles become misaligned due to potholes, hitting curbs, speed bumps, being in an accident and other driving hazards. So, how do you know when your vehicle requires a wheel alignment?

The Most Common Indications Your Vehicle Requires a Wheel Alignment

Steering Wheel is Not Straight — If you are driving on a flat straight path, your steering wheel should be straight, centered, and still. Poor alignment will cause your steering wheel to be crooked and off-centered or at an odd angle when driving straight.
Drifting or Pulling — If your vehicle drifts to the left or right while driving straight down a leveled road your alignment is off.
Uneven Tire Wear — A camber adjustment issue will cause excessive tire wear, particularly on the edges of your tires.
Vibration — If your steering wheel vibrates when you are driving, this can be another indication your wheels are out of alignment.
The Vehicle Handling Feels Loose — Your car will be unstable and loose when driving straight and taking turns due to improper wheel alignment.
Vehicle Noise — If you hear squeaking, creaking, knocking or rubbing when you start driving or go around corners, this may be an indication of steering and suspension issues. A wheel alignment will be required after these repairs.

Experts recommend that wheels need to be aligned after every 10,000 miles. You will require wheel re-alignment sooner depending on your driving conditions or if you’ve had an accident. Everyday driving over constant speed bumps, hitting curbs, or potholes slowly causes your tire angles to change. Incorrect wheel alignment can create drivability and premature wear problems, so it’s best to get the vehicle inspected as soon as you notice any of the indications of wheel alignment issues. Visit our auto repair shop and have our mechanics inspect your wheel alignment, make the necessary adjustments, and keep you and your passengers safe!

Benefits of a Clean Auto Air Filter

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 11:30:41 GMT

Benefits of a Clean Auto Air Filter

Did you know that changing your air filter can increase your car's fuel efficiency and prolong its engine life? The air filter's job is to deliver 10,000 gallons of clean air to the engine for every gallon of gas burned to enter the engine. Though it's only one small component among the many that make your car run, the air filter plays a big role in how your car runs and how long it runs.

Car engines need an equal amount of fuel and clean air in order to run efficiently and smoothly. To make sure that your engine receives only the cleanest air and prevents damage from small dirt and particles, air filters for cars are installed.

The major benefits of keeping your auto air filter clean are:

Better Fuel Economy — If your car doesn't get enough air, your car will consume more fuel than it otherwise would. Your air filter plays a role in how efficiently your vehicle uses fuel. A clean air filter will help your car go farther on a tank of gas than it would with a dirty filter.

Protected Engine — Your car gets hit with bugs, leaves, debris, water, salt, mud, and countless other things. Some of those things are tiny but once they get in your engine, they can cause big problems. Auto air filters stop all that gunk from getting to your engine. If the air filter is dirty, it can become blocked and restricts airflow.

Performance — If you allow your air filter to get too dirty, the engine's performance will go down. The engine may stop running entirely. Your engine needs air to function properly so it can perform the combustion process.

Increased Engine Life — Change or clean your car's air filter regularly to increase the life of your engine. If the gunk and debris from the environment get into your engine, it results in damage to the internal engine parts.

Lower Emissions — A clean air filter helps with the emission system of your vehicle. A dirty or clogged filter will prevent the emission system from doing its job. Keeping proper air flow in your car reduces emissions.

Visit Us Today for Air Filter Replacements Near You!

Keeping the air filter clean is one of the easiest ways to prevent costly repairs in the future. Not maintaining your car properly can result in needing to buy a new car much sooner than you anticipated. Proper maintenance is required if you want to keep your car in tip-top shape. Regularly cleaning and replacing your filter will help extend the life of your vehicle, as well as its individual parts.

Why You Should Store Your Winter Tires

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 12:17:09 GMT

Why You Should Store Your Winter Tires

Tire storage is an important factor in maximizing the life of your tires. While swapping out one set of tires for another is a challenge in itself, once your winter tires are removed, you still need to store them properly for the warm months ahead.

It’s important that your tires be properly stored when they’re not in use in order to make sure they’re ready to go when the temperature drops. Storing your winter tires is beneficial because:

Improper storage can result in reduced life for your tires or end up making them unusable.
If your tires are not stored properly heat, UV light, or direct sunlight can break down the rubber and cause them to become damaged.
Tires become unstable and deformed and you won’t be able to use them.
Proper storage prolongs the life of your tires.
Outgassing — aged rubber loses volatile oils which makes tires crack or “dry-rot.”

Tire Storage Q&As

Can tires be stored outside?

Tires are best kept in a climate-controlled environment. Tires not only suffer damage from swings in temperature and humidity but also direct sunlight, which is harmful to the rubber.

How should tires be covered up for storage?

Tires should be sealed in airtight plastic bags, which protect them from changes in humidity. You can store your tires inside regular lawn and garden bags if you remove as much air as possible from them before placing the tires inside. Once the air is out of the bag, seal it up with tape, so that the tire doesn’t dry out.

How long can you keep tires in storage?

When tires are properly stored as recommended, they can have a very long shelf life. Proper storage and care can do wonders for increasing a tire’s lifespan.

The best place to store tires is in a cool, dry location, like a basement or garage. Properly storing your winter tires will help slow the process of tire wear and extend the life of your tires while in storage. Always have an expert checked your stored tires, before putting them back on your vehicle.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

How to Protect Your Tires Against Common Road Debris

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 12:33:55 GMT

How to Protect Your Tires Against Common Road Debris

Good tires are not cheap, so it is important that you do everything you can to extend the life of your tires. Because a vehicle’s tires are the first point of contact, road hazards such as small rocks, trash, debris, and salt and chemicals can be hazardous while driving. Attempting to avoid the debris is dangerous when driving because — both visually and mentally — it is hard to process the hazard level of an object in the few seconds a driver has to react. Drivers who encounter road debris, often don't have the time or space to avoid a collision, and these accidents can be quite serious.

Encountering several unfriendly obstacles on the road such as potholes, steel plates, uneven seams, branches, roadkill, gravel, glass, and more are common. Even if this debris does not puncture your tire, it can cause your tires to wear down unevenly. If you notice road debris, or if you have to drive over rocky paths or gravel, drive slowly and carefully. Avoid these obstacles as much as you can.

Trees and Branches — One of the most problematic types of road hazards involves trees and their branches. Look far in front of you for road debris, and if you see any, slow down and try to change the lane safely away from debris.
Potholes — When you see a pothole on the road, keep a firm grip on your steering wheel, slow down and, if it is safe, try to drive around the pothole. Hitting a pothole can puncture your tire or bend or crack your wheel.
Metal Debris in the Roadway — Screws, nails, and other sharp objects are common culprits behind a sudden blowout or puncture while driving.
Broken Glass — The most common glass in the roadway is from broken headlights and windshields at accident sites. Broken glass can damage a tire and cause it to fail prematurely.

Help safeguard your tires with a road hazard protection plan. This tire protection plan gives you added peace of mind while driving and can save you from getting stuck with a more expensive repair bill. A road hazard tire plan makes it easier for you to replace your vehicle’s tires, whether you have a total tire blowout, run over a nail, or encounter another tire hazard while driving.

If you find yourself in need of new tires, shop our inventory online or give us a call. We are proud to be the local source for quality tires near you. Let us help you find the perfect set of tires for your car, truck or SUV today!

Tire Patterns and What They Mean

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 12:45:25 GMT

Tire Patterns and What They Mean

Tires are one of the most important safety and performance features of a vehicle. These specialized tools are the only part of your car which maintains direct contact with the road. This means there is a lot of planning and design put into the functionality of your tires.

Look at your tires, what do you see? A mesmerizing pattern, since performance is key. The design of the tread on your tires isn’t only for aesthetic purposes. The arrangement of cuts into the rubber is done with the purpose of increasing traction, grip and overall functionality. The last time you bought tires, you probably heard terms like “symmetrical,” “directional” and maybe you were introduced to “seasonal tires” or even “all-weather tires.” These tires each gain their classifications because of the tread design they have.

Tire Patterns Explained

Most brands of tires use a variety of tread designs for each of the tire lines they produce. These designs are carefully designed to serve different functions. These specializations are what classify tires into different categories. There are four main types of tread patterns on tires:

Directional Tread Patterns

These tires can be spotted by their obvious patterns. The grooves and cuts on these tires go from the edges of the tires to the center, typically in an angled (or “v”) pattern. These tires are better for performance cars.

Pros

Anti-Aquaplaning – Due to the design of their treads, these tires provide excellent water displacement. This means you’re protected from aquaplaning and you get better handling.
Fuel Efficiency – This design helps with fuel efficiency as they have less rolling resistance.
Wet Terrain – These tires perform great in snow and mud.

Cons

Cannot Rotate – Because of their specific design, these tires work in only one direction of rotation and must be fitted accordingly.
Cost – Due to the rubber compounds used in these tires, this means the tires are more expensive to purchase.

Symmetrical Tread Patterns

This is the most common tread pattern you can find on most tires. This type of tire is easily distinguished due to the pattern of continuous grooves or blocks across the tread. If you flip a symmetrical tire around, it will give you the same tread design.

Pros

Affordable – Due to this tire being in high demand and large production numbers, the tires are relatively cheap to purchase.
Rotation – Because the tread is the same in any direction you put it on, these tires can be rotated with ease.

Cons

No Water Performance – Since these tires are meant for daily use on dry weather, they lose performance in rainy weather.

Asymmetrical Tread Patterns

Easily noticeable due to their strange pattern. These tires have two different tread designs on either shoulder of the tire. This is because each side serves a different purpose.

Pros

Handling – Because of their design being for both wet and dry performance, these tires offer a great handling experience on both.
Road Noise – Due to the tread design, there is less road noise when compared to symmetrical tires.

Cons

Tire Life – These tires don’t have a long lifespan, meaning that replacement is needed sooner.
Cost – Due to their specialty design and because of low availability, the costs are a bit higher.
Specific Sizes – These tires are typically available for wheels which are seventeen inches (17”) or above.

Flow Optimized Asymmetrical Tread Patterns

These tires are a hybrid of asymmetrical and directional tires. These tires have a half “v” design.

Pros

Aquaplaning – These tires provide a high level of protection against aquaplaning with their designs.
High-Performance – These tires provide great handling, curving and overall performance.

Cons

Accessibility – These tires are a bit more difficult to find.
Cost – These tires are a bit more expensive due to low availability.
Cannot Rotate – Just like the directional tires, these tires work in only one direction of rotation and must be fitted accordingly.

Be it for a road trip, your daily commute or a visit to another city or state, each tire has a specific purpose. Because of this, they each have specific designs for them. So whatever purpose you may have for your car, there’s a tire tread designed to help with that. Stop by our tire shop near you today and let us help you find the perfect tires for your vehicle!

5 Common Power Steering Problems

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 12:49:35 GMT

5 Common Power Steering Problems

In order to reduce the need for effort from the driver to steer the vehicle, engines incorporate a system referred to as “power steering.” This is a hydraulic system which uses power steering fluid to build pressure which is then used to change the direction of the wheels. This means you don’t need to arm wrestle with your steering wheel when trying to take a turn.

When your car’s power steering system begins to fail — or the fluid needs to be replaced — it can make it much harder to control around curves and corners. There are a few problems which can cause this issue. Here are some common problems associated with the failure of your power steering system.

Leaking Power Steering Fluid — The power steering system uses a special fluid to transfer the pressure to change the direction of your wheels. If this fluid has been compromised and is leaking, then the ability to build pressure in the fluid is harder to do. This means taking curves and turn can be near impossible. You can easily spot this because you will notice fluid dripping from the vehicle. Often, there is also a grinding noise which can be heard when taking turns. If you run out of fluid, you can burn out the power steering pump.

Cracked, Peeling or Worn out Hose — Every part of your vehicle wears out with time. The components of your car are under stress when driving and this can cause damage. After a few years, you will notice the hoses associated with the power steering system have become hardened and begin to crack. Your hoses are also located close to other parts in the engine compartment and may become worn due to possible friction with these components. These issues may lead to holes or cracks in the hoses which will eventually leak power steering fluid.

Loose Hose Couplings — Just as your hoses can become damaged throughout normal use of your car, the couplings which connect your hoses together may begin to loosen, resulting in loss of fluid. This is caused by vibrations, sudden bumps or by the pressure of the system itself.

Slipped Drive Belt — The drive belt on the power steering pump slipping off is a common problem associated with power steering. This will completely prevent your car from changing direction as there is nothing driving the pump resulting in the loss of fluid pressure. You can notice this pretty easily when you hear a squealing sound when you turn the steering wheel into a sharp turn.

Worn Out Pump — As your car gets older, so does the power steering pump. The seals and internal parts of the pump break down and lead to loss of fluid pressure. This can be diagnosed through loss of steering ease and through squealing sounds.

Preventative Maintenance Can Address the Causes of Power Steering Failure

Now that you know a few symptoms of a failing power steering system, if you feel your car might need a repair, take it in for an expert inspection.

Most of these issues can be prevented through routine inspection and maintenance. Taking your car in for consistent maintenance is how you can keep your car healthy and performing at its best. Let our experienced mechanics help prevent power steering failure, as it’s extremely important to getting you to your destination safely.

Conventional vs. Synthetic Motor Oil

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 13:02:43 GMT

Conventional vs. Synthetic Motor Oil

When you go to purchased motor oil from your local auto store, do you know what you’re really paying for? When a service attendant asks you synthetic or regular, do you know the difference? If these situations leave you feeling unsure, let’s examine your options so next time you can make an informed decision.

What Are the Advantages of Synthetic Oil Over Conventional Oil?

First off, synthetic oil is better than conventional oil. Synthetic motor oil uses a higher quality base oil as compared to the less-refined base oil used in conventional oils. Full synthetic oil provides better engine performance and protection than conventional motor oils and they are specially formulated to provide additional performance benefits. Conventional oil — when compared to synthetic oil — easily breaks down in extreme high temperatures and does not last long.

Synthetic motor oils are chemically developed from petrochemicals. The process removes impurities from the crude oil and enables individual molecules tailored for the demands of modern engines. This provides higher levels of performance and protection than conventional oils. Synthetic motor oil outperforms conventional oil by:

Offering greater engine wear protection
Keeping your engine cleaner
Flowing better in low temperatures
Protecting the engine better at high temperatures
Protecting critical turbocharge parts

Synthetic oil also gives you a longer oil change interval than conventional oil. This advanced technology and highly effective oil does not come cheap. Synthetic oil can cost twice as much as conventional oil, but it is worth the buy. Before choosing what type of oil to use, however, be sure to check your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations.

Overall, the advantages of synthetic motor oil far outweigh that of conventional oil. The decision comes down to manufacturer requirements, how much you drive and how diligent you are about changing your oil. Your motor oil lubricates all the moving parts of your engine, so it is the most important fluid you use in your vehicle. It is essential to choose an oil that is best for your vehicle health and needs.

How is a Tire Installed?

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 12:55:04 GMT

How is a Tire Installed?

For the safety and performance of your vehicle, your tires should be installed by an expert technician. Proper installation enables your tires to function fully and provides maximum safety. On average, a tire installation takes about 45 minutes to an hour. After you have selected the right tires for your vehicle, your tires will be expertly installed. A proper installation includes:

Inspecting the lugs or wheel bolts
Installing new rubber valve stems where applicable
Mounting the tires
Balancing the new tires on your wheels
Tightening the wheel lugs to the manufacturer recommended torque
Servicing TPMS systems

The Steps to Install a New Set of Tires

When your tires are being replaced your, a tire technician uses a step-by-step procedure to properly mount your new tires unto your vehicle.

The vehicle is placed on a mount to lift off the ground.
The technician will unbolt the lug nuts on each wheel in a counter clockwise direction starting with the left front so that the wheels are removed from the vehicle.
The tires will then be deflated by unscrewing the valve stem core; if new tires are being installed, the stem in pulled out and a new one is installed.
A tire machine removes the tires from the rim.
The rims are checked to make sure they are perfectly smooth with no rust or rough patches.
To remove rough patches, abrasive pads are used the smooth the inner and outer parts of the rim. Too much damage to a rim will cause an unbalanced wheel. So, if rims are rusted they need to be replaced.
Tire bead lubricant is applied to the tire beads and the rim which allows the bead to have the tires sit well on the rims.
Using the tire machine, the new tires are installed on the rims.
Tires are inflated to their maximum pressure based on vehicle manufacturer specifications and a stem core is installed.
Tires will then be balanced and reinstalled onto the vehicle.

An alignment is also recommended so that your new tires don’t wear unevenly. Proper tire installation is very important so that your car is safe and reliable. A proper tire installation should be done by an expert tire technician. Your tires play an important part in the safety and dependability of your vehicle, keep them well maintained and working effectively. Visit us to have your next set of tires installed by our expert tire technicians!

Why Is Tire Pressure Important?

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 13:05:50 GMT

Why Is Tire Pressure Important?

Your vehicle’s tires should always be inflated to their proper PSI (pound per square inch), which is the standard rating for air pressure within a tire. The PSI for your vehicle’s tires is generally found on the drivers’ door jamb, inside your owner’s manual or on the tire itself. Proper tire inflation will allow you to have the best possible control of your vehicle and gives you a more comfortable ride.

For proper tire pressure and inflation:

The pressure of your tires must be in accordance with the PSI recommended by the tire manufacturer.
Tire pressure should be checked in the morning before you drive your car in order to get an accurate reading.
Temperature affects tire pressure; when it is cold pressure will drop and rise when the temperature is warm.
Use a dependable good quality tire gauge to monitor your tire pressure regularly.

In addition to your brakes, your tires are your vehicle’s most important safety feature. If they are properly inflated with the proper tire pressure, they will perform the way they should: proper steering, traction, absorb shock. Tire pressure should not be disregarded. It is a decisive part of the safety of your car, the comfort, the lifespan of your tires and even your fuel efficiency.

Safety: Low tire pressure will cause friction between the tire and the road. This may cause loss of control or a blow out which may lead to a serious accident.
Comfort: High tire pressure will make the ride feel harder and bouncier because less of the tire is touching the road. The traction and stopping distance will be affected.
Longevity: Tires will experience uneven tire wear and your tires will need to be replaced sooner than usual.
Fuel Efficiency: Gas mileage will decrease when tire pressure is not inflated to the correct pressure.

Tires should be inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. Overinflation will reduce the tire contact with the road which will result in a rough ride and uneven tire wear. Underinflation of tires will make tires flatter and have more contact with the road which will cause premature tire wear and high fuel usage. Keep a handheld tire pressure gauge in your vehicle and check your tire pressure when you fill up your tank or at least once a month. If your tire pressure seems low, visit a gas station to use their pressure pump or visit your local auto shop for a check and air fill up.

Tips for Winterizing Your Vehicle

Fri, 15 Nov 2019 13:09:18 GMT

Tips for Winterizing Your Vehicle

Winter is on the way. It’s time to get your vehicle winter-ready. Winterizing your vehicle is necessary to keep your vehicle performing its best during the cold months. Your vehicle’s safety is important during winter conditions, especially if you must drive on icy or snowy roads. There are several things you can do to ensure your car operates successfully throughout the winter months as well as maximize your car’s ability to keep you and your family safe should a winter weather problem occur.

Here are some car care tips to give you peace of mind during winter driving:

Cold weather slows down your battery power. During the cold weather, your engine requires more current from the battery in order to start the engine. Have a mechanic check your battery to see if it needs replacement, charging or cleaning.
You need to be able to see clearly while driving, especially in snowy conditions. Properly working windshield wipers and a good supply of wiper fluid will ensure you have a clear line of sight even in the worst snowstorm.
If you are in an area covered with snow for most of the winter, you should replace your regular all-season tires for winter tires. They provide more traction and flexibility in the bitter cold.
Cold weather causes the air pressure in your tires to drop. A properly inflated tire ensures the best possible contact between the road and the tires which is necessary for safe traction when driving in winter conditions.
Cold weather reduces the effectiveness of the oil in your vehicle. The colder it is outside, the thicker the oil gets, and thick oil does not circulate through your engine as easily as thin oil. Change your oil and adjust the viscosity.
All lights should be clean and properly working to ensure maximum visibility in the wintertime. Replace foggy, hazy or damaged lens covers to improve visibility.
Check your belts and hoses for any sign of wear and tear. Cold temperature can weaken the belts and hoses that help make your engine run.
Check brake fluid and brake pads for wear and tear and have pads replaced if necessary.
To prevent the coolant in your radiator from freezing, check the anti-freeze mixture.
Have your car prepared with emergency supplies in case you get stranded in a blizzard.

Before the harsh winter weather arrives, you should have your vehicle serviced for the challenges winter can pose. Routine vehicle maintenance is important year-round, but especially before the winter months. Weather has a huge impact on the functionality of your vehicle, and servicing your vehicle becomes more pertinent during this colder time of the year.

Do You Need Winter Tires?

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 13:12:29 GMT

Do You Need Winter Tires?

Are you curious about the difference between different types of tires? When it comes to winter tires and regular tires, the main difference between the two is tread depth. On winter tires the tread depth starts at between 8 and 9 mm as opposed to 7 and 8 mm on a regular tire. Winter tires have a wider and deeper groove within the tire tread which forms a larger channel for snow and water to travel through and maintains a grip on the road.

One of the most important features of winter tires is the fact they are made with a larger percentage of natural rubber and silica in the compound. This doesn’t harden as much as synthetic rubber in cold weather which improves the tire grip.

What are the benefits of winter tires?

Winter tires enhance road grip which in turn provides road safety during wet and icy conditions. These tires also offer an effect on reducing stopping distances. It has been tested a vehicle fitted with winter tires will come to a stop on a snow-covered road after 114 feet while normal tires braking distance is a further 26 feet (140 feet).

Reasons why you should consider purchasing winter tires:

• Winter tires are not only for snow or ice-covered roads, they are also very effective for cold weather. When the weather is cold, tires get hard which reduces traction. Winter tires have better traction due to softer and more flexible rubber.

• Using winter tires will extend the life of your regular all-season tires since you will be using your winter tires for the winter season.

• With no compromises made for other seasons, drivers will benefit from significantly increased traction during acceleration, notably shorter stopping distances, and a drastic increase in directional stability at speed.

• Proper tires for the season give your all-wheel drive system plenty more grip to work with, allowing it to do its job with maximum effectiveness.

The answer to whether you need snow tires can depend on where you live. Whether you have a front-wheel, rear-wheel or even an all-wheel drive car could also play into the equation. Also, it can depend on the demand to drive in snowy conditions.

Winter tires are not only needed when there is snow on the ground, they provide a good grip in all cold conditions whether the road is wet or dry. If you live in an area that gets regular low temperatures even without snow, winter tires are inevitably safer than your regular tires. Always re-mount those all-season tires when spring rolls around. While winter tires are undeniably superior in extreme winter conditions, they’ll wear down faster on warm, dry pavement. If you’re in a place where snow is measured in feet rather than inches and winter temperatures that stay below freezing for weeks on end, winter tires might be a good investment after all. If you feel winter tires are right for your vehicle, give our tire shop a call for the best deals on quality snow tires near you!

Halloween Driving Safety Tips

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 13:14:30 GMT

Halloween Driving Safety Tips

Trick or Treat! Kids and adults both love Halloween with all the candy, costumes and fun of being up late. As witches, superheroes, ghosts and celebrities roam the streets in search of candy and treats, drivers need to be cautious when driving. Halloween can be a dangerous time for drivers and pedestrians alike. Statistics have shown Halloween is one of the deadliest days of the year for pedestrians. It is a night filled with darkness, increased pedestrian traffic and all sorts of distractions.

Let’s not let this fun evening turn into a tragedy. Following these driving safety tips can help drivers and pedestrians be safe this Halloween.

Drivers:

1. Use your headlights — Halloween nights can be foggy and dark. Always make sure you use your headlights so you are visible to pedestrians.

2. Speed control — Be extra cautious and alert when driving. Drive slower than the posted speed limit, especially in residential areas. Children tend to be very excited about the events of the night and may not pay attention before darting or crossing the road. Drive slowly so you can respond quickly if you need to.

3. Don’t drive distracted — Keep your full attention on the road. Avoid using your phone and keep music at a level which enables you to hear horns and pedestrians around.

4. Exit driveways and pull onto streets with extreme caution — Be careful when backing out into the street.

5. Communicate with other drivers — Always use your indicator lights and hazard lights when pulling over or stopping to drop-off or pick-up children.

6. Drive sober — If you are celebrating Halloween with alcohol, designate a sober driver or take a taxi.

Pedestrians:

1. Be visible to drivers — Make sure drivers can see you walking the streets. Carry a flashlight or glowstick. Avoid costumes which obstruct your vision.

2. Be cautious when crossing the street — Follow the rules of the road. Cross the street where there is a traffic sign and be alert by looking both ways before crossing.

3. Stay on the sidewalk — It is safer to be on the sidewalk. If there is none, then always walk facing traffic.

4. Buddy system — Always have a plan as to how you are going to get back safely home at the end of the night. Create a buddy system to get each other home, arrange a designated driver or call a taxi. Driving drunk or walking with impaired vision is very dangerous.

Follow these safety tips for drivers and pedestrians and enjoy the Halloween festivities responsibly. With a little consideration, you and your family can focus on making memories that will last for years to come. Happy Halloween!

How Temperature Affects Tires

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 13:18:58 GMT

How Temperature Affects Tires

The US has a wide variety of climates, but generally, weather conditions are cold during the winter and hot in the summer. In southern states, summers are very hot and humid while in the Pacific Northwest, summers are warm with cool mornings and evening conditions. Winter in the South is mild, but in the North conditions are often very cold with lots of snow and below zero temperatures. How do all these variations affect your tires?

The temperature outside has various impacts on your vehicle’s tires. The change in the temperature also causes an equal change in the pressure of your tires; a higher temperature will increase the pressure of your tires. Your tires should be kept inflated based on the specific vehicle manufacturer recommended pressure. Tires are made with both natural and synthetic rubber compounds which contain oils that help with elasticity. The heat from the sun and the friction from the road wear out your tires and reduces the amount of oil and elasticity your tires have. This is what causes your tires to split, crack or become brittle. This can be very dangerous and may lead to unfortunate accidents.

Lower temperatures will lower the pressure in your tires. So, when we experience cooler weather conditions, tires will become under-inflated which also makes it dangerous for drivers. Cold fronts and snow cause a drastic drop in the temperature which may lead to hazardous road conditions and makes it unsafe for drivers. Under-inflated tires also increase your fuel usage, create more wear and tear on your tires and may lead to catastrophic blowouts. Most vehicles have a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) which will indicate to drivers their tire pressure needs to be checked.

All tires are also properly marked with a manufacturer date code and most manufacturers recommend tires be replaced 6 years from this date. Even if your tires appear to be in good condition, this may not be the case. Your tire pressure should be checked monthly and all four tires should be in compliance with the manufacturer recommended pressure specifically for the make and model of your vehicle.

Schedule a Tire Inspection Today!

If you’re concerned about the inflation of your tires, visit a qualified tire shop near you as soon as possible for a tire inspection. It’s worth having confidence in one of the most important parts of any vehicle, your tires!

Car Smells and What They Mean

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 13:21:27 GMT

Car Smells and What They Mean

Does your car have an unpleasant, lingering aroma? Usually your first impression will be to check for food that may have been left under seats. If the culprit isn’t food that has gone bad, there are several other reasons that may be the cause of the unpleasant smell. The last thing you want is your passengers in your being uncomfortable by the smell or worse question your hygiene. You need to find the source of the odor because an air freshener will only mask what could be a serious issue.

What’s That Smell?

Rotten Eggs - If the smell is similar to rotten eggs, this may be because your catalytic converter has gone bad. The root cause could be an engine or emissions system problem that made the converter overheat, thus causing the rotten egg smell.

Moldy, Musty Air - When you turn your air conditioning on and it emits a musty smell from the vent, mold or mildew has probably formed in the air conditioning system.

Burnt Paper - The smell of burnt paper while driving, especially when changing gears, might be a sign that the clutch is burning off as it slips. The friction created burns the paper-based clutch facings.

Burning Rubber - Slipping drive belts or loose hoses that might be rubbing against rotating accessory drive pulleys could cause a burned rubber smell.

Burnt Toast - Are you smelling burnt toast? That could be a short circuit in an electrical component or overheated insulation. Take electrical odors seriously because short circuits and overheated components may cause a fire.

Gas Fumes - Smelling gas while filling up at the gas station is common. But if you smell constant gas fumes, it may be a sign of a gas leak probably from the fuel injector line or gas tank. Gas leaks can result in a possible fire hazard, so immediate attention should be given to the issue.

When you smell any peculiar odor in your vehicle, do not ignore it. Take your vehicle to a professional service technician and get an informed opinion on the nature of the odor. Bad smells can lead to expensive repairs or health hazards and shouldn’t be ignored. If your cars unpleasant smells aren’t from any mechanical malfunction, then an extensive cleaning of your car can be done so your car smells better. Vacuuming is a great way to get rid of a lot of different bad car smells. Baking soda, charcoal and other car care products can absorb smelly particles and remove them from your vehicle.

Visit Your Local Auto Repair Shop to Diagnose Any Vehicle Issues

There are a many different factors that can cause bad smells in cars, and some of them require help from a pro. Auto repair professionals have the experience required to identify hidden sources of odors and the equipment required to stamp them out for good. If you are smelling strange smells in your vehicle, make an appointment at the auto repair shop nearest you!

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