How is a Tire Installed?

December 26th, 2019
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: 
 
Tire Installation Services
  • 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 ...[more]

  Tags: tires
  Posted in: Tires 101

Conventional vs. Synthetic Motor Oil

December 12th, 2019
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. Types of Engine Oil
 

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 ...[more]
  Tags: Auto Repair
  Posted in: Auto Repair 101

Why Is Tire Pressure Important?

November 28th, 2019
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. Tire Pressure
 
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 ...[more]
  Tags: tires
  Posted in: Tires 101

Tips for Winterizing Your Vehicle

November 14th, 2019
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. Winter Driving Maintenance
 

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 ...[more]
  Tags: auto repair
  Posted in: Auto Repair 101

Do You Need Winter Tires?

October 31st, 2019

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.Winter Tires

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 ...[more]

  Tags: tires
  Posted in: Tires 101

Halloween Driving Safety Tips

October 17th, 2019
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:Halloween Safety

1. Use your headlights — Halloween nights can ...[more]
  Tags: Auto Repair
  Posted in: Auto Repair 101

How Temperature Affects Tires

September 26th, 2019
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? Winter Tire Tips
 
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 ...[more]
  Tags: tires
  Posted in: Tires 101

Car Smells and What They Mean

September 12th, 2019
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. Automotive Smells
 

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.
  Tags: Auto Maintenance
  Posted in: Auto Repair 101

What to Know About Recycling and Reusing Tires

August 29th, 2019
Old tires can be found everywhere. From the shredded remnants of highway blowouts to mountains of rubber created in landfills, old tires are frequently cast off and forgotten. But what are the other options for tires that are past their prime? You can choose to take them to a tire recycling facility if one is available near you or even create a useful DIY product. Read on to find out all you need to know!Recycle Old Tires
 

Why Should You Recycle Your Tires?

In the US, over 300 million tires are disposed of every year. That is an alarming ratio of almost one per person. Disposing of tires in landfills causes an increase in rodents and mosquitoes which can spread diseases. Because tires are made of synthetic rubber, they are non-biodegradable. Scientists have estimated a tire can take up ...[more]
  Posted in: Tires 101

Used Car Pre-Purchase Checklist

August 15th, 2019
If you’re considering buying a used car, your mind is probably whirling with all the possible unseen problems and damage you could be missing. Not to worry though! We’ve put together a quick checklist to help you ensure you don’t have any surprises pop up after the money has been spent. Car Buying Tips
 

Follow these quick guidelines the next time you’re out buying a used car: 

 

Step 1 - Do Your Research!

 
The first step in buying any car is the research before you ever go look at the vehicle in person. If you have a type, make, or model of the vehicle you’re looking for, start there. You will want to look for common issues with the model you’re pursuing. Different types of vehicle ...[more]
  Tags: auto repair
  Posted in: Auto Repair 101
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