The Right Time for a Vehicle Safety Inspection

Now that we are out of winter, many people are discovering that their cars are not as safe and mechanically sound as they thought. Inclement weather in winter usually includes cooler temperatures, and if you reside in the northern states, the temperatures can dip below zero with a wind chill factor that is even colder. You will also experience snow and winds; sometimes the wind speed can get so fast that it blows the snow around to create whiteout conditions that obscures your vision. It can be very dangerous to be stranded in the cold and snow, so if you have not had a vehicle safety inspection done yet, now is the best time to have it done.

What is in Included in the Inspection?

A vehicle safety inspection is a term used to describe the systematic examination of the various systems of your car. It can include inspections of the steering and suspension, electrical system, radiator, alternator, and battery. A mechanic will make sure to note the condition of each of the inspected areas and make recommendations to you about any needed repairs or potential issues that may arise in the immediate future. If any issues are found, your mechanic can address them at that time. Your inspection may also include a thorough check of the engine, exhaust system, brakes, and transmission. If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, you may be able to take advantage of any special pricing for safety inspections if available. Each mechanic has different packages available from which to choose. Each package can include multiple services; some may even include additional services such as oil changes, windshield wiper replacement, and fluid checks. All of these things are essential to a properly running car.

When Should it be Done?

A lot of people usually only equate an inspection with a car purchase or when it is time for emissions testing, but it is wise to inspect your car after each winter season. You can use it as your defense against automotive mishaps that can immobilize your car. Whether you own an import car or an American model, your vehicle is your mode of transportation to work, school, and social events, so you need to make sure that it is operational and safe. Not only is it can be dangerous for you to be stranded, it can be doubly hazardous for your children. 

What if I find a Problem?

If you are having car troubles or an issue is discovered during the inspection, your mechanic can make those repairs for you. You should make sure that he or she is qualified to make the repairs that you need; it would be pointless to have a mechanic who is trained to do engine repair to make any repairs on your exhaust system unless they have knowledge and experience in making those repairs. Most modern cars are equipped with sophisticated computer systems that monitor the health of your car. If your mechanic does not have access to equipment in order to access the information provided by the computer, then you can ask for a referral to another mechanic. 

WHAT IS FUEL EFFICIENCY

Fuel efficiency refers to how effectively your vehicle converts fuel into the energy that actually powers the vehicle. While shopping for a new vehicle, the fuel efficiency rating is available on the window sticker. The values that are given will cover a range and will be an average based testing. It is nearly impossible to predict the exact fuel efficiency of a vehicle because your own driving habits impact your vehicle’s Miles Per Gallon (MPG).

HOW YOUR DRIVING CAN AFFECT YOUR FUEL EFFICIENCY 

Bad driving habits have an impact on your car’s fuel efficiency. Aggressive driving and speeding is not a way to obtain better fuel mileage. You should observe the speed limit and set your cruise control. Driving at a constant speed keeps you from accelerating when it is not needed, making for a more consistent optimal fuel economy. By removing unnecessary excess weight, you can increase your MPG because your vehicle does not have to work as hard to power itself to move forward. When you idle you can burn a lot of gasoline. This is why instead of idling you should turn off your engine when it is parked. Cold weather and frequent short stops also reduce your fuel economy, since your engine does not operate efficiently until it is warmed up. 

WHAT CAN I DO TO INCREASE MY CAR’S FUEL EFFICIENCY 

Purchasing a vehicle that has a smaller body style, is lightweight, and has a less powerful engine are the first steps you can take to achieving a more fuel-efficient vehicle. If you are able, you should purchase a manual transmission because you are able to get more MPG rather than with automatic transmissions. Typically front wheel drive vehicles, such as cars, get better fuel mileage as opposed to four wheel drive vehicles or trucks. If you are looking for maximum fuel efficiency, hybrid cars offer drivers sufficient gas mileage. Although they have a higher cost upfront, drivers often see the benefit both for them and for their economy. 

WAYS TO GO GREEN

There are various different ways that cars can be greener. The most popular is hybrid electric cars, which run on gasoline but use electricity from a battery to boost their fuel efficiency. Some hybrid cars have the option of running only on electric power but can switch to using gasoline for longer trips or better horsepower. There are alternative fuels that cars can use to help them be greener. Diesels can run on biodiesel, which is made from vegetable oil instead of petroleum. Biodiesel is less polluting than petro diesel and is made from a renewable resource. Gasoline cars can be converted to run on ethanol or an ethanol blend, which is made from organic materials instead of petrochemicals. Along with hybrid cars, flex-fuel vehicles are another way of going green. Flex-fuel vehicles are designed to be able to run on gasoline or ethanol or a blend of the two. Green vehicles create less pollution because they do not emit CO2 and other global warming contributors. Green cars are especially beneficial in cities, as they can decrease smog and improve air quality. 

Time for Your Vehicle Safety Inspection for Spring

With the winter season coming to an end, now is a good time to get your spring vehicle safety inspection. People who live in the northern half of the country know that winter can be quite brutal at times. This area typically experiences cold temperatures that will drop down to readings below zero and snow. They can also experience high winds that stirs the snow up to create whiteout conditions and obscure visibility. In order to keep you and your family safe, you should take the time to have your car inspected after having to deal with the blight of winter. The precautions you take could save a life. 

Begin the Journey

The first thing to do is contact your mechanic. If you already have one, then they are already familiar with your car from taking care of your general car maintenance and the occasional car repair. They will have an idea of what parts of your car will need special attention during the inspection. If you do not have a mechanic, look for one that has a good reputation and is known for doing quality work. When you take your car into the auto shop, make sure that you understand the pricing and guarantees offers before you hand over your keys.  Taking your car to a mechanic is your best line of defense in protecting your car.

On to the Appointment

When you get to the auto repair shop, the mechanic will ask you several questions about your car. They will need to know when the last oil change, wheel alignment, or any other car repair occurred and they will need to know what car repairs you have had. You should also convey any performance problems that you may have noticed as of late. They will then take your car in and prepare it for the inspection. If they have access to a scanner, they will connect the scanner to the computer system in your car. This can tell the mechanic much about the health of the car. It will also decipher any error codes that the computer may have generated and inform you of any immediate problems. Your car will be inspected from headlights to taillights, from the engine to the steering and suspension systems, and from electrical system to exhaust system. They will make sure that your car has enough fluids and will top off any levels that are low. 

After the Appointment

After your inspection, be sure to ask the mechanic any questions that you may have. He or she may offer suggestions about fuel efficiency or what to pack for winter safety kits if you need that information. They will let you know when is the next time you should have general car maintenance. Some mechanics may even offer a discount on the maintenance if you have your spring vehicle safety inspection completed by them. You should make sure that you follow the schedule of maintenance tasks that are recommended by the car manufacturer. You can find those in the owner’s manual. Your mechanic will be able to help you develop a schedule that is best for your car. Every car is different, so every car will not necessarily have the same schedule. Some European car models, Asian car models, and other imports may have different parts that may need maintenance on different schedules than some domestic cars. Be sure to check with your manual and your mechanic. 

Do not Panic, it is Just the Service Engine Soon Light

One day, you could be driving along and all of a sudden, your service engine soon light comes on. The first thing that crosses your mind may be the cost that is going to be involved with whatever needs to be repaired. The next thing that crosses your mind may be the cause of the light coming on. What could be wrong with the car that made that light come on when it did? How soon should I take it to a mechanic? Once you find out the basics of this light, you will feel more confident on how to handle this problem when it appears.

What is the Problem?

Before you can determine what is wrong, you must first understand what the service light means. The service light is often confused with the check engine light. The check engine light is a light to alert you to a possible problem with the exhaust system, particularly the emissions. It will let you know that there is an increased concentration of carbon monoxide that is being emitted through your exhaust system. The service engine soon light can cover a myriad of problems, from minor to major. Once you have determined that it is the service engine light that is illuminated and not the check engine light, you will have to perform an inspection to determine where the problem is located. 

How Much Time Do I Have?

Your service engine light should not be considered a panic button. Just because the light says soon does not necessarily mean that you will need to make a repair soon. It would be wise to have a thorough inspection done to determine if you have any serious problems. One thing you can do as soon as possible is to perform fluid checks. Make sure that you have enough engine oil, windshield wiper, transmission, and brake fluids. Top off any levels that are low and check for any leaks or signs of wear or damage. You can also check the steering and suspension, exhaust, and electrical systems. The severity of the problems found during the inspection would determine the urgency of the repairs that are needed. Any leaks and clogs should be remedied as soon as possible, as these issues can severely affect the safety of the car. For instance, a leak in the brake line could cause the brakes to fail, resulting in an accident. If your car has a leak somewhere, you should not drive it until you get it fixed.

Do I Need a Professional?

It is always best to hire a professional. Some repairs, such as engine replacement, are heavy jobs that would be very hard for a person to do in their garage. It is wise to take your car to a mechanic to have a vehicle safety inspection done. The mechanic can connect your car to a computer and run various diagnostics tests to determine the origin of the problem. The computer will read any error codes that may have been generated by your car’s computer. They will also do a physical inspection, top off any low fluids, and give you a more complete picture of the health of your car. With the spring season approaching, they can also give you some recommendations of how you can prepare your car for those longer road trips. 

WHAT IS YOUR VEHICLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM

Your vehicle’s suspension system is often one of the things that is “out of sight and out of mind”.  However, every time you drive or ride in a vehicle, the smooth ride and that you appreciate is thanks to that unsung hero; the suspension system.  In addition to a smooth riding experience, the suspension system makes for a better driving and handling experience.  

WHAT ARE THE PARTS OF YOUR VEHICLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM?

The three primary parts of the suspension system are the shocks or struts and springs.  Together they buffer the vehicle and occupants from irregularities in the road surface. Most vehicles do not have both shocks and struts. Newer models usually have struts.  There are many different types of shocks, including foam cell, coilover, dual-tube and monotube. There are two primary types of springs.  The traditional coil style spring is satisfactory for most vehicles.  If your driving frequently involves more challenging roadways or if you have a bigger vehicle, a leaf style spring may be warranted. The spring’s function is to keep the vehicle at an acceptable height off the road when traveling along uneven surfaces and to support its weight.  The spring takes the initial impact when you hit a bump. The shocks help to dissipate the impact of the bump so your tire doesn’t continue to bounce and they keep the wheel in contact with the road. 

SYMPTOMS OF SUSPENSION SYSTEM ISSUES

With the exception of some off-road experiences, in modern-day vehicles we all expect a smooth ride.  That expectation makes it easy to recognize an issue with a vehicle suspension system.  The most common symptom is bouncing.  By the time the issue is significant, any bump that you encounter will be magnified and your vehicle will react with a pronounced bounce that will be noticeable to passengers. Early on, there may be barely noticeable steering issues; more play in the wheel or a feeling of looseness when turning. This will gradually worsen as the wear and tear on the system becomes more severe. In rare cases, your vehicle may appear to be tilting to one side when parked on a level surface or you might hear a screeching sound when driving at low speed. Because the degradation of the suspension system is often gradual, the changes in handling, braking, and ride may not be obvious to you.  That is why routine maintenance and checks of this system are important to maximize effectiveness. 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO PROPERLY MAINTAIN YOUR SUSPENSION SYSTEM

Like many other parts of your vehicle, routine wear and tear will eventually wear out components of the suspension system. Driving on very rough surfaces or frequently hitting potholes will likely shorten the life span of your suspension system.   Even if you don’t drive extensively, time can take a toll on your struts, shocks, or springs. When your suspension system is not routinely checked and parts replaced as needed, your vehicle may not handle as predicted.  A compromised suspension system can do three things.  One, it may lengthen the time needed to come to a full stop.  Two, it might result in less effective steering when a quick maneuver is required.  Three it could even increase your chances of a roll over when a rapid turn is executed.  Consult with one of our trusted mechanics who can provide valuable advice about maintaining your suspension system. 

Choosing the Right ASE Master Technician for Winter Car Safety

Wintertime has many car owners thinking about winter safety. If you have fallen behind in maintenance, you may begin to notice a need for car repairs. Whether the repairs are as simple as oil changes or as complex as electrical systems repairs, you will need ASE master mechanics to handle it for you. Whether you are a man with automotive repair skills or a complete novice, professionals can offer you the kind of knowledge, skill, and customer service that you need and expect. Your mechanic will be able to take care of your car from the headlights to the taillights and all of the parts inside and outside. 

Knowledge is Key 

If knowledge is the key, then the mechanic is the lock. The proper knowledge comes from the time the mechanic spent on studying and working on cars. That knowledge is verified by the certifications that the mechanic holds. ASE master technicians have been rigorously tested to ensure that they have the proper knowledge to perform car repairs to the standards created by the industry. The more certifications a mechanic holds, the more systems the mechanics have proven themselves as being competent in those systems. You should look for a mechanic that has knowledge and experience in working with the systems that need attention on your car. If you need work on your electrical systems, then you may not want to have a technician that holds certification in tire alignment.   

Skills that Keep Your Car on the Road

Many modern cars require knowledge of the computer systems that control, monitor, and regulate various systems within the car. If changes are made and the computer does not recognize what was done, you could cause damage to your car. Some repairs are very labor-intensive or require a specific tool, equipment, or set of skills such as removing an engine and repairs to electrical systems, suspension systems, or radiator repairs. Larger, more complex repairs require a lot of available space. This space is needed to house the specialized equipment, computer systems, and tool kits. It would be pointless to make the monetary investment needed to acquire the space, education, and skillset that you would need to make car repairs. Taking your car to a mechanic would save you money and aggravation since you will have a skilled professional under your hood or your car to do the work for you.  

The Customer Service is Equally Important but Often Overlooked

One thing that some people never consider is customer service. It is important to pay attention to the customer service skills of your mechanic. They should be able to give clear explanations of what is needed for your car as well as being able to perform the work. ASE master mechanics have the proper knowledge to be able to provide you with the information and service you need to help keep your car on the road. They can keep track of your service records and can keep you informed of any upcoming general car maintenance tasks. By keeping your car maintained, you will be able to save money on car repairs that could have been avoided. For winter safety, your mechanic may offer special service packages that would include a variety of maintenance services. If you take the time to develop a relationship with your mechanic, they will work with you in a professional manner to avoid problems that are more serious.  

The Importance of Fluid Checks in Wintertime

Fluid checks are important to regular car maintenance. In the wintertime, monitoring your
levels becomes even more critical because being stranded in the freezing temperatures, snow
and icy conditions, and winter storms can be dangerous. Winter safety can mean the
difference between life and death. The fluids in your car perform vital services: coolant,
lubricant, and protectant. It is wise to monitor your fluid levels and maintain your car
according to the specifications of the manufacturer.

Fluids are Coolants

Fluids in the engine, cooling, transmission, and brake systems act as a cooling agent for
these moving parts and systems. When the metal parts rub against each other, they create
friction. This friction produces a great deal of heat. Although the car has a cooling system
that contains antifreeze, the other fluids also provide some heat dissipation. As the fluid
travels through the tubing, it is warmed by the hot metal and the heat is dissipated to the
outside air as it travels through the system. During regular car maintenance, you should
always check to make sure your fluids are clean and at optimal levels. Replenish fluids that
are low and change fluids that are dirty. Be sure to check and change any accompanying
filters when you change your fluids. For instance, if you are changing the oil, you should
also change the oil filter. The oil filter helps to keep debris and dirt from entering and
contaminating the fluid and the surfaces that it coats.

Fluids are Lubricants

When car parts rub against each other, they create friction. Friction not only produces heat;
it produces wear and tear on the parts. This wearing down is accelerated if proper fluid
levels are not maintained. The constant wear can create stress points in the part. The stress
points will lead to a break, fail, or malfunction of the part if the stress is not alleviated. The
fluids provide a slippery coating for the metal surfaces. When the surfaces rub together, the
fluids reduce the amount of friction produced. If the fluids become dirty, it causes the part to
work harder to transport fluid that contains suspended debris particles. As the oil gets
dirtier, the fluid becomes denser, thicker, and harder to transport. Clean fluids will allow the
parts to contact with the least amount of friction being produced.

Fluids are Protectants

The cooling and lubricant effects of the fluids in the car combine to produce a protecting
effect. By cooling the moving, coated internal parts, it helps to reduce the wear on the part.
This helps the part to last longer and can reduce your repair costs over time. If your fluids
are clean, you can ensure that your car can get the most benefits from the fluids, which will
benefit your wallet. Diligence should be maintained in monitoring your fluid levels. Your
driver’s manual will provide information on the maintenance schedules, fluid levels, and
reservoir locations. If you are not comfortable with performing this task yourself, you can
take your car to be serviced by qualified ASE master technicians who can also perform
bumper-to-bumper inspections, maintenance, and car repairs.

Types of Bulbs in Vehicle Headlights

Motor vehicles typically have one of three types of bulbs in their headlights.  Incandescent bulbs are nearly the same as what is used in your home or office. However, the ones in your vehicle are higher wattage than what would be used in the other settings.  They glow when a filament inside them is heated by electricity.  Halogen bulbs use a gas to create their light.  They are brighter than an incandescent bulb and because they use gas to create the light, they do not tax the vehicle’s battery system to the same extent.  The newest bulbs that are gaining in popularity are Xenon bulbs.  They operate much like a halogen bulb, but are much brighter and provide a very “white” light.  They are quite easily identifiable when you meet cars with Xenon headlight bulbs on the highway. Xenon bulbs have the longest lifespan of the three.  

Fog Lights with Headlights

Nearly all newer model motor vehicles are equipped with standard and fog lights.  Fog lights are useful in rainy, snowy or foggy conditions.  They angle the light down toward the roadway to reduce glare back in the driver’s eyes. Regardless of the type of headlight your vehicle has, headlights are all connected to your vehicle’s electrical system.  Make certain that any adjustments or repairs are handled by one of our reputable mechanics to avoid injury or other damage to this delicate system. Choosing to upgrade your headlights if you drive an older model vehicle is a good investment.  You will likely experience a considerable boost in visibility.  

Keys to Maintaining Headlight Function

A good rule of thumb is to clean your headlights every time you wash your windshield.  A dirty headlight emits less light and your line of vision may be reduced more than you realize.  Sometimes, older headlights develop a fog or haze.  If your headlights appear white or cloudy, you might ask one of our mechanics about headlight restoration. This fairly simple process uses chemicals to deoxidize the headlight without having to purchase an entirely new lens. Make sure that you have our mechanics routinely inspect your headlights for cracks.  While still functional, a cracked headlight will allow dirt and moisture inside.  This will reduce light flow and may increase glare for oncoming vehicles. Occasionally headlights will need to have their aim adjusted.  You may become aware of this because your line of sight has been reduced, because you can actually see the light shining at an awkward angle or because oncoming traffic routinely thinks your lights are still on bright even though they have been dimmed.

Replacing Headlight Bulbs

A responsible driver makes routine vehicle maintenance a priority.  Have a firm schedule for having getting your car and headlight inspected.  However, even the most diligent owners often fail to proactively replace their headlight bulbs.  You cannot predict when a bulb might go out and there are certainly circumstances such as night driving or driving in fog that would be hard to deal with if a bulb went out.  To avoid this potential unsafe scenario, ask our mechanics about a realistic routine bulb replacement schedule.   You might also consider carrying a spare bulb in your glove box. 

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Car Repair and Necessary Fluid Maintenance

Car fluids are an essential part of proper engine function, and a large percentage of drivers do not know how to test these car fluids or where to locate these components.  An integral part of general car maintenance includes bumper-to-bumper inspection of a vehicle each year to verify the safety of a vehicle on the road.  

Common Daily Fluid Checks

The fluids running through a car engine are as vital as water to the human body.  These lubricants protect the engine and all moving parts throughout the car that enhance performance and maneuverability.  It is commonly known that automatic transmissions fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles.  While the transmission flush tends to be more difficult than an oil change, it’s best to bring your car to professionals for the transmission fluid change.  You can read hundreds of sites that argue about the different mileage before you need an oil change. Ten or fifteen years ago, cars were recommended to get an oil change around 3,000 miles.  With the upgraded technology and fuel efficient cars, it is argued that most cars truly do not need oil changes until 5,000 up to 10,000 miles.   The same debate with oil changes is similarly arguable with the required miles before you flush the radiator.  Various mechanics and car repair companies differ on the number of miles before you have a radiator flush, but it is common knowledge to flush the radiator every 40,000 miles or more.  While it is not one of the most common fluids to monitor, it is a vital part of any operating engine.  Finally, windshield washer fluid can easily be detected because the fluid will not spray across the windshield if the reservoir is empty.  Not only is this the most inexpensive fluid check, windshield wipers increase visibility and protect the driver from inclement weather changes.

Regular Wheel and Tire Maintenance

Like the human body, you would not be able to walk without caring for your feet.   Another important maintenance issue concerns your tires and wheels to keep your car moving.  Wheel alignments prevent extensive wear on your tires and it keeps your tires balanced.  If your wheels are out of alignment, you will notice the car tends to pull towards one side of the car.  You can test wheel alignment by driving down an empty road and removing your hands directly from the wheel.  If the steering wheel veers towards one side, you need to check the alignment.  Brake pads also need to be checked especially if you have an automatic transmission.  The first sign of brake repair is a loud metallic grinding sound as you turn your wheels around street corners.    

Safety Car Components 

Once all the fluids and tires have been checked on the car, it is important to check a few more features on the car for safety.  Changing the air filter depends on how often a car is driven, but it has been suggested to change the air filter every 30,000 miles or during every other oil change.  Finally, inspecting the wires in your engine will assist in better performance of the vehicle overall.  

So Many Coolants, So Little Time

Everyone who owns a car is familiar with that green liquid that is poured into your car to keep it from overheating. That green liquid is the symbol for antifreeze, and like other coolants, it is used to remove heat. Antifreeze is poured into a reservoir and is then distributed to the radiator to help keep the engine cool. There are many different brands and types and you may be confused about which one to put in your car for the winter. To keep your car in safe and reliable service, it is important to know the differences between the types of coolants so that you can make the best choice to get the performance you need out of your car for the cold months.

Type 1: Propylene Glycol

The most common type of antifreeze is propylene glycol. This substance is organic and it not as toxic as ethylene glycol. It is becoming more popular as an engine coolant because of its less toxic nature. It is also added to other items such as ice cream, baked goods, and a number of processed foods. The major drawback to using this coolant is that it oxides when it is exposed to heat and air to form lactic acid. If the growth of lactic acid is not prohibited, it could form corrosion in the cooling system. The organic nature of this mixture is also prone to form a bacterial slime, which accelerates the rate of corrosion. If you use this type of antifreeze, you should make a conscientious effort to keep a close eye on the cooling system and check for color change, bacterial slime, and corrosion. If the color turns reddish, it is time to change the fluid. 

Type 2: Ethylene Glycol

Ethylene glycol is colorless, odorless, and viscous in its pristine form. It has a sweet taste but it can be toxic to humans and animals if taken internally. Because it is colorless, odorless, and has a sweet taste, manufacturers have purposely added coloring to the mixture to emphasize its potential for harm in case of accidental ingestion. Ethylene glycol is slowing falling out of favor as a coolant because of its toxicity level, but it displays a higher boiling point so that it could be used in all seasons. If this fluid appears to be dirty, be sure to drain out the old fluid and replenish with fresh.

Type 3: Extended Life

Extended life antifreeze is a coolant that has additives in the mixture to provide protection against rust, corrosion, and other related damage. That means that the coolant should last longer and stay serviceable longer than standard antifreeze. Most formulas are made with ethylene glycol and it is usually light orange in color. Like the other formulas, it is mixed with water before it is added to the coolant reservoir. If you are unsure about what antifreeze you should be using, you should ask your mechanic or automotive professional. Check your car manual to find the recommended type and the timeframe in which the fluid checks are performed. The label on the bottle will tell you how to mix the antifreeze with the water before you add it to your car. 

WHY ARE CAR TIRES SO IMPORTANT?

Your tires are the only contact your car has with the road, so keeping them in good shape is important in that it improves the performance and protection of your vehicle, which demands attention to help keep your tires like new.

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR CAR TIRES NEED REPLACING

The performance of your car tires is not only critical to the safety of your car, but also to the performance and efficiency as well. By knowing the telling signs of your tires wear and tear, it is easier to indicate whether they need replacing or not. One way to determine if your tires are going bad is to take a close look at the tread depth. By using a tread depth indicator, you are able to gage when the tread is worn. If your tire tread is down to 1/16^th of an inch, then it is time to think about purchasing new tires. Additionally, you should check for cracks or cuts in your tires sidewall. The more miles your tires have driven the more likely there are to be cracks and blemishes. Noticing a bulge in your tire’s sidewall will also indicate that a weak spot has developed and should be fixed immediately. If you notice irregular or uneven tread wear, this could mean that your wheel alignment might need to be altered through a tire rotation. Having an improper alignment or worn suspension can dramatically shorten the life of your tires. By checking your tires on a regular basis, you are able to catch problems sooner, keeping more money in your pocket. 

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR CAR TIRES

Proper tire care is simple.  By doing a monthly tire inspection, you can potentially save yourself a lot of money. By having your tire pressure checked by our technicians, we will be able to tell if there is a hole or leak, which could lead to flats and accidents. A modest jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can throw your tire out of alignment. By having us align and rotate your tires periodically you can ensure that there will be less wear and tear on your wheels, allowing for longer driving time. Also, by regularly checking your tire’s tread for any unusual wear, you can note and fix any problems you might see before things get worse and more dangerous. Tires for your car can be very expensive. However, by making an effort to do a routine checkup on your vehicle, you can help to prolong the life of your tires.  This will help your car to run more smoothly. 

ADVANTAGES OF NEW CAR TIRES

Having a set of new tires will not only provide safety for yourself and your passengers, but it will increase the performance of your vehicle in the rain, snow or ice. Another advantage of new tires is achieving better gas mileage. When the tread on your tire is worn, it makes your car work harder to put power on the ground. Your tires should be balanced and mounted properly to ensure the best results and decrease premature wear and tear. Lastly, it will provide a better driving experience, which is great for those taking long road trips.