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Reasons To Inspect the Tires on your Vehicle

Posted on by blogmaster Posted in Driving Safe, Maintenance, Safety inspections, Tires

A tire inspection for your car is just as important as getting the oil changed and having the brakes looked at. It is one of the essential pieces to a car that you simply cannot drive around without. Or, you cannot drive around properly without the correct amount of air in the tires, the correct amount of tread and even the alignment. A tire inspection can be done as the car is up on the lift getting the oil changed or even when the brakes are getting looked at. Routine maintenance of the tires will make the difference between getting to where you are supposed to be safer or sitting on the side of the road with a flat and waiting for a tow truck to get you. If you are not sure how often to have the tires inspected, make sure to contact us. We can advise a schedule that is best for you and your vehicle.

Inspect the Tires on a Regular Basis

A tire inspection is exactly what it sounds like. Bring the vehicle in and we can inspect the tires for you. The visual inspection will tell if there are any cracks, minute holes that need to be patched up or even if the tread is low and the wires in the tire’s frame are coming out. Other ways to inspect the tire include checking the air pressure and having it aligned. Both of those types of checks require special tools and are best done by technicians in a shop so that you know it was done right and accurately and it is safe to have that car or truck out on the road.

Replace the Tires when Needed

Tires are something that wears down the more they are used on your car. You can get a lot of miles on your car, but only when the tires function properly. A tire running down the road that is not inflated to the correct tire pressure will wear much faster than a tire that is. If you are not sure what the proper air pressure should be for the tires, make sure to contact us and we can advise you on the correct amount. This way you can make sure you do not travel with tires that are under inflated or that are over inflated.

Know when to Align the Tires

Aligning the tires is not something you do by eyeballing it. The car is placed on a sensitive equipment stand so that the angle of all four tires is checked and adjusted. For example, one tire might be unbalanced and face in or out a couple of degrees off compared to the rest of the tires. Those few degrees can cause problems with how the vehicle handles as it drives down the road or it can make a difference on the tire wear. Uneven tire wear can affect one tire or maybe even two, depending on the direction it faces. If the tires are not aligned, it can end up doing more damage and costing you more in the long run.

Know What Four Wheel Drive is

Posted on by blogmaster Posted in Driving Safe, Maintenance, Safety inspections, Tires

 

When looking to purchase a new or used vehicle, there are several things to take into consideration. You will want to consider when and where you will be driving, along with how many passengers you have. If you have a large family, a van might be a good option. There are also some specifications that you will need to consider. One of these is if your vehicle should have four wheel drive or not. This is a feature which will allow you to get even more performance out of your vehicle no matter how you want to use it. The feature makes it possible for you to operate your wheels in a way which is conducive to better driving and can even provide better fuel efficiency when used properly. There are a few kinds of four wheel drive you can have. This includes the part-time four wheel drive systems and full-time four wheel drive. Beware of slipping when it comes to four wheel drive vehicles as this can cause you to get no benefit from the four wheel drive feature.

Part-Time Four Wheel Drive

The majority of four wheel drive vehicles are actually part-time four wheel drive vehicles. These use technology in two different ways. The most common way in which this kind of four wheel drive works is through a switch inside of the vehicle. You will be able to turn on the four wheel drive for use whenever you want it to. Some systems are automatic to help you keep driving in any circumstance. The most important thing to remember about part-time four wheel drive is that at no time will all four wheels be moving. The power can be switched from front to back, but it cannot allow all four wheels to move at the same time.

Permanent Four Wheel Drive

Those looking for the best driving off road will need to have full-time four wheel drive. This enables all wheels to move at the same time. This is an important feature whenever driving over uneven terrain. You may need to have weight displacement between two wheels on opposite ends of the vehicle. This is only possible whenever all four tires can spin at the same time. Being able to turn this feature off will help you to get better gas mileage while you are driving along the highway. Some of the full sized SUVs will allow you to have a full-time four wheel drive you will be able to turn off whenever you are not using it.

Issues with Four Wheel Drive

One of the biggest problems when purchasing part-time four wheel drive is the possibility of slipping. This is something which occurs when the vehicle is switching from front to rear wheels for power displacement. If the connection is not completely made, it can cause the engines to not be spinning while you are stepping on the gas. This can cause you to get stuck in the worst places. Most hybrids and light SUVs which feature this technology are not actually designed for off road use. Knowing the limitations of your vehicle can help you to stay out of trouble. You can also bring your vehicle in and we can inspect it for you.

 

Know the Difference between Speedometers and Odometers

Posted on by blogmaster Posted in Driving Safe, Maintenance, Safety inspections, Tires

 

As you are driving down the road, you need to understand the different between a speedometer and an odometer. The main difference you will need to know is that the speedometer is for measuring how fast you are driving your vehicle while the odometer is for measuring how far you have traveled in your vehicle. The two gauges are highly important in the operation of your vehicle. This is because it will allow you to determine the way that you are using your vehicle and help you to maintain the vehicle correctly. By knowing more about these gauges, you will be able to understand about how you are using your vehicle and when you will need to get your next service completed.

What is a Speedometer

The majority of speedometers in the United States use the mile per hour (mph) speed convention. This is because the streets are measured in miles and the standard of driving in the United States is based on the mph speed convention. Some will even come with speed which is measured in kilometers per hour (kph). This is something which is important for those who might be used to driving in foreign countries or plan to take their vehicle with them when going to other countries. These countries will post all of their speed limits in kph rather than mph. By having both on your speedometer, it will help you to know your speed without doing any mental conversions.

Learning More about Odometers

The odometer is the gauge which tells how far you have driven your vehicle. The majority of odometers come with not only a gauge which shows how far you have driven the car since you bought it. It will also feature a trip odometer which can be reset to show how far you have gone in a single trip. These are great so you will be able to determine not only how far you have driven, but what your gas mileage is on your last voyage. This can help you to determine if you are encountering certain problems with your engine. Paying attention to this gauge can help you to get even more out of your vehicle. The odometer in a vehicle cannot be changed throughout the life of the vehicle. Any attempt to alter the odometer can lead to problems with the authorities because this constitutes lying about the life of the vehicle if you try to sell it to another individual.

Improve the Performance of your Vehicle

As long as you have a good mechanic for engine repair, you should not have any trouble attaining the speeds you want to go or the kind of mileage you are looking for. The most important things to have so you can get the best gas mileage are to maintain fluids through fluid checks and to go through consistent oil changes. This will allow you to make sure that your vehicle is operating properly at all times. As long as you are making sure that your engine is operating properly, you will be able to go as far as you want to go as fast as you want to go there.

 

The Importance of Air Pressure in the Tires

Posted on by blogmaster Posted in Driving Safe, Maintenance, Safety inspections, Tires

When you drive, you will want all the parts and components to work as efficiently as they can. The tires on your car are rated to have so much air in them in order to run smoothly down the road. The pressure it should be at is stated on the numbers along the outside of the tire. If you ever have a question as to what your pressure should be, ask a technician and they will explain it to you. This way you can make sure that the tires are inflated to the proper amount that you need to drive.

 

An Ideal time to check the Pressure

The tire pressure should be checked each time you have the oil changed. It is also a good idea to have it checked before you head out on the road for a long trip. When the air is correct then you do not have to worry as much about picking up something that could puncture the tire or uneven wear for the long trip. Checking the tire pressure can also be a way to increase your gas mileage. The better your tires are inflated, the easier they can travel across the surface of the road. The easier they travel, the less gas you burn up with the engine working. If you do not have the tire pressure tool or an air compressor to fill up the tires, then you should just have the service center do it when they do maintenance. They can do it in a matter of minutes and don’t have to buy any tools since they will already have them on hand. Even though it seems like a simple task, do not skip over doing it because failure to have inflated tires can be disastrous.

Low Tire Pressure can cause Issues

Besides looking like you have a low tire, the inadequate pressure inside can cause problems for your tires. A low tire is susceptible to having a nail or something else puncture it more easily than if it was fully inflated. The fuller it is, it will make it harder for something to stick through and pop it. A tire that is too low will also wear out faster than one that is filled correctly. The tread will wear off and it could cause uneven wear on the tires depending on their location.

Check the Tire Pressure on Your Own

There are a couple of ways to check the tire pressure yourself. You will need a tool that measures the psi (pounds per square inch) to get an accurate reading of the air inside the tire. If the tire pressure is low, then you will need to have an air compressor or be by one so that you can fill up on the air and check the levels again to make sure they are accurate. To check the air, remove the air cap and press the air pressure tool in over the stem. Press down directly and firmly until the sticks pops out with the psi reading. If the reading matches what your tires say they should be at, you are all set. Make sure to check all four tires. If you have one that is low, simply press the air compressor over and fill with air slowly until you are at the right level. Check frequently if you haven’t done it before so you know you have not overfilled the tires.

When it is Necessary to Change the Oil

Posted on by blogmaster Posted in Driving Safe, Maintenance, Oil Changes, Safety inspections

Changing the oil in your vehicle is not as challenging as it may seem. It may take you longer than the stop and go oil change shops but you will have the satisfaction of performing your own routine car oil changes. Vehicles have different engines but the principles of changing the oil are the same. All you need to do is drain the old oil, replace the old oil filter and fill the crankcase with new oil. The first step is to purchase the new oil and filter. Use the owner’s manual to figure out the engine capacity for oil. Most cars are five quarts but some trucks are as much as seven quarts. Next you want to drain the old oil; this may require you to lift the vehicle so you can get under the engine. Removing the oil drain plug will empty the oil pan of used oil. Replace the drain plug once all the oil has been drained out. Now locate the oil filter and remove it by turning counter clockwise. Clean the oil filter mounting area with a paper towel. Then open a container of new oil and dip your finger in it, run your dipped finger over the rubber gasket of the new oil filter. Install the new oil filter by turning it clockwise but only make it hand tight. Next open the hood if you haven’t already and remove the oil filler cap, carefully add the required amount of new oil. Replace the filler cap and shut the hood you have just completed an oil change.

Make sure to Be Safe when Changing the Oil

Safety is always something to keep in mind when you are working on your vehicle. When using a jack to lift a vehicle off the ground always support the vehicle with jack stands. Never trust just the jack to hold the vehicle up, if the jack has a failure the vehicle could fall on you. If you are using ramps put a block of wood behind the back tires to keep the vehicle from rolling backwards.

Tools that you will Need

There are some tools you will need to have to complete an oil change. If you need to get under the vehicle you will need a jack and jack stands or a ramp and block of wood. You will need a correct size wrench to remove the oil drain plug and an oil filter wrench to remove the old oil filter. You will also need a container to catch and store the used oil and paper towels to keep everything clean. Using a funnel makes adding new oil easier but in some cases is not necessary if you are careful.

Other Fluids to Inspect

Since you have the hood open during the oil change take that opportunity to check the other fluids. You can check the engine coolants, windshield washer fluid, power steering and brake fluid levels easily by looking at the reservoirs. If you ever notice a fluid is low, make sure to bring it in so we can inspect the vehicle for you.

What Hybrid Vehicles Are

Posted on by blogmaster Posted in Driving Safe, Hybrid vehicles, Maintenance, Safety inspections

When you invest in a new vehicle, there are a lot of choices you will have to make. One choice is if you want to purchase a hybrid vehicle. Not everyone understands what is fully involved with owning a hybrid vehicle. Some people might not even know exactly what hybrid means when it comes to the engine. A hybrid engine is one that will run on alternative fuels besides the gas you buy in 87, 89, and 93 octane from the gas pump. It runs the alternate fuels as a way to save on money for the buyer but also as a way to save the environment and the ozone layer. The more cars that run on hybrid engines, the better the environment will be in the long run.

The Difference between Hybrid Vehicles and Others

A hybrid vehicle means that it can run on a combination of fuel sources. Depending on the exact model you choose, it could be a combination of electricity and fuel or else bio-fuel or regular fuel. Not every hybrid was built the same, even though some people like to believe one hybrid is the same as another. A regular vehicle engine will only run on traditional fuel that is expensive and goes through a long process in order to be processed correctly to run in the car. The process is what causes the environment harm because it releases toxins and exhaust in the air during the long and drawn out process. By having to produce less gas, there will be fewer toxins released in the air, keeping the air and the environment cleaner.

Maintain the Vehicle

Maintaining a hybrid vehicle is pretty much the same as what you would do for any type of vehicle. It needs to have regular maintenance checks for the oil, the fluids, the tires, the brakes and even the engine. The difference is that when you take it to an ASE master technician, make sure they are knowledgeable in hybrid engines. Since there are slight differences between the regular and hybrid ones, you will only want someone familiar with the hybrid type. When there is a problem found, then they can fix it quickly and easily without any fuss or having to switch shops to find someone who does know what they are doing.

Why you should Own a Hybrid

The ultimate pro to having a hybrid vehicle is that it will cost you less over the lifetime that you own it. Most of the savings will occur in the gas tank, since you will not be filling up with regular fuel that seems to be so expensive lately. If you are paying less at the pump, then you will have more money to spend in other areas instead. Another pro to having a hybrid engine is that you can always use the alternate fuel source they suggest. You can also ask us for the choices you have. We can explain the pros and cons of owning a hybrid vehicle.

 

What a Mechanic Does

Posted on by webteam305 Posted in Driving Safe, Maintenance, Oil Changes, Safety inspections

Automotive mechanics, also known as automotive service technicians, inspect, diagnose, repair, and service automobiles, trucks, buses and other modes of transportation. They work for motor vehicle dealerships, garages, truck and tractor dealerships, companies that maintain fleets of vehicles, as well as service stations, transportation companies and companies that make motor vehicles. Automotive mechanics work with the vehicle’s hardware such as the body, tires, parts, etc. They also work with software like the electronics and onboard computers in modern vehicles. Switching from automobiles to trucks requires additional training. Experienced automotive mechanics can be promoted to supervisory positions. If you ever notice that your vehicle is acting out of the norm, make sure to contact us so we can inspect the vehicle for you.

 

Tasks that We can Do

A mechanic is usually associated with a particular auto repair facility, or is an employee of a company that utilizes vehicles in the course of its daily operations. Generally, a mechanic will engage in providing maintenance to the vehicles under his or her charge, as well as making repairs or enhancements when and as necessary. Some of the routine tasks for an automotive mechanic are road testing vehicles and using computers to test automotive systems and components. They repair or replace parts such as the fuel system, brakes, engine, drive train, air conditioning, heating, and exhaust. They also perform basic jobs like tune ups, oil changes and lubrications. When working on trucks, they will repair or replace major parts of the vehicle, including the chassis, frame, body, air brakes, steering and handle structural issues affecting the entire vehicle. Automotive mechanics usually focus on one type of vehicle, for example motorcycles or tractor-trailers, and some specialize in a particular area. These areas may be the engine and fuel systems, air conditioning, brakes or electrical systems.

 

The Education of the Mechanics

Perhaps the most commonly recognized type of mechanic is the auto mechanic. Auto mechanics may receive their training through an apprenticeship with an experienced car mechanic, or through formal training at a technical or vocational school. In some instances, car mechanics may train for work with a wide variety of vehicles, or specialize in dealing with a limited type of engine. Thus, a mechanic who works with automobiles may choose to focus on working with large road equipment, diesel engines, passenger cars, or trucks. We are trained to fix the vehicle the best way possible to help get it back on the road.

 

Know what a Diesel Mechanic is

One growing sector of the mechanic profession is working with diesel-powered engines. Diesel mechanics have long been in demand in the transportation industry, providing service to long haul truck lines and other companies that handle the moving of products from one location to another. As the demand for diesel-powered automobiles for private use has expanded, it is not unusual for at least one diesel mechanic to be associated with a long haul auto repair facility. Often, the mechanic who is trained to work on diesel engines also can work with engines that are configured to work with unleaded gas.

Why Potholes Can Do Damage to your Vehicle

Posted on by webteam305 Posted in Driving Safe, Maintenance, Safety inspections, Tires

Keeping your vehicle in the best condition possible is important. Besides bring the vehicle in for regular maintenance inspections, there are some things you can inspect on your own. You can also follow some driving tips to help keep the vehicle in ideal condition. One thing to avoid is hitting potholes. Pothole damage is an everyday road hazard and can be difficult since it is not always obvious. If your vehicle hits a deep, dreaded divot in the road, steering system misalignment to a full-on tire puncture or bent rims may follow. No matter if the damage is obvious or not, the problem needs reversing. When your vehicle experiences the sudden jolt from a pothole run-in, timely inspection is required. Otherwise, you could be in for a costlier damage and stress to other, budget-breaking vehicle parts and systems. Our experienced auto care experts will assess any potential problems during a complete vehicle inspection and set your ride right.

Other Parts that Can Become Damaged

There are several parts of the vehicle that can become damaged when you hit a pothole. This is why it is important to bring the vehicle in as soon as you can so we can inspect it for you. The obvious part it the tire. The tire can be punctured, damaged, or wear incorrectly. Since the tires are the only part that will have direct contact with the surface of the road, make sure they are in the best condition possible. There can also be wheel rim damage by hitting a pothole. Another issue can be premature wear on shocks and struts. This can result in the suspension becoming damaged as well.

Signs the Vehicle has Pothole Damage to it

If your wheels ram into a pothole, your tire’s sidewall can bulge. Unless your vehicle is equipped with older steel rims, they are likely aluminum-based. That means they are susceptible to dents. If the pothole damage comes from a deep depression, the rims can be damaged as well. Hitting a pothole can dent or puncture the undercarriage of your ride. In other words, fluid leaks and wear leading to rust formation are just the beginning. During a complete vehicle inspection, our technicians will look for woes of all kinds. That includes damage resulting from potholes.

Ways to Avoid Potholes

Here are some tips to help avoid pothole damage. To maintain your manufacturer’s recommended tire air pressure since properly inflated tires provide the best buffer between broken, dipping pavement and your ride’s wheel rims. Prevention is the best medicine. That is why leaving enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you is key. That way, you are more likely to spot potholes before they wreak havoc on your ride. If you notice a puddle of water, it could be a pothole and you may not know how deep it is. It is always best to avoid them if possible. If you do hit a pothole, bring your vehicle in as soon as possible so we can inspect it for you.

Why Maintenance is Important for your Vehicle

Posted on by webteam305 Posted in AAA, Maintenance, Safety inspections, Tires

Everyone wants to be able to get the best possible performance out of their vehicle. It is, after all, why we chose the vehicle that we have and not something else. It is possible to get the results you are looking for as long as you are getting the help you need from service shops. Of course, being able to find these kinds of shops is not possible if you do not know what you are looking for. There are a few different things to pay attention to when choosing a mechanic. The first thing to pay attention to, would be that the shop has ASE Master technicians. It is also necessary to make sure that the shop offers AAA approved auto repair. Most importantly, it is necessary to make sure that the automotive repair/mechanic behaves ethically while fixing or maintaining your vehicle. By paying attention to these things, you will be able to get the best possible service for your money. This will also help to make sure that you are spending less time with your vehicle in the shop.

The Importance of choosing the right place

Whenever you take your vehicle in for car care, you want it to get the best possible service from a mechanic that knows what they are doing. This is what you will find when you use ASE master mechanics. These people have been trained to be able to provide the best possible auto maintenance. They can complete work from engine repair to regularly scheduled maintenance of your vehicle. They know what your vehicle needs and they can provide it with the best possible service.

The Importance of AAA Approved Auto Repair

Saving money with your vehicle does not only mean getting the best possible fuel efficiency. It is also important to make sure that you are getting the service that you need through the use of a AA approved service. These shops have been approved not just because they offer good service for your vehicle. They are also approved because they have the ability to provide the prices you desire on the service that you need. Those who have AAA cards can get even more savings when buying tires and more through these services. Look for the symbol when you are looking at their advertisements.

How to Check for an Honest Mechanic

It does not matter how skilled the mechanic is if they are not honest. You can still end up paying hundreds if not thousands on unnecessary work if the mechanic is dishonest. They will make up things wrong with your car just to drive up the bill. Look online to find the reviews of the mechanics you are considering using to see if they have been providing the service that they have promised their clients. Only those with the ability to provide good service should be used. This will save you time and money when getting your vehicle serviced. It will also help get your car back on the road again and ready to drive.

Ways to Improve the Fuel Efficiency

Posted on by webteam305 Posted in Fuel, Maintenance, Safety inspections, Tires

Taking a summer vacation trip is something that is an essential in many households. The trip that you go on will often be something that is within driving distance from your home. This includes ones that will be within six to eight hours from your home. While it is fun to get out on the open road, it is also important to make sure that you are not breaking your budget on the fuel that you are putting into the vehicle. One of the easiest ways that you can get better fuel efficiency is to make sure that you are changing your tires. You should also make sure that you are bringing in your vehicle for regular auto service. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to the kind of fuel that you are using. By paying attention to your vehicle, you will be able to enjoy your vacation much more. Best of all, if you can save some money in the long run, you will be able to make sure that you have more money that you can spend while you are on vacation.

Always Inspect the Tires, Even the Spare Tire

The tires on your vehicle do so much more than just help to make sure that your vehicle will be able to move. They also keep you in contact with the ground whenever there is rain on the ground. They can also have a huge impact on your fuel efficiency. If you still have the soft tires from the winter on, it is time to change those out. It is also very important to make sure that the tires are properly inflated, but not over inflated, at all times. This will help to give you better gas mileage.

Using the Right Fuel when Filling Up

Whenever you are putting fuel into your vehicle, it is important to realize that there is a recommended type of fuel for your vehicle. Make sure that you are not only using the right kind, but the right grade of fuel. This will help your engine to be able to properly utilize the fuel as well as help in making sure that there will not be any deposits being made in your engine. Believe it or not, it is not always a good idea to get premium fuel, as your engine might not be able to properly burn it.

Regular Maintenance Inspections are Important for the Vehicle

The regular maintenance schedule for your vehicle is something, which is not so much of an option as it is something that will help you to avoid major problems. All of the checks that are scheduled for your vehicle will help you to stay on the road as well as help in making sure that you are getting the best efficiency. This helps you to save a lot of money on repairs as well as saving a lot of money at the pump. If you are not sure how often to have the vehicle inspected, make sure to contact us. We can set up a maintenance schedule for you.

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