Category Archives: Know Your Ride

What Happens if I Ignore My Low Tire Pressure Warning Light

What Happens if I Ignore My Low Tire Pressure Warning Light

Most vehicles manufactured after 2008 are equipped with a warning light for low tire pressure called the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The system alerts you if any of your vehicle's tires have low pressure using sensors to track the tire pressure. However, the sensor only shows when the tire pressure is below 25 percent of the recommended manufacturer's pressure for safe driving. You should, therefore, not substitute regular tire pressure checking with the TPMS. In most vehicles, the warning light is a yellow wheel's cross-section on the vehicle's dashboard. Some vehicles will also display a low-pressure message with the exact tire with low pressure. Why You Should Never Ignore the TPMS Warning Light Driving with a low tire pressure affects your vehicle's handling, performance, and, more significantly, your safety. Underinflated tires tend to flex more and generate more heat which may cause the tire's internal components to overheat and break down ... read more

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How Fast Can You Drive On A Spare Tire?

How Fast Can You Drive On A Spare Tire?

Have you ever blown a tire? It's okay, though, right? You have a spare tire. You can switch the blown tire out for the spare and go along with your everyday life, driving like normal. Actually, before you settle back behind the driver's seat, you need to assess the type of tire you are using as a spare. If you have a full-size spare that is just like all of the other tires, yes, you can drive as normal. If you are driving on a smaller-sized spare, or what some people like to call, a donut, you need to consider how fast and how far you actually go. The sole purpose of the smaller spare tire is to allow you the chance to get off the road and to the nearest repair shop to get your blown tire either repaired or completely replaced. You don't want to drive over the speed of 50 mph on a spare tire. Driving faster or for long distances can damage the vehicle, the wheel, or even things like the transmission. You never know what might damage your tires. You could drive over a nail ... read more

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Know Your Ride

Automotive Terms that are Important for Drivers to Know

Automotive Terms that are Important for Drivers to Know

Not everyone is a major car enthusiast; it’s easy to get lost in automotive jargon when speaking to a mechanic. It may even feel like they’re speaking an entirely different language altogether. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the meanings of commonly used automotive terms to effectively communicate with your mechanic.    ABS – ABS is an abbreviation for the anti-lock braking system. If you find yourself slamming on your brakes, the anti-lock brake system helps your wheels grip the road and prevents them from locking up.   Aftermarket – These are automotive parts that aren’t made by the original manufacturer.   ASE – ASE is an abbreviation for Automotive Service Excellence. This is a professional certification that requires a mechanic to have at least two years of on the job training and pass a skill test.   Battery – This is the component under your hood that stores the electrical power neede ... read more

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Oil Changes: What You Didn’t Know You Didn’t Know

Oil Changes: What You Didn’t Know You Didn’t Know

Oil Changes: What You Didn’t Know You Didn’t Know Here’s a question you probably don’t ask yourself often enough: “When’s my car due for its next oil change?” If you’re like many drivers, changing your car’s oil might be something you think about doing before a long road trip, but it’s a vital component of proper automobile maintenance that all too often gets lost in the bustle of day-to-day life. Of course, there’s those handy reminders your mechanic will often stick to the underside of your windshield, but when’s the last time you looked at it? Quick—without peeking, can you remember what it says? No? Well, you’re not alone. It’s easy to neglect a task like getting an oil change until the moment a warning light appears on your dashboard, but our goal is to help you avoid that moment at all costs. Here’s all you need to know about standard automobile oil changes for your ... read more

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All You Need to Know About Car Wheel Alignment

All You Need to Know About Car Wheel Alignment

All You Need to Know About Car Wheel Alignment Why care about your car wheel alignment? Well, if you’ve ever driven in a car that is extremely out of alignment, it may seem obvious. Having to turn the steering wheel just to keep the vehicle pointed straight is a nuisance at best and a flat-out hazard at worst. But even subtle misalignment issues will cost you over the long-run in the form of fuel inefficiency and accelerated wear and tear on your tires. Here’s all you need to know to protect your car’s alignment, recognize when something’s off, and communicate with your auto shop when it’s time to take your car to the professionals. What Causes a Car to Need Alignment Services? Knocking your car out of alignment can happen as suddenly as bouncing over a pothole you didn’t see or sliding into a curb during a snowstorm. But it can happen gradually too as your car’s suspension parts experience unavoidable wear ... read more

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