Category Archives: Know Your Ride

What Are Wheel Bearings?

What Are Wheel Bearings?

Wheel bearings are a necessary piece for the hub, tire, and wheel assemblies to work harmoniously. These little things allow for friction-free rotation and movement of the hub assembly, which is a component of your car's steering system. A wheel bearing is a set of round, metal pieces known as ball bearings held together by a ring. Each wheel has its own set of wheel bearings, so your vehicle should have four sets. Your wheel bearings have a heavy influence on how smooth your vehicle rides. It would be highly hazardous to drive with worn-out wheel bearings, as it may cause your wheels to stop turning abruptly.   How Long Do Wheel Bearings Last? You should replace wheel bearings every 85,000-100,000 miles; however, this is only an estimate, as it also depends on the quality of the bearings and usage. Unless both bearings on either side of the car are worn, there is no need to replace them all simultaneously. Instead, you should only replace the worn ones.   Symptoms o ... 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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When Should I Replace My Timing Belt?

When Should I Replace My Timing Belt?

Timing Belts A timing belt, which is a rubber belt with small spikes or teeth, is an essential tool in your car. Its central purpose is to synchronize the different parts inside your car that help keep it moving. It does this by making sure that the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft are in sync, which results in the engine valves opening and closing at the right times. This is important because there are several problems that can arise if the intake valves aren't working properly. These include: Poor combustion Loss of power Loss of pressure Engine damage If you don't properly maintain your timing belt, it could greatly damage your engine which ultimately leads to more expensive repairs down the line. In some car models, the timing belt is in charge of powering the oil, injection, and water pump which makes it an even more important tool. Some cars have timing chains instead; they perform the same duties but are made of metal which makes them louder and heavier ... read more

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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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