burnettwhitetirepros

How Old is My Tire?

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 13:24:50 GMT

How Old is My Tire?

Determining your tire age is very important for your driving safety. Driving with a tire over six years old could be putting you and your passengers in danger. Tires dry rot with age from the inside out. When the tire gets older, it is exposed to the elements, and the strength of the bond between the rubber and the steel belts is reduced. This can cause cracks in the rubber, which may appear on the tire’s surface and can also appear out of sight within the structure of the tire. Keeping a record of your tires and understanding their age will help you save money on repairs and take proper care of your vehicle. Driving on damaged tires is extremely dangerous and can lead to a

fatal accident.

It is recommended that drivers have a professional auto mechanic inspect all tires that are in use for six years or more to ensure they are still safe for use. Proper tire maintenance will also help to keep your tires working effectively and lasting longer. Keep up with tire rotation, tire repairs, tire balancing, and wheel alignment services to avoid premature tire wear.

How Can I Tell the Age of a Tire?

The age of your tire can be identified by an imprinted coded date that indicate when that tire was manufactured. The four-digit tire code is usually located on the tire sidewall. The tire serial number is the best way to determine how old a tire is. The serial number is sometimes called a DOT Code. This code offers information on who manufactured the tire, where it was made, and other tracking information. It also indicates that the tire has passed the legal manufacturer requirements. An example of a tire manufacture DOT code is 4718.

• The first 2 digits are the week.

• The last 2 digits are the year.

• In this example, the tire was made in the 47th week of 2018.

If you have a tire with a 3-digit number in the serial number, it was manufactured before the year 2000, and you should replace it regardless of tread depth. Your tire can become brittle over time, increasing the chances of a blow-out. Tires are considered to be “new” and suitable for retail sale for up to 5 years from the original date of production with proper storage. To check for the serial number of your tire to determine its age, you can remove the tire or ask your service professional or tire shop.

Every tire has a birthday, and we advise you to have your tire checked regularly by a professional to make sure they are safe for continued driving. Install new tires regardless of appearance, mileage, or actual wear, once they reach ten years of age.

Why Does My Car Veer to the Right or Left?

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 13:32:03 GMT

Why Does My Car Veer to the Right or Left?

Your vehicle should always drive straight and true. If your car veers to the right or left, there could be several possible causes — some more severe than others. The problem doesn’t always have an obvious cause. There could be an issue with tires, wheel balance, and other factors that can cause the vehicle to drift. You will need the help of an expert auto mechanic to properly diagnose the problem. It is hard to focus on safe driving when you’re constantly tugging your wheel so you can keep it straight. Not only is this inconvenient, but it’s also dangerous. We can narrow down the possibilities by looking at some of the issues that can cause this particular problem. The following are the most common culprits of why your car veers to the side.

Wheel Alignment

If your wheel alignment is off, this can cause your vehicle to pull to one side and can also cause uneven wear on your tires. This the most common cause of your car veering to one side. This happens overtime due to poorly maintained roads and hitting the curb. It's a good idea to periodically get a wheel alignment check for your vehicle at a service center and then have it realigned as needed. When your vehicle is properly aligned, it is at optimal performance, and your steering wheel is centered.

Tires

Your tires have direct contact with the road, and they should follow the direction you steer in. Uneven wear or low tire pressure can cause a vehicle to pull to the right. Not performing tire rotation regularly can cause the wear on your tires to become uneven, which can, in turn, cause your vehicle to pull to one side. Check

your tire’s pressure and have your wheels rotated.

Brakes

Brakes issues can cause your car to pull to one side or the other during braking. This can be due to a damaged brake component or unevenly worn brake pads/rotors. Failure to properly clean, maintain, and repair your brakes can reduce the brake force, which can cause your car to veer.

Suspension

If a component within the suspension system is damaged or malfunctioning, this will cause one side of the car to pull. The suspension system connects the wheels to the vehicle. It ensures you have comfort, handling, and safety. If the suspension is compromised, it may lead to shaky handling, pulling to one side, vibration, premature tire wear, and an overall dangerous drive.

Our automotive technicians can quickly and effectively diagnose and address unwanted pulling issues, ensuring your safety and control. We can determine the source of the problem and recommend the right repairs. As with any automotive issue, it's better to deal with this kind of concern early before it develops into something much more significant and costly to repair.

Our Recommended Tire Safety Checklist

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 06:02:49 GMT

Our Recommended Tire Safety Checklist

Tires should never be neglected. The safety of your vehicle depends on it. Your car’s brakes, along with the tires, are two of the most crucial components of your vehicle. Ensuring you are driving a safe vehicle is important not only for your own safety but for other people on the road as well. Having a tire safety checklist is an important part of making sure you are driving a safe vehicle. When you get behind the wheel, especially to travel long distances, you should perform a quick safety check on your vehicle, including an inspection of your tires.

Regularly check your tire safety and maintenance checklist for some of the common issues your tires can have. Tires take more abuse than almost any other component of your automobile. They have direct contact with the road and all its elements that may cause them to wear, lose pressure, or puncture. Your tires may be easily inspected for wear and damage. How well you maintain your tires will impact your safety, vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, and repair costs. Here are four important things to check to keep your tires safe.

Tread Depth

Having a sufficient tread depth is vital to ensure that your car can grip the road properly. Your tires should have a minimum safe tread depth of 2/32 of an inch, or roughly enough tread to completely cover Lincoln's head on a penny when held upside down between the ribs of your tire. Tread depth is important to ensure safety when accelerating or braking, especially in slippery or wet conditions.

Tire Air Pressure

All your tires should have the correct air pressure. Under- or over-inflated tires can cause erratic vehicle behavior and affect handling and grip, which can be dangerous while driving. Proper pressure in your tires will ensure you have a smooth ride, improve traction, better handling, and optimum fuel economy.

Rotation, Balance, and Alignment

Keeping up with your manufacturer’s recommended tire services is necessary for the efficiency of your tires. You can follow the service intervals or pay attention to signs of imbalance, misalignment, or premature tire wear. Tire rotation, wheel alignment, and tire balancing services help prevent irregular wear, boosting the longevity of your tires and increasing fuel efficiency.

Wear and Tear

Your tires are exposed to the road and it is normal for them to suffer from some general wear and tear. Inspect your tires regularly. Look out for irregular wear, damages, including cuts, bulges, cracks, or items stuck in them like nails, glass, or small rocks. If you find any problems, be sure to get the tires replaced or repaired.

Following the suggested maintenance provided by your vehicle manufacturer will help to keep your tires effective for longer. Use our recommended checklist and perform a visual tire safety check at least every week. If you find that you need new tires or your tires need service, contact us today!

How to Break in Your New Car

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 06:11:38 GMT

How to Break in Your New Car

You are stepping into the new year with a shiny, brand-new car. You can’t wait to take it out on the road and break it in. But how exactly do you do that? Breaking in a new car is a practice that has been recommended by manufacturers for decades. The ritual is often referred to as conventional wisdom. It involves a combination of driving techniques, precautions, and maintenance tasks to help extend a car’s lifespan. Properly breaking in your automobile will ensure that early engine wear is kept to a minimum, oil flows smoothly and evenly through all moving parts, and components such as the piston rings and transmission adjust to each other.

There are some techniques you can use to give your new car time to adjust to everyday driving conditions. Here we will highlight some of the things you need to do to break in your new vehicle. Your new ride deserves to be eased into the demands of its owners so it can perform effectively and last longer.

Techniques for Breaking in a New Car

Avoid Extreme Acceleration

When you get your new ride, we know the first thing you want to do is floor the accelerator when you get out on the open road. This can put a lot of strain on the engine oil, piston rings, and cylinders. Aggressive acceleration when the car is cold can be harmful. In the first 1,000 miles, accelerate gently and work through the gears quickly before the RPM can build too high.

Vary Your Engine Speed

Don’t push your new engine too hard for the first 1,000 miles. This can put a lot of strain on components. You should vary your speed while keeping the engine under 4,000 RPMs to properly break-in the engine. After that, you can gradually increase the RPM without any negative effects.

Avoid Hard Braking

Unless it's necessary, smooth and slow braking is the way to go. The new brake pads need at least 200 miles to properly wear-in and seat against parts like the rotors and calipers. Hard braking can cause the brake pads to wear rapidly, meaning you'll need new brake pads sooner.

Avoid Short Trips Which Don’t Give the Engine Time to Warm Up

Short trips aren’t ideal for brand new cars. When your engine is cold, it needs to work harder, putting a lot of strain on the oil delivery cycle. To break in your new car, take it on a long drive to let the engine warm through.

Aside from following the break-in guidelines in your car owner’s manual, proper maintenance will also help to extend the longevity of your car. Oil changes, tire maintenance, brakes, engine diagnostics, and all fluids should be monitored regularly and topped up as needed. Breaking in your vehicle will offer improved fuel economy, reduced oil consumption, optimal engine performance, and better overall reliability.

Common Auto Heating & Cooling Issues

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 07:34:56 GMT

Common Auto Heating & Cooling Issues

The heating and cooling system are connected within your car, but they function as separate systems. Maintaining you’re A/C and heating systems involves having regular maintenance performed to avoid any larger issues down the line. Proper maintenance of these components can make the difference between a comfortable and relaxed drive and a torturous journey. The auto heating & cooling systems have so many components that it’s sometimes difficult to know what may be causing a malfunction or performance problem.

When you schedule a diagnostic inspection with an auto repair shop, they will identify the issue and make recommendations to fix your heating or cooling problems. Heating and cooling issues come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you experience issues with the air conditioning, the same issue may prevent the heater from working. At the beginning of summer and winter, you should schedule an appointment to have your car air conditioning and heating systems examined.

Common Reasons for the Heating System Not to Work

Your car’s heating system has the important task of keeping the cabin of your warm, comfortable, and safe when the temperature outside is cold. It is made up of several components, including the heater core, the blower motor and fan, heater hoses, the heater control valve, the HVAC (heater, ventilation, air conditioning) control panel on your dashboard, and the cabin air filter. The heating system utilizes the heat from the engine to keep the cabin of your vehicle warm. If your car heating system is not working, the problem can be due to:

• Low coolant

• Air in the coolant system

• Malfunctioning heater core

• Failed (or failing) thermostat

Coming Issues With the A/C System

The air conditioning system of your vehicle keeps you cool and comfortable in humid conditions. Some of the main components that make up this system include the refrigerant, compressor, condenser, receiver drier, expansion valve, evaporator, lines, and accumulator. If you experience any of the following problems, it’s time to make an appointment with your trusted mechanic.

• Low refrigerant (will generally blow cool, but not cold)

• Clogged or leaking condenser

• Refrigerant cross-contamination

• Unresponsive pressure switches

• Damaged compressor

• Broken belt

• Clutch issues

• Moisture and debris

• Leaks

• A/C control head malfunctions

• Worn or stretched serpentine belt (required to operate the compressor and clutch)

Have a certified technician inspect your vehicle’s heater and air conditioning systems at least once every year. A well-maintained heating and cooling systems will allow you to drive in a comfortable and safe vehicle, and also helps to avoid major repairs that can become costly.

How to Choose the Right Tire

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 06:46:33 GMT

How to Choose the Right Tire

Tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road. They also support the weight of the vehicle. Tires play a vital role in ensuring your car is safe to be driven. Selecting the right tires for your vehicle is an important task. Get it wrong, and you can jeopardize your car's performance and its ability to tackle any type of weather. Car tires usually need to be replaced every three or four years. Your tires must handle a wide variety of climatic conditions, so you need to make sure to buy tires that will perform not only in your most common climate conditions but also in the most extreme conditions that you will face.

Choosing the tires that will serve your needs best involves determining the kinds of driving you’re doing, the type of vehicle you own, and the weather conditions you regularly experience. When shopping for new tires, it is imperative that you choose tires that offer features that best support the driving conditions you face on the road. When choosing the best tires for your vehicle, consider the following things.

What Size Tire Do You Need?

Consult your owner’s manual to find the recommended tire measurements for your specific vehicle. The size of your tire is important because it must be able to carry the weight of your vehicle. No matter how good a tire you select, it needs to have the capability of carrying the load and help your vehicle respond to a quick emergency. When selecting your tires, make sure that they are the right size for your vehicle.

What Tire Type Do You Need?

The type of tires you will need is the ones that work best for your location and lifestyle. Tire types include all-season, winter, high performance, summer, all-terrain, touring, and more. The vehicle you drive, how you drive, and the ideal weather in your location will determine the type of tires you need. All Season tires are designed to provide well in warm weather conditions and in moderate winter conditions, winter tires are designed to perform in icy, cold, snowy, wet conditions, and summer tires perform best in warm weather.

What Are Your Priorities in Selecting a Tire?

After you’ve pinpointed the correct size and type for your vehicle, the specific qualities of different tires, like cost, appearance, brand, and so forth should be evaluated. Many drivers choose to stick with the same tires that came on their car when they got it. If the way you use your vehicle has changed, then you can change your tires to soothe your priorities for things like ride comfort, tire wear, performance, fuel efficiency, noise level, and more. Many manufacturers have websites to help consumers choose the right tire.

How to Extend the Life of Your Brakes

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 07:50:44 GMT

How to Extend the Life of Your Brakes

Keeping your car’s brakes in good condition is one of the most crucial preventative maintenance items for keeping yourself, your passengers, and your car safe on the road. Your vehicle’s brake components are not going to last forever, but you can keep them properly maintained to preserve their usefulness and make sure they keep performing at their best. A faulty brake system can reduce your safety on the road and can cause other serious problems and expensive damages to your vehicle. Working brakes are essential to keeping safe on the road and could even be the difference between life and death.

Most brakes will lose their effectiveness after 25,000 miles, but factors like quality of the brake pad, braking habits, and the temperature can all have a significant impact on how long your car’s brakes last. Unlike oil changes or other maintenance items that are performed at regular intervals, a brake inspection is recommended once every six months or at the same time tire rotation service is performed. There are some steps you can take to extend the lifespan of your brakes by adapting your driving style to reduce the strain on your brakes.

Follow These Steps to Extend the Life of Your Brakes

Slow Down

The way you drive can affect your brakes. Speeding up and then slamming on the brakes will wear your brakes out faster than anything. The faster you’re driving, the more effort is needed by the braking system to bring your car to a stop. Bring your vehicle to a smooth and gradual stop.

Lose the Extra Weight

Having excessive weight in your vehicle has an impact on the brake pads. Having heavy equipment in the vehicle places an additional burden and pressure on the brakes, and the brakes will need to work harder to come to a stop. Only carry the essential items in your car; it’ll be easier on the brakes as well as the tires and fuel, too.

Use One Foot for the Brakes

Never press on the brake pedal with your left foot while pushing the gas with your right foot at the same time. This is known as brake riding and can quickly wear down the brake pads and warp the brake rotors. When traveling downhill, put the car in a lower gear, then apply the brakes with light pressure when needed to slow down safely. This will help maintaining the quality of your brakes. If you don’t want to end up going to a repair shop for premature brake services, change your driving habits, and use only one foot when driving.

Regular Maintenance

In order to make your brakes last as long as possible, it’s crucial to keep up with your car’s maintenance schedule. This will include checking brake fluid and conducting regular brakes fluid flush, examine brakes pad for wear, and regular brake inspection performed by mechanics at an auto repair shop. Getting regular brake services from your mechanic will keep the brake system in optimal working condition.

Maintaining your brake system and smart driving will help keep you safe on the road and increase the lifespan of your brake pads, saving you a lot of money on costly brake repairs. These helpful tips can help you to increase your brake’s longevity, improve your fuel efficiency, and save you tons of money.

What to Do if You Have a Flat Tire

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 08:09:41 GMT

What to Do if You Have a Flat Tire

Getting a flat tire — whenever it is — is always a huge inconvenience. You were going about your day and suddenly “boom!” You pull over to check the damage and notice your tire is flat. Now what? One thing you should not do when you get a flat tire is to continue driving. Without a proper tire, you can seriously damage your wheel, which will cause the need for a tire replacement. A flat tire is caused by either a puncture, tire failure, damage to the valve system, excessive wear and tear, separation of tire and rim, or a blowout due to the tire’s over- or under-inflation. Changing a flat tire will be easier if you are preparing for the inevitable.

Many people don’t know how to change a flat tire and don’t even think about the situation until their stranded on the side of the road. We no longer need to wait on the side of the road and hope someone will stop to help. Technology has offered us plenty of assistance to help us feel less frustrated. From tutorials and videos online to roadside assistance services, you can safely have your flat tire repaired and be back on your way.

Tell-Tale Signs That Your Tire Is Flat

• Difficulty accelerating

• A dragging feeling on the affected side of the car

• A popping or leaking sound

• Inaccurate or delayed handling when changing lanes, taking curves, or turning

What to Do About a Flat Tire

The first thing you should do when you get a flat tire is to stop driving and pull over to a safe area away from traffic. Never drive on the flat any further than necessary. You will destroy any chance of repairing the tire and may damage your wheel in the process. Turn on your hazards to warn other motorists of an issue and to allow your vehicle to be visible at night. Then, get out of your car and inspect your tires to figure out which tire is flat, or if more than one tire is affected. Once you have done that, you can either try to change the flat tire with a spare tire if you are capable. You will need a car jack, tire wrench, and of course your spare tire.

A spare tire, unless it is a full-size spare, should not be permanently left on your car. It should only be used to get your vehicle safely to the nearest auto repair shop so that a mechanic can easily fix your flat tire, or if the tire was damaged beyond repair, you’ll need to buy a new tire. If you are unable to change your tire, call an emergency roadside assistance company that provides services 24/7 for drivers who have car troubles in less than ideal times and places.

A flat tire needs to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Regular spare tires are not meant to be driven long distances. These tires should be driven on for no more than 70 miles. Prepare for a flat before it happens, and you will be back on the road in no time. Your tires have a finite lifespan, so it's important to properly maintain your tires with regular tire services, inspect your tires for signs of deterioration and the need for new tires, and to adequately take care of a flat tire if it does occur.

How to Improve Your Car’s Fuel Economy

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 08:53:39 GMT

How to Improve Your Car’s Fuel Economy

Owning a vehicle in today’s modern society is a fundamental necessity. However, there is one element about vehicle ownership that frustrates most of us. Although auto repairs and maintenance service can be frazzling, the constant rise in the price of fuel is one of the biggest issues for motorists. As gas prices remain high, improving your car’s mileage is crucial. You want to utilize every possible way of stretching a tank of gas further and reduce the number of times you must fill up per month. Regardless of what car you drive, you can always use a little extra money at the end of the month, and cutting back your gas expenses is a great way to do so.

There are many tips that you can implement to help increase your mileage and save money on gas. Cars run their best and consume less fuel when they are well maintained. Below are a few ways to keep your car in peak condition and improve your fuel economy.

Our Recommended Steps to Reduce Fuel Consumption

Reduce Excess Weight

Extra weight in your vehicle reduces your gas mileage. Weight in your car causes the engine to work harder to move the car, which increases the amount of fuel required for operation. If you’re carrying a lot of weight, lightening the load can help you get a mile or two more per gallon. Don’t carry around items you don’t need. Removing unnecessary items from your car will reduce your car’s weight and can reduce fuel consumption by 1-2%.

Get Regular Tune-Ups

Routine maintenance services such as regular oil changes, air-filter changes, and spark plug replacements will lengthen the life of your vehicle as well as improve fuel economy and minimize emissions. You should follow the schedule in your owner’s manual for tune-ups, preventative maintenance, and other services your vehicle needs to stay effective.

Properly Inflate Tires

The easiest way to reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption is to inflate your tires to the right pressure. Under-inflated tires result in your engine using more gas to move the car. Your tires should be inflated to the pressure indicated in your owner’s manual for the best balance between gas mileage and traction. Under-inflated tires by 10 PSI per tire can cost you 5 MPG or more.

Alter Your Driving Style

One of the best ways to improve fuel consumption is to maintain a consistent speed while driving. Constantly slowing down and speeding up can increase your fuel consumption by over 10 percent. Don't accelerate quickly or stomp on the brakes — coast to a stop. This will give you savings on fuel as well as wear and tear on your brakes. Turn off your engine when you are parked or stalled for a while. These driving styles will keep your vehicle from consuming excessive fuel.

By altering your driving style and maintaining your vehicle, you will notice an improvement in fuel economy. You don’t need a fuel-efficient car to save on gas. There is plenty you can do to increase your gas mileage. By using these tips, you can save money at the gas pump. Keep in mind that taking your car in for regular check-ups and tune-ups, and auto repairs will also save you a great deal of money and keep your vehicle working effectively. A car that doesn’t run at its optimum performance level can cost you a lot in the long run.

How to Inspect Your Tires

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 09:42:49 GMT

How to Inspect Your Tires

Your car’s tires are a huge part of your driving experience and a crucial component of the safe performance of your vehicle. Tires are the car's connection to the road. They help you to accelerate, brake, and keep your car under control. A good set of tires can make the difference between a safe, smooth ride and a dangerous vehicle on the road. On the other hand, bad tires can wear out the car and reduce gas mileage by requiring more effort to do its job. Faulty tires can also cause other problems with your car. Wheel alignment, suspension, tire balancing, and brakes can all be affected by the condition of your tires.

Tire failure can be catastrophic. According to recent studies, an estimated 11,000 car crashes per year are caused by tire failure. These accidents were as a result of worn-out tire tread, under-inflated tires, and blowouts. Taking time to properly care for your vehicle with routine tire inspections and car maintenance is important. You should perform a tire inspection at least once a month and more regularly if you live in a colder climate, drive long distances regularly, or drive over bumpy roads.

The Tire Safety Inspection Process

Check Tread Depth

The correct tread depth of your tires makes sure you have enough traction to grip the road. Doing a penny test by placing a penny upside down in your tread is a simple way to test your tread depth. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it may be time for new tires. Worn out tread makes your vehicle unsafe and can also keep it from handling as well as it should. Tread wear indicator bars are also molded into the tires to help you keep track of your tire wear. If the tread wear bar is flush with the ribs of the tire, you need new tires.

Check Tire Pressure

Use a tire pressure gauge to make sure your tires are properly inflated. The ideal pressure for your vehicle’s tires can be found inside the driver’s side door of your vehicle or your vehicle’s owner manual. Maintaining the correct tire pressure keeps you safer on the road. Be sure to check every tire to make sure they are all inflated to the correct PSI. Compare this to your vehicle’s recommended inflation pressure.

Check the Sidewalls

Examine the sidewalls of your tires for bulges, cracking, scrapes, and gouges. Cracking happens when the rubber on your tires begins to degrade from exposure and normal wear. Bulges and cracks could mean that tire failure is imminent, and it’s time to replace your tires.

Wheel alignment, tire rotation, and tire balancing are also important for your tires to be effective. Also, keep an eye on your tires’ age. Your tires can last for up to four to five years. Keeping your tires maintained is not only quick and easy, it keeps you safe and can save you money. Visit our tire shop to assess your tires and ensure your safety and your vehicle's longevity. If your tires are worn or out of commission, so is your car. If your tires show any signs of wear or damage, have them professionally inspected by our technicians to see if you need to have them repaired or replaced.

How is a Tire Made?

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 09:59:07 GMT

How is a Tire Made?

The tires on your vehicle and vehicles across the world, was a result of multiple inventors across several decades. Robert William Thomson invented the first vulcanized rubber pneumatic tire in 1845, but it was too costly and ahead of its time and attracted little interest. In the 1880’s John Boyd Dunlop was the inventor of the first practical inflatable tire for bicycles. Several years later, André Michelin and his brother Edouard were the first to use pneumatic tires on an automobile, but they were not successful in making them durable. It wasn't until Philip Strauss invented the combination tire and air-filled inner tube in 1911 that pneumatic tires could be used on automobiles with success.

Tires are made of strong, flexible rubber attached to the rim of a wheel to provide a gripping surface for traction and serve as a cushion for the wheels of a moving vehicle. Tires offer your first and only contact with the road and allow effective steering, braking, accelerating, and turning. Let’s go through the fascinating process of how these feats of engineering are made.

The Tire Making Process

Raw Materials: The main ingredients used in tire production are natural and synthetic rubber. The raw rubber used in tire manufacturing is produced by combining liquid latex with acids that cause the rubber to solidify. Excess water is removed from the rubber and formed into sheets that are dried and pressed in bales to be shipped to tire factories around the world. Synthetic rubber is produced from the polymers found in crude oil. The other primary ingredients are metallic and textile reinforcement cables, carbon black, silica, sulfur, and other chemicals.

Design: Car tires are made of four basic components: beads, the body, sidewalls, and the tread. Many tires are custom designed to the desired specifications and performance needs of the maker of a particular model vehicle. Depending on the design of the treads, the tires are optimized for certain conditions. Computer systems play a major role in tire design to simulate the effects of different types of rubber compounds. Tire engineers perform thorough computer studies of a new tire before a tire prototype is made for testing. When the tire passes all inspections for safety, performance, and durability, tire factories begin mass production of the new tire.

Manufacturing: A machine called a Banbury Mixer combines the raw materials for each compound into a regulated batch of black material. The mixing process is computer-controlled to assure standardization. The compounded materials are then sent to machines for further processing into the sidewalls, treads, or other parts of the tire. The task of assembling the tire then begins.

The body, beads, and tread of the tires are produced, and a tire assembler starts building a tire by wrapping the rubber-covered fabric plies of the body around the machine drum. The beads are added and locked into placed and special power tools shape the edges of the tire plies. Finally, the extruded rubber layers for the sidewalls and tread are glued into place, and the assembled tire, called the green tire, is removed from the tire-building machine. The tire is then placed in a mold for the curing process, then inspected and tested before distribution.

Your vehicle’s tires are considered the most vital component of a car. Tires are found on automobiles, trucks, buses, aircraft landing gear, tractors and other farm equipment, industrial vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles, and more. Modern tire technology blends a unique mix of chemistry, physics, and engineering to give consumers a high degree of comfort, performance, efficiency, reliability, and safety. Tire factories staffed with skilled workers all over the world produce more than 250 million new tires every year.

How Often Should a Car be Cleaned?

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 10:41:22 GMT

How Often Should a Car be Cleaned?

We live busy lives and often don’t have time for tasks like cleaning our car. Cleaning your car is an important aspect of car maintenance that many don’t realize the benefits of keeping up with. A clean car is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it can also increase the resale value of your car. While some clean their cars themselves, others pay a professional car wash to do the work for them. Ideally, you should get your car cleaned on a weekly basis. However, many car owners clean their cars only when it is dirty. How frequently you drive your car also matters.

As a general principle, the more miles that you drive, the more frequently you will need to clean the car. The climate and air temperature are also important considerations. Snow, salt and grit from the roads can quickly erode and damage your paint work, and high temperatures can cause erosion to be accelerated, as chemicals in contaminants become more active in hot temperatures.

Why You Should Clean Your Car More Often

Preserve Your Car's Paint Job

Dirt and dust particles wear out your car's paint job over time. It leaves your vehicle looking dull and lackluster as a result. Regular cleaning will preserve your car's paint job and remove debris that would otherwise damage your vehicle's exterior. A professional car wash will make your car shinier and protect its paint finish from the sun and sand. Your vehicle should be waxed every three months, and your car's exterior buffed once a year. To protect your car's finish, washing the exterior alone — no matter how frequent— will not keep your paint job from fading.

Prevent Expensive Repairs

It is crucial to regularly maintain your car to preserve it, and more importantly, extend the life of it. Damages to a car’s exterior could be a simple repair, but they can lead to irreversible damage that will need a complete replacement, which could be extremely expensive. If your car is constantly dirty, this will cause parts to rust and corrode, leading to a lower resale value when it comes to selling your car. A properly cleaned and maintained vehicle in the interior and exterior will help hold the vehicle’s value and give you a reliable car.

Increase Driving Safety

Many accidents are caused every year because of a dirty window, windshield, or side mirror — reducing visibility. A dirty interior of your vehicle can also have debris and dirt that can cause distraction while driving. Clutter can block your sight or even the path from your foot to the gas/brake pedals, and it can be catastrophic.

Avoid Health Issues

The interior of your car needs to be kept clean to eliminate harmful bacteria that can build up over time. An unclean, closed-up vehicle is an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Dust and dirt create poor air quality inside of your car, making it more common to catch a cold, develop possible allergies, or even create an unpleasant smell. Keep the parts of your car you touch the most such as your steering wheel, dashboard, door handles, seatbelts, and the gear shift clean. Cleaning will keep germs and bacteria from lingering in your vehicle.

A clean vehicle will contribute to the fuel economy, safety, performance, and resale value of your vehicle. De-clutter, dust, sanitize, and vacuum your car, and schedule routine car washes. Routine preventative maintenance and auto repairs will also keep your vehicle at its peak performance. A clean car will protect you from harmful bacteria. To most people, cleaning your car is not a priority, but you will be shocked once you realize how damaging a dirty car could be. Schedule car cleaning and sanitizing at least once a week to keep your vehicle healthy and safe.

Should You Buy a Spare Tire

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 10:46:16 GMT

Should You Buy a Spare Tire

Many new cars are now missing a spare tire and are coming from the factory equipped with tires or inflator kits that claim to make a spare tire unnecessary. We usually don’t think about the need for a spare tire until we need it. You should always have a spare tire in your vehicle because you never know when you’ll get a flat or puncture and be on the side of the road stranded. A spare tire and wheel provide you with a direct replacement, allowing you to become mobile again until you get a tire repair service.

Many spare tires for modern cars are smaller than normal tires to save on trunk space, gas mileage, weight, and cost, and they should not be driven on for long before replacement with a full-size tire. Don't wait until you're on the side of the road to invest in a spare tire. If your vehicle doesn’t come equipped with a spare, purchase a spare tire so you can safely replace a damaged tire, and travel to your nearest auto repair shop for proper service.

Types of Spare Tires

A Full-Size Spare Tire: A full-size spare is the same size as the other tires on the vehicle. The major advantage of having a full-size spare is that it’s not a temporary fix. Always have a tire rotation done on all your tires, including the spare if you have a full-size spare tire. Full-size spare tires are an exact replica of your existing tire and wheelset. Their only disadvantage is that they require the most storage space.

Temporary Full-Size Spare: A full-size temporary spare matches your vehicle's original tire dimensions, but it isn't the same in terms of tread depth and weight. These spares are lighter, which makes the tire easier to install. This spare is full size but does not match your regular tires.

Compact Temporary Spare Tire: A compact or donut spare is a temporary fix and should not be used to drive a significant number of miles. These tires are small and narrow, which takes up less space in your trunk but has shallow tread depth. Compact spares purpose is to save the day by getting you to an auto repair shop to have your tires replaced.

Folding Temporary Spare: These are foldable or collapsible tires that will require inflation before they are installed as a temporary spare tire.

A Run-Flat Tire: Run-flat tires are now becoming common for some car manufacturers to include instead of a spare tire. Rather than including a spare tire, these run-flat tires are built to withstand most road hazards, including punctures, and can continue to drive after a puncture for about 50 miles before needing to be replaced.

Flat tires are random occurrences that are beyond your control. Always keep some type of spare tire in your vehicle. You never know when you may get a puncture or flat tire and are stranded on an isolated highway. Regardless of the type of tire, your spare needs to be replaced sooner rather than later. If you use a temporary spare tire, you should not drive more than 50 miles, and no more than 50 miles per hour before replacing your spare tire. A spare tire is meant to get your vehicle safely to the nearest auto repair shop. Driving for long distances on a spare tire can potentially cause damage to other car parts, including the transmission. Inspect your spare when you get replacement tires and when performing monthly air pressure inspections.

Social Distancing Behind the Wheel

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 10:51:43 GMT

Social Distancing Behind the Wheel

Your vehicle is a good way to maintain social distance compared to taking the bus, train or a taxi. If you are traveling in a vehicle with other people, you can still ensure that social distancing is being practiced by sitting at the far opposite side of the car (2m or 6 feet separation). You also need to consider how many people are in the cab, perhaps using a larger vehicle to provide more distance between occupants and always ensure good ventilation by keeping windows open where possible.

Social distancing simply means keeping a safe distance away from other people and includes measures such as not shaking hands and staying about 6 feet away from other people. In your vehicle, staying 6 feet apart is difficult, but there are other preventative measures you can take. There should also be routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched objects and surfaces such as door handles, steering wheels, and controls. Of course wearing a mask may also be a good idea.

Social Distancing Is Key

Share a ride safely: If you must be in a car with other people, properly sanitize the vehicle before entering and while in the vehicle, avoid physical contact with the other occupants. If you have to sneeze or cough, use a tissue or cough/sneeze into your arm behind the elbow and away from anyone else. Depending on the social distancing measures in your area, you may be restricted to driving around with only the people you live with.

Keep it clean: Wash your hands thoroughly throughout the day and clean surfaces in the car. The right car cleaning regime can reduce the spread of germs and viruses without harming your car's interior surfaces. Cars should be sanitized every time they are entered or exited. Use disposable cloths, wipes or paper towels if possible. Always clean your car first with car cleaning products to clean seats, steering wheel, doors, touch screens, seatbelts, windows, and other areas that are touched frequently. After a thorough cleaning, disinfect with anti-bacterial or alcohol-based products that are safe to use on upholstery, paint, leather. You can also take your car to a drive-thru car wash to get the exterior cleaned properly.

Park Properly: When you are out and you need to park your vehicle to get out, keep social distancing in mind and make sure to park your vehicle a distance away from other vehicles. This will allow you to stay the recommended 6 feet away from other people while exiting your vehicle. This will make it easier for pedestrians and drivers to stay a safe distance apart in parking lots.

Stay Safe

Always follow the guidelines and safety measures set out by the authorities in your area, to keep safe. While you are practicing social distancing and proper hygiene, remember to keep your vehicle up to date with regular oil changes, battery checks, tire pressure, and clean ups. Giving your vehicle some love during this time by following these steps and keeping it well maintained, will keep you and your family safe and ready to go when you’re able to drive again and plan your next road trip.

What Happens When Tires Sit Too Long in One Place?

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 10:59:16 GMT

What Happens When Tires Sit Too Long in One Place?

Your tires are your car's only connection to the road. Taking care of your tires will save you money on gas and a smoother, safer ride for you and your family. Your vehicle’s tires affect how your vehicle steers, how it brakes, and how it hugs the road. Your tires need to have the correct air pressure, tread depth, tire balance, and wheel alignment to be safe and cost-effective. If your car is left unused for an extended period of time, know that your tires and other components will still require maintenance and upkeep.

Leaving a car unused for a long period could leave it vulnerable to problems with your battery, brakes, and tires. Tires will be prone to deteriorate, lose air pressure, and develop flat spots. When you decide to start driving your vehicle again, instead of the smooth ride you expected, it will be all bumps, thumps, and vibration due to ineffective tires.

Here Is What Happens to Tires When a Vehicle Is Left Unused

Tire Deterioration

Although you will always have to replace your tires at some point, premature tire deterioration can be avoided so your tires can last longer. Your wheels carry the full weight of the car, so when your vehicle is left in one stationary position, your tires can soon become deflated, flat, rotten, or warped. While inflating the tires can help, it's not always safe to drive on tires that sat in the garage for too long.

Tire Bubbles

When your vehicle isn’t in use, your tires may develop bubbles that may not always be visible. Tire bubbles can also form in areas where the rubber has worn very thin. Driving on a tire that has a bubble is very dangerous, and there is a high possibility that it will blow out on you. Damage as a result of tire bubbles cannot be repaired because a tire bubble means the tire’s structural integrity has been compromised.

Flat Spotting

The most common cause of flat spots on tires is when your car is left too long in the same place. When your vehicle is parked and unused, the area of tire touching the ground can become rigid. You will feel a ride disturbance or shimmy during the first few miles of driving after your vehicle has been parked for a few days, weeks, or months. Flat spots damage the tires' functionality and can be dangerous because one or more flat-spotted tires can cause a shimmy or harmonic vibration, which makes it difficult to steer your car.

Tires that are in poor condition can be potentially dangerous and even lead to serious vehicle accidents and injuries. Always check the inflation pressure before you drive around. Cars should not sit still; they are meant for driving. When you let a car sit for several weeks or longer, a lot of problems can pop up, and not all of them are repairable or preventable. Start your vehicle and move it around periodically to keep fluids circulating and ensures all the moving parts such as the transmission and brakes are kept well lubricated. Moving your vehicle can help avoid potential tire deterioration, bubbles, and flat spots. Visit our auto repair service center to have your tire replaced as soon as you notice any issues.

How to Safely Sanitize Your Vehicle

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 10:54:59 GMT

How to Safely Sanitize Your Vehicle

Germs and dirty surfaces can make you cringe on the thought of touching or sitting in an area filled with it. Well, fun fact, your car probably isn’t the pristine haven you think it is. According to studies, the average steering wheel is four times dirtier than a public toilet seat. Then they are all the other frequently touched areas in your cars such as the cup holder, seat belts, and door handles, and touch pads; they can’t be too much cleaner. Now more than ever, it seems timely to offer some tips on how to safely sanitize your vehicle.

Sanitizing your car is different than giving it a good spring cleaning. It’s essential to keep germs and viruses off the parts of your car you touch the most. We’ve all been doing a lot of washing and cleaning lately, and cleaning our car probably hasn’t been one of those places. Many people spend a lot of time in vehicles, so keeping it well sanitize and clean is important. In order to prevent the spread of viruses and other harmful germs, you’ll want to make sure you know how to sanitize your vehicle the right way.

Methods for Sanitizing Your Car

Remove Dust and Mold — Your car has a sealed environment, and the chances of bacteria growing inside are much more than open spaces. You can remove most of the dust from the interior of your car by vacuuming and cleaning any heavy debris from inside your vehicle.

Clean/Replace the Cabin Air Filter — The cabin air filter is responsible for cleaning the air inside a car. Change the air filter at least every 6 months, especially if you notice that the air is not cool enough, or if unpleasant, moldy air is being circulated in the car. A dirty air filter can dispel bacteria in your car from the car’s air conditioning system.

Use Car-Safe Disinfectants — Use a good quality car-safe disinfectant on the surfaces of your vehicle that is frequently being touched. This includes the steering wheel, gear stick, armrest, touchscreen, buttons, door handles, and mirrors. The chances of germs and viruses in your vehicle are reduced greatly if these surfaces are kept clean.

Clean the Entire Upholstery — Leather seats or cushions should be done gently with a microfiber cloth. You can clean the seats and other soft surfaces by using a vacuum cleaner to remove loose dust and then with soapy water or an alcohol-based solution.

Car Wash — Don’t forget about the exterior of your vehicle. Running the car through the car wash will definitely give you a fantastic look, and also helps you to effectively decontaminate and sanitize the exterior of your car properly.

Routine auto repair, maintenance, and cleaning will keep your vehicle healthy and safe. Always do your best to drive with clean hands. Keep sanitizing wipes and sprays handy in your vehicle to clean frequently touched surfaces regularly. If you’re low on cleaning supplies, soap and water are a safe and effective alternative to clean your vehicle. With these tips, keeping a clean car is easy!

Is It Safe to Drive on a Tire with a Bubble?

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 11:03:10 GMT

Is It Safe to Drive on a Tire with a Bubble?

Bubbles in your tires are generally caused by impacts on the road. Hitting the edges of potholes, small collisions, hitting a curb and speed bumps can all cause the sidewall to bulge in your tires. Your tires should always be smooth and round, so if you notice a bubble on the sidewall or see a section of tread bulging, it’s a sign that something is very wrong, and you should stop driving immediately. Tires that have a bubble are not safe to drive. When your tire has a bubble, the fabric of the inner tire can no longer protect your tire from bursting when pressure develops from contact with the road.

The most common place to see a bubble in the tire is the sidewall. Tire bubbles can also form in areas where the rubber has worn very thin. Driving on a tire that has a bubble is very dangerous and there is a high possibility that it will blow out on you. Your top priority should be getting the tire replaced as soon as possible because as more moisture and air seeps in, the bubbles will get larger.

How to Prevent Tire Bubbles

There are some ways to prevent tire bubbles from occurring. It may be difficult to avoid coming in contact with potholes and speed bumps, but there are some precautions we can take to avoid bubbles from forming. Prevention is always better than cure, so to make sure your tires are able to have a long lifespan and keep you safe, follow these steps for preventing tire bubbles.

Avoid Potholes – Potholes are the biggest culprit behind tire bubbles. Always try to steer safely away from hitting potholes.
Drive Carefully – Drive carefully without rushing over speedbumps. Be cautious when parking and driving around curbs and sidewalks.
Maintenance – Inspect your tires often and look for changes in structure and pressure. Use a tire pressure gauge to check your tire pressure regularly.

Damage as a result of tire bubbles cannot be repaired because a tire bubble means the tire’s structural integrity has been compromised. It’s just no longer safe to drive on because the tire’s internal structure has failed. The tire will have to get replaced, and driving should be suspended. As a precautionary measure, regularly inspect your tires and make sure they have enough pressure. Visit our auto repair service center and have your tire replaced as soon as you notice a tire bubble.

How Does a Car’s Muffler Work?

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 11:11:25 GMT

How Does a Car’s Muffler Work?

Your vehicle’s engine produces small explosions of harmful emissions which come from the combustion chamber. These explosions produce dangerous gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. For safety, these dangerous gases are dispersed away from your vehicle’s cabin using an exhaust system, which the muffler is a key component of. To explain how the muffler works, we need to know the different components of the muffler.

There are four sections in an automobile’s muffler:

Inlet — The inlet attaches from the exhaust system. Exhaust gases and sound enters the inlet from the exhaust system.
Resonator — The resonator acts as an echo chamber by reducing the overall noise volume of the engine by canceling sound waves.
Perforated tubes — The perforated tubes are metal tubes located inside the muffler and are responsible for how loud or quiet your car sounds. They suppress the sound and work to increase your vehicle performance.
Outlet — The outlet emits both the remaining sound and exhaust gases.

How a Muffler Functions

The muffler contains tubes, channels, and holes which direct gases and reduce exhaust pressure. It quiets the engine by reducing the sound pressure emitted. The muffler is designed not to just dampen sound, but to combine sound waves and make them cancel out one another.

The muffler is also responsible for releasing the toxic gases, which can harm you and your passengers if released into the cabin of your vehicle. Some mufflers are designed to be silent while others are specifically designed to create what could be considered a growling sound. The muffler also improves the overall performance of your vehicle. Your engine can generate more power faster if it is able to get rid of all the exhaust gases it produces quickly.

Keeping your exhaust maintained and functioning properly will keep your vehicle from making unpleasant, loud noises and controls how your vehicle impacts the environment. Making sure these harmful emissions stays on the outside of your vehicle, will protect your health and the safety of your passengers.

What to Do About a Cracked Windshield

Fri, 29 May 2020 11:16:43 GMT

What to Do About a Cracked Windshield

Damage to your windshield happens unexpectedly. The windshield is an important safety device of your vehicle, with its main function being to protect passengers as well as ensure the airbags properly do their job of protecting the vehicle occupants. A small chip on your windshield can turn into a crack across the entire length of the surface and require windshield replacement if not repaired quickly. Your windshield is there to help protect you from outside elements coming into the vehicle and also provides up to 60% of structural support to your vehicle.

When your windshield is damaged, it compromises your vision when driving and can cause an accident. Not only is having a cracked windshield dangerous, it is also against the law in most states. The laws in different states are different, but most states in the United States require that your windshield be free of cracks or anything that can obscure your vision while driving. If you have a cracked windshield, depending on the severity of the damage, you can either repair or replace the damaged windshield.

Windshield Repair

Chips smaller than a quarter and cracks up to three inches long can be easily repaired. Since a small crack or chip of your windshield can quickly turn into a large crack, it is important to repair your windshield as soon as possible. A technician will determine if your windshield can be repaired based on three factors; size, depth, and location. Large, deep cracks in the glass that extend to the edges of your windshield will need replacement, while small shallow chips away from the edges of your windshield can be repaired. Windshield repair should not be performed if the damage is within the driver’s line of sight, which is the portion of the glass covered by the driver’s windshield wiper.

Windshield Replacement

Your safety is of paramount importance. To ensure the structural integrity of your vehicle, have your windshield evaluated by a professional as soon as possible, and make any recommended repairs. Your windshield should be completely replaced if:

• The glass is tempered glass, not laminated glass

• The crack is longer than a dollar bill

• The crack or chip is deep enough that it penetrated more than halfway into the windshield

• The crack or chip extends to the outside edge of the windshield

Chips and cracks on your windshield will worsen with time, temperature fluctuations, or from repeat damage. A crack in the windshield compromises your safety. Have a reputable repair shop assess your windshield and advise you if it can be repaired or needs replacement. Repairing or replacing a chipped or cracked windshield is simple, fast, and cost-effective.

The Importance of Tire Rotations

Fri, 15 May 2020 11:21:57 GMT

The Importance of Tire Rotations

A crucial factor in your vehicle’s health, efficiency and performance is getting regular tire rotations. A tire rotation is when the tires of your vehicle are moved from one position on the vehicle to another. The front tires will move to the rear and the rear tires will move to the front, typically in a cross-diagonal direction, meaning they will also change sides. Your vehicle carries more weight at the front, so front tires will typically wear out faster. Tire rotation is done to prevent the uneven wear this can cause and to prolong the life of your tires.

Your tires should be rotated at the same interval you get an oil change. The guidelines in your vehicle’s owner manual offer timing as well as the best rotation pattern for your vehicle and type of tires. The tires are the only part of the car which make direct contact with the road and influence your vehicle handling, ride, braking and safety. For optimum performance, tires must have the correct air pressure, tread depth, balance, proper alignment and regular rotation.

Why are Regular Tire Rotations Important?

Extend Tire Tread — When tires are not rotated regularly, your tires will wear unevenly and cause many problems. Uneven tire wear will affect the performance of your tires and the handling of your vehicle. Worn tires become unstable and make driving dangerous. Uneven tire wear is the most common sign you can recognize to know your tires need to be rotated. Your tires will last longer with regular tire rotation.

Maximize Performance — Your tires contribute to how effectively your vehicle performs. Getting your tires rotated will help your vehicle be more efficient, provide a smoother more comfortable ride and extend the life of your tires.

Increased Gas Mileage — Worn tires put a strain on your engine and increases your fuel consumption. When you rotate tires regularly, it decreases the amount of work it takes for the vehicle to drive and helps the engine to run more smoothly and efficiently, which decreases the amount of gas it takes to move the vehicle.

Savings — You will be saving a lot by getting your tires properly rotated. You will save on fuel cost, needing to buy new tires and the expensive repairs caused by worn or uneven tread.

By taking proper care of your tires with proper rotation, you will have safe driving on your travels, better fuel economy and extended tire life. When was the last time you had your tires rotated? If you need a tire rotation, don’t delay; visit our auto repair shop or schedule an appointment today!