In order to reduce the need for effort from the driver to steer the vehicle, engines incorporate a system referred to as “power steering.” This is a hydraulic system which uses power steering fluid to build pressure which is then used to change the direction of the wheels. This means you don’t need to arm wrestle with your steering wheel when trying to take a turn.   When your car’s power steering system begins to fail — or the fluid needs to be replaced — it can make it much harder to co...

For the safety and performance of your vehicle, your tires should be installed by an expert technician. Proper installation enables your tires to function fully and provides maximum safety. On average, a tire installation takes about 45 minutes to an hour. After you have selected the right tires for your vehicle, your tires will be expertly installed. A proper installation includes:    Inspecting the lugs or wheel bolts Installing new rubber valve stems where applicable Mounting the tire...

When you go to purchased motor oil from your local auto store, do you know what you’re really paying for? When a service attendant asks you synthetic or regular, do you know the difference? If these situations leave you feeling unsure, let’s examine your options so next time you can make an informed decision.    What Are the Advantages of Synthetic Oil Over Conventional Oil? First off, synthetic oil is better than conventional oil. Synthetic motor oil uses a higher quality base oil as compare...

Your vehicle’s tires should always be inflated to their proper PSI (pound per square inch), which is the standard rating for air pressure within a tire. The PSI for your vehicle’s tires is generally found on the drivers’ door jamb, inside your owner’s manual or on the tire itself. Proper tire inflation will allow you to have the best possible control of your vehicle and gives you a more comfortable ride.   For proper tire pressure and inflation:   The pressure of your tires must be in ac...

Winter is on the way. It’s time to get your vehicle winter-ready. Winterizing your vehicle is necessary to keep your vehicle performing its best during the cold months. Your vehicle’s safety is important during winter conditions, especially if you must drive on icy or snowy roads. There are several things you can do to ensure your car operates successfully throughout the winter months as well as maximize your car’s ability to keep you and your family safe should a winter weather problem occu...

Do You Need Winter Tires? Are you curious about the difference between different types of tires? When it comes to winter tires and regular tires, the main difference between the two is tread depth. On winter tires the tread depth starts at between 8 and 9 mm as opposed to 7 and 8 mm on a regular tire. Winter tires have a wider and deeper groove within the tire tread which forms a larger channel for snow and water to travel through and maintains a grip on the road. One of the most important feat...

Trick or Treat! Kids and adults both love Halloween with all the candy, costumes and fun of being up late. As witches, superheroes, ghosts and celebrities roam the streets in search of candy and treats, drivers need to be cautious when driving. Halloween can be a dangerous time for drivers and pedestrians alike. Statistics have shown Halloween is one of the deadliest days of the year for pedestrians. It is a night filled with darkness, increased pedestrian traffic and all sorts of distractions....

The US has a wide variety of climates, but generally, weather conditions are cold during the winter and hot in the summer. In southern states, summers are very hot and humid while in the Pacific Northwest, summers are warm with cool mornings and evening conditions. Winter in the South is mild, but in the North conditions are often very cold with lots of snow and below zero temperatures. How do all these variations affect your tires?    The temperature outside has various impacts on your vehicle...

Does your car have an unpleasant, lingering aroma? Usually your first impression will be to check for food that may have been left under seats. If the culprit isn’t food that has gone bad, there are several other reasons that may be the cause of the unpleasant smell. The last thing you want is your passengers in your being uncomfortable by the smell or worse question your hygiene. You need to find the source of the odor because an air freshener will only mask what could be a serious issue.    ...

Old tires can be found everywhere. From the shredded remnants of highway blowouts to mountains of rubber created in landfills, old tires are frequently cast off and forgotten. But what are the other options for tires that are past their prime? You can choose to take them to a tire recycling facility if one is available near you or even create a useful DIY product. Read on to find out all you need to know!   Why Should You Recycle Your Tires? In the US, over 300 million tires are disposed of eve...