Author Archives: Tracy

Cold Weather Vehicle Problems You Can Easily Prevent

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Spring is on the way, but those of us who live in areas with colder winters know that March comes in like a lion, before it goes out like a lamb. Before you let your guard down to the perils of winter driving, give some thought to some common cold weather vehicle problems and how you can prevent them.   

winter road conditions

 

Cold temperatures are pretty rough on your vehicle, so it could use some extra care to prevent winter-related weather vehicle problems. Here are some of those problems and how you can resolve or prevent them.

Check and Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

It is not uncommon for pressure to drop with the temperature, leaving you with underinflated tires. Tires typically lose 1 pound per square inch (psi) for every 10 degrees that the  temperature falls. This can affect your vehicle’s handling and fuel efficiency, and even cause tire damage. To avoid this problem, make sure to check your tire pressure regularly and keep it at the recommended level. 

Get Your Vehicle’s Battery Tested

Did you know that extremely low temperatures strain your car battery? This is because lower temperatures can reduce the battery’s capacity, making it harder for it to start the engine. If your battery is already old or weak, it might not even start at all. To avoid this problem, it’s a good idea to have your battery tested before the winter season starts. Also, make sure to keep your battery terminals clean and tight, as corrosion can also weaken the battery.

Prevent Thickened Fluids Problems

Freezing temperatures cause thickening of fluids your car needs to run properly, including transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, oil, and coolant. It is much harder for cold fluids to flow properly, which increases the likelihood of damage to your engine, transmission, and other parts of your vehicle. Make sure to use the recommended fluids for your vehicle and have them changed regularly. Between changes, check your fluid levels frequently, and have them topped off if necessary.

Wash Your Vehicle to Prevent Road Salt Corrosion

Road salt exposure throughout the winter season has a punishing effect on the metal components of your vehicle. Most auto designs have an exposed underbody, which means the majority of salt damage occurs underneath the car, where it goes visually undetected. Fortunately, corrosion and rust do not happen quickly. This means that you have time to undo salt damage potential with regular car washes.

Protect Your Vehicle from Frozen Fuel Lines

When the temperature drops below freezing, the water in your fuel lines can freeze and prevent your vehicle from starting. A good way to avoid this problem is to make sure to keep your gas tank at least half full and use a fuel additive that can prevent water from freezing.

Clear Away Excessive Ice and Snow Before Using Your Wipers

Snow and ice can damage your wiper blades, making them less effective at clearing your windshield. To avoid this problem, make sure to use winter wiper blades, which are designed to perform better in cold weather conditions. Clear any snow or ice from your windshield  to avoid putting excessive strain on your wipers.

Even after taking these preventive measures, always be prepared for a road emergency. During the winter months, travel with items in your trunk such as a roadside emergency kit, blankets, gloves, boots, packaged hand warmers, and a folding shovel. Stay warm, stay safe, and be prepared!

4 Common Questions About Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

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Tire Pressure Cold TemperatureA Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a system of integrated tire stem sensors that detect and warn a driver that tire pressure has dropped to a potentially unsafe level. The TPMS symbol looks like an exclamation point in parentheses. It is designed to illuminate when the pressure in one or more of your tires is reduced by around 25%.

In this post, we will look at the common questions drivers have about tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS).

When did vehicles start having TPMS?

TPMS systems became mandatory for new vehicles in the early 2000’s, however, European and American luxury cars had adopted the technology even earlier. In 2012, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted a study to evaluate the effectiveness of TPMS in Proper Tire Pressure Maintenance. The study showed that 23.1% of the vehicles without a TPMS had at least one severely underinflated tire, while only 11.8% of TPMS-equipped vehicles had an underinflated tire. Based on the study findings, the NHTSA estimates that in 2011 mandating TPMS saved $511 million in reduced fuel consumption resulting from properly inflated tires.

When does the TPMS light come on?

The TPMS light is part of the pressure monitoring system that involves pressure detector sensors that are connected to your actual tires. The sensors are attached to the portion of the tire stem that is on the inside of the tire. Each pressure detector has a battery and transmitter that relays information to the vehicle’s onboard computer. A TPMS warning light illuminates on the dashboard panel when pressure in any of the tires becomes too low. 

Can cold temperatures affect TPMS?

Tire pressure can decrease about 1 PSI (pounds per square inch) for every 10 degrees the temperature dips below normal. This is not due to air escaping, but instead because the air inside the tire is condensing and taking up less space. This condensing effect is temporary since driving causes the tire to heat up, thereby increasing the tire’s pressure. A reason the light may come on, which is unrelated to tire pressure, is a dead battery in the TPMS system.

Additionally, tires tend to lose about 1 PSI per month from seepage of air around the edge of the rim, and even through the tread. Together these factors can cause tire pressure to drop as much as 25 percent below the recommended level. The sensing transmitters inside your tires notice this and trigger your TPMS dash light. If your TPMS light comes on you may not have a problem. You may just need to check your air and bring your tires up to the right pressure.

Check tire pressure

When should I worry about my TPMS warning light?

If your TPMS light illuminates, your tires are below the proper air pressure. You should always figure out why since underinflated tires increase the chance of tire failure, compromise vehicle handling, create improper tire and tread wear, and result in poor gas mileage. See if the light goes off after driving for a while, and also check the pressure of your tires when the vehicle is still warm. If a TPMS warning light persists with no apparent cause, take your vehicle in for professional service and evaluation.

 

Are You Sure You Can Depend On Your Brakes This Winter?

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Snow and ice are here and will be a problem on the roads for the next few months. In order to assure safe winter driving, it is essential to make sure your brakes are in optimal condition and proper working order.

winter snow on road stop sign

The brake system on your vehicle is extremely complex, consisting of numerous integrated components that deteriorate over time. Drivers must always be on the lookout for signs of potential brake issues. Brake problem warning signs can lead to expensive problems if ignored. More importantly, your safety and the safety of others could be in danger if your brakes fail. Pay attention to these common warning signs of brake problems:

Six Common Brake Problem Warning Signs

  1. Strange Noises

Hearing strange noises when you stop your vehicle? Your brake pads may have an excessive amount of wear if you hear a high, screeching sound when you apply the brakes.

  1. Vehicle Pulls to One Side

If your vehicle swerves to one side as you apply the brakes, the brake lining may be worn unevenly or brake fluid may be compromised.

  1. Brake Pedal Feels Odd or Spongy

Does it might feel spongy or does your foot sink to the floor when you hit the brake pedal? You may have a leak in the braking system, such as an air leak in the brake hose or a brake fluid leak. A brake pedal that feels stiff or is difficult to press may be a sign that there is a blockage in the brake line or an issue in the vacuum system.

  1. Too Much Vibration When Braking

Excessive vibration in your brake pedal may be a sign of trouble. This will feel similar to the vibration you feel when the anti-lock brakes feature engages. This vibration or pulsating can be a sign of warped rotors.

  1. Jerking Sensation As Brakes are Applied

If you experience a grabbing or jerking feeling when applying the brakes, it could be a sign that the rotor is unevenly worn or that the brake fluid is contaminated.

  1. Brake System Service Light Activates

Your vehicle’s on-board diagnostic system, if any problems are detected, will light up the brake system service light on your vehicle’s dashboard. It might also come on even when there is no problem, because you see the brake service light up. It’s a good idea to have your brakes inspected if your service light comes on.

brake service brake disc

Don’t Take Chances With Vehicle Safety

Winter road conditions bring enough driving challenges. Don’t take chances by ignoring the signs of brake problems. Have your vehicle inspected right away if you notice any of the common indicators of brake trouble.

Why Trust Your Vehicle to a Certified Technician?

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We depend on our vehicles for much of our daily necessities, whether it’s getting to work, taking kids to school, grocery shopping, or going out to dinner. Since we rely so much on our transportation, it is really important that we trust the professionals who take care of our vehicles. You need to not only count on your vehicle’s performance, but also on its ability to keep you safe on the road. Because you need to have the utmost confidence in the experience, capability, and professionalism of your auto service provider, it is a good idea to always choose a certified technician to do your vehicle service and repair.

Trust Your Vehicle to a Certified Technician

Photo credit: Jimmy Nilsson Masth / Unsplash

How Does a Mechanic Become Certified Technician? 

An independent non-profit organization called the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), has established standards to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals. In addition to passing an ASE Certification test, certified technicians must have completed two years of on the job training or one year of on the job training and a two-year degree in automotive repair to qualify for certification.

According to ASE.com the tests for certification are rigorous. Only two out of every three mechanics pass on their first attempt. To remain ASE certified, technicians must recertify every five years to keep up with advancing automotive technology. 

What Advantages are there to Choosing a Certified Technician?

This biggest advantage you gain with a certified technician is confidence in knowing that your service provider knows how to service or repair your specific vehicle make and model. ASE technicians receive comprehensive training on parts used in a diverse range of makes and models. Some technicians also earn original equipment manufacturer (OEM) certifications to perform repairs on globally recognized vehicle brands. These OEM certifications assure that a technician has not only been trained to repair specific makes and models, but they are also tested and evaluated.

In addition to up-to-date training, certified technicians understand and use the latest technologies when servicing your vehicle. Shops that use the most advanced technologies will complete your services and repairs with speed and precision.

Another advantage of using certified technicians is their commitment to best practices. Since certification standards must be met, certified auto body technicians develop and implement car repair best practices to keep their shops accountable. Your work will be done by a professional who cares about you and your vehicle. Technicians work hard to achieve and maintain their credentials, and they do so to provide you with confidence in their abilities and satisfaction with their work.

Don’t put off repair or essential service because you are not sure where to take your car. Choose an ASE Certified Technician with confidence.

Seven Ways to Prepare Your Vehicle For Winter

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November is here and winter is upon us. As you brace yourself for dropping temperatures and snow falls, don’t forget that your vehicle needs to be prepared for winter, too. Wondering how to prepare your vehicle for winter? Think about preventative maintenance and consider stowing items in your car so you’ll be prepared for emergencies.

Preparing your car for winter

Photo credit: Julian Faist / Unsplash

Here are seven important vehicle maintenance and winter preparation items you should take care of to be sure that your car is ready for the cold weather:

  1. Check your oil: If your car is due for an oil change, consider refilling it with a lower viscosity oil, which does a better job of handling extreme temperatures. The lower the viscosity, the thinner it is, and the more it will retain its fluidity in cold temperatures.
  2. Top off your antifreeze: When was the last time you checked or refilled your antifreeze? If it’s been a while, now is definitely the time to take care of it.
  3. Check your wiper fluid and condition of your wipers: Clear visibility is essential to your safety on the road. Ample wiper fluid and good wiper blades will help keep your windshield clear.
  4. Get a wash and wax: Your vehicle will be subjected to a lot of abuse from ice, snow, and salt. Head into the winter months with a little extra protection.
  5. Gather emergency items: Preparing your car for a winter season includes packing some emergency items in your trunk/back seat. Items include: an ice scraper, blanket, first-aid kit, extra clothes, flashlight, jumper cables, and anything else you think you might need in case of emergency. 
  6. Monitor tire pressure: Even the slightest temperature changes can impact tire pressure. Make sure to check the optimal tire pressure on the label of the driver’s side door frame or in your owner’s manual.
  7. Think about new tires: Especially in adverse conditions, car tires are one of the only things keeping you from a major spin out, collision, and other roadside disasters. Chances are if you’ve been thinking about getting new ones, you probably need them.

Before holiday season activities and obligations fill up your schedule, take care of these winter car care items. You will be prepared when the winter weather arrives in full force.

Don’t Let Old Tires Sneak Up On You

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What is the most frightening thing about the photo below? You might say it is the eerie red exhaust or the strange illuminated masks. Actually, it is the fact that these unfortunate souls are driving a car with OLD TIRES! Driving on old tires is one of the most dangerous things you can do. Read on to find out why.

Scary Halloween Driving on Old Tires

Why Old Tires Are Scary

Old tires may not show any obvious signs of deterioration. While they may appear to be safe, usable tires, cracks can develop both on the inside and the outside of the tire. Since the rubber compounds used in tires degrade over time, cracks will develop in the rubber, regardless of mileage and wear. Ultimately, this cracking leads to the steel belts in the tread separating from the rest of the tire.

The Rubber Manufacturers Association reports that putting an expiration date on a tire can be difficult since factors such as heat, driving, and storage conditions can greatly impact the usable life of a tire. The recommendation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is to refer to the guidelines set by the specific tire manufacturer when it comes to tire aging and usable life.

Finding Out How Old Your Tires Are

Not unsure how old your tires are? In the United States, the Department of Transportation requires tires to have a DOT code. With this code, you can learn details about the tire, including its age.

Tire Code DOT Showing Date of Manufacture

This Edmonds video breaks down how to interpret that code, including when your tires were manufactured:

Pay Attention to Tire Condition

Regularly looking at your tire tread means you’ll be more likely to notice wear trends before excessive damage can occur. Issues can be identified by visual inspection or by running your hand over the tread and feeling for problematic areas. 

Keeping your tires inflated to the correct level is an important part of tire maintenance that will extend tire life, as is regularly scheduled tire maintenance, including wheel alignment and tire rotation.

If your tires are damaged, old, worn or otherwise compromised, don’t risk the dangers of a blowout or a wreck! Buy new tires as soon as possible!

October is Fall Car Care Month

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Fall Car Care Month is the perfect time to make sure that your car is ready for winter and current on all maintenance and repair needs. Basic auto service and repairs can go a long way in improving the safety and dependability of your car. 

Fall Car Care Vehicle On Lift

Does Your Car Know Something You Don’t?

In celebration of Fall Car Care month, many shops across the country will be holding free vehicle check-up events.  According to the Car Care Council, last year, many vehicle owners were likely surprised by what they found out. Vehicle check-ups at community car care events across the country last year revealed that 80% of vehicles needed immediate service or parts.

Fall Car Care Maintenance Steps

hat you do today can go a long way toward improving the safety and reliability of your vehicle. Regular car care can also help avoid costly repairs down the road, saving you both time and money. Here are some fall maintenance procedures that will help your vehicle operate at its best before the winter season arrive:

Check all fluids – Window washer solvent, anti-freeze/coolant as well as engine oil, power steering, brake & transmission.

Check the battery – Replace if necessary. Ensure the connection is tight, clean, and free of corrosion.

Check hoses & belts – Make sure they are not loose, cracked, brittle, or even showing signs of excessive wear.

Check your brakes – Annual brake checks are suggested. As well as taking a look at the rotors, drums & brake linings.

Inspect the exhaust system – Leaks, damage & broken elements can occur. Inspect for unusual behaviors or loud noises.

Check your engine – Your vehicle craves the best balance of power & fuel economy while producing the lowest level of emissions.

Check your wipers – It’s important to see and be seen during winter driving. Check all the interior and exterior lighting.

Check heating/HVAC system – Proper heating & cooling performance is crucial for your safety.

Inspect steering & suspension – Annual checking is recommended. We would also encourage a review of other components like shock absorbers, struts, ball joints & tie rod ends.

Check your tires – Uneven wear and tears can greatly affect your safety. As can poorly inflated tires.

For more useful free content about vehicle maintenance, repair and enhancement visit the Car Care News Service website.

Why is it Necessary to Rotate Tires?

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You probably already know that vehicle and tire manufacturers recommend that you rotate tires regularly. Have you ever wondered why? As it turns out, tire rotation can actually extend the life of your tires and greatly increase your safety on the road. 

Tire Rotation Service

What Does Tire Rotation Do for Tires?

It may be surprising to learn that there is a difference in tread wear that occurs on the front and  rear tires. The front tires are used in steering, while the rear tires remain relatively stationary in terms of lateral movement. Steering creates a scrubbing effect, putting more stress on the front tires than on the rear tires. In the case of front-wheel-drive vehicles, there is additional stress from the drive axle which means even faster tread wear on the front tires.

When you regularly rotate tires, it not only adds to the service life of your tires, it will improve your vehicle performance and safety.  During tire rotation service, a your technician will check the tread depth of all four tires, check the inflation pressure, and visually inspect the tires for any issues and potential problems.     

Does the Pattern Used to Rotate Tires Matter?

When technicians perform tire rotation service, they rotate tires following a specified rotation pattern. The pattern matters because the tires on the front axle need to accomplish very different things than the tires on the rear axle. Conditions encountered on a front-wheel drive vehicle are considerably different than those of a rear-wheel drive vehicle. Tire wear effects on a performance vehicle are typically more severe than what you would see on a family sedan. Each individual wheel position can create different wear rates and different types of tire wear.

The typically suggested rule for tire rotation is to cross the free rolling axle. This means that on a front-wheel drive vehicle, the front tires should be rotated straight back to the rear and the rear tires should be crossed to the front. In the case of a rear-wheel drive vehicle the opposite applies. Front tires are crossed to the back while the rear tires are rotated straight to the front. A “double x” pattern is used with four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles, so the right front and left rear tires switch positions, as do the left front and right rear.

Tire rotation service should be scheduled per the recommendations specified in your owner’s manual. Performed at the scheduled times, tire rotation will preserve balanced handling and traction, and promote even tread wear. Not only can tire rotation result in performance advantages, many tire mileage warranties require rotation to keep the warranty valid.

Tires are a substantial investment. It pays to take care of them. Properly inflated tires that are serviced on a regular basis with proper tire rotation can be expected to deliver optimal tread life, as well as excellent performance and value.

Five Ways to Improve Fall Driving Visibility and Safety

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Changing of the seasons is always a good time to think about vehicle maintenance. In addition to taking your car in for its required mechanical checks, there are things you can do in your own garage to prepare for autumn. Falling leaves and tree debris make keeping your windshield clean for clear visibility a challenge. To assure you can see clearly while driving, be sure to take a few minutes to clear off your vehicle – especially at the base of the windshield and other crevices where debris may accumulate.

Leaves on a Car Representing Fall Car Care

Here are five more things you can do to assure clear visibility while driving so you and your passengers will be as safe as possible on the road.

Check Your Wipers

Fall typically brings more rain, so make sure your wipers are in peak condition to assure their effectiveness. You should inspect your wiper blades regularly, and ask your auto service professional to check them whenever you bring in your car for other service or repair. As a rule of thumb, wiper blades should be replaced every six months.

Regularly Clean Your Windshield

Leaf litter and other tree debris lead to a dusty and dirty windshield. This can be particularly dangerous at night, when oncoming lights hit the dirt on your windshield and impair your vision. Try to make a habit of cleaning the windshield every time you fill up. Most gas stations have what you need right by the pumps.

Polish Up Those Headlights

Take a moment to check out your headlights. You may be surprised by the amount of dirt and bug grime that has accumulated on them. If not cleaned, it will eventually get to the point of making your headlight beams dimmer. Regular cleaning will make clear headlights easier to maintain.

Fix Windshield Cracks or Chips

A small crack in the windshield might be annoying, but drivers tend to live with it. Unfortunately, all it takes is one bump or pothole, and suddenly that small crack spreads all the way across the windshield. Have those cracks repaired as soon as possible to maintain safe visibility and to avoid the cost of a windshield replacement.

Top Off Your Washer Fluid

For your windshield wipers to function properly they need an ample supply of windshield washer fluid. Letting wiper blades drag across a dry surface is not only ineffective, it can lead to damaging of the blades. Top off your washer fluid at every service interval or whenever the seasons change to avoid being left high and dry. Use windshield washer antifreeze in winter months to prevent damage to your washer system.

Back to School Safety Part 2 – Prepare Young Drivers

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Back to school season means more young drivers on the road. New drivers have more temptations to distract them than ever, including cell phones. Young adults and teens have proven to be especially vulnerable to this risky driving behavior. 

Prepare Student Drivers

Texting and Driving Can Be Fatal

Many bad choices and risky habits only affect the person who engages in them. Texting and driving is different. Everyone around the texting driver is in danger, whether it is passengers in that car, nearby vehicles, or pedestrians in the vicinity. According to recent data, 

  • Texting while driving is six times more likely to cause a car accident than drunk driving
  • 4,637 people died in car crashes in 2018 due to cell phone use.

It is true that drivers of all ages can be guilty of texting and driving, but young, inexperienced drivers may be most likely to engage in unsafe behaviors. The risk-taking attitude of teens and young adults combined with their lack of driving experience tends to result in a higher likelihood of accidents.

All it Takes is a Few Seconds

According to the advocacy website, Texting and Driving Safety, the minimum amount of time a driver is distracted by a text is five seconds. In that amount of time, at highway speeds, you will travel the length of a football field. Just a few seconds can result in a huge amount of risk.

An infographic on the website provides some frightening statistics regarding texting and teen driving:

  • 77% of young adults are very or somewhat confident that they can safely text while driving
  • 55% of young adult drivers claim it is easy to text while they drive
  • Teens who text while driving spend approximately 10% of driving time outside of their lane.

If you have a young driver in your family, now is a great time to remind them of what’s at risk with texting and driving.