Category Archives: Tracy’s Tips

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

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Traditionally, Memorial Day weekend provides an extra day off and a great opportunity for road trips. But this year, due to high gas prices and a lethargic economy, many have decided to skip travel plans. If you are among those who are going ahead with a long-weekend trip, be sure to get the most from your vacation budget by saving on gas.

Make sure your tires are in good condition and properly inflated. You will get better gas mileage, and you’ll be safer on the road. You can also save on gas by using a price finder website to locate the best places to buy gas along your route. We’ve all had the experience of filling up during a trip, only to see a much lower price per gallon at the very next exit. You might be able to avoid that frustration by spending  a little time online looking at gas prices. Sites like gasbuddy.com also have app versions, so you can check prices while you are on the road.

And before you leave, here are a few additional tips:

  1. Make sure your battery, fluid levels, lights, and wiper blades are in good shape.
  2. Whether you use a GPS system or old fashioned paper, make sure your maps are up-to-date.
  3. Keep roadside emergency items like jumper cables and travel compressor in the car. Don’t pull them out to make room for the tent!
  4. If you don’t have one, get a cell phone charger with a car adaptor. This is a must have item any time, but especially on road trips.

As  for those who are staying home this weekend to enjoy picnics and parties, make sure you also think ahead about your travel plans. Decide on a designated driver before you let the good times roll.

Have a Safe and Fun Memorial Day weekend!

Tire Buying 101

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Dear Tracy,

I am in need of a new set of tires, and am a little intimidated by the idea of tire shopping. Where should I buy to get the best price? Can you tell me what I need to know before I get started? Basically I am wondering what things are important to look for and how to know what the best choice for my car will be.

Kim W.

Dear Kim,

While some may suggest cheaper ways to buy tires online, I recommend finding reputable, trust-worthy tire retailer in your area who will really help you in the tire buying process. Especially since you are new to the process,  a knowledgeable tire dealer will be able to recommend the type of tire that will best fit your vehicle, driving style and budget. You will know you have found a good source if the dealer asks you questions about the type of driving you do and if he or she guides you in considering things such as tread wear, ride and handling, and driving conditions. Buying from a brick and mortar store may cost a bit more than an online bargain source, but it will be worth it to know what you are getting and to know where you can go if you need support. If you are not sure what dealer to trust, start asking around. You never know who might have a great recommendation in your own neighborhood.

You are right to want to be an informed buyer! Even with assistance, it is important that you have a basic understanding of tires before you start shopping. Here are some point to consider:

  1. Manufacturer Recommendations It is important that your tire selection is in keeping with your vehicle’s specific manufacturer recommendations for the best safety and performance.
  2. Regional Climate Think about the kind of weather you get in your area. Do you get a lot of rain or heavy snow falls? Be sure you make the safest selection to handle the road conditions you will encounter.
  3. Ride Quality Some tires will look great on your car, but will not provide a smooth and comfortable ride or solid handling.
  4. UTQG Rating The U.S. Department of Transportation requires each manufacturer to grade its tires under the UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading)labeling system and establish ratings for tread wear, traction and temperature resistance.
  5. Tread Design Some tread designs result in more road noise. This varies between tire brands and tread designs. If you mainly do highway driving, you’ll want to consider this. A knowledgeable dealer will be able to tell you which tires are quieter among those you’re considering.
  6. Buy a Full Set It is always best to replace all of your tires at once for optimal performance and even tread wear.
  7. Protect your Investment When you have your tires installed, be sure to have other checks made, such as the alignment and balance. Otherwise a vehicle maintenance problem that may have caused your old set of tires to wear out too rapidly will also ruin your new tires.

Ways to Improve Gas Mileage

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Dear Tracy,

I know everyone is complaining about gas prices, but the expense is really killing my budget! Is there anything I can do to improve the gas mileage on my car and make that expensive gas go a little further? I have heard that you can get fuel additives that will improve gas mileage. Do these work?

Nancy S.

Dear Nancy,

I completely relate to your frustration! For most of us it is really difficult to cope with the financial burden of these rising gas prices. I understand why you would like to do something to improve your gas mileage, but think twice about spending even more of your hard-earned money on fuel additives.

The knowledge and technology that has gone into the vehicle engines of today is pretty amazing.  Through decades of research, vehicle engineers understand engines and the demands placed on them. Today’s engines are developed to provide optimal performance under the most stressful conditions. Engines undergo thorough and rigorous testing, and are developed to be reliable with proper maintenance. While some fuel additives may provide some benefits, your engine was designed to provide peak performance all on its own. If you still are not sure, before you pick up a bottle of something from your local auto parts store, check with your mechanic. He or she will be able to educate you on the different types of additives and the needs of your particular vehicle.

The best way to improve gas mileage is with proper maintenance and smart driving habits. Here are a few quick tips that should help you make the gas budget go a little further:

Proper Tire Inflation – always keep an eye on your tire pressure and keep the tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Regular Oil Changes – make sure you always use the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil for optimal performance.

Regularly Check Tire Tread – remember that worn out tires are not only dangerous, but they cause your vehicle to operate less efficiently.

Do Not Speed/Use Cruise Control  on the Highway – maintaining a safe and consistent speed has all kinds of obvious benefits including better gas mileage.

Combine Trips – if you can discipline yourself enough to plan your trips, you may be surprised and delighted to discover how much you can save on the gas budget.

New Year Resolution: Take Better Care of My Tires

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It is the beginning of a brand new year and time to start or get back into some good habits for taking care of your tires. Here is my suggested list of simple tire care resolutions that will increase the life of your tires, improve your gas mileage and keep you safe on the road.

Check Tire Pressure

Make it part of your car care routine to check your tire pressure at least once a month. If you are not sure of the proper pressure for your vehicle’s tires, check your owner’s manual. Remember that the maximum pressure is not the same as the recommended pressure.

Take the Penny Test

Regularly check your tire tread depth with these easy steps:

1. Hold a penny so that “In God We Trust” appears across the top. Insert it into five different sections of the tire, taking note of the visibility of Lincoln’s head.

2. If you can consistently see the top of Lincoln’s head, your treads are excessively worn, and it is time to go shopping for a new set of tires.

3. If the top of Lincoln’s head (to about the forehead hairline) is covered throughout the tread grooves, the tread is in good shape and your tires probably do not need replacement.

Tire Balancing

Make tire balancing part of your regular service, which can be done according to your owner’s manual recommended schedule. Tire balancing provides a smooth ride and assures even tire wear by properly adjusting the wheel weight distribution around the vehicle.

Tire Rotation

Consistent tire rotation is an important maintenance step that will significantly prolong the life of your tires. Different manufacturers have specific recommendations for a particular vehicle or tire, so it is advisable to refer to your owner’s manual tire rotation guidelines to ensure proper tread wear.

Tire Alignment

Improper tire alignment will not only decrease the life of your tires through uneven tread wear, it will adversely affect the safety of your vehicle. Have the alignment checked if you have hit something or notice a difference in your vehicle’s handling.

Spare Tire Check

Make sure your spare tire is in good shape and that you know how to use it. Check the tire pressure of your spare when you check the pressure of your other tires. Be aware that a spare is intended for temporary use only. Finally, be familiar with the tire changing process before an emergency strikes. You can look up a tutorial video or ask a knowledgeable friend to give you a hands-on lesson.

Holiday Road

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According to the American Automobile Association Year-End Holiday Travel Forecast, 93.3 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home over the holidays. Of those traveling, 90% or 84.4 million of them will be on the road in an automobile. Holiday road trips can be a fun part of the season’s festivities, as long as you are safe and prepared. Before you head out over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house, here are a few tips for preparing the car and the passengers.

  • Make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey with a service check including: battery, brakes, wipers, lights, oil, coolant, fluids, and tire pressure.
  • If you have a smart phone, download an app like GasBuddy to help you find the best gas prices along the way.
  • Make sure your maps are current, whether it’s updating your GPS or getting the good old paper kind from a gas station.
  • When packing the car, you may need to remove things you normally keep in the trunk in order to make room for gifts and your luggage. Be sure not to leave behind your roadside emergency items such as jumper cables or a folding shovel.

Lastly, if you are traveling with kids, make sure they have something to do to pass the time. You don’t necessarily need a DVD player or an MP3 player to keep kids occupied. A bag of books and travel games is great for keeping the choruses of “are we there yet” at bay. Or try making a list of car games to play – this is a great way for busy families to get some quality together time. Of course you can also sing some carols!

Whatever your plans may be, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of holidays!

Gift Ideas for Car Enthusiasts

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Many of us still have Christmas shopping to do, and time is rapidly running out! With that in mind, I am devoting this week’s post to gift ideas for the people on your list who, like me, love all things automotive!

  •  Auto Accessories  There are options to suit every taste from team logo floor mats to Hello Kitty seat covers to Yosemite Sam mud flaps.
  • Car Adapter for MP3 player  For some, singing “99 Bottles of Beer” is just not an option for passing time while on the road.  Being able to plug in and listen to an audio book or play list will be a welcomed alternative.
  • Vehicle GPS  We all know them – the folks who can’t find their way out of a paper bag. Put them on the right track with a reliable GPS. Be sure to get one with life time maps.
  •  Folding Shovel  Have any drivers in the great white north on your list? A folding shovel is a great item to keep in the trunk for emergency dig-outs.
  • Car Wash Coupons  Even those who prefer to do their own washing will appreciate having these in the winter. After all, no one wants to be caught riding dirty.
  • Digital Tire Pressure Monitor  Nothing says “I care” like a digital tire pressure monitor. Seriously, tire pressure is important for safe driving, and this is such a handy way to check it!
  • Portable Air Compressor  Not only is this a great emergency item to have in your car, a portable air compressor will be useful for filling a leaking tire until it can be fixed or even inflating a camping mattress.
  • Parking Sensors  If you buy this for a teenager who drives your car, it might be more of a gift for you. Some systems include backup radar which is an excellent safety feature. 
  • Cordless Wet/Dry Vac  For someone who has a Cheerio munching toddler or a road-trip loving dog, this will be a priceless gift. One of these makes keeping the car interior clean a whole lot easier.

Along for the Ride

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Dear Tracy,

I am a relatively new driver and just became a car owner for the first time in my life! I am extremely excited about being a car owner, but I also take the responsibility seriously. To make sure that I am prepared for any crisis situation that I may encounter while on the road, I would like to put together an emergency kit of items to keep in my car. Can you advise me as to what the best items are to include in my kit?

Alicia K.

Dear Alicia,

Congratulations on your car ownership! Isn’t it a great feeling to have the freedom that comes with owning your own car? I applaud your commitment to being a responsible driver, and traveling with a car emergency kit is an excellent idea. Here is a list of items I suggest keeping in your car:

Spare tire – Your car should include what you would need in the event of a blow out, but if you have purchased a used car, it might be a good idea to confirm you have a spare and that it is in good condition.

Portable air compressor –When your tire is leaking but hasn’t totally blown out, you can use a portable air compressor to get back on the road. The compressor fills your tire up enough to allow you to drive to a repair shop to get it fixed.

Jumper cables – One of the most basic items to include in your car emergency kit is a set of jumper cables. Your car battery could fail due to any number of reasons, from your car dome light being left on to cold weather. A set of jumper cables can mean the difference between waiting for a tow and getting back on the road. Not only may the cables help you in a jam, you might be able to assist someone else in need.

Flashlight – Keeping a strong flashlight (with a fresh set of batteries in it) is a good idea for emergency. Even in non-emergency situations, like when you drop your cell phone between the seat and the center console, a little light is a huge help!

Roadside flares –An immobile car on the side of a dark road poses a serious risk for a non-alert motorist turning a single car problem into a multi-car problem. Roadside flares not only provide a “help” signal, they alert unsuspecting drivers of a disabled vehicle near the roadway. Today, you can get LED flares, so you don’t have to light them.

Snacks & Water Bottles – If you spend a lot of time in your car, it might be a good idea to carry snacks and bottled water in your emergency stash. No one ever plans on being stranded on the side of the road, and it may occur at a time when you need to eat or drink. Just be sure to swap out the snacks from time to time, so you are not relying on stale sustenance.

Warm blankets – A few warm blankets, spare gloves, or even packets of instant hand warmer can make a long wait in the car much more bearable.

Ice scraper – In the winter months, make sure you are prepared for that layer of ice and frost. Don’t be the person out there trying to clear frosty windows with your library card!

First aid kit – Bandages, Neosporin®, pain relievers, antacids, basically anything you reach in the medicine cabinet for on a regular basis can be extremely handy to have on hand in your vehicle.

LifeHammer® – This tool is used it to break a window or cut a seatbelt, enabling escape in extreme situations. This item is definitely one that you may never use, but they are not too expensive, so it might be worth adding one to your cache.

Tracy’s Tips: Don’t Labor over Buying Tires, Just be Prepared

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Those of you who are in the market for new tires may be looking for some Labor Day tire sales this weekend. I thought this might be a good time to share some of Tracy’s Tips for buying tires.

There are many things to consider when shopping for new tires. If you can find a trusted tire retailer in your area, the tire buying process will be much easier. A knowledgeable and reputable tire dealer will be able to recommend the type of tire that will best fit your needs and your budget. A good tire salesperson will ask you questions about the type of driving you do and how you use your vehicle. He or she will guide you in considering factors such as tread life, ride and handling, and driving conditions, helping you to determine what is most important to you. It’s important that you and the salesperson communicate as accurately as possible so your requirements are clearly understood.

Before you start your tire buying adventure, here are some quick tips to remember:

  1. Consider the UTQG rating. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires each manufacturer to grade its tires under the UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) labeling system and establish ratings for tread wear, traction and temperature resistance.
  2. Think about your climate. Consider the types of weather you experience in your area. Whether it’s a lot of rain or heavy snow falls, your tires will have to meet the challenge. Make sure you make the safest selection to handle the road conditions you will face.
  3. Decide how important ride quality is to you. Some types of tires make your car look great but you may not get the smooth, comfortable ride you desire.
  4. Some tread designs cause tires to create more road noise. This varies significantly between tire brands and tread designs. If most of the driving you do is highway driving, you’ll want to consider your options, especially if you’re driving an SUV on pavement most of the time. A good salesperson will be able to tell you which tires are quieter among those you’re considering.
  5. Check the recommendations listed in your owner’s manual and information placard. It is important that your tire selection is in keeping with the manufacturer recommendations for the best and safest performance.

Once you have made your purchase, and ready to have your tires installed, remember to have other checks made, such as the alignment and balance. If a vehicle maintenance problem caused your old set of tires to wear out too rapidly, the same thing will happen to the new tires if the issue goes unaddressed.