With winter quickly approaching, now is the time to consider getting winter tires for your vehicle if you haven't already. This is especially true it you live in the northern hemisphere and live in an area where winters are particularly harsh. If you get cold weather, snow, ice and wet conditions in the winter months a set of good quality winter tires will really make a difference and help to keep you and your passengers safe during the coldest season of the year. Here are some facts and advice regarding winter tires (also known as snow tires) and the importance of them:

1. Cold temperatures affect braking: Once the temperature drops below 7 degrees celsius, snow tires do a better job of gripping and braking than all season tires do due to the softer rubber compound that they are made of. While all seasons tend to start losing grip as the temperature approaches freezing, winter tires are designed with the cold weather in mind and can remain softer as the weather drops.

2. Always get four winter tires. Some people think about getting only two winter tires and placing them on the wheels that do the driving (i.e. on the front wheels in a front wheel drive vehicle) but this is not a good idea. Having a good quality and matching set of four snow tires on your vehicle makes the most sense so that all wheels have the same tread and tire design.

3. Be careful about buying used: While used snow tires might seem like a bargain, think about it for a second. If you buy used tires through a private sale, you have no recourse if they wear out quickly and then you're forced to buy another set. Plus you can't really be sure unless you closely inspect the tires to ensure that there is no premature wear, cracks or other problems or if the tires have been patched due to punctures. While a new set seems more expensive, if they last 5 winters or longer the cost gets depreciated over a longer period of time nullifying much of the savings of a used set that might only last 1 or 2 seasons.

4. Get the best brand that you can afford: While getting a separate set of tires from your all seasons does cost more, the difference between all seasons and snow tires can be significant. Studies show that a good set of four winter tires helps you stop much quicker than all seasons in snowy, icy conditions. A good set of winter tires is much better in winter than a great set of all seasons.

5. Consider buying winter tires on separate rims: While buying winter tires with no rims and simply swapping your all seasons every year off the rims and putting the winter tires on the same rims seems like a good idea, it costs more to switch them back every year and have them balanced again than simply having two sets of tires and rims. Plus swapping tires on and off rims can cause them to prematurely wear.

Learn more about automotive tires [http://www.discounttirecouponshq.com/] and what brands are available for your vehicle for both winter and all season tires. You can also learn about new trends in tire manufacturing and get a history of major tire manufacturers to figure out what makes the most sense for you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Danna_Miller/1063478

Problems with your automatic transmission can make your vehicle unsafe to operate. With routine care and maintenance, it can perform better and last longer. The automatic transmission in your vehicle requires proper maintenance to prevent expensive repairs in the future.

The automatic transmission is one of the most complex components in your vehicle. It is responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the driving wheels. This is done through a series of gear sets and the use of a torque converter. The transmission relies on many different parts to run properly. Maintaining your transmission is just as important as changing your oil or rotating your tires. There are some things that you can do to help you avoid problems with this very important component.

Every time you stop for gas, pop the hood and check the level of your transmission fluid. If you notice that it is low, there may be a leak. Check the area where you regularly park your car. If there is a puddle or sign of a leak, consult your local mechanic as soon as possible. Driving with low fluid can cause severe damage to your transmission.

Your transmission fluid needs to be changed about every year or every 15,000 miles. You should consult your owner's manual for recommendations for your specific vehicle. Your fluid should be changed more often if you notice that it has become dark in color or dirty.

If you notice changes in the performance of your vehicle, ask a certified mechanic to check it out. Problems with shifting, hesitation when cold, loss of power in gears, and grinding or whining noises can all indicate a problem with the transmission. Do not wait until the problems become worse, this can only cause more damage, which results in expensive repairs.

One of the main causes of transmission failure is excessive heat. Problems with your vehicle's cooling system can negatively impact the other components of your automobile. Towing or hauling large loads can also cause your vehicle to heat up excessively. As your engine runs hotter, the transmission fluid breaks down more quickly, damaging crucial parts and components. If you have been running your engine hard, be sure to visit an auto service shop more often for transmission service.

Switching gears incorrectly can also damage your transmission. Always come to a complete stop before shifting into park or reverse. Try to make smooth transitions when shifting gears. Rocking your vehicle back and forth in snow or mud may result in damage as well because this action causes the temperature of the engine to get excessively hot.

Early diagnosis of a problem is crucial to saving you money and damage. Even the smallest issues can lead to major repair bills. The longer you drive with a malfunctioning transmission, the higher the repair costs will be. There are some other common engine problems that may present themselves in a similar fashion as transmission failure. The best thing you can do is have an automotive professional look at it and make recommendations for repairs. The transmission is a complex system and should only be worked on by a trained specialist.

Mac Allen is the location manager of Havoline Xpress Lube in Kernersville, NC, providing maintenance and repairs for all types of vehicles.

Thinking about neglecting your vehicle's motor oil change needs? Then you need to read and heed our (tongue-in-cheek) ten commandments of motor oil change and basics!

Motor Oil Change Commandment Number One: Thou Shall Know Thy Engine

Do you know what kind of engine is in your vehicle? Is it a 16-valve? A turbo? If you're not certain, it's time to find out because you cannot choose the most appropriate oil for your vehicle if you haven't a clue as to what kind of engine operates as its heart.

Motor Oil Change Commandment Number Two: Thou Shall Educate Thyself on Oil Types

There are oils for high mileage vehicles, oils with special additives, oils that clean your engine, cheap oils, expensive oils, synthetic oil blends, motor oils made with minerals, practically any type of oil you can name...so which do you choose? Truly, you have to be a wise consumer and educate yourself on what motor oil is the best for your vehicle. Asking around may be your best bet; it's likely that a friend or acquaintance who loves cars can give you practical suggestions and the advice won't cost you a penny.

Motor Oil Change Commandment Number Three: Thou Shall Change Thy Oil Every 3,000-5,000 Miles

Most vehicles are going to require that you change motor oil every 3,000-5,000 miles (the lower end is especially critical if your car, truck or van has logged a significant amount of miles). Changing the oil can be handled by you (if you're comfortable with the task) or by a professional (and most can do a quick 10-minute oil change). The most important thing is to make certain that you protect the engine by keeping it clean.

Motor Oil Change Commandment Number Four: Thou Shall Not Be Swayed by Flashy Commercials

There are numerous brands of motor oils on the market, but not all of them will have the available spending dollars to advertise on national channels. Therefore, it's important that you do a little homework to find out what brands are actually available to you. It's guaranteed to be an eye-opening experience, especially for the person who is looking to become better acquainted with his or her vehicle.

Motor Oil Change Commandment Number Five: Thou Shall Understand How Motor Oil Works

You know you have to change motor oil in your car, but do you understand why? In a nutshell, motor oil serves as a constant lubricant to prevent grinding and exorbitant amounts of heat in your engine. It also helps clean your engine by preventing build-up. Without oil, an engine would eventually overheat or "seize up", and that's a costly problem. In fact, if you neglect to keep your engine well-oiled, you will soon be faced with a very grim choice; put a new engine in your car or purchase another vehicle. Ouch. 

Motor Oil Change Commandment Number Six: Thou Shall Avoid Sludge Build-Up

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably seen plenty of commercials touting the horrible substance known as "sludge". Sludge is a black, tar-like goo that builds up in your engine and can mean its death. Protect yourself by purchasing the best kind of motor oil for your vehicle's type and engine that you can afford. Many car company websites will suggest a type of motor oil that's perfect for the make and model you've purchased.

Motor Oil Change Commandment Number Seven: Thou Shall Operate Thy Vehicle Regularly

Maybe you have a sports car or a truck that isn't used on a regular basis. If it's kept in storage, it's being protected on the outside, but is it being protected on the inside? To keep your motor oil running through the engine, it's a good plan to start up your vehicle every month or so. And if weather conditions permit, there's nothing better for a car's engine than a nice Sunday drive, especially if it's been sitting idle for weeks.

Motor Oil Change Commandment Number Eight: Thou Shall Not Mix Oil Types

Though it sounds sensible to "mix" a little of one oil with a little of another, remember that the motor oils were not created to work with other oils. For instance, a mineral-based motor oil probably isn't going to perform at its best if it's mixed with a synthetic oil blend. Though your vehicle's engine won't be seriously harmed if you do "mix" (especially in a pinch), it's not suggested.

Motor Oil Change Commandment Number Nine: Thou Shall Not Drive If the Only Oil in Your Engine is a Flushing Oil

There are specialty oils known as "flushing oils" that are meant to clean your engine. However, they are not meant for driving due to their water-like consistency. If you do drive with this kind of flushing oil in your engine, you can expect to travel a very short distance, so bring comfy walking shoes for that sad trot home.

Motor Oil Change Commandment Number Ten: Thou Shall Not "Top Off" Your Engine's Oil

More may be better when you're talking about your paycheck, but it isn't better when you're discussing how to change motor oil. "Topping off" the oil in your engine is a big "no-no", as you can rupture the seal, causing a "leaky" engine. This, in turn, leads to oil getting on collateral parts such as the flywheel, clutch and other nearby items. Just put in as much as your engine needs and enjoy the ride!

Tim LaGanke, Jr. is president of QuickChange Oil, a 10 minute oil change center, with locations across Cleveland, Ohio. QuickChange is currently seeking applicants interested in the oil change franchising business http://www.quickchangeoil.com. Please contact LaGanke at gank@quickchangeoil.com for more information.

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and when it comes to your brakes, this is definitely true. Whether disc or drum, these devices are responsible for stopping thousands of pounds of swiftly moving metal every time you step on the brake pedal. As a result, they always inevitably wear out--it's only a matter of time. 

To avoid expensive brake service costs, it helps to know the following warning signs.

1. Strange Sounds

Because they absorb a tremendous amount of energy, it is not uncommon for brakes to occasionally make some noise. But when the device consistently squeaks, squeals, or grinds, it may need to be adjusted or replaced. Of particular concern are grinding sounds, since they often indicate that the brake pads are worn down and need to be switched out as soon as possible. Failure to do so could result in irreparable damage to the rotors, which are far more expensive than the pads.

2. Bad Vibrations

If your pedal, steering wheel, or entire vehicle vibrates or shakes when you try to stop, your rotors may be warped and require replacement. Alternately, it may be possible to have them resurfaced, which can cut brake service costs considerably.

3. Sinking Pedal

If your foot brake does not feel firm when applied or if it starts to sink to the floor when you come to a full stop, odds are there's a fluid leak that's depriving your hydraulics system of the pressure needed to maintain proper operation. There's also a chance that your master cylinder is worn out or leaking and may need to be replaced. Either way, the problem requires immediate attention from a brake service professional.

4. Pulling

If your vehicle noticeably pulls to either side when you come to a stop, it's often an indication that the stopping device is misaligned. The good news is that this problem is relatively easy and inexpensive to correct. The device must simply be adjusted by a brake service professional. But if you make the mistake of ignoring the issue, it will almost certainly result in uneven wear that may adversely affect the operation of your automobile and lead to more costly future repairs.

5. Unpleasant Odors

A burning smell that emanates from your brakes can occur under extreme driving conditions when you ride them particularly hard, such as down a steep, winding hill. But when you notice that malodorous scent during regular driving, there could be a serious problem. More often than not, the issue is a seized caliper piston that is causing the stopping device to drag. Immediate brake service is needed to correct the hitch before permanent damage is done.

Looking for quick and efficient brake service? Livonia, MI residents can learn more about their options by visiting http://www.quicklanelivonia.com/services/brake-repair

For every vehicle on the road, the car battery is the most important component. If the car battery has any malfunctions whatsoever, then you will not be able to start your car. Most car owners will be facing problems sooner or later because vehicle lead acid battery has a limited lifespan.

If you have a regular battery maintenance schedule for the health of your car battery, then you can have a smooth start each and every time you want to use your automobile.

Here are some tips you can use to take care of your vehicle battery to get it working properly. When you parked your car, you should avoid keeping car headlights and other lights on for a long period of time. This will definitely drain your battery.

When the air conditioning unit in your vehicle is not required, it is best to switch it off to conserve power. If your vehicle is using a weak battery, try restraining from unnecessary honking. All these electronic components in your car will be draining on your battery bank thus sending its charge level into a low state. When a lead acid battery is discharged to a very low level, it is almost impossible to bring it back to its maximum power efficiency.

Here's a simple battery checking step you can do on a weekly basis. Check on the battery to make sure that there is no corrosion or rusting on the battery terminals. Rusting or foreign residue accumulated will cause the problems of difficult start ups because there will be a loss of surface contact between the electrical cable connectors with the battery terminals.

To prevent residue from building up, you can use a battery corrosion glue and spray it on the battery terminals. This is usually the root cause for all car ignition problems. If you find any bluish green or white powdery layers forming around the battery terminals, then you have to take necessary steps to remove it or it will cause some additional problems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4663034


Remember, If your vehicle won't start, don’t stress! Just give us a call at 785-209-0500. - See more at: http://www.tlcmobileservices.com/services.html

The most annoying auto repair issues for a car owner are not the dents and part replacements that come with accidents and age, but the minor problems that turn into big repair bills when left unattended. There are basic maintenance measures that can be taken to help avoid major car issues. Below are five preventative maintenance tips that will help keep your car running at its personal best!

1. Changing Oil - Sometimes, it's just that easy. Forgetting to change the oil regularly is a leading cause of engine breakdown, and the easiest aspect of engine maintenance to forget. Each engine has a different interval of how long it can go without an oil change, but generally between 3,000 and 5,000 (tops) miles is suggested. Taking a whiff of your current oil supply can be a more analog and definite way of gauging as well; the worse the odor, the more you need a change.

2. Tire Inflation - This seems like an aspect of auto inspection to balk at, but regularly filled tires are not only safe, they are cost effective. If a tire is full, the extra lift provided makes an easier time for the engine to move the car. This makes for a lower fuel bill as well as avoiding a dangerous and potentially lethal tire pop on a busy road.

3. Tire Wear - Monitoring the wear and tear of a tire's treads is both useful and indicative. Strong tire treads are not only useful but necessary for driving in icier climates, where they aid in safety and mobility. Monitoring the treads and wear of your tires can also indicate larger car issues, like wheel alignment and balance. More worn in treads on one side of the car means the weight is unbalanced, which leads to higher repair bills and uneven auto maintenance. Catching an alignment issue earlier will insure a less costly visit to the car mechanic later on.

4. Air Filter - The air filter is kind of like your car's wind pipe. Every auto inspection should include replacing the air filter, because if the air filter becomes clogged or too dirty it can decrease the air flow to the engine. This results in dirtier moving parts, as well as reducing an engine's performance and fuel efficiency. Just like changing oil, there isn't really an exact benchmark to change your air filter. An air filter's life span usually revolves around the environment in which you drive the car. Industry suggestions, however, hover around every 15,000 miles for driving on relatively sediment free roads. 

5. Emergency Kit - Having an emergency kit in your car is a necessity that cannot be understated. Keeping even the most basic kit of a cell phone, a spare tire, hazard signs, and road flares is essential, especially in driving long distances. You are at the mercy of every driver on the road when pulled over; this is doubly scary on thruway conditions. Certain emergency kit items, like hazard lights and road flares, will keep you safe while you wait for the tow to the car mechanic.

Little problems can grow into big problems at the drop of a hat. Do yourself a favor and keep regular maintenance on these simple auto repairs before peeves before your car becomes a money pit rather than an investment.

Andy Paulson is a media representative for Rackley's Performance & Auto. Owner David Rackley is an ASE Certified mechanic located in Wilmington, NC. Proudly serving Jacksonville, NC and the Wilmington area, Rackley's Performance & Auto is a short drive from UNC Wilmington. Rackley's auto performance shop offers standard auto repair, auto inspection, as well as fleet maintenance.
Visit us at http://www.rackleysautoperformance.com/

Remember, if your vehicle won't start, don’t stress! Just give us a call at 785-209-0500. - See more at: http://www.tlcmobileservices.com/services.

When thinking about tire safety, it is important to consider two things: age and use.  Vehicles driven daily are typically driven 15,000 miles a year.  But there are situations where cars put on even fewer miles.  This includes: being driven only on the weekends, never driving in the rain, "show" cars, and cars that are stored for extended periods of time.  So, some tires on these types of cars put on less than 100,000.  But it doesn't mean that they are safe tires.  Tires deteriorate over time and can "age out" wear out before they wear out. 

In a statement from the British Rubber Manufacturers Association (BRMA) issued on June 5, 2001 regarding the age of tires they state, "BRMA members strongly recommend that unused tires should not be put into service if they are over 6 years old and that all tires should be replaced 10 years from the date of their manufacture." Tire age can be accelerated by a variety of environmental factors, such as sunlight exposure and coastal climates.  Poor storage and infrequent use of your vehicle are other things that can accelerate tire age.

If you keep your tires in ideal conditions, the tire age can go as high as 10 years from its manufacture date.  But ideal conditions are the exception rather than the rule. And the worst part is that you cannot tell the safety of an old tire just by looking at it since there are no conclusive tests for the safety of tires without destroying the tire itself! 

Due to this, some European car manufacturers of high performance sports cars, coupes and sedans have hedged their bets, stating in their owners manuals that the tire age should reach no higher than 6 years. 

How Better Rubber Makes Tires That Are Safe

There have been a lot of changes in rubber compounds since Charles Goodyear discovered how to cure rubber when he baked a combination of natural rubber and sulfur on his family's kitchen stove.  Thus, he would convert an unappreciated raw material into many useful products. Goodyear cross-linked sulfur with polymers that, when exposed to heat, would help make rubber durable and at the same time maintain its elasticity. The main focus of new research has been finding tire age inhibitors.  Sulfur molecules are one such tire age inhibitor that is reactivated every time they are exposed to heat, making the rubber harder.

Nowadays, rubber in tires has oil in it that tends to migrate into the tires' under tread/casing and evaporate into the air. In the process of this, the tire compound releases oil and gets harder.  If you can't quite visualize this, go into any tire store and take a big whiff.  You'll smell the oil there.  

Before curing, most tires are coated with a mold release agent that is makes it easier to remove from their mold after curing.  If it's a little hard to visualize, think about spraying "Pam" on a fry pan before pouring on the batter for pancakes.   

This increases the safety of tires because some of the mold release agent gets "cooked" onto the surface of the cured tire, which prevents all the oil from evaporating. 

What Is The Right Tire Age?

In most cases, most street tires are good for 6-8 years if maintained properly. Don't forget though that this includes the time the tires spent from the manufacturer's plant to the dealer to you.  So, keep this in mind when you are determining tire age.

Most tires get to you anywhere between 3-6 months.  Some stay longer with the tire manufacturer, but generally all tires that go on your car are less than a year old.  So, you should not get an old tire from any tire manufacturer.

Which Tires Last Longest? 

If you want to buy a tire based on how long it will last, you have to consider thread compound.  The more aggressive its compound ... the shorter tire life. Below is a list of tires from longest-lasting to shortest-lasting:

Max Performance

Ultra High Performance tires

DOT-legal competition tires

Bottom line: if you want to avoid safe tire issues go with tires that last long and properly maintain them.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Tire-Safety:-How-Old-Is-Too-Old?&id=182371] Tire Safety: How Old Is Too Old?


Remember, TLC Mobile Services will be there roadside to change a flat. Call us 24/7, day or night. 785-209-0500