CAR CARE TIPS BLOG

The key to keeping your car running strong for many miles and years is knowing how to take care of it. You may be wondering what does a full service include on a car? The first place to look for the answer is your owner’s manual. There you will find a list of the maintenance items that should be taken care of and the appropriate interval for each service.

• In-vehicle Maintenance Reminder System

Many of the newer cars today have an in-vehicle maintenance reminder system so that you no longer have to worry about keeping an eye on the odometer. This reminder system takes various operating conditions into account and provides an alert on the dash when it is time for an oil change, fluid level checks, component inspections, or other maintenance services. If you don’t drive very many miles in a year and the service light has not come on yet, it is strongly recommended that you take care of certain maintenance items regardless, such as oil changes and tire rotations.

Even though the purchase of new tires is a big investment, it is a vital part of safe driving. Knowing what to look for when purchasing new tires will help make the decision easier. The auto technicians at your tire service center will be glad to answer your questions and offer expert advice to help you choose the right kind of tire for your vehicle.

So how often should tires be replaced?

• Insert a U.S. penny into a tire’s tread. If Lincoln’s head is visible, it’s time for new tires. Several spots should be tested about 15 inches apart because the tires often wear unevenly.
• Built-in “wear bars” also indicate when tires should be changed. If the wear bar is flush with the outside of the tread, it’s time to replace the tire.

Here are a few tips to consider when buying new tires:

In order for your vehicle to keep running smoothly, all of its components need to be in good working order. This includes the exhaust system. A good exhaust system will keep your car running quietly, reduce toxic emissions, and improve fuel efficiency. This will help you recognize what are the signs of a bad muffler.

What are the parts that make up the exhaust system and how do they work together?

• The exhaust manifold is the first point of contact for the exhaust gases after they exit the cylinder head.
• The catalytic converter takes the incoming NOx, CO, and unburnt hydrocarbons from the exhaust and “converts” it into much less harmful N2, O2, CO2, and H2O.
• The piping routes the air away from the vehicle so the passenger cabin doesn’t fill with toxic fumes.
• The resonator helps eliminate noise by rejecting sound waves and canceling each other out.
• Finally, the muffler eliminates noise by redirecting the airflow through porous pipes, allowing the exhaust gases to expand into sound deadening material, minimizing the noise that finally exits the tailpipe.