Car Car and Tire Tips to Save You Money and Problems with Your Car

Going on a Vacation?
A 10 Minute Checkup Can Save Big Headaches on the Road

A pre-trip inspection helps to reduce chances of costly and possibly a dangerous road trouble, it also provides an opportunity to have repairs made with one of your Community Tire technicians who knows your vehicle. Especially important, it provides peace of mind. While no inspection can guarantee a car's performance, it's comforting to know proper precautions were taken.

While a last minute checkup is better than no checkup, you should plan ahead to perform necessary maintenance at your local Community Tire. A properly maintained vehicle is safer and more dependable and will even save a few dollars at the gas pumps.

Don't Forget your Wipers

Wipers generally need replacing every six months. An easy reminder is to change wiper blades in the spring and fall when you change your clock. Be sure the windshield washers are working properly, too, and keep the reservoir filled with solvent.

Lighting

Another important pre-trip check should be exterior and interior lighting. This helps define your car's position on the road, and its distance from other drivers. When your vehicle's lighting is defective, other motorists may not get the message that you intend to stop or turn. The end result could be disastrous.

Your Vehicle

The key to keeping a vehicle dependable is a normal maintenance regimen. To some, taking their vehicle to the car wash every two weeks and a Lube, Oil and Filter every 3,000 miles is their idea of routine maintenance. But cars and trucks need more than this to maintain their appearance, to continue to run correctly, and to optimize the factory's safety features.

A Car 'Physical'? (Manufacturer's Scheduled Maintenance)

Many drivers tend to stall when it comes to keeping up with the Manufacturers Suggested Service Maintenance. It is actually a Physical for your car and helps to keep it in the best running condition possible. This "physical" for your automobile should address the following systems plus additional service and checks as noted in the mileage intervals as suggested by the manufacturer in your Owners Manual:

In addition, the tech should evaluate engine performance, tires/wheels, A.C./heater/defroster, instruments/gauges, windshield wipers, horns/lights/mirrors, seat belts and the car's body, inside and out.

Brake Warnings

When it comes to your car's safety, brakes top the list of systems that need monitoring. Many people are unaware of the signs that indicate a car's brakes may need maintenance or repair.

Any out of the ordinary sound is often a sign that brakes have worn to the point they should be checked, especially for a grinding noise. It is important to be alert and recognize the danger signs of brake problems. Other warning signs include an illuminated brake warning light, brake grabbing, low pedal feel, vibration, hard pedal feel and squealing.

Other tips:

Tire Care

Most people are well aware that tire failures can be fatal. With this in mind, get in the habit of visually inspecting daily for sidewall bulges and checking air pressure at every gas stop. After all, a tire pressure gauge is a lot cheaper than a new set of tires or an accident.

Proper inflation pressure makes tires last longer and it improves the vehicle's fuel economy. Assuming that the wheels are properly aligned, under-inflation causes the tires' shoulders to wear faster than the centers, and over-inflation makes the center strips go bald earlier than the shoulders. Your owner's manual will recommend the correct pressure for your vehicle.

Worn tires may work okay in dry weather, but they can become downright dangerous in the rain. Periodically inspect the sidewalls for cracking or splitting. Old tires, even with low mileage, can be dangerous because the rubber cracks and hardens over time. Any tire over five years old should be changed. Bottom line: Blowouts can be fatal!