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Put Tires on Your Back-to-School Checklist!

Put Tires on Your Back-to-School Checklist!

It is already that time of the year where the kiddos are heading back to school. With the convenience of online schooling this past year, it may take some getting used to getting back into the rhythm of what used to be. When you – or one of your kids – head back to school this fall, make sure you properly inspect all your tires. Routine tire care and safety are simple and easy. All you need is several minutes of your day to check your tires for damage, uneven wear, tread depth, alignment, and proper inflation. By doing this at the start of the school year, you can save yourself time, aggravation, and money down the line.   The first step is to ensure you've got the correct air pressure in your tires. Underinflation of tires can lead to tire failure and blowouts, whereas overinflation can cause uneven tire wear. The vehicle manufacturer specifies the right amount of air pressure for your tires and is usually listed on the vehicle door frame.    The nex ... read more

Top 4 Cool Car Gadgets That Every Driver Needs

Top 4 Cool Car Gadgets That Every Driver Needs

There are so many nifty car gadgets and tools that most people don't know of. In fact, some of them are so useful and can change your entire driving experience. Today, we've compiled a list of practical car accessories that every driver (at any age) needs to have.    Phone Mount A phone mount for you is essential if you depend on navigation apps on your everyday commute. There are plenty on the market, but we suggest you get one that requires no installation. These types of mounts will fasten to your phone with a strong magnet or sensor clasps and clamping onto your air vent. Once it is fitted on there, you can conveniently view Google Maps, Maps, or Waze.    Portable Hand-Held Car Vacuum Everyone should invest in a portable hand-held car vacuum at one point or another. Some can even plug into your vehicle to give you a boost in cleaning power. As a result, you don't have to worry about its battery dying in a couple of minutes. When browsing for th ... read more

Habits That Will Improve Your Gas Mileage

Habits That Will Improve Your Gas Mileage

The way you handle your vehicle on your everyday commute significantly impacts your fuel economy. Whether gas prices are rising or not, you can still save some money by making minor adjustments to your driving habits. Here are some of the best tips and practices to ease the pain of paying at the pump.   How to Get the Most Out of Your Gas Slow down. According to Consumer Reports, driving faster on the highway can significantly take away from your car's fuel efficiency. As you might know, the harder we accelerate, the more fuel ends up getting used.  Avoid unnecessary braking. Additionally, when we frequently press on the brakes, we also waste the power used beforehand to get up to speed. To save some coins, avoid unnecessary braking whenever possible.  Travel light. Remove any unnecessary stuff that has been sitting in your car. Heavier items are not fitted for long-time storage in your vehicle, especially if you want to maximize your fuel economy. Not only w ... read more

What Should You Keep in the Car in Case of an Emergency?

What Should You Keep in the Car in Case of an Emergency?

Like every other driver, you always have such essentials as proof of insurance and the owner's manual in your car at all times. But what happens when you are enjoying a pleasant afternoon drive with your family, and you suddenly have a flat tire? How prepared will you be? Well, nobody wants to be left stranded by the highway waiting for a road assistance service when an emergency happens. All the same, the only way to be safe is to have your emergency kit supply at your car's trunk every time before pulling off the driveway. But that is not all. Inspect your car emergency kit every six months and replace all the lost and expired items to make sure they are available every time you need them. Your vehicle's emergency supply kit should include: A First Aid Kit Sometimes, accidents will happen - no matter how careful we might be. In such a case, having an emergency goes a long way. You can always purchase a prepackaged kit for less than $20 or less or choose to assemble you ... read more

How to Know if You Need New Brakes

How to Know if You Need New Brakes

One of the most critical safety features in a car is the brake pads. As a result, having the condition of your brake pads tested at our shop on a regular basis is critical. In this situation, it is preferable to avoid rather than cure. How Do Brake Pads Work? Brake pads act in tandem with brake discs to slow the car down. As a result, they are a part of the braking mechanism. When you press the brake pedal, the brake pads press against the brake disc, slowing the vehicle. When Should My Brake Pads Be Replaced? Brake pads are the component of your vehicle that wears out the most quickly. As a result, it's important to get your brake pads tested on a regular basis. The friction between the brake pads and the brake discs will decrease if brake pads are used too often. By stepping on the brakes when driving on a safe path, you will experience this for yourself. It's a good idea to have our mechanics look at the brakes if your car doesn't come to a complete stop ri ... read more

What Causes a Car To Overheat?

What Causes a Car To Overheat?

There is no scary feeling like seeing you seeing smoke emanating from your hood while on that road trip you have planned all year. Your summer drive may be interrupted or even halted if you cannot take precautions to prevent further damage to an overheating engine. Do not panic even when the temperature gauge indicated the red "H," instead take the following precautions to avoid further engine damage What to Do and Not Do When Your Car Overheats Pullover the side of the road to have your engine checked. Ensure it is a safe spot to avoiding risking the lives of other motorists Check the coolant level and add if you have it and the gauge is low Turn off the AC immediately to stop overworking the engine. Instead, turn on the defroster with the heat and fan speed at high Roll down your windows because it is about to get hotter inside your car. If you are still stuck in traffic, it is wise to try your best to increase coolant circulation by putting the car in park or neutral ... read more

What Happens If I Ignore My Low Tire Pressure Warning Light?

What Happens If I Ignore My Low Tire Pressure Warning Light?

Most modern vehicles use a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). It uses a series of sensors to track tire pressure. Most vehicle manuals spell out the recommended pressure for driving and below which a driver should take action. When the tires are significantly underinflated, the TPMS low tire pressure indicator on your vehicle's dashboard light comes on to warn you. The warning light illuminates with a yellow color on your vehicle's dashboard in the form of a wheel's cross-section. Many vehicles may even display a low-pressure message and indicate the exact tire where the pressure is low. Driving Through A TPMS Warning Light When the indicator shows the low tire pressure sign, pressure has fallen below the manufacturer's recommendation. Do not wait for the indicator to illuminate to get the pressure checked. Make it a habit to constantly check the tire pressure to ensure you maintain the necessary mileage in your driving and avoid getting stuck on the road when th ... read more

No cold air: common causes of automotive AC trouble - Strande's Garage

No cold air: common causes of automotive AC trouble - Strande's Garage

The air conditioning system in your car is very unique in the way it operates compared to other systems in your vehicle. Not only does AC play an important role in keeping you comfortable as you drive down the road, especially in the heat of the summer, but it can allow for safer driving conditions. If you notice that your car's air conditioner is no longer providing you with the cool breeze you desire for your commute, be sure to reach out to a professional auto shop that can diagnose and repair the issue. Let's dive into a few of the most common causes of automotive AC failure. Refrigerant Leak A common cause of air conditioning trouble is a refrigerant leak. Automotive AC refrigerant leaks can be very difficult to detect because the refrigerant evaporates on contact with air. To find a leak an ultraviolet fluid must be introduced into the system. This test will be performed after a technician tests your air conditioner for low refrigerant pressure and comes back with a pos ... read more

Must Know: Top Signs of Major Engine Trouble

Must Know: Top Signs of Major Engine Trouble

When it comes to car trouble there are some issues that just can't be ignored. While you may experience a phinicky volume knob on the radio that drives you nuts, it isn't necessarily imperative to fix it for optimal driving performance. Some issues, on the other hand, are a bit more serious. If you encounter any of the following signs of engine trouble be sure to visit the auto shop as soon as possible. Remember, delaying engine repairs will only allow the problem to get worse, resulting in a need for expensive repairs. Excessive Exhaust Smoke One of the most common signs of major engine trouble is excessive exhaust smoke. Depending on the color of the smoke you can often tell what sort of trouble is brewing. For example, white smoke could indicate an internal coolant leak, while blue smoke is a sign that oil is burning up inside the combustion chamber. Metal in the Oil When you have the oil changed in your vehicle be sure the technician inspects the oil drained from your c ... read more

4 Signs Your Car Needs Suspension Repair

The suspension system has multiple important roles when it comes to ride comfort and safety. While many people understand that the suspension is responsible for keeping your journey smooth by absorbing bumps and bounces, it does much more than that. The suspension system is tasked with keeping all four wheels on the ground, thus ensuring adequate braking power at all times. It is also responsible for preventing the vehicle from rolling over during cornering. If you run into any of these signs of suspension failure be sure to head to the local auto repair shop right away so you can keep your car safe! Oily Struts Struts, a component of the suspension system, utilize a special oil that allows them to absorb the cracks and bumps that riddle the roadways. If the struts crack or a seal breaks and this fluid is allowed to leak from their casing you will quickly find your ride is much more uncomfortable. If your ride comfort changes always be sure to inspect the struts right away in order to ... read more