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4 Advantages of Foam-Filled Tires

What are foam fill tires?

There are two kinds of foam-filled tires. One is called foam fill or tire fill, which is like a liquid bowling ball material and is very hefty. However, it does not foam and are mostly used for earth moving equipment, agricultural equipment, etc…

The other type is also called foam fill but this one foams when mixed. Remember that this kind of foam fill has weight limitations and is only recommended for small bobcats, lawnmowers and other situations that weighs less than a thousand pounds.

Keep in mind to use only the foam fill if the weight does not exceed its capacity, beyond that it is advised to use the tire fill.

What are the advantages of foam filled tires?

Foam filled tires are commonly used on heavy equipment like tractors.

4. Stability

This is the ultimate advantage of foam fill tires – its stability. It adds significant weight to the vehicle making it considerably stable keeping you the need to buy counterweight kits.

Another advantage is it will never get punctured saving you time in fixing flat tires.

3. Treads

Foam filled tires have tread designs that makes it more effective on tough terrains which are not available on other types of tires. It will give you better traction and stability.

2. Pressure

These types of tires has constant pressure, which means you don’t need to keep on checking the tire pressure as opposed to air filled tires. Plus, you can use different types of foam that will give different levels of pressure as well. You may also have different tread options when using foam-filled tires.

1. Flats

It never goes flat. This is one of the biggest advantages of foam-filled tires. Once the foam is set, the tire will never go punctured due to thorns, glass or stones. On top of that, these types of tires will also never lose its pressure.

Auto Repair Tune-Up: Top 9 Signs That Your Cars Need Them

A lot of people have cars, and it is also a fact that not everyone knows how and when one needs an auto repair, or tune up in particular. Taking care of your car is very important as it prolong its life and gives you the most value for your money. It can also be a much more comfortable ride if well taken care off.

But, what exactly is a tune up? A tune up is a type of scheduled maintenance designed to make your car run at its optimum performance or a preventive maintenance to immediately fix a car problem so as it will not cause more problems saving you a ton of money. When is the right time for me to get a tune up? If you have a new car, check the owner’s manual for the recommended tune up schedule for your unit, but at 30,000 miles the transmission fluids should be replaced. Every 60,000 miles your spark plugs should be replaced.

Then here are some tips to guide you in your auto repair tune up:

1. The Break-in
If you have new car, that does not mean it can run for a long time without worry, in fact, the first thing you have to do is to let your car “break-in.” Breaking in means that you let the machine run and settle in its place. Let your car run for a while, 500 miles is the recommended break in distance, and take it back to the shop to check for loose screws, bolts, bearings, and the likes.

2. The mileage
Every 3,000 miles, the oil and oil filter should be changed. This is done to prevent dirt from accumulating in your engine. Every 15,000 miles the air filter should be replaced.

3. The time
 Yearly, the brake fluid should be replaced while the coolant has the interval of every 2 years. Those mentioned above are scheduled maintenance, and should be done religiously to keep your car in tip top shape. But sometimes problems arise even when these scheduled checkups are followed. If you observe some of these problems in your car, it might need to see a mechanic for some needed tune up.

4. The car takes a long time to start.
Your car should start immediately, this problem is usually caused by a weak battery, and sometimes it only needs replacing.

5. Black smoke comes out of your car when it starts or when your car accelerates.
Black smoke is the result of a high gasoline mixture, indicating that your car has a messed up air to fuel ratio, meaning that when you accelerate you expel more gasoline than you need.

6. The car stops itself.
Spark plugs may be overused and needs changing, some may be due to wire problems or fuel filters.

 7. The brake system feels different or something sounds wrong when you hit the brakes.
Your brake pads may stick or something may be stuck in between the disk and the pad, sometimes the brake fluid has leaked. Never take your brake system for granted, your families safety depends on it.

8. The clutch is loosened or unresponsive (manual vehicles)
If your clutch does not return to its normal position when it was stepped on or when the gear stick is hard to get into the gear it is a sign of leak.

9. Car overheats.
Check your water levels; also make sure that the cap is placed properly. If your water level goes down very quickly, leakage is a possibility. If you are not sure of the problem your car is having, consult a mechanic or visit an auto repair Glendale. Having a relationship with your repair facility is utmost important. They have your records of repair and warranty of parts replaced. Never fix anything in your car if you are not sure that it is the problem. These may result in injuries and may get you to do even more damage to your car.

Wheel Alignment: Why Do You Need This

Glendale Wheel Alignment answers what happens if you don’t fix your wheel alignment problems right away

The worst scenario could be a tragic vehicular accident. Of course, who would want that to happen? Your steering wheel would tend to direct  itself  to opposite direction when you think your going straight. There are also times that after making a turn you’ll find it hard to maneuver the steering wheel back and this can call for an accident especially when you’re driving a little faster . Aside from that, your tire might have a shorter lifespan, for sure it would wear off faster than expected. You will be likely be exposed to a great risk driving your vehicle.

How Glendale Wheel Alignment Can Save Your Tire and Your Money

Wheel alignment is often mixed-up with wheel balancing. Wheel alignment is a sophisticated way to keep your tire  last longer, by making sure that your tires are aligned or pointing towards one direction. Aligned wheels increases fuel mileage, keeps your suspension system out of trouble and literally giving you and your passenger comfort riding your car. Misalignment should not be taken for granted because they can really give you a headache. Basically, alignment requires accurate positioning of the belts, bolts, levers and all trinkets of your mobile.    

The Benefits of Going to Glendale Wheel Alignment Skilled Mechanics

Our well trained and skillful mechanics will help you with this. It will cost you money but it will  surely be more costly if you disregard this problem. Our shop has the most modern facility to better service all your car care needs. For wheel alignment, a clamp like device which is linked to a computer, a diagnostic program, will show the symptoms before they will carry out on the repairs.  

When Do You Need to Go to Glendale Wheel Alignment Shops

Watch out for these signs, your wheel might need alignment:

• your car is like pulling  to other direction when you think your going straight
• your car’s steering wheel is shaking or vibrating
• your tire is wearing off abnormally
• steering wheel does not return after making a turn

Live a worry-free lifestyle! Your car cares depends on you!

What Auto Repair Shops in Glendale Should Tell You About Transmission Troubles

What is a transmission

An automobile transmission is the most sophisticated mechanical element in a vehicle. It is used to minimize the revolutions of the crankshaft down to moderate value by interlocking the gears to lessen the count of revolutions. In an AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION,  the engine is powered with mechanical systems, hydraulic systems, electric systems and computer controls to drive the wheels. It has an automatic gear ratios freeing an operator from stepping on the clutch every time he change the gears. And because of its complex parts engaged together, your transmission will be needing a professional help if not taken cared of properly. On the other hand, in a MANUAL TRANSMISSION, the operator manually maneuvers and engages the shifts of the gear ratios. It has a movable gear selector and clutch feature.

What Characteristics to Look for in an Auto Repair Glendale

Giving your transmissions a proper maintenance means giving your vehicle a longer life. Overheating is the most common trouble that is true to both Automatic and Manual Transmission. There are several reasons why your transmissions overheat, red and green lights, heavy traffic, racing and even extreme weather conditions. When this symptom persist, visit the trusted Auto Repair Glendale right away. Make sure they have well-trained and very professional mechanics, cleanest working zones, and with the great sense of urgency.

                                                    Manual Transmission

                                                     Automatic Transmission

Here are some MUST do tips to get away from transmission trouble:

Look for Auto Repair Glendale that can assist you in:

• Giving your vehicle a proper maintenance   
• Check if Transmission Fluid is adequate and what is stipulated in your manual.
• Checking for an engine leak for this can lead to extensive transmission damage.
• Check your Cables and Wiring to avoid fatal failure to the transmission.
• Know the vehicle history of your second hand vehicle
• Overall Engine Performance by our professional mechanic. A clunking, humming sound tells you your transmission has a problem.
• A faulty or worn-out parts from gaskets to axles can also be fatal.
• Computer problems:  A faulty computer can lead to problems that are  unnoticed by the driver until extensive damage has occurred.
• For an Automatic Transmission, before shifting to reverse or park, bring your car to a stop
• From “park” gear, if you want to shift to another gear be sure to hold the brakes down .

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                       navarzo4

10 Tire Safety Tips You Should Know About

Tires are essential. They are the backbone of any vehicle that transports you from point A to point B. It can be an automobile, truck, 10 wheelers or the like. Tires also come in different sizes and shapes such as all-terrain, all-season, run-flat, off-road, mud and road tires. But no matter what type of car tire you have, this should be kept in good condition at all times to ensure safety in as much as enjoying the utmost driving performance of your vehicle.

To help you on maintaining your tires, below are tips on how to keep your cars in good condition:

10. Right Tire Selection For Your Vehicle – More specialized tires are now engineered to ensure quality and high performance satisfaction for car owners. Manufacturers have created tires designed to perform better for snow, ice, and off-road driving to mention a few. Some are even designed uni-directional or run-flat.

Using the right kind of tire for your vehicle and weather condition protects them from early wear and tear; thus ensuring longer use and better driving experience.

9. Correct Tire Replacement Practice – Tires may be costly but it is recommended that tire owners try as much as they can to replace tires if not by set, at least in pairs. Pairs mean tires should be in the same construction, size, brand and type. It is imperative that both sides are the same, just as both front and rear should also be a matched except of course for those high-performance cars that requires larger tires in the rear.

Moreover, when replacing only two, make sure to put it on the rear wheels. Remember, it is highly important to maintain stability at the rear wheels.

8.  Proper Tire Replacement Schedule – Replacement should be done when you notice the following:

• Once the tread is showing the “wear indicator bars”.
• Palpable uneven tread wear – that is; the center is worn more than the edges.
• Severe cracks on tire sidewalls.
• Bulges present in tires
• There is an indication of tread separation from the tire carcass.
• Punctured tires and can no longer be repaired.
• Wrong type of tire for a particular weather.

7. Avoid Tire Overheating – Heat or high tire temperature is your tire’s worse nightmare. It can fast track tread wear and structural resistance.
Factors to consider include the following:

• Underinflation
• Aggressive Driving/Hard Braking
• High Speed
• Overloading
• Coarse Pavement

All the above contributes to high tire temperature; thus, make sure to avoid such scenarios if you want to keep your tires in good condition for a longer time. Remember, constant use plus tire overheating can cause extreme damage to your tire. So keep in mind to avoid the underlying factors that causes the sudden failure of your tire that may even lead to life endangerment.

6. Avoid Tire Overloading – Overloading can lead to tire failure. Always keep in mind that tires are built with a corresponding load range. Any excessive loading may cause shortened tire life and extreme damage to it just like any other equipment or machines. As the saying goes, anything excessive is not good.

5. Maintain Proper Tire Balance – Maintaining a proper tire balance helps you avoid uneven tread wear, suspension wear and other components to your car. If you notice severe thumping while driving (more apparent at highway speeds), have an expert technician take a look at your vehicle right away.

4. Maintain Proper Alignment For Steering and Suspension – This is also very important. Misalignment of either the front or rear steering and suspension of a vehicle can cause rapid tire wear affecting driving stability and comfort.

Go to your trusted Auto Repair Shop immediately once you detect that your steering wheel is pulling you to either the left or the right side of the road even when driving on a flat road.
If you are constantly driving on rough roads or have been in a vehicle collision, make sure to have your alignment checked also.

3. Tire Rotation – Rotating your tire according to the specification is essential in order to maximize tread life.

What you can do, especially if you are using non-unidirectional tires is to move the left front-tire to the right rear-axle and the right front-tire to the left rear-axle. On the other hand, unidirectional tires must rotate tires in front to rear and rear to front pattern and it should be on the same side of the vehicle. While lateral rotation is recommended for all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles. That is, from right to left and left to right at the same end of the vehicle.

2. Regular Tire Inspection – A regular tire inspection must be done to ensure that there are no abnormal wear occurrence that is left unattended or ignored. This should be done once a month or before going on a long trip.

Take time to check on the following: uneven tread wear, cracks or bulges, tread chunking or separation from the carcass, signs of punctures and presence of nails, glass or any object embedded in the tire.

Addressing these issues beforehand ensures driving safety, high driving performance and longer tire life.

1. Keep Tires in Correct Pressure – Always check and adjust tire pressure at least once a month and of course before going on a long trip. Therefore, it is imperative that you know the recommended tire pressure of your vehicle. This is usually found on the driver’s doorframe, in the glove box or printed on a label.

According to studies, the leading cause of tire-related crashes is underinflation. It can immediately affect vehicle handling and fuel consumption; but most of all on the overall safety of the passenger and tire life.

Underinflation may result in rapid uneven tire wear, overheating and more which leads to structural failures. So, to avoid this from happening, make sure that your tires have the correct pressure all the time.

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           Marcus.Widjaya

Tips on Car Suspension Maintenance

What is car suspension?

Suspension is the name of the system that connects the vehicle to its wheel. It comprises the springs, shock absorbers and the linkages of the vehicle to the wheels.  The car suspension is vital in the handling and the braking system of your vehicle which is a big factor in contributing to the safety and driving comfort of car owners.


What is the importance of vehicle suspension?

The importance of a car suspension is basically to provide a smooth ride while maintaining an excellent control of your car. This may seem simple but as the car accelerates, force follows creating great impact once the car gets into bumpy roads. This force then travels through the frame causing a hard bounce with the absence of proper suspension performance. Without the coil springs and the shocks, it may cause the vehicle to jump off the road causing discomfort and danger to the passengers. But with working suspension, you are assured of a smooth and safe riding experience.

The spring and the shock will absorb the strong force and firmly keep the tires steady on the ground providing everyone a smooth up and down bounce without the friction that causes the discomfort.  

What to check?

1. Shock Absorbers – Shock absorbers are important in determining the efficiency of your vehicle’s suspension. Most of the time, shock absorbers are checked every three to five years. Make sure to check for any signs of leaks or cracks of the absorber. If leaks or cracks are visible, then don’t waste your time and have it checked and repaired by your trusted repair shop right away.

2. Suspension Performance – It is important to check the performance of your suspension. You can perform a simple testing to check if it is still functioning well. By simply driving your car to a rough or to an uneven road, turn off the music and leave your windows open. While driving, try to listen to the sound coming from your wheel. If you hear squeaky sounds or screech, then lubricating your suspension can help. But if it’s a loud clunking noise, your suspension needs to be greased.

Next is to check for any vibrations coming from the wheels. If you feel any vibration, first check if the tires are properly inflated as under inflated tires may also damage the alignment or suspension. If after inflating the tires vibration still occurs, then you need to bring your car to your trusted mechanic and have it realigned.

The shock absorbers and the wheel alignment must be checked and repaired by a trained mechanic only. If you want to ensure your family’s safety and experience a smooth ride all the time, then do not leave suspension maintenance to “anyone” but only to reliable suspension experts.

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