Car Parts ≤ Virginia Auto Service: Auto Repair Shop Phoenix Arizona

11 Tire Facts That You Probably Didn’t Know

You know that properly maintained tires are vital to the safe operation of your vehicle, but we bet you didn’t know the following 11 tire facts.

Early tires were white. Manufacturers added zinc oxide to the rubber for strength which had the side effect of turning them white.

In the early 1900s, tire color changed to black. In the early 1900s carbon black was added to the tires to increase tire durability and longevity.

White wall tires were first made in 1914. A whitewall tire is created when a carbon black tread is combined with a zinc white sidewall.

Original whitewalls were on both sides of the tire. Early cars had open fenders and pedestrians were able to see both sides of the tire when they drove by.

Run-flat tires can drive for a time without air. Run-flat tires will go around another 100 miles after losing tire pressure. They are designed to go around 50 miles when driving at 50mph, but if you drive at slower speeds you can get many more miles out of them. BMW uses the most run-flat tires.

Used tires produce a lot of waste. Every year there are more than 250 million used tires discarded. To help combat this problem, there are recycling programs that will melt the tire down to be used in asphalt. The tires may also be shredded and used in garden mulch. Sometimes new tires are made from the old. There are also crafty ways to recycle old tires like making them into planters, dog beds, swings, and other playground equipment.

Most new cars don’t come with a spare tire. Many vehicle manufacturers, in an attempt to shed weight, stopped putting spare tires in new cars. Instead, they sell them with a patch kit and a can of compressed air.

Michelin is currently working on a new tire known as the “tweel.” It is described as an airless wheel and tire that comes in one piece. They hope to offer the reality of no flat tires and replaceable tread.

Lego is the leading tire manufacturer. They produce over 306 million mini tires a year.

The modern tire contains over 200 materials. The common materials in a tire include Kevlar, nylon, rubber, and steel, yet there is a lot more that goes into the manufacturing of a tire. They consist of metals like titanium and cobalt to help the compound bond to the steel belts. Silica and saline are also used to help enhance performance. Citrus oil and other “green” materials are also used.

You can find the World’s Largest Tire in Michigan. It is 80-feet-tall and weighs 12-ton and was originally used as a Ferris wheel at the 1964-65 New York’s World Fair. It was later moved to Allen Park in 1966.

We hope you found these facts about tires interesting! And remember, if you have any concerns with your vehicle you can call the automotive repair experts at Virginia Auto Service. Call 602.266.0200 or schedule an appointment online.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Fuel Pump

Your vehicle is made of many components that work together to keep it running smoothly. One such component is the fuel pump.

Most people are aware of the existence of the fuel pump, but they don’t give it much thought. However, as the fuel pump plays an important part in ensuring your vehicle operates efficiently, it should not be ignored.

What is the purpose of the fuel pump?

As you know, your engine is on the opposite side of your vehicle than your fuel tank. The fuel pump, which is located either next to or inside of the gas tank, is meant to bring fuel to the engine of your vehicle. Modern vehicles are equipped with an electrical fuel pump which transfers a continuous stream of fuel at the correct pressure and volume from its fuel tank to the fuel injection on its engine. This is what allows the engine to perform properly under various driving conditions and degrees of fuel consumption. If your fuel pump is properly cared for, it can last for the life of your vehicle.

How can you take care of your fuel pump?

As we stated above, your fuel pump is likely to last for the life of your vehicle, so long as it is properly cared for. But how do you take care of a fuel pump? The answer is actually very simple- keep your car fueled up. It is recommended that you never let your fuel level drop lower than a quarter of a tank. The fuel that is in the tank helps to keep the fuel pump cool. If your tank is allowed to get to empty, the fuel pump can overheat. If you continuously allow the tank to get too low the fuel pump will eventually wear out.

Another way to help maintain your fuel pump is to change your fuel filter, which is located in the fuel line, as recommended. You can find specifics on your vehicle in your owner’s manual, but a general recommendation is around every 50,000 miles. The fuel filter helps clean the fuel that goes to the injectors. The less dirt and debris that collects and builds up on your fuel pump, the longer it will last.

How can you tell there is something wrong with the fuel pump?

There are a few things that indicate there may be a problem with your fuel pump including:

A noise coming from the pump area
Long engine crank before starting
Lack of power
Stalling
Vehicle fails to start regardless of the motor turning over

Unfortunately, in some cases, there may not be any warning signs. However, if you are performing regular maintenance and keeping your gas tank filled past a quarter of a tank, you shouldn’t have any problems with the fuel pump.

If you are noticing any of the above complications with your vehicle or to schedule regular maintenance, we invite you to schedule an appointment with the experts at Virginia Auto Service. Call us at 602-266-0200 or schedule your next appointment online.

How to Change a Flat Tire

If there is one thing every driver should learn to do, it’s how to change a flat tire.

Today, with technology like cell phones, getting help in an emergency is a lot easier than it used to be, but knowing how to help yourself is still important. There is always a possibility that your phone may be dead or that you are beyond the range of service. So, even if you have roadside assistance, there may come a time when you simply must know how to change a tire yourself.

The good news is changing a flat tire really is not that challenging when you are properly prepared.

The Tools You’ll Need

Every driver should keep a roadside emergency kit in their vehicle at all times. Among other items, the tools you’ll need for a tire change should be included.

Your vehicle owner’s manual
Working spare tire
Lug wrench
Jack
2 in. x 6 in. piece of wood to secure the jack
Wheel wedges
Rain poncho and/or winter coat
Flashlight and working batteries
Gloves

We always stress the importance of checking your spare tire’s inflation along with your others, and when it comes time to use it you will understand why. The last thing you want when you have a flat tire is to also have a flat spare!

How to Change a Tire

With a little know-how, changing a flat tire is not overly complicated. Review your owner’s manual to learn steps that may be specific to your vehicle. Also, consider practicing changing your tire at home in your driveway a few times, just to make sure you can handle it when you need to. In total, changing your tire shouldn’t take any more than 15-30 minutes.

Here are 18 steps to changing a tire:

Reduce your speed. If you are driving when you develop a flat tire, the first thing you need to do is start slowing down. Do not slam on the brakes, instead, slowly reduce your speed by gradually removing your foot from the brake.

Turn on your hazard lights. Your hazard lights, or emergency flashers, should be turned on the moment you begin slowing your speed to pull over. This helps to alert other drivers that you are likely trying to make your way off the road to pull over, allowing them to maneuver accordingly.

Pull over to a safe location. Look around you for an expanse of road that is straight and level and has a broad shoulder. If you can make it to one, a parking lot or something similar would be the ideal place to change a tire. You want the ground to be level to help prevent your car from rolling while you change it. Avoid pulling over where the road curves and choose a straight stretch so other motorists can see you more easily. Do not change your tire on a constricted shoulder where there is bound to be traffic. Stopping in too narrow a spot will increase your chances of being hit by another vehicle. Instead, move at a slow pace until you locate a spot with a wide shoulder for safety. Driving on a flat tire may increase your chance of damaging your rim, but that is preferable to endangering your life.

Engage your parking (emergency) brake. Using your parking brake will help minimize the chances of your car rolling while you are changing your flat tire.

Place the wheel wedges. Wheel wedges are to be used for your safety, again preventing the vehicle from rolling. You place the wedges either in the front of or behind your tires, depending on the location of the flat. If your flat tire is in the back of the vehicle, place the wedges in front of the tires at the front of the vehicle. If the flat is in the front of the vehicle, then place the wedges behind the back tires. If you don’t keep wheel wedges in your vehicle, large stones or bricks are a good substitute.

Take off the hubcap. Most tires have a hubcap over the lug nuts, which is more easily removed before you lift the car with a jack. Removing the hubcap using the flat side of your lug wrench works on most vehicles, however, some require another tool. Refer to your owner’s manual to learn the correct way to remove your hubcap ahead of time so you are properly prepared when the time comes.

Loosen (but don’t remove) the lug nuts. With your lug wrench, rotate the lug nuts to the left (think “lefty loosey, righty tighty”) until you notice a break in resistance- about a quarter to one half of a turn. It may be necessary to use a lot of muscle, which is just fine. Put all your weight behind it if you need to. Do not fully remove the lug nuts at this time.

Place and use your jack. Position the jack under your car’s frame next to the tire that is flat. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct placement of the jack on your vehicle. Place the two-inch by six-inch piece of wood beneath your jack before you lift your vehicle. This will help to keep it from settling and becoming unbalanced. Doing this is exceptionally helpful on the asphalt. Once the jack is properly and safely positioned begin raising your car until the flat tire is around six inches off the ground. For your safety, do not go under the vehicle while the vehicle is raised.

Remove the lug nuts. It is at this point that you should finish removing the lug nuts. Because they have already been loosened, they will likely come loose easily by hand.

Remove the tire. Grab the flat by its tread and gently pull it until it comes off the hub. Set it down on its side to avoid having it roll away.

Place your spare tire on the hub. After the flat has been removed you can put the spare tire in place. To do this, line up the rim with the lug bolts. Gently push the tire until the lug bolts are showing through the rim.

Begin tightening the lug nuts. After the tire is placed you can begin to tighten them by hand. Tighten them as far as you can get them manually.

Begin to lower your vehicle and finish tightening the lug nuts. Using your jack, lower your car down to where the spare rests on the ground without the weight of your car resting on the tire. Then, tighten the lug nuts the rest of the way using the lug wrench. Use your whole body and tighten them as much as you can.

Finish lowering the vehicle. After the lug nuts are nice and tight, lower the vehicle the rest of the way to the ground and then remove the jack. Then, use the lug wrench on the lug nuts one more time, ensuring that they are as tight as you can get them.

Place the hubcap. If you had a hubcap to remove, now is the time to replace it, if it fits with your spare.

Pack away your tools. If your hubcap doesn’t fit on your spare place it, the wheel wedges, your jack, wrench, and flat in the trunk or other storage space of your vehicle.

Check the spare tire pressure. You want to make sure your spare is safe to drive on by checking its pressure. Mini or temporary spares usually need 60 psi. If your spare needs air, slowly drive to a gas station to fill it right away.

Fix or replace your flat tire. Don’t delay in replacing your flat tire. The temporary mini-spares aren’t made to drive at high speeds and shouldn’t be driven on for long. Cautiously drive your vehicle to a professional tire technician as soon as possible. They can determine if the tire is salvageable or if it needs to be replaced.

Having the knowledge you need to change a tire is important, however, regular maintenance can go a long way in preventing a flat in the first place. Remember to always keep your tires inflated properly, watch for tread wear, and rotate your tires per the guidelines set in your vehicle owner’s manual. You may not be able to completely prevent a flat, but these things will certainly help to extend your tire’s life.

If you have any automotive concerns, please don’t hesitate to call on the experts here at Virginia Auto Service. Call 602.266.0200 or schedule an appointment online.

What to Do If You Have a Radiator Leak

Most people are guilty of putting off auto repair at one point or another. For some issues, this may be okay for a short time. For others, you never want to delay repair. One such item of repair that you never want to delay would be a leaking radiator.

Your radiator is a key component in your vehicle’s cooling system, which means it helps to keep the engine running cool. If a leaking radiator is not repaired quickly it could result in your engine overheating- which could mean expensive engine repair or even replacement. Should you at any point notice the temperature gauge rising on your dashboard and/or steam coming from under the hood, you should pull over and shut off your vehicle immediately. Even overheating for a short time can result in head gasket damage or possibly even engine failure.

What causes leaking radiators?

In most cases, radiator leaks are a result of failing to regularly maintain the vehicle with things such as coolant flushes- which permit oxidation of the cooling system. Another major cause of radiator leaks is over-pressurization. This occurs when the thermostat sticks, or a head gasket fails.

Most radiator leaks are found at a joint that is between the radiators tank and core. To make vehicle’s more fuel efficient, today they are made with materials like “plastic-based” composites, which means they can crack easier. If the tank is cracked it could be from a blown head gasket which lets highly pressurized exhaust be pushed into the cooling system.

How do you know if you have a radiator leak?

Low coolant levels. When you are performing regular maintenance on your vehicle, such as oil changes, take a moment to check to see if your coolant level is sufficient. If you notice lowered levels of coolant, it is possible that you have a leak.
Fluid under the vehicle. If the leak is bad enough, you won’t have to look under the hood to know it’s there. Instead, you will see a pool of yellow/orange, pink, or green fluid under your vehicle.
Increased engine temperature. If your engine temperature rises it is usually a warning sign that you have a radiator leak.

If you think that you have a leak in the radiator it is important to have your vehicle inspected by a professional as soon as possible. The automotive repair experts at Virginia Auto Service can help determine how large your leak is and where it is located.

Should you use radiator sealant?

To use these products is like using a band-aid when you need stitches. They don’t quite get the job done, and we certainly don’t recommend them for long-term use. Not all the glue will make it to the location of the leak and will stick to other places, potentially causing a blockage. If you are going to use them, only do so in the event of an emergency to help you get your vehicle to our mechanics.

Dealing with radiator leaks quickly can prevent further and more expensive damage to your engine. If you experience complications with your vehicle, contact the automotive repair experts at Virginia Auto Service today. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

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When to Replace Your Water Pump

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, your water pump may be out of sight, but don’t let it be out of mind.

The water pump is an important part of your vehicle’s cooling system. When your vehicle is running, your drive belt helps to operate the water pump allowing it to continuously pump water and coolant into your engine. Without a properly working water pump, your vehicle would overheat, which could easily result in expensive engine damage.

Tucked out of sight under the timing belt cover, the water pump is easy to forget about. For this reason, as far as maintenance and repairs go, the water pump will not often cross a vehicle owner’s mind. Water pumps are, thankfully, built to last for quite some time. Depending on what vehicle you have, a water pump should last you between 60,000 to 90,000 miles. (You can refer to your owner’s manual for guidelines specific to your vehicle.) Unfortunately, there may be times when the water pump will stop working early, without notice. Regular maintenance and automotive check-ups can help you spot a failing water pump before it has the chance to do some serious damage.

Signs That it is Time to Replace the Water Pump

There are a few ways you can spot a failing water pump including:

Coolant leaking from your vehicle onto the ground
Coolant leak near the timing belt
Vehicle overheats – or a sudden change in the temperature gauge
The water pump makes a squeaking noise
When you look under the hood, you see coolant -even if it’s just a little bit- dribbling out from the water pump weep hole

Other factors that can affect the functionality of your water pump include a loose shaft and bearings or the pump impellers fail. If the bearings and shaft are loose, when you pull back and forth on the water pump pulley there will be some play, or it may actually move back and forth. If this is happening, then the water pump will be ineffective. If the impellers have failed, the water pump will still pump or spin, but it will stop moving water and coolant through the system.

Water Pump Replacement

As they are located under the timing cover, there is a lot of work involved in replacing a water pump. It is not a simple garage DIY.

Timing belts and water pumps have about the same lifespan. So, if a mechanic needs to change one, they will likely change the other at the same time. With the water pumps placement where it is, this only makes sense. You may not have to replace the water pump at the same time as the timing belt, but it is more cost effective to do so. Changing the water pump is labor-intensive and therefore can be a little expensive. If you have your timing belt replaced then later have to go back in and replace the water pump, you are spending money that could have been saved had you done both at the same time, as you are paying for labor twice.

When you deal with water pump problems quickly, you can prevent any further damage to the cooling system or engine. If you notice any of the signs listed above or experience other complications with your vehicle, please get in touch with the automotive repair experts at Virginia Auto Service today. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

What Causes the Brake Warning Light to Come On?

There are many drivers that are in the habit of ignoring their dashboard warning lights when they appear. For the safety and longevity of your vehicle, this is never a good idea.

The brakes are your vehicle’s most important safety feature. When the brake warning light appears, you need to have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible. The light often implies that the brakes are becoming worn and will need to be replaced soon. However, in some cases, it is possible that your vehicle’s brake system is leaking brake fluid, which is an urgent problem that needs attention right away.

In modern vehicle’s there are usually three different brake warning lights. One light is for the parking brake and it is usually red or yellow in color. Another brake light is for the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and it is usually yellow in color. And, finally, there is one for the actual brakes. This one is red in color and if it comes on it could indicate that there is a serious problem. If your vehicle only has one brake light, take time to check the parking brake before you panic and attempt to diagnose other possible problems.

These are some of the reasons why your brake lights may turn on, and what you should do about it:

Low brake fluid/Worn brake pads

Often, the brake warning light is telling you that your vehicle is low on brake fluid, which is a result of worn brake pads. Carl Roberson, owner of the highly rated Carl’s Cool Cars, a service center in Las Vegas, explains the situation well, “As the pad wears, the brake caliper piston extends further to keep the pad in contact with the rotor. The brake fluid fills this extra area inside the caliper as the piston advances, and eventually the level in the master cylinder drops.” For this reason, when the brake fluid is low, most mechanics will not only recommend filling the brake fluid but suggest the brake pads be replaced as well.

Brakes leaking

The brake warning light will sometimes come on because of leaking brakes. Without brake fluid, your brakes will not be capable of stopping the car. For this reason, it is very important to have your vehicle inspected when the light illuminates on your dashboard. You don’t want to be a danger to yourself, your passengers, or other motorists and pedestrians.

Faulty speed sensor

There is a device inside of your wheel that determines the speed at which your tires are rotating and sends its readings to the ABS control module. This device is known as the speed sensor, and it is a part of the ABS. If it isn’t working properly the ABS light will come on and your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system will not function properly. When the light comes on it could indicate that either the speed sensor needs replaced, or simply that it needs to be cleaned- which our professional mechanics can easily do.

The automotive professionals at Virginia Auto Service, are pleased to help you with your auto repair and service needs. If your brake warning light comes on schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

Do You Use Your Hazard Lights Properly?

The lights on your vehicle are one of the only forms of communication you have with other drivers on the road. The turn signal lets other motorists know what your next move may be. Are you turning right or left? Do you need to change lanes? The brake lights let other motorists know that you are slowing or stopping and they can plan accordingly. The hazard lights are there to let others know when there is a problem, and there is a right and a wrong way to use them.

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts of hazard light usage to help you stay both legal and safe when you are on the road.

Don’t use your vehicle’s hazard lights when:

You are driving in inclement weather. When there is precipitation blurring road visibility and you turn on your hazard lights, other motorists may have a hard time determining which lane you are in or if you are changing lanes. Your headlights and taillights will suffice in bad weather. If you are worried, you should pull off the road and stop until weather conditions have improved. Remember, if you are in a dust storm to pull off to the side of the road and park your car, removing your foot from the brake and turning off all lights to avoid being hit by another vehicle.
You are in heavy traffic. It is true that hazard lights make you more visible, but heavy traffic alone is not an excuse to use them. In some vehicle’s, when your hazard lights are engaged, your turn signals are disabled, which would make it difficult for other motorists to anticipate what it is you are doing.
You are parked illegally. Contrary to popular belief, if you turn on the hazard lights on while parked illegally, it doesn’t make it legal. You need to find an appropriate place to park and avoid blocking traffic.
You can use a turn signal instead. If you have slowed to exit the road due to a car problem, don’t immediately reach for the hazards. As was stated above, turn signals are often disabled when the hazards are on and other motorists may find it difficult to know what you are doing- which could result in a crash. Wait until you are safe on the shoulder and out of traffic to engage the hazards.

Do use your vehicle’s hazard lights when:

You are being pulled over. When law enforcement has signaled for you to pull over, you can turn on your hazard lights to let them know that you got their signal and are following their request. Slow your speed, engage your hazard lights and pull over in a safe location.
You are changing a tire on the roadside. You should use your hazard lights when your vehicle has become a potential hazard for other motorists. If you are on the side of the road changing a tire, your hazards allow for you to be seen and help keep everyone safe.
You are broken down waiting for a tow. If this is the case your vehicle is a temporary hazard. Use your hazards to warn other motorists of your presence, especially if you cannot get your vehicle out of the line of traffic.
You are part of a funeral procession. Vehicles involved in funeral processions customarily drive with the hazard lights on, even when otherwise prohibited. Funeral processions are the one exception to most hazard light rules.

It is also important that you are aware of any hazard light laws that your state may have. Here in Arizona, hazard light use is not permitted while driving except in an emergency. For a list of other hazard light laws by state, click here.

At Virginia Auto Service, we like to help people with their vehicles and road safety in any way that we can. We hope that you find these tips for proper hazard light use helpful. Remember, if your vehicle needs service, we are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

What to Do If You Get Locked Out of Your Car

As drivers living in the desert climate of Phoenix, Arizona, one of our biggest fears is being locked out of our vehicles. Especially if we left something, or maybe even someone important inside. If you are worried about the possibility of becoming locked out of your vehicle or find yourself in that exact situation, there are things you can do to resolve the situation quickly and safely.

Prevent a Lockout from Happening

You can plan ahead to prevent a lockout from happening in the first place, or make it easier on yourself if you are. Here are some ways to do just that:

Hide a Key

Some people will hide an extra house key under a fake rock or in a flowerpot for the times they find themselves locked out of their house. You can do the same with a spare car key. It may be a little more challenging, but it can be done. There are magnetic key cases that you can attach to the underside of your vehicle. Just remember that there is a possibility of the key holder falling off when you hit a bump, so make sure the key holder you get has a strong magnet. This is one instance when you really don’t want to buy the cheaper model. You may want to even consider one with a powerful rare earth magnet and combination lock. Make sure you attach it to a flat, clean surface and that it opens up and not down (to avoid the chance of it falling open and losing the key). Avoid obvious places to hide a key, like under the wheel well or the bumper- get creative. You could also tape a key to the vehicle behind the license plate. Some people like to carry a spare key in their wallet or pocketbook, which is a good option, as long as you don’t leave it in the car too.

Subscribe to OnStar

OnStar offers remote door unlocking services. If you subscribe to OnStar, all you need to do is call their customer service number and give the OnStar Advisor your account number and PIN. Then they will send a signal to your vehicle that unlocks the door. Visit their website for more detailed information.

Join AAA

All of the plans provided by AAA come with Roadside Assistance- which helps with lockouts. There are three AAA memberships available ranging from $56-120 a year. There are other maintenance benefits as well as towing services and discounts at hotels available.

Leave a Spare with a Trusted Friend or Family Member

Keep a spare with someone you trust who you can call if needed to help you get into your car.

What to Do If You Get Locked Out

What do you do if you have not yet gotten around to ordering a service like AAA or OnStar, or have not yet hidden a spare? These are some options:

Call Your Friend or Family Member with a Spare

If you have given anyone a spare key to your vehicle, call them and see if they are available to bring it to you.

Call the Police

If a child or pet is locked in the vehicle, or you are locked out of your car in an unsafe place or situation, you can call the police and ask for help. Police have the proper tools to help you enter your vehicle. However, if there is no immediate risk involved, the police would rather you call up a locksmith or tow truck so that they can focus their attention on more urgent tasks.

Call a Tow Truck or Locksmith

It can cost a bit to call a locksmith or tow truck, usually around $100, but you will at least be able to get into your vehicle. If a child or pet is locked in the car, some locksmiths have been known to do it for free.
At Virginia Auto Service, we like to help people with their vehicles and road safety in any way that we can. The best way to prevent a lockout is by preparing for it in advance with one or more of the recommendations we have given you above. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

Note: If there is a child locked in the vehicle, especially in the Arizona heat, call the police immediately. You need to remember to stay calm for your child. If they begin screaming in reaction to you, they can heat up more quickly. Do what you can to keep them calm until help arrives. If it is summer and extremely hot, you are far from help, you don’t have access to a phone, or the child is in distress, you may have to break a window. A small price to pay for the child’s life. If you need to break in, wrap your arm in a shirt or towel to keep the glass from cutting you, then find a large rock or something that will break the window. Do it as far from the child as possible to avoid cutting them.

Why You Should Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Maintaining the proper tire inflation is one practice that can help drivers save money and help maintain their vehicles health and longevity. Keeping all four tires properly pressured provides you with better efficiency and safety out on the road.

In fact, the benefits of maintaining the proper tire pressure have become so evident that almost all newer vehicles come with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). If your vehicle is not currently equipped with a TPMS, here are three important reasons why you should check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the optimal pressure for your vehicle.

1. Better Fuel Economy

Saving fuel saves you money. When your tires are properly inflated your vehicle gets better gas mileage, which allows you to travel further without needing to fill up. One study shows that tires under-inflated by 30 percent lost up to 10 percent fuel economy.

2. Decrease in Tire Wear

Low air pressure causes erratic wear and is the number one cause of tire failures. The Tire Maintenance Council reports that tires running 10 percent under-inflated lose up to 16 percent of their tread life. Along with regular rotations, balancing, and alignment, maintaining the appropriate tire pressure in all four tires will help to decrease your chances of developing bad tire wear patterns.

3. Increased Safety

Appropriately inflated tires provide better vehicle handling. When tire pressure is too low or too high the vehicle is not able to maintain the right amount of traction on the road, and driving gets more dangerous. According to the Society of Automotive Engineers, 260,000 accidents, resulting in 79 deaths and 10,600 injuries, each year are due to low tire pressure. This may be, in part, because low tire pressure increases the vehicles required braking distance and has a dramatic affect on steering and handling. Also, tires that are correctly inflated help extend the tire casing life, resulting in less overheating and blowouts.

Determining Tire Pressure

To find the correct tire pressure for your vehicle you can refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or look for the tire specification decal on your driver-side doorframe. In vehicles that were made prior to 2003, this information may be found on the glove box door, trunk lid, or fuel filler flap. Never use the pressure indicated on the sidewall of the tire. This indicates the number required to meet the tires full rated load carrying capacity.

Tire Inflation Tips

For your safety, and longevity of the tires, you should be checking and maintaining the tire pressure regularly. Optimally you should check once a week, but no less than once a month, and before any long road trip. Here are some tips for the next time your check your tire pressure:

You should always check and adjust your tire pressure first thing in the morning before driving on them. Cool, unused tires give the most accurate reading. When tires are hot, it is common for there to be an increased pressure reading.
The weather will affect your tire pressure. Winter weather may cause the pressure to drop, while summer weather can cause the pressure to increase. When the weather changes, check your tire pressure!
Use a quality tire pressure gauge when you check the tires. Digital and dial gauges are the most accurate, and usually cost between $10-$20. If your vehicle has a TPMS it should alert you when you are losing air or have fallen below the recommended tire pressure. Even with a TPMS you should keep a tire pressure gauge in your glove box. Using the same gauge each time you check your tires will help to ensure you are getting a consistent reading every time.
Check your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle manufacturer recommends that you increase pressures for towing, carrying heavy loads, or extended highway travel.

At Virginia Auto Service, we like to help people with their vehicles and road safety in any way that we can. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

How to Get the Most Miles Out of Your Tires

The tires are the only link between your vehicle and the road- making them a very important feature of the car. Keeping up with tire maintenance is just as important as engine maintenance.

We all know that a new set of tires- though important -can be a hefty investment. Like the life of your car, you want your tires to work as good as they can for as long as they possibly can. Follow these four tips to maintain your safety on the road, improve your ride, and extend your tires’ life to get the most miles out of them as possible:

Check the Tire Pressure Monthly

Maintaining the correct air pressure is a simple and important step in extending the life of your tires. When your tire pressure is low it can increase wear and tear on the tire and heighten the risk of a blowout. The wrong air pressure also causes sluggish handling and increases your stopping distance.

Tires lose about a pound per square inch (psi) of pressure monthly and should be checked and corrected accordingly. Tire pressure is affected in the winter when colder temperatures lower air pressure, and in the summer when warm weather increases the air pressure. During these months, it is especially important to watch your tire pressure.

Not only will maintaining the tire pressure save you money by extending the life of your tire, it will also improve your fuel efficiency- keeping money in your pockets. Underinflated tires result in you getting fewer miles to the gallon and paying for more gas than you need to. In fact, you can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper psi, according to www.fueleconomy.gov.

Correct tire pressure affects vehicle safety as well. According to a National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Crash Causation Survey, tire issues were involved in one out of 11 crashes.

Have Your Tires Rotated Every 6,000 Miles to Promote Even Wear

Most vehicles only use one or two wheels to “drive” it at a time resulting in uneven tire wear. As an example, with front-wheel drive vehicles, the front tires wear faster. With rear-wheel drive vehicles, the back tires will wear faster. All-wheel drive vehicles can experience uneven wear as well due to the fact that most shift the drive from one wheel to another. So, they are not exempt from the need for tire rotation. Having a technician rotate your tires by moving them to different wheel positions on the vehicle to give drive wheels a rest and even out wear will prolong the life of your tires.

Make Sure the Wheels are Balanced

Each wheel and tire have heavy spots. Even when brand new, they are not 100 percent perfect. The differences are slight-measured in quarter to half ounces- yet that difference can cause vehicle vibration and uneven tire wear. A technician can balance the wheels using a special machine and small weights. As a tire wears the weight may need to move or be changed. The process is quick and easy, and it costs much less than new tires. The perfect time to have your wheels balanced is when you are having the tires rotated.

Have the Alignment Checked Twice a Year

When your tires are not properly aligned it may make your “toed-in” (pigeon-toed) or “toed-out” (duck-footed). If you notice your vehicle actively pulling or drifting to the left or right, or the steering wheel shakes and/or vibrates, you may have a problem with your alignment. However, your vehicle could be driving normally and still be slightly out of alignment. Even the slightest misalignment can increase tread wear and reduce your fuel efficiency. Bumping into parking lot barriers or the curb, and hitting potholes can all negatively impact your alignment. Have your alignment checked every six months, or sooner if you feel something is off.

Showing your tires a little TLC can help save you a lot of money. By following these inexpensive, easy tire maintenance tips you can prolong the life of your tires. Also, you will notice an increase in gas mileage, extend the life of your vehicle, and make your drive safer.

We hope you find this quick guide to getting the most miles out of your tires helpful. For high-quality auto repair services, give the experts at Virginia Auto Service a try. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online today for quality care and information to help keep your vehicle performing at its best.