Is Tire Siping Good for Your Tires?

tire sipingNow that winter is just about here, some car owners may consider the switch to winter tires. Alternatively, some people choose instead to sipe their tires. Never heard of tire siping? We’ll explain what it means and whether the process is safe for your tires.

What Is Tire Siping?

Tire siping is the process of cutting small slits across the tire surface. Supposedly, this improves traction, especially when driving under wet and snowy roads. The slits also keep the rubber from overheating by letting air into the tread. The process can be done for all car makes and models, including classic cars with retrofitted tires.

Auto services that specialize in modifications may provide tire siping. The question, though, is twofold. Does siping really improve traction, and do the slits harm the rubber?

The Validity of Tire Siping

According to a research by the testing firm Mobility Research, siped tires increased traction by 33 percent. The result also showed that siping improves stopping distance.

Tire manufacturers, however, discourage car owners from siping their tires. Prominent tire companies, such as Bridgestone and Goodyear, warn against such alterations since it can invalidate the warranty. Others also believe that while siping may be beneficial in cold weather, it can actually decrease performance on dry roads. Continue Reading →

Should You Upgrade to Fuel Efficient Tires?

fuel efficient tiresAs suggested in its name, fuel efficient tires are designed to maximize overall MPG. Yes, we know tire selection can be confusing with all the varieties, ranging from seasonal to competition DOT tires. We’ll explain the concept of fuel efficient tires and how they improve your commute.

Fuel Efficient Tires—How Fuel Efficient Are They?

Fuel efficient tires are constructed to reduce the rolling resistance. The rolling resistance is the force that works against the engine as it moves the vehicle. Less rolling resistance from the tire means higher fuel economy.

Top tire manufacturers have released their own versions of fuel efficient tires. Goodyear, for instance, has a brand of tires that decrease rolling resistance through a special construction in its sidewall. Goodyear also reinforced the tires for all-weather use. With this type of tire construction, you can save roughly 2,600 miles of fuel over the tires’ three to four-year lifespan. Continue Reading →

How to Dry a Flooded Car

how to dry a flooded carThe natural disasters of Houston and Florida are still fresh in the minds of most Americans. Aside from losing their homes, many people also lost their cars to flood damage. The Pacific Northwest is also prone to heavy floods at times. We’ll explain the process for how to dry a flooded car.

Essentials for Drying a Flooded Car

Driving in waist-deep water can cause major damage to the vehicle. Our auto service recommends that car owners implement these steps as soon as the flood clears:

Dry the Cabin

Open the doors, hood, and trunk to give the interior and the components some air. Remove everything that is not bolted. This includes the floormats, seat covers, etc. Such accessories are all susceptible to mold growth, so give them as much open air as possible. Continue Reading →

How to Store a Classic Car

store a classic carAre you a proud classic car owner? Perhaps you own a restored 1964 Dodge Barracuda or a 1972 Ford Thunderbird. Many owners prefer to keep these cars safely in their garage rather than take them out for a spin. We’ll explain how to store a classic car and keep the components in tiptop shape.

Classic Car Storage Tips

Some vintage car owners never drive their vehicle except when they take it to the shop for a yearly inspection. If you fall in this category, then we recommend some simple steps.

For starters, be sure the car has fresh oil and a full gas tank before storing the car. Use a gasoline additive designed for storage. These are readily available at your local automotive shop. This allows the car to safely sit dormant for a year. Continue Reading →

A Primer on Modern Car Computers

modern car computersFun fact: modern cars have a computer. No, they don’t have a built-in laptop or iPad under the hood. The computer in a car is very different. Its job is to monitor various aspects of operation. We’ll explain the specific roles of modern car computers and how to identify signs of a worn car computer.

What Do Modern Car Computers Do?

Modern car computers regulate different controls in the engine and other components. These include the:

  • Engine emission
  • Idle speed
  • Spark plug
  • Fuel injection

Many modern vehicles—and some retrofitted classic cars—also have multiple sensors that gauge the engine temperature, oxygen levels, throttle position, and more. The sensor sends the information to the computer where it processes the data and adjusts engine output for peak performance. Continue Reading →

4 Signs of a Worn Muffler

worn mufflerIgnoring a worn muffler will only lead to a snowball effect of car problems. Of course, not every car owner recognizes the signs of a worn muffler or even know what this vital part does. We’ll explain the purpose of a muffler and how to recognize a muffler past its lifespan.

What Is a Muffler?

A muffler is part of the exhaust system. Its job is to muffle the noise emanating from the exhaust process, hence the name. This vital component also removes exhaust gasses from the vehicle. Like any other auto part, mufflers wear with age. Luckily, a damaged muffler gives off signs that it’s no longer operating at its peak. Continue Reading →

Vehicle Maintenance Checklist for Summer Driving

summer-drivingTo get the most out of the summer driving season, you’ll want to ensure that your car is working at peak condition. What kinds of things should you check out before heading out for your annual vacation or a weekend getaway? This vehicle maintenance checklist will outline what you need to cover to make sure your car is good to go.

Vehicle Maintenance Checklist for Summer Driving: What to Check

1. Change your oil.

This is one of the most basic (and important) elements of your regular maintenance. Regular oil changes are necessary to keep the internal parts of your engine working properly without overheating.

2. Replace your windshield wipers.

Dealing with winter snow and ice can damage your wipers. You don’t want to be driving in a downpour and discover that your wipers can’t clear your windshield properly. Continue Reading →