Under-inflated tires waste gas for lots of folks in the Glenview area. Think how hard it is to walk in sand – you just have to work harder because of the resistance. When your tires don’t have enough air in them, their rolling resistance is dramatically increased and it simply takes more gas to get from Glenview to Glenview.
Always check your tire pressure when you gas up at one of our local Glenview service stations. If they’re low – even just a little bit – bring them up to proper pressure. There’s a sticker on the inside of your driver’s door that gives the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure.
And don’t rely on your tire pressure monitoring system to alert you to when you need more air. The TPMS system is set to warn you when pressure drops twenty percent below recommendations. That’s severely under inflated and you needed more air a long time ago. And if you have a slow leak – get it fixed right away at CARS of America.
Today we want to talk about timing belts. They’re something that many Glenview drivers don’t know much about and yet your vehicle won’t run if it’s broken – and it could cause many thousands of dollars damage if it does break. A broken timing belt is usually a tale of woe. Even though timing belt replacement is scheduled in the owner’s manual, it’s not the kind of thing that most Chicago car owners remember because it’s not well understood.
Let’s review what a timing belt does. As you know, the engine’s power is generated in the cylinders. A piston rides up and down in the cylinder. During the first down stroke, an intake valve at the top of the cylinder opens and air and fuel is drawn into the cylinder. Then the piston returns to the top, compressing the fuel and air mix. At the top, the spark plug fires, igniting the fuel pushing the piston down in the power stroke. As the piston once again returns up in the final stroke of the cycle, an exhaust valve opens at the top of the cylinder and the exhaust is pushed out. The timing belt is what coordinates the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves. It’s called a timing belt because the valves have to open and close at just the right time.
Now, not all Glenview and Northbrook vehicles have timing belts. Some have timing chains. Like the name implies, they use a chain rather than a belt to perform the function. It used to be that most engines used timing chains, which are extremely durable. Manufacturers started using belts rather than chains to save money in the manufacturing process. So now we’re left with a component that can break. They sort of shifted the problem to us. There are two broad categories of engine design: interference and non-interference. If the timing belt on a non-interference engine breaks, the engine simply stops running. That could be very dangerous depending on where you are at the time, but it causes no internal engine damage.
Interference engines, on the other hand, will get real messed up when the timing belt breaks, because the valves will actually fall down into the path of the pistons. Things get chewed up when that happens and it’ll cost thousands to repair the engine.
So, what are the warning signs? Unfortunately, there really aren’t any. There aren’t tell-tale sounds. In some vehicles, a technician from CARS of America may be able to see part of the belt for a visual inspection, but many have a cover that’s in the way. The reality is that if the belt slips even one notch, it might as well be broken for all the damage it’ll cause. There’s no middle ground.
So how can we avoid these problems? Simply replace the timing belt when your owner’s manual calls for it. It can be 60,000 miles; it might be 90,000 or 100,000 miles. The point is, if you have 60,000 or more miles, ask your CARS of America service advisor right away if your manufacturer requires a timing belt replacement.
Contact CARS of America to learn more about your car’s Timing Belt You can find us at: 1727 Chestnut Ave. Glenview, IL 60025 Or call us at 847-724-6724
Sometimes you can go quite a while without a failure, but we’ve seen them happen within a couple of oil changes of being due. It’s not worth the risk.
What does it cost to replace a timing belt in Northbrook or Northfield? Well, that really depends on what kind of car you have. I can tell you that it’s usually not very easy to get to the timing belt – you often have to remove some accessories to get at it. It isn’t a cheap procedure, but it’s a fraction of what it could cost to repair the damage caused by a failure.
At CARS of America we’re all about trying to prevent costly repairs, keeping you and your passengers safe and increasing your driving enjoyment. Thanks to AutoNetTV for their great auto video tips.
Every car in Glenview IL is at risk for theft. So it’s up to us to make our cars a less appealing target and more of a challenge – hopefully sending potential thieves to look elsewhere.
Let’s review each of these. First, common sense: you would be surprised how many vehicles are stolen from Glenview IL where the keys were left in the ignition with the doors unlocked. Always take your keys, and lock the doors. In fact, in some places it’s against the law to leave a vehicle unattended with the keys in the ignition.
And don’t leave spare keys in the car or hide them outside – because a thief will find them. Try to park in well-lit areas that have a lot of foot traffic. If possible, park near the end of a row and near a light. Back your car into a parking space or your driveway to make your car more visible to passersby and harder for a thief to work under the hood without being seen.
Remember to roll up your windows completely and avoid leaving your car in public lots for a long time. If you park in a lot that has an attendant, only give them the ignition key.
Keep valuables out of sight: purses, wallets, cell phones, clothes and even change are attractive “smash-and-grab” targets. And pay to have your Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, etched into your windows – it makes your car less attractive to a thief who wants to send your car to a chop shop.
There are lots of visible and audible devices available. A steering wheel lock is highly visible and will deter some thieves. Loud alarms can alert you and others that your vehicle is being tampered with. But if your alarm does go off, be careful. Observe what’s going on; get descriptions of suspicious people and vehicles, including license plate numbers.
Now, if you catch a thief in the act, call 911 but don’t approach the person. Your safety is more important than the car.
And here’s a great one – immobilizing devices. They actually shut off your car’s electrical or fuel supply. So without a key, or knowing where the hidden switch is located, a thief can’t drive your car away.
Finally, you can also get a tracking device that allows police to track your car down and recover it quickly.
Remember, where you live, work and drive around Glenview IL has a great impact on your decisions. If you’re in an area with high theft rates, you may want to spend more money on security systems. And check with your Glenview IL auto insurance company to see if they offer discounts for adding any of these items.
Of course, the common sense suggestions from CARS of America don’t cost anything and go a long way toward keeping your car safe from thieves. Take a look at the attached video auto tip from AutoNetTV.
Come see us for practical advice on keeping your minivan safe. CARS of America 1727 Chestnut Ave., Glenview, IL 60025 Call us at 847-724-6724
We are aware that we may appear to be more expensive than other shops in Glenview, but things are not always as they seem. That’s why we decided to write a series of articles intended to help you evaluate the true cost of your automotive repairs and to help you save your hard-earned dollars. And while we fully admit we’re biased, we’re also convinced that you’ll save more in the long run by choosing CARS of America. Here’s why:
1) We are the only shop on the North Shore, maybe even in Illinois, that offers a lifetime repair warranty. You never pay us twice for the same repair—not the labor, not the parts, not the towing. To offer this, we must hire the most skilled technicians available and choose the highest quality replacement parts from suppliers that offer coast-to-coast warranties. The secret to our lifetime warranty is this: When we do the repair correctly the first time, it should never fail. Our warranty is a bold expression of our faith in our abilities and our choice of parts, and it should deliver complete peace of mind for you. Your best value comes from choosing an auto repair shop that always does the right thing, even when no one is looking. Paying to redo repairs or doing unnecessary repairs does not save you money at any price.
2) We are the only shop in the area that rewards you with 5% rebates on every service and repair. This blows away any rewards program offered by the airlines, credit card companies and retail stores.
3) You can reserve a free loaner for any service visit. Not only is this a $40 per day value (at least), the ability to go on about your day without interruption or delay is priceless.
4) You receive a free premium oil change when you donate a valuable toy to our annual Toys for Tots campaign during the holidays.
5) We give back to our community: 2% of our profits go to local shelters for victims of domestic violence. In addition, we periodically acquire, refurbish and donate vehicles to the those shelters in order to help individuals get back on their feet. (And yes, the cars come with the same lifetime repair warranty that you enjoy.)
7) CARS is the place where everyone ‘knows your name.’ Educated vehicle owners know that the key to lowering the annual cost of ownership is a strong relationship with an auto repair shop that can be trusted to have their best interest at heart. (Check out this 2004 University of Michigan study on achieving the lowest possible vehicle cost of ownership.) For value shoppers, CARS of America offers the best of all worlds. First and foremost, we ask and we listen to what you are trying to accomplish. Then we set about providing the solutions to your problems with very few mistakes, a lifetime warranty, and recommendations on how to keep your vehicle safe and dependable. With CARS on your side, you have the ability to keep your vehicles for a long, long time and at a true cost that is significantly lower than what you’d find with many providers that deliver a lot less value.
Watch our website and monthly newsletter for special offers and promotions. During certain seasonal slow periods, we fill our bays by saving you money. We offer extra services at no additional cost or reduced prices on needed maintenance and repair work. We also make you aware of manufacturers’ rebates on tires, shocks and struts, timing belts and more. Slower periods are typically the last week of December through the end of February, and Mid-August through Mid-September.
From rebates and free loaners to personal service and a lifetime warranty, we firmly believe we offer top-notch service and repairs at an affordable price. There’s a reason we’ve been serving the Glenview community for four decades—and why we’re proud to be caring for three generations of clients.
Ford is recalling 450,000 vehicles from the 2001-2005 model years that are at risk for losing power or igniting a fire.
The affected vehicles include the 2001-02 Ford Escape, the 2004-05 Ford Freestar, and the 2004-05 Mercury Monterey, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Nearly 250,000 Escapes are being recalled because the cap on the brake fluid reservoir can leak, causing brake fluid to spill onto the antilock brake system (ABS) module wiring harness connector. This could lead to melted or smoking wires and could even lead to a fire. (NHTSA Campaign No. 12V005000/ Ford Campaign No. 11S24)
More than 200,000 Freestar and Monterey minivans are being recalled because the torque converter output shaft can fail. This component transmits power from the transmission to the wheels, and if it fails, the vehicle will lose power, increasing the risk of an accident. (NHTSA Campaign No. 12V006000 / Ford Campaign No. 11S25)
Ford will notify vehicle owners, and the dealer will replace the faulty parts free of charge. For more information, call the Ford customer service center at 866.436.7332.
MINI Coopers recalled for turbocharger water pump
In addition, nearly 90,000 MINI Coopers are being recalled because of a problem with the water pump that cools the turbocharger. A circuit board could malfunction and overheat, increasing the risk for a fire. The affected models include:
2007-11 MINI Cooper S
2008-11 Cooper S Clubman
2009-11 Cooper S Convertible and Cooper John Cooper Works
2011 Cooper S Countryman
2009 Clubman John Cooper Works
2010-11 Convertible John Cooper Works
MINI dealers will begin to notify vehicle owners this month. For more information, call BMW (parent company) at 866.275.6464 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 888.327.4236.
Toyo recalls tires for potential crack in bead area
And last but not least, Toyo Tires is recalling nearly 70,000 Extensa A/S tires due to a potential kink in the bead area. In certain situations, this could leak to a crack in the bead area, which is near the rim. This could cause the tire to fail, potentially leading to a loss of vehicle control and to an accident. The affected tires are size P225/60R16 97T and bear a tire identification number from 73A6H2N3809 through 73A6H2N4410. Find your tire identification number.
The recalled tires are being replaced free of charge. If you have Toyo tires that you believe are part of this recall, please do not hesitate to contact us. You may also call Toyo’s hotline at 800.442.8696.
For more information on any of these recalls, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Everyone in Glenview IL has blind spots – and no, I’m not talking about the fact that you really don’t sing like Jessica Simpson. I mean the areas of the road that you can’t see when you’re driving around Glenview.
First let’s talk about our own blinds spots, and then we can talk about others…
To begin, we can greatly reduce our blind spots by properly adjusting our mirrors to give the widest coverage possible. Make the adjustments in your minivan before you start to drive.
First, adjust your rear view mirror to give the best possible view directly to the rear of your car. You don’t need it to get a better view of either side of the car, the kids in the back seat or your dazzling smile. The rear view mirror should look to the rear.
Next, lean your head until it almost touches the driver’s side window. Adjust your side mirror so that you can just barely see the side of your car.
CARS of America We’re on 1727 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview, IL (60025) Call us to make an appointment at 847-724-6724.
Now, lean your head to the middle of the car and adjust the outside mirror so that you can barely see the right side of the car.
With your mirrors adjusted this way, you’ll have maximum coverage. Of course driving is a dynamic process – things change every second. So it’s wise to take a quick look to the side when passing to make sure that another vehicle hasn’t moved into an area you couldn’t see in your mirrors.
Depending on the kind of vehicle you drive (minivan?), you may still have some blind spots. All vehicles have an area behind them that’s blind when backing up. The bigger the vehicle, the bigger the blind spot. A pick up or SUV can hide a small child – an RV, bus or tractor-trailer can hide an entire vehicle. So be careful around our Glenview streets!
As you drive around the Chicago area, avoid staying in other diver’s blind spots. You can’t count on them to be watching their mirrors and looking out for you.
Let’s talk about safely sharing the road with heavy trucks and buses. In crashes involving a truck and car, the car causes about 40 percent of the accidents. But 78 percent of the fatalities are with the car. The laws of physics are against the smaller vehicle, so it pays to take extra precautions around trucks and buses.
Heavy vehicles have huge blind spots: to the rear, on both sides and up front. They also can’t maneuver like a car. They take twice as long to stop and need twice as much space as you do in your minivan or other type of car. You need to keep wide margins when driving around one of these big rigs.
Here are some tips for passing a heavy vehicle in the Chicago area:
Avoid the blind spots. If you can’t see the driver’s face in one of his mirrors or in a window, he cannot see you!
Don’t follow too close. If you can’t see one of the truck’s mirrors, you’re too close.
Make sure there is plenty of room to pass. Trucks are long and take time to get around. If you’re on one of our local Glenview IL two way highways, wait for a passing zone.
Don’t linger when passing. Because the blind spots are so big on the sides, you want to get through them quickly. If you can’t pass quickly, drop back.
Pass on the left whenever possible. A trucks’ blind spot is much larger on the right.
Be attentive and wear your seat belts while driving anywhere around Glenview, even short drives.
Don’t be aggressive when driving around trucks. Because of their size, they appear to be going slower than they really are. Cutting it short around a truck could be disastrous.
Use your turn signals when starting to pass. Once you can see the full truck in your rear view mirror, it’s safe to signal and move over. Don’t cut it short or slow quickly when you pull in front of a truck.
Be careful passing a truck at an intersection. Trucks need to turn wide to maneuver through city streets. Squeezing between a truck and the curb could put your car in the Glenview body shop. Look for the truck’s turn signals.
We at CARS of America want you to watch those blind spots – but feel free to sing in the shower all you want.
Buying a new car in Glenview is always a big financial decision. The allure of that new car smell is powerful, to be sure. But what if your current car is still in good shape? How do you decide?
People in Glenview who’ve been used to driving a new car every three to five years may be having second thoughts in this economy. For many, the question is, how does the certainty of a new car payment stack up against uncertain repairs for a car that may be out of warranty?
For purposes of our discussion, let’s assume you live right here in Glenview and have a five year old vehicle. It’s now paid off. If you keep it, you fear that there’ll be some repairs over the next five years, but you really don’t know what to expect. For help we turned to Edmunds.com.
Edmunds.com has compiled maintenance and repair information for cars and trucks. With this data, they project likely service and repair costs for a particular make and model. They’re able to use manufacturer’s maintenance schedules and repair histories for the projections.
Of course, these projections can’t predict what will happen to your vehicle in Glenview, but they do give you information to use in your decision.
Let’s look at the numbers for a five year old Toyota Camry V-6. In this example, the combined maintenance and repairs for the five year period is $5,748. This works out to an average of $96 a month. The year-by-year averages range from a low of $49 a month to $124 a month.
So compare $96 a month with a new car payment. And it’s actually better news than that; you would still have maintenance expenses with a new car, so the repair element could be less than half that figure.
Here are numbers for some other five year old vehicles from around Glenview:
Ford Escape – $116 a month
Chevy Silverado – $131 a month
Jeep Grand Cherokee – $138 a month
Hyundai Accent – $85 a month.
Now, if your vehicle is older than five years, have a chat with your Glenview service advisor at CARS of America. We see hundreds of vehicles through our bays every month and we know your car. See if there’s any particular problem common with your vehicle that you might see over the next couple of years.
And of course, the best way to keep future repair costs down is to take care of all your scheduled maintenance. This is especially important in older vehicles that have had time to accumulate some deposits.
There are special motor oil formulations that help clean older engines and protect and recondition their seals and gaskets.
We hope this eliminates some of the unknowns in the decision to keep or trade.
Give us a call if you have any questions: CARS of America 1727 Chestnut Ave. Glenview, IL 60025 847-724-6724
The price of gas has got everyone talking. It seems that people who need a bigger vehicle to carry family and gear, or provide four wheel drive, are especially hit hard. That is why we thought it would be good to review some things that anyone can do to improve fuel economy.
First let’s start with how we drive. People may not realize that they can really save on gas by just changing a few driving habits. One of the biggest is jackrabbit starts – you know, flooring the gas as soon as the light turns green. That really wastes a lot of fuel. Building up your speed at a slower pace uses less fuel and is easier on your engine and drive train. And don’t drive with one foot on the brake. That’s also a drag on fuel economy, and it wears out your brakes faster too.
Another thing is to drive slower – but only when it’s safe. Sometimes on the highway we drive an extra five … ten . . . twenty … over the speed limit. We do it to save time, but it only saves a few minutes out of maybe an hour long drive, and we may use 10 to 15 % more gas. Just leave a little bit earlier, save some money and arrive more relaxed.
You can also try and group all of your errands for the day into just one trip, rather than several. If you can put off a trip today that can be combined with one tomorrow – you can save some time and money.
Using your cruise control can save money too. Driving at a constant speed really improves fuel economy. Be sure to only use your cruise control under safe conditions – you can look in your owner’s manual for some good tips on using your cruise control.
Did you know that reducing the weight in your vehicle saves gas? Clean out the trunk or back seat from time to time so that you are not paying to carry around a lot of stuff you do not need in the car. If you live where there is snow and ice, clear it off your car. They add weight and mess with aerodynamics too.
Another tip is to avoid long idle times, which includes warming it up when you start. Modern engines do not require a long warm up to get going – just take it easy for a couple of miles.
Be sure to get a new gas cap if yours leaks or is worn.
Now, let’s start talking mechanical. Bottom line – the better you maintain your vehicle, the less fuel you will use. It all adds up in a big way. For example, replacing your dirty engine air filter will pay for itself in fuel savings before your next oil change – and will keep saving you money after that.
A clean, well-maintained fuel system really pays big dividends. A clogged fuel filter wastes gas. So does a dirty fuel system, grimy fuel injectors and plugged up PCV valves. A fuel system service decreases the gas you use, and increases the power – so you can’t go wrong with that.
Some of us ignore our Check Engine light. But fixing the problem that caused the light to come on will usually save some fuel as well. It may be a bad oxygen sensor that can really rob your fuel economy.
And, it may be time for a tune-up. Tune-ups should improve your fuel economy. Don’t overlook the routine maintenance items, like scheduled oil changes, transmission and cooling system service. Dirty or low fluids actually use more fuel. Just look at your manufacturer’s recommended service intervals in the owner’s manual, or ask your CARS of America service advisor for the schedule.
Don’t forget your tires. Underinflated tires waste gas. And if your wheels are out of alignment you won’t get the economy you need.
None of these things are very complicated or expensive to stay on top of. When you maintain your car properly, you save gas today, and prevent costly repairs tomorrow.
Despite our unseasonably warm temps so far, Chicago winters typically mean epidemic levels of snow, sleet and ice. Are your brakes up to the task once this warm-weather streak gives way to reality?
More specifically, can you say your anti-lock brakes are up to snuff, and are you comfortable using them properly? It’s a good idea to “get cozy” with these systems because they’re more likely to engage during winter months than at any other time of the year.
Back in the day, anti-lock brakes used to be pretty hard on the feet. Fortunately, today's drivers only need to press the brake pedal firmly for ABS to work properly.
Better known by their abbreviation—ABS—anti-lock braking systems have existed for decades, yet somehow still seem new-fangled to many drivers. Perhaps that’s because baby boomers were taught to pump conventional non-ABS brakes during a skid and that mindset never entirely left us.
However, ABS-equipped vehicles are a different animal and, as such, require a separate and distinct approach. To understand why, it’s important to learn a little more about how ABS works.
In effect, ABS—not the driver’s foot—does the pumping to prevent wheel lockup. This means the driver should firmly press the brake pedal during a skid and allow the system to do the work. The system will bring the car to a stop faster, while enabling the driver to concentrate on steering, thereby increasing safety.
ABS performs this feat by rapidly applying and releasing the brakes—faster than the driver ever could—to achieve maximum braking performance, while falling just short of having the wheels lock up.
Becoming accustomed to the “feel” of ABS is a great idea. When such systems kick in, a vibration or rapid pulsation might be felt in the brake pedal. It might feel as if the vehicle’s brakes are pushing back, which can be an unusual experience for many drivers. Grinding, buzzing or scraping noises might occur, which are evidence that the ABS is doing its job. Resist any temptation to decrease foot pressure or remove your foot from the brake pedal until the vehicle stops.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises giving your car’s ABS a “mini road test” by driving your vehicle in an unobstructed parking lot at a speed fast enough to activate the ABS (typically at speeds exceeding 10 mph) and firmly applying the brakes and practicing not pumping the brakes.
Are you and your anti-lock brakes ready for the slushfest that is a typical Chicago winter?
If your ABS dashboard warning light illuminates frequently or is constantly on, chances are the system is malfunctioning and only your vehicle’s conventional brakes are working properly. Bring your vehicle into CARS of America and make sure your ABS is ready for the worst the Windy City can dish out. (Note: Your ABS light will usually flash on to tell you when the vehicle engages the ABS.)
Speaking of warnings, ABS systems aren’t designed to replace safe driving habits or good, old common sense. Don’t become overconfident just because your vehicle is equipped with state-of-the-art ABS. Practice the same attention to safe driving you would using a vehicle with conventional brakes.
If you discovered a simple tool that could save life, limb and money, would you learn how to use it? Meet the tire pressure gauge.
This little device—designed to help maintain proper tire inflation—can drastically improve gas mileage, increase tire lifespan, and keep you and loved ones safer on streets and highways.
In fact, properly filled tires can boost gas mileage by as much as 3.3 percent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which reports that underinflated tires might decrease mileage 0.3 percent for every psi deficiency in all four tires.
To obtain an accurate reading, evenly place the end of the tire-pressure gauge onto the valve stem and press firmly.
Think your tires are all properly inflated? Studies have indicated that nearly 30 percent of light vehicles regularly operate with at least one underinflated tire, according to NHTSA’s 2009 report, “Tire Pressure Maintenance – A Statistical Investigation.”
“Only a few psi difference from vehicle manufacturers’ recommended tire inflation pressure can affect a vehicle’s handling and stopping distance,” the report states. “Poor tire maintenance can increase incidences of blowouts and tread separations.”
Tire pressure is so critical that the government began requiring Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) in all 2008 model year and newer vehicles. While these systems can alert you when tire pressure drops 25 percent below the recommended range, they’re not foolproof.
Going the other way—overinflation—also presents problems. Pumping excess air into tires stiffens them and decreases the amount of tread that’s contacting the road. This reduces your safety, makes the vehicle ride more roughly, wears the tire unevenly and prematurely, and makes the tires more vulnerable to damage when striking potholes or other road hazards.
Maintaining proper inflation is, therefore, a balancing act and requires strict adherence to vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, which typically are posted on the driver’s side door jamb. These numbers also might be found in the glove compartment and the owner’s manual. (Note: Don’t use the psi numbers on your tire sidewalls. These indicate the maximum pressure for the tires, not the recommended setting for the vehicle.)
As a general guideline, sedans usually require tires be inflated between 30 and 40 psi, while tires on larger vehicles need 45 psi. Note that some vehicles require more air in the front tires than the rear ones.
But first things first. You’ll need to have a tire pressure gauge. Digital versions are easily read and provide accurate readings, but less expensive traditional gauges work fine, too. It’s not a great idea to rely on a gas station’s air-machine gauge, but it can be useful in a pinch.
Pressure needs to be checked while tires are cold because they heat up during travel and will provide inflated readings while hot. Either check the pressure before driving or wait about 30 minutes for tires to cool after travel. However, some experts recommend waiting as much as three hours to obtain an accurate reading.
Don't let this happen to you.
Remove the cap from the tire’s valve stem (the small cylindrical attachment that allows air into the tire). Evenly place the end of the tire pressure gauge onto the valve stem and press firmly. The pressure will prompt a readout on a digital gauge or push out the metered stick on a traditional gauge. (If the gauge is isn’t squarely seated on the valve, you may need to repeat this step a time or two to obtain an accurate reading.)
If psi readings for all four tires match the recommended numbers, it’s thumbs-up and your vehicle is road-worthy. However, if you discover the tires are above or below proper pressure, you’ll need to adjust them. If you don’t own an air compressor, you’ll need to travel to a service station and use their air hose. If possible, avoid driving more than a mile so tires don’t heat up.
Unsure about how to check your tire pressure? Drop by CARS of America, and we’ll be happy to show you how to do it. We’ll even give you a complimentary tire gauge to keep you rolling reliably down the road.
The tire's air pressure will push out the metered stick on a traditional gauge, providing the psi reading.
For underinflated tires, place the air-hose nozzle onto the stem. Some hoses will insert air once they’re positioned on the stem while others require a handle be squeezed to release air. A hissing sound means air is escaping; simply secure the nozzle with more force to secure the connection. Frequently check tire pressure to prevent overinflation. As you approach the correct reading, user shorter air bursts until the tire is properly inflated.
Overinflated tires can be brought into line by loosely placing the gauge on the stem and allowing air to escape.
Once tires are at the proper pressure, screw on the valve stem caps, being careful not to damage them by over tightening. Caps prevent the stems from becoming soiled and damaged.
Changing weather conditions and temperature fluctuations can impact tire pressure significantly. In fact, every 10-degree decrease prompts a 1 psi dip.
Therefore, check tire pressure monthly. One more thing: Don’t rely on your eyes to “gauge” whether a tire is OK. Only severely deflated tires exhibit obvious visual signs that they’ve lost air.
Always check your tire pressure when you gas up at one of our local Glenview service stations. If they’re low – even just a little bit – bring them up to proper pressure. There’s a sticker on the inside of your driver’s door that gives the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure.
Watch our website and monthly newsletter for special offers and promotions. During certain seasonal slow periods, we fill our bays by saving you money. We offer extra services at no additional cost or reduced prices on needed maintenance and repair work. We also make you aware of manufacturers’ rebates on tires, shocks and struts, timing belts and more. Slower periods are typically the last week of December through the end of February, and Mid-August through Mid-September.
