It is logical to want to do more driving and less repairing over the life span of your vehicle. That is why the technicians at abel auto repair have compiled a list of tips and general information that will help you take care of your vehicle without needing t spend hundreds of dollars on repairs.

Wheels & Tires

»  Little Cap Big Difference :

Those little black caps are made to keep dirt, salt, and water from damaging the valve stem and if your tires do not have them then you are exposing the valve stem to the harsh conditions that can leave you with a flat tire in no time. This is why every morning when you go to start your car you check that all of your tires have a cap that covers the valve stem.

» Check inflation:

Under-inflated or over-inflated tires create excessive heat and stress that can damage your tires. If you wish to get every mile out of your tires then buy yourself a tire pressure gauge and test them every month or so. Check your owners manual to see the recommend amount of air they should have.

• Check tire pressure every 15 - 45 days.

» Check for uneven wear :

If you’ve maintained tire inflation properly and you still get uneven wear then its possible that you may need to check.

• The alignment of your car
• Bushings
• Brakes
• Shocks

» My thread, my safety:

The amount of thread that your tires have can mean the difference between getting home safely and having an accident. Thread is the amount of rubber that your tires have on them and a simple way of measuring them is by :

• Sticking a penny between the treads. If the top of the Lincoln Memorial is always covered, you’re ready for driving.

Of course the more professional thing to do would be to drive into your local auto repair facility and ask them to check your tires and suspension.

» Tire rotation :

If you rotate your tires every 6,000 to 7,500 miles you will get the maximum road life out of them because this ensures that you will distribute their wear evenly. Ask your local auto repair facility for their tire rotation recommendations.

» Perform wheel alignments :

Wheel alignment should be performed every 45,000 miles and after buying new tires. Also it is necessary when you replace steering or suspension parts. Improper tire alignment will shorten the life of your tires as well as cause poor handling. If your steering is stiffer than normal or the vehicle pulls to one side, you probably have an alignment problem.

» Flat tires and damaged rims :

If you see that you have a flat tire the worst thing you can do is to drive more than a mile on it. It is important to remember that your tire can be fixed with a qualified mechanic and that buying a new one can be expensive. Learn how to replace your flat tire with the spare in your trunk and drive immediately to a repair facility so that they can either fix it or mount a new one.

• Check for tires with low air and add a bit more than normally and drive directly to a repair facility to have it checked.
• Check for cracked, bent, or damaged rims before you head out. It is better to be safe than sorry so get them checked at a repair facility.