When should you get new tires for your car?

You should get new tires for your car when they show signs of wear or damage that compromise safety and performance. Here are the key indicators:

• Tread depth below 2/32 inch – Use the penny test: if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires.
• Cracks or bulges – Visible cracks or sidewall bulges mean the tire’s structure is weakened.
• Uneven tread wear – Caused by poor alignment or suspension problems, uneven wear reduces grip and safety.
• Vibration or noise while driving – Excessive vibration may indicate internal tire damage or imbalance.
• Frequent air pressure loss – Tires that won’t hold pressure may have leaks or aging rubber.
• Age over 6 years – Even if tread looks fine, rubber deteriorates with time; change after 6–10 years max.

In short: Replace your tires when the tread is worn, damage is visible, or performance declines. Regular tire checkups ensure safe handling, fuel efficiency, and overall vehicle safety.

Wondering when should you get new tires for your car? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about tire repair and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

When do brake rotors need to be replaced?

Brake rotors typically need to be replaced every 50,000 to 70,000 miles, but the actual lifespan depends on several factors, including:

Signs That Brake Rotors Need Replacement:

• Vibration or Pulsation: If your steering wheel or brake pedal shakes when braking, the rotors may be warped or uneven.
• Squealing or Grinding Noise: A high-pitched squeal or grinding sound could mean the rotor surface is damaged or excessively worn.
• Visible Scoring or Grooves: Deep grooves or heat spots on the rotor surface indicate wear and overheating, reducing braking efficiency.
• Increased Stopping Distance: If your car takes longer to stop, worn rotors may be reducing brake performance.
• Thickness below Minimum Spec: Rotors have a minimum thickness. If they are too thin, they lose heat dissipation ability and must be changed.

Other Considerations:

• Driving styles: Aggressive braking wears rotors faster.
• Brake pad quality: Hard pads may wear rotors sooner.
• Environment: Frequent stop-and-go traffic or mountainous terrain can accelerate rotor wear.

Replace or Resurface?

• Resurfacing is only possible if the rotor is thick sufficient and not heavily scored or warped.
• Replacement is better for severely worn, warped, or thin rotors.

Wondering when do brake rotors need to be replaced? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about brake pads and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

What happens if your axle breaks while driving?

If your car axle breaks while driving, it can result in serious and potentially risky consequences:

• Loss of Control: A broken axle will disrupt the connection between the wheels and the transmission, causing you to lose control of the vehicle. Depending on which axle breaks, it may prevent the car from moving forward or steering correctly.
• Wheel Detachment: In some cases, a broken axle can cause one of the wheels to detach or lock up, which can make it impossible to steer and significantly increase the risk of an accident.
• Grinding or Clunking Noise: Before a complete break, you may hear grinding or clunking noises as the axle becomes damaged. If the axle fully breaks, the sound may become more violent, especially if the drive shaft hits the ground.
• Vehicle Stopping Suddenly: The car might come to an abrupt stop if the axle breaks entirely, especially in front-wheel-drive vehicles. This can happen in traffic, leading to a collision.
• Tire Damage: A broken axle can cause uneven wear or damage to your tires, especially if the break leads to misalignment or other problems in the wheel assembly.

If your axle breaks while driving, it’s critical to pull over safely as soon as possible, contact roadside assistance, and have the vehicle towed to a repair shop. Continuing to drive can cause further damage to your vehicle and increase the risk of a serious accident.

What happens if your axle breaks while driving? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about car struts and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

When should alternator be replaced?

The alternator is an indispensable component of the auto electrical system as it charges the battery and the electrical system of the car when the engine is running. It is crucial to understand when should alternator be replaced to prevent breakdowns.

Something as simple as having a dim light or other problems in the electrical system.

• A symbol on the dashboard that looks like a battery and is generally lit up when there is an issue with the car’s battery.
• Abnormal vibrations, humming, groaning, or whining sounds coming from the vehicle’s engine compartment.
• If the battery is dead often, especially when the car’s alternator should keep it charged.

In most cases, the alternator should be replaced every 80,000 to every 100,000 miles or if these signs manifest themselves.

Diagnosing whether the alternator is at fault or the car starters resulting in starting issues may be challenging. They are mechanisms that begin the engine's operation by engaging the flywheel, and when they start to have problems, their symptoms are mimicked by those of a faulty alternator.

• Slow cranking or the engine will not start at all.
• A clicking sound, when one turns the key, could show signs of failing car starters.
• Evidently, the battery is fully charged, but the engine will still not turn up.

Measuring the battery voltage may assist in pinpointing the alternator or car starters as the root of the issue. Sometimes, even if the battery is okay, the car starters are to blame if the engine does not start.

In conclusion, when should alternators be replaced and how to differentiate between an alternator and a car starter issue is something that one must know regarding car maintenance. Maintenance of vehicles also means being able to check the vehicles frequently and being sensitive to the indications of wear so that there would not be a need for extensive fixes, which could be very costly.

Wondering how often should you get your brakes replaced? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about car starters and to schedule an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

What are the benefits of automotive servicing?

Automotive servicing provides several key benefits that help maintain the health, safety, and performance of a vehicle:

• Improved Safety: Regular servicing ensures critical parts like brakes, tires, and lights function properly, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Enhanced Performance: Timely oil changes, filter replacements, and other routine services keep the engine and other systems running smoothly, improving fuel efficiency and overall performance.
• Prevent Expensive Repairs: Identifying and fixing minor problems early can prevent major breakdowns, saving money on costly repairs in the long run.
• Increased Lifespan: Consistent maintenance extends the vehicle's life by reducing wear and tear on important components.
• Better Fuel Efficiency: Well-maintained engines and systems work more efficiently, leading to better gas mileage and lower fuel costs.
• Retain Resale Value: A well-serviced vehicle usually retains higher resale value, as potential buyers prefer cars with documented maintenance histories.
• Guarantee Compliance: Regular servicing often meets the requirements to keep manufacturer guarantees valid, protecting against potential defects.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that your car is in optimal condition reduces the stress of unexpected breakdowns and ensures reliable performance when needed.

Wonder what are the benefits of automotive servicing? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about automotive repair service and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

How often should you replace your tires?

Tires should generally be replaced under the following conditions:

• Tread Depth: When the tread wears down to 2/32 of an inch (1.6 mm), it's time to replace the tires. You can use the penny test.
• Tire Age: Most experts recommend replacing tires every 6 to 10 years, even if the tread appears to be in good condition. Over time, rubber degrades, reducing performance and safety.
• Uneven or Excessive Wear: Replace tires sooner if you notice uneven wear patterns, such as wear on one side or cupping. This could indicate problems with alignment or suspension.
• Cracks, Bulges, or Damage: If there are visible cracks in the sidewalls, bulges, or any other structural damage, the tires should be changed instantly to prevent blowouts.
• Frequent Punctures or Leaks: If your tires experience frequent punctures or air leaks, they may need replacement, especially if the damage is in areas that cannot be properly repaired.
• Decreased Performance: If the tires are losing traction, especially in wet or slippery conditions, or if your car doesn’t handle as well as before, this could indicate tire wear or degradation.

Regularly checking your tires and following your car manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance, including rotations and balancing, will help maximize tire life.

Wondering how often should you replace your tires? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about tire service and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

How often should your transmission be serviced?

Transmission service is crucial for maintaining the long life and performance of your vehicle. The recommended frequency for servicing a transmission varies based on the type of transmission, driving conditions, and the manufacturer’s guidelines.

How often should your transmission be serviced? Here are the general Guidelines:

• Automatic transmissions: Normally require servicing every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Some newer vehicles may have extended intervals, so it's essential to inspect your owner's manual.
• Manual transmissions: These generally need to be serviced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
• Heavy-duty or high-performance vehicles: If you often tow or drive in severe conditions (extreme heat, stop-and-go traffic, off-roading), more frequent transmission service is recommended, such as every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.

Signs You Need Transmission Service:

• Delayed shifting or rough gear changes
• Slipping gears
• Transmission fluid leaks
• Warning light on the dashboard

Routine transmission service includes replacing the fluid, changing the filter (if applicable), and checking for any problems that could lead to bigger issues down the road.

Many people take oil and tire replacement seriously, but not so much when it comes to transmission. To inspect for possible transmission issues, inspect under the vehicle occasionally. If you notice a bright red liquid, your transmission might be dripping. Additionally, it is recommended that you inspect your transmission fluid levels and quality. Transmission fluid with dirt and debris is not any good. Additionally, the auto mechanic can recommend a transmission fluid change if the fluid has changed color.

Wondering how often should your transmission be serviced? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about transmission fluid change and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.