How often should new tires be rotated?

How often do you pay attention to your car tires? Rotating your tires plays an important role when it comes to maintaining car safety. Keep reading to find out how often you should rotate your new tires.

When to rotate your car tires?

How often should new tires be rotated? When to rotate car tires depends on the type of car you drive. The most common vehicle types include:

• Rear-wheel drive
• Front-wheel drive
• All-wheel drive

Depending on the type of car you are driving, tires wear out at different rates. A general recommendation is to have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Consider inspecting your owner's manual to get a correct figure.

Why you should rotate new tires?

Here is why you should rotate new tires.

1. Even Tread Wear: Rotating tires help distribute the wear more evenly among all tires, extending their lifespan. Front tires usually wear more quickly than rear tires due to steering and weight distribution in most vehicles.
2. Improved Performance: Even wear across all tires can contribute to better handling, traction, and overall performance of your vehicle.
3. Maintaining Guarantee: Some tire manufacturers require regular rotations as part of their guarantee conditions. Following these guidelines ensures you're eligible for any guarantee claims related to tire wear.

Tire service tips

Here are some tire service tips you can use to extend the lifespan of your tires.

Look out for wear and tear signs

Check your tires for any signs of wear and tear including scratches, cracks, gouges, etc. Noticing these signs early can help you enhance tire safety.

Clean your tires

Cleaning your sidewalls regularly can extend the lifespan of your new car tires. Cleaning your tires protects them from damage from grime and debris.

Avoid overloading your vehicle

Overloading your car places too much pressure on the tires. They might wear out rapidly and compromise your safety. Carrying the required loads keeps your tires in great situation.

Wondering how often should new tires be rotated? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about tire 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.

Why wheel alignment is necessary?

The Importance Of Wheel Alignment 

Wheel alignment is essential to keep your tires from wearing out too quickly and ensure you are getting the most traction possible. The alignment will wear down your equipment, so you must take care of it by inspecting your wheel alignment every time you get new tires or when the season changes. Car alignment helps to maintain a proper balance between your wheels and tires. It gives you an idea of why wheel alignment is necessary, thus helping keep your tires from wearing out too quickly and ensuring you are getting the most traction possible. The alignment will wear down your equipment, so it is important that you take care of it by having your wheel alignment checked every time you get new tires or when the season changes. The inclination of your vehicle determines the settings for wheel alignment. Here are some reasons for having your alignment checked and maintained.

1. Smooth Ride

A smooth ride is the primary purpose of aligning your wheels. Properly aligning your wheels will make a smoother trip and less jamming in your vehicle. The vehicle will be less prone to impact and smoother when driving. Your car will have a much more relaxed ride with proper wheel alignment. A smooth trip is essential to having a safer and more relaxed drive; if you don't have a balance on your wheels, your vehicle will be less safe and less enjoyable. A smooth trip is full of benefits that improve the driving experience. This helps you know why wheel alignment is necessary for a smooth driving experience.

2. Longer Lifespan

Car alignment allows you to enjoy a longer life on your tires. This is required to balance your tires and last longer appropriately. Having improper alignment can tear up the treads of your tires, causing you to replace them more frequently. Proper alignment keeps you from changing your tires too soon, allowing you the time to make it through an entire season of driving safely and comfortably before needing a new set of tires. It helps you understand why wheel alignment is necessary, making your tires last longer and giving you the benefit of more proper alignment.

Car alignment is essential for a smoother ride and the correct prolongation of the tires. Having your car alignment checked with every change of season, tire replacement, and at least once a year is crucial. It makes it easy to determine the setting of your car alignment for the best possible outcome. Keeping in line with what the manufacturer recommends for tire pressure, wheel alignment, and balancing is crucial to ensuring that you can have a safe ride. It is essential for safe driving and a longer lifespan of the tires.

Need to know more about why wheel alignment is necessary? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about car alignment 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 car shocks need to be replaced?

Car owners should practice due diligence at all times by always paying attention to the importance of professional and timely car maintenance and repairs. With continued use, the components of the car, such as the brakes and suspension, become degraded and may lead to accidents. The suspension comprises of the car axles in some cars, shocks, which help in the absorption of kinetic energy transmitted from the tires and the springs, which help in controlling the load and height of the cabin and suspension. So, when do car shocks need to be replaced?

• Bumpy Rides – Based on the function of the shocks, this is one of the critical signs that you need to replace the car shocks. The design of the car allows it to withstand a certain degree of movement. If you are experiencing more shakiness or the ride feels bumpy, you may need to replace the shocks. 
• When they develop Steering problems – When your car is in need of shock replacements, you will likely experience steering issues. Abnormal noises characterize this as you try turning the wheel or difficulty in turning the wheel due to stiffness.
• Braking Issues – Braking problems may arise due to worn-out or damaged shocks. If you experience instability while braking the vehicle, it is a sign that your shocks need a replacement. The forward lurch or nose-diving is a common sign that the shocks have an issue.
• Tires with uneven tread wear – The shocks and struts are important in ensuring the car has proper alignment and suspension. In case you notice uneven tread wear on the tires of your vehicle, it may point to the wheel alignment and suspension being off. In case you continue driving with the imbalance, the car axles may also be affected.

Some other signs that can help you answer the question when do car shocks need to be replaced are clunking sounds when hitting a bump, leaking hydraulic fluid, and increased skidding in wet conditions. The car shocks are critical in ensuring your safety while driving. 

Need to know more about when do car shocks need to be replaced?  Contact our ASE Certified Mechanics at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about car axles and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

What happens when you get your car serviced?

When you ponder, "What happens when you get your car serviced?" imagine a comprehensive health check-up for your vehicle. Skilled mechanics run through an extensive checklist to ensure your car is in top condition, especially for summer weather driving.

The process starts with scheduling an appointment at a reliable car repair shop. An initial consultation follows, where you share any concerns or problems you've noticed. Next, the mechanic assesses your vehicle's exterior, checking the bodywork for damage and the tires for wear and tear. 

"What happens when you get your car serviced" extends to under the hood, too. The mechanic checks the engine, checking oil and coolant levels, which is crucial for preventing overheating in hot weather. They also examine the air conditioning system, a vital feature for relaxed summer driving. 

Then, the car service and repair include a thorough brake inspection. This check ensures your safety on the road, no matter the weather. They inspect the brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels, replacing parts if compulsory.

A key part of "what happens when you get your car serviced" is looking at the car's interior. The mechanic checks safety components like seatbelts and airbags. They also scrutinize the lighting system, ensuring all lights function correctly, which is essential for those summer nights when visibility is low.

Car repair for summer readiness also encompasses checking the battery. Summer heat can affect battery performance and lifespan. The mechanic will check the battery's condition, ensuring it can withstand the high summer temperatures.

Finally, after the car repair and servicing, the mechanic reviews all findings with you. They discuss potential problems, recommended repairs, and any preventive measures. This helps you understand the condition of your vehicle and prepare for safe summer driving.

So, "What happens when you get your car serviced" is not a simple task. It's essential to ensure your vehicle's health and safety on the road. Regular car repair and maintenance keep your car running smoothly, especially during those hot summers. A well-serviced car equals a happy, safe driver. Don't hesitate to get your vehicle serviced before hitting the road this summer.

Need to know more about what happens when you get your car serviced? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about the car repair services and to schedule an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

What does vehicle maintenance consists of?

You are the proud owner of a vehicle and with that comes some responsibility. What exactly does that consist of though? To keep a vehicle in operating order there are some monthly maintenance that need to be completed in order for it to not break down and wind up with a lengthy repair bill in an auto shop. Let's talk more about what car maintenance means for your vehicle and how to deal with your car maintenance. 

What does vehicle maintenance consists of?

At this point I know you must be asking yourself, what does vehicle maintenance consists of? the first part of car maintenance means making sure you have your oil changed regularly. This will keep the engine from locking up. Rotating the tires to ensure that you don't unnecessarily get a flat and keeping the balance on the vehicle is another great way to keep up with car maintenance. A third key point for keeping up with maintenance is making sure your fluids are filled up and this might include everything from coolant, windshield wiper fluids, transmission fluids, power steering fluids, and more. Now and then you'll also find that things such as motor belts will also need to be replaced.

Vehicle maintenance and you

Maintenance of your car doesn't end at just adding fluids and making sure your tires are in good condition. Other forms also include things like making sure you regularly keep both the inside and the outside of the vehicle clean. This can include going to places like a car wash and paying to have it washed if you don't prefer to do that yourself, using a special vacuum and cleaning out any dirt and debris that may have collected in the floorboards or the seats which is especially important if you have children as passengers. In some car washes, they'll even have something that will allow you to check tire pressure and add more if need be.

Have more questions about what does vehicle maintenance consist of? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about the car maintenance schedule and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

What Happens When Car Struts Go Bad?

It’s a fact of vehicle ownership that as the miles add up, even with regular maintenance, the various components and operating systems of your car will wear out.  Of course, this includes the suspension system—the car struts or shocks, which could also include the car axles!  It can be difficult to know exactly how worn the shocks and struts have become until you start to notice issues while driving down the road.  

Wondering what happens when car struts go bad? If you are experiencing any one of the issues listed below, it could be time to change your car struts or shocks:   

• The steering wheel feels loose or wobbly.
• Car sways from side to side while replacing lanes or going around corners.
• Car keeps bouncing around longer than usual after hitting a bump.
• Tire tread wears unevenly and faster than usual.
• The brakes aren’t functioning correctly, taking longer and further to come to a stop.
• Your car “nose dives” when braking.
• Hydraulic fluid is leaking from the struts or shocks.
• The car axles are becoming weak because of too much pressure.

Along with normal wear and tear, there are two situations that can cause your car shocks or struts to wear out faster than normal:

1. Poor road conditions. Driving over speed bumps too fast, driving constantly on bad roads filled with potholes, rocks, or other obstacles.
2. Aggressive driving styles.  Braking tough and quick and fast accelerating.  

Have your car shocks and struts checked frequently, such as at each oil change. Although it may seem costly to change your shocks, don’t put it off! A bad suspension system compromises the safety of your car, affecting braking performance, steering control, and damage to the car axles.  

Do you want to know more about what happens when car struts go bad?  Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about the suspension system, including car axles, and to request an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

What is the Average Lifetime of Brake Pads?

It has been reported by auto shops report that many car drivers neglect needed brake replacement until they find themselves sliding through red lights and stop signs. Don’t delay until your vehicle is the cause of an accident due to failing brakes before you head to your auto repair shop for a brake replacement.  

So what is the average lifetime of brake pads?  Although the lifetime of brake pads varies for each vehicle and driver, brake pads can usually last anywhere between 30k-35k miles. Of course, this is largely determined by your driving habits and road conditions.  For city stop-and-go driving, you will want a brake replacement much quicker than for straight highway driving, in which brake pads could last up to 80K miles or more.

Here are six obvious signs that indicate it’s time for a brake replacement:

• The distance to come to a complete stop is farther and longer than usual.
• Your car pulls to one side when braking.
• You feel the brake pedal pulsate when you step on it.
• The steering wheel vibrates while braking.
• You hear squealing and squeaking sounds coming from the brake pads
• There is metal-on-metal contact, resulting in grinding sounds and the smell of hot metal.

A Tip to Remember about Brakes:  Every time you step on the brake pedal, a small amount of friction material is worn off the pads, becoming thinner and thinner over time.  Ask your auto mechanic to check your brakes frequently to prevent extensive damage to the discs and rotors.  Neglecting a needed brake replacement also compromises the safety of your vehicle.

Wondering what is the average lifetime of brake pads?  Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about brake replacement 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 Alternators Need To Be Replaced?

Many car drivers don’t actually know the symptoms of a bad alternator. The first thought about starting issues is that the car battery or car starter is bad.  It’s hard to understand exactly what the alternator’s job is.  Because today’s vehicles are loaded with sensors and computers that all require electricity, a fully-functioning alternator is key in turning the energy from the crankshaft into the electricity compulsory to keep the battery charged and to provide power to the electrical systems.  When the alternator fails, a domino effect of electrical issues is created.

So when do alternators need to be replaced, you wonder?  Here are some of the most common indicators of a bad alternator: 

1. Warning light – This light in the instrument panel titled "ALT" or "GEN" is often the first sign that you will notice.
2. Dim headlights – This means the alternator is can’t keep up with the demand to perform.
3. Other electrical systems start to fail – Other systems may start to act up, such as the power windows, power locks, dashboard lights, air conditioning, radio, GPS, and other extra accessories. 
4. Unable to keep the car running or even to start the car – There might not be sufficient power in the spark plugs to keep the engine alive.
5. Dead battery – The alternator isn’t sending a charge to the battery so ultimately it is drained of its charge.

It is often difficult to determine if your starting issues are caused by a bad battery, the car starter, or the alternator, so head to your auto repair shop for a diagnostic test.  This will help your auto mechanic pinpoint the cause of your starting issue and make the appropriate repair to keep you on the road.  

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

What Does Car Maintenance Include?

It’s been reported by the auto repair shop that some car owners put off the recommended car maintenance items that should be done at certain intervals. They think their budget is too tight and time is limited, but in the long run, they will end up spending more money and time on unexpected auto repairs than the cost of maintenance service.  They may not realize that neglecting regular vehicle maintenance compromises the safety of their vehicle plus allows small issues to become bigger and more expensive to fix.

So what does car maintenance include? Here are some basic vehicle maintenance guidelines:

• Lights – Replace burned-out or broken bulbs so that they’re all working.   
• Windshield – Inspect for cracks, and the condition of the wiper blades, and keep the washer reservoir filled.
• Car battery – Inspect the fluid level in the terminals, clean corrosion build-up around the posts and cable connections, and make sure it’s holding a strong charge.
• Oil changes – Change the oil at the correct mileage interval, use the right viscosity, and use a good quality filter. An oil leak should be repaired as soon as possible. 
• Air filter – Change at the recommended interval listed in your owner’s manual. 
• Radiator – Inspect the coolant level and that the antifreeze mixture is correct.  Inspect for leaks in connections and hoses.
• Tune up – Your auto mechanic can let you know when it’s time for a tune up to replace spark plugs, various belts and wires, and other adjustments.
• Brakes – The condition of the brake parts should be checked at every oil change or tire rotation and changed as compulsory.
• Tires – Inspect the overall condition of the rubber and have any cuts or holes repaired.  Rotate tires about every 6K miles, keep the right air pressure, and maintain alignment and balance so the tread wears evenly.
• Suspension system – Make sure the car shocks or struts, wheel bearings, axles, and fluids remain in good condition.
• Exhaust system – Holes in the muffler and exhaust pipes should be repaired to prevent a noisy vehicle and leaking toxic fumes.

You can trust car manufacturers to know what their vehicles want to keep operating reliably and safely. Read the guidelines in your car owner’s manual for the recommended mileage or time interval for services. 

Have questions about what does car maintenance include?  Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about basic vehicle maintenance and to request an appointment.  Our auto shop proudly serves car owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

How Do You Know When You Need New Tires?

Are you tired of going out to your car each morning and seeing a flat tire?  Even with regular tire service, such as car alignment, tire balancing, and rotating the tires, tires can only last a certain number of miles before they will want to be replaced.  Don’t put yourself or others at risk because you’re driving on bad tires!

How do you know when you need new tires, you ask?  Under normal driving conditions and with regular tire service, most tires these days are rated to last up to 50K miles.  Tire specialists recommend changing tires about every 6 years, regardless of whether they have been driven 50K miles or 50 miles.  You should be aware that 6 years is the time limit for most tire guarantees.  And remember that if you have tires that have reached the 10-year mark, the rubber has weakened, and driving safety is compromised.

There are also some conditions that will shorten the life of your tires, such as neglecting regular tire service, driving constantly over bad roads filled with bumps and potholes, and fast stops and acceleration.  

Here are various tire service tips that will help keep your tires in good condition:   

• Maintain the correct air pressure – The right amount of air pressure in the tires will ensure that they are connecting with the road with the least rolling resistance which helps with fuel economy and that the tread wears more evenly. 
• Frequent inspections – Look for cuts or slashes in the rubber, excessive tread wear, or uneven tread wear patterns.
• Rotate tires – About every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, have your tires rotated so that the tread and rubber wear evenly.  
• Maintain the proper wheel alignment – All the tires should be going straight in a similar direction, indicated by the steering wheel in the correct position.  
• Keep the tires balanced – Weights placed on specific points of the tire help even out the weight of the tire, providing a smoother trip. 

Wonder how do you know when you need new 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 To Know When Your Car Needs Maintenance?

Vehicles are one of the biggest purchases many people will make next to their homes. So keeping it in the best condition possible is critical to protecting your investment. A well-maintained vehicle may run for hundreds of thousands of miles. That said, ignoring the recommended vehicle maintenance will kill your vehicle, even if it’s brand-new!

Here are various signs how to know when your car needs maintenance:  

• Illuminated Warning Lights – Today’s cars are filled with sensors, monitors, and computers, some of which help control your vehicle, such as anti-lock brakes, cruise control, and other handy features of modern cars.  But the most essential function of those sensors is to let you know when something is wrong.  Here are the three most vital warning lights:
• Check Engine Light 
• Low Oil Light 
• Tire Pressure Gauge 
• Funny Noises – If your vehicle is running differently than it usually does, something may need attention. Knowing some of the basic noises and what they mean can help you communicate more effectively with your auto mechanic.
• Whining Under the Hood – Especially on older cars, this sound is almost always a loose belt. If a belt slips, it can cause extensive damage to the engine and other components of your car. 
• Unusual Engine Noise When Idling – When your car is idling, you should hear an even, constant engine sound. If the noise coming from your engine has been replaced or seems to be popping, revving, or slowing, take your car to your auto repair shop before the issues get bigger.
• Grinding Metal – No two metal components of your car should be grinding against each other. Take your vehicle to your auto mechanic to diagnose and fix the issue.
• Squealing Brakes – If your brakes are squealing, your brake pads are probably worn down and should be changed as soon as possible.  If the brake pads get too low, you can damage your rotors. Your brake pads also help dissipate the extreme heat caused by the friction of braking, leading to brake failure.

Whatever the symptom, if your car stalls in a risky location, you could put yourself and others in harm's way. Get your car into an auto repair shop as soon as possible.

Wondering how to know when your car needs maintenance?  Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about recommended vehicle maintenance and to request an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.