Wondering How Many Miles Should A Tire Last?

For a quick answer—normally, tires that come on new vehicles will last for about 50,000 miles.  Most tire manufacturers list the specific lifespan of their tires so that vehicle owners know about how many miles to expect out of their new tires.  

So how many miles should a tire last?  There are some factors that impact how many miles your tires will go before you will want several types of tire repair, or replacing all four tires:

• The quality of the tire
• All-purpose or all-season tires
• How the tire is mounted on the car
• Tread-wear rating (expected length of tread life).
• How the car is driven. 

As stated above, regular tire service will help prevent you from looking for an emergency tire repair.  This includes:  

• Checking the inflation pressure -- This will ensure optimal contact with the road, increasing fuel economy and helping the tread wear more evenly. 
• Rotating the tires -- Moving tires around to a different position on the vehicle helps ensure they wear out in an even pattern. Tires should typically be rotated every 6 months, or 6,000 to 8,000 miles, or about every other oil change.  
• Wheel Alignment -- Alignment refers to an adjustment of the vehicle’s suspension so that the angles of the tires affect how they make contact with the road.
• Tire Balancing -- Balancing is done with wheel weights to achieve smooth rolling of the tire. 

Do you know that the four tires on your vehicle are the only parts of your vehicle that actually touch the road?  Thus, quality tire service is important.  This will ensure that you get the most miles out of your tires while maximizing the safety of your vehicle.

Are you wondering how many miles should a tire last?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about tire repair and to Make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

How Often Do You Need To Replace Shocks?

Did you know that it’s the shocks that keep your vehicle balanced and connected to the road instead of bouncing around?  The components of the steering and suspension systems all work together to keep your drive smooth and safe.  But they do wear out over time and as the miles accumulate on your car.  

Many drivers are not aware of it, but shocks and car struts do have a specific maintenance schedule.  Normally, most mechanics advise that they should be replaced between every 50,000 to 100,000 miles.  As you can see by the numbers, their lifespan depends on how and where the vehicle is driven on a regular basis. If you consistently travel over bumpy streets and adverse road conditions, then these parts will wear quicker and need to be replaced sooner. 

So how often do you need to replace shocks?  Be on the alert for any of the following issues:

• Poor steering response.
• Car sways or leans when turning and changing lanes.
• Vehicle bounces excessively when hitting small bumps.
• Braking performance is unstable.
• Vehicle nose “dives” or “squats” when braking or accelerating.
• Each time a tire hits the ground; the rubber wears and creates "cupping".
• Leaking hydraulic fluid from inside the shock.

When car struts or shocks go bad, the impact can be risky.  It may be time to have them replaced.  This will increase stopping performance, vehicle stability, and driver control. 

Are you wondering how often do you need to replace shocks?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about the suspension system and to make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE,  Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

Why Is the Service Engine Light bad?

Most drivers experience a sense of fear when they see the service engine light illuminate on the dash while driving down the road.  Now, what should they do?  Should they go straight to an auto shop or is it okay to keep driving until they reach their destination.  Understanding what causes the service engine light to come on can help take away some of that fear.  The important concern is to make sure that long-term damage isn’t taking place in the engine and that your vehicle remains safe to drive.

So is the service engine light bad?  Not really!  This little warning light rarely signals anything disastrous.  The most common issue that causes the service engine light to come on is a loose, cracked or faulty gas cap that is allowing fuel to evaporate.  Pull over if you can and make sure your gas cap is on tight. If this was the trigger, your check engine light should go off within 10 or 20 miles down the road.

If the gas cap is not the issue, the smart thing to do is to schedule an engine service.  Your mechanic can run a diagnostic test with a specialized computer that will “read” the code your vehicle has stored in its diagnostic system.  This will help your mechanic identify and diagnose an issue so that any compulsory repairs can be taken care of quickly and easily.

Besides the gas cap, there are a few other problems that can trigger the service engine light, including:

• A damaged vacuum hose
• Damaged ignition coil(s) 
• Failing catalytic converter
• Worn out spark plugs.  

If you see that little yellow warning light flashing, don’t panic.  A service engine light is not a bad thing.  Just pay attention to it and schedule an engine service as soon as possible.

Are you looking for quality engine service?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about engine repair and to make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.

How Do You Know When Brake Pads Need Changing?

Knowing the signs of brake pads and rotors going bad is critical for driving safety.  Not only will you be saving money on brake repair, but you may potentially be preventing an accident caused by failing brakes.  But how do you know when brake pads need changing?   

You may be wondering just what are brake pads and what happens when they wear out?  A vital component of the brake system, brake pads are located between the brake shoe and the brake drum.  Every time you engage your brakes, the friction created causes minute amounts of wear and tear. Over time, this deterioration starts to add up and the pads, as well as the brake rotors,  will become thinner and thinner. 

How do you know when brake pads need changing? 

• Screeching noise -- This sound is caused by a small, metallic shim indicator that’s embedded in the brake pad for this purpose.  A thin layer of dust on the pads can cause a very similar screeching sound, but it will go away when using the brakes.
• Less than ¼” of Brake Pad -- Visually check the brake pads by looking through the tire spokes. If the pads are less than ¼ inch thick, it may be time to replace them.
• Metallic Grinding and Growling -- This can be a sign that not only are your brake pads worn away but that your brake discs and calipers are making contact. This metal on metal contact can cause even further brake damage.
• Warning Lights -- Some vehicles have an indicator light on the dashboard that will signal when it’s time to replace the brake pads. Inspect your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle comes equipped with the low-paid warning system.

Brake pads can normally last between 30,000-35,000 miles—varying from vehicle to vehicle and from driver to driver. For example, if you drive mostly in urban areas or in heavy traffic, you’ll be using your brakes a lot more frequently than someone who drives in rural locations or on open highways. Some people also tend to “ride the brake”, wearing out the pads and brake rotors faster than usual.

Are you wondering how do you know when brake pads need changing?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about brake pads and brake rotors and to schedule a brake service.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.

What is the Average Life of a Car Battery?

That little black box under the hood is like the heart of your vehicle--if it is starting to wear out, your car doesn't have the power to start, move, or power any of the electrical accessories.  Did you know that one of the most common reasons for road-side assistance calls is a dead battery?

So you ask, “What is the average life of a car battery?”  With usual driving conditions, car batteries will become worn down and inefficient around the 3-year mark.  Car batteries work just like a cell-phone battery--with every charge, it becomes less efficient.   If your battery is four or five years old, it may be almost totally unreliable.

Weak batteries will have a negative effect on the auto electrical system, such as headlights, power windows, etc.  The stop-start technology in newer vehicles could also be negatively affected as engines that are designed to automatically switch off when at a standstill place a greater strain on batteries than standard vehicles. 

It’s possibly time for a car battery replacement if you are noticing any of the signs below:

1. The engine won’t start even though you hear it cranking. 
2. You turn the key in the starter but nothing happens.
3. Your vehicle may start randomly one day and not the next.  

The car battery should be on your maintenance checklist, just like changing the oil, air filter, tires rotation, and windshield wipers.  Many new vehicles have powerful computers that are operating all the time, even when the vehicle is parked and switched off, drawing energy from the battery at a slow, steady rate. 

Here are a few things to inspect if you are having starting issues:  

1. Battery terminals and cables may be loose, broken, corroded, or calcified, 
2. The fluid level in the terminals may be too low,
3. An electrical current is drawing power from the battery even when the car is turned off,
4. The starter is going bad,
5. The alternator is going bad.

If you are starting to wonder if it’s time for a car battery replacement, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about a car battery replacement and to make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

How Often Should Car Maintenance be performed?

Spring has arrived and summer is knocking at the door.  Your vehicle has taken a beating through the harsh winter driving conditions.  You may be wondering how often should car maintenance be performed to get ready for the hot days up ahead.  If you drive a lot of miles on a regular basis, you need your car to be as reliable as possible.  This means that you should follow the vehicle maintenance schedule listed in your owner’s manual.  This will help prevent unforeseen breakdowns and expensive repairs. 

Kelton Research published a study some years ago that is still true today.  Although it shows that nine-in-ten American car owners believe they maintain their vehicles correctly, the study shows that only 41 percent really follow the manufacturer’s service recommendations.  The study further reports that less than one in four of the vehicle owner’s work with a certified mechanic to develop a plan for ongoing vehicle maintenance.  From these statistics, it is easy to deduce that there are a lot of vehicles on the road that is greatly in need of some type of auto repair.   

Here are some of the most important vehicle maintenance items:

• Inspect Every week or month
  • Dashboard Indicator Lights
  • Lights, exterior and interior
  • Condition of the tires
  • Windshield Washer Fluid
  • Engine Oil Level
• Inspect Every 3 Months/ 3,000 Miles
  • Automatic Transmission Fluid
  • Battery and Cables
  • Engine oil and filter
  • Exhaust and muffler
  • Hoses and belts
  • Power Steering Fluid
• Inspect Every 6 Months/6,000 Miles
  • Chassis Lubrication
  • Wiper Blades
• Inspect Every 12 Months/ 12,000 miles
• Brakes
• Cabin Air Filter
• Coolant
• Steering and Suspension
• Wheel Alignment

With the cost of gas and car repairs on the rise, as well as the cost of purchasing a new vehicle, it is important to understand that taking care of your current car could be one of the wisest economical decisions you make.

Do you know more about what are the most important car maintenance items? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about vehicle maintenance 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 Your Radiator Goes Bad?

Well, your vehicle has made it through the harsh cold days of winter.  That means your radiator has been on the job!  As we head into spring, take time to schedule a radiator service to make sure you don’t find yourself stranded on the side of the road experiencing what happens when your radiator goes bad.  If you have not already scheduled radiator service, don’t delay any longer to ensure your vehicle remains reliable transportation.

So what happens when your radiator goes bad?  Take a minute to consider the three most common issues below: 

• Overheating – If the coolant/antifreeze cannot flow through the engine freely, it will likely become overheated.  Make sure the hoses are clear and that the level of antifreeze/coolant is just right.  If you should see a warning light illuminate or the temperature gauge rising to the hot zone, get your car off the road instantly to prevent damage to your engine and call a tow truck.
• Leaking – Radiator hoses and clamps should be checked frequently as they become brittle and crack over time.  If you see a puddle on the garage floor or notice the smell of antifreeze, a hose may want to be replaced or the radiator may be corroded with rust. 
• Smoking – If there is smoke coming from under the hood, it may simply be that coolant has leaked onto the motor and is being burnt off. Though, smoke coming from the muffler could mean that the head gasket has been damaged from the engine overheating.

Tip to Remember:  Regular radiator service is vital to inspect the hoses and radiator unit for leaking and to make sure the antifreeze/water mixture is still effective.  A flush of the cooling system may be suggested, or simply topped off.

Do you have more questions about what happens when your radiator goes bad?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about radiator service and to make an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.