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How To Prolong The Life Of Tires

 

6 Tips To Help Use Tires For Long

Conroe, United States - October 10, 2022 /Milstead Service Center/

Cars are an important investment. Auto repairs and maintenance incur expenses, which can be considered an investment in safety. These repairs keep a vehicle functioning efficiently and safely. Tires are a vital part of any vehicle. Their maintenance will help save replacement costs and improve safety. In this article, Milstead Service Center in Conroe, TX, shares how to prolong the life of car tires. 

Some Ways to Get the Maximum Use of Car Tires

1. Check and Maintain The Right Pressure

Too much or too little air in tires will cause them to wear out faster. The fuel mileage also depends on whether the tires are overinflated or underinflated. Car tires lose pressure when used over time. The air pressure is also affected by the temperature, depending on the seasons. When the air pressure is less than required, tires are less responsive to steering changes. Flatter tires also will have more wear as the higher friction from more rubber in contact with the road wears the tread and tire. Car owners can check tire pressure with a tire pressure gauge. The ideal pressure for a tire will have this information in the vehicle owner's manual or on stickers inside cars. 

2. Rotating Tires 

The four tires on a car get used differently. Front tires may undergo more wear and tear than rear tires unless it is a rear-wheel drive car. Tires wear differently because the wear is distributed unevenly. So, tires in a certain position may wear out more quickly than others. This can be limited by rotating the tires from front to back and right to left periodically (every 5,000 to 8,000 miles). 

3. Get Wheels Balanced 

Car tires may get slightly unbalanced. Each tire will have spots heavier or lighter than others, causing vibration and wear and tear. Rebalancing tires is done by a machine that detects small differences and adjusts them to balance them. Tires can get rebalanced whenever they are rotated. 

4. Yearly Alignment Checks

Tires must be parallel and point straight to maintain tread efficiency and obtain maximum fuel efficiency. When tires wear out, they start pointing away from the middle of the car. When tires are not aligned, the car pulls to a side, or the steering wheel vibrates when the car is being driven. Since wheel alignment can be affected by driving over potholes, curbs, or bumping into something, it must be checked periodically.

5. Drive With Care

If a car accelerates, tires squeal, and the friction makes the rubber tread wear out faster. The driver must be careful when turning corners or when parallel parking to limit rubber from being scratched off the tires. The auto mechanic checking the wheel alignment or rotating tires can check the tread. When tread shows signs of tough wearing, the tires may need replacement.

6. Dry Rot Prevention

Dry rot is the cracking or splitting of walls or the tread of the tire. It makes the tire more susceptible to developing a leak or blowout. Exposure to UV rays and ozone leads to dry rot. Car owners must avoid parking in sunlight. Owners must move unused cars regularly to prevent the tires from settling in one spot and becoming flat. 

These measures can help keep tires in good condition for longer. Tires in good condition will help save costs of frequent tire replacements. From Milstead Service Center, car owners can get tire repair, wheel alignment, wheel balancing, and all auto repairs in Conroe, TX. This auto mechanic provides dependable, trustworthy auto repair services. Milstead Service Center offers services at affordable prices that are a fraction of the cost of the dealerships. For auto and RV repair, vehicle owners can contact Milstead Service Center by calling (936) 441-3500.

 

How To Identify Problems With Transmission

The Signs Of Transmission Going Out

Conroe, United States - October 14, 2022 /Milstead Service Center/

Each part of the car has an important function. When any part is impaired, it affects the performance and safety of the vehicle. A vehicle's transmission is a complex system made up of numerous parts. The transmission must be serviced per vehicle manufacturer recommendations or every 30,000 miles. 

Transmission repairs may be needed periodically. Vehicle owners must choose a trusted, reliable auto repair shop. Milstead Service Center in Conroe, TX, has expertise in different types of vehicle transmissions. Affordable and dependable auto repair is its hallmark. Milstead Service Center has ASE-Certified technicians who are up to date on the latest in automotive technology, diagnostics, and repairs. This auto repair shop performs transmission repairs for cars, vans, trucks, SUVs, and RVs. In this article, Milstead Service Center shares some signs of transmission problems in vehicles.

Signs of Transmission Problems in Vehicles

1. Check Engine Light Warning

When there is transmission trouble, the engine control module alerts the driver by turning on the check engine light. Often, transmission trouble comes with other problems, as further enumerated below.

2. Burning Smell

A burning smell from beneath cars, trucks, or utility vehicles indicates an overheating vehicle's transmission. This is generally due to low transmission fluid levels. Transmission fluid protects the transmission, lubricates the parts, and helps to shift the gears. When transmission fluid is low, it can lead to a burning odor. 

3. Transmission Fluid Leak

Transmission fluid leaks can result in low transmission fluid. The leaks can occur out of transmission hoses, transmission pan, pan gasket, and other parts of the transmission. Drops of transmission fluid may be seen on the garage floor underneath the vehicle and towards its center. The transmission fluid is red, so it is easy to identify a transmission leak. 

4. Gear Shift Problems

When transmission develops problems, the gears also develop problems. It may become impossible to get the vehicle to go into gear. Or else, putting the car in gear produces loud sounds. During the gear cycle, the transmission may not shift or skip gears in the cycle. When the transmission is faulty, it can slip out of gear. The engine revs suddenly and then loses power when this happens. This is because the transmission slips out of gear, and the vehicle is neutral. 

5. Vibration During Gear Shift

Ideally, when the transmission shifts gears, there is minimal movement. If a shake or vibration is felt when shifting gears, it may be due to transmission issues.

6. Strange Sounds

Grinding or squealing noises when the transmission shifts gears and a loud clunk when putting the vehicle into gear may point to a transmission problem that needs transmission repair. 

7. Dragging Clutch

A dragging clutch is another symptom of a bad transmission.  The clutch plate does not disengage with the flywheel, which causes friction when shifting gears and making noise. This happens when excess dirt and slack collect in and around the pedal, causing a blockage around the pedal. Clutch dragging can also be due to improper clutch cables that cause broken linkage and the failure to separate the clutch disc from the flywheel.

When in doubt about the condition of transmission or any function of vehicles, owners may require help from an auto repair shop. Milstead Service Center is ideal for auto, truck, or RV repairs, including transmission repair, in Conroe, TX. This auto repair center focuses on quality auto repairs and exemplary customer service. For any auto repair needs in Conroe, TX, vehicle owners can contact Milstead Service Center at (936) 441-3500.

 

How To Extend a Car Battery Life

 

Tips To Prolong The Life Of Car Batteries

Conroe, United States - October 9, 2022 /Milstead Service Center/

The car battery can be considered the lifeline of a car. With proper care, vehicle owners can get their car batteries to serve them for a longer time. Car batteries work more on the road as more electrical components are added to vehicles. Regular maintenance, including that of the car battery, is important for the optimum functioning of the vehicle.

Although car battery replacement is an option, a well-maintained car battery can help to improve its durability. In this article, Milstead Service Center shares how the life of a car battery can be extended. In Conroe, TX, Milstead Service Center offers RV, truck, and car repair. This auto repair shop uses original manufacturer parts or high-quality aftermarket parts for repairs to keep vehicles in the best condition. 

The average lifespan of a car battery is around three to four years. Drivers who take care of certain aspects may get up to six years of good use from their car batteries. But if inadequate care is taken, the car battery may last for a lesser number of years. 

Tips to increase the life of a car battery

1. Get the Right Car Battery

The choice of a car battery must be according to the vehicle's power requirements.

2. Clean the Battery Terminals

Car owners must check batteries and their connections regularly to ensure that the connections are secure and that there is no accumulated dirt or grime. A powdery substance keeps forming where the cables meet the terminals. Dust and corrosive substances that gather on the battery terminals can affect its performance and durability. Cleaning the battery terminals with a dry cloth will help smooth power transmission through the terminals and prolong the battery life.

3. Use the Car Regularly and Avoid Short Trips

Car batteries recharge when the car is driven. If the car is unused for days or used for short trips, there is insufficient time for the battery to be recharged. Regular long trips help to keep the batteries charged. If a car has to be left unused for some time, it must be started every 5 to 7 days for at least 5 minutes to keep the car battery in good working condition. 

4. Take Care During Extreme Temperatures

The temperature can fluctuate between high and low in places like Texas. These frequent and significant temperature variations can reduce the life of car batteries. Car batteries corrode when water evaporates from them at a very high temperature. A corroded car battery will take the engine more time to start.

5. Turn Off Accessories when Idling

Car batteries start the car and send power to the accessories when the ignition is turned on. When starting the car, car owners can save battery power by keeping accessories like phone chargers, air conditioners, and seat warmers off. An electrical component, like an interior light, can drain the battery power if left on when the car is off. All accessories must be turned off or unplugged when the car is not in use. 

6. Regular Battery Testing

The battery condition must be assessed regularly. Battery testing will help understand how much voltage a battery puts out and whether it is functioning well. It reduces the risk of getting stranded with a dead battery while on a trip. Battery testing will also help determine when the car battery replacement must be done. Car owners can do this with a battery tester or book an appointment at a local car repair center. A multimeter indicates the car battery's condition but is not as reliable as a professional car mechanic's equipment. Car owners can google "auto shop near me" and choose a reliable auto repair shop for battery services. Car owners in Conroe, TX, can choose Milstead Service Center for dependable, trustworthy auto repair services by ASE-Certified technicians. 

Prolonging the life of car batteries saves time and money. These tips will help car owners keep their car batteries in good condition. Milstead Service Center is the place to go for general maintenance and car repair needs in Conroe, TX. At this auto repair shop, customers receive a detailed report on the general health of their vehicles at the end of every visit.Milstead Service Center provides truck, RV, and car repairs, and their number one priority is to keep each customer safe on the road. Vehicle owners can contact Milstead Service Center by dialing (936) 441-3500.