Stephenson Tire and Auto

Auto Repair Jargon You Should Know

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 20:21:00 GMT

Unless you consider yourself a car enthusiast, you may find yourself feeling a bit lost when having conversations with your mechanic. At times, it can feel like you are speaking to someone using a different language with words like “grease monkey,” “kickdown,” and “oversquare” whizzing past your head like dodgeballs.

Hopefully, this list of common auto repair terms will help your next conversation with your mechanic go a bit more seamlessly:

Aftermarket – This term applies to parts which are not made by the original manufacturer. The best aftermarket parts will meet or exceed the quality of the original parts in your vehicle.
Hesitation – “Hesitation” refers to the lack of response which occurs when you first accelerate.

Pull – Pulling is a sign you need a wheel alignment. Pulling occurs when your steering wheel is turning to the left or right on its own while you attempt to steer straight ahead.
OEM – OEM parts are those created by the original manufacturer. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.
Oversquare – “Oversquare” describes an engine with its cylinders having a greater bore diameter than its stroke length.
Kickdown – “Kickdown” describes the downshift in an automatic transmission which occurs when the throttle is depressed.
Grease Monkey – This term is just slang for a mechanic.
ASE – “ASE” is the common abbreviation for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, which issues certifications to professionals in the automotive service industry.
LOF – “LOF” is an abbreviation of “lube, oil, filter.” Similarly, LOFR is an abbreviation of “lube, oil, filter, rotation.”
TPMS – “TPMS” stands for tire pressure monitoring system. This is the system which tells you when your tire pressure is low.
Play – If you have excessive “play” in a part (typically suspension and steering parts), there is movement when there should be none. You may notice play in your steering wheel when there is a movement of the steering wheel before the wheels actually start to turn.

Hopefully, these explanations will help you the next time you take your vehicle in for regular maintenance or repairs!

History of the Modern Tire

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 20:21:00 GMT

Whether it’s the price of gas, the people you spend time with, or the level of satisfaction you have with your job, one thing in life is certain: things change. It may not be a surprise that your vehicle, the way it works, and how much it costs have changed significantly over the years. But have you ever thought about how much tires have changed?

Before air was introduced into tire designs, they were covered in wood, iron, solid rubber, and even leather. Although these weren’t the most shock-absorbent materials, they provided durability and grip. It took many years to develop the tires we use today. Let’s look at tires and how they have progressed through the years.

The modern tire was patented in 1847 by Robert Thompson, but had little success. At the time, consumers preferred the durability of solid rubber. It wasn’t until years later that the popularity of the bicycle would reintroduce the concept of a smoother ride.

John Boyd Dunlop was the first to manufacture the pneumatic tire in 1888. The pneumatic, or air-filled tire, was developed for Mr. Dunlop’s son, Jonnie. The cushion provided by the air allowed the 10-year-old to ride his bike without getting headaches from the bumpy roads.

The design was simple but effective for its time. By today’s standards, however, little Jonnie’s bicycle tires would fall short. Modern air-filled tires consist of synthetic rubber, steel cord, fabric, and other natural rubber compounds. Today’s tire is constantly being revolutionized by technology. Changing the materials used, design, durability, and functionality of the tire is an ongoing process.

One of the most significant design changes for the tire was the introduction of the tire tread. These grooves within the rubber’s surface can customize the way your tires perform and the way your vehicle handles. Tread and rubber composition can allow your vehicle to handle better in the snow, grip the road surface in hot temperatures, or survive hundreds of miles of hauling heavy loads.

The future may hold even more innovations in tire design and functionality. Today, tires are manufactured in hundreds of factories around the world, providing you with the comfort and performance we are used to. No matter what you drive, how you drive, or what your tire wish list is, there is a tire built for you.

How to Extend the Life of Your Brakes

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 20:20:00 GMT

Keeping your car’s brakes in good condition is one of the most crucial preventative maintenance items for keeping yourself, your passengers, and your car safe on the road. Your vehicle’s brake components are not going to last forever, but you can keep them properly maintained to preserve their usefulness and make sure they keep performing at their best. A faulty brake system can reduce your safety on the road and can cause other serious problems and expensive damages to your vehicle. Working brakes are essential to keeping safe on the road and could even be the difference between life and death.

Most brakes will lose their effectiveness after 25,000 miles, but factors like quality of the brake pad, braking habits, and the temperature can all have a significant impact on how long your car’s brakes last. Unlike oil changes or other maintenance items that are performed at regular intervals, a brake inspection is recommended once every six months or at the same time tire rotation service is performed. There are some steps you can take to extend the lifespan of your brakes by adapting your driving style to reduce the strain on your brakes.

Follow These Steps to Extend the Life of Your Brakes

Slow Down

The way you drive can affect your brakes. Speeding up and then slamming on the brakes will wear your brakes out faster than anything. The faster you’re driving, the more effort is needed by the braking system to bring your car to a stop. Bring your vehicle to a smooth and gradual stop.

Lose the Extra Weight

Having excessive weight in your vehicle has an impact on the brake pads. Having heavy equipment in the vehicle places an additional burden and pressure on the brakes, and the brakes will need to work harder to come to a stop. Only carry the essential items in your car; it’ll be easier on the brakes as well as the tires and fuel, too.

Use One Foot for the Brakes

Never press on the brake pedal with your left foot while pushing the gas with your right foot at the same time. This is known as brake riding and can quickly wear down the brake pads and warp the brake rotors. When traveling downhill, put the car in a lower gear, then apply the brakes with light pressure when needed to slow down safely. This will help maintaining the quality of your brakes. If you don’t want to end up going to a repair shop for premature brake services, change your driving habits, and use only one foot when driving.

Regular Maintenance

In order to make your brakes last as long as possible, it’s crucial to keep up with your car’s maintenance schedule. This will include checking brake fluid and conducting regular brakes fluid flush, examine brakes pad for wear, and regular brake inspection performed by mechanics at an auto repair shop. Getting regular brake services from your mechanic will keep the brake system in optimal working condition.

Maintaining your brake system and smart driving will help keep you safe on the road and increase the lifespan of your brake pads, saving you a lot of money on costly brake repairs. These helpful tips can help you to increase your brake’s longevity, improve your fuel efficiency, and save you tons of money.

Common Auto Heating & Cooling Issues

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 20:19:00 GMT

The heating and cooling systems are connected within your car, but they function as separate systems. Maintaining your A/C and heating systems involves having regular maintenance performed to avoid any larger issues down the line. Proper maintenance of these components can make the difference between a comfortable and relaxed drive and a torturous journey. The auto heating & cooling systems have so many components that it’s sometimes difficult to know what may be causing a malfunction or performance problem.

When you schedule a diagnostic inspection with an auto repair shop, they will identify the issue and make recommendations to fix your heating or cooling problems. Heating and cooling issues come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you experience issues with the air conditioning, the same issue may prevent the heater from working. At the beginning of summer and winter, you should schedule an appointment to have your car's air conditioning and heating systems examined.

Common Reasons for the Heating System Not to Work

Your car’s heating system has the important task of keeping the cabin of your car warm, comfortable, and safe when the temperature outside is cold. It is made up of several components, including the heater core, the blower motor and fan, heater hoses, the heater control valve, the HVAC (heater, ventilation, air conditioning) control panel on your dashboard, and the cabin air filter. The heating system utilizes the heat from the engine to keep the cabin of your vehicle warm. If your car's heating system is not working, the problem can be due to:

• Low coolant

• Air in the coolant system

• Malfunctioning heater core

• Failed (or failing) thermostat

Coming Issues With the A/C System

The air conditioning system of your vehicle keeps you cool and comfortable in humid conditions. Some of the main components that make up this system include the refrigerant, compressor, condenser, receiver drier, expansion valve, evaporator, lines, and accumulator. If you experience any of the following problems, it’s time to make an appointment with your trusted mechanic.

• Low refrigerant (will generally blow cool, but not cold)

• Clogged or leaking condenser

• Refrigerant cross-contamination

• Unresponsive pressure switches

• Damaged compressor

• Broken belt

• Clutch issues

• Moisture and debris

• Leaks

• A/C control head malfunctions

• Worn or stretched serpentine belt (required to operate the compressor and clutch)

Have a certified technician inspect your vehicle’s heater and air conditioning systems at least once every year. Well-maintained heating and cooling systems will allow you to drive in a comfortable and safe vehicle, and also help to avoid major repairs that can become costly.

How to Choose the Right Tire

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 20:18:00 GMT

Tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road. They also support the weight of the vehicle. Tires play a vital role in ensuring your car is safe to be driven. Selecting the right tires for your vehicle is an important task. Get it wrong, and you can jeopardize your car's performance and its ability to tackle any type of weather. Car tires usually need to be replaced every three or four years. Your tires must handle a wide variety of climatic conditions, so you need to make sure to buy tires that will perform not only in your most common climate conditions but also in the most extreme conditions that you will face.

Choosing the tires that will serve your needs best involves determining the kinds of driving you’re doing, the type of vehicle you own, and the weather conditions you regularly experience. When shopping for new tires, it is imperative that you choose tires that offer features that best support the driving conditions you face on the road. When choosing the best tires for your vehicle, consider the following things.

What Size Tire Do You Need?

Consult your owner’s manual to find the recommended tire measurements for your specific vehicle. The size of your tire is important because it must be able to carry the weight of your vehicle. No matter how good a tire you select, it needs to have the capability of carrying the load and help your vehicle respond to a quick emergency. When selecting your tires, make sure that they are the right size for your vehicle.

What Tire Type Do You Need?

The type of tires you will need is the ones that work best for your location and lifestyle. Tire types include all-season, winter, high-performance, summer, all-terrain, touring, and more. The vehicle you drive, how you drive, and the ideal weather in your location will determine the type of tires you need. All-season tires are designed to perform well in warm weather conditions and in moderate winter conditions. Winter tires are designed to perform in icy, cold, snowy, wet conditions, and summer tires perform best in warm weather.

What Are Your Priorities in Selecting a Tire?

After you’ve pinpointed the correct size and type for your vehicle, the specific qualities of different tires, like cost, appearance, brand, and so forth should be evaluated. Many drivers choose to stick with the same tires that came on their car when they got it. If the way you use your vehicle has changed, then you can change your tires to soothe your priorities for things like ride comfort, tire wear, performance, fuel efficiency, noise level, and more. Many manufacturers have websites to help consumers choose the right tire.

How to Break in Your New Car

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 20:17:00 GMT

You are stepping into the new year with a shiny, brand-new car. You can’t wait to take it out on the road and break it in. But how exactly do you do that? Breaking in a new car is a practice that has been recommended by manufacturers for decades. The ritual is often referred to as conventional wisdom. It involves a combination of driving techniques, precautions, and maintenance tasks to help extend a car’s lifespan. Properly breaking in your automobile will ensure that early engine wear is kept to a minimum, oil flows smoothly and evenly through all moving parts, and components such as the piston rings and transmission adjust to each other.

There are some techniques you can use to give your new car time to adjust to everyday driving conditions. Here we will highlight some of the things you need to do to break in your new vehicle. Your new ride deserves to be eased into the demands of its owners so it can perform effectively and last longer.

Techniques for Breaking in a New Car

Avoid Extreme Acceleration

When you get your new ride, we know the first thing you want to do is floor the accelerator when you get out on the open road. This can put a lot of strain on the engine oil, piston rings, and cylinders. Aggressive acceleration when the car is cold can be harmful. In the first 1,000 miles, accelerate gently and work through the gears quickly before the RPM can build too high.

Vary Your Engine Speed

Don’t push your new engine too hard for the first 1,000 miles. This can put a lot of strain on components. You should vary your speed while keeping the engine under 4,000 RPMs to properly break-in the engine. After that, you can gradually increase the RPM without any negative effects.

Avoid Hard Braking

Unless it's necessary, smooth and slow braking is the way to go. The new brake pads need at least 200 miles to properly wear-in and seat against parts like the rotors and calipers. Hard braking can cause the brake pads to wear rapidly, meaning you'll need new brake pads sooner.

Avoid Short Trips Which Don’t Give the Engine Time to Warm Up

Short trips aren’t ideal for brand new cars. When your engine is cold, it needs to work harder, putting a lot of strain on the oil delivery cycle. To break in your new car, take it on a long drive to let the engine warm through.

Aside from following the break-in guidelines in your car owner’s manual, proper maintenance will also help to extend the longevity of your car. Oil changes, tire maintenance, brakes, engine diagnostics, and all fluids should be monitored regularly and topped up as needed. Breaking in your vehicle will offer improved fuel economy, reduced oil consumption, optimal engine performance, and better overall reliability.