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Even with modern technology, some auto parts need to be replaced more often than others. Some parts may not need to be replaced at all over the life of the car, while others need to be repaired or replaced three, four or more times. We identify the most common auto repairs and the symptoms when the parts begin failing. Brake Repairs As a general rule, brakes need to be replaced every 50,000 miles. However, this figure can vary widely depending on your driving habits and where you live. Constant...

Weather and water affect your car’s performance. The Pacific Northwest is known for rainfall year-round and dictates how you should handle your vehicle’s maintenance. Prioritize rainy weather car care to keep your vehicle in optimal health. Inspect the Tires Tire health is especially important when driving on wet surfaces. The treads help expel water away and maintain a firm traction. If the tire grooves are excessively worn, they significantly lose their gripping ability. In turn, this can a...

Winter tires are sturdy, but like all-season tires, they eventually wear out. This is especially the case if you use them year-round, which is a definite no-no. How long do winter tires last and how can you extend their life? Generally, How Long Do Winter Tires Last? Unfortunately, we can’t give you a straight answer in years or mileage. Typically, assuming you only use the tires in winter like you’re supposed to, expect them to last about four seasons. Of course, they can last longer or shor...

It’s wise to switch to winter tires now that fall is coming to an end. However, should you take the extra step of adding studs? What exactly are studded winter tires and how are they different than those without studs? Studded Winter Tires Explained As suggested in their name, studded winter tires have metal studs implanted throughout the tread surface. This enhances the tire’s ability to grip the road when driving over icy and slushy surfaces. The studs essentially act as miniature anchors t...

Tire balancing is a routine tire service that too many car owners ignore. Imbalance issues can have a drastic negative effect on tire health. Learn how to recognize the signs of tires that are out of balance and the ramifications of not addressing the issue.   What Is Tire Balance?   Tire balance issues occur when there’s an unequal weight distribution on the tire surface, causing uneven tread wear. Just one ounce of uneven weight distribution is enough to cause uneven wear.   An under-inflate...

Chances are the tires on your car are all-season tires. This means they’re designed for use across varying temperature ranges. With fall here and winter not far off, it may be time to consider a shift to winter tires.   Why Switch to Winter Tires?   Under wet road conditions, all-season tires have the gripping ability equivalent to winter tires with half-worn treads. This is assuming the all-season tires are in good condition.   Winter tires are made from softer rubber compounds for enhanced g...

Healthy brakes are crucial for commuting safety. If the pedal doesn’t fully respond or just feels off, it may be time for brake repair. Damaged brakes are hazardous; learn to recognize the indicators of brake problems. 1. Pulling Do you notice the car slightly pulling to one side when you apply the brakes? This may point to one of two issues: low brake fluids or uneven wear in the brake lining. The former is an easy DIY fix, though it may also be signs of a brake fluid leak, which stems from w...

Blowing a tire at 70 mph is one of the scariest experiences drivers can have. This is much more commonplace in the summer. Although blowouts due to underinflated tires can happen any time of year, it's the combination of heat and underinflation that makes tires especially prone to this mishap during summer. When a car is driving down a road, the sidewalls of the tires are flexing (bending, grabbing the asphalt), which creates heat. Find out how to prevent a tire blowout and what to do if you fi...

Protect Your Automobile from the Incoming Heatwave Puyallup is far from the hottest city. Nevertheless, temperatures can reach and even exceed the three-digit range during the summer months. Follow these summer car care tips to maintain peak performance and stay safe on the road. Check the Fluid Levels The number one cause of car failure during the summer months is engine overheating. When we say check fluid levels, we mean all of them. This includes oil, transmission, coolant, and wiper fluid....

Winter is just around the corner and for many drivers in Washington, that means icy roads, salt corrosion, and heavy snow are coming. To make sure your car is taken care of during the winter months and your safety is not compromised in the difficult weather, follow these four simple winter car care tips. 1. Lighting It gets darker earlier during the winter, which jeopardizes your visibility as a driver. As a result, you will want to do everything you can to ensure the lights in your car work pr...