Central Tire

Tech Tips
Tech Tip #1	Transmissions If your transmission is having trouble shifting, or you see red fluid puddling around your car, check your transmission fluid level right away. Transmissions are closed systems and need to be full at all times. But don't waste your time continually refilling the fluid,bring it to a shop and get the leak fixed before it's cost you more in the long run.
Tech Tip #2	Belts & Hoses Before starting any long trip or after every 50,000 miles of use, check all of the engine's accessory belts. Today, many cars are equipped with a serpentine belt that runs all of the accessories, so if that belt breaks, you can lose your power steering, water pump and charging system immediately. Inspect the engine and look at the belt (or belts) to see if there is visible damage, abnormal wear or small hairline cracks. Replace any belt that shows signs of wear. Even if a belt appears to be in good condition, it should be replaced every 50,000 miles as preventative maintenance.
Tech Tip #3	Brakes Your vehicle's most critical system is its brakes. Many people never look at the master cylinder until they have brake failure. In late-model vehicles, the master cylinders are often made of semi-opaque plastic that allows inspecting the fluid level without taking off the cover, as is the case with cast-iron master cylinders. In addition to checking fluid level, look for leaks where the brake lines attach to the master cylinder and where the master cylinder bolts to the power booster. If you see signs of brake fluid, tighten the fittings using a line wrench on brake-line nuts to prevent against rounding off their shoulders. If the master cylinder is leaking at the rear, replace it.
Tech Tip #4	Wipers & Washers The windshield wipers and washers are obviously very important parts of your car, and they need periodic maintenance. Windshield wiper blades should be replaced once a year to maintain a perfect seal against the glass. (Hardened rubber can scratch the glass surface and will not remove water effectively.) When replacing wiper blades, make sure that the refills are the exact same length as the OE ones. This will prevent metal-to-glass contact and the serious scratching that usually results. The windshield washer reservoir should also be checked and filled with a cleaning product, not just water. Periodically use the washers to make sure they're functioning properly. Clogged squirt nozzles can be cleaned by clearing them with a small-gauge wire. If the problem is the electric pump on the washer-fluid reservoir, replace the pump. Driving in slushy snow or muddy rain can impair vision and require frequent use of the washers. Don't neglect this safety item.
Tech Tip #5	Lights Another safety-related aspect that should be checked periodically is the light system. With the exception of the bright-white halide-gas headlights on expensive new sports cars, many automotive lights are just bulbs, downsized versions of the ones in your house. As such, they do eventually burn out. Periodically check the lights to make sure they're all working. Turn on your emergency flasher and see if all four lights flash. Then individually try the right and left turn signal to make sure they are working front and rear. Ask a friend to apply the brakes to see if the brake lights are functioning. Obviously, it's extremely dangerous to drive a car with faulty brake lights. If any of the lights aren't working, replace that bulb. If the brake lights aren't working first check the bulbs, then the brake switch. If your dash lights are not functioning, check for burned out fuses, or for defective bulbs in older vehicles. For passenger safety, make sure that the courtesy lamps illuminate. Don't forget any underhood bulbs as well as the trunk lamp.
Tech Tip #6	Tire Care Many companies now offer spray-on tire-care products. Some people prefer the glossy-black look while others like a more natural semi-gloss black. Common soap pads can be used to clean white letters and to remove the brown brake dust from the sidewalls. Most people are well aware that tire failures can be fatal. With this in mind, get in the habit of visually inspecting daily for sidewall bulges and checking air pressure at every gas stop. After all, a tire pressure gauge is a lot cheaper than a new set of tires. Proper inflation pressure makes tires last longer, and it also improves the vehicle's fuel economy. Assuming that the wheels are properly aligned, under-inflation causes the tires' shoulders to wear faster than the centers, and over-inflation makes the center strips go bald earlier than the shoulders. Your owner's manual will recommend the correct pressure for your vehicle. Assuming that the vehicle is aligned properly, inexpensive tires should last in excess of 30,000 miles; expensive brands often go over 50,000. Conversely, worn tires may work okay in dry weather, but they can become downright dangerous in the rain. Periodically inspect the sidewalls for cracking or splitting. Old tires, even with low mileage, can be dangerous because the rubber cracks and hardens over time. Any tire over five years old should be changed. Bottom line: Blowouts can be fatal!
Tech Tip #7	Wheels These days, almost all new vehicles (with the possible exceptions of econo-boxes and heavier-duty trucks) are factory-equipped with alloy wheels. Some of these wheels have a natural finish, some have a natural finish with a clear coating and some are powdercoated. Regardless, all eventually get caked with disc-brake dust and road grime. At the parts store, it's important to select a cleaner that's designed for your wheel type. For example, clear-coated wheels should be cleaned with a different cleaner than natural-finish alloys or steel wheels. Check with your manufacturer for your specific wheel type and select the appropriate product.
Tech Tip #8	Air Filter The air filter and positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve are important parts of your vehicle's fuel system. The air filter provides clean air to a vehicle's carburetion system, and if it becomes clogged or dirty, it can cause your car to idle or run roughly and reduce gas mileage. The PCV valve helps prevent the release of gas fumes from the engine. If it becomes blocked or clogged, it can cause oil leaks and promote the formation of sludge in the engine. You should check your air filter every six months and replace it according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. If you're unsure, replace the filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles, or sooner if the vehicle is operated in extremely dusty conditions. Replace the filter when it appears dirty or clogged. Replace the crankcase breather filter at the same time if it's dirty. Check the PCV valve and any related hoses whenever you check or replace the air filter. It's also a good idea to check the fuel filter, spark plugs, points, condenser, cap, rotor and wires.


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