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In order to reduce the need for effort from the driver to steer the vehicle, engines use a system referred to as “power steering.” This is a hydraulic system that uses power steering fluid to build pressure that is used to change the direction of the wheels. This means that you don’t need to arm wrestle with your steering wheel when trying to take a turn.   When your car’s power steering system begins to fail — or the fluid needs to be replaced — it can make it much harder to control arou...

A blown tire can ruin more than just your day. Tire trouble can cost you money, time, or even damage your vehicle. Sometimes there is no warning your tire is about to blow. Road debris can cause a sudden puncture and there won’t be much you can do, but most tire issues can be prevented with simple monitoring and maintenance. Check out our list of basic tire maintenance below.   Check Your Tire Pressure The PSI of your tires varies depending on the type of tire you have and the type of driving ...

Some people love winter. They love the snow, the snap in the air, the short days and the cozy nights at home. Others can’t stand it for many of the same reasons. Regardless of whether you love it or hate it, though, chances are you’re going to have to get out and drive in it at some point. We’ve got a few suggestions to help you through the winter safely:    Make sure you’ve got a well-maintained car. This includes fresh windshield wipers, proper tire inflation, a strong battery, a proper...

Your tires are a big investment, and while it’s easy to just take them for granted, you want them to last through their entire warranty phase (at least). Here are some tips on how to get the most life out of a set of tires:   Tire Rotations — No vehicle has 50/50 weight distribution from front to rear, and front tires see a different set of stresses from braking and cornering. Rotating your tires at 5,000-mile intervals ensures even wear and good drivability and handling.   Proper Inflation —...

Have you ever gotten a little too excited using your parking brake? At some point, most of us pull up just a little too hard and get our brake lever jammed. There are several situations that require a little extra braking power. Knowing when and how to use your brake will help you avoid sticky situations.    When should I use my parking brake? If you drive a manual transmission, you might use your emergency brake every time you park your vehicle. You might even be using it when you are driving!...

We frequently get questions about all-season tires when consumers are trying to make the right purchasing decision for a set of new tires. As the title of the blog asks… “Are all-season tires really all-season?”   The answer is: It that depends on what part of the country you’re living in.   All-season tires are a compromise from the very start. They’re designed for a forgiving ride, low noise, decent handling and good road manners. Maybe not as much as what a good set of grand touring tir...

Often, drivers are mystified by how their cars work. It’s to be expected. Even an older car is a complex machine with many sub-assemblies that all work together to move it down the road. As a result, drivers tend to be a little intimidated by auto repair and often tend to not inform themselves by asking the necessary questions of a tech or a garage. Too often, that ends up being a big mistake. Do you have car questions? Ask them!   Here are some examples of the kinds of things you really shoul...

On those hot and humid summer days, the refreshing breeze of a car’s air conditioning is always a welcome relief. However, if you switch on your car A/C only to be met with warm, stale air, a trip to your local auto repair shop is sure to be the only thing on your mind. For an air conditioning system to work perfectly, it needs to cool, dehumidify, and circulate the air inside your vehicle. The system itself is a complex orchestra of tubes, wires, and tanks, and if one part fails, the whole t...

With power brakes, it can be hard to notice when brake pads have worn to a point of needing replacement. Braking performance often doesn’t seem to drop off considerably until the brakes have gotten to a point of actually being dangerous! Here are some ways to get out in front of a problem like worn brakes: Listen to your brakes. Many brake pads are designed with a spring-steel tab that protrudes from the backing plate and serves as a wear indicator. When the brake pad friction material has wor...

It's summer, it's North Georgia, and it is predictably time for backyard barbecues, little league baseball, and scorching hot weather.  Summer can be great fun but the hot summer temperatures and sun-baked blacktop can have some negative effects on your car.  Take a look at these simple tips to keep your car running strong all summer long. Your Battery - When it comes to modern cars, the battery is no longer just for cranking your engine and starting your car.  Unlike cars of old, new cars are ...