Auto Repair 101 - Automotive & Tire Tips | Black's Tire and Auto Service

06

How Potholes Can Damage Your Car

posted on 2/6/2019 7:27:04 AM

Most of us have been taught to avoid potholes while driving. It was probably one of the very first things we learned behind the wheel! Although most us know driving over potholes is bad for our vehicles, very few know exactly why that is. These are the parts of your vehicle you should be worried about if you accidentally drive over a pothole: Steering System If you hit a pothole, you risk misaligning your steering system. If you have noticed your vehicle pulling to the left or right while y...

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05

Auto Repair Jargon You Should Know

posted on 2/5/2019 1:01:52 PM

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 w...

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10

Strange Traffic Laws from Around the World

posted on 1/10/2019 10:23:24 AM

If you’ve ever driven in a foreign country, you’ve probably encountered your fair share of strange traffic laws. Did you know you’ll be fined for driving a dirty car in Russia or for driving without a breathalyzer in your car in France? Some of these laws are hard to believe! 1. In Russia, you will be fined for driving a dirty vehicle. 2. In Germany, it is illegal to run out of fuel on the Autobahn. 3. In Alabama it is legal to drive the wrong way down a one-way street, but only if yo...

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11

The Different Types of Engine Oil

posted on 10/11/2018 10:52:05 AM

If you’ve ever taken a car in to be serviced, you’ve probably been asked by the mechanic, “What type of oil are you getting?” If you’re like most people, you probably just say “Whatever it takes,” or “Whatever you recommend!” Depending on your vehicle, the mechanic may recommend one of four types of motor oil: full synthetic, synthetic blend, conventional, or high mileage. Each type of oil has a specific chemical makeup and purpose it is best suited for: Conventional Motor Oil: Conve...

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11

Something is Leaking: What Is It?

posted on 10/11/2018 10:23:59 AM

Finding that fluid which is leaking from your car can be alarming. It is possible fluid leaking from your car could be normal, but other times leaking fluids are a symptom of a bigger problem with your vehicle. Before you panic, there are two questions you need to ask: 1) “Where is the fluid coming from?” and 2) “What does the fluid look like?” When determining where the fluid is coming from, first find out for certain whether the fluid is even coming for your vehicle and not the vehicle ...

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11

Why Your MPG Isn’t What It Used to Be

posted on 10/11/2018 9:54:40 AM

These days, cars are getting better gas mileage than ever before. You don’t even have to buy a hybrid anymore to own a vehicle averaging 30 or 40 MPG. Many car owners notice that after a while, their MPG starts to wane. It’s easy to brush this off if you are still getting decent mileage, but this decrease in performance is often a symptom of bigger issues with your vehicle. These are the most common reasons for a decrease in gas mileage: Bad Fuel Injectors: Fuel injectors are what puts f...

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30

How to Tell If Your Drive Belt Is Failing

posted on 8/30/2018 5:20:55 PM

The drive belt, or serpentine belt, is a belt on your vehicle’s engine that provides power for the power steering, alternator, air conditioning, and occasionally, the cooling system’s water pump. It is made of a durable, rubber-based material, and it continues to function if the engine is powered on. If your drive belt breaks, your car will not be drivable – usually due to the engine overheating. Here are the things to look out for if you suspect you have a failing drive belt: Visual Cra...

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12

Test Drive Checklist

posted on 7/12/2018 10:22:09 AM

In the hopes of finding the perfect used vehicle, you have researched, pulled history reports, and compared a dozen different vehicle makes and models. You have put a lot of time and effort into finding the right vehicle. Don’t let your excitement cost you down the road. A used car can save you money, but only if you buy the right one. The right used vehicle will be one which appeals to you, has a clean history report, and doesn’t need expensive repairs. It can be difficult to tell if a ve...

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12

Back to School Checklist

posted on 7/12/2018 9:54:22 AM

“School days, school days. Dear old golden rule days.” Parents, teachers, and students… we know you’re excited for the start of a brand new school year! Along with buying school supplies and new clothes, car maintenance should be high on your ”back to school” to-do list. Whether you are a student driver, a teacher, or a parent dropping your kids off at school every day, a reliable car is important. We’ve gathered a few important items to jot down on your back to school checklist. Chec...

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11

What to do When Your Car Overheats

posted on 7/11/2018 1:36:12 PM

It’s finally summer and this year it looks like it’s going to be a hot one. If you’re like me, I bet you have already planned your vacation or at least scheduled a weekend getaway. At this point, I have packed my bags and planned a few fun activities for the family. I’m a little worried about one thing… my rental car. You never know if routine maintenance has been performed. I’m driving over 1,000 miles and can only hope the engine doesn’t overheat. I can’t control what kind of mainte...

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News

How Potholes Can Damage Your Car

Auto Repair Jargon You Should Know

Strange Traffic Laws from Around the World

The Different Types of Engine Oil

Something is Leaking: What Is It?

Why Your MPG Isn’t What It Used to Be

How to Tell If Your Drive Belt Is Failing

Test Drive Checklist

Back to School Checklist

What to do When Your Car Overheats

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