Longview Auto & Tire

The orange look of rust is not only hideous, but it can do a lot more than bring down the appearance of your car. Rust can eat away your important structures and components, interfering with the vehicle's integrity and performance. Save yourself from the frustration and troubles of rust by following these preventative tips below: Tip #1: Wash your car routinely, winters included. It may seem easier said than done, but a car wash can do wonders for your vehicle. Getting rid of dirt and debris off your car will ensure the outer coating of paint stays fresh and the undercarriage clean. Furthermore, it is especially important to rinse your vehicle off in the winter. The salt often scattered on the roads can make it easier for rust to form.  Tip #2: Pay attention to your vehicle's paint. Is the paint on your car peeling? Are there scratches or chips? Any open cut on your vehicle's paint can allow external elements, like water to sneak in and create rust.  Tip #4: Do ... read more

Life can be quite hectic, and the last thing you probably want to do is to measure your tire's tread depth. However, this task is necessary to do from time to time for the sake of your and others' safety on the road. Measuring tread depth is important because they give you traction and are a deciding factor when it comes to replacing your tires. Luckily, there is a very quick and easy way to measure tread depth: The Penny Test. It is just as simple as it sounds; all you need is a penny and access to your car tires! To do the test, insert the coin with Lincoln's head facing downwards to the tire tread and see how deep it gets. If you can see Lincoln's entire head, your tread is less than 2/32 inch, meaning you need to have your tires replaced ASAP. Anything below 2/32 inch is also considered illegal and will not pass state inspections in most states. If your tire tread measures... 4/32" or more: Your tire tread is still in good condition 3/32": You should r ... read more

Power steering has proven to be a wonderful invention to modern-day vehicles. Without it, you would have to put forth a significant amount of work to make your turns. Over time, your power steering system may experience problems if your car hasn't been well kept. Here are some of the different power steering-related issues drivers may encounter:  Steering Pump – A broken pump in your power steering system will certainly get your attention! You will notice a high-pitched screeching noise coming from the location of the pump. Most importantly, you should have a professional auto repair tech check up on your steering components to be sure. Belt – When the belts related to the power steering system become worn, cracked, or damaged, you may feel some shakiness when turning the wheel. If you are experiencing a problem with the belt, we highly urge you to take your car to Longview Auto & Tire as soon as possible. Fluid – Some power steering fluid systems are ... read more

In most parts of the US, autumn means the arrival of cooler weather, fuzzy sweaters, and sports. It's also known as a transition period between summer and winter, where leaves often change into brilliant colors and fall (hence the name)! These leaves may scatter your driveway, the roads, the highway, and even your car. Unfortunately, too many fallen leaves and nature's debris can pose significant risks for your vehicle's condition. Here's how: Change Paint Finish Some leaves contain sap, pollen, or spores that can destroy your paint's finish. When the leaves get soaked by rainwater, it can get acidic. The acid can then "leave" a mark and damage your car's paint finish. Furthermore, if the soggy leaves are left too long, it can contribute to rust formation.  Make Your Ride Slippery When the roads get coated in slimy leaves, it can be difficult for your wheels to properly contact the road (especially if you have poor tread). The slippy feel bed ... read more

It's October, which means Halloween is nearly here! Regardless of whether you have children or not, you are liable to drive safe and keep others safe. If you plan on going somewhere on Halloween, you will surely see many pedestrians, and most of them will be children. In order to make sure everyone has a fun and safe time trick-or-treating, please follow our safe driving tips! Decrease Your Speed – An essential tip that you should remember is to reduce your speed. The speed limit in a residential area is typically 25mph or under, but the slower you go, the more time you'll have to react. With so many children walking around, you need to be extra cautious by driving slowly. Put Down Major Distractions - We urge you to give the road 100 percent of your attention at all times. An excellent way to do this is to silence your phone to avoid any interruptions. In addition, you should avoid eating or drinking of any sort. Your hands should be clear of anything else and gripped ... read more