Longview Auto & Tire

Proper tire inflation pressure in your tires is important. Your tires can wear unevenly or even fail if underinflated.  The inflation of your tires can't be assessed just by looking at them; tires that look fine may be low by as much as 50 percent. Your vehicle's owner's manual states the proper inflation pressure at which your tires should be set. Some vehicles also state this information on a label on the driver's side door jamb, glove box or fuel door. The pressure indicated on the sidewall of the tire is the maximum pressure allowed for the tire and is not the normal tire pressure for your vehicle. How to Check & Adjust Your Tire Pressure 1. First, look for the correct tire pressure for your vehicle. Also, you will need a tire pressure gauge. 2. Make sure your tires are cool. Tire inflation pressure can increase when tires are hot. 3. Remove the cap from the valve on the tire. 4. Apply tire pressure gauge to valve. Read value from gau ... read more

Winter’s unpredictable weather can wreak havoc on your car. But quitting driving until the end of winter isn’t an option. Instead, let’s take a look at four of the most common cold-weather problems and some simple solutions to help prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle. Low Tire Pressure If, after a bit of cold weather, your low tire pressure light blinks on or you notice your tires look deflated – that temperature drop is very likely the culprit. Don’t worry; your tire’s air isn’t escaping through a leak or faulty valve. It just means that the air inside the tire condenses when it’s cold, taking up less space. Tire pressure decreases about 1 PSI (pound per square inch) every 10 degrees the temperature falls. Signs of low tire pressure: The tire looks deflated or the sidewall is bulging The steering and tread feel off or uneven The car’s fuel economy reduces When the temperatures outside start dropping, check your ... read more

You’re driving your kids home from school while they talk and bubble with laughter in the backseat. Suddenly, a car whips out right in front of you. You slam on the brakes and skid to a halt, avoiding the car by mere inches. Whew! Everyone’s gone quiet, and you silently thank your lucky stars that you just got your brakes replaced last month. Many of us don’t think about our vehicle’s brakes often. It’s usually only after an incident like this, that we stop to consider how important it is to have brakes that are in top-notch condition. So how do you know if you’re due for a brake repair? Here are some typical warning signs that it’s time for a brake replacement. HIGH PITCHED SCREECHING SOUND The indicator – a small metal shim – is the component responsible for this sound. If you hear it, then you know your brake pads are due to be replaced. YOUR BRAKES DON'T SEEM AS RESPONSIVE AS THEY SHOULD BE. This is a definitely a red fla ... read more

It is often said that the engine is the heart of the car and the oil is its lifeblood. Much like us – our cars need extra care and maintenance to get through the cold season healthy and happy. THE BEST COLD REMEDY FOR VEHICLES: AN OIL CHANGE To keep your car in tip-top shape during winter, the best cold ‘remedy’ for your vehicle is an oil change. Cold temperatures can cause your oil to flow slowly or not at all – which puts a lot of stress on your engine. After a while, your vehicle's motor can start to have problems. HOW TO KNOW WHICH OIL TO USE Oil is measured by its viscosity (how thick or thin it is). The higher its viscosity, the slower oil flows. Because oil viscosity changes with temperature, different types of oil were developed so your car can continue to run smoothly, no matter what the temperature is. If you look at an oil bottle, they all have a grade rating. The number before the W describes the viscosity of the oil at low ... read more

Right around this time of the year when the snow starts flying, most of us ask ourselves the same question: is it time for new tires? Before replacing your tires, there are a few things to consider. We’ll go through and map everything out to help simplify this often complicated process. DO YOU ACTUALLY NEED NEW TIRES? The obvious first step is to determine if you really need new tires or not. If you notice your car is pulling to one side, slipping around, or not confidently stopping when you brake, it might just be a simple fix like filling under-inflated tires. Check the tire pressure on all 4 tires before considering buying new tires. One easy way to check if you have enough tire tread is the penny test. Simply insert a penny into your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, this means your tire tread is less than 2/32 inch and it’s time to replace your tires. Even if ... read more