Longview Auto Repair

Tires are your vehicle’s first line of defense. After all, they’re the only part of the vehicle that comes in contact with the ground. (If anything else on your vehicle is touching the ground, it’s definitely a good time to call your mechanic!) All kidding aside – as your first line of defense, it’s important to know whether or not your tires are in good condition so you’re not unexpectedly left stranded. Although your tires may appear fine at a quick glance, there are certain warning signs that it’s wise to keep an eye out for. We’ll go over the most common ones so you know what to look for, and can stay safe on the road this season. WHAT IS TIRE AGING Tire aging happens through a process called oxidation. Over time, as the rubber in your tires is exposed to oxygen, it begins to stiffen and crack. Think of it like an old rubber band that has lost its elasticity. As this loss of elasticity happens in your tires, it can cause steel belts in the t ... read more

Old man winter is on his way, sweeping inland from the Pacific and pelting us with rain, ice, and snow. He also brings with him a flurry of questions like: What is the difference between winter tires and all-season tires? Are winter tires worth the investment? These are great questions. The bottom line is that having the right tires matters when you’re exposed to the diverse driving conditions that we experience here in the Pacific Northwest. HOW DIFFERENT TIRES PERFORM ON ICE Tests are run by tire companies every year, and they consistently show that winter tires perform far better than regular tires on ice. Much of this is a result of the rubber compound that makes up the tire. All season tires are made up of a rubber tread compound which stiffens as the temperature drops, resulting in less traction and increased risk of an accident. In contrast, the rubber on winter tires is designed to remain flexible, which allows the tire to grip the road better. This won ... read more

Knowing how to change a flat tire is a necessary skill for all drivers. These days we rely on our cell phones for many things. However, there’s always the chance that you left your phone at home, your phone’s battery is dead, or the flat occurs while you’re in a dead zone with no cell service. Be prepared for these possibilities! Changing a flat tire is actually quite simple, and by learning this skill now, you’ll be ready for anything on the road. First off, make sure you have the proper tools. Some of these tools should come with your vehicle, and others are additional tools you can keep in your trunk that will make changing a flat tire a breeze. TOOLS YOU NEED TO FIX A FLAT TIRE These tools should have come with your vehicle Jack Lug Wrench Fully inflated spare tire Vehicle Owner’s manual Check the tools you have on hand in your car to make sure you’re prepared. If you’ve misplac ... read more

Buying a used car may be a smart financial decision, but how do you avoid ending up with a lemon? There are so many unknowns; like how the previous owners drove, and if they kept up on preventative maintenance. We’ve put together a few tips and things to look for when purchasing a used car, so you’ll never end up paying more for repairs in the long run. Check to make sure the price seems fair. There are many sites out there that will let you look up the average price of the car you plan to buy. Look at sites like www.kbb.com and www.cargurus.com to get an idea on the price of your particular car. Read owner reviews of the car. When you’re looking up reviews, make sure you’re looking for the exact year, make, and model of the car you plan to buy. Get a good sense of what the car’s flaws are, and what it’s like to own th ... read more

To tow or not to tow – that is the question. Here at Longview Auto & Tire, we’re firm believers in the power of preventative maintenance. However, sometimes unexpected problems happen on the road and you have to decide: do I have my car towed or try to make it to the shop? While some car problems will allow you to drive your vehicle safely to the shop, others will cause further damage to your car if you attempt to drive while the problem is happening. We’ll go over several common car problems, and help you decide if it’s time to call a tow truck. FLAT TIRE A flat tire is likely to be the most common problem that you’ll encounter on the road. Only drive as far as necessary to get into a safe position. If you get a flat tire on an interstate highway, get over to the right and onto the grass if needed. You may want to consider getting out of your car and away from the road, as there have been many cases where a stranded vehicle has been hit by moving traffic. Your ... read more