There's always something new and exciting happening here at Mavis Tires & Brakes. Check out our posts below for the latest news, updates, and articles from our company and across the tire service and auto repair industries.
What You Need to Know About Wheels and Rims
How much do you know about wheels, rims, and lug nuts? What you don’t know could negatively impact your vehicle’s performance. From our experts, here’s everything you need to know about rims and wheels. Lug Nuts Do you want to know which lug nuts are best for your aftermarket wheels? Do you want to replace your current lug nuts? Either way, there's a lot you should know about lug nuts before you make your purchase. Here are some lug nut basics to get you started.
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Everything You Need to Know About Tire Air Pressure
Did you know underinflated tires decrease your fuel efficiency and increase the likelihood of tire damage and failure? Improperly inflated tires are also prone to irregular tread wear that can shorten the life of your tires. All in all, checking your tire air pressure often can help you save a lot of money over the life of your tires. Just how often should you check your tire air pressure? How do you properly inflate your tires? Is nitrogen better for your tires than compressed air?
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Tire Safety Myths
A lot of misinformation, outdated thinking, and wives' tales surround car tire safety. You may believe false information without even realizing it, and these tire safety myths could put you and your family in danger when your tires don't perform as you expect them to. Here are the tire facts you need to know to keep you and your family safe.
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How to Check Tire Tread Depth
How can you tell when it's time for new tires? It's important to know how to check tire tread depth because bald tires put you, your family, and other people on the road at risk since you have less traction and stopping power. Luckily, there are several ways you can tell if your tread is low enough that you need to spring for new tires. Here are some of the most reliable ways to check tire tread depth.
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Tire Safety Practices to Keep You Safe
Have you ever thought about how important your tires are for keeping you safe? Bald tires drastically increase your stopping distance, especially in bad weather. Overinflated or underinflated tires can impact your vehicle's handling. And old tires are more prone to dangerous blowouts.So, how can you keep you and your family safe? Follow these tire safety practices.
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Load Range Vs. Load Index – What Do They Mean?
When looking for new tires, you may come across the terms load range and load index. What do they mean? What information do they tell you about the tire? Here's what you should know about load range vs. load index. Ply Rating and Load Range Load range describes how much weight a tire can carry and is based on an older measurement called ply rating. Tires are made from rubber and cord layers called plies. In the past, more plies gave a tire a higher load-carrying capacity, so the number of plies was listed on the tire to show how much weight it could handle.
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How to Clean Your Tires
Cleaning your tires is about more than just helping them look good. Removing brake dust and other debris helps prevent damage that could shorten the life of your tires. So, what's the best way to clean your tires without damaging them or your wheels? Here are the top tips on how to clean your tires. Tips for Cleaning Your Tires First, you should keep rags that you only use on your tires and no other part of your vehicle. Why? For one, brake dust can stain the rags. More importantly, brake dust and debris can scratch your car.
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What Are the Best Tires for Florida Weather?
Florida has different weather than much of the rest of the country. We see hot, humid, and wet weather, with virtually no snow or ice. So the best tires for Florida weather are different than the best tires in other places.Don't risk your or your family's life with the wrong tires. Let's look at the best and worst tires for Florida. The Worst Tires for Florida. The most popular tires in most states are actually the worst tires you could have in Florida.
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Everything You Need to Know About Belt Maintenance and Repair
The serpentine belt, also known as the drive belt, is responsible for connecting the alternator, power steering, AC, and other important components to the crankshaft. The crankshaft is part of the engine and provides power to the alternator. The crankshaft may also provide power to the water pump in some cars. Over time, the drive belt will develop wear and tear because of the heat caused by the engine. Eventually, the belt will break, making steering difficult. For cars in which the water pump is also controlled by the crankshaft, breakage of the drive belt can cause the engine to overheat, which may result in serious problems for your vehicle.
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Top 5 Tire Safety Tips
When it comes to their vehicle, people never really show concern for the tires that allow them to travel conveniently and safely from place to place. The only time these inflated circles are given any attention is when something goes wrong. It happens all the time and, if it isn't the case with you, you probably know someone who doesn't care much (or at all) …
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Signs of an Unhealthy Engine
Whenever you watch a movie about cars, the one vehicle with the busted engine is always the butt of the jokes. We like to laugh at the guy who has a car with an unhealthy engine, yet admire how long the car lasts. As everybody knows, Hollywood is often very different from real life. In the real world, it is important that you can identify the signs of an unhealthy engine so that you can get the problem fixed.
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Brake Check: 3 Signs You May Need New Brakes
As a driver, you probably know that you should go for an oil change every 3,000 miles or 3 months. You might practice regular tire maintenance or keep the level of your coolant fluid filled. There are some aspects of regular vehicle maintenance that average drivers completely understand, while others are rarely thought about. Enter: your brakes. You change the oil, check your tire pressure, …
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Tire Myths, Tire Realities
It's easy to think about the design, performance, price point, and interior of a car well before considering one of its most important components–the tires. If a car is new, it might be assumed that the tires are great, and if a car is used and runs well, it might also be assumed that the tires work well. However, the importance of tires shouldn't be ignored. Each time you use a car, your well–being rides on the performance of the four tires that allow the car to run efficiently.
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How the Weather Effects Your Tires
Whether you are using all-season tires or season-specific tires, the weather will always have an effect on your tires. Even with the best tires you can afford, the weather effects will still take place. Most people simply drive throughout the seasons without thinking about how the weather will impact their tires. Depending on the season you are in, there are certain things that you should be watching out for.
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How To Maintain Your Car Tires Sustain the Correct Tire Pressure
Maintaining the proper tire pressure is crucial for ensuring driving safety as well as protecting the longevity of car tires. Tire pressure refers to the amount of air in a car's tires, and it is measured by the number of pounds per inch of tire. Experts recommend checking tire pressure about once a month.
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How Long Do Tires Last
While most vehicle owner manuals suggest changing your tires roughly every 50,000 miles, a tire's life is influenced by a number of different factors. Heat, Tires that spend lots of time in warmer environments tend to age faster. This is especially true in a hot climate. Certain environmental factors, such as exposure to coastal climates and excessive sunlight, can speed up the aging process and shorten the life of the tires. It stands to reason then that tires on vehicles that are stored outdoors won't last as long as tires on vehicles that are stored inside a garage.
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Ultimate Guide for Extending the Life of Your Vehicle
For many of us, a car is a second-largest purchase, right after a home. This means most of us spend a lot of time picking out a car that meets our personal and family transportation needs. However, the purchase price of the car is only the beginning. You have to factor in maintenance costs that don't stop once you buy your car and drive it off the dealer's lot.
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How Does a Car Cooling System Work?
To explain how a cooling system works, it's necessary to first explain what it does. It's very simple–the cooling system of a car cools the engine. But cooling that engine can seem like a gigantic task, especially when one considers how much heat a car engine generates.
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Ultimate Travel Trailer Maintenance Guide
Summer is just around the corner, so now is the perfect time to take your travel trailer out of storage and prepare it for the warmer months. Travel trailers are a great, affordable way to spend the holidays with your family and friends, plus it's a fun and adventurous alternative to expensive hotel suites or rugged tent camping.
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Road Trip Ready: 5 Ways to Prepare Your Vehicle
Whether you're planning a last minute vacation to end summer on the right note or you're getting ready to pack up the car to head back to your college campus, you need to prepare your vehicle for the long drive ahead. Even “minor” issues such as a tire slightly out of alignment can cause major issues once you have hundreds of miles behind you. In order to make the long trip as safe as possible, you'll want to be sure to that everything is in good working condition. After all, nothing spoils a vacation or the start of a new school year like car trouble on the road.
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Best Tire Brands for SUVs
SUVs are known for their superior handling in adverse conditions, and having the right set of tires can further improve traction. Many people choose to drive SUVs because they like the versatility the vehicles offer. SUVs are more than adequate for everyday driving, but they can also be taken on rougher terrain, such as trails and two-tracks. When you combine this versatility with the proper tires, SUVs are nearly unstoppable.
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What Happens if You Do Not Change Your Oil?
Oil is arguably the most important fluid your car needs, besides fuel, and its upkeep is essential to the vitality of your vehicle. Oil lubricates, cleans, and keeps the car engine from overheating. Yet, many drivers push their oil well past recommended limits or skip oil changes altogether. They don't realize the risks these actions pose to their vehicles. Using the same oil once or twice won't have a significant effect on your car. However, the longer you go without changing your oil, the more issues your car will have.
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Is It Time to Replace My Muffler?
Whether you're planning a last minute vacation to end summer on the right note or you're getting ready to pack up the car to head back to your college campus, you need to prepare your vehicle for the long drive ahead. The muffler is an integral part of your vehicle's exhaust system. It serves two main functions: to redirect and reduce exhaust system noise and to help filter exhaust gases out of the engine. When your muffler is functioning at its best, you shouldn't notice it, but, just because it's out of sight doesn't mean you should actively ignore it.
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Transmission Trouble Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
If you're like most people, car trouble is high on your list of the things that give you headaches. Not only does car trouble put a damper on your day, and seriously slow things down, but it usually means you have to empty your pockets of all your cash. While some issues, such as a flat tire, are a relatively easy fix, others aren't so much. Take your vehicle's transmission, for example. No matter if you drive an automatic or manual, they are usually the more complicated issues to fix. Plus, if you choose to ignore certain signs that point to transmission issues, it can lead to even larger problems for the function and safety of your car
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Caring for Your Car
Learn more about what you need to know in order to properly care for your car. Talk to the pros at mavis to keep your vehicle in top shape!
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Get the Most Out of Your Car Battery
Is there anything worse than turning your key in the ignition of your car, only to hear the empty sound of a dead battery? Your car's battery gives the vehicle life force. It is the key part that allows you to insert the key and drive off. Many times, though, car owners give little thought to the battery. That is, until the heart-sinking moment when ...
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Save Money When You Improve Your Fuel Efficiency with These Auto Repair Services
Improving the efficiency of your car, truck, or van with professional auto repair services is a logical, proven way to get more bang for your buck. Even though gas costs have declined recently, fuel efficiency is one thing that puts major money back into your pocket for little extra effort. You probably already have some sort of maintenance routine in place for your vehicle. It's ...
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Glossary of Tire and Wheel Terms
Came across a tire or wheel term you aren't familiar with? Use this handy glossary of tire and wheel terms to better understand what your vehicle needs.
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Winter Car Care Tips
Before the first frost hits, there are little things you can do to make sure your car is in tip-top shape. Besides making sure you have a scraper or two in the garage, there are several other things that will keep your car running smoothly all winter long. What may prove to be a slight irritation in the hot months of summer can create a ...
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Get It Fixed - Common Vehicle Repairs
Understanding what typically gets a vehicle sent into a repair shop not only gives you an idea of what to prepare for later down the road, but also helps give you a leg up in preventing these problems in the first place. Here we'll go over some of the most common reasons why cars have to have a little professional attention and some of the ...
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Common Car Problems and How to Spot Them
Man, isn't that just the thing? You're driving along in your car, and you think to yourself,
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How Car Maintenance Affects Your Gas Mileage
It is no secret that routine maintenance is required to keep a vehicle safe, but it seems that most people forget that routine maintenance of their car or truck has an added less noticeable but none the less welcomed benefit of better gas mileage and increased fuel economy. From your vehicle's electronics to its filters, regular maintenance is key to spending less time filling up ...
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How to Get the Most Out of Your Car Battery?
Don't be stranded with a dead battery, get the most out of your car battery with these tips and tricks from Mavis.
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5 Simple Tips to Make Your Next Road Trip a Safety Success
Going on a road trip with your family? Keep your precious cargo safe! Follow these car safety tips from Mavis to make your trip a great one!
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What's New in Tires?
When it comes to purchasing high-quality tires for your car or truck, your choices range from Pirelli, Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, BF Goodrich, Bridgestone and Michelin, among others. After you buy tires with the idea to keep your vehicle safe on the road, your next step is to apply for tire registration. The Rubber Manufacturers of America (RMA) is the organization that represents all the tire ...
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Eco-Friendly - Car Thinking for the Future
We're a fairly vigilant and self-aware species, with these attributes allowing us to know that not everything is as sound with our natural world as it should be. Environmental awareness has built steadily over the past several decades, and we're at the point now where we understand that what we do can and will have a major impact on the world around us. Our relationship ...
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7 Car Repairs Worth Every Penny
Does your car need repair? Dreading the costs that are involved? Unfortunately, owning a car can be quite expensive, especially when it requires a lot of attention when it comes to continual repairs. These days, going to the garage to get your vehicle repaired can get into the thousands of dollars. This is because the price of everything is going up each year. Sometimes, with ...
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Keep Cool in Your Car This Summer!
This extreme heat, in combination with high levels of humidity, makes being in a car without a properly functioning air conditioner quite uncomfortable. While driving with the windows open may provide some relief, this is not usually a preferred way for commuters to keep their cool when they are driving in the Sunshine State. Don't Let a Broken Auto Air Conditioner Make You Sweat! If ...
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The Ultimate Road Trip Checklist
Spring is in full swing, which means lots of families will start to go on vacations & road trips. If you're planning a trip, make sure and check out our ultimate road trip checklist!
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Ensure Your Safety and Performance with New Tires
The tire industry is extremely competitive, with many different manufacturers vying to get business. For this reason, there are generally solid deals to be had for consumers who are looking to upgrade their tires. Develop a Strong Relationship with Your Preferred Tire Vendor It's a great idea to develop a consistent business relationship with a tire vendor. Specialists in this industry develop strong ties with ...
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Your Tires Want You to Know These 3 Things
Your tires are always communicating with you. Are you listening? Learn how to maintain proper tire safety & performance in this Mavis post.
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Kid Friendly Snacks to Help You Survive the Next Road Trip
Taking a road trip with the kids in tow? You're going to need some snacks to keep children happy. These are the best snacks for road trip munchies!
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Tips to Keep Kids Occupied in the Auto Shop
When it comes to purchasing high-quality tires for your car or truck, your choices range from Pirelli, Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, BF Goodrich, Bridgestone and Michelin, among others. After you buy tires with the idea to keep your vehicle safe on the road, your next step is to apply for tire registration. The Rubber Manufacturers of America (RMA) is the organization that represents all the tire ...
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So, What is Tire Rolling Resistance?
Every week or so, you drive your car to the pump and fill it up with gas. With long commutes and fluctuating prices, you may find yourself filling up every week. When fuel prices were high, you may have really dreaded that trip to the pump! Even though mileage improved to at least 20 miles per gallon (mpg) for many cars, consumers still suffered when ...
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All About Tires - Everything You Should Know
Tires are an important part of your vehicle. They are not something you can just ignore and push aside, as your safety, from entering the vehicle to exiting it, depends to a great extent on the condition and quality of your tires. Tires for Your Vehicles When you are looking for the right kind of tires for your vehicle, there are certain things you look ...
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Go the Extra Mile: 3 Insider Tips for a Vehicle That Lasts
There are two kinds of car people: Those who buy a car for temporary use only to trade it in for the next best thing after a couple of years, and then there are those who purchase a car to drive until the wheels fall off. Regardless of what type of car person you are, there is one thing you need out of your vehicle. ...
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Simple Ways to Improve Your Fuel Economy
There's one thing that, as a car owner, you can't get out of: spending your hard-earned money at the pump. Gas prices are a part of life if you own a vehicle. No matter if the prices are sky high or at a considerably “low” price, when the tanks hits E you have to visit the gas station. If you're like most drivers, you probably ...
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How to Assemble the Ultimate Car Kit for Summer Road Trips
Before embarking on a summer road trip, ensure you have all the essentials. You can ruin your trip if you get stuck in the middle of nowhere missing something.
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7 Car Repairs that Are Worth Every Penny
Car repairs are never high up on a car owner's list of favorite things to do. As a result, regardless of whether they are necessary or not, car repairs are often ignored by motorists. Anyone who owns a car knows exactly how much of a nuisance it is to drive the vehicle all the way up to the service shop to get it repaired. It ...
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What You Should Know When Buying New Tires for Your Vehicle
When it comes to buying tires for your vehicle, there are so many options for you to have to pick from. The choice is vast so if you are not familiar about what tires work best for your vehicle, you are certainly going to feel lost. Your choice, after all, must depend on a number of factors. If you really want the best tires, you ...
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Tips for Spring Cleaning for Your Car
With spring here you may find yourself doing a bit of spring cleaning. If so, don't forget about your vehicle! Here are our top spring car care tips.
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Can Using Premium Gas Really Save You Money?
We know we need to use the best fuel for our cars. But do they make a difference? Does premium gas save you money? Mavis has the answer!
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What to Look for When Buying a Used Car
The stereotype of the sleazy used car salesman is all too well-known. Luckily, in our age of technology, consumers can arm themselves with information to make sure they come out of the negotiation with a great, reliable vehicle. While most people know how to look for obvious signs of damage, there are some other red flags to be on the lookout for. When you set ...
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How to Know When to Replace Your Wiper Blades
Wiper blade replacement is crucial. It's more than being able to see in the rain. Learn when to replace your windshield wipers at Mavis.
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Getting Your Car Ready for Florida Summer
Planning on taking a summer road vacation or road trip? Let us share our tips for getting your car, truck, or SUV ready for sunny skies and open roads!
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Basic Vehicle Maintenance for Teen Drivers
Every parent gets nervous when their teenage child receives a driver's license. When the keys are handed over, you are not only giving over the freedom of driving, but the responsibility of a car and the safety of others. That fear and worrying never fade, but one way to ease the transition is by making sure your teen knows how to perform basic maintenance on ...
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Car Emergency Kit Essentials
When it comes to purchasing high-quality tires for your car or truck, your choices range from Pirelli, Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, BF Goodrich, Bridgestone and Michelin, among others. After you buy tires with the idea to keep your vehicle safe on the road, your next step is to apply for tire registration. The Rubber Manufacturers of America (RMA) is the organization that represents all the tire ...
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College Car Checklist
It's an exciting and scary time in a young student's life when he or she makes the transition from high school to college. For most young adults, college is an unknown territory. This often comes with a move to an unfamiliar city and being thrown among fellow students who are just as unfamiliar. While a student has many things to worry about, so does a ...
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Easy Ways to Save Money on Gas
With gas prices constantly changing, many Americans are looking for ways to save money at the pump. There are many ways that you can cut back on fuel consumption and reduce your spending in the process. Whether it's by treating your vehicle well or by reducing your speed, these tips will help you cut down your gas mileage: Get Your Tires Aligned When your tires ...
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Brake Repair 101
There are few components on a vehicle that are as important as the brakes. If the brakes on your car do not function correctly, whether from excessive pad wear or a mechanical failure, the result can be catastrophic. Issues with the braking system on your vehicle should be addressed immediately. While some repairs are best left to the pros, anyone with reasonable mechanical skill can ...
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Knowing When to Replace Your Brakes
It's a good idea to know when your brakes need replacement. For one thing, brakes are how you stop your car. (See our other article, Knowing What the Heck Your Brakes Even Do, if you weren't already aware of that.) So, they're pretty important; you can't just put your car in neutral and coast the last two hundred feet of everywhere you go. So when ...
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How to Change a Flat Tire on the Road
Flat tires seem to happen at the most inopportune time, such as on a road trip, on the way to work, or worse: when you come out of work to find you have a flat tire. Even if you have AAA or another roadside assistance, you need to know how to change a tire. Good news! Almost every vehicle comes standard with a jack and ...
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Get Instant Answers to Common Auto Repair Questions with the Auto Q&A
Even if you really know your way around your car, truck, or other vehicle, it only stands to reason that you'll have additional questions from time to time. What if you had a seasoned automotive expert you could turn to each and every time those questions arise? That's where the automotive experts of Mavis come in. We pride ourselves on being so much ...
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Pirelli Tire Spotlight
When buying new tires for their vehicles, most Americans don't even think about the brand name. However, high-quality tires can make a big difference in your vehicle's handling and ride. Car and motorcycle enthusiasts know that Pirelli Tires are the only ones to choose for their high-performance vehicles. The name Pirelli has always been synonymous with luxury and quality. Find out why you should consider ...
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The Best Tires for Off Road Vehicles
Selecting tires for your off road vehicle may appear difficult. With a little thought and planning, the whole process becomes much easier. All you really need to do is ask yourself a few basic questions: What kind of vehicle am I driving (truck vs. ATV vs. dune buggy, for example)? What do I need it to do (mud, rocks, sand, highway)? Where am I (arid ...
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Summer Car Care Tips
We're in the midst of summer, and, here in sunny Florida, the heat is in full force. To cool down, you and your loved ones might hit the nearest pool, lake, or beach. Perhaps you treat yourself to cool summer favorites like popsicles, ice cream, or an ice-cold lemonade. Those who enjoy summer festivities, such as barbecues, might even bring along a fan to cool ...
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All Your Preventative Auto Maintenance Questions Answered
Regular tune-ups, along with repairs, are a necessary part of life if you own a vehicle. However, while it might not be necessary, preventative maintenance should be another necessary step in your car care plan. For a lot of people, walking into an automotive repair shop is intimidating. This is especially the case when your car knowledge is limited. So, many car owners don't spend ...
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Top Ten Car Care Tips - 10 Tips for Keeping Your Vehicle in Top Shape
Is your car not running its best? Have trouble keeping it in top shape? Over long use, your car will succumb to a number of different ailments which can test the vehicle's operation. When this happens, it generally means a trip to the mechanic to fix the problem before it becomes much worse. The problem is that some complications which can occur with your vehicle ...
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Best Tire Brands for Cold Weather Driving
To get the best performance from your car, it is important to have good quality tires. Many people don't realize the effect tires have on the handling of a car, the way it takes corners and the overall driving experience. When I say people don't realize, what I mean is that they don't realize the difference a good quality tire makes until they use one, ...
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Holiday Road Trip: 5 Car Movies for Kids
Are we there yet? These are the words every parent dreads hearing during a long road trip. Since the holiday season is filled with travel for many families, taking the time to come up with ways to keep your children entertained can make for a much less stressful trip for parents and children alike. While activity books and toys work well to keep the kids ...
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Tips for Teaching Your Teen to Drive
Learning to drive is an exciting time for both you and your teenager. You might be looking forward to not having to drive them around much longer, but you might also have some concerns and anxiety with your child behind the wheel. There are some things to keep in mind and make sure your teen is aware of before heading out on the road. Talk ...
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A Tutorial on Air Filters: What They Do and How Often You Should Change Them
Every car needs a strong flow of incoming air to work optimally. The air filter is sometimes overlooked, but it's a part of the engine that serves very critical purposes. The air filter has two major functions, to clean the air entering the engine and to protect the engine from debris while operating. For every one gallon of fuel consumed by the engine, it needs ...
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5 Tips for A Successful Trunk or Treat
Looking to make an impression at the local Trunk or Treat? Check out these 6 tips to help you make sure your trunk is a crowd favorite!
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Make Your Tires Last Longer with These Simple Tips
The lifespan of your tires depends on many different factors, such as the quality of the tires, the type of tires you're using, how often the vehicle is driven, how you drive your vehicle, etc. While car owners would hope to get at least 40,000 miles from their brand new tires, this is never set in stone. The good news is that you can do ...
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Car Hacks Everyone Should Know
Winter weather can be a problem in certain areas. Even if you are in a location that doesn't get hit hard by winter weather, it is important to know some of these winter car hacks for when you eventually visit colder areas. Here are some tips that will help keep you safe and make your life a lot easier in the winter: Get Traction When ...
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Help! My Car is Overheating: The Step By Step Guide
When your car overheats, the temperature gauge will light up. If this happens, heed the warning! Here are 5 things you should do when your car is overheating. Action Gator Title certified technicians can get to the root of any of your vehicle's issues right away.
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6 Ways You Could Be Killing Your Car
Follow these 6 regular driving habits and car-care tips from Mavis to help keep your car running longer, smoother, and more reliably.
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The Transmission Health Checklist: How to Keep Your Transmission Healthy
Keeping your transmission in a healthy state is not difficult or even challenging—it just takes some time and a few careful steps to ensure that your system is in good condition. Combine that with a good attention to detail, and you should be able to keep your transmission in good shape. Here are a few tips for maintaining good transmission health: Check the transmission fluid ...
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Car Care Tips for College Students
Many college students live off-campus and cannot always rely on public transportation. From attending classes to going to your local supermarket, cars have become a fundamental necessity in a student's life. However, having a car is not that simple; it is not just a mode of commuting, but something you should take care of regularly. Here are a few tips on how to look after ...
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Electronic Control Unit - Driving in the Digital Age
Bring up the topic of digital devices, and you're far more likely to hear about laptops, tablets, and iPhones than you are vehicles. For all intents and purposes, though, our vehicles today are as much part of the modern digital age as any typical computer device. What's so computer savvy about a car, you ask? Well, quite a lot, actually, and the electronic control unit ...
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How to Choose the Right Engine Oil for Your Vehicle
Purchasing proper engine oil for your vehicle may appear a simpler task than it is. You need to be knowledgeable of your car's oil requirements to maintain efficiency in your engine. Labels placed on quarts of motor oil indicate the oil meets certain industry standards. A starburst symbol of the American Petroleum Institute signifies the oil meets the Institute's standards through testing. A two-letter service ...
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8 Things You Should Keep in Your Car This Winter
The holiday season is already here and, for many of us, that means spending long periods driving to spend time with our families. Unfortunately, bad winter weather can significantly affect a vehicle's performance and reduce our visibility, which can lead to potentially dangerous situations. If you are driving to places where weather can be an issue, it would be beneficial for you to make sure ...
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10 Hacks to Keep Your Car Clean and Organized
There are many reasons why one might want to keep a car clean and organized, and many ways to go about it. It is often said that a dirty environment is representative of a chaotic and cluttered mind. If that is true, then a clean car leads to a clear mind. Our days are stressful enough, and there's nothing worse than having to spend a ...
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How Often Should You Change Your Tires?
A question that often comes up with car owners is how often they need to get their tires changed. Every expert will give you different answers based on certain criteria. That is because there is no
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The Top 9 Road Trip Games
Driving for long periods of time can get boring. Why not play some games on your next road trip? These nine games are perfect for most age groups.
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The Importance of Tire Rotation
With winter setting in and road surfaces becoming icy, it's important to stay safe on the road. A big part of this is making sure your tires are in top condition. You should be regularly checking your tire pressure levels and monitoring them for wear and damage. Overly worn or under-inflated tires are hazardous to drive on, so invest in some top-quality tires to avoid ...
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Going Green - Easy and Affordable Ways to Make Your Car More Eco-Friendly
Reducing the proverbial carbon footprint is a huge topic of discussion these days and your vehicle is a big part of the conversation. You don't need to park your car to reduce your auto emissions – just drive it smarter! Monitor your driving habits, keep up with routine car maintenance, and lighten your load to reduce your carbon emissions and drive a greener car. A ...
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Safety Tips: Driving in the Rain
Stay Calm and Stay Alert To stay alert while driving is particularly important in situations when your vision is partially obstructed, so be cautious and stay calm while driving in the rain. Keep both hands on the wheel at all times. During heavy rain or storms, turn off all distractions such as cell phones or the radio and focus on the road. Turn On Your ...
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Checking and Maintenance of a Car Brake System
There is no denying functioning brakes are an integral and essential part of maintaining a safe vehicle. Understanding how and when to take care of your brakes prevents accidents, and keeps drivers and passengers safe. Understanding the Brake System The beginnings of brakes go back to a discovery by seventeenth-century French mathematician and philosopher, Blaise Pascal. He experimented in thermodynamics by changing the pressure, at ...
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Top 5 Reasons Why Your Vehicle Isn't Riding Smooth
Finding the source of a bumpy ride can be tricky if you don't know what to look for. Mavis put together the top 5 reasons why.
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Tips for Maintaining Your Car Battery
When thinking about car maintenance, most people neglect the battery. Temperature, humidity and other factors can affect the lifespan of a car battery. Most batteries last for an average of four years, but under ideal conditions, a battery could last as long as six years. Temperature extremes and frequent short trips strain the battery and shorten its life because it never achieves its full charge. ...
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2WD, 4WD, or AWD: Which Should You Choose?
One of the major factors that influence many drivers' vehicle purchase is the kind of power their engine offers. However, the power created by the engine means nothing if it doesn't have the right drive system to transfer that energy to the road. There are three different types of drive systems: 2WD, 4WD, and AWD. While some drivers prefer the stability of AWD, others prefer ...
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5 Important Fluids that Keep Your Car Running Smoothly
You might not give the inner workings of your vehicle much thought. Chances are, you jump in the driver's seat, start the ignition, and you're off. However, there are many parts and systems within your car that enable it to start and drive off. Your car is made of many working parts. Together they provide the function, safety, and comfort of your vehicle. Most people ...
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Trailer Tires: Tougher Than Your Average Tire
Trailers are built for one purpose: to carry heavy loads. So, it makes sense that, as opposed to car tires, trailer tires need to be tougher than your average tire to bear the weight of those loads. Trailer tires have a separate designation than car and light vehicle tires, which means their design specifications, construction, materials, and safety features are different from regular tires due ...
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How to Keep Your AC Cool and Heater Warm Through the Seasons
As citizens of a high-tech world, we take for granted technologies that have been around for decades. Your car AC and heating systems are among some of the most important inventions of the century. Not only did they improve everyone's level of comfort behind the steering wheel, but they have increased the safety of drivers and passengers as well. How do you make sure you ...
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Essential Car Maintenance Before a Road Trip
When it comes to purchasing high-quality tires for your car or truck, your choices range from Pirelli, Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, BF Goodrich, Bridgestone and Michelin, among others. After you buy tires with the idea to keep your vehicle safe on the road, your next step is to apply for tire registration. The Rubber Manufacturers of America (RMA) is the organization that represents all the tire ...
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Beat the Summer Heat 9 Ways to Take Care of Your AC System
Think for a moment about your favorite summertime activity. Is it enjoying a fun day in the sun playing Frisbee or game of backyard soccer? If you're like many people, you enjoy heading to the beach or lake for a dip in the water, a boat ride, or soaking up the sun by the waterside. Is your ideal summer activity swimming? Surfing? Perhaps you simply ...
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Expert Mechanic's Advice on Preventative Maintenance
In today's economic climate, the cost of repairing your car or purchasing a new car is astronomical. Expert mechanics suggest the best way to prolong the life of your car and keep repair costs to a minimum is through preventative maintenance. Preventative maintenance is like going for your yearly check-up at the doctor. It gives you and the professionals an opportunity to catch a problem ...
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Top 7 Things Vehicle Owners Need to Know about Tires
Your car tires are the only thing that maintain contact with the road. So, yes, they are a big deal! Many people own cars, but most of them do not know much about tires. Most car owners feel overwhelmed by the tire replacement process. There are a variety of tires available for different vehicles. Some tires are specifically made for sports cars, and others are ...
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Everything You Need to Know About Low Rolling Resistance Tires
When it comes to purchasing high-quality tires for your car or truck, your choices range from Pirelli, Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, BF Goodrich, Bridgestone and Michelin, among others. After you buy tires with the idea to keep your vehicle safe on the road, your next step is to apply for tire registration. The Rubber Manufacturers of America (RMA) is the organization that represents all the tire ...
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30 Amazing ideas to reuse and recycle old car tires
Have you recently had your tires changed and aren't sure what to do with your old ones? Don't toss them away just yet. After getting your tires replaced at Mavis, keep your old tires and get creative! There is a wide variety of ways that you can recycle your old tires and turn them into fun projects. Many people are able to recycle ...
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How to Choose the Best Car Repair Shop
Finding the best car repair shop to meet your needs can save you a lot of headaches down the line, especially if you can locate a great mechanic before your car begins having issues. Take the time to research auto shops so you can establish a relationship before a major repair occurs. Here are some tips to make it even easier to get your car ...
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10 Qualities of an Expert Auto Service Center
When it comes to auto service, the quality and experience of the staff can make a huge difference to your overall experience. Next time you need to take your car in to have it serviced, check if the shop has the qualities of an expert service center. 1. Multiple Locations It takes a dedicated staff and superior customer service for a business to be successful. ...
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Don't Be Embarrassed to Ask: Basic Questions About Tires Answered Here!
There's a reason that modern vehicles have power steering, and it's all due to the challenges faced by the drivers of the 1930s and early 1940s. As the Great Depression eased and the economy improved, more and more people were driving cars, including housewives and even the older generation. Older folks and some of the women had difficulty managing the straight, stiff, and resistant steering ...
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The History of Power Steering
There's a reason that modern vehicles have power steering, and it's all due to the challenges faced by the drivers of the 1930s and early 1940s. As the Great Depression eased and the economy improved, more and more people were driving cars, including housewives and even the older generation. Older folks and some of the women had difficulty managing the straight, stiff, and resistant steering ...
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The Evolution of the Tire 1920s to the Present
Many of the major developments to tire technology took place longer ago than most people think. The vulcanization process, the pneumatic inner tube, the mountable rim, even the grooves cut to improve traction—all were introduced well before the 1920s. Still, the evolution of the modern tire is an interesting tale. Let's start with a quick overview of how a modern automobile tire is made. Tires ...
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When to Repair or Replace Tires
After getting a flat tire, you are faced with the decision of repairing or replacing the tire. Obviously, it is preferable to repair the tire, as it is much cheaper than buying a new one. It is usually possible to repair the tire in most cases. If the tire needs to be replaced, then there are some affordable options available on the market today. Follow ...
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What to Do When Your Vehicle Breaks Down
In the course of your driving career, you will likely break down at some point. Breaking down happens to all of us and is something that every driver needs to be equipped to deal with. In order to keep yourself and other drivers safe, you must know how to react to a breakdown when it happens to you. What to do after a breakdown varies ...
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What is the Wobble?
A Step by Step Guide to Identify the Wobble and What's Causing It There are many potential causes for a shaking or wobbling sound when driving a car. From the transmission to the tires, virtually any mechanism on your automobile that rotates or absorbs shock can be the wobble culprit. It is important to understand how to properly identify the cause of the wobbling sound. ...
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It's Time to Get Your Car Ready for Holiday Travels
With the leaves changing color and falling to the ground and a brisk chill in the air, it's becoming clear the holiday season is just around the corner. With this season, comes a time for heavy travel for many individuals and their families. This travel can be particularly stressful as there are more people on the road than usual, and the weather can quickly turn ...
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7 Surprising Things That Affect Gas Mileage
Gas prices seem to be on a steady increase, so it's no surprise that people are always looking for ways to increase their fuel economy. Filling up your tank can be one of the most expensive parts of maintaining your vehicle, so you'll want to make sure you're doing everything you can to stretch your money and your gas as far as it will go. ...
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Tire Registration: What You Need to Know
When it comes to purchasing high-quality tires for your car or truck, your choices range from Pirelli, Firestone, Goodyear, Continental, BF Goodrich, Bridgestone and Michelin, among others. After you buy tires with the idea to keep your vehicle safe on the road, your next step is to apply for tire registration. The Rubber Manufacturers of America (RMA) is the organization that represents all the tire ...
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How to Know When Your Tires Are Worn Down
Everyone likes to buy the best tires that they can get their hands on under the assumption that they will last for an exceptionally long time. However, tires are not yet wear-proof and over time they will eventually become worn under the cautious driver. Having worn tires will lead to reduced efficiency of fuel consumption, but above all else they are extremely unsafe. Your tires ...
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Don't Let Your Car Overheat This Summer
Summer is in full swing, and that means it's time to be mindful of your car overheating. Check out these handy tips from Mavis to learn more.
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Important Things to Understand About Your Radiator
Your car's radiator is an vital part of its engine cooling system. Mavis wants to fill you in about this important auto part.
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12 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Skip an Oil Change
Regular car maintenance can be easy to forget. Every morning, we hop in the car to dash off to work, and the car just runs. However, regular oil changes are important in ensuring the smooth operation of your vehicle. Here are 12 reasons why you shouldn't skip your next oil change. Engine Wear The oil in your engine lubricates the moving parts to reduce friction ...
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What To Do When Your Check Engine Light Is On
Many vehicle owners groan or panic when they see the dreaded check engine light light up. This is often because there's no apparent reason for what's wrong. But don't panic just yet. A check engine light or service engine soon notification is often the result of something simple and easy to fix. Chances are, it's because of your onboard diagnostic system. This is a computer ...
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Top 10 Tips for Keeping Your Car in Top Shape
For most of us, our car is our lifeblood. Okay, that may be a little overly dramatic, but we do depend on our cars for many things. And while we are inundated with claims of special products that will keep our cars on the road for near-eternity, there is no magic potion for getting the most out of our cars. To follow a simple maintenance ...
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Tire Maintenance: A Guide
According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, it only takes five minutes every month to make sure that your tires are in good shape. It's also a good idea to take another five minutes and check your tires before every long trip. That five minutes can pay off big time in safety and peace of mind. There are four main characteristics that affect the health of ...
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Winter Tire Storage Tips
It's that time of year. Snow is on the way and many of us are switching to winter tires. Many of our customers are beginning to ask, But, what should I do with my other tires so they're ready for spring? Following some basic storage principles will ensure that you get the full life out of your tires. First, store your tires in a clean, cool, dry and preferably dark place that's well ventilated. A dry basement is going to be better than a sub-freezing garage or hot attic. Basements tend to be cooler with more stable temperatures. Try to avoid storing your tires outdoors, as the sunlight can dry tires out prematurely causing cracking and aggressive aging. ...
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Do you have a warning light on?
If any of the above warning lights come on while you are driving, DO NOT IGNORE THEM! You should come into our local and get the light or lights checked out immediately so you don't damage your vehicle, have a breakdown or even worse an accident.
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Why You Should Always Have Your Car Checked After Hitting a Pothole
Potholes are caused by repeated freezing and thawing cycles and occur when water seeps into cracks in the ground, freezes, expands and then pushes out chunks of pavement. Potholes wreak havoc on roads more frequently as winter turns to spring due to the freezing and fluctuating temperatures during this time.
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All About Transmission Fluid Exchange
Does your vehicle need transmission fluid exchange? A transmission fluid exchange is a type of vehicle maintenance many drivers don't think about because they aren't aware that it's something that needs to be monitored. Not knowing that could cost you a lot of money down the road.
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Everything You Need to Know About EV Tires
There is a massive movement ongoing in the automotive industry right now. With each passing year, more vehicle manufacturers are beginning—or expanding—their production of electric vehicles.
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Everything You Need to Know About Your Tires' Speed Rating
There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to purchasing a set of new tires. There's the brand, the size, the price, and of course, the speed rating. Virtually all passenger tires today are assigned a speed rating. However, the average person doesn't give it much thought—if they even know that it exists. Regardless of your tire knowledge, speed ratings are very important. This is especially true when it comes to high-performance vehicles.
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