Commercial Truck Services Offered at Bob Sumerel Tire Co

Bob Sumerel Tire Company has been a leader in automotive service for several Midwest states since 1959. We pride ourselves in having strong customer relations in Ohio and the surrounding states, backed by quality work for a wide variety of passenger and light truck vehicles. But what some may not know is that we offer a wide variety of services for commercial/semi trucks! Not only that, but we we have the capabilities to handle most vehicles on the road, including some agricultural vehicles! A majority of our locations are Ohio, but we service all neighboring states excluding Michigan. Below, you can find the services we offer as well as the corresponding locations that handle those services, and a brief job description. 

• Tire Retreading - Columbus, Zanesville, Winchester, Leetsdale - This service has been a specialty of our for decades! Retreading is an economic and durable practice where we replace the tread on a worn tire. You can find out more about this service here! 
• Wheel Reconditioning - Winchester, Wooster - Similar to retreading, recycling old wheels is another way to save money, while improving your rig at the same time! The picture above is just one example of how your wheel can look! 

• Big Truck Alignments - Various locations - A majority of our commercial truck locations will be able to service alignments on commercial vehicles. More information is available in this link! 
• Tires and Mechanical Service - All of our locations are able to combat roadside emergency responses on a wide variety of fleet vehicles. For each individual locations services, find out more here! 
• OTR Tire Services- For those hard to find tires, we have the solutions at select locations! Click on this link to get a quote request on OTR tires today! 

These are just a few of the list of services we offer here at Bob Sumerel Tire Company. We pride ourselves in being a one stop shop for semi truck drivers, farmers, small businesses, and large businesses. Our retread tires offer a reliable and cost effective solution for those businesses looking for a good tire at an affordable price. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give our location a call, we are happy to help! 

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In Depth Tips on How to Increase MPG's this Summer

With oil prices fluctuating everyday, most drivers want to be economic in the way they drive to save at the tank. Often times, more cautious driving can steadily increase your MPG, the more economic you drive. In this blog, we want to outline a couple of things to keep in mind if you aren't getting the MPG you used to get. Some of these things can be done simply by driving differently, while others involve mechanical restoration to your vehicle. Below you can find a couple tips for this summer in order to save at the pump! For mechanical service, be sure to contact your local Bob Sumerel Tire location to schedule an appointment! 

• Use A/C at a minimum- Running the A/C in your car bogs the engine down, making the engine work harder to maintain its running condition. 
• Check your tire pressure- Even a 5 pound difference in your tire pressure can make a big difference in the way your car rolls down the road. Typically, if a tire is under-inflated, the engine has to work harder to rotate the tire at a constant speed. Checking your tire pressure beforehand can eliminate this, and help you achieve the MPG you desire. 
• Keep weight down- Large trunk items or things you are hauling can have an effect on your car's fuel consumption as well. The lighter your car is, the less it will take the engine to accelerate down the road! 
• Consider a tune up- If your car has not had a tune up in quite some time, the worn out ignition parts can begin to decrease MPG due to wear and tear. Consult with your local Bob Sumerel Tire location on if your car is in need of a tune up. Most diagnoses can be taken care of in just a few hours! 
• When possible, coast- Coasting your car down a hill uses a very small amount of fuel. Instead of laying on the gas down hills, let off the pedal and cruise down the hill to take any strain off of your engine. 

Aside from these tips above, there are often products that are specifically aimed at helping to improve fuel economy. Gas treatments, or fuel injector cleaner products are available at most auto parts stores, and are designed to clean up carbon deposits in your vehicle's internal combustion chambers. This can sometimes be a cheaper alternative as compared to performing a tune up on your vehicle. Before making this decision, it may be a good time to bring your car on for a comprehensive inspection that can be completed at any local Bob Sumerel Tire location. From there, they can give you expert advice as to what avenues to look into for restoring your MPG!

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Summer Road Trip Essentials: Your Expert's on Packing for Any Trip!

Now that Memorial Day weekend has passed, it is officially summer time! Almost a third of Americans will be hitting the road (or sky) this year to venture around the country in search of a great vacation spot. Whether you are traveling to a near by state, or driving cross country...you should always prepare for anything the open road may throw at you! Even if your vehicle is brand new, there are still a few items on here that you may not have thought about previously.

• 12V Jump Box- Not only can a jump box help you jump start a dead battery, but it is also able to charge a cell phone from a USB or 12V port. 
• Vehicle Fluids- Motor oil, transmission fluid, washer fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and brake fluid are very handy to have in case of emergency! Tuck them away in a small crate, you never know when they may come in handy! 
• Flashlights and flares- These are extremely useful in case of a tire blow out, or any vehicle emergency. Be sure to stash these in your trunk before hitting the road!
• Tools, and additional vehicle belts- Depending on the make and model vehicle you have, changing the serpentine belt may be relatively easy! Be sure to have your local Bob Sumerel Tire location inspect your belt for free before any trip! 
• Pillows and blankets- Comfort is one of the utmost things important things for any road trip! Make sure to not forget pillows and blankets from home to ease the stress of sitting in a car for many hours! 

Above all else, mapping out your trip beforehand is crucial, especially if the destination or route is unfamiliar to you! On longer road trips, it is always good good to have multiple shifts driving with other passengers in the vehicle. Drowsy driving is certainly a factor for any trip that will exceed a days worth of driving. No matter how much sleep you get the night before a long trip, you will still be worn out after an excessive amount of sitting stationary. It is better to be safe than sorry in this condition, so pulling off to a rest area for a quick doze when you feel yourself beginning to get tiresome.

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Cracked Windshields: Ohio's Experts in Automotive Glass Repair

You're driving down the road one day when out of nowhere a rock bounces up and cracks your windshield.  What do you do?  Am I going to have to pay a ton of money to replace my windshield?  Is the crack repairable? The automotive service experts at Bob Sumerel Tire Co. have put together a little guide on what to do in these situations.

It is important to note that even the tiniest cracks in your windshield can spread quickly when exposed to moisture, dirt, and high or low temperatures.  Water and dirt can seep into the crack and weaken the structural integrity of your windshield.  Extremely cold outside air combined with hot air conditioning inside, or vice versa, can also cause cracks to spread.  It is important to act on a crack immediately when it happens to avoid being forced to by a whole new windshield.
  
How Do I Know If The Crack In My Windshield Is Fixable?

Analyze the crack on your windshield closely and look for the following characteristics :

• Crater shaped crack 5mm or less in diameter
  
• Semicircle shaped crack 25mm or less in diameter
• Star shaped crack 30mm or less in diameter
• Bullseye shaped crack 20mm or less in diameter
• Regular slice crack that is 100mm or less in length

The above listed cracks can be repaired at home with acrylic or epoxy.  If you are unsure whether or not the crack in your windshield is able to be repaired then call a local Bob Sumerel expert to get a second opinion.

When Can The Crack In My Windshield Not Be Repaired? 

Driving with a crack in your windshield can be dangerous to you and other people on the road around you if the crack starts to impair your field of view.  If you note that the crack on your windshield falls under one of the categories listed below, then be sure to call your local Bob Sumerel Tire automotive service experts immediately.

• Interior windshield cracks
• Cracks that go through all layers of your windshield glass
• Windshield cracks that impair the driver's field of vision
• Big spider web looking cracks
• Cracks that are 18in or longer
• Cracks with residue or moisture inside of them
• Edge cracks

The good news is that most cracks are the repairable kind, and many of those you can easily repair at home without having to take time out of your day to go to a shop.  However, in the more serious situations, be sure to keep the windshield experts at your local Bob Sumerel Tire Co. in mind to get you the help you need!

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Premium vs. Unleaded: Is It Really Worth the Extra Cents?

Leaded gas was first used in the 1920's and 30's during the industrialization of the US, and the introduction to the internal combustion engine arose. Later on as the technology advanced, engines were developed to need a higher grade of gasoline, and without the harmful bi-product that lead gave off after being ignited. Thus, unleaded gas was introduced onto the scene, offering higher mpg and a cleaner emissions rating. In modern times, there are a vast array of different fuels you can choose...but what really is the difference?

• Octane Level is the biggest difference- High-performance vehicles demand a higher octane level fuel to handle a much more intense pressure and stress. Consult with your manufacturer directly about this if you have any questions. 
• Consult with your owner's manual- In all owners manuals, there will be a section under "Fuel" which will illustrate and outline the suggested octane level of fuel for your vehicle. On average,
  
  cars with superchargers, turbochargers, or high output engines will require a higher octane level fuel. See the image to the right for a similar illustration to look for in your owners manual. 
• Brand name vs nonbrand name gas- Lots of illusions are placed around name brand gas stations like BP, Shell, and Marathon compared to other not so well known names. Edmunds conducted a research study which showed that it didn't truly matter the brand of the gas itself, it was more concerned with the octane level. 
• Knocking is a possibility if you aren't careful- The more sophistication that is put into engines, the more care and attention is needed. Using a fuel below your suggested octane level has been known to create engine knocking. Essentially, this means that fuel is being ignited prematurely inside your engine. 
• Premium has the potential to increase MPGs- Since there are more detergents, and additives in a premium gas, it typically results in slightly improved MPG. The fuel cleans out any build up deposits of carbon throughout the combustion chamber, allowing for a more fluid flow of fuel, which reduces engine strain. 

To summarize, it really depends on your vehicle type, as well as engine condition before deciding to put those extra dollars in your gas tank. When you do get a new car, be sure to look through the owners manual to verify the specified octane level the manufacturer says to use. Higher performance vehicles will typically require a higher octane level, with some trucks and SUV's actually requiring a mid grade formula. With today's technology and standards, it is very rare for a gas station to sell a gas at an abnormally low octane level. If you have further questions, it is best to consult with your manufacturer on this matter to get their honest opinion on the correct fuel type!

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Safety Tips for After an Accident Occurs

Traffic accidents are certainly a reality all of us face each day during our daily commutes, or on long trips. In fact, about 10 million accidents occur each year, which boils down to about one accident every 18 years for the average American driver. Unfortunately, distracted driving accounts for a large majority of the reason for accidents, which outweighs things like drunk driving, and hazardous road conditions. In the case that you do get in an accident, we wanted to provide helpful tips to ensure safety for both drivers after an accident has occurred.

• Pull off the road, if possible- A small fender bender typically will not render your car immobile upon impact. If the accident is not severe, it is a good idea to get both cars off of the road to avoid a rear end accident from traffic coming from behind. 
• Determine if you have suffered any severe injury- It is never a good idea to force yourself to move after an accident has occurred. If the impact was severe enough, moving from your vehicle can actually cause more harm then good. If you find yourself in extreme pain, do not get out immediately. Call 911 as soon as the accident occurs, and allow the ambulance to assist you in exiting the vehicle. 
• Check on the other party- In the case that you have not suffered a major injury, it is a good idea to check on the other person involved in the collision. Collect any insurance information they have, as well as information from the tow company if either of the vehicles are towed. 
• File report with police, record any witnesses-Witness testimonials are a way to help give context to the accident, as well as having a third perspective. Ask any witnesses to stay until the police arrive to have their statements recorded. 

Above all, having a firm recognition of the situation at hand is truly the best piece of advice after any collision. If you are in extreme pain, it is not a good idea to try to move yourself from the situation because it can cause you more harm then good. If there is suspicion that you or the other party may be in need of medical assistance, call an ambulance right away. Obeying any police orders is crucial to ensuring an accurate police report, as well as remaining safe after the accident has happened. Above all, using common sense in any scenario is truly the surefire way or proceeding with the utmost caution, making sure no one gets injured along the way. For additional information on what to do after an accident, check out Car Care's article here!

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Towing: Tips and Proper Procedure for Hauling with your Truck/SUV

Well, it's almost that time a year again where we load up the family in the SUV and find the nearest watering hole to drag the boat out to. Summer is upon us, and families nationwide are starting to gear up for the warm weather in more ways than one. One of the first things you should look at before hauling something is the tow capacity of that particular vehicle. Depending on the specific tongue weight of the vehicle, it is grouped into different classes that have different tow capacities, listed here: Class I: 2,000 lbs, maximum / Class II: 3,500 lbs, maximum / Class III: 5,000 lbs, maximum / Class IV: 10,000 lbs, maximum. Typically, you can find this information on the door jamb of your vehicle, or in the owner's manual. Next you'll want to find the weight of what you are carrying, ensuring your vehicle is able to handle the weight. There are several different tips to keep in mind before towing a vehicle, most of them are standard vehicle procedures:

• Air Pressure- Not only your trailer, but your car should have the proper air pressure before any long haul. It is a good idea to set the pressure about 5 psi higher, as it can help with the pay load from the weight of the trailer.
• Safety Chains-  All trailers should be equipped with safety chains. These are to be hooked to the frame of the truck in the case that the trailer comes loose, it will save it from detaching from the truck.
• Trailer Brakes- If your trailer is equipped with brakes, ensure proper pad depth, and that they function as they are supposed to.
•  Brake Lights- Ensure that your tail lights work through the trailer brake light switch. 
• Wheel Chucks- Whenever you plan to park a trailer somewhere, getting a set of wheel chucks is a surefire way to ensure that your trailer doesn't roll while it is parked! 

 As always, if you have any extensive questions that this blog does not cover, be sure to consult with your owners manual or the manufacturer. Any haul should be planned out, including any stops that may be needed in addition to the necessary towing supplies one will need. It is always a good idea to have things handy like tow straps, rope, hooks, and a few other essentials. Your vehicle's tow capacity is unique, and can be learned more about in Car Care's article here. Never load your vehicle past its suggested tongue weight, and always be cautious when driving with a trailer. Slow and steady is the best way to combat any uncertainties when driving with a trailer, be careful out there this summer!