New Year's Car Care Resolutions for 2017

It's almost that time of year where we gather with family for the holidays, and plan for the year that's to come. Many will set goals for fitness, work, school, or even just to cut out a certain vise in their life. One thing to consider is taking care of the thing that gets you to all of those places...your car! Whether your car is brand new, or has some years on it...maintaining your vehicle is a great resolution for any driver in 2017. Here are some tips on ways to practice proper preventive maintenance to get your vehicle in shape for the upcoming year: 

• Schedule a bi-annual checkup- For newer vehicles, scheduled maintenance intervals are usually anywhere between 5,000 and 10,000 miles. Aside from your standard oil changes/tire rotations, stop in your local Bob Sumerel Tire Co to have a comprehensive checkup to ensure everything is in operating as it should. 
• Get any troublesome components checked out- Is your check engine light on? Don't put it off any longer! Your local Bob Sumerel Tire technicians can get you a diagnosis on that dreaded engine light, and give recommendations for resolving the problem! 
  
• Check your tires/fluids regularly- When spring rolls around, the change in temperatures can effect your fluids as well as your air pressure. Get in the routine habit of checking your fluid levels and tire pressure twice a month.
• Detail and wax your ride- Once winter ends and the spring months start, doing a solid wax and buff is a great way to restore your car's look and rids the under body of any salt. Check our Car Care's post on the proper procedure for a wax and buff here. 

A healthy body and mind are two things that can set you on the right path for the New Year. In order to get yourself to that state, it all starts with maintaining your vehicle to take you to all of the "point B's" in life. All of the services listed above can be performed at any Bob Sumerel Tire location, click here to schedule an appointment. To read further on additional car resolution tips, check out Car Care's article in regards to New Years.

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Truth Behind Five Star Crash Ratings

There are so many important features to check when shopping around for any new vehicle. From the estimated MPG, to expected maintenance schedules, even down to the type of interior features the particular vehicle offers. One thing that many overlook is the crash ratings, which is a suggested rank assigned by the National Highway & Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The government has made strides to adopt a New Car Assessment Program, part of which lists the crash ratings for every newly manufactured car. Pictured below is a sample version of what these crash ratings look like in a vehicle's sticker tag. Over the years, the NHTSA has developed their crash experiments to test 3 separate crash tests on any given vehicle.

1. Front-side impact- The first test the NHTSA tested, this measures the likelihood of any head and chest injuries upon impact.
2. Side impact- Within the last 20 years, this test has been among the others, and it measures the chance of a head injury in all side impact collisions.
3. Rollover- This is the newest of the three tests which tests the stability of the vehicle through a roll scenario. 

The NHTSA essentially evaluates crash scenarios based on the severity of injuries that could occur in a given crash setting. With the help from modern safety features like Anti-lock brakes, and side curtain airbags, the average ratings have gone up in the last 30 years. The more sophisticated vehicles have gotten, the stricter the government regulations in order to ensure safety throughout. So the next time its time to shop for a new car, be sure to check the crash ratings on the window sticker, and compare them to others!

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Tips Keeping your Interior Clean from Ohio's Interior Cleaning Experts

Maintaining your vehicle with routine mechanical services is critical for keeping your car on the road. But one thing you may not think about is how to maintain the interior of your car. From work, to school, to family activities...cleaning out your cabin might be the last thing on your mind. While your local Bob Sumerel Tire can take care of the mechanical work, check out our tips for keeping the inside of your ride fresh and clean!

Change your cabin air filter- Most vehicles contain this filter located behind the glovebox, its purpose is to filter debris and pollen coming from the exterior of the vehicle. Replacing it can increase cabin air quality, as well as help your heating/AC system work more efficiently.

Floor mats come in handy- Use rubber floormats to cover your carpet over high traffic areas. When you take your car to get washed, remove the mats and run them through water for a quick and thorough clean.
Keeping a trashbag somewhere- Draping a makeshift trashcan over your backseat can prove itself useful in an array of situations. Simply loop it around one of the headrests, and use it to your convenience!
Have some fabric cleaner handy- Using fabric cleaner and a rag can be a quick clean for when you are waiting for the kids at school. Keep it under your seat, and do a quick 2 minute clean, lightly using the cleaner and scrubbing with the rag.
Use sun shades in the summer months- UV Rays can harm and crack your interior just as it can to your skin. By using sun shades during the hotter months, you can rest assured that your interior won't fade or crack from the sun's rays! 
Use storage systems for your trunk space- When it comes to organizing your trunk, we find that using totes and other storage tools can be helpful. Keep a smaller box for your emergency essentials like jumper cables, flares, flashlights, and more.

A clean car is always a sigh of relief for those commuters who are dedicated to their ride. It is always a good idea to occasionally detail your interior, as it helps the to preserve the interior components and features. By cleaning yourself, you save money as well as uphold the resale value of your vehicle. You can find additional tips from Car Care's website here. 

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Winter Saftey Driving Tips from Ohio's Vehicle Safety Experts

Unfortunately, we do not live in areas like California that rarely ever sees "the white stuff" accumulate on their roadways. To some, it may be a frightful event having to journey through snow to get to point B, but there are tips to help keep you safe. Having the right tires from your local Bob Sumerel Tire is just one thing, but there are driving techniques that can help you stay in control on the icy roadways.

 Use sand when you're stuck- Although salt helps to prep roads before snow hits, sand is a known helper when you are getting your car unstuck. Line a thick trail of sand behind your tires when getting out of a spot, and slowly tap the gas to get out of the spot!
Limit your speed- This goes without saying that snow will increase stopping distance, and lack of vehicle control. By reducing your speed, you give yourself more of a "cushion" when having to brake for traffic ahead, or change lanes.

Proper Vehicle Maintenance- Having your vehicle ready for anything can only better serve you when it is being put to the test in the snow. For tips on ways to prep your vehicle this winter, refer to one of our previous blogs here!
If you Fishtail, Don't Panic!- If your vehicle starts to fishtail, do not slam the brakes on...but simply apply the gas lightly. By doing so, it will give the rear end traction, slowly counter steer out of the slide and get your car pointed straight.
Brake, turn, then accelerate-When approaching turns, be proactive with your braking. Idle, around the turn but make sure not to go too slow around the turn. As you complete the turn, slowly ease back on the gas pedal to prevent sliding.

Aside from these tips, being prepared the day before is a huge precautionary step for any snowy commute. If you know snow is in the future, plan accordingly and leave earlier, as the roads will likely be slower than usual. Free multi-point inspections can be done at any Bob Sumerel Tire locations, call today, or go online to set up an appointment! For additional tips on driving in inclement conditions, check out CarCare.org's article.

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Getting the Most Out Miles Out Of Your Vehicle From Ohio's Automotive Experts

Whether you are just breaking in the first thousand miles, or have over 200,000 miles most drivers are concerned with keeping their vehicle in good running condition. Regular scheduled oil changes are the first things that come to mind, but many other services offered through your local Bob Sumerel Tire Co. can be beneficial to prolonging your car's life as well. A good rule of thumb is to use oil change intervals as a time to inspect any necessary vehicle components, as it is something you usually get done 4 times a year.  Below, you will find a list of different parts to check yourself, or with your local Bob Sumerel mechanic the next time you bring your car in.

• Stay on top of fluid flushes - Print out a list of all flushes recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer.  Make sure to check this list every so often to make sure you don't go over the suggested mileage marker on any of your vehicle's fluids. 
• Keep your tires in check - Make a habit of checking the pressure and tread of your tires at least once a week. Make note of any odd wear in the tread, and inflate to the suggested pressure setting as needed. 
  
• Check belts and hoses - During any oil change interval, be sure to check the condition of all of these components, ensuring there are no leaks, dry rotting, or severe cracks in the rubber. 
• Have brakes and suspension looked at - At least once a year, stop by your local Bob Sumerel Tire Co. for a complimentary vehicle inspection. By doing so, our mechanics can spot something before it causes major headache down the road!
• Get your battery tested - Have your battery tested at least twice a year. Most battery tester devices are able to predict a battery losing voltage well before the battery will cease to start your car.  Schedule an appointment with your local Bob Sumerel Tire store today to get your battery tested.

With these tips in mind, additional tips for maximizing longevity can be found here.  The services listed above can be performed in a timely manner at any Bob Sumerel Tire Co location. Maintenance intervals can vary depending on the manufacturer, so it is crucial that you find your car's interval schedule and make a habit to check it. Older vehicles often may not have their intervals available through the internet, but any Bob Sumerel location has the ability to pull up suggested service repair intervals.

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Last Minute Winter Preparation Tips For Your Vehicle From Your Northeaster Automotive Experts

Winters in the Midwest are summarized by one word; uncertain. It is vital that we are always one step ahead of mother nature.  Because of the uncertainty and harsh weather conditions in the winter, it is important to know the steps to take in preparing your vehicle for these months.  That is why the winter vehicle preparation and car care experts at Bob Sumerel Tire Co. have put together a short list of tips to help prepare your vehicle at home for the winter.

• Switch your wiper fluid over to a "de-icer" fluid. It has the same functionality as your standard
  wiper fluid, but has the ability to melt snow up to -40 °F.
• Have your battery and starter tested. The battery and starter experts at your local Bob Sumerel Tire store are more than happy to assist you in making sure you are worry free when starting your vehicle this winter.  Schedule a starting and charging system check here. 
• Change your oil to a "winter grade oil" during your next service. A thicker, heavier oil does a
  
  better job of protecting internal engine parts during a cold start. For more information on the correct oil viscosity for your vehicle, visit your local Bob Sumerel Tire oil change experts. 
• Frequently check your tire pressure. Extremely cold mornings tend to decrease the air pressure of a tire.  Make sure to inflate your tires to manufacturer's suggested pressure. 
• Create a "winter survival kit" with things like: flares, jumper cables, door lock de-icer, melting salt, and various other items for those unexpected car breakdowns. 
• Consider snow tires instead of wearing down your all season tires.  Consider getting a set of winter tires for the best possible traction under severe road conditions at your local Bob Sumerel Tire store. 

While these are just a handful of tips, see CarCare.org's additional tips for winter car care prepping. If you have additional questions about service intervals and maintenance, your local Bob Sumerel Tire is always just a quick phone call away. Since 1968, Bob Sumerel Tire Co. has been committed to keeping your vehicle running safely and efficiently on the winter roads.  Bob Sumerel really cares!

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Maximizing Fuel Economy This Thanksgiving Season

As the winter holidays approach, long hauls with the family are typically in the schedule for drivers. If so, then be sure to roll on by your local Bob Sumerel Tire shop for a complimentary inspection before you hit the road. Did you know that your vehicle's fuel efficiency can be greatly impacted by cold temperatures?  According to fueleconomy.gov your vehicle's gas mileage can be 12% lower at 20°F than at 70°F.  However, there are also several things you can do at home to ensure you get the most miles per gallon on this year’s Thanksgiving trip and other months no matter how cold the temperature is.

• Check your tire pressure before hitting the road, and fill them according to the correct PSI.  This number is found in your owner's manual, glove box, or door jam.

• Instead of going with regular fuel, choose a mid-grade or premium fuel for filling up. Higher
  
  grade fuels have higher burn off temperatures and additional additives to help clean deposits in your fuel system. 

• Do a quick check of your fluid levels to assure they are at sufficient operating quality. 

• Whenever possible, try to coast down hills without using the accelerator, that way your engine doesn't have to work as hard, and will use less fuel. 

• Always check weather and traffic conditions before the commute to prepare for any uncertain obstacles. 

Following these tips can boost your gas mileage, as well as ensure a safe trip to wherever your dinner table is this Thanksgiving. For a professional fuel system treatment and free diagnostic maintenance check, visit your local Bob SumerelTire Co. 

Happy Holidays! 

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5 Steps To Warming Up Your Vehicle This Winter From Northeastern Ohio and Pennsylvania's Winter Car Care Experts

With winter temperatures right around the corner, you may find yourself starting your car early in the morning to help warm up your vehicle before the morning commute.  The general belief is that the most effective way to warm your vehicle is to give it around 10 minutes to idle in the driveway with the heat on full blast.  However, this is not the case.  According to the Environmental Defense Fund, idling your vehicle for longer than 10-60 seconds can start to burn through your gas tank and cost you money.  That is why the winter car care experts at Bob Sumerel Tire Co. have compiled a short list of 5 steps to help optimize warming up your vehicle this winter.

1. Turn the key to the ON position.
2. Start the vehicle, and turn on any defrosters or hot air at that time.
   
3. After the car has run for about 10-60 seconds, take it out for light driving.  A quick spin around the block should do the trick!
4. Be easy on the gas as the motor and transmission will be in the process of warming up.
5. Keep an eye on your vehicle’s temperature gauge.  Once your engine has reached its operating temperature, your vehicle will be ready for the morning commute.

Letting your vehicle idle for long periods of time in the cold weather has also been known to cause internal engine malfunctions due to lack of oil flow throughout the motor.  By driving lightly, you are allowing for that oil to circulate and your fuel injectors to warm up, thus burning less gas at operating conditions. If you find after following the above steps that your vehicle is still having a hard time warming up, then please feel free to callyour local winter car care experts at Bob Sumerel Tire Co.  Bob Sumerel Tire Co. is committed to keeping you warm and more importantly safe on the roads this winter.  Consider stopping in to your local BobSumerel Tire store for a free diagnostic maintenance check as well.

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