Changing your Headlights with Ease from Ohio's Bulb-Changing Experts

Having a burnt out headlight can be a frustration every driver will face at some point in time. All bulbs are different, and there is no set time to expect a headlight to go out on you. It's important to note that all vehicles are different, and they have various procedures when changing a headlight. Some can be done without any tools necessary, while others require removal of panels, and other components. Luckily, changing a headlight can be relatively simple, and can be taken care of at any local Bob Sumerel Tire location within about 15 minutes! But if you are feeling brave, here are some tips on changing your headlight on your own!YouTube is always a good reference to see watch before performing the headlight change itself!

• Locate the bulb that is burnt- Check your lights to identify the one that is burnt, open the hood to inspect it's location. Some headlight assemblies have a removable "cap" to access the headlight.
• Turn the car off, see if you can access the bulb by hand- Depending on the vehicle, it is possible to change the headlight without any tools necessary. Other vehicles require the headlight assembly to be removed, usually consisting of a few bolts/levers to be removed. 
• Disconnect the headlight socket pigtail- Removing the headlight wire is the first step, check to see what way to move the plastic tab, be careful to not snap off the plastic. (See picture below) 
• 
  Find out how the bulb is held in place- Sine bulbs require a simple counter-clockwise turn, which others are held in by a metal wire. Be very gentle with the bulb when pulling it out, make sure you realize how it comes out so you can install the new one correctly. 
• Installing the new bulb- The same way it came out is how it should go back in. BE SURE NOT TO TOUCH THE GLASS PART OF THE BULB, it can severely effect the clarity of the bulb. Be sure to test the bulb by turning the headlights on before you re-assemble everything!
• Reconnect the wire, put the assembly back together- Reverse the steps you took to get the bulb out, essentially. Put the protective cap back on, and ensure that the headlight works properly. 

One thing to note is that in most cases, the more you spend on a headlight bulb, the shorter life span it will have. More expensive halogen lights need more electrical current to power them, which in turn drains their life faster then a standard halogen bulb. Another thing to add is that "bulb grease" is often additive to use when you are installing a new bulb. Rubbing the grease on the metal contact points of your bulb will ensure the bulb does not corrode overtime, and also helps keep moisture away from the electrical parts of the bulb. Again, YouTube is a great source of knowledge if this is your first time replacing the headlight by yourself. If you are not confident in your abilities, any local Bob Sumerel Tire can help you change it!

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How to Properly to Check your Oil from Ohio's Engine Oil Experts

The most vital fluid that goes into the engineering of your vehicle is without a doubt your engine oil. The main purpose it serves is to lubricate the many moving parts inside your engine, preventing metal breakdown, and ensuring a proper compression within the cylinders. Checking your oil is a relatively straight forward process, and should be done occasionally in between oil changes. For more information on how long you should wait in between oil changes, visit our blog post here. Oil changes can be done at any local Bob Sumerel Tire, click the link here to schedule your appointment today!

• Allow your car to run for a little bit before checking it- Checking your oil "cold" can give off an inaccurate reading. It is essential to allow the oil to circulate and warm up before checking it. 
• Always check your oil with your car off- With your car not running, oil has time to settle at the bottom of the oil pan, which is most accurate way of reading your oil dipstick. 
  
• Make certain your car is on a level surface- If your car is on a slope, the oil level will not be "flat," thus giving an inaccurate reading on the dipstick. 
• When taking out the dipstick, do not tip it upside down- Bring the dipstick straight out of the tube, and make sure the bottom of the stick faces down. Flipping it upside down can cause the oil to run, giving an inaccurate reading. 
• Find the two dots/dashes- Most dipsticks have a low/high level represented by two dots, or dashes on the stick. 
• Add oil accordingly- If your oil is below the "low" level, try to add half a quart of oil. Once this is done, check the oil again to see where the level is at, repeat this process until it is between the two dots. 

Typically, when the level is below the "low" dot, it will take approximately 1 quart of oil to get it back to the "full" level. Every car is different however, and you should be cautious not to overfill your oil when you are adding oil. A common misconception about oil is that if it is dark in color, it is dirty, which means it needs to be changed. Color has little to do with the condition of the oil, you should always go off of your mileage when thinking about when you should get it changed next. Take advantage of the coupon at the bottom of this blog to get $5 off any oil change at your local Bob Sumerel Tire!

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Battery Care and Symptoms from Ohio's Battery Experts

Your car's battery is one of the most important parts of the vehicle, without it all other vehicle components would not matter. One common misconception about your battery is that extremely cold temperatures are the main "killer" of your battery. While this may be true, there is also sufficient evidence that suggests hot summer months do just as much damage to the internal components of an acid based battery. With any oil change, your local Bob Sumerel Tire location will test your battery in order to see if it is performing properly.
Fortunately, batteries often will start to show signs of a decrease in power long before the battery actually dies. This week's blog takes a look at your battery, as well as tell tale signs that it is time to replace it.

• Check engine light is on- If you notice slower cranking than usual, as well as a check engine light illuminated, its time to have your battery tested! 
• Visible battery leak- Visual inspections of your battery can be done at any time, Simply look around the top seal of the battery for any fluid seeping out of the top casing. 
• A clicking sound when you try to start your car- When you hear this, you can rule out that your starter is bad. Have your battery checked and replaced if needed. 
• Slower cranking, especially on cold days- Be sure to pay attention to if your car "drags" while it starts. If it begins to drag, it may be time to get your battery checked. Any local Bob Sumerel Tire Co. can test your battery for free! 
• You have needed a jump frequently- While jumps can fix a battery that is drained, a dead battery will continue to give you problems, requiring a jump almost every time. 

The good thing is that most battery replacements can be done quickly, and with minimal effort of installation. Something to keep in mind when purchasing a new battery is how long the warranty lasts. If you are planning on keeping a vehicle for a long time, it might be worth the investment to get a battery that is expected to last longer. Batteries on the market today have warranties lasting anywhere from 90 days up to 5 years. To get a quote on a new battery, contact your local Bob Sumerel Tire location for further details. 

Abnormal Tire Wear: What is Looks Like, and How to Prevent it

The old "penny trick" is a common way of measuring the current depth of your car's tires. 2/32nd's is the depth in which it is recommended to purchase a new set of hoops, and is a measurement backed by government regulations. When you do in fact get a new set of tires, stretching your dollar the furthest means you need to be cautious, and take care of your new set of tires. In this week's blog post, we will show you examples of what abnormal tire wear looks like, and how you can be proactive in preventing this from happening!

Toe Wear- This is primarily caused by an alignment issue with the vehicle. The tire will show wear on one of the edges of the tire, but not the other. Have your vehicle's alignment done when getting your new tires, but also have it checked periodically to ensure the vehicle is properly aligned!
Camber Wear- The photo to the right illustrates both positive and negative camber. Essentially, one side of the tire is being stressed heavily, while the other side has minimal contact with the ground. To prevent this, an alignment should be checked and/or performed to ensure a neutral camber. Alignments can be completed at any local Bob Sumerel Tire location!
Center Wear - Over inflating your tires is the what causes center wear on your tires. Get in the routine of having your air pressure checked to ensure your tires are at the correct pressure. Your local Bob Sumerel can take care of this for you free of charge!
Edge Wear- This is the opposite of center wear, and is caused by having under-inflated tires. The majority of the stress is being put on the edges of your tires when they are under inflated, also resulting in poor handling.
Patch Wear- When a tire is not balanced properly, it is subject to "hopping" while on the road. Usually, these patterns are erratic and have no consistency with how they form. Any local Bob Sumerel Tire location will balance your tires with purchase, and can be checked periodically upon scheduled maintenance checks!
Cup Wear- These consistent bald spots in the tire usually stem from your shocks, struts, or stabilizer links going bad. A simple inspection can be done at any Bob Sumerel location to check to see if the suspension parts are holding up.

Something else to keep in mind is regularly rotating your tires, which is a free service at your Bob Sumerel Tire location with any tire purchase. By rotating your tires, you allow for the tread to be worn evenly, and preventing any wear from alignment/suspension issues. Simple checks can be done to see if your suspension is tight, or to see if your alignment on your vehicle is off. If your vehicle "pulls," or has abnormal shakes at highway speeds, contact your local Bob Sumerel for a complimentary vehicle inspection.

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An Overview of your Vehicle's Cooling System from your Ohio's Experts

A vehicle's heating system is often one that is frequently used around this time a year, but is often taken for granted as a luxury in modern vehicle components. Like your engine oil, your antifreeze should be flushed according to your mileage, but not as frequently as changing your oil. This service, as well as others can be done at any local Bob Sumerel Tire location! There are many parts that work together to make this cooling system operate fluidly, getting the engine up to operating temperature. Below are brief descriptions of each of these components, and what their responsibilities are within the vehicle:

• Thermostat - Typically on the top of the motor, this small valve opens when the engine reaches operating temperatures to allow coolant to pass into the engine. This component is also in charge of creating warm air in the car's cabin when you turn the heat on.
• Water pump - This cast iron piece is run by a pulley system from your serpentine belt, pumping the water in and out of the motor.
• Radiator - This part is located in the front of the vehicle, it regulates the temperature of the pressurized coolant that cycles in and out of the motor. 
• Expansion Tank - Also known as an overflow tank, this plastic container is what you pour your coolant into, which holds any excess coolant.
• Hoses - There is an upper and a lower hose, both are in charge or distributing coolant to different parts of the motor, also cycling it through the radiator. These hoses should be free of any cracks or bulges at the ends.  
• Cooling fan - Usually located on the radiator, or attached to the water pump pulley this component is in charge of cooling the vehicle's radiator. 
• Coolant/Antifreeze- This fluid is essentially the "blood" of your car's cooling system. It is a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water that keeps your car's motor from freezing over or boiling up when in operation. 

Failure to flush your coolant system can cause severe calcium build up within the internal parts of your cooling system. Calcium build up can deteriorate plastic radiator parts, as well as cast iron parts engine parts, and even rubber gasket material. These individual components should be visually inspected about every oil change to ensure there are no leaks in the system. Call your local Bob Sumerel Tire shop if you have any questions about your vehicle's suggested fluid intervals. For a further look into your vehicle's cooling system, as well as other vehicle components, check out CarCare's article here. 

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Proper Shock/Strut Maintenance from Ohio's Suspension Guru's

While tires play a vital role in the overall "ride" when driving, there are several other components on a vehicle that help deliver a smooth ride. Your shocks and struts are often forgotten about, as they are usually something that will not make a vehicle inoperable. These gas-powered components play a crucial part in things like tire wear, ride control, and overall ride comfort. Monroe® suggests that your shocks be checked every 50,000 miles for wear, with the average shocks lasting anywhere from 60,000 to 90,000. Get in touch with your local Bob Sumerel Tire to have your shocks and suspension checked at no charge! Many may not notice a huge difference in ride quality as their shocks get weaker overtime, but there are a few things to keep in mind when thinking about your shocks:

• Abnormal tire wear can be a result from bad shocks. If shocks do not perform sufficiently, they can cause the tire to "hop" creating abnormal bald spots on parts of the tire.
• Visual inspection of the shocks can be done at any local Bob Sumerel Tire Co. Any signs of gas fluid leaking around the cylinder of the shock is an indication they need to be replaced. 
  
• Always replace shocks in pairs. Failing to do this will result in abnormal tire wear, and even could cause poor handling. 
• Get an alignment after having shocks/struts replaced. New shocks make alter the geometry of the vehicle, an alignment will ensure your tires wear evenly and can be done at any Bob Sumerel Tire location!

 Additional components can be replaced in accordance with your shocks to help restore your ride to its factory condition. Replacing things like coil springs, or sway bar links/bushings can improve your suspension, making it tighter and more responsive. If you are worried your suspension might not be performing as it used to, schedule a check-up with your local Bob Sumerel Tire Co to clear up any potential problems down the road!

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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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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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