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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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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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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