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. 

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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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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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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