As a vehicle owner, you understand just how frustrating car repairs can be. If you learn a little on the topic, you really can save lots of money and aggravation. Use the tips here to make repairs yourself when feasible. Use the tips for finding a good mechanic.
They will help you tremendously next time you need mechanical help.
If you have to take a vehicle in for repairs, be sure you ask a few questions about the vehicle. Find out what caused the issues, and ask what you can do so this does not happen again. Preventing automotive issues is a valuable skill to save money during the year.
Make sure you often check the radiator. Allow your car to run for a bit and then turn it off and pop open the hood. Don’t open your radiator cap if your car is on. Check how much fluid is in the radiator with a dipstick and keep in mind that you should always mix coolant with water before pouring it in your radiator.
Do you understand what the estimated cost for your fix is? If a certain cost confuses you, don’t hesitate to clear this up with the mechanic before allowing him or her to make repairs to your vehicle. You do not want to be surprised with added charges when you are handed the final bill.
Keep a record of all the repairs you make on your vehicle. If you have problems later, these records can come in handy. If you do not have documentation, you may have duplicate services performed.
Take the mechanic for a drive before getting your car repaired. If you don’t, you may find that you paid for nothing.
Make sure that you specifically request OEM parts. Those are the original parts from the manufacturer. While they often cost a little more, they typically work better for longer periods of time. What could be a good deal in the present won’t always be the best thing to for you later, so try using OEM parts when you’re able to.
Never leave any valuables in your car when it is getting repaired. They will likely be taken out and may be lost. Remove all items from your trunk too.
Always think of how to fix your car’s problems yourself before trying to get it repaired. You can save time and money if the problem is correctly diagnosed, and finding a reliable mechanic will also be easier. It’s an unfortunate fact that there are dishonest mechanics who will tell you your car has issues when it doesn’t.
Keep a DIY tool kit in your trunk. You will want to have the tools necessary to change a tire, and they likely came with the vehicle. A car jack and a lug wrench are essential tools to have. You should have a Phillips and flat head screwdriver and several types of wrenches. Don’t get cheap tools. Get sturdy, quality tools that will not break on you.
Auto repairs are an annoying thing to deal with. Not to mention the expense involved. When you do your homework on auto repair and use the tips from this article, you can avoid breaking the bank.
At Sixfields Tyres Northampton we have been repairing any car or vehicle issues for over 15 years. With a trusted track record for bring the lowest cost at the highest quality. For more information about general vehicle maintenance, winter checks, new tyres and part worn tyres, be sure to get in touch with our team today on 01604 75979
Posted on 15th Jul 2019 04:51:52 by surrect.media
Tags: tyres northampton, Northampton Tyres.
Summer tyres or all-season tyres? Which to choose? If you’re still wondering which sort of tyre to choose, this report can help you make a choice. Determine which solution is ideal for you.
Summer tyres
Summer tyres are devoted to the weather conditions from spring to fall. The conditions of use of summertime models are limited by the temperature: if it drops below 7 degrees, the tyres lose their grip properties.
All-season tyres
All-season tyres, also referred to as universal or multi-season tyres, combine the qualities of summer and winter versions. Combining the benefits of the tyre types in 1 tyre is an important challenge. It’s not without reason to state that the craft of producing tyres would be to strike the ideal balance between parameters to fit the expectations of consumers. However, the larger the array of road conditions to be taken into consideration, the more difficult this task is.
All-season or summer tyres tyres? Differences and similarities
Summer and all-season tyres differ in tread pattern, rubber compound and shape, i.e. shape. The tread of a yearlong tyre has more sipes. They’re intended to ensure better tyre behavior in snow. However, in the summertime, a tyre with too many notches from the tread readily loses its stiffness. This impacts the tyre’s grip - it worsens braking and grip not only on tender but also on wet streets.
For both all-season and summer tyres, all three kinds of tread are utilized: symmetric, asymmetric and directional. In directional sculptures intended for year-round tyres, the functions of the various components of the tread are clearly divided. Bark generally has fewer sipes - it’s responsible for summer driving, while the front, i.e. the central portion of the tread, is richer in sipes and is assumed to make winter travel easier.
Asymmetrical sculptures of universal versions allow to present elements responsible for both winter and summer attributes. This typically involves either side of the tread: winter and summer. The so-called summer features normally have an"outside” side, i.e. the side which is to be put.
The rubber compounds used in all-season tyres shall be designed to give functionality at an acceptable level at any temperatures. The summer tyre compound is uncompromising - it is intended to give functionality at temperatures above 7 degrees only. Therefore, as the ambient temperature climbs, all-season tyres can’t reach the performance levels booked for summertime models.
The tyre shape is, in other words, the shape around the tread. It’s visible when seen in front of the tread. The shape of a tyre determines its contact surface, and that’s why its size is quite important for tyre grip.
Summer tyre shape is around, which ensures low rolling resistance and higher traction in summer conditions. The contour of a yearlong tyre is massive and looks like the square shape of a winter tyre. Massive shoulders provide great traction in winter conditions, but in the summer they cause quicker tread wear and increased fuel consumption.
What are the labels for summer and all-season tyres?
Summer tyres don’t have the typical labels connected to the season for which they are designed.
The M+S (“mud and snow”) symbol for multi-season tyres. This mark is used for all-season tyres made for the American marketplace. In European fact, universal tyres are in fact closer to winter versions and usually have a pictogram of three snow peaks (3PMSF). Alongside these symbols, the word ALL SEASON frequently appears on a yearlong tyre. Occasionally, manufacturers utilize individual, additional picture symbols indicating that the tyre can be used all year round in many different weather conditions.
Tests of summer and all-season tyres
All-season tyres tend to be compared with winter tyres, less often with summer tyres. Past tests (e.g. ADAC or AutoBild) reveal that all-season tyres perform worse than highly rated seasonal tyres, while great multi-season tyres perform better than the cheapest seasonal versions .
As a rule of thumb, all-season tyres also perform worse than great summer tyres in evaluations. This can be demonstrated by tests on dry surfaces, both from the braking and handling categories (e.g. from the"AutoBild” test size 205/55 R16 from 2009). Summer tyres win thanks to their tread pattern and rubber compound.
It happens that some yearlong models perform well on moist surfaces, particularly in regards to aquaplaning, like the Vredestein Quatrac 3 or Dunlop SP 4 All Seasons. Even though these tyres perform worse than great summer tyres, they can outperform many lower end products (mainly the most affordable, little-known brands).
Benefits of all-season tyres
All-season tyres should supply us with a decent level of performance throughout the year, particularly under moderate conditions of use. With all-season tyres, we’ll always be ready for the sudden coming of winter or its sudden return of spring. Therefore, their main advantage is their flexibility.
Year-round models do not need seasonal tyre service visits to change tyres. This saves money and time - you can just worry about seasonal wheel balancing.
All-season tyres, are they worthwhile?
A set of great all-season tyres, provided by a renowned manufacturer, may be a much better solution than just two sets of the lowest priced"seasonals”. Such a solution is reasonable for motorists whose annual mileage is low (less than 5-6 million kilometres per year) and traveling mainly in town.
Why? By covering a few of km in moderate fashion, mainly in town, we’re unable to use seasonal tyres till they lose their possessions. These tyres will age. Additionally, it ought to be taken into consideration that the conditions we experience in the city are comparatively rarely extreme. It’s significantly better to substitute a set of all-season tyres after 4-5 decades and a mileage of, say, 40,000 km than to use two seasonal collections of tyres for ten years.
Because of these attributes, 15-inch (or 16-inch) multigrade tyres are the most common on the aftermarket to match compact and urban cars.
Benefits of summer tyres
The biggest benefit of summer tyres compared to all-season tyres is their functionality. This is an argument that is unquestionable. Tyres are the portion of the gear of a car. Every tyre is a compromise, but the compromise for all-season versions has a broader range - blending the functionality required in both summer and winter.
When comparing the ideal summer tyres with the finest multi-season tyres in wet and dry conditions, summer tyres are unrivalled. They’ll provide better braking, better grip and handling in addition to higher levels of relaxation (and less noise). You’ll also use less fuel.
Another benefit is that summer tyres last longer than worldwide versions. Durability is an element of usage which takes on value, particularly concerning high mileage. Additionally, it is hard not to notice that all-season tyres are considerably more costly than similar summer tyres from the same manufacturer.
We should also keep in mind that having a moderate or higher class car, one is obliged to have summer tyres. Only summer tyres can deal with the increased power and needs of modern vehicles.
At Sixfields Tyres Northampton we have been repairing any car or vehicle issues for over 15 years. With a trusted track record for bring the lowest cost at the highest quality. For more information about general vehicle maintenance, summer tyres, winter checks, new tyres and part worn tyres, be sure to get in touch with our team today on 01604 75979
Posted on 9th Jul 2019 08:57:53 by surrect.media
Tags: Summer Tyres, Northampton Tyres, tyres northampton.
If you own a vehicle, then you know that repair can be a pain. Either you’re going to spend quite a bit of money getting someone to fix things for you, or you’ll have to spend your energy and time getting repairs done. Both instances can get quite annoying, however this article will help make your experience a little easier.
Never underestimate the value of keeping an emergency car kit handy. This kit will include the necessary tools for successfully charging a battery, changing a tire and adding gas to your tank. A few blankets, flashlights and spare batteries are also great to have.
Ask all the questions you have at the shop. Focus particularly on the issue that you have; make sure to inquire about what you can do to prevent similar problems in the future. When you understand what’s going on and put preventative measures in place, you will save a lot of money.
It is a good idea to use referrals to find a decent mechanic. Ask around for recommendations. These people will be able to provide you with the price, quality, and overall satisfaction of the mechanic. They will be the first to tell you about a dishonest mechanic too!
Buy OEM parts. These parts are directly from the manufacturer of your vehicle. Generic parts may cost less, but they are not as good. Getting a good deal on generic parts means you might have to purchase the same parts again and pay a mechanic to change them within the next few years.
Look for signs that should serve as a warning that your repair man is no good. When they don’t listen to what you say or talk to you in circles, they’re probably a scammer. It is important to have full confidence in the competence of your mechanic. If you don’t, then move on to a better choice.
A spare tire and a jack are valuable items to have in case of an emergency. They are usually included when you buy a car. You will have to spend a lot to get your car towed if you cannot change the tire right away. You can save a lot by doing it yourself.
Whenever you fill up on gas, make sure you check the pressure of your tires. Look over your tires to be sure nothing has become embedded in them. If you notice any problems with your tires, have them checked by a professional. You should not risk driving with less-than-perfect tires.
It is a good idea to take some photos of your car, prior to taking it to the garage. A lot of shops aren’t going to strip things out of your vehicle, but some will if they are trying to make more money. The appearance of your vehicle needs to be documented in case something bad happens.
Auto repair isn’t the most thrilling thing in the world, but there are steps you can take to make your experience a whole lot easier. The information you have just read can really improve your auto repair experiences. You and the car should be pleased with the results.
At Sixfields Tyres Northampton we have been repairing any car or vehicle issues for over 15 years. With a trusted track record for bring the lowest cost at the highest quality - why not give the centre a call on 01604 759791 or book online via our online form, here.
Posted on 2nd Jul 2019 10:14:52 by surrect.media
Tags: tyres northampton, Northampton Tyres.
Tyres are made to high standards but there are variations in the thicknesses of the rubber, the steel straps and webbing that comprise the structure of the tyre. One consequence of these variations is a weight difference around the tyre and the fact that when fitted tyres need to be balanced as most of us know.
You can see a sign of the on most tyres - Search for lines running around the circumference of the tread on your tyre that is new? Some of these lines would be to provide the tyre distributors simple to read information regarding the tyre but among these is the’run-out index’ (usually blue or red ) and is to varying degrees on the left or right of the tread. The closer to the line will operate, and the distance from the center denotes the amount of the run-out.
But here is - since less is something known as’‘. This is a measure of just how straight the tyre will operate (track) if permitted to roll unaided along a flat surface set on a small decline. Some will run true and straight, others will veer right or to the left by levels.
A steering problem can arise if both tyres on an axle have been run out in precisely the direction - that may easily be confused with monitoring. So once you buying tyres you need to pick both with lines of roughly exactly the same degree from center, but on opposite sides of the middle. This way the two will cancel out each other and you will get steering.
No matter the tyre combination, a routine check of the tyre pressures (if they’re cold) is the best way to prevent premature wear. You might see an improvement in the fuel consumption. And remember that all modern cars have tyre pressures in bar - so do not make the mistake of misreading 2.2pub as 22lbs/in2.
And a check for condition at precisely the exact same time is very good practice. Start looking for a minimum tread depth of 1.6millimeters at a continuous band across the central three-quarters of the tread width; this has to be around the whole of the circumference.
Modern tyres have a collection of’wear signs’ (raised lumps) running around the circumference of the tread between the grooves. After level has been worn down by the tyre it is time to replace the tyre - and contrary to popular belief, consider fitting the tyres on the wheels - instead of the front. This way, the tread that is top is on the rear-end - the end which breaks off on a surface - and where you will need the grip at a downpour that is.
At Sixfields Tyres Northampton we have been repairing any car or vehicle issues for over 15 years. With a trusted track record for bring the lowest cost at the highest quality. For more information about general vehicle maintenance, winter checks, new tyres and part worn tyres, be sure to get in touch with our team today on 01604 75979
Image courtesy of Sigmavision.com
Posted on 24th Jun 2019 03:56:16 by surrect.media
Tags: tyres northampton, Northampton Tyres.
If you are careless with your car repairs, you can end up shelling out a lot of money. Besides learning about your specific car model, you should know a few other tricks as well. Read the following article to help you save both time and money.
It is not a waste of money to own a battery charger for your vehicle. The problem of a low or dead battery is very common, and if you keep a charger in your car you can assist other drivers with the problem. Learn to locate the points where you should connect the battery charger on your car.
Do not be afraid to ask lots of questions whenever you take your vehicle to the auto shop. You can use this time to tell them about the problems you have and to get answers as to what needs to be done. One of the best ways to reduce costs is by preventative maintenance.
Inquire as to whether the mechanic has had previous experience working on your specific vehicle model before. If they have, there is a good chance they will be able to repair your car.
Every time you have your car fixed, regardless of the reason, you should take note of it. If you have problems later, these records can come in handy. You might end up paying more if you don’t have them, because it will be more difficult to diagnose the issue.
Test drive your vehicle after repairs before paying the auto repair shop. A lot of people don’t try to drive their car first and they figure out the hard way that it wasn’t repaired later on.
Make sure any mechanic you hire knows about your particular vehicle. Different cars require different skill sets. If you don’t think he has, go to the dealer.
Get a second opinion on all major repairs. While you can usually trust an auto repair shop, you don’t want to be paying too much money for the repairs needed. Search for an auto repair shop that specializes in repairing the make of vehicle you have. You’ll get a better repair on your car because these shops will know exactly what your car needs.
Be sure to change your oil often enough. You should regularly get the oil changed to make sure your vehicle runs smoothly. Not having regular oil changes can end up damaging your car and effecting the overall performance.
Don’t stop washing your car in winter. Your car may get dirty again quickly, but all that buildup is terrible for your car. Sand and salt on the roads can cause rust and corrosion. Always dry the vehicle off, though, before you take it out for a spin so that the water doesn’t turn into ice.
As said previously, learning the fundamentals of auto repair will benefit you later on. You can be self-reliant and also teach others, saving both yourself and them some money. Utilize the knowledge provided here to help you perform your own car repairs.
At Sixfields Tyres Northampton we have been repairing any car or vehicle issues for over 15 years. With a trusted track record for bring the lowest cost at the highest quality - why not give the centre a call on 01604 759791 or book online via our online form, here.
Posted on 17th Jun 2019 04:04:14 by surrect.media
Tags: tyres northampton.
