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Archive for July 2024Westside Automotive Tire Safety: Washington vs. LincolnPosted July 28, 2024 5:04 AM
Welcome to the Westside Automotive automotive blog. Today, let's talk about the effect of tire wear. Let's focus on stopping in wet Houston conditions. In order for a tire to have good contact with the road, it has to move the water out of the way. If it can't move the water, the tire will actually ride on top of a thin film of water. So how does a tire move water? It has channels for water to flow through. Look at your vehicle tire and you'll see channels: channels that run around the tire and channels that flow across the tire. They're designed to direct water away from the tire so it can contact the road better. Just insert a quarter into the tread. Put it in upside down. If the tread doesn't cover George Washington's hairline, it's time to replace your vehicle tires. With a Canadian quarter, the tread should cover the numbers in the year stamp. Many Houston residents have heard of this technique using a penny and Abe Lincoln's head - the old method. That measure gives you 2/32 of an inch – half the suggested amount. Of course, vehicle tires are a major purchase. Most of us in Houston want to get as many miles out of them as we can. But there's a real safety trade-off. It's your choice. Westside Automotive Automotive Tips from Westside Automotive: Where Should New Tires Be PlacedPosted July 21, 2024 5:02 AMWhen Houston drivers need to replace tires, they need to know how many they should get and on which axle they should be placed. Replacing a damaged tire may leave you with three others with significant wear, which could affect your traction control, stability control and anti-lock brake systems. Passing the Test (How to Prevent Emissions Test Failure)Posted July 14, 2024 6:37 AMVehicle emission testing has become ubiquitous in North America and for a good reason. Clean air quality is important for the environment and all of us. Since vehicle emissions are among the main causes of air pollution, emission testing can alert you to problems in your vehicle than can be fixed so it won't needlessly pollute. Emissions tests are looking for certain toxic gases internal combustion engines produce, such as nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, non-methane organic gases and formaldehyde. Emissions control systems reduce these gases if they are working properly. The best way to minimize pollution is to keep those vehicle systems working properly, and periodic inspection and maintenance is the key. So if you want to make sure your vehicle will pass an emissions test, it helps to know what might go wrong. Let's start on the easy one. Your gas cap could be loose, allowing vapors to escape into the atmosphere. The most common solution is to replace it. Or your air filter may be dirty. A dirty air filter may push your hydrocarbons pass the acceptable level. Now to the more complicated things. The mixture of fuel and air in your engine may be tilted toward the "too much fuel" side. That could cause problems for your vehicle's catalytic converter, a device that converts toxic gases from your exhaust into less toxic pollutants. Your vehicle has a closed system that prevents fuel tank vapors from escaping into the air; it's called the EVAP system. A technician can track down problems. Vehicle engineers have gone to great lengths to minimize the amount of pollution your vehicle produces. Your vehicle's manufacturer recommends how frequently those systems need servicing. Keep those systems in good shape and you're likely to pass emissions tests with flying colors. Neglect them and you might find your vehicle failing an emissions test. When that happens, you'll have to get the problems repaired before you can get back on the road. Westside Automotive Objects in the Mirror (Rearview Mirror Safety and Maintenance)Posted July 7, 2024 6:38 AMYou may remember a song that went, "Objects in the rearview mirror may appear closer than they are." While that was a song about life's lessons, there are a few things we should all know about how important rearview mirrors are to safe driving. While new electronic devices are helping drivers be aware of surrounding traffic in high-tech ways, the good old rearview mirror is still a dependable way of letting you know what's around you. There are usually 3 on each vehicle, 1 attached to the windshield inside and 2 attached outside on each of the front doors. It's important that they be adjusted properly before you start driving (not while you're driving). Experts say the windshield rearview mirror should cover the area behind the vehicle while the outside mirrors should not simply duplicate that view but extend it to the sides, where blind spots normally are. Your rearview mirrors must be able to hold the positions they're adjusted in; it there's play in them or they move around, you'll never be sure they're pointed in the direction that will let you see where traffic is. The one on the windshield must be firmly attached. If it won't stay where you want it, head to your service facility where they can tighten it or replace any parts necessary to let the mirror maintain its aim. If it has fallen off the windshield completely, a technician can reattach it with the proper adhesives or fasteners. There may be electronics that need to be properly connected as well. The outside mirrors cover your blind spots and they must be able to hold their adjustments, too. Many adjust electronically; switches and motors can fail, electrical connections can detach or become corroded and the reflective glass can crack, discolor or develop a hazy fog. A technician can diagnose and repair those problems and recommend any replacement parts you might need. Mirrors that are adjusted manually also should be restored to proper working order in order for you to maintain this important rear visibility. Drivers don't think about their rearview mirrors all that much. On reflection, don't they deserve respect and care for the important job they do? Westside Automotive | ||
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Testimonials
Diane Zarembo, 09/05/2024
We take our cars NOWHERE else but Westside. Been going there for over 25 years now and have never been sorry. Same certified mechanics too. That's when you can tell a place is great: by the amount of turnover (of which Westside has none).