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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (June 14, 2017)
4 Everything Auto Summer 2017 SUMMER MAINTENANCE SUMMER MAINTENANCE WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR BRAKES SHOCKS SIGNS THEY ARE GOING BAD Shocks and struts can have a major impact on your overall driving experience. Worn-out shocks will make your car’s ride less comfortable and can pose a serious safety problem. Here are some signs of brake problems that every vehicle owner should be aware of. If you experience any of these, it’s important to get your brakes checked right away. MAINTENANCE PLANS SQUEAKS Most cars are designed to emit a high-pitched squealing noise when the brake pads are dangerously thin. A small, metal clip will rub up against the brakes, telling you it's past time for a brake job. Even if your brakes feel just fine, and stop the car without a problem, ignoring this squeal can lead to permanent brake damage. brakes will always work quietly on modern cars VIBRATIONS If you sense any unusual vibrations when stopping, this can also mean it's time to get your brakes checked. Brakes that are worn unevenly can also manifest themselves through the steering feel, especially if the vibrations get worse when you step on the brake pedal. SQUISHY PEDAL If the brake pedal doesn't seem to exert much pressure, or even lets you push it all the way to the floorboard, your brakes could be on the verge of total failure due to a loss of brake fluid, air or water in the brake lines, or a leaky or broken power brake system. SMELL If you smell a metallic burning scent, especially after hard stops, there's a good chance it could be coming from your brakes. You should get a brake inspection to check it out. The best way to decide when to replace suspension components is by following the maintenance plan in your owner’s manual. The owner’s manual contains recommended intervals for replacing certain parts, including the shocks and struts. While this can vary some based on how you drive it – jackrabbit starts and lots of potholes may wear out your suspension faster, for example – the owner’s manual will give a good idea of when the parts ought to be replaced under normal use. It’s good information, and it could also void your car’s warranty if you don’t follow it. If you don’t have an owner’s manual, consider buying one from an online auction, looking up your car’s maintenance needs online, or checking with a certified repair center that can tell you exactly what the factory recommends for your car’s age and mileage. DO AN INSPECTION Even before the planned maintenance, it’s a good idea to check the conditions of your shocks and struts regularly. You can peek under your car to look for any obvious signs of leaks or damage, such as oil that has dripped out of the shock or bent parts that could have been cause by debris in the roadway. SUMMER MAINTENANCE 4 SIGNS IT IS TIME TO REPLACE YOUR TIRES hen it comes to maintaining your car, few things are as important as your tires. Your tires keep you safe, providing the traction you need on the road and in bad weather, they also play a big role in the comfort of your car. Good tires with proper air pressure give you the best ride and gas mileage. W BLISTERS 3 TREAD DEPTH The first and most obvious thing to check is the depth of the treads. All tires wear down over time, and it's important to check them regularly to be sure the treads are still in good condition. An old rule of thumb involves using a penny to measure the depth. Rotate it so that the top of Abraham Lincoln's head is pointed in toward the tire. If the tread is shallow enough to see Abe's head without any obstruction, it's past time to get new tires. 1 When you look at the tire from in front or back, it should have a smooth, even surface. If you see any blisters or bulges on the tire, they could be weak spots that could lead to a blowout at any time. CRACKS 4 NOISE & VIBRATION If you've noticed a new noise coming from the wheel wells or a vibration that changes with the speed of the vehicle, there's a good chance you could have a problem with your tires. Even if your tires look perfect, sometimes they can have problems internally. Layers could be separating inside the tire, it could be wearing unevenly, or it might have a flat spot from prolonged skidding. 2 Extreme temperatures, prolonged exposure to sunlight and changes in humidity can all eventually lead to the sidewall of your tires breaking down. Good tires will have a rubbery, supple texture to them. If they look dry and cracked, you could be risking a blowout, even if the tread depth is still thick. BEST TIRE VALUE PROMISE FREE WITH EVERY TIRE PURCHASE Peace of Mind Tire Protection Whatever the road throws at you, from potholes to nails - any road hazard, we guarantee you’re protected Lifetime Tire & Mileage Care To help you get more miles out of your tires and more miles per gallon of gas Warrenton 1167 SE Marlin Ave 503.861.3252 Seaside 2155 S Roosevelt Dr 503.738.9243
