Oil Changes: How To Change Oil In Your Own Driveway

Author:Tim LaGanke, Jr.

Changing your vehicle’s oil regularly is the single most important thing you can do for your car. Regular oil changes will extend the life of your vehicle and enhance its performance. Because contaminants are regularly deposited into your car’s oil resulting in sludge that decreases your engine’s performance (and that will over time cause engine failure) frequent oil changes are a mandatory maintenance procedure.

Most people know that they should get an oil change approximately every three months or 3,000 miles, but less know that an oil change is something that can be done in their own driveway. Doing so can save about a hundred dollars per year, and is a great way to be active with and knowledgeable about your own transportation.

Oil Change Equipment

Before getting started with your oil change, make sure you have the following materials on hand. Many of these items are sold inexpensively and are great to have handy in any garage.

3/8-drive socket set

Combination metric wrench set, including both closed and open ended wrenches.

Oil filter wrench

Oil receptacle such as a pail or old kitchen pot

Two plastic milk containers with screw on caps.

Oil funnel

Plastic Ziploc bag – 1 quart.

Several newspapers / old rags

Two pair latex gloves (optional)

A few bricks, concrete blocks or boulders.

New oil filter (see owner's manual for specifications)

New oil to refill the engine. (The back page of your vehicle’s manual should indicate grade and number of quarts.) Quick Change Oil recommends the use of synthetic oil for oil changes, such as Castrol GTX.

Before you begin, be sure to have a planned method for disposing of your dirty oil. It is illegal to dispose of used motor oil improperly. Most oil change locations will accept dirty oil for disposal free of charge.

Oil Change Step 01: Warming Up

Identify a flat space to work in your drive way or garage for you to perform the oil change once you’ve driven your vehicle for a short distance. Driving around just enough to heat up the engine will liquefy the oil for an easier emptying.

Oil Change Step 02: Stationing

Turn off your engine, put the car in Neutral and set the emergency brake firmly in place. Place several bricks in front of each of the four tires to prevent them from moving.

Oil Change Step 03: Locating the drain plug

If there is not enough room to slide under your vehicle comfortably, you’ll need to jack it up using a hydraulic pump and settle it on jack stands. (Never mount your car on a jack only – you must use jack stands.) While beneath your vehicle, identify the drain plug by searching for the lowest piece to the ground. This piece will most commonly be the nut of the oil drain plug. To avoid confusion with the transmission fluid drain plug, feel the metal around it – the oil plug will usually be much hotter than the transmission plug. In some cases the drain plug is actually labeled. Call a friend or a local oil change company for direction if you’re still unsure.

Oil Change Step 04: Draining the oil

Set out several newspapers underneath your car, focusing more on the area directly beneath the oil drain. Once you’ve located the drain plug, choose the correct socket from your set by experimenting with each until you’ve found one that nicely fits over the nut. Then, using a lot of force, turn the socket counter clockwise to crack the nut. If a socket doesn’t work, try a closed end wrench. Once the nut is cracked, loosen it carefully, using caution. Loosening the nut too much or too quickly will cause the oil to spill out. Place your oil receptacle underneath the plug making sure it is straight making sure the plug points sideways rather than straight down. A sideways pointing plug will cause the oil to empty all over instead of into your receptacle. Once correctly positioned, loosen the plug entirely. Most of the oil should drain in about two minutes.

Oil Change Step 05: Loosening the oil filter

Look up into the engine and locate the oil filter, which should look like an inverted cone. Retrieve your oil filter wrench, remove the socket from the socket wrench and set it next to the drain plug. Slip the oil filter wrench onto your socket wrench (it’s best to use a socket wrench with a short extension) and set it up to grab the filter in a counterclockwise motion. Tug on the filter slightly to loosen it. Again, caution is important because loosening the filter too quickly will spill out hot oil. Loosen a bit more using the wrench, and use your hands to remove it entirely. Make sure your face is clear of the area and pour the contents of the filter into the receptacle.

Oil Change Step 06: Removing the oil cap

Slide out from under your vehicle and open the hood. Locate the oil cap and remove it so that the oil can drain more quickly. If you have the time, wait an hour or so for all of the old oil to drain completely. This isn’t necessary, but is a good practice if you’re willing to wait.

Oil Change Step 07: Threading the new oil filter

Underneath your vehicle again, dip one gloved finger into the oil receptacle and coat the rubber edges of the new oil filter. This will help it adhere to the engine. With a clean rag, wipe off the round metal circle on the engine where the oil filter fits and put the new filter in place. By hand, tightening it should take about 1/2 or 3/4 of a turn. If it doesn’t tighten simply fit the wrench back onto the filter and tighten it the same manner it was loosened, but this time tightening in a clockwise motion.

Oil Change Step 08: Re-attaching the drain plug

At Quick Change Oil, we recommend using a new sealing washer on the drain plug when performing your own oil change. If you must use the old one, be sure to clean it prior to use. Put the washer in place and thread the drain plug back into its hole. Tighten it up with the socket set, but not so tight that removal will be difficult for the next oil change.

Oil Change Step 09: Replacing the oil

Before pouring the new oil into the spout underneath the hood, pour the content of the old oil into your milk bottle using the funnel. Wipe the funnel clean and seal the milk carton with its lid. Place the old oil filter into your Ziploc bag and set both aside for later disposal at your nearest recycling center such as your nearest Quick Change Oil location. Now place your clean funnel over the oil spout underneath your hood and deposit as many quarts of oil as directed by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Once the oil is emptied, replace the oil cap and close the hood.

Oil Change Step 10: Checking for leaks

Start your engine and let idle for 5 minutes. Make sure to look underneath your vehicle for oil leaks. If your vehicle is leaking, it’s probably best to have it corrected by an oil change station.

Remember that safety is paramount. If you have a friend who will accompany you, it’s best to perform your first oil change in the company of another person. Changing your own oil is a rewarding experience, but if you prefer to have it taken for you, make sure it’s done right. Choose an oil change company that uses high quality Castrol synthetic motor oil, the best oil, engineered for extreme heat extreme cold, frequent stop and go driving, towing heavy loads, and high speed.

About Tim LaGanke, Jr.

Tim LaGanke, Jr. is president of QuickChange Oil, a 10 minute oil change center, with locations across Cleveland, Ohio. QuickChange is currently seeking applicants interested in the oil change franchisingbusiness. http://www.quickchangeoil.com

Why Should You Spend The Extra Money On Synthetic Oil?

Author: Vincent Platania

Americans love their cars. The fascination with the automobile started with the very first models and continued to grow as people learned to modify their cars to increase performance. Style and performance is the main category on which cars are judged today, originating from the days of prohibition, where moonshiners would modify their cars to outrun the cops, to competing against each other later. Racing is part of America’s culture.

Today’s hot trend is the “import tuner.” The “tuner” is the modern-day version of the muscle car, except the muscle car was based on pure power. The import tuner car is a beautiful, fast car that is built to perform in a variety of ways. They handle great. They look great. They have awesome sound systems, fast, and expensive. Experts estimate that the average tuner car has about $15,000 worth of modifications invested into it. Not all of that money is sunk into the engine, like in the days of old, though. It is usually divided evenly between looks, sound, and performance. There is a lot of money invested in today’s performance vehicles, and lubrication is important to the life of those vehicles.

People normally assume that when they see a tuner, it is a regular car with a fancy paint job and loud stereo. That isn’t normally the case, actually. A study done by SEMA shows that the tuner crowd usually focuses on the performance of the vehicle before concentrating on the looks and sound. That means there are a lot of cars that look “normal” that are actually works in progress. This is just a hint of how important performance is to these people.

Like the Camaro and Mustang of the '60s, Honda and Nissan dominate the market today. That doesn’t mean that only Hondas or Nissans can be tuner cars. Other popular models include Chevrolet’s Cavalier, Mitsubishi’s Lancer, Mazda’s RX-7, and Toyota’s Supra. Actually, the list practically never ends. People will modify and race any car, and in the tuner world, any compact car can become a show-stopper.

When most people see a Honda, they think it is just your average, everyday car. An enthusiast sees that same car and understands the potential it has with aftermarket upgrades to style and performance. The aftermarket tuner industry is a multi-billion- dollar-a-year business. There are companies that make performance flywheels, turbo-chargers, exhaust systems, and cams, just to get an idea. Tuners know what performance they want from the components in their cars, and they aren’t scared to spend the money to obtain it.

This niche has exploded in recent years, and it shows no sign of stopping. These tuner vehicles need top performance from their lubricants. It is understandable to assume that these guys are probably do-it-yourselfers and change their oil on the weekend in the driveway, but that isn’t always the case. A lot of these guys actually don’t want to bother with the trouble of changing and then disposing of the oil. Making an effort to market to this crowd gives you an enormous opportunity to sell synthetic oils to them. These guys know what performance means to their car, and if you can teach them about the superior performance given by synthetic blends, it is a for-sure sale. If they bring up cost, show them that the cost is actually less when you factor in other variables, such as engine performance, longevity, and economy.

About Vincent Platania

Vincent Platania represents the Amsoil. Source of the World's Best Synthetic Lubricants - Motor Oil and Filters Visit http://www.synthetic-motor-oils.com

Should I Change My Oil Every 3,000 Miles?

Author: Theodore Olson

For decades mechanics have been telling us to change our oil every 3,000 miles. Interestingly, no automotive manufacturer agrees with this maintenance schedule – not in the last 20 years any way. So why are we being told to change our oil every 3,000 miles if it’s unnecessary?

First, let’s look at the auto industry’s argument. It makes 5 primary points.

1) Oil breaks down after 3000 miles

2) Oil changes are great preventative maintenance

3) 3,000 miles is an easy number for the car repair customer to remember

4) The 3,000 mile interval is traditionally viewed as best by mechanics

5) It’s necessary due to the elements, driving patterns, and weather conditions.

It’s important to note that those telling us to change our oil every 3,000 miles (the automotive industry) are the same folks who will profit most. This is not to say that oil changes aren’t important – they are. They’re just not as frequently needed as we’re made to believe.

Here are the 5 truths about the 3,000 mile oil change

1) Quality motor oil recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer does not break down after 3,000 miles

2) Yes, changing your oil is great preventative maintenance, but it needs to be done in accordance with manufacturer service intervals

3) The easy-to-remember 3,000-mile interval actually creates more confusion as to the real maintenance needs of your vehicle. Thus, it is easier to follow factory guidelines, more economical, and more appropriate.

4) The traditional view that 3,000 miles is best for your car is old school, wasteful, and fails to appreciate today’s mechanical and oil technologies

5) Unless you’re in a constant high-speed police change in the dead of winter – your oil will be just fine

How often do you really need to change your oil? While it depends on the year, make, and model of your vehicle, it’s clear that for today’s vehicles it’s not every 3,000 miles. 20 years ago this was true of many vehicles. However, this is virtually obsolete as most vehicle have 5,000, 7500, 10,000, and even 15,000 mile oil service intervals.

So just what is motivating the auto industry to push 3,000 mile oil changes? Let’s look at it in real life. If you change your oil every 3,000 miles, and like most, you average 15,000 miles per year, then you’ll be in the repair shop 5 times in only 12 months. Do you really need to perform maintenance on your car 5 times per year? Seems excessive doesn’t it?

The average oil change price is $30.00. $30.00 X 5 = $150.00. If you changed your oil every 5,000 miles, you’d only need 3 oil changes per year = $90. That’s a $60 savings.

For the most part oil changes are cheap, as it’s a very competitive market. They’re also not very profitable for repair shops (see the article “Why an Oil Change is Never Just an Oil Change @ RepairTrust.com). However, the more times your vehicle is in the shop, the more chances said
shop has the opportunity to sell you something else – an alignment, tires, wiper blades, brakes, shocks, fuel cleaning services, transmission services…etc – these are money-makers. This is not to say that these services aren’t needed, but they should be performed according to manufacturer guidelines only.

A detailed manufacturer’s maintenance schedule (this is separate from your manual) is the best and most accurate guide. You may stumble across one in all the unnecessary paperwork you find in your glove box, but ask your repair shop or dealer for a detailed print out of your entire maintenance schedule. If the service center can’t produce one quickly – you’re in the wrong place for your car’s needs.

Finally, have a little fun: the next time your local mechanic tells you to change your oil every 3,000 miles, ask him what the manufacturer recommends. It’s fun to watch him stumble through the answer or tell you, straight-faced, the wrong answer.

About Theodore Olson
Ted Olson Founder - Repair Trust Making Sense of Car Repair Prices

Can You Find Used Rims and Tires for Sale?

Author: Jerry Dickens

New rims and tires can be very expensive. Modern rims can incur an incredible cost and the tires that mount on those rims can cost almost as much as the rims, themselves. However, while new rims and tires may cost a small fortune, used rims and tires for sale give you access to tremendous savings. What can you find on the market? How can finding used rims and tires for sale help you?

Tires Only - Used tires are a tremendous way to save money over purchasing a new set of tires. These can offer you an excellent amount of remaining tread, as well as a price far below a new set of tires. You will also find that you can purchase some of the top brands in the market at very reasonable prices.

Rims Only - Purchasing used rims is a fantastic way to get the look that you want for your vehicle, without spending a ton of cash on new rims. Used rims offer the same looks and benefits as new ones do, but the price is drastically reduced. Whether you want a set of rims for low profile tires, a set of racing knockoffs or are just looking for a quality OEM replacement option, used rims offer you the choices that you need.

Tire and Rim Combos - Some tire resellers offer used rims and tires for sale in combo forms. That is, rather than purchasing rims and tires separately, you can purchase the entire set and save even more money. Many tire resellers will mount the tires on the rims for you, or you can have them left separate. This is the best option for those seeking a no-hassle buying experience.

Before you rush out and buy the first set of rims and tires you come across, you should ensure that you have the right reseller for your needs. You will find that not all tire resellers offer the same quality components. All rims should have been thoroughly inspected by the reseller for damage, potential cracks and other issues, while all tires should likewise be inspected for damage. Resellers offering used tires and rims for sale can be very beneficial, but you must ensure that you find the right option for your needs. The wrong choice can leave you with a purchase that does not hold up or does not provide you with the benefits you thought you were getting.

About the Author

DiscountTiresShop.com is your one stop shop for tires, wheels and rims. Whether you're looking for Goodrich, Goodyear or specialty tires, you can find them online at DiscountTiresShop.com.

Auto Maintenance Tips For Saving Gasoline

Author:Brenda Williams

Some owners keep their automobiles running like finely tuned Swiss watches. They carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s recommendations in the owner’s manual. They buy premium grade oil, order regular check-ups and rush to the repair shop when they detect any unusual noise.

However, most of us are inclined to skimp a little on maintenance and some of us never see the repair shop until the car quits. Sometimes this is due to finances but most of the time it is a matter of convenience. We need our cars to take us where we have to go and we’re reluctant to give them up even for a short period of time.

But, now that gasoline is still at astronomical prices, we need to re-think our maintenance practices. Letting some things go can cost us money in extra fuel consumption. For instance, repairing a faulty oxygen sensor can result in a 40% improvement in gas mileage. Tuning an engine can increase mileage by 4%.

You should be sure that your air filter is always clean. If your engine is fuel injected, airflow regulates the quantity of fuel that is burned. The process of mixing air and fuel is quite precise so the filter needs to be clean to ensure an efficient mixture. The air filter also protects your engine from impurities, extending the life of the engine as well as saving on gas.

It is also important to check oil regularly and change dirty oil. An engine with clean oil operates at maximum efficiency, which translates into gas savings. You should definitely use the grade of motor oil recommended by the manufacturer. Using one weight oil in an engine designed for a different weight can lower gas mileage up to 2%.

You can also realize greater efficiency from using a high-quality multi-grade oil but if there is a price difference you need to compare the costs involved.

And when your tires are not properly inflated, your gas mileage decreases by 5%. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that millions of American cars run on tires that are not correctly inflated. Correctly inflated tires will also last longer and are safer.

The owner’s manual always states the correct pressure for the tires. If you are driving a pre-owned car with no owner’s manual, you can call a local dealer or research the information on the net.

Radial tires are supposed to improve gas mileage by 5% when driving in the city and by 7% when driving on a highway. So if you don’t already use radials, you might consider switching.

Another benefit of radial tires is that they last longer. However, you should be careful not to mix radials with conventional tires unless the owner’s manual clearly states that this procedure is acceptable for that model car.

In addition, tires need to be properly balanced. Properly balanced tires reduce road friction thereby increasing fuel efficiency.

You also need to check wheel alignment to ensure that wheels are properly aligned. Wheels that are out of alignment also cause your car to burn extra fuel.

Although the savings from each practice might be small, the overall savings is worth the extra effort.

About Brenda Williams

1965 Mustang and Car Shipping Auto Transport for 1965 Classic Car

Basic Vehicle Maintenance You Need to Have Done Regularly

Author:Richard Crittendon

In our modern hectic schedules cars play an integral part in taking us to our destination. Many of us cannot imagine a day without our cars and since they happen to so important in our way of life their maintenance should be a priority. Regular servicing and proper care is essential for every type of vehicle and any sort of ignorance in this can cause hassle at a later time. We have listed down some crucial maintenance tips for various components which will come handy in keeping your car in good shape.

Engine: Any vehicle derives its life-force from the engine. A robust engine will make your vehicle run smoothly without any hiccups. Since there are many building blocks in it, so they have to be tackled individually. Air filter is the important part of it that keeps check on the dirt from outside. Clogged air filter results in poor starting of the vehicle, less mileage, noise issues etc. Normally air filter should be replaced after 3000 miles but you should check it regularly even before it reaches the limit. Jammed or black colored air filter must be replaced as soon as possible.

Brakes: Malfunctioning brakes can be one of the major causes of accident, so examine that how long it takes for the vehicle to stop, after you apply the brakes. Check for the brake fluid. The first indication of lesser brake fluid is the noise that vehicle makes when it stops. The brake pads are often the root cause of many vehicle related issues. Just replace them and you are over with hassles you might have in the future from the brakes.

Tires and Gear Systems: Tires are responsible for the smooth running of the car and aged and wearied ones must be changed at the earliest. Next in line one must take care of the gear system which many people tend to neglect. Oily dust which creeps in the wires and grooves is detrimental for the speed and life of the engine. Wipe it off with the cloth.

Always keep the tire pressure at optimal level. It should be neither too high nor too low.

Fuel tank: Fuel tank generally leaks due to rust or creak in the lid of the cover. Take precautions so that fuel should not leak down on the ground. Also if you are not sure about how to take care of the fuel tank, do not hesitate to take your car to a service center.

In addition spare parts should be kept in the storage capacity of the vehicle. In case of emergency you must have access to them. Also it is necessary to rub off the rust from the surface of the vehicle if there is any. Also one must look out for loose bolts and door joints are they happen to be a matter of great concern. Finally one must also make it a point to take their vehicle at regular intervals to the service center for a proper upkeep.

About Richard Crittendon
Article written by Richard Crittendon of Automobile.com. For related information, see the recent article on the 2008 Grand Compass Limited review.

10 Tips on How to Save on Car Maintenance

Author: Alex Noeton

In general maintenance works consist of cleaning, refueling, providing proper lubrication, fixing, checking, adjusting wheels and car parts. Proper maintenance is the guarantee of a long life of your vehicle. However if you want to save on car maintenance, follow these helpful tips and discover how to have it up and running for lower costs.

Tip #1. Buy a newer car.

Does it sound rather vague to you? Some new cars from a manufacturer can last for years without any repairs. It mostly depends on your driving habits indeed. Once you have a new car you can forget your mechanic’s address for a while even though regular maintenance is still required. But if you already have an old car… well, see below.

Tip #2. Get good auto insurance.

Good car insurance is the best way to save on car maintenance when it comes to breakages and failures. Try to do some research and find such car insurance which best fits your needs. When you get car insurance with a low deductible payment it will help you reduce your technical maintenance expenses considerably. If you already have auto insurance with a high deductible… hm, continue reading.

Tip #3. Do it on your own.

In case you have a mechanical breakdown, try to fix it by yourself. There are many online support services that can help you check your car and discover the fault. If you still need to take it to a repair service keep in mind that they get new car parts to change the broken ones with a high markup. Thus in some cases buying spare parts by yourself (if you know exactly what you need) will help you reduce the expenses by 4 times! Just shop around and look for better offers online.

Tip #4. Prevention is better than cure.

You can save money and prolong your car’s working capacity if you take some preventive measures. By changing oil, charging batteries in time as well as doing total check-up of your car once a month, you can help your vehicle last longer.

Tip #5. Use your car wisely.

You’ll be surprised how much you can save if you give some thought to the ways you use your car. One should stop the engine at red traffic lights and in the jams.

Tip #6. Maintain your speed level.

From my own experience I can say that when I speed up and pull up fast, it does good neither to my brakes nor my fuel economy. One should stick to some certain speed level. That way one can achieve the lowest fuel rate and save the brake pads from wearing out. Using deceleration technique to make your car come to a halt is better than applying the brake.

Tip #7. Check your tires.

Partially deflated tires do not help save money at all. First of all if there isn’t enough air in the tires they can wear out faster. Secondly underinflation increases fuel rate by 4-6% which makes you spend more fuel than usual. You can read technical characteristics and check the best tire inflation pressure for your car.

Tip #8. New spark plugs every once in a while.

Statistics show that changing old spark plugs in time cuts fuel costs down by 25-35%. Moreover new spark plugs also help improve car’s performance and capacity.

Tip #9. Wash it in time.

At first blush one could say that washing doesn’t reduce maintenance costs at all. However cleaning your car in time will help you prevent if from corrosion which is caused by accumulation of mud and dust that stay wet and stimulate corrosive wear.

Tip #10. Read the manual.

When you know your car as the back of your hand you are definitely aware of what it needs, when its engine has to be tuned-up or what oil it’s better to use. It’s always helpful to read the owner’s manual and look under the hood once in a while.

About Alex Noeton

http://www.carssure.com/

Are Used Tires Right for You?

Author: Jerry Dickens

Money is tight in today's economy. The prospect of shelling out several hundred dollars for a set of new tires can be quite daunting. However, it need not be problematic. Used tires offer you a viable alternative to spending a wad of cash on your tire needs. Used tires can be reliable, offer tremendous durability and even give you a long-lasting solution to your needs. What options can you find in used tires? How can they benefit you?

General Used Tires - You will find many different types of used tires, but the majority fall into the "general" category. The most common source of these tires is other consumers, but you will also find used tires from dealerships in the mix, as well as tires from rental cars and more. Of course, the less use a tire has seen, the better, but a quality reseller will offer a guarantee of at least 50% remaining tread.

Of course, used tires from consumer vehicles will usually have the least amount of remaining tread. On the other hand, tires from rental cars and those from dealerships often have an enormous amount of tread left on them. This gives you an excellent way to spend less on your tires, but still get the maximum life out of them. Regardless, you must look for several things when purchasing used tires. These include:

•Tire tread - The more tread remaining on the tire, the longer it will last. Most resellers offer at least 50% remaining tread on their used tire stock, though you will find tread percentages up to 90% remaining.

•General Condition - The used tires that you choose should be in good condition. This means no cuts in the sidewall and no damage to the tire bead. Tires with significant damage should be rejected in favor of ones with less damage.

Retreads - Retreaded tires have long been an option for both consumer and commercial needs. For instance, retreaded truck tires constitute the bulk of tire sales in the heavy truck category. However, you will find that retreaded tires are also available for consumer vehicles to an extent. A retreaded tire can be an excellent way to get full tread on your used tires, without paying the price for new tires. In addition, retreads are safer today than they once were, thanks to advances in remanufacturing technology and retreading methods.

About the Author

DiscountTiresShop.com is your one stop shop for tires, wheels and rims. Whether you're looking for Goodrich, Goodyear or specialty tires, you can find them online at DiscountTiresShop.com.

Equipment Needed To Change A Tire

Author:Jon Prunty

Changing a tire is easy if you have the right equipment. Flat tires can occur for many reasons and at any time while you are driving. Sharp rocks, pot holes, pressure, or old tires can cause leaks to occur. Many times, you will be able to get the car home, but sometimes you may have to change the tire in a parking lot or on the side of the road. You should always be prepared when this happens. You should have a smaller tire called a donut that will get you to the tire repair shop so that a new tire can be put on the car. You should also have a tire jack and lug wrench that will loosen the lugs that keep the tire on the car.

Depending on the type of car that you have, you may be able to buy discount ties. Smaller cars can usually be fit with smaller, less expensive tires because they are standard issue from the manufacturer. Unless you own a sports car or other type of speciality car, you will be able to save money by purchasing discount wheels. After changing the tire, you will have to make an appointment with a tire repair service that will change your tire. Unless you have tires at home, you will have to take the car to one of these places.

If the tire repair shop has the tire in stock, then it can be changed in an hour or less depending on the number of people that are in front of you. If the tire is not in stock, you will be sent to another repair shop. Many times, repair shops that have a few stores also have computerized inventories that can be accessed by employees. Discount tire stores will be able to refer to other stores within their network. They will be able to look up tires online to see which stores have the ones for your car in stock.

Custom wheels cost more and may be more difficult to find depending on which tire the repair shop has in stock and how it will take for them to find a speciality tire. If you want to save money, you can purchase discount rims from online stores and junk yards. Car rims and truck rims can be found at a discount if you know where to look. While this may mean that your car cannot be driven for a few days, you will be able to save a lot of money and still keep your car looking the way you want it to. For many people, having a car that looks good is very important. Details such as rims and tires mean a lot to those who love their car.

About Jon Prunty

Jerry Timms is a freelance editor for Tire Discounts Online. Read more and find great deals and discounts on tires at http://www.TireDiscountsOnline.com.

Tire Safety: How Old Is Too Old?

Author: Bob Martin

When thinking about tire safety, it is important to consider two things: age and use. Vehicles driven daily are typically driven 15,000 miles a year. But there are situations where cars put on even fewer miles. This includes: being driven only on the weekends, never driving in the rain, “show” cars, and cars that are stored for extended periods of time. So, some tires on these types of cars put on less than 100,000. But it doesn’t mean that they are safe tires. Tires deteriorate over time and can “age out” wear out before they wear out.

In a statement from the British Rubber Manufacturers Association (BRMA) issued on June 5, 2001 regarding the age of tires they state, "BRMA members strongly recommend that unused tires should not be put into service if they are over 6 years old and that all tires should be replaced 10 years from the date of their manufacture." Tire age can be accelerated by a variety of environmental factors, such as sunlight exposure and coastal climates. Poor storage and infrequent use of your vehicle are other things that can accelerate tire age.

If you keep your tires in ideal conditions, the tire age can go as high as 10 years from its manufacture date. But ideal conditions are the exception rather than the rule. And the worst part is that you cannot tell the safety of an old tire just by looking at it since there are no conclusive tests for the safety of tires without destroying the tire itself!

Due to this, some European car manufacturers of high performance sports cars, coupes and sedans have hedged their bets, stating in their owners manuals that the tire age should reach no higher than 6 years.

How Better Rubber Makes Tires That Are Safe

There have been a lot of changes in rubber compounds since Charles Goodyear discovered how to cure rubber when he baked a combination of natural rubber and sulfur on his family’s kitchen stove. Thus, he would convert an unappreciated raw material into many useful products. Goodyear cross-linked sulfur with polymers that, when exposed to heat, would help make rubber durable and at the same time maintain its elasticity. The main focus of new research has been finding tire age inhibitors. Sulfur molecules are one such tire age inhibitor that is reactivated every time they are exposed to heat, making the rubber harder.

Nowadays, rubber in tires has oil in it that tends to migrate into the tires’ under tread/casing and evaporate into the air. In the process of this, the tire compound releases oil and gets harder. If you can’t quite visualize this, go into any tire store and take a big whiff. You’ll smell the oil there.

Before curing, most tires are coated with a mold release agent that is makes it easier to remove from their mold after curing. If it’s a little hard to visualize, think about spraying “Pam” on a fry pan before pouring on the batter for pancakes.

This increases the safety of tires because some of the mold release agent gets “cooked” onto the surface of the cured tire, which prevents all the oil from evaporating.

What Is The Right Tire Age?

In most cases, most street tires are good for 6-8 years if maintained properly. Don’t forget though that this includes the time the tires spent from the manufacturer’s plant to the dealer to you. So, keep this in mind when you are determining tire age.

Most tires get to you anywhere between 3-6 months. Some stay longer with the tire manufacturer, but generally all tires that go on your car are less than a year old. So, you should not get an old tire from any tire manufacturer.

Which Tires Last Longest?

If you want to buy a tire based on how long it will last, you have to consider thread compound. The more aggressive its compound … the shorter tire life. Below is a list of tires from longest-lasting to shortest-lasting:

* Max Performance
* Ultra High Performance tires
* DOT-legal competition tires

Bottom line: if you want to avoid safe tire issues go with tires that last long and properly maintain them.

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About Bob Martin

Bob Martin says “Don’t buy any new tires until you take a serious look at this today http://www.discount-tires-online.com/TireRatings/tire-rating-guide.htm”

Tire Maintenance Tips

Author: Joe Stanton

Periodically checking your tires is strongly recommended to ensure full safety to you and your own car. Tires are fundamental for our safety but if you ask someone how does he care of his tires he'll probably won't know what to answer if not "I just replace them when they're worn out".

This is not the best you can do for your safety: paying attention to your tires is just a matter of habits and doesn't cost you a single buck, you should really be doing it.

This is what you should do:

Tire Pressure

Tires should always be inflated as suggested on the service book of your car. This will also make your tires last longer: driving with underinflated tires reduces the contact area between the thread and the ground because the central part of the thread is pushed upwards so the edges will wear faster, moreover an underinflated tire causes high fuel consumption and produces vibrations and noise. Keeping your tires overinflated will cause the central part of the thread to wear faster. A correct inflation grants you and your passengers the best safety in any standard driving condition. Tire pressure should be checked each 2-4 weeks and before any long trip.

Tire Wall Damages

You should often check if your tires have damages on the walls. These damages happen hitting the pavement with a tire while parking. This can cause the tire wall to present bubbles and cuts. If your car has been exposed to hot and cold weather you could also find cracks: you might find cracks even if your tires are old; old tires should be replaced as a safety measure even if they have enough thread left.

Tire Wear

Make sure that your tires wear regularly: rotate the steering wheel to the extreme right or left and check if both the edges are equally worn. In case you notice tires are more worn on the inside or outside go to a garage and let them know, they'll fix your tires alignment.

Tires have wear bars: when the tread lugs are worn to the point that the wear bars connect across the lugs, your tires are fully worn and you should take them out of service.

Tire Rotation

Most tires have a rotation direction shown on the tire wall, make sure your mechanic mounted them correctly.

Tires are made to rotate in that direction, opposed rotation could be dangerous in case of rain or high speed.

Rotate Front and Rear Tires

Front tires wear quicker than rear ones due to steering while parking and braking weight effect. This happens even more on front traction cars. Rotating them will make them last longer and in better shape, otherwise you'll have your front tires fully worn and your rear ones still in good shape. You can to this yourself or go at your usual garage and have them do it for you.

Tires Storage

If you own several tire sets you'll always have some tires to store somewhere. Wrong storage can damage your tires. Store your tires in horizontal stacks. If you store them vertical they will tend to get oval shape.

As you can see there are few things to care of regarding tire maintenance, I hope you understand the importance of tires in good conditions: imagine if one of your tires exploded while you're driving on the highway and think that you can do something to prevent it.

About Joe Stanton

To learn more about tire maintenance view: http://www.justcardeals.com/tires/tire-maintenance-tips/ J. Stanton is a car enthusiast and one of the authors of http://www.justcardeals.com/, a website with excellent automotive deals selected by car enthusiasts.

Keeping Your Tires As Clean As Your Carpet

Author: Max Rossi

Nothing makes me more up upset than seeing black stains all over my nice clean carpet. I spend hours each week cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, polishing, and scrubbing all over the house to keep my newly renovated home looking good as new. Sometimes I spend more time in my car then I do my home? Why shouldn't the same rules apply?

As much time and as much effort I put into keeping my house clean, it really means nothing if dirty foot prints are tracked all over my floors and carpets. I'm not talking about those west coast dusty prints that can be easily removed from a few pushes of your vacuum. I'm talking about the dirty, slushy boot grime that the harsh New England winters bring us every year. I take pride in my house looking the best on the block, but the minute you see that dirty carpet the house just loses half its appeal.

So what's the solution? I guess you could have every person who enters your house take their shoes and boots off but that's asking a lot. I know.....what if they invented a shoe that was always clean? What if someone invented a shoe that was free from all dust and dirt no matter what you tracked through??? Sounds impossible right? Well not necessarily! Although scientists have not yet invented any shoes for humans that are dust and grime free, there has been a breakthrough for cars.

The solution is ceramic brake pads. The automotive industry now has shoes or brake pads for your car that are completely free from dust, dirt, and grime leaving your tires....unlike your carpet always completely clean! These pads I am referring to are ceramic brake pads and seem to be the newest and preferred part for car owners who are trying to keep their ride looking good as new, and it all starts with the tires!

So what exactly are the benefits of ceramic brake pads?

COOLER: Ceramic brake pads are designed to distribute heat equally or better than metallic pads. Studies have shown ceramic pads to perform up to 350 degrees cooler than semi-metallic pads resulting in consistent braking power on each and every stop.

CLEANER: With each and every stop ceramic pads do not produce the dirty brake dust you typically get with a metallic pad leaving your car's tires and rims virtually clean with less rotor wear.

QUIET: Ceramic brake pads quiet the harsh noises that you typically hear with metallic pads due to far less friction on the rotors.

FCP Groton is one of the leading worldwide ceramic brake pad parts distributor

About the Author

Max Rossi is the senior content editor for FCP Groton, LLC - Worldwide Automotive Parts Distributor. As a former teacher who held all provisional certifications, he now uses his skills in education to assist a rapidly emerging dot com.

Why You Should Get a Tire Rotation With Your Next Speedy Oil Change

Author: Tim LaGanke, Jr.

Even with all the technological advances that the automobile industry has developed to make vehicles safer and more secure, there's one thing that hasn't changed since the days of the Ford Model A: tires are the only parts that touch the road.

That means that tires are still the some of the most important components of your vehicle. And that means that regular tire maintenance during a speedy oil change is one of the best ways to make sure that your automobile is operating in as safe a manner as possible.

But you've probably heard all that before from your speedy oil change technician. And you've probably heard from that speedy oil change technician that rotating your tires regularly is essential to keeping your tires running at the optimal level. Getting regular tire rotations is an easy maintenance procedure that can be done during a speedy oil change and can help a vehicle's fuel efficiency, increase the level of safety, and lengthen the life of your tires.

But what does "tire rotation" actually mean? What does it do? After all, don't tires rotate all the time when the vehicle is in motion?

Yes, they do. But that's not really what "tire rotation," as it is called during a speedy oil change, means. Tire rotation simply means speedy oil change technicians swap your front tires for your back ones. The rims aren't removed, and no new tires are added. Some cars, like certain sports cars and hot rods, have rear tires that are larger and different from the front. So tire rotation at a speedy oil change is unavailable for those vehicles. But if you have a normal car, truck or SUV, then getting a tire rotation at your next auto change service should not be a problem.

But why should do you this? Why does the simple swapping of tires during a speedy oil change help those tires last longer? And why is it safer? Aren't you just using the same old tires?

Yes you are. But keep in mind that most vehicles are either front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. A car that features a front-wheel drive will demand more from the front tires because things like acceleration and braking all fall on the front tires. Since they do all the work, they'll get more wear and tear than the tires in back, which are allowed to take it easy. Rear-wheel drives, of course, experience the opposite situation, where the back pair takes the brunt of abuse.

And tire rotation during a speedy oil change can even benefit four-wheel drive vehicles. Even though there's a more even division of labor between the wheels on a four-wheel drive, there are still significant differences in the way front tires operate when compared to the back tires. And it's a good idea to swap sides as well, as tires can experience wear depending on which side of the vehicle they're on. That's why most speedy oil change technicians will swap sides when they move the back tires to the front.

Most speedy oil change centers also offer low-cost or free tire rotation services for the entire life of your vehicle's tires. These programs are usually a good idea. Speedy oil change and tire dealers want your business, so they'll often give you breaks on things like tire rotation service. You might have to pay more if you're still using the original tires that came with your vehicle, but those should be able to be rotated with a speedy oil change.

So how often should you have your vehicle's tires rotated? The consensus from speedy oil change technicians seems to be that if you are using synthetic oil, which requires less frequent changes, then a tire rotation at every speedy oil change will keep your tires healthy and your car safe. If you're using regular petroleum-based oil, then every other speedy oil change will do. In other words, you should have your tires rotated anywhere between 6,000 to 10,000 miles.

These standards are usually adhered to when you schedule regular service checks with your speedy oil change center or dealership. Since they may keep track of your mileage and your service schedule, you won't have to worry too much about your tire rotation schedule.

One easy additional automobile service that should be performed with every tire rotation at a speedy oil change is checking the tire pressure. The raising and lowering of surrounding air temperature, like the changes that take place in the summer and winter, will often make the air pressure in the tires increase or decrease. These fluctuations can cause strain on a vehicle's tires and, if left unchecked, can lead to tire failure. But not all tires will lose pressure at the same rate. Again, factors like the tire's placement on the car (on the front as opposed to the rear) and the amount of wear of the tire can also affect the internal pressure of that particular tire. In other words, you may have three tires with an adequate pressure and one that's in need of some air. A tire with less than optimal tire pressure can create a dip in fuel efficiency, thus a greater chance of tire puncture and dangerous situations like insufficient car handling and breaking.

If you think that your car's tires may not have optimal tire pressure, the good news is that checking tire pressure can easily be done at home or at any speedy oil change center. All that is required is a tire gauge that can be bought at most hardware and drug stores for just a couple of bucks.

But new tires aren't cheap. A set of four tires can set you back $250 to $800 depending on your vehicle's specifications, which is why it is important to extend the life of your tires. An average car will have to have its tires changed every 30,000 to 75,000 miles, which usually means getting a new set of tires every two to four years. So how do you know when it is time to get a new set of tires? Most speedy oil change service technicians will recommend a decidedly easy and low-tech test. Take a penny and stick it into one of your tire's treads with Lincoln's head going in first. If you can still see the top of his head, it means less than 2/32" of tread depth is remaining and it is time to get a new set of tires.

When you get your tires rotated, your speedy oil change service technicians get the chance to glimpse inside your car and discover any other important automotive issues such as suspension problems. If your speedy oil change service technician finds uneven tread along your tires, it could mean a vehicle's improper alignment or some other steering problem.

Regular tire rotation and general tire maintenance can result in a healthier car that enjoys a long and efficient life. You'll also have peace of mind, knowing that you are doing all you can to keep your vehicle running safely.

About the Author

President of QuickChange Oil, Tim LaGanke, Jr., offers 10 minute oil changes for all makes and models of cars, trucks and SUVs. QuickChange Oil is a Cleveland oil change franchise with locations throughout the metro area. For your next speedy oil changeand tire rotation, contact your nearest QuickChange Oil franchise or contact Tim at gank@quickchangeoil.com for more information.

Learn how to properly check tire pressure

After changing your tire, check the tire pressure before you drive.

Author: Jakob Jelling

Tire pressure is one of the things a car needs to have checked most often. Ideally, you should check them once a month as well as any other time when they might look low. Also, if you are planning a long trip with your car, tire pressure is one of the main things you should check, along with a general checking.

The first thing you need in order to be able to check your car's tire pressure is a tire pressure gauge. You can acquire one at any car parts store or just use one in a gas station. All gas stations have one, but you should ask if it is functioning well before using it. Some of the gauges you might find in gas stations are old or damaged and therefore the information they would give you would be incorrect, which could even lead you to add more air to the tire than it should have. This way, it is important that you make sure the gauge you will use functions properly.

In order to be able to evaluate the pressure your tires have, you should learn how much pressure they should ideally have. You might easily learn this since your car's driver side doorjamb will probably have a sticker giving you some guidance related to the tires and their pressure.

Once you know which the proper pressure for your tires is, you are ready to check them. In order to do this, you must unscrew the caps on the tire air valve and press the tire pressure gauge against it. You should make sure you keep the tire pressure gauge as firmly against the tire valve as not to let air come out from it.

Once you have the tire pressure gauge connected with the tire valve, the gauge will immediately tell you what the tire pressure is. This will allow you to learn weather the tire needs more air or its air pressure is correct. If it needs more air, you should do it carefully in order not to pass its air limit. And, in case its air pressure is correct, you simply need to disconnect the air pressure gauge from it and screw the valve cap back in its place.

About the author:
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.autorized.comPlease visit his website to learn about auto maintenance, auto insurance, auto safety and much more!

How to change a tire without help

Do you know how to change the tire of your car? See the following article:

Author:Jakob Jelling
Learning how to change a tire can be one of the most useful things you could learn regarding your car. Having a flat tire in the middle of a route or on your way to an appointment can be a big problem if you do not know how to change it and have to wait for help, and therefore, it would be great if you can do it without having to wait for someone else.

In order to change a tire you should make sure you have parked your car at the side of the road and following all the safety rules that correspond to the case. You must apply the parking brake and place the shift in first gear. Then, you should look for the spare tire, the lug wrench and the jack. If you do not know where the spare tire is, you can look for it in the car owner's manual.

Once you have found all you need, you should start by taking off the hubcap of the tire you wish to remove. You should do this with the help of a screwdriver or the end of the lug wrench. Then you should loosen the lug nuts with only one turn, do not completely loosen them until you have lifted the car.

Next you should lift the car with the jack. If you do not know how to do this, you can find instructions in your car owner's manual on where to place the jack as well as the jack itself might bring some directions too. You should lift the car until the tire you wish to change is some inches away from the ground. Then finish removing the lug nuts and remove the tire.

Once you have removed the old tire, you should place the spare one in the correct place aligning the holes. Then, you should place the lug nuts and tighten them until they feel secure. Once you have done this, you must lower the car back to the ground and take the jack away from it. Then, you should have the flat tire repaired and change it back as soon as you can.

About the author:

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.autorized.comPlease visit his website to learn about auto maintenance, auto insurance, auto safety and much more!

Choose Tires Wisely and Enjoy Gas Savings

Author: Joan Yankowitz

Most people don't realize that having the right tires can
improve fuel savings. But it's true. And you probably haven't
paid enough attention to the tires you have on your vehicle.

If you don't know a lot about tire efficiency, you're not alone.
Most people don't know that they are adding to their driving
expenses by choosing tires that deliver poor fuel economy.
There's not a lot of information available about tire
efficiency. And its difficult to know how to make your choice.

There may be hope, though, because the government has decided
that tire manufacturers must start labeling tires for fuel
efficiency. They want to create a national labeling system that
will have unified standards, similar to the Energy Star system
used to rate the energy efficiency of household appliance.

To date, the government program hasn't made much progress.
Industry watchdogs claim that tire companies are stalling, but
the manufacturers say they've spent millions of dollars on the
research and development of tires that are fuel efficient.

You'll find that tires today are more efficient today than they
were in the 1970s. Radial tires have improved tire efficiency,
and there have been many advances in tread patterns. Rolling
resistance, (the power that is lost as rolling tires flex and
change shape), has also been reduced by as much as 50%.

But tire efficiency can still vary greatly, and fuel economy can
be affected. Experts hope the mandated minimum standards will
help reduce the amount of gasoline used in the US by billions of
gallons.

You won't have any way of knowing which tire will provide the
most fuel efficiency until the minimum standards appear. For
now, you should use these tips from the Department of Motor
Vehicles.

Keep your tires properly inflated according to the
manufacturer's recommended psi. Studies show that properly
inflated tires can improve your mileage by 3.3%. Never test
pressure in a hot tire in the summer or in a cold tire in the
winter.

When you're replacing tires, consider purchasing the same brand
and model that came as original equipment on your car. Auto
manufacturers know that new cars will be thoroughly tested and
rated by consumer magazines, right down to the performance of
the tire, so they're usually careful to choose the most
efficient tire possible.

Stay away from special wheels for your truck or car. Wider tires
touch the road with more friction, and oversize wheels and rims
weigh more. Your fuel efficiency will be reduced.

Only replace your tires when they need it. To test the tread,
turn a penny and put Lincoln's head upside down. Then stick the
penny in the tire tread groove. If the top of his head is
noticeable, replace the tires.

Fill tires with air, and not nitrogen. There is no conclusive
proof that nitrogen improves either tire wear or mileage, so
it's not worth the cost.

If your tires show uneven tread wear, you may have alignment,
balance or parts problems: If one edge of your tire is more worn
than the other, and has a "feathered" appearance, you have an
alignment problem. If the tire appears to be "cupped," you may
have damaged parts or you may not be keeping your tires properly
balanced. Any of these situations will reduce your fuel
efficiency.

Use snow tires in a snowy climate and drive slow to increase
efficiency. Don't buy rain tires if you live in a dry climate.

It's clear to see that the right tires can help improve your
fuel efficiency and save you money. You'll want to learn even
more gas-saving tips as gas prices continue to skyrocket.

About the author:
Joan Yankowitz can show you ways to save gas and increase 
your vehicle's MPG by at least 25-40% or more by hypermiling.

All-Season Tires?

It's time for some people to change their winter tires back to summer tires. We always have some discussions on whether All-Season tires are good for all seasons. I found an article from the web, and hope that it answers our questions.

Title: All-Season Tires - Myth or Reality?
Author: Belinskiy Artem

In Finland it is forbidden to go in the winter without studs, inmany countries of Europe on the contrary are resolved only tireswithout studs. But also there and there is an obligatory rulethat the car should be dress by the season.

But many people still not believe in season tires. What for doesit need to change tires if there are all-season tires? Suchopinion is rather widespread. And if there is demand, meansthere is also an offer. Many companies create all-weather tiresonly because people buy it. And however, is there suchall-season tire? We shall try to understand. As is known autotires are marked.Traditionally many consider, that all-season tire is a tire witha designation on outside "M+S" - "Dirt and Snow". But how thento explain that fact, what for example tires Goodyear Ultra Gripwhich are winter, and tires Goodyear Wrangler HP, which areall-season tires, have the same badge on outside - "M+S"?

The explanation is very simple - all-season tires simply do nothappen! There can not be so, because summer and winter autotiresare cardinally various. As on a design, figure of protector, andon structure of a rubber mix. It is enough to tell only, thatrubber mix of summer tires completely lose its properties atfive degrees of heat (40 by farenheit). Winter tires arecalculated on other temperature range and consequently are madeof absolutely other mix.

If to look at the figure of protector it also differs cardinallyin view of different problems on it assigned. Summer tires -stability hydroplaning, controllability on dry and wet asphalt.Winter tires - stability drift, controllability and brakeproperties on a snow and on ice. It is obvious, that theseproblems are radically various, and demand absolutely differentapproach to designing the tire and to figure of its protector.Can it be so that all-season tires is the reached compromisebetween properties of winter and summer autotires? No, and noone more time - such compromise is impossible, differently whatfor in general winter tires is necessary to the warm Europe?Therefore if you really appreciate the life and the health therecommendation can be only one - in the summer - summer tires,in the winter - winter tires, it is not important with studs orwithout. It is for you to choose.

About the author:Artem Belinskiy.
Make your car feel comfort. Do the right choicewith Tire Goal. http://www.tiregoal.com