KANSAS CITY AND OVERLAND PARK AUTO REPAIR

Spring cleaning is a process with many aspects. Oftentimes we focus the bulk of our attention on the house, be it inside or out. We’re forever preparing beds for flowers, tilling gardens, organizing this and that, or painting the shutters. Yet, we invest just as much time and money in our vehicle(s) so why not spend a little time this season giving it a good once over too. Our last post announced National Car Care Month. Just because April has come and gone, doesn’t mean you should stop caring! Though winter may not feel like it’s that far behind us just yet, it is certainly spring at last. Those winter months of sudden heavy snow, ice, and wind are hard on a car. Wash and wax as you might, it will never be the same as a thorough detailing job done right. What’s the Difference? While washing and waxing will leave your car ... read more

While we realize that nobody enjoys spending their hard-earned cash on tires, it’s one of the critical functions of car care and car maintenance. While forking over some hard-earned dough for tires may be difficult, it’s well worth the alternative of having an accident, hydroplaning, or getting a flat tire because of poor tire maintenance. While just about every driver knows that tires must be cared for (like aired up and all…) many don’t know the signs of tire wear, and when they’re in need of replacement. So here are some helpful, easy tests, for knowing when your tires need replaced. Test #1 – Test the steering. While it can be a slight difference, if your car is having a difficult time steering or navigating the roads, it might be an indication that your tires need replaced – or at least balanced. Test #2 – Are you Hydroplaning? One of the number one purposes of car tires is to (yes keep the car moving) – but also to keep water away from the car in order to create traction on ... read more

While we realize that nobody enjoys spending their hard-earned cash on tires, it’s one of the critical functions of car care and car maintenance. While forking over some hard-earned dough for tires may be difficult, it’s well worth the alternative of having an accident, hydroplaning, or getting a flat tire because of poor tire maintenance. While just about every driver knows that tires must be cared for (like aired up and all…) many don’t know the signs of tire wear, and when they’re in need of replacement. So here are some helpful, easy tests, for knowing when your tires need replaced. Test #1 – Test the steering. While it can be a slight difference, if your car is having a difficult time steering or navigating the roads, it might be an indication that your tires need replaced – or at least balanced. Test #2 – Are you Hydroplaning? One of the number one purposes of car tires is to (yes keep the ca ... read more

The next time you’re driving slowly down a road with no other traffic lift your hands off of the steering wheel. Does your car pull to the left or the right? When you’re home look at your tires, is there more wear on the outside edge? Have you noticed that your steering wheel isn’t centered when your wheels are straight? If your car seems to pull to the left or right you probably need an alignment. If any of these is true you probably need an alignment. You may have hit a pothole or maybe a curb and messed up the delicately calibrated parts of your car’s suspension. Even if you don’t notice these warning signs it still may be time for an alignment. Check your owner’s manual to see how often the manufacturer recommends one. A good alignment can bring your car’s suspension into its proper configuration. Each component is positioned and adjusted so that the wheels are in alignment with each othe ... read more

Does your car feel like it is moving in one direction more than the other? Do you feel like your car is having to work harder than it should? You may not know it, but unaligned wheels can cause more damage other than moving your car in a direction other than straight. Getting your wheels aligned will help you avoid gas guzzling, purchasing new tires, purchasing new parts and putting your safety in jeopardy. Gas guzzling Did you know that when your car is not aligned, you use more gas? You are actually putting more pressure on your car to move forward, which makes it use more gas than necessary. Getting your car aligned can help you make our world greener. Cost of new tires When your car is not in proper alignment, you will see that the tires go bare on one side of the tire, instead of wearing slow and even. Since the tires wear on only one side, then will wear quicker on that one spot and need to be replaced sooner. New tires cost a lot more than the cost of alignment. Safety I ... read more