Frequently Asked Questions
We at Ken's Tire & Auto Service feel like an informed customer can make the most
intelligent decisions about their vehicle service and repair needs. We have listed some of
the most commonly asked questions, but if you have a question that is not answered below please call us or e-mail us.
Why does my Car/Lt. Truck shake or vibrate?
When a vehicle shakes or vibrates at low
speeds it is usually a problem with the tires or wheels. When a vehicle
shakes or vibrates at high speeds it is usually a problem with the tires.
When a vehicle shakes or vibrates when applying the brakes it is usually a
problem with the brake system.
If my vehicle drives straight down the road why do I need an alignment?
Vehicle alignment effects several different
handling characteristics of your vehicle. A vehicle that is out of
alignment can cause one or more of the following problems:
A pull to the
left or right at speeds of 40 mph
and up.
premature wear
out of the front and/or rear
tires tread.
Cupping of the
tires tread that will result in
the vehicle experiencing a rough
ride and also a loud growling
noise at speeds of 35 mph and up.
Poor handling in
wet weather.
Steering wheel is
not centered when vehicle is
moving straight ahead.
Feeling of
looseness or wandering.
Research
indicates that the average vehicle is driven about 15,000 miles per year.
A vehicle with a toe alignment just .34 degrees (.7 inches) out of specifications
has dragged it's tires sideways for 85 miles by the end of the year. This
will result in premature tire wear out, tire cupping and also decreased fuel
economy.
Should I "plug" or "patch" a flat tire?
The
use of plugs in repairing a tire are for temporary use only. You should only
use a plug to repair a tire when you have a tire emergency and then you should get
the tire to a service center and have the tire permanently repaired
(patched). All tire manufacturers warranties are voided if a plug is
installed in the tire. The use of a tire plug does not seal the tire from the
inner liner and allows air to escape into the belt area and cause separations.
Can I replace the tires on my vehicle with a different brand that was put on at the vehicle manufacturer?
Simply
put, Yes. You should replace your vehicle's tires with tires of the same
size and the same performance rating, but they do not have to be the same brand
that came on it from the factory. Many times the vehicle's manufacturer chose
the tires that were installed at the factory because they were the cheapest
price. Many original equipment tire manufacturers sell their tires at a very
greatly reduced price to the automobile manufacturers in hopes that when the consumer goes to replace the tires they
will buy that brand again. This is why many original equipment tire
manufacturers replacement tires are priced very high to the retail consumer.
Basically the original equipment tire manufacturers give their tires away to
the vehicle manufacturers hoping to make their money on the retail consumer.
How often should I rotate my vehicle's tires?
Tire and vehicle
manufacturers recommend rotating your tires every 6,000 - 8,000 miles. With
today's front wheel drive cars/vans the importance of tire rotation is very
important. If the tires are not rotated at the recommended intervals you can
loose up to 40% of the life of your tires. Another benefit of tire rotation
is that it enables a service professional the opportunity to inspect your vehicle
so that you will not have any unforeseen brake, suspension or mechanical problems.
Should I follow the recommended service in my vehicle's owner's manual?
If you want to have a
vehicle that is dependable the answer is YES. It is much more economical to follow
the manufacturers recommended service schedule than it is to drive the vehicle
until it breaks down and then to do major repairs. It is also less stressful to
schedule the vehicle's repairs than to have the vehicle break down and to leave
you stranded. When the vehicle is serviced regularly the minor repairs are
performed before they become major repairs. Some of the most important
services are:
-30,000 Mile
Service
-60,000 Mile Service
-90,000 Mile Service
-Timing Belt Replacement
-Flushing of vehicle fluids
How do my Anti-Lock Brakes work?
ABS basically works by
limiting the pressure to the wheel which decelerates too rapidly. With standard
brakes when the brake pedal is applied too hard, the tires skid, which prevents
them from giving directional control. When directional control (steering) is
lost, the vehicle skids in a straight line wherever it is going. With ABS
braking systems the wheel speed sensors at each tire send an electronic pulse to
the computer. If tire skid is detected during braking, the computer signals the
ABS valve to limit the hydraulic pressure to that tires caliper or wheel cylinder.
The computer does this by instructing the ABS valve to "pulse" the brake
line pressure to that tire so it does not skid. With all of the movement of brake
fluid in an ABS braking system it is crucial that the brake fluid is kept
clean by flushing it out and installing new fluid every 30,000 miles.
The ABS brake system
tests itself every time the vehicle is started and every time the brakes are
applied. If a defect is detected, the computer then turns the ABS system off,
leaving the standard braking system unaffected and working properly. If the
computer detects a problem with the ABS system the "ABS" light will
illuminate on your vehicles dash. You should bring in the vehicle to us as soon
as possible to evaluate the ABS system failure.
Do I have to take my vehicle to the new car dealership for service during it's warranty period?
You may take your vehicle
to any qualified service center during the vehicle's warranty period and also
after the vehicle's warranty period. There is a federal law called the
"Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act" that became effective on January 4, 1975
that basically states that no purchase of a particular brand of product or the
purchase of a service from a particular company can be required of you to keep
your vehicles warranty valid.
Many new car dealership's
try to scare people into bringing their car into them for service so it does not
"void" their warranty. If this happens remind them of the
"Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act".
Back to Top
