Tire Balancing & Tire Rotation: Is It Really That Important?

Little things can create big annoyances, but with a little effort, they can entirely be avoided. This especially applies to a vehicle's tire balancing and tire rotation.

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Tire Balancing - Every time a new tire is mounted onto the wheel of a car, it needs to be balanced. The goal is to make sure the weight is even as it rotates around the axle. If this step is overlooked or bypassed, the slightest out of balance will be noticeable. This will produce an annoying vibration that is transmitted to the driver through the steering wheel and to the passengers through the body of the vehicle.

A wheel's balance is checked on a wheel balancing machine that can detect as little as 1/4 ounce difference in weight around the wheel. That tiny amount of weight is traveling around the axle hundreds of times a minute. It creates enough momentum to cause serious vibration And if there is more than one tire out of balance, the vibration will significantly worsen. Unbalanced tires put uneven pressure on the treads. This causes them to get too hot and to wear unevenly, as well as putting a strain on the wheel bearings and suspension system.

To balance, the technician places tiny offsetting weights at specific points around the wheel. This corrects the problem initially. However, because every bump and corner affects balance, it's important to have tires balanced regularly.

Tire Rotation – To ensure proper and even wear, it is recommended to have your vehicle's tires rotated on a regular basis. Typically it is recommended at every 5 to 6 thousand mile interval. Tire rotation typically involves moving the rear ones diagonally forward and the front ones to the rear diagonally in an 'X' pattern. This enhances the life of the tires and keeps the ones with the most tread on the traction wheels of the vehicle.

During typical use, it's a good idea to have your tires rotated and balanced every 4,000 to 6,000 miles, especially any time a tire is replaced or patched. Sometimes little things make a big difference, especially when it comes to tire balancing and tire rotation.

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Car Battery Replacement: How to keep the Tow Truck Away!

As simple as a car battery seems, it is helpful to know something about it and how it works. If and when your vehicle requires a car battery replacement, a little knowledge helps to understand why a car battery doesn't last forever, even with good car care. As you know, a car battery is vital to the proper performance of your vehicle.

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A car battery is a simple device that produces electrical energy by way of an electro-chemical reaction within the interior. That is, until it's depleted. The battery is contained within an acid-proof container for obvious safety reasons. The two substances that produce the electro-chemical reaction are found in metal plates that physically hang in the acid solution. One set of the plates acts as the positive terminal while the other acts as a negative terminal. This chemical reaction causes electricity to flow inside the battery.

As the current produced by the car battery is consumed by the vehicle's electrical system, the plates are slowly depleted by the repeated chemical reaction. While the chemical reaction can continue to create more electricity, it will eventually discharge all available electrical current unless it is replenished. At a certain point, the car battery will no longer be capable of supplying the power necessary to operate the various components of the vehicle electrical system. This is where the alternator system, or more commonly known as the charging system, comes into play. The process of recharging does not actually restore electrical energy into the battery. Instead, recharging reverses the effect of the chemical process that has taken place by reversing the flow of current and charging up the internal plates. This in turn restores full electrical current from the car battery to the vehicle's electrical components.

In order for a battery to function correctly, it must be in good condition internally, working together with the connections that feed the current to the vehicle's electrical components. If your vehicle's electrical system is not working properly or inoperable altogether, chances are a car battery replacement is needed.

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Common Car Maintenance Myths

It pays to find out from the auto professionals concerning car maintenance facts. Second and third-hand knowledge can be expensive and possibly even dangerous if taken too seriously. Here are a few common vehicle maintenance myths that keep circling around DIY-selfers:

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    * Myth: A visual tire inspection alone can determine if a tire is properly inflated.

      A tire can be as much as 10 pounds per square inch low on air pressure and not show any outward signs. Tires will lose about one pound of pressure per month all by themselves. Not only will the correct tire pressure help tires last longer, it can also save money in fuel costs. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, causing an increase in fuel consumption.

    * Myth: If an air filter appears clean it's good at least until the next oil change.

      An air filter traps dirt and junk so small that it cannot be seen. Even if it looks OK, it can be clogged with crud. Once the small passages in the filter get clogged, the engine can have trouble breathing. Replacing an air filter is easy and inexpensive. Follow the vehicle maintenance schedule found in your owner's manual. Remember: air filters get clogged quicker than normal in cities and dusty areas.

    * Myth: Brake fluid typically lasts for the life of the vehicle.

      Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means it has the ability to absorb water from the air. Over time this moisture can cause damage to the brake system, and dangerously lower the brake fluid boiling point. Brake fluid should be clear and transparent. Cloudy brake fluid means it's time for a change.

    * Myth: If engine coolant is bright green, it's still doing its job.

      Over time the chemicals in engine coolant can become corrosive. Coolant that looks OK can in fact be causing unseen and expensive cooling system damage. Checking engine coolant condition with an inexpensive tool is easy, and can prevent both overheated engines and empty wallets.

    * Myth: Putting premium gas in the tank will guarantee premium performance.

      Unless a vehicle's engine was designed and built to use extra octane in premium fuel, there is no reason to pay the extra money for it. The numbers of high performance cars and trucks that actually require premium fuel are fewer nowadays. Use regular fuel unless the owner's manual calls for premium.

When in doubt about your vehicle's performance or components, consult with a reliable mechanic for advice on vehicle maintenance, before possibly causing damage to your vehicle or spending money for unnecessary repairs.

Have questions about vehicle maintenance? We will be glad to answer them for you. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Price's Precision auto repair shop today by calling (406) 248-2838, or go on-line to www.pricesprecisionauto.com for advice on good car maintenance. Our Tech-Net professional auto repair shop in Billings,MT, also services vehicle owners in the areas of Shepherd and Laurel, MT.