CAR CARE TIPS BLOG

New drivers may not realize that tire rotation is an important part of regular car maintenance. The first question they may ask is “What is tire rotation?” A tire rotation is just that—moving your tires around to a different position to make sure they wear out in an even pattern. For example, the front tires will be moved to the rear of the vehicle and the rear tires to the front.

The second question drivers may ask is, “How often do you need to rotate your tires?” Generally speaking, tires should be rotated every six months or 6,000 to 8,000 miles. In other words, they should be rotated about every other oil change.

There are several clues that it is time for a tire service:

Are you starting to notice jerking when you shift gears? Is it getting harder to move from gear to another as needed? To ensure that your vehicle continues to operate smoothly and efficiently, with all components properly lubricated and in good working condition, periodic transmission service is required. This service will reveal minor transmission problems that can be fixed along the way, such as replacing the transmission fluid, filter, and gasket. You may be wondering, “How often do you have to change transmission fluid?”

A transmission repair typically includes the following:

As an informed vehicle owner, you probably understand that the transmission system is constantly exposed to both heat and stress. You know that if you want to keep your vehicle for very long, you will make sure to follow the intervals for transmission service recommended in your vehicle owner’s manual (i.e., every 60,000 to 100,000 miles).

Signs of slipping can appear in a number of forms when you are driving, including:

• High RPM (over 3,500)
• Delays in acceleration
• Inability to reverse
• Unusual or burnt smells
• Check engine light flashes
• Difficulty shifting gears
• Shifting gears produces a harsh response or strange noises.