Team Tire Choice Car Care Blog – The Tire Choice

The Amazing New Michelin Defender

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 03:05:00 -1000

Here at The Tire Choice, we’re big fans of Michelin products. Naturally, we got pretty excited when we heard the announcement for the new Michelin Defender®.

What makes the Defender unique is the way it combines all the best features of the Michelin HydroEdge® and Michelin Harmony®. You get an all-weather, fuel efficient tire that has the wet performance of the HydroEdge with a retail price comparable to the Harmony.

Even better, the Michelin Defender’s performance actually SURPASSES that of both the HydroEdge and Harmony. Compared to the Harmony, the Defender has:

       • 22% better rolling resistance
       • 18% better tread life
       • 16% better wet braking

Against the HydroEdge, the Defender shows:

       • 17% better rolling resistance
       • 10% lower noise
       • 15% better snow performance

The Defender tire is a real innovation. It meets the demands of drivers who are enduring difficult economic times and are insisting on top value in a way we haven’t seen in some time. Consumers can now buy tires that are safer and last longer, thanks to Michelin quality.

Smoke Signals: The Causes of Tailpipe Smoke

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:28:00 -1000

Tailpipe smoke is something you’re more likely notice coming from other drivers on the road. However, you should take the time to see what kind of emissions your car is putting out every now and then. Some of the smoke you see is normal or harmless. But, it is sometimes a signal that your car needs a serious repair. The following guide of “smoke types” can help you troubleshoot some potential issues with your vehicle.

Black Smoke: This can be either harmless or problematic, depending on a few other factors. In all cases though, black smoke is a dirty problem. If the smoke persists as you drive, chances are that your air filter is too dirty and needs to be changed. However, the smoke may also be caused by a clogged fuel injector, or other component. In any case, something about the engine or fuel injection system is too dirty and should be inspected by a mechanic.

That said, if the black smoke goes away after the engine has gotten warmed up, you probably have nothing to worry about. Engines do not work efficiently when they are cold, so they burn extra fuel when started to run smoothly. This can cause black smoke to come from the tailpipe, which will go away when the engine returns to burning normal amounts of fuel.

Gray Smoke: This is caused when your engine is burning oil, which will cause a number of performance issues over time. The causes from gray smoke can be numerous, but they all have one thing in common – oil is getting into the combustion chamber. You’ll want a mechanic to pinpoint and repair the problem.

Thick White Smoke: This is likely a sign of a serious problem. We hate to tell you this, but when you see thick white smoke, your engine is already damaged and you really shouldn’t be driving the vehicle. Thick white smoke occurs when the engine is burning coolant – which usually only happens when there is a serious problem. Take advantage of the free towing service offered by The Tire Choice and let us take a look. Although thick white smoke is dangerous, it should never be confused with its opposite counterpart…

Thin White Smoke: This is completely harmless and part of a normal functioning vehicle. You’ve probably only seen this come from your tail during the early morning. That’s because there has been a buildup of condensation in the exhaust system – the same reason why your windows are foggy. This will burn off quickly before your exhaust returns to normal and is nothing to worry about.

Common Car Noises Part 1

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 02:39:00 -1000

One of the many reasons our patrons bring their cars to The Tire Choice is because of a “funny noise.” Thumps, bangs, squeals – your vehicle has a language all its own that mechanics listen for to troubleshoot problems. In today’s post, we explore two common noises and the problems that cause them:

Engine Rattle - Also known as “knocking” or “pinging” can have a number of causes. The actual sound comes from the combustion chamber – which would mean that something is going wrong with the way the engine is combusting fuel. A typical cause of engine rattle comes from carbon buildup due to the age of the engine. You should also refer to your owner’s manual to see what octane level of gasoline you should be refueling with. If you refuel with the incorrect octane, it can cause engine rattle. In a worst case scenario, the engine rattle is being caused by overheating – which will need to be diagnosed and repaired to avoid engine damage.

Hissing - If you can hear hissing from under the hood, you’re probably dealing with a damaged or disconnected vacuum hose. When this hose malfunctions, you may notice that your vehicle has a rough idle and/or your check engine light comes on. If the hose become disconnected, you may be able to reattach it on your own. However, if the hose is cracked, cut, or damaged, it will need to be replaced entirely – something you should entrust to a mechanic.

Remember, if you want to vehicle to have a long life with lots of mileage, it’s important to pay attention and listen to the sounds your vehicle makes. Acting quickly can mean the difference between an inexpensive patch-up and a costly repair. If you hear your strange noises coming from your vehicle, bring to The Tire Choice for a check up. We perform most inspections for little or no charge. It can be a good investment to avoid expensive future repairs.

Causes of Crooked Steering

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 02:28:00 -1000

We’ve covered crooked or “drifting” steering in the past: if while driving your car you notice that it pulls to the left or right on its own, chances are you’re due for a wheel alignment.

However, there are other factors that cause subtle or dramatic changes in steering when seeking repairs. Some of these factors include:

Bad tires: There are a few tire related problems that can affect your steering. If one or more tires are underinflated on one side of the car, the car will pull in that direction when driving. That’s why it’s important to check your tire pressure. Tires with different sizes and even tread patterns can also affect your steering. When replacing your tires, make sure that the brands, models, and sizes match up among all your tires.

Brake issues: if your brake pads are touching the disc or do not disengage properly when you release the brake pedal, that will affect steering. By repairing the “sticky” or weak brake, the steering should improve.

Load distribution: If your vehicle is packed with cargo (or people) and the weight is not distributed evenly, your steering will favor the weighed-down end. To fix your steering, you can either redistribute the weight or have your wheels aligned with the load distribution accounted for. Of course, making this adjustment and then driving without the weight can affect steering – so think carefully before getting such an alignment.

The road itself: Nearly all roads in the US have “crowning,” which means that the center of the road is raised to create a slope to provide drainage. Unfortunately, not all roads have equal crowning and too much of it can cause your steering to drift. If you drive on these types of roads a lot, you can have your wheels aligned in a manner similar to the load distribution solution above.

Air and Your Engine

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:12:00 -1000

In some ways, your car is like a living thing. Just like how your car needs the right fluids, it also needs air to operate. Without the proper air intake, the engine cannot combust fuel. Just like starting a campfire, the combustion that happens in your engine requires fuel and oxygen to occur.

However, just like people, cars engines need clean air to function properly. If dirty or contaminated air reaches the combustion chamber, they can have an abrasive effect on the moving parts in the engine. It’s thanks to an air filter that your engines receives the right amount of clean air to keep humming along.

As you drive you car, the filter will gradually get loaded with more and more contaminates. If the filter gets too dirty, its performance lowers and the engine cannot suck in enough air to work properly. When this happens, it ruins the fuel/oxygen balance in the combustion chamber. Mechanics call this “running rich” because the engine is running with too much fuel and not enough air.

“Running rich” sounds like a good thing, but you won’t like the sounds your engine will be making. Without the right amount of oxygen in the combustion chamber, the engine will lose power and run roughly. It may also cause your “check engine” light to come on.

Fortunately, maintaining the air filter is very simple. When you bring your car to The Tire Choice for an oil change and 17-point inspection, we’ll check the filter and offer to change it out if necessary.

The Danger of an Exhaust Leak

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:00:00 -1000

Not many motorists give a lot of credit to their exhaust systems. Your exhaust system is more than just a series of pipes hanging under your car. It performs important functions to keep your vehicle running efficiently. It also needs maintenance, just like the other systems in your car. If exhaust problems go neglected for too long, they can be more than damaging to your car – you can put your health in danger.

The main job of the exhaust system is to release the gaseous by-products of internal combustion. Normally, these emissions are very toxic – which is why modern cars have exhaust systems equipped with catalytic converters that convert the toxic exhaust into non-toxic water vapor and carbon dioxide (which unfortunately, is a green house gas and the reason why so many people point to automobiles as a factor in global warming).

There are a few things that can go wrong with an exhaust system. However, a common – and dangerous – problem is a leak. Exhaust leaks usually occur for two reasons:

• Being mounted on the underside of your car, the exhaust system is exposed to a lot of road conditions that can cause parts to break down over time. The normal wear and tear that an exhaust system is exposed to means that older cars are especially vulnerable to leaks and should be inspected.

• The water vapor produced by the catalytic convertor can also be problematic. When you only take your car for a short trip, the water vapor produced does not get expelled from the exhaust system. So, it condenses back into water, which can cause rust. Worse yet, sulfur is another by-product in engine emissions. If it mixes with water left in the exhaust system, it can form a corrosive acid that can eat away at the exhaust system.

Exhaust leaks can reduce fuel economy and create a lot of noise. They can also pose a danger to your health. If you have an exhaust leak, harmful fumes are potentially reaching the inside of your car (this is especially true with leaks near the exhaust manifold). It only takes a small amount of carbon monoxide (another by-product of emissions) to impair your driving and your health.

Stay safe. The next time you are changing your oil or inspecting your tires, take time to carefully inspect your exhaust system for leaks. Or bring your vehicle to The Tire Choice and we can diagnose and repair exhaust problems for you.

The Differences between Gasoline and Diesel

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:00:00 -1000

Sometimes, our customers ask us about the differences between a gasoline engine and a diesel engine. Diesel has recently been pushed into the “green” spotlight, so some people are considering switching engine types for their next vehicle purchase.

The two main differences between gasoline and diesel vehicles are the fuel consistency and engine construction. Both gasoline and diesel are made from crude oil. When crude oil is refined, it is actually made into a number of different fuels with varying consistency. Gasoline is the lightest and most flammable by-product of oil refining, while diesel has an oily consistency and is thicker and more resistant to combustion than gasoline.

These differing characteristics require different engine construction. In a gasoline engine, gas and air are mixed together to create a vapor that is compressed by a piston, which is then ignited by a spark plug. In a diesel engine, however, only air is compressed by the piston. The more air that is compressed, the hotter it becomes. Diesel fuel is injected at just the right moment of compression and combusts from the heat of the air alone – no spark plug required.

There are some advantages and disadvantages wtih switching to diesel. Because diesel is thicker than gasoline, it is more energy-dense and yields a higher MPG rating. Diesel fuel also emits far less carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other emissions that contribute to global warming. However, diesel fuel requires high compression engines – which are more expensive to build than gasoline engines. They also emit more particulate matter (soot) than gasoline engines. Still, diesel refining has come a long way and diesel engines are much cleaner than the black smoke belching models of yesteryear.

No matter what engine type you drive with, The Tire Choice has the staff and equipment to service it. If you need vehicle repair, schedule an appointment with us today.

UM & USF Winning Ticket Discount

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:00:00 -1000

The Tire Choice is proud to sponsor and partner with a number of local community organizations. In light of that, we are offering a special deal for all of our customers.

As you may know, The Tire Choice is a sponsor of the athletic programs at the University of Miami and the University of South Florida, so we are always rooting for the Hurricanes and the Bulls! Naturally, we love it every time they pull off a victory, and we just have to celebrate.

Through the rest of the season, The Tire Choice will be the exclusive sponsor on all USF/UM single game ticket backs for football and men’s basketball. You may have noticed our special offer for a $17.99 oil change on the back of your ticket - or in your game program. Through the end of the season, whenever the Miami Hurricanes or USF Bulls win a game, bring your ticket, along with this special coupon, to any Tire Choice location on that game day to get 50% off an oil change! That's less than $9!

And don’t forget all oil changes come with a new oil filter, refill of up to 5 quarts of motor oil, 4-tire rotation, 17 point vehicle inspection, and we'll lubricate your vehicle's chassis (if applicable). This deal is valid at all Tire Choice locations.

That’s just another benefit to being a UM/USF fan, and Tire Choice & Total Car Care customer.

The Tire Choice Starts Fall Tent Sale

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:00:00 -1000

It’s that time of year again: The Tire Choice Tent Sale is going on right now! If you thought that our tire prices couldn’t get any lower, you haven’t seen a Tire Choice Tent Sale.

The tent sale will be going on now through November 27. All during the tent sale, you can take advantage of our buy 3 get 1 free deal for tires. All major tire brands and every size will be on sale, including Michelin, Bridgestone, Good Year, Pirelli, Yokohama, and more.

In addition to reduced tire prices, you can also purchase our oil change 3-pack, available only during the tent sale! The oil change 3-pack works like a gift card – good for three oil changes (same vehicle only) at any Tire Choice location. It makes a great stocking stuffer!

The tent sale goes on at all of the Tire Choice locations, but it’s unique because there is something different happening at each location. During a Tire Choice Tent Sale, you can expect exciting events like:

•    Cookouts with Free Food
•    Giveaways
•    Live Music
•    Limited-Time Only Specials
•    Games & Prizes
•    Car Shows
•    And More!

Make sure to call your local Tire Choice to find out what’s going on near you!

Breast Cancer Awareness and Other Upcoming Fan Zone Events

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 02:39:00 -1000

October has come to a close, which also means the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Tire Choice wants to give a special “Thank You” to all of those who helped us raise funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. We are especially thankful for the enormous show of support on October 22 during our Fan Zone event at the USF Bulls Homecoming game.

The Tire Choice set up a large booth to spread the message of breast cancer awareness and give away 1,000 pink backpacks. All the backpacks were given out pretty quickly, but people still lined up at the booth throughout the day to discuss a mixture of quality car care and the importance of breast cancer awareness. We thank you all for your support! Be sure to check out pictures from the event on our Facebook page.

Our next Fan Zone event at USF will also be a big occasion. On November 19, we’ll be hosting our Ultimate Tire Toss Half Time event as a part of our Ultimate UMiami vs. USF Bulls Getaway contest. The winner of the getaway contest will play our Tire Toss event in addition to winning these great prizes:

•    4 tickets to the USF/Miami Nov. 19 game
•    A set of 4 FREE tires (up to $500 value)
•    Hotel accommodations for two nights
•    A $50 gas card

On top of that, if the winner can throw a football through our giant Tire Choice Tire as part of our Ultimate Tire Toss Half Time event, he or she will also win two season tickets for the next USF or Miami football season - winner's choice.

All Fan Zone events are always a barrel of fun. They are held at the USF Stadium on select game days. To see which USF games are going to feature a Fan Zone event, visit our USF page.