KANSAS CITY AND OVERLAND PARK AUTO REPAIR

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

Most people underestimate the value in caring for their windshield wipers, until it’s too late. With weak windshield wipers, a sudden storm can leave you in serious trouble. The truth of the matter is that your wipers should always be in excellent condition before you are in serious need of them. Keeping your windshield clean and your wipers in top shape gives you the ability to see clearly what is going on around you on the road. Clear visibility on the road can be a life saver. That’s why taking the time to think about preventive maintenance on your windshield wiper blades is critical to safe driving. Between snow storms, rain, bugs and debris that build up on your windshield, your wipers do a lot of work. The standard wiper blade wears out quickly. The rubber on the blade can begin to wear down as early as six months. For preventative maintenance we suggest that you change the wiper blades at least once a year. The best time t ... read more

Summer is on the way out, fall is standing by, and winter seems like a long time away. But it will be here soon and before long we’ll be watching the snow fall, hearing the sleet clatter, or shudder as ice coats the street. This when you need a place to put your car. How about the garage? Oh wait, you spent the summer piling water skis, bikes, camping gear, golf clubs and kiddie pools in it and now you can barely see from one side to the other much less put a car in there. It’s time to get organized and fall is a great time to do it. It’s not hard to make room and it will take some time. But it can be done. Maximize space with some good storage shelves, cabinets or pegboards. Hang ladders on hooks screwed into the walls. Bikes and scooters can be place there as well. Shelves that can be moved around are also a great idea as you may want to add or remove storage. Consider using the spa ... read more