Yearly Archives: 2022

How Often Should You Change Spark Plugs?

How Often Should You Change Spark Plugs?

Your car requires air and fuel to start. However, it needs a spark to ignite this mixture. This is why though small, the spark plug is responsible for creating the electricity that causes ignition. While it plays this crucial role in starting your car, poor maintenance and untimely spark plug replacement will cause serious problems. You may also assume that your car's failure to start is a problem with the battery. But it's not always the case. A faulty or old spark plug could be the main issue. If it's in poor condition, it reduces fuel efficiency and weakens engine performance. So how often should you replace it to avoid such problems? Knowing When to Replace a Spark Plug While a spark plug has long-term durability, experts recommend replacing it every 30,000 miles. However, with poor maintenance, it can become faulty earlier than expected. Failure to replace a spark plug will lead to several engine problems such as misfiring and uneven noisy idling. Also, you can look ... read more

Should I Have My Vehicle Inspected Before A Long Road Trip?

Should I Have My Vehicle Inspected Before A Long Road Trip?

The last thing you want on a summer road trip is for your car to be stuck in the middle of nowhere. Even the best-maintained vehicles can develop mechanical problems on long drives. Driving too much at once can put more strain on your car and make it more likely to break down. To prevent any inconveniences from happening to you, we recommend getting a pre-trip car inspection. What Should I Have Inspected? Tires - Tires are often the most overlooked car part. Before hitting the road, you should check your tires for damage, punctures, or poor tread. If the treads look overworn, it may be best to get new ones before going out of town. Additionally, don’t forget to check the tire pressure, as tire inflation can impact your fuel economy. Battery - Vehicle batteries last approximately three years. If your battery is nearing the end of its life, consider replacing it before your drive. Steering & Suspension - Once the tires have checked out, the steering and suspension system sh ... read more

What Does a Burning Smell Mean For My Car?

What Does a Burning Smell Mean For My Car?

If you catch a burning smell when driving your vehicle, it can be very alarming. It is vital that you give it attention quickly. Some burnt smells are more serious than others, which is why you should have it diagnosed soon. There can be several reasons why your car is giving off this smell. Read on to learn what the problem could be. Slipping Belts If the smell is similar to burnt rubber, it may be because one of your belts slipped. If it gets in the wrong and hot place, it can melt and give off this smell. If this is the case, please take your car to the experts at Neighborhood Tire Pros soon. A Short Circuit  A short circuit in your car’s wiring can give off this odor. In severe cases, electrical faults can lead to a fire, so please get your car to the shop immediately. Overheated Brake Components As you know, your vehicle’s brakes produce a significant amount of heat. If you smell a burning smell every time you engage your brakes, this could mean your brake p ... read more

Unusual Traffic Laws from Around the World

Unusual Traffic Laws from Around the World

It is no longer uncommon to get a ticket that doesn't sound arbitrary. While the tickets you receive are justified in most cases, some traffic laws will leave you baffled. We kick off our list with Cyprus. In Cyprus, it is illegal to eat or drink anything while on the wheel. It is a common law that drivers should not drink and drive, but we are not talking about alcohol. Having a meal or even a beverage such as coffee will land you a ticket. Spain requires drivers who wear corrective glasses to carry an extra pair of glasses in the car. Losing or breaking your glasses may cause you difficulties in operating your vehicle. Thus, you are required to have an alternative. So remember to carry an extra pair if you plan to visit Madrid. In Germany, you cannot stop your car unnecessarily on the autobahn. The law makes it possible for motorists to receive a ticket for running out of fuel. It is only permissible to use the autobahn only if your emergency is not preventable. Preventable eme ... read more

How to Determine Whether You Need An Engine Rebuild

How to Determine Whether You Need An Engine Rebuild

There's nothing more disheartening than hearing that your vehicle has to undergo major repairs and replacements. Fortunately, an engine rebuild isn't as risky and time-consuming as it used to be. While it is still a major service, you should have full confidence that it will restore how your vehicle drives. What's even more important is knowing the symptoms of a troubled engine so that you don't end up doing more damage to it. Here are the signs that indicate you need an engine rebuild: Absurd exhaust smoke A visual queue that may indicate your engine is excess exhaust smoke. It is especially obvious if the color of it looks unusual. If it is puffing thick clouds of white, blue, or black smoke, it is best to take it to an auto repair shop immediately. Loud engine knocking Engine knocking under the hood can happen quite abruptly. It sometimes means that the bearings have worn out. Neglecting this sign can eventually lead to engine failure as your engine is not recei ... read more