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The Importance of Rotating and Balancing Your Tires

Tire rotation is the process of moving your tires from one position to another on your car. Tire balancing, on the other hand, is the process done to eliminate any uneven points on your tires. As a responsible vehicle owner, you should be familiar with these processes and how often you should do them. Here are a few reasons why rotation and balancing are important to your car.

Reasons for Tire Rotation

Rotating your tires can be done due to a number of factors. It’s a great way to keep your tire treads as even as possible over time and makes your tires last longer. One or more tires will wear out quicker than the rest if you refrain from switching them. Replacing your tires individually also typically costs you more than buying a new set. Plus, you can use this as an opportunity to conduct tire maintenance, visually inspect their quality, and check for any damage.

Reasons for Tire Balancing

Balancing your tires is an equally important part of maintenance. This method corrects the distribution of weight around your car. When all sides of the car are equal in weight, the tires will roll properly and smoothly. By checking weight imbalances regularly, you prevent uneven tread wear and vibrations to your steering wheel. Most importantly, you’ll avoid poor gas mileage and save on fuel.

When Should You Rotate and Balance Your Tires?

Typically, how often your tires should be rotated depends on the car manufacturer. It is recommended, however, that you rotate them every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, though there are a few exceptions to this. To be absolutely sure, read the recommendations provided in your car’s manual.

Balancing is usually done along with rotation. Have your tires balanced every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or every two years, at the very least. However, if your steering wheel suddenly begins to shake and vibrate while you’re driving, you should immediately have your tires checked. You can get more information about things to look out for from a tire specialist or mechanic.

Now, you’re more familiar with what rotation and balancing are and what they can do to extend the lifespan of your tires. If you need a new set of tires or any car maintenance service, get in touch with us at Graham Tire in Lincoln, NE. Our expert mechanics will help you solve any car problem.

Top Qualities an Auto Repair Shop Should Possess

When it comes to auto and tire repair in Lincoln, NE, you’d want to make sure that you’ve trusted the right service center. So, you go online and search for one of the best repair shops in town and check what they can offer. With all the enticing deals and ads of some service centers, separating the wheat from the chaff should be your top priority. To help you make the right choice, we’ve listed some of the qualifications to look out for.

ASE Certified

Certifications are essential in the automotive industry. Most auto repairs are not an easy task. When looking for a repair shop, make sure their technicians are ASE certified. Mechanics who passed the rigorous test and exams conducted by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence prove that they have the right level of skills and knowledge to work on your auto.

Multiple Locations

Dedication, excellent customer service, and growing demand are some of the factors that contribute to the success of any business. Hence, branching out to different locations becomes easier. This also applies to some car service centers in Lincoln, NE. When an auto repair shop has multiple locations, you’ll know that the business is thriving and customers are pleased with their services.

It can be challenging to look for an auto service center when you are far from home. If your trusted garage has expanded elsewhere, you won’t have to search far and wide because you’ll know exactly where to go.

Warranties

Most of the time, people often perform their own car repairs thinking they can potentially save on costs, but it’s best to let professionals handle the task. Before deciding on a repair shop, make sure they offer warranties so you won’t have to worry about additional costs should your car need to undergo repairs again.

Special Offers

It’s no longer a surprise that most auto repairs do not come cheap. That’s why it’s essential to check out if a shop has special and rotating offers for new and current customers. You’re guaranteed to save money on discounted repairs when you hire their service.

By considering all the qualifications of a good repair shop, experiencing potential setbacks can be prevented. Visit Graham Tire today to learn more about their auto services and tire repair in Lincoln, NE!

Finding a Reliable Repair Shop for Your Auto’s AC System

Finding a Reliable Repair Shop for Your Auto’s AC System

Dealing with a car’s faulty AC system on a hot, sunny day can be exhausting. When this happens, consider bringing your vehicle to the nearest fix-it shop instead of performing the repair yourself. However, if there are a number of car servicing centers near you, how will you know the best one to pick? Listed below are some ways that can be helpful for your search.

Do Your Homework

When looking for a reputable auto shop, consider asking friends and family first. There’s a good chance you may receive recommendations from them, based on their first-hand experience. You may also visit websites that aggregate customer reviews about local mechanics who provide car AC repair in Lincoln, NE. Read the pros and cons regarding the establishment and discern if they can be trusted with your vehicle.

Compare Prices

After gathering a list of recommended auto repair facilities, compare their quoted costs. Look into what’s included in the services they have as well. Are the repairs covered by warranty? Do they offer transportation options while your vehicle is being fixed? Once you’ve weighed your choices, choose the shop that best balances cost with the quality of their work.

Check the Years of Experience

Great auto repair shops have been in business for decades. This means that over the years, many types of cars will have been fixed in their garage. Their experienced mechanics will likely have a better idea of how to address the issues of your vehicle. This is a factor that should definitely be considered when looking for car service in Lincoln, NE.

Consider the Technicians’ Qualifications

Find out if your chosen car shop’s mechanics have the basic qualifications to handle your vehicle’s specific issues. An ideal repair center’s staff members are certified by an accrediting body such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

You can be sure that technicians who have an ASE certification went through rigorous training and education to pass their examinations. You’ll be at ease knowing that your auto can be left with reputable repairmen.

Visit an Auto Repair Shop Today

Once you start noticing any problems with your vehicle, particularly with its air-conditioning system, it would be best to have it promptly serviced. If you’re looking for a workshop that provides car AC repair in Lincoln, NE, get in touch with Graham Tire today.

How To Keep Your Battery Alive This Winter

If you live in any area of the country where the temperature routinely drops below freezing, you’ll want to make sure you have a car battery that can stand up to the colder weather.

There is nothing worse than getting stuck with a dead vehicle after a long day of work, or in the middle of running errands, so its important to take the necessary precautions to keep your car battery running this winter season.

Check The Date

If you can’t remember when the last time you had your car battery replaced, that’s probably a pretty solid indication that it’s been a while. Some car batteries can last up to 6 years before needing to be replaced, however, this timeline can vary.

Depending on when you last changed it, it would be smart to get it tested soon to avoid getting stuck in the cold. Many auto mechanic shops will test your battery free of charge to ensure it is strong enough to power through the subzero temperatures.

Be Prepared

Keeping a booster pack (like a miniature battery to jump from) and jumper cables in your car will guarantee you won’t have to worry about starting it if it does die. Jump starting your car battery is a way to restart its life to get you to where you need to go.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so consider how you will feel when you’re stuck on the side of a snowy highway at eight o’clock at night. To avoid this completely preventable roadside emergency, investing in these battery essentials before disaster strikes is a smart idea.

Choose The Right Battery

If your local mechanic warns you that your battery is running at less-than-full power, then you should buy a new one. Batteries were made to match their cars, so if you’re running on a spare battery not meant for your vehicle, odds are it isn’t going to carry the right juice to get you through extreme temperatures this year. If you are unsure which battery is right for your car, your mechanic can lead you in the right direction

Remember: extreme heat or cold can increase your battery rate of discharge, making wintertime a real threat to the life of the battery.

It’s also important to remember to get other aspects of your car inspected outside of your battery. Ensuring your brakes, tires and heating unit is in tip-top shape will also help you fight this winter weather.

It’s also crucial that you continue to get your oil changed regularly — which includes using oil with the right viscosity for the colder weather. Be safe this winter: be a responsible car owner.

Why Do Drivelines Need Service?

Per a recent survey, research has determined that 77% of vehicles need repairs or maintenance. What does this mean for you? It means your vehicle could be part of that 77%. Maintenance and repairs can include many different parts of a car including the tires, engine, batteries, brakes, belts and hoses, transmission, heating and air conditioning, and drivelines. Wait, what’s a driveline? Most drivers don’t know what a driveline is, so it does not get the attention it deserves.

What Is the Driveline?

The driveline for a vehicle ensures that power is transferred from the transmission and engine to the wheels. It consists of the driveshaft, axles, joints, wheels, and differentials. All of those components take care of handling the full force of a vehicle. If a car didn’t have a driveline, it would not be going anywhere. Drivelines require care, even if it’s not obvious, and especially if it does become obvious.

Services for Drivelines Will Vary

It is important to understand that services for drivelines will vary. This is due to the fact that not every car has the same type of drive aspects. Front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and four-wheel-drive vehicles will need varying repair and maintenance services depending on which drive they have. Fluid runs through the components of a driveline and a main driveline flush is recommended to keep all parts running smoothly.

Old lubricants need to be removed and replaced too. New differential fluid should be added so your vehicle gets the care it necessitates. Fluids should be replaced every 60,000 miles per manufacturer. An auto repair shop has experienced techs available that know when and how to perform flushes and located any other types of driveline problems. You can always ask them to check your driveline when you take your car in for an oil change if you think you have been experiencing problems. It is better to have small issues checked before they can become a huge problem later.

Drivelines Are Often Overlooked in Maintenance Programs

Something as important as drivelines are often overlooked when it comes to maintenance. Driveline equipment and products meaningfully contribute to the performance, efficiency, and the overall economy of a car’s operation, so it is actually an essential part of a vehicle. The next time you are discussing care for your car, ask your mechanic about driveline services and how they can benefit the overall performance of your vehicle.

Important Facts to Understand About Drivelines

Many driveline components include gears required to mesh together with fluids meant to cool and lubricate them when they start to heat up from engagement and contact. The generated heat from the gears is then transferred to the fluids. The fluid in a driveline functions properly for thousands of miles of driving. But it stands to reason, that the repeated cooling and heating of the fluid will start an oxidation and degradation process that breaks down eventually so it won’t always provide the protection needed for the metal components. The result of this breakdown is excess heat, smells, and noises that are more noticeable, and may cause a driver to seek service. It is vital that you do not wait when you notice any signs of a breakdown in the driveline, have your vehicle serviced immediately. You could also go one step further and just make sure driveline service is part of your own maintenance plan for your car before problems arise.

What Happens If You Don’t Get Driveline Repairs or Maintenance?

Many times, if a driveline doesn’t get necessary maintenance or repairs there is metal to metal fatigue and damage. Expensive components are worn down beyond what they should be and will need attention. Once a vehicle has reached this point, a fluid exchange cannot fix the problem and new parts are needed for installation. Fluids changed in accordance with recommended change intervals per the manufacturer, can help ensure costly replacements are avoided altogether. Find out the condition of your vehicle’s driveline components by scheduling a driveline check and fluid inspection with your local auto shop.

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