Vehicle Maintenance

Steps You Can Take to Save at Pump

Check Your Air Pressure

Keep your tires properly inflated and you could improve gas mileage by more than $1.50 every time you fill your tank. The recommended tire pressure for your vehicle is located on a sticker inside your driver-side door or noted in your owner's manual.

Maintain Your Air Filter
Replacing a clogged air filter can increase your vehicle's gas mileage by as much as 10%.

Watch the Weight

Excess weight in your vehicle can reduce gas mileage by 1-2% for every 100 pounds, so watch what you keep in your trunk. Check your driver’s manual for maximum weight limits.

Know the Oil your car is using

Improve your gas mileage by up to 2% with the proper grade of motor oil.

Keep It Tuned

Keeping up with regular vehicle maintenance can allow you to increase your gas mileage by an average of 4.1%.

Keep It Capped

Did you know about 147 million gallons of gas evaporate every year from vehicles without gas caps?

Avoid Fast Starts

Don't be a hot-head! Aggressive acceleration can reduce your gas mileage by up to a whopping 33%!

Talking action and reducing your fuel consumption can help your wallet. Another way to save at the pump is to consider purchasing tires that are more fuel efficient. Goodyear makes the Assurance featuring Fuel Max Technology. This tire is Goodyear's mid-tier Passenger All-Season tire designed for the drivers of cars, coupes, vans and crossover vehicles looking for affordably priced tires offering long wear, wet traction and low rolling resistance as some of their top priorities. The Assurance Fuel Max is designed to provide year-round confidence in wet, dry and wintry weather conditions, including in light snow, as well as offers lower rolling resistance to enhance vehicle fuel economy over the tire’s lifetime. Studies show that this greater fuel efficiency means drivers can potentially save 2,600 miles worth of gas over the life of the tire on a conventional vehicle.

Summertime is a great time to think about your tires

Fun family vacations which involve driving should always start with a check of your tires. As the temperature heats up so do your tires. The rule of thumb is for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit increase the tire pressure increases by 1 psi (pounds per square inch). Checking tire pressure should always be done when the tires are cold. In summertime, even if you hadn’t been driving the vehicle, the summer sun can heat up tires quickly so morning is the best time. Follow the recommendations in the vehicle’s owner’s manual or inside the driver’s door jam and not the tires themselves. The reason to not use the number on the tire is because that number represents the maximum recommend tire pressure for that particular tire which can vary depending on what vehicle it is on.

Loading up the family car or pulling a boat? Check your owner’s manual for load capacity and consider consulting a tire professional for advice. There are many variable when pulling a trailer. Trailers require a special tire and should not use a car tire or it can be very dangerous. Trailer tires need to be maintained and monitored with age. A tire that sits long periods of time especially in sun can age very quickly. Adirondack Tire stocks trailer tires, truck tires and specialty tires in addition to passenger tires. Understanding how different speed ratings affect tire performance and how a stiffer trailer tire will perform differently than a car (passenger) tire can be the best can be best explained by a trained professional. Remember when tires heat up so does the pressure in the tires. If the tires are not properly maintained or the proper tires on not on your vehicle or trailer, you are more likely to run into tire blow-outs and possible accidents. Don’t let your summer be side-lined by tire problems. Enjoy your summer.

Adirondack Tire has 12 convenient locations throughout the Capital Region and Rutland, Vermont with locations in the most popular vacations spots in the region, one location in Queensbury right down the road from Six Flags Great Escape and a short drive from Lake George as well as a location in Saratoga Springs. Go to Adirondacktire.com for location information and phone numbers as well as specification sheets on 40 of the most popular tires. 

Tire Service

Your car’s tires affect its ride, handling, traction and safety. Tires are the critical connection between your car and the road in all sorts of driving conditions.

Under Inflation of Your Tires
If your vehicle’s tires are under inflated by only 6 psi it could lead to tire failure. Additionally, the tire’s tread life could be reduced by as much as 25%. Lower inflation pressure will allow the tire to deflect (bend) more as it rolls. This will build up internal heat, increase rolling resistance and cause a reduction in fuel economy of up to 5%. You would find a significant loss of steering precision and cornering stability. While 6 psi doesn’t seem excessively low, remember, it usually represents about 20% of the tire’s recommended pressure.

Over Inflation of Your Tires
If your tires are overinflated by 6 psi, they could be damaged more easily when running over potholes or debris in the road. Higher inflated tires cannot isolate road irregularities well causing them to ride harsher. However, higher inflation pressures usually provide an improvement in steering response and cornering stability up to a point. This is why participants who use street tires in auto crosses, track events and road races, run higher than normal inflation pressures.

The pressure must be checked with a quality air gauge as the inflation pressure can not be accurately estimated through visual inspection.

Rotating Tires
Tire rotation can be beneficial in several ways. When done at the recommended times, it can preserve balanced handling and traction and even out tire wear. It can even provide performance advantages. Many tire mileage warranties require tire rotation to keep warranty valid. When should tires be rotated? We recommend that tires be rotated every 6,000 miles, even if they don’t show signs of wear. Tire rotation can often be done with oil change intervals while the vehicle is off the ground. (This is a good time to have your tires rebalanced.) Tire rotation helps even out tire wear by allowing each tire to serve in as many of the vehicle’s wheel positions as possible. Remember, tire rotation can’t correct wear problems due to worn mechanical parts or incorrect inflation pressures.

Rotation Patterns
What tire rotation pattern should be followed? The Tire & Rim Association has identified three traditional rotation patterns covering most vehicles (equipped with non-directional tires and wheels which are the same size and offset). The first being the “Rearward Cross” (Figure A); the second being the “Forward Cross” (Figure C); and the third is the “X-Pattern” (Figure B). The X-Pattern can be used as an alternative to A or C.

Today’s performance tire and wheel trends have provided the need for two additional tire rotation patterns.

Why Do I Need This Service?
To maximize tire life and safety, check tire condition and inflation pressure regularly and the tires rotated and balanced. Tire replacement may be necessary if the tread depth is below the minimum legal requirement, or the sidewalls are severely cracked or punctured. In some cases, tread punctures cannot be repaired.

Typical Service

• Check inflation pressure at least once a month (including the spare).
• Have the tires rotated every 6,000 miles.
• Rotation time also serves as a good opportunity to have the tires balanced. Unbalanced wheels can cause rapid wear of shock absorbers and struts, and wheel balance can change as a result of normal tire wear. On full-time four-wheel drive vehicles, a difference of only ¼ inch between the outside circumference of the front and rear tires can cause expensive damage to the transfer case or center differential. Rotating the tires to keep their sizes equal is critical on these vehicles, and replacing all four tires at the same time, rather than just the front or rear tires, is highly recommended.
• Uneven or accelerated tire wear may indicate an alignment problem. Have your car’s alignment checked at least once a year.

Questions to ask your Adirondack Tire Technician:

• What type of tires should go on my vehicle based on my driving?
• What can happen if I install a set of tires having a size not recommended for my car?
• My car shakes at certain speeds…what causes this?
• Can my driving habits affect tire life?
• Do tires have to be replaced in pairs?

Wheel Alignment
Maintaining your car’s wheel alignment reduces tire wear, improves fuel economy and handling, and increases driving enjoyment and safety.

Why Do I Need This Service?
Normal wear and road conditions can take their toll on your car’s steering and suspension system. Hitting a pothole, a curb or going over railroad tracks can throw alignment settings out of specifications, can affect wheel alignment angles and can damage steering and suspension parts.

Typical Service

• Have your car’s alignment checked at least annually.
• Make sure it’s a four-wheel alignment, whether car, light truck or SUV.
• Your technician will make adjustments to the camber, caster, toe and thrust angle.
• Have the alignment checked at the first sign of abnormal tire wear or improper vehicle handling.
• A wheel alignment is a good service to request as an “insurance policy” when you purchase a set of new tires.

Oil, Filters and Fluids

Typical Service

• Change oil and filter every 3,000 miles or three months.
• Many car manufacturers recommend extended oil drain intervals for some drivers.
• If you regularly make short trips in your car, drive in stop-and-go traffic, idle for extended periods, drive in dusty or dirty air conditions, tow a trailer or live in a cold-weather region—stay with the 3,000-mile/three month schedule.
• For automatic transmissions, brakes power steering and axles, vehicle-specific fluids should be used.
• Coolant should be changed every two years or 24,000 miles on cars with ethylene glycol antifreeze.

Belts and Hoses

What Is It?
Your car’s belts and hoses are essential to the cooling, air conditioning and charging systems, and the engine. Don’t take these routine replacement intervals for granted because they can break down and leave you stranded.

Typical Service

• Hoses should be checked at each oil change for age hardening (or softening) by pinching. Any hose that feels rock hard or mushy is due for replacement. Leaking, visible cracks, blistering or any other visible damage on the outside of the hose would also indicate a need for replacement.
• The clamps should also be replaced when new hoses are installed.
• V-belts should be replaced every three to four years or 40,000 to 50,000 miles.
• V-belts and serpentine belts should also be checked for looseness.
• Replace the timing belt based on the interval specified in the owner’s manual.

Brake Service
The brake system is your car’s most important safety system. Never put off routine brake inspections or any needed repair so that your car can continue to operate as designed.

Why Do I Need This Service?
Brakes are a normal wear item for any car. Eventually, they’re going to need to be replaced for both performance and safety reasons. Planning can also save you money—your brakes won’t get to the “metal-to-metal” point, which usually means accelerating expensive rotor or drum replacement.

Your car owner’s manual might specify periodic flushing and filling of the brake hydraulic system. Contaminated brake fluid may lead to erosion and other problems in the hydraulic system, especially on cars with antilock brakes (ABS).

Typical Service

• Have your brake linings, drums and rotors, and brake fluid inspected at each oil change.
• It’s always best to be able to plan ahead for brake work by knowing the brake condition as your car ages.
• The typical “brake job” consists of brake pad and/or shoe replacement, along with related hardware. Depending on the condition or thickness of the drums or rotors, machining or replacement may be necessary.
• The parking brake should also be checked for proper operation and adjustment. In some cases, the parking brake shoes/pads may need replacement.

Tune-Up

Typical Service

• Based on spark plug type, the replacement interval can range from 30,000 to 100,000 miles.
• Replace any other ignition system and/or emissions system parts that may be needed or recommended.
• Replace the fuel and air filters.
• Adjust ignition timing and idle speeds (if applicable).
• Ensure the onboard computer control system is working properly.

Check Engine Light
In 1996, an orange light on your car’s dashboard labeled “check engine” or “service engine soon” became standard on all car makes and models. The light tells you there’s a problem with your car’s engine and powertrain control system.

Why Do I Need This Service?
An illuminated “check engine” or “service engine soon” light indicates a problem detected by your car’s onboard diagnostic system (OBD). The light cannot indicate the exact nature of the problem—only the right training and diagnostic equipment can do that. Call Adirondack Tire and schedule a diagnostic check.

Typical Service

• A flashing light indicates a problem that is currently happening and may require immediate attention, whereas a steady light can be diagnosed at the first convenient opportunity.
• A technician connects a “scan tool” to your car’s onboard diagnostic system to determine the problem.
• Further testing and diagnostics may be required to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem.
• Once the problem is pinpointed, repairs are made and the light is reset.

Questions to ask your Adirondack Tire Technician:

• Does the light mean my car needs a tune-up?
• When checking out the cause of the light, are there any other services that need to be performed at the same time?
• Is it normal for the light to come on briefly when I start my car?
• What happens if I just ignore the light?
• Will the light eventually turn off by itself?
• Will my car pass an emissions test if the light is on?

Engine Cooling System

What Is It?
The key parts of the cooling system remove heat from the engine and automatic transmission and dissipate heat to the air outside. The water pump circulates coolant through the engine. The coolant absorbs heat and returns it to the radiator where heat is dissipated. The thermostat regulates the coolant temperature to keep it consistent for efficient engine operation.

Typical Wear and Tear
Factors that affect the replacement of cooling system parts include:

• Driving habits
• Operating conditions
• Type of vehicle
• Type of coolant
• Frequency of regular maintenance such as coolant changes

Symptoms

• Overheating
• Sweet smell
• Leaks
• Repeatedly need to add fluid

Your Car’s Cooling System consists of:

• Heater core
• Water pump
• Cooling fan
• Coolant reservoir
• Radiator
• Thermostat
• Hoses

Exhaust System

What Is It?
Your car’s exhaust system has come a long way from the old days of exhaust pipes and mufflers. Today, the exhaust system is safety and emissions control rolled into one. Have your car’s exhaust system inspected regularly and check it immediately if you suspect problems.

What Does It Do?
The exhaust system routes dangerous exhaust gas from the engine out and away from the car to keep from affecting the occupants. Next, the exhaust system reduces exhaust noise from the engine. The catalytic converter reduces the level of harmful pollutants in the exhaust. Finally, the oxygen sensor mounted in the exhaust system monitor the level of exhaust gases to maintain efficient engine operation and to monitor the converter’s operation.

Typical Wear and Tear
Maintain a safe car with regular exhaust system checks. Factors that affect replacement requirements include:

• Driving habits (short trips take their toll on exhaust system life)
• Road conditions (salt, road spray, bumps)
• Vehicle type
• Age of the exhaust system parts

Steering and Suspension

What Is It?
Like your car’s brake system, the steering and suspension systems are key safety-related systems. Together, they largely determine your car’s ride and handling. Have your car’s steering and suspension systems checked regularly, at least once a year and usually with a wheel alignment.

What Does It Do?
The suspension maintains the relationship between the wheels and the frame or unibody. The suspension system interacts with the steering system to provide vehicle control. When working properly, the suspension system helps absorb the energy from the road irregularities such as potholes and helps to maintain vehicle stability. The steering system transmits your input from the steering wheel to the steering gear and other steering components to control the car’s direction.

Typical Wear and Tear
Over time, steering and suspension components wear out and require replacement. Regular checks are critical to maintain a safe car. Factors that affect wear include:

• Driving habits
• Operating conditions
• Vehicle type
• Type of steering and suspension system
• Frequency of regular maintenance such as chassis lubrication and wheel alignment

Symptoms

• Pulling
• Uneven tire wear
• Noise and vibration while cornering
• Loss of control