Is it Time for New Tires? Know the Warning Signs

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tire failure causes about 11,000 crashes yearly. Driving with worn-out tires is extremely dangerous as it can cause collisions, especially when you're speeding.

Since tires play a significant role in a car's performance and safety, it's crucial to ensure they are in good condition. If you're wondering if it's time to replace your car tires, several signs indicate when you need to do this. Knowing the signs can help you notice wear and tear sooner, so you don't risk an accident due to under-inflated or worn tires. Here are some warning signs that indicate you need to replace the tires.

Unusual Sounds

If you start hearing strange sounds from your car, or if it suddenly shakes or shimmies when you're driving on a straight stretch of highway, these could indicate that you have damaged tires. One of the most common warning signs is an intense buzzing noise that's constantly present, even when you're stopped at a traffic light. If you hear this and there are no visible marks on the tire tread, it's likely time for a replacement.

Monitoring Systems Warning

Modern cars are equipped with various types of monitoring systems. One example is the tire pressure monitoring system. This system will let you know when your tires are under-inflated, so it can provide the best experience for your car, as well as you and any passengers. If a sensor on one of your tires becomes faulty, it may be time to replace all of your tires before any major damage occurs.

Cracked Sidewalls

If you see cracked sidewalls on the tire's side, the rubber has become dry and brittle. If not addressed soon, it can cause the tire to blow out, leading to serious accidents. Cracked sidewalls indicate that your tires are too old and need replacing for safety reasons. If you notice cracked sidewalls on the tires, please take your car to the Acura repair shop in San Antonio and have it inspected for worn-out tires.

Bulges and bubbles

If you've noticed new, small bulging or bubbles appearing on the surface of your tires and if they don't go away with a little pressure, then it's time for a change. 

Thumping When Driving

If your car feels like its bumping or crashing over uneven surfaces, it can indicate that it needs new tires. If the thumping sound doesn't go away after a few seconds of driving, you likely need new tires. In some cases, drivers who have neglected their car for a long time may not even realize there is a problem until the vehicle pulls to one side. This could also indicate you need a new tire and other Honda repair San Antonio, TX.

Old Tires

If the tires are old, they may not perform as they should when you need them most. Old and worn tires don’t handle very well in snow or on wet roads. When it's hot outside, old tires may overheat faster than newer ones, which could lead to dangerous driving conditions. Tires can also be damaged if driven for a long time on uneven surfaces or hit by potholes.

While the tire's tread will wear out depending on maintenance and driving habits, changing the tires at least once every six years is recommended. Consult a mechanic who specializes in Honda repair in San Antonio, TX to determine whether or not you need new tires.

Tips for Making the Most Out of Your New Car Battery

If you’ve recently purchased a new car battery, then you may be wondering how to make the most out of them. Like most other components in your vehicle, the battery isn’t perfect out of the box, and you may have to take some steps to ensure that it lives up to its full potential. Not to mention about the car batteries prices.  In fact, the price of car battery  isn’t cheap and you might have spent more money. If you want to make the most of your investment, follow these tips to help your new car battery get off on the right foot and ensure that it lasts as long as possible.

Maintenance and Safety Check

If your battery has never been replaced before, you'll need to take a few minutes for routine maintenance. Loosen the hold-down clamps and clean any corrosion on the battery terminals. Apply an even coating of terminal grease or petroleum jelly and then tighten the hold-down clamps again.

Keep It Clean and Dry

One of the easiest ways to preserve your battery life is to make sure it stays clean and dry. Dirt, grime, and water can all be detrimental to a battery's performance; if any of these three elements are present on your car battery, then you should take steps to remove them as soon as possible. A dirty car battery can lead to slow-cranking which leads to decreased fuel efficiency because it's harder for the engine to turn over and start without a quick burst of power from the battery.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

If you're parked outside in extreme temperatures (very hot or very cold), it will shorten the life of your battery. If you've got a hot car parked outside, switch it off and leave the key so that it cools down. If you've got a cold car, warm up the engine for a few minutes before driving away to help protect the engine.

Test Your Charging System Regularly

You don't want to be stranded with a dead battery, so it's a good idea to get in the habit of testing your car's charging system at least once every six months. A bad alternator or poor connections can cause a battery to be drained in no time.

Use A Trickle Charger or Multi-Stage Charger

A trickle charger or multi-stage charger is what you should charge your new car battery with. The right charger will help you take full advantage of the features in your new car battery. One of the best features about these chargers is that they can work even when it's cold outside, unlike a traditional lead acid battery.

Another great feature about these chargers is that they won't overcharge your battery and potentially ruin it. When you purchase a trickle charger, be sure to get one that can fit both deep cycle and starting batteries.

Connect To the Right Power Source

Since you'll be spending a lot of time in your car over the next few years, make sure you have a good power source. There are multiple ways to charge your car battery but the most effective way is through solar power. You will need to get solar panels installed on your roof if you don't already have them so that you can put solar power to work for you and start saving money with every use!

Don't Leave It in Storage for Long Periods

You may not have to worry about this one much during the summer months, but in colder weather, you'll want to store your battery somewhere warm and dry. Don't store it inside your car. And don't store it in a hot car. Hotter temperatures can reduce the battery's lifespan due to heat-related stress on the chemical composition of the cells.

Should you have further queries on maintaining your new car batteries or car battery prices, please get in touch with Battery Brands.