Must See Auto Repair Coupons

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TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring System Repair

Your vehicle’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) continuously monitors the air pressure in your tires.

When there is an instance of low tire pressure, or if the tire pressure drops below the manufacturer’s recommended level of tire pressure, the TPMS will detect and report the discrepancy by illuminating an indicator light on the dashboard of your vehicle.

When the TPMS light flashes on the dashboard, you should check your tire pressure, inflate the affected tire to the level indicated by the manufacturer, or bring your vehicle into one of our three locations so that the issue can be remedied by our expert staff.

During a TPMS maintenance service, our service staff will run a series of tests to ensure that the system is operating both correctly and at maximum efficiency.

If our technicians uncover damage to the system or its accompanying components, they may need to replace valve cores, valve nuts, seals, seal washers, or valve caps.

If you are in need of TPMS repairs, maintenance, or replacement services, or if you are in need of a TPMS installation service, then contact us today.

What is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)?

Tires operating below inflation standards put the overall performance of your vehicle and the safety of your passengers at risk. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System helps increase your safety on the road by improving your vehicle’s maneuverability, decreasing the tread wear of your tires, reducing your vehicle’s braking distance, and improving your vehicle’s fuel economy.

There are two types of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems in existence today—Direct and Indirect. A Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System uses sensors on the inside tire assembly to transmit tire pressure information to your vehicle’s computer.

An Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System gauges tire pressure through your vehicle’s Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) by using speed sensors to measure the rotational speed of each wheel (as tire pressure decreases, the rolling distance decreases, and the rotational speed increases).

All TPMS systems require regular maintenance in order to meet maximum performance standards, which requires all vehicles to be equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Give us a call at (775) 525-2420 or contact us online if you have questions regarding your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) or any other auto repair services.

Windshield Wipers: When to Replace Them?

Most experts say that wiper blades need to be changed every six to 12 months. This depends on weather conditions and the quality of blades you purchase. Ordinary rubber blades have the shortest lifespan. Halogen-hardened rubber blades last a bit longer. But silicon blades have the longest lifetimes of all, perhaps exceeding a year even under intense use. Of course they also cost more than ordinary rubber blades.

You’ll know when your wiper blades need to be replaced because you’ll see streaking as they wipe the moisture from the windshield or even large gaps where no water is being removed. They may start making squeaking or chattering sounds (though this can also happen if you run the wipers when the windshield is mostly dry). If left unchanged for too long, the material of the blade can shred and break loose from the arm. This can actually cause damage to your windshield, as the metal or hard plastic of the arm scrapes across the glass. This is not preferred.

Fortunately, you won’t necessarily have to replace the entire blade assembly. Most blade arms will accept rubber refills, giving you the option of replacing only the part that’s damaged. However, blade arms can become bent over time, so make sure that the refill is all that you need to replace in order to fix the problem.

If you are unsure and would like an experts opinion, stop by any of Sierra Car Care’s three locations in the Reno area. We are happy to help!

Why is Tire Rotation Important?

To rotate your tires means to move each tire from one wheel to another and from left to right or back to front, or even diagonally.

Why Rotate Tires?

The front tires tend to wear on the outside edges because the tire leans over when you turn a corner. The rear tires just follow the fronts, so they usually wear more evenly.

If you leave tires in place, those outside edges on the front tires will wear down much faster than the rest. You’ll have to replace the tires thousands of miles sooner. Regular tire rotation helps extend the life of your tires and improve performance.

If your vehicle’s alignment is unbalanced, tires can also cause uneven wear.

Rotating tires keeps them from wearing unevenly. That will make your ride smoother and handling safer for longer. Rotating your tires extends the life of your tires, saving you time and money in the long run.

Tire Rotation Checklist:

• Each tire and wheel is removed from your car or truck, and moved to a different position.
• Air pressure should be checked and adjusted as necessary.
• Brakes should be checked while the tires are off and it’s easy to see and reach them.
• Alignment should be corrected if unbalanced, to extend the life of your tires.

Recommendations will be given if any wear and tear is deemed dangerous to continue driving with, in its current state. Your well being is our top priority. Sierra Car Care & Tire Center, getting families home safely since 1979.

Please schedule an appointment to bring your vehicle in today at any of the following location in the Reno, Nevada area.

Sierra Car Care and Tire Centers – Lakeside Service
Manager: Rob Wolter
190 W. Plumb Lane
Reno, NV 89509

(775) 825-1185

lakeside@sierracarcare.com

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Sierra Car Care and Tire Centers – Northwest Service
Manager: Nile Bremser
1300 W. 7th Street
Reno, NV 89503

(775) 747-1345

northwest@sierracarcare.com

 

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Sierra Car Care and Tire Centers – Village Service
Manager: Larry Yarborough
1101 California Avenue
Reno, NV 89509

(775) 348-7508

village@sierracarcare.com

Summer Road Trip Heat on Your Vehicle

The blistering heat wave covering much of the country can also be catastrophic for roads and vehicles.

With temperatures expected to be near the 100-degree mark and extreme heat advisories, officials are warning drivers to take precautions before heading out. Excessive heat warnings from the National Weather Service are currently in effect for Nevada and Arizona.

In case of an emergency, you should always carry water in your vehicle. You may break down in an area that will require you to walk some distance before help may be reached.

It is highly recommended that if your battery is older than 3 years, to have it checked or replaced. Heat is the number one killer of batteries, not the cold.

Tips for Road Trips with a Full Load of Family or Friends

Don’t overload the car: Under-inflation and/or overloading the vehicle will place added stress on your tires in the form of excessive heat build-up. Both of these conditions can adversely affect the vehicle’s handling and fuel economy. Again, refer to your car’s owner’s manual and the information placard on the driver’s door jam for the acceptable load limit. This total includes passenger and cargo capacity. Some cars offer additional inflation recommendations for driving with a full load, which is likely to be the case if you are taking the family on vacation.

Check your tire’s inflation pressure before you go and along your trip to maximize fuel efficiency.

Be sure your spare tire is inflated with the correct amount of tire pressure as well. Sometimes having a spare for a long time – will lower the tire pressure.

That’s the last thing anyone wants when they have a flat… replace their tire with one that doesn’t have enough tire pressure… a flat tire.

Before You Go

Stop by any of our Reno Sierra Car Care & Tire Center locations to inspect your vehicle and top off your fluids before you go.

Get Your Vehicle Ready to Travel

Road tripping has never been easier

Thanks to a few tips our ASE Certified Mechanics would like to share about achieving safe summer travel. While vehicles need maintenance year-round, driving long distances in high temperatures adds more strain to your vehicle.

Hot asphalt is tough on tires, and a faulty radiator won’t last long if tested under harsh conditions. So before you pack up the car and your friends and family to hit the road, take a short break, check a few vitals and make sure your ride is vacation-ready.

We are happy to be your one-stop-shop for quality vehicle repair, performance wheels & tires, and gas. Thank you.

 

Signs Your Alignment Needs Checked

If you’re wondering whether your car needs an alignment, first look at your tires. Uneven tire wear — often, more wear on the outside of some tires — is a prime indicator that your car is likely out of alignment. Here are a few more indicators:

• your car seems to be drifting to one side, even when you think you’re driving straight
• your steering wheel vibrates
• you are driving straight, but your steering wheel isn’t centered

How Does a Vehicle Get Out of Alignment?

As vehicle parts age they get worn out and tend to bend or flex, this creates stress & strain and pulls on the suspension system of the vehicle in different ways. Sudden “jarring” of the suspension eventually forces these pieces to pull out of alignment when being driven.

Wheel alignment can be thrown off by:

• Pot holes
• Hitting the curb
• Bumping into concrete parking stalls
• Fair wear and tear — as vehicles age, rubber components start cracking or losing their elasticity. Ball and socket joints develop looseness. They start to give a little more, progressively getting slightly worse over time.

What if I Never Check My Alignment?

Wheel alignment and axle repair cost often seem like unnecessary expenses, especially if a car is only a few years old.

Dealing with small alignment problems and minor axle issues immediately, however, keeps repair costs down in the long term and helps make sure you’re always in control.

An alignment check will ensure that your car drives straight and handles properly, making your ride safer. You’ll also get better gas mileage because your tires will be properly aligned with the road, decreasing resistance.

At Sierra Car Care and MST Tire Center, we recommend an Alignment Check with every other oil change. A lot happens over the course of 6,000 miles.

Video: How to Maintain Your Tires for Best Performance

Winter Car Care Advice from Our ASE Certified Mechanics

The upcoming forecast of heavy rain & snow fall, means icy road conditions are not far behind. Keep your automobile running efficiently in the cold weather with these helpful tips from our technicians.

• Check your fluids: oil, antifreeze, brake, windshield washer.
• Check your tire tread, low tire tread on ice is hazardous.
• Replace worn windshield wiper blades.

Our ASE certified technicians excel in auto repair, and professional, friendly service.

If you bring your vehicle in, we’ll perform a Courtesy Winter Vehicle Inspection to ensure your car is fully prepped for the ensuing cold. Winter car care is not a step to be neglected, especially if your car has a lot of miles.

Farmer’s Almanac Annual Weather Summary: November 2016 to October 2017

According to the Farmer’s Almanac winter temperatures will be above normal, with precipitation a bit below normal in the Reno area. The coldest periods will be in early and mid- to late December and mid- to late January. Snowfall will be above normal in the north and below normal elsewhere, with the snowiest periods in late November, early and mid-December, and mid-January.

April and May will be slightly warmer and drier than normal.

Summer will be slightly hotter than normal, with near-normal rainfall. The hottest periods will be in late June and early to mid- and mid- to late July.

September and October will be cooler than normal, with above-normal precipitation.

Farmer’s Almanac 2-Month Weather Forecast

DECEMBER 2016: temperature 30.5° (1° below avg. north, 4° below south); precipitation 2″ (0.5″ above avg.)

• Dec 1-4: Snowstorm north, flurries south; cold
• Dec 5-9: Snow, then flurries, cold
• Dec 10-13: Sunny, cold
• Dec 14-17: Snow, then sunny, mild
• Dec 18-20: Sunny north, snowstorm central, rainy south
• Dec 21-28: Snow showers, cold
• Dec 29-31: Sunny; mild north, cold south

JANUARY 2017: temperature 34° (2° above avg.); precipitation 1″ (0.5″ below avg.)

• Jan 1-4: Snow showers, cold north; sunny, mild south
• Jan 5-10: Snow showers north, sunny south
• Jan 11-15: Rainy periods north, sunny south; quite mild
• Jan 16-18: Snowstorm north, flurries south
• Jan 19-27: Flurries, turning bitterly cold
• Jan 28-31: Flurries, mild

Winter Savings Coupons

Veterans Save All Year Long

Car Care Month

October is Car Care Month. Sierra Car Care and MST Tire Center would like to remind motorists that as the weather cools, a complete vehicle checkup may be necessary to maintain safety and maximize efficiency.

We have provided a comprehensive checklist for winter car care for those who prefer to complete the inspection independently. Or if you are not so comfortable inspecting your vehicle yourself, you can bring your car into any one of our four locations around the Reno – Sparks area.

Winter Car Care Checklist

Battery and Charging System – A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather. It is recommended to speak with one of our ASE certified technicians who can test your battery and replace it on-site, if necessary. Sierra Car Care and MST Tire Centers Full Service Auto Repair Shops can also test and replace weak batteries.

Battery Cables and Terminals – Make sure the battery terminals and cable ends are free from corrosion and the connections are tight. This task can be easily accomplished using a few simple steps:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda with 1 cup (250 ml) of very hot water.
2. Dip an old toothbrush into the mixture and scrub the top of the battery to remove corrosion buildup.
3. You can even dip the ends of the battery cables in hot water to dissolve any corrosion on the cable ends themselves.

Drive Belts – Inspect the underside of accessory drive belts for cracks or fraying. Many newer multi-rib “serpentine” belts are made of materials that do not show obvious signs of wear; replace these belts at 60,000-mile intervals.

Engine Hoses – Inspect cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks or loose clamps. Also, squeeze the hoses and replace any that are brittle or have an excessively spongy feeling.

Tire Type and Tread – In areas with heavy winter weather, installing snow tires on all four wheels will provide the best winter traction. All-season tires work well in light-to-moderate snow conditions provided they have adequate tread depth. Replace any tire that has less than 3/32-inches of tread. Uneven tire wear can indicate alignment, wheel balance or suspension problems that must be addressed to prevent further tire damage.

There are several popular ways to check your tire tread depth. One easy way is the penny test.

1. Simply insert a penny into your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you.
2. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread depth is less than 2/32 inch and it’s time to replace your tires.

Tire Pressure – Check tire inflation pressure on all four tires and the spare more frequently in fall and winter. As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures – typically by one PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper tire pressure levels can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker typically located on the driver’s side door.

Also, if your tires have been filled with nitrogen, we suggest re-filling with nitrogen as well. You can come into MST Tire Center for Nitrogen Services.

Air Filter – Check the engine air filter by holding it up to a 60-watt light bulb. If light can be seen through much of the filter, it is still clean enough to work effectively. However, if light is blocked by most of the filter, replace it.

Coolant Levels – Check the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability. Test the antifreeze protection level annually with an inexpensive tester available at any auto parts store.

Lights – Check the operation of all headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and back-up lights. Replace any burnt out bulbs.

Wiper Blades – The blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. Replace any blade that leaves streaks or misses spots. In regions where snow is common, consider installing winter wiper blades that wrap the blade frame in a rubber boot to reduce ice and snow buildup that can prevent good contact between the blade and the glass.

Washer Fluid – It is best to fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a winter cleaning solution that has antifreeze components to prevent it from freezing.

Brakes – If there is any indication of a brake problem, have the system inspected by an ASE Certified Technician at one of our four locations around the Reno – Sparks area to ensure all components are in good working order.

Transmission, Brake and Power Steering Fluids – Check all fluids to ensure they are at or above the minimum safe levels.

Emergency Road Kit – Carry an emergency kit equipped for winter weather. The kit should include:

• Mobile phone pre-programmed with rescue apps and important phone numbers including family and emergency services, and car charger
• Drinking water
• First-aid kit
• Non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers
• Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats
• Snow shovel
• Blankets
• Extra warm clothing (gloves, hats, scarves)
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Window washer solvent
• Ice scraper with brush
• Cloth or roll of paper towels
• Jumper cables
• Warning devices (flares or triangles)
• Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)

For more information or if you would like to setup a COURTESY WINTER VEHICLE INSPECTION appointment for your vehicle, please just find a Sierra Car Care and MST Tire Center location near you.

Customers Know Best ~ Yelp Reviews

Sierra Car Care and MST Tire Centers take pride in offering outstanding customer service. Pair that with ASE certified technicians for auto repair services, a local tire warehouse, and four locations to serve you, and the picture should be getting clearer about how much we value your business. We provide the quality resources you need when looking for new tires or auto repair work.

Please take a look at our Yelp Reviews to discover what other people think about our service in the Reno-Sparks area. You may find that when researching around town to find the best price, other people recommend us. So why not save time and start here!

If you’re looking for a new set of performance tires or would like to take advantage of our FREE COMPREHENSIVE SUMMER TRAVEL INSPECTION, then stop by Sierra Car Care and MST Tire Centers.

Stop by our Tire Warehouse on Mill Street in Reno, Nevada to see our large inventory of performance wheels & tires. Give us a call at (775) 525-2420 or contact us online if you have questions or are interested in any other auto repair services.