Dave’s Free Car Repair Advice

Subject:  car problems

Billy writes:  I recently had my tires rotated by a reputable shop, when I went to drive away I heard a loud snap from the rear of the truck (a 98 ford ranger 4×4 by the way). I stopped immediately and told the shop Foreman who drove the truck back into the bay.

When they got it up in the air they found the center of my wheel had cracked around the lug holes. When they tried to take the wheel off the impact could not break the lug nuts loose, they had to lower the truck and use a 4 foot cheater bar on a big torque wrench.

Subject:  Problems with BMW 320i 2002

Brian writes:  when driving over 40 mph excessive tyre raw . also a clicking sound from wheels when turning right or in a straight line after some distance. also when approaching a junction and slowing down through the gears some times the car will cut out and a little spluttery when first started any advice would be great thanks

Brian, I need to know if it is an all wheel drive vehicle. I think that may be the clicking sound of the wheels when turning or a straight line of a distance. It sounds like CV joints are dry and need replacement in the front of the vehicle.

Tires can sit on the shelf for years before being purchased - but they do have a shelf life.

Watch this important video from ABC news to learn more: Aged Tires - A Driving Hazard?

Drive Safe!

Dave

Replace the penny test with the quarter test when you check your tire wear:

“Blame it on inflation. For years the de facto standard for determining how much rubber remained on your tires was to use a penny. Depending on how much of Lincoln’s noggin was visible when the coin was placed in the tire’s treads, you knew if it was time for a new set of shoes for your ride.

Now nationwide retailer The Tire Rack says the price of the test has gone up 2500 percent. The Tire Rack claims the so-called Penny Test should be replaced by the Quarter Test if you want to be certain your tires are safe for wet-weather driving.”

What about air pressure in your tires in the summer? We usually keep our tires at 32 psi. But with the sudden rise in the temperature this time of year its possible in a few days it could rise 40 degrees. Would it be a good idea to lower the tire pressure in the spring to help adjust to the heat or would you leave the pressure as is and just check it once in awhile as it gets hotter?