Automotive & Tire Tips | Lake Ridge Auto Care

05

Car Air Conditioning Tips and Tricks You Should Know

posted on 2/5/2020 2:29:05 PM

Auto Air Conditioning is truly magic. You poke a button in your car, turn a few dials and summer heat turns to a cool and comfortable passenger compartment. But you may not know everything you need to know about your air conditioning system. Tips & Tricks Here are some A/C facts and tips from Lake Ridge Auto Care in Woodbridge, VA on getting the most from this luxury feature: A/C Dries The Air - Did you know that your air conditioner plays dual roles, both cooling and drying the air insi...

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05

How Often Should You Replace Your Car Battery?

posted on 2/5/2020 2:21:19 PM

Why Are Batteries Important? Your battery may be the most important piece of equipment under your hood. Without the car battery, nothing else works. Even a brand new vehicle won’t make it out of the driveway if the battery has gone bad. Obviously, you want to replace your battery before the point of failure to prevent being stranded. But how do you know when it’s time to replace? It’s difficult to know for sure, but there are some helpful guidelines to follow when it comes to battery lifes...

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30

Tire Patterns and What They Mean

posted on 1/30/2020 3:25:32 PM

Tires are one of the most important safety and performance features of a vehicle. These specialized tools are the only part of your car which maintains direct contact with the road. This means there is a lot of planning and design put into the functionality of your tires. Look at your tires, what do you see? A mesmerizing pattern, since performance is key. The design of the tread on your tires isn’t only for aesthetic purposes. The arrangement of cuts into the rubber is done with the purpose...

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15

5 Common Power Steering Problems

posted on 1/15/2020 6:57:58 AM

In order to reduce the need for effort from the driver to steer the vehicle, engines incorporate a system referred to as “power steering.” This is a hydraulic system which uses power steering fluid to build pressure which is then used to change the direction of the wheels. This means you don’t need to arm wrestle with your steering wheel when trying to take a turn. When your car’s power steering system begins to fail — or the fluid needs to be replaced — it can make it much harder to co...

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11

How is a Tire Installed?

posted on 12/11/2019 9:01:33 AM

For the safety and performance of your vehicle, your tires should be installed by an expert technician. Proper installation enables your tires to function fully and provides maximum safety. On average, a tire installation takes about 45 minutes to an hour. After you have selected the right tires for your vehicle, your tires will be expertly installed. A proper installation includes: Inspecting the lugs or wheel bolts Installing new rubber valve stems where applicable Mounting the tire...

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11

Conventional vs. Synthetic Motor Oil

posted on 12/11/2019 7:40:15 AM

When you go to purchased motor oil from your local auto store, do you know what you’re really paying for? When a service attendant asks you synthetic or regular, do you know the difference? If these situations leave you feeling unsure, let’s examine your options so next time you can make an informed decision. What Are the Advantages of Synthetic Oil Over Conventional Oil? First off, synthetic oil is better than conventional oil. Synthetic motor oil uses a higher quality base oil as compare...

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25

Why Is Tire Pressure Important?

posted on 11/25/2019 10:24:17 AM

Your vehicle’s tires should always be inflated to their proper PSI (pound per square inch), which is the standard rating for air pressure within a tire. The PSI for your vehicle’s tires is generally found on the drivers’ door jamb, inside your owner’s manual or on the tire itself. Proper tire inflation will allow you to have the best possible control of your vehicle and gives you a more comfortable ride. For proper tire pressure and inflation: The pressure of your tires must be in ac...

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15

Tips for Winterizing Your Vehicle

posted on 11/15/2019 2:11:15 PM

Winter is on the way. It’s time to get your vehicle winter-ready. Winterizing your vehicle is necessary to keep your vehicle performing its best during the cold months. Your vehicle’s safety is important during winter conditions, especially if you must drive on icy or snowy roads. There are several things you can do to ensure your car operates successfully throughout the winter months as well as maximize your car’s ability to keep you and your family safe should a winter weather problem occu...

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31

Do You Need Winter Tires?

posted on 10/31/2019 1:59:09 PM

Do You Need Winter Tires? Are you curious about the difference between different types of tires? When it comes to winter tires and regular tires, the main difference between the two is tread depth. On winter tires the tread depth starts at between 8 and 9 mm as opposed to 7 and 8 mm on a regular tire. Winter tires have a wider and deeper groove within the tire tread which forms a larger channel for snow and water to travel through and maintains a grip on the road. One of the most important feat...

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17

Halloween Driving Safety Tips

posted on 10/17/2019 8:13:13 AM

Trick or Treat! Kids and adults both love Halloween with all the candy, costumes and fun of being up late. As witches, superheroes, ghosts and celebrities roam the streets in search of candy and treats, drivers need to be cautious when driving. Halloween can be a dangerous time for drivers and pedestrians alike. Statistics have shown Halloween is one of the deadliest days of the year for pedestrians. It is a night filled with darkness, increased pedestrian traffic and all sorts of distractions....

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