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March 2020

auto repair in Philadelphia, PA

Installing New Tires

By | Auto Repair, Auto Service | No Comments

When you have an auto repair in Philadelphia, PA, the technicians should always go over the details with you as to what’s wrong with your vehicle and how they want to fix it. You should also get a price and a timeframe for the repair. When you are getting new tires, you will know the costs, but you might not hear all of the details on putting new tires on upfront. If you want to know more about how tires are installed, keep reading.

If you know a little about cars, it can be tempting to buy tires yourself and then forego the technicians and just install them yourself. But for the safety and performance of your vehicle, it’s important to have professional installation. When the right people install the tires properly, you will have the highest level of function and safety possible. Tires only take about an hour to install and they’re well worth your wait.

Proper tire installation will include a number of things. First, the technician will inspect the lugs and wheel bolts. Next, they will install the rubber valve system, if your vehicle needs it. Then, they will mount the tires and balance them on your wheels. After that, they will tighten the wheel lugs to the right recommended torque as per the manufacturer. They will then service the systems and ensure that the tires are properly inflated.

When you have a professional install your tires, they will be on the lookout for any other issues as well. They will check over the rims you have on your vehicle to make sure they are smooth and don’t have rust or rough patches that could harm the new tires. They can use an abrasive pad to clear those patches off so the tires will be in good hands under the rims.

Having professionals install your tires is the last step, but working with the technicians every step of the way is also to your advantage. You will want to make sure you purchase the right tires for your vehicle and your usage as well. You might want any special deals that are out there, and you need information on how to take good care of the tires you get as well. Technicians can help you with every detail from start to finish.

If you need new tires on your vehicle, the next time you go in for auto repair in Philadelphia, PA, ask questions about the process. IT’s better to get the tires as soon as you notice that yours are worn so you can keep your car running at the optimal levels of functionality and safety. Visit with the experts at Schafer’s Auto Center about what you need in your new tires. You can call us at (215) 755-1270 to ask about sales or special deals we have coming up. You can also come to our showroom at 1924 S Columbus Blvd Philadelphia, PA 19148 and take a look at different tires we offer. We can tell you about treads, performance, and more.

auto repair in Philadelphia, PA

More About Your Tire Patterns

By | Auto Repair, Auto Service | No Comments

Tires are, for lack of a better description, where the rubber meets the road. They are the connection between your vehicle and the road, which makes them a very important safety feature and what helps determine the performance of your vehicle in a big way. A lot of planning and design go into any tire and it’s important that you know more about them. When visiting a shop for auto repair in Philadelphia, PA, ask for more information on your tires so you know how to treat them to make them last. In the meantime, let’s take a look at the patterns on certain tires.

Most tire brands have different tread designs for each of their tire lines. The designs are carefully put together to serve various functions for different vehicles. The tires can be classified based on their specialties. There are four major tread patterns that are used on tires:

Directional Tread Patterns

These tires have obvious patterns with grooves that are cut from the edge of the tire all the way to the center in angled v patterns. These tires usually help cars to perform better. Because of their design, they prevent hydroplaning on water and give cars better handling. They perform well in snow and mud and they can give you better fuel efficiency over time. However, because of their design, they can’t be rotated and have to be fitted properly. They are more expensive than other options as well.

Symmetrical Tread Patterns

These tires are the most common and are easy to spot because of the blocks or groves that are continuous all over the tire tread. If you flip the tire, it has the same tread so it can be rotated to wear evenly. These tires are affordable because they are in high demand and are produced in large numbers. They don’t perform as well in the rain or snow since they are meant more for daily use.

Asymmetrical Tread Patterns

The pattern on the tire is rather strange with different designs on the shoulders of the tires. They handle great on wet and dry roads and they don’t give off as much noise compared to other tires. They also don’t last as long as have to be replaced more often and they cost a bit more. They usually only come in sizes 17” or above.

Flow Optimized Asymmetrical Tread Patterns

These tires are a combination of directional and asymmetrical tires and have half of a v design. They give you a high level of protection against water and give a great performance on curves. They are harder to find, though, and aren’t as available so they cost more as well. They also cannot be rotated.

Talk to the professionals at the auto repair shops in Philadelphia, PA when you need new tires to see what’s best for you. Call Schafer’s Auto Center at (215) 755-1270 and ask about new tires. You can also visit us at 1924 S Columbus Blvd Philadelphia, PA 19148, see examples, and get details.

auto repair in Philadelphia, PA

Common Auto Repair Needs

By | Auto Repair | No Comments

Everyone who has ever owned a vehicle knows that at some point, things break down and stop working and other things need auto repair in Philadelphia, PA. Regular service and maintenance every time you get an oil change can help you avoid the big things by keeping your car in good working order. When you have the vehicle in, it’s nice to have things checked over. These are a few of the most common things you will hear you need when your vehicle is getting a tune up.

A New Battery

Anything that has a battery is going to need a new battery at some point. If you have kids with lots of battery-operated toys, you know that all too well. When your battery isn’t charging all the way any longer, you will need a new one. Repair shops will often install the battery for you without labor costs, which is a nice way to save on the project.

New Tires

When you maintain your tires well, they will operate safely for a long time, but they will still wear out. You need good tires to grip the road and keep your vehicle efficient. It’s hard to state the exact average lifespan of the tire because it depends on the weather, the storage, how much you maintain the tires, how you drive, and other such things. But eventually, your vehicle will need new tires and your technician will check the wear and recommend to you when that time has come.

Wipers

Wipers are something you have to have on a rainy day, or to clear the dirt away when the slush and snow take over the road. You’ll notice the streaks from old wipers, and they cut down on your visibility. This might be something you tell your technician rather than the other way around. IT’s not an expensive job to get and install new wiper blades and it makes driving much more pleasant and safer as well.

Brakes

You use the brakes in your vehicle each and every time you drive so of course they are going to wear out as well. The first thing to go are the brake pads. When your technician tells you they are wearing, get them replaced rather than waiting. That way, the brakes won’t receive further damage that will cost more to repair.

When you need an oil change, maintenance, or other auto repair in Philadelphia, PA, the professionals at Schafer’s Auto Center will check over the other parts of your vehicle as well. While we prefer to always have good news for you, that’s just not the way vehicle maintenance works. And our primary goal is to keep your vehicle in good working order and you safe on the road. We are honest professionals and we won’t tell you to do something on your vehicle unless it’s what we would do on our own. Call for an appointment at (215) 755-1270 and we’ll get you in at a time convenient to you. Then visit us at 1924 S Columbus Blvd Philadelphia, PA 19148.

auto repair in Philadelphia, PA

The Secrets Behind Flat Tire Repair

By | Auto Repair | No Comments

Flat tires never happen at a good time. That’s true of a lot of auto repair in Philadelphia, PA, but when you notice your tire deflating quickly, it might not be too late for it. New tires are expensive and if your tires are on the new side, you don’t want to have to get rid of one and buy a new one just yet. Tire repair might be an option.

There are three main approaches to tire repair, depending on the damage your tire has:

Plugs

Plugs are used to repair holes that occur in the tread of the tire. They are the size and shape of the puncture and they can seal leaks from the outside. However, if there’s also a leak inside the lining of the tire, they can’t help. Plugs are a quick and easy fix and they don’t cost a lot, either.

Seals

Seals are utilized inside a tire. The tire will have to be taken off, which takes more time, but they are effective—more so than plugs. They do not repair the tread, which only a plug can do, but they can help the interior portion of the tire in a long-lasting way.

The Combo

You can also get a plug and a seal at once to repair something happening on the outside and inside of the tire. The seal will help to keep the plug in place and the combination is the most durable solution.

Unrepairable Issues

Many times, the tire can be fixed if you catch it fast enough and don’t have further damage on it. But if there is a hole in the side of the tire or along the outer rims of the tread, it can’t be fixed. You might be able to patch things up, but it wouldn’t be effective. Take the advice from a tire professional as to whether or not you can get away with a simple repair.

Once a tire has been damaged, even if you repair it, it might not have the same capabilities that the manufacturer promised. It’s not unsafe, but it shouldn’t be driven at high speeds any longer. You want to make sure a professional does the repair because improper jobs could cause the tire to leak air again or there could be water damage to the tire which could rust the wheel eventually. You don’t want the tire to be unsafe, either.

Whenever you need auto repair in Philadelphia, PA, including tire patch jobs or advice on whether or not you can fix a tire, the professionals at Schafer’s Auto Center are here for you. Give us a call at (215) 755-1270 and we’ll set up a time for you to come in and we’ll take a look at the tire. If we can fix it, we will. But we’ll also be honest with you if a new tire is in your best interest. And at SAR, we’ll do our best to match you with something similar to the rest of your vehicle. Visit us at 1924 S Columbus Blvd Philadelphia, PA 19148.

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