Sara KVehicle Maintenance

How to Know When It’s Time for New Tires

 

Your vehicle’s tires play a crucial role in safety, fuel efficiency, and overall driving performance. Worn-out or damaged tires can lead to decreased traction, poor handling, and an increased risk of blowouts. Knowing when to replace your tires can help prevent accidents and ensure a smooth driving experience.

Signs That You Need New Tires

1. Tread Wear Beyond Safe Levels

The tread on your tires provides grip and traction, especially in wet or slippery conditions. If the tread depth is too low, your tires lose effectiveness.

  • How to Check: Use the penny test—insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too low and the tires need replacing.

2. Cracks, Bulges, or Blisters

Visible cracks, bulges, or blisters on the sidewall of a tire indicate structural weakness. These deformities can cause a tire blowout if not replaced promptly.

3. Frequent Air Pressure Loss

If you constantly need to refill your tires with air, there may be a slow leak, puncture, or internal damage. Persistent pressure loss indicates it’s time for new tires.

4. Uneven Tread Wear

Uneven wear patterns may be caused by improper wheel alignment, unbalanced tires, or suspension issues. If you notice significant differences in tread depth, replacing the tires and addressing the underlying cause is necessary.

5. Excessive Vibration While Driving

Unusual vibrations while driving, especially at higher speeds, may signal tire imbalance, internal damage, or alignment problems. If balancing and alignment don’t resolve the issue, you likely need new tires.

6. Age of the Tires

Even if the tread appears fine, tires deteriorate over time due to exposure to heat, UV rays, and environmental factors.

  • Recommendation: Most manufacturers suggest replacing tires every 6 to 10 years, regardless of mileage.

7. Poor Handling or Traction in Wet Conditions

If your car slips or skids more often in rain or snow, your tires may not be providing adequate grip. Replacing them improves safety and handling.

How to Extend Tire Lifespan

  • Check tire pressure regularly to maintain proper inflation.

  • Rotate tires every 5,000-7,500 miles to ensure even wear.

  • Get wheel alignments when necessary to prevent uneven wear.

  • Avoid aggressive driving that causes premature tire degradation.

Final Thoughts

Tires are one of the most important components of your vehicle. Recognizing the signs of worn-out tires and replacing them in a timely manner enhances safety, improves fuel efficiency, and provides a smoother driving experience.

Need new tires? Visit our shop for professional tire inspection and replacement today!

 
Sara KMaintenance, Vehicle Maintenance

Spring Car Maintenance: Get Your Vehicle Ready for the Road Ahead

Get Your Car Summer-Ready: A Timeline for Smooth & Safe Driving

Summer is right around the corner, which means road trips, beach days, and plenty of time spent behind the wheel. But before the temperatures rise, it’s important to make sure your car is ready for the heat. The intense summer sun, high temperatures, and long drives can put extra stress on your vehicle—so a little preparation now can save you from breakdowns later.

At Fox & Fox, we’ve put together a summer prep timeline to keep your car running smoothly, efficiently, and safely all season long.

6–8 Weeks Before Summer: Start with the Basics

As we transition from spring to summer, now is the perfect time to tackle essential maintenance and check for any lingering winter wear.

✅ Get an Oil Change – Fresh oil helps your engine stay cool and run efficiently, especially in the summer heat.
✅ Inspect Your Battery – Hot temperatures can weaken your battery faster than cold weather. If your battery is over 3 years old, get it tested.
✅ Check Your Tires – Warmer temperatures cause air pressure to rise, so make sure your tires are properly inflated. Also, check for worn tread—balding tires are dangerous on hot pavement.
✅ Replace Wiper Blades – Summer storms can hit suddenly, and you’ll want wipers that keep your windshield clear.

🚗 Pro tip: If you’re planning a long road trip, schedule a pre-trip inspection to catch potential issues before you hit the road!

4–6 Weeks Before Summer: A/C & Cooling System Check

The last thing you want is to get stuck in traffic on a 90-degree day with no air conditioning. Before summer officially arrives, make sure your A/C and cooling system are working properly.

✅ Test Your A/C – If it’s blowing warm air, making strange noises, or has a weak airflow, it may need a refrigerant recharge or other repairs.
✅ Inspect Coolant Levels – Your cooling system prevents engine overheating, which is more common in summer. Low coolant could mean a leak or system issue.
✅ Check Radiator Hoses & Belts – Heat can weaken rubber components, leading to cracks and potential failure.

🌡 Warning Signs of Cooling System Trouble:
⚠ Overheating gauge rising above normal
⚠ Coolant leaks under your car
⚠ Burning or sweet smells from the engine

🔧 If you notice any of these signs, bring your car to Fox & Fox before summer gets any hotter!

2–4 Weeks Before Summer: Deep Clean & Protect Your Car

Summer means more sun exposure, and heat can damage your car’s exterior and interior. Now’s the time to clean and protect your vehicle before the harsh sun takes its toll.

✅ Wash & Wax Your Car – Waxing protects your paint from UV damage and makes it easier to clean off dirt and bugs.
✅ Detail the Interior – Remove salt, sand, and debris from carpets, vacuum seats, and clean your dashboard to prevent sun cracking.
✅ Check Your Headlights & Brake Lights – Make sure all lights are bright and functioning, especially before road trips.

🌞 Want extra protection? Consider window tinting or a windshield sunshade to keep your car’s interior cool.

1–2 Weeks Before Summer: Final Safety & Performance Check

You’re almost ready for summer road trips and weekend getaways! Now’s the time for a final check-up to make sure everything is in peak condition.

✅ Brake Inspection – Hot pavement + bad brakes = dangerous driving conditions. If your brakes feel soft or make noise, get them checked ASAP.
✅ Check & Refill All Fluids – Transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and washer fluid should be topped off and clean.
✅ Test Your Spare Tire & Emergency Kit – A flat tire on a road trip is the worst. Make sure your spare is properly inflated, and your emergency kit has essentials like a tire jack, jumper cables, flashlight, and first aid supplies.
✅ Check Your Fuel Efficiency – If you’ve noticed a drop in MPG, it could be time for a fuel system cleaning or tire pressure adjustment.

🚗 Going on a summer road trip? Make sure your alignment, suspension, and exhaust system are all in good shape for long highway drives.

Summer Kickoff: Drive with Confidence!

Now that your car is prepped for the heat, you can hit the road with confidence! Whether you’re commuting, vacationing, or just enjoying a Sunday drive, taking these preventative steps will keep your car running smoothly and efficiently all summer long.

🌡️ Stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy the ride! 🚗💨

📅 Book your summer maintenance check-up today!
📞 Call us at (260) 424-1630
🌐 Schedule online at www.foxandfoxfw.com
📍 Visit us at 512 Van Buren Street in downtown Fort Wayne

🔥 Don’t wait for the summer heat to cause car trouble—let us get your vehicle road-trip ready today! 🔥

Sara KVehicle Maintenance

Keep Your Cool: Air Conditioning Issues & Maintenance Tips from Fox & Fox

Keep Your Cool: Air Conditioning Issues & Maintenance Tips from Fox & Fox- YOUR Total Car Care Company

Nothing’s worse than flipping on your car’s A/C on a hot day—only to feel warm air blowing in your face. Your vehicle’s air conditioning system isn’t just about comfort; it also helps defog windows and maintain air quality inside your car.

At Fox & Fox we want to make sure your A/C keeps you cool and comfortable all year long. Whether your system is blowing hot air, making strange noises, or just not working as efficiently as it should, here’s what you need to know about common A/C issues and how to keep your system in top shape.

Common Car A/C Issues & What They Mean

🚗 Weak or Warm Air Instead of Cold?

If your A/C isn’t cooling properly, there could be several culprits:
✔ Low Refrigerant Levels – Refrigerant (Freon) is the coolant that helps create cold air. If levels are low, it may be due to a leak.
✔ Blocked or Dirty Condenser – Dirt, debris, or damage to the condenser can block airflow, preventing the system from cooling properly.
✔ Faulty Compressor – The compressor is the heart of the A/C system. If it fails, your system won’t be able to circulate refrigerant.

🔧 Fix it: A professional A/C inspection at Fox & Fox can pinpoint the issue and restore your cool air.

❄️ A/C Blowing Cold Air, Then Suddenly Warm?

This frustrating issue could be caused by:
✔ A Failing Compressor Clutch – If the compressor clutch isn’t engaging properly, the system won’t maintain cold air.
✔ Overheating Engine – If your engine is running too hot, it can affect the A/C system’s ability to cool.
✔ Electrical Issues – Sensors, relays, or wiring problems can cause the A/C to stop working intermittently.

🔧 Fix it: Electrical diagnostics and a full system check will determine the cause.

🌀 Weak Airflow from Vents?

If your A/C is cooling but the air barely flows through the vents, you may have:
✔ A Clogged Cabin Air Filter – A dirty filter restricts airflow, making the system work harder.
✔ Mold or Debris in the Evaporator Core – A buildup of debris or mildew can block airflow and cause bad odors.
✔ Blower Motor Problems – A failing blower motor or fan resistor can weaken airflow.

🔧 Fix it: Replacing the cabin air filter and checking the blower motor can restore proper airflow.

🌡️ Strange Smells When You Turn on the A/C?

  • Musty or Mildew Smell? 🌿 This usually means mold or bacteria are growing in the system, often in the evaporator core.
  • Burning Smell? 🔥 This could be a sign of electrical issues, overheating components, or a failing blower motor.
  • Sweet Smell? 🍬 A coolant leak in the heater core can create a distinct sweet odor.

🔧 Fix it: Cleaning the A/C system, changing the cabin air filter, and checking for leaks can eliminate unwanted smells.

Preventative A/C Maintenance: Keep It Running Like New

Just like your engine and tires, your A/C system needs regular maintenance to perform at its best. Here’s how to keep it in top condition:

✅ Run Your A/C Regularly – Even in cooler months, run the system for a few minutes each week to keep the compressor lubricated.

✅ Replace the Cabin Air Filter – A clogged filter can restrict airflow and trap allergens and pollutants inside your car.

✅ Check Refrigerant Levels – Low refrigerant levels can cause poor cooling and damage the compressor. If your system isn’t as cold as it used to be, have it inspected.

✅ Have a Professional A/C Inspection Annually – A yearly A/C service at Fox & Fox ensures everything is working efficiently, preventing costly repairs.

When to Bring Your Car to Fox & Fox for A/C Service

❌ Your A/C isn’t blowing cold air.
❌ The air smells bad or is musty.
❌ You hear strange noises when the A/C is on.
❌ The airflow is weak, even on high settings.
❌ Your A/C stops working intermittently.

🚗💨 Don’t sweat it—we’ll get your A/C running like new! Our expert technicians will inspect, diagnose, and repair your system so you can drive in comfort.

Sara KVehicle Maintenance

How to Improve Your Gas Mileage & Save Money at the Pump

How to Improve Your Gas Mileage & Save Money at the Pump

With gas prices constantly fluctuating, getting the most out of every gallon is more important than ever. While you can’t control fuel costs, you can take steps to improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and save money at the pump. From proper maintenance to smart driving habits, here are some simple yet effective ways to maximize your gas mileage.

1. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, making your engine work harder and burning more fuel.

✅ Check your tire pressure monthly – Use a tire pressure gauge and compare the reading to your vehicle’s recommended PSI (found in the owner’s manual or on the driver’s side door frame).
✅ Inflate tires to the correct PSI – Overinflated or underinflated tires both reduce efficiency and wear unevenly.
✅ Rotate your tires regularly – This ensures even wear, which can improve traction and fuel economy.

🚗 Fuel savings: Properly inflated tires can improve fuel efficiency by up to 3%.

2. Avoid Excessive Idling

Leaving your car running while parked wastes fuel unnecessarily.

❌ Idling for more than 30 seconds? Turn it off. Modern engines don’t need long warm-ups in cold weather—30 seconds is usually enough.
❌ Waiting in a drive-thru? Park and go inside. It’s often more fuel-efficient than sitting in line with the engine running.

🚗 Fuel savings: Cutting down on idling can save up to ½ gallon of fuel per hour.

3. Drive Smoothly & Avoid Aggressive Driving

Fast acceleration and sudden braking use more fuel than driving at a steady speed.

✔️ Accelerate gradually and smoothly.
✔️ Maintain a consistent speed whenever possible.
✔️ Avoid hard braking—coast to a stop when you can.

🚗 Fuel savings: Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by up to 30% on highways and 40% in city driving.

4. Use Cruise Control on Highways

Maintaining a steady speed helps reduce fuel consumption.

🛣 Use cruise control when driving on flat highways to prevent unnecessary speed fluctuations.
⚠️ Turn it off on hilly terrain to avoid excessive fuel use from constant acceleration.

🚗 Fuel savings: Can improve gas mileage by up to 7% on highways.

5. Lighten Your Load & Reduce Drag

Carrying extra weight or using roof racks increases fuel consumption.

✅ Remove unnecessary items from your trunk or backseat—extra weight forces the engine to work harder.
✅ Ditch the roof rack when not in use—it creates drag and reduces aerodynamics.
✅ Keep windows closed at high speeds—open windows can create wind resistance, reducing efficiency.

🚗 Fuel savings: Every 100 lbs of extra weight can reduce fuel economy by 1%.

6. Stick to the Speed Limit

Fuel economy decreases rapidly at speeds above 50 mph.

🚦 Driving 55 mph instead of 65 mph can improve gas mileage by up to 15%.
🚦 Each 5 mph over 50 mph costs about $0.30 extra per gallon.

7. Keep Up with Routine Maintenance

A well-maintained vehicle runs more efficiently.

✔️ Regular oil changes – Use the manufacturer-recommended oil type.
✔️ Replace air filters – A clogged filter reduces fuel efficiency.
✔️ Check spark plugs – Worn-out plugs lead to poor combustion and wasted fuel.
✔️ Ensure fuel injectors are clean – Dirty injectors can reduce fuel economy.

🚗 Fuel savings: Proper maintenance can improve fuel efficiency by 4-10%.

8. Combine Trips & Plan Routes

Short trips and frequent starts use more fuel than combining errands into one trip.

✅ Plan ahead to avoid unnecessary backtracking.
✅ Use navigation apps to find the most fuel-efficient routes and avoid traffic congestion.

🚗 Fuel savings: Reducing cold starts can improve efficiency by 5%.

9. Consider Fuel-Efficient Driving Modes

If your car has an Eco Mode, use it to optimize fuel usage.

✔️ Eco Mode adjusts throttle response and transmission shifts for better efficiency.
✔️ Use the right fuel – Check your manual to see if premium gas is necessary. Using it unnecessarily won’t improve performance or mileage.

10. Don’t Rely on A/C & Heat Too Much

Both air conditioning and heating can put extra strain on your engine.

✔️ Use A/C sparingly – It reduces fuel efficiency, especially at lower speeds.
✔️ Defrost strategically – Excessive use of defrost can also impact mileage.
✔️ Use recirculation mode – This keeps cooled or heated air inside, reducing the need for more energy use.

🚗 Fuel savings: Reducing A/C use can save up to 10% on fuel.

Final Thoughts

Improving your gas mileage doesn’t require drastic changes—just smart habits and regular maintenance. By keeping your car in top shape, driving efficiently, and reducing unnecessary fuel use, you’ll save money at the pump and get more miles out of every tank.

⛽🚗 Looking for a tune-up or fuel system check? Contact Fox & Fox today for expert service!

 

 
4o