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What is a warranty?

What is a warranty?  A warranty is a vehicle service contract that states items the provider agrees to repair or replace due to defects in your vehicle. Bob's Main Street Auto & Towing does offer an aftermarket warranty known as the Alpha Warranty Services. They have three ways you can go about having warranty on your vehicle. They have an A+ Enhanced Coverage, A+ Coverage, and an A La Car package.  A+ Enhanced Coverage The A+ Enhanced coverage package covers things from engine repairs to suspension components. The engine portion covers all internal lubricated parts including but not limited to: balance shaft bearing, balance shaft bushing, balance shaft, oil pump housing, and timing components. The engine block, cylinder heads, valve covers, timing cover, and oil pan are only covered if damaged by internally lubricated parts stated in the contract. The Transmission & Transfer case portion cover al ... read more

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Tire Tread Patterns & Their Uses

Tire Tread Patterns When it comes to tire shopping, it can be a little overwhelming. When purchasing tires there are things to look at such as the tire tread patterns. There are symmetrical, directional, and asymmetrical.  Symmetrical  Symmetrical tread patterns are the most common tread patterns for tires. These tires are best suitable for passenger car tires but not recommended for high performance use. Tires with symmetrical tread patterns have continuous ribs or independent tread blocks across the entire face of the tread. These tires are known to drive smooth, high directional stability, and low rolling resistance. They are also quiet, long lasting, and fuel efficient. However, they are less adaptable to changing road conditions on the road. The pattern delivers grip on dry road however they will no be as effective in wet conditions as other tires.  Directional  A directional tire pattern is design ... read more

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Tips to Improve Gas Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

Tips to Improve Gas Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

How to Improve Gas Mileage As the gas prices keep climbing, now is a great time to reflect on your driving habits. There are a few tips and tricks to help you improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Start by limiting the vehicles idling time. Idling uses more fuel than restarting your vehicle and gives off 80% more pollution than when your vehicle is traveling down the road.  After you hit anywhere between 45 and 50 mph, your vehicle becomes less fuel efficient. The faster you start to travel the worse the fuel efficiency becomes. When you are traveling at the same speed for a good amount of time consider using your cruise control. Rapid braking and hard braking uses up fuel quickly.  Something as simple as just checking your vehicle's tire pressures can also help with fuel efficiently. When the tires are under inflated, fuel consumption can increase by as much as 3%. It can also cause uneven wear on your tires.  Performing routine main ... read more

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Properly Checking Tire Pressure

Properly Checking Tire Pressure

How to Properly Check Your Tire Pressure   Maintaining the proper PSI is easy and important to the overall tire performance of your vehicle. A properly inflated tire will help provide a longer life, better fuel efficiency, and a smoother ride. Over inflation and underinflation can cause premature treadwear and possible tire failure. The best way to make sure you're getting the most out of your tires is to check your tire pressure on a regular basis.  The tire pressure you use for checking your tire pressure can be standard or digital. Any auto parts stores typically carry both tire pressure gauges. They also sell portable air compressors that run from your car battery or the 12 volt power port. There are even a few gas stations left out there that have air available for a small charge.  Always start with your vehicle's tires being cold if possible. The manufacturer of the vehicle usually bases the specific PSI assuming the ... read more

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tires

What can cause my battery to drain?

What can cause my battery to drain?

What is causing my battery to drain?  There are many reasons your battery may be draining. The four most common reasons are the battery may be old, a parasitic drain, faulty charging system, or a bad alternator diode. When your battery is showing signs of the battery draining, call us at Bob's Main Street Auto & Towing to have you look over your charging system.  Faulty Charging System  If your vehicle has a faulty charging system, it may drain the battery while the vehicle is running. The alternator on the vehicle may not be putting out enough voltage which will allow the battery to drain quickly. The headlights and radio will stop working and the vehicle will no longer start when the battery drains.  Old Battery We recommend replacing your battery every four to five years. Old batteries that have been drained completely are unable to hold a full charge.  Bad Alternator Diode ... read more

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