What Causes Tire Damage?
It is amazing how low the priority on the health of a car’s tires is on most peoples’ lists – considering how the whole purpose of the car is to have those four circles carry you, a group and nearly Read More
How Should I Prepare My Car For Winter?
That can depend more specifically on what part of East Tennessee you reside in during the Winter time and what kind of car you have – as you might have 45 degree weather and clear skies where you live and Read More
Why Do My Brakes Sound Harsh When I Engage Them?
If you are hearing a harsh or grinding noise when you brake to slow down and stop your car, it usually means the brake pads on your brakes have been worn out and need to be replaced. Without replacing the Read More
How often do I need to change the fuel filter on my auto?
The fuel filter replacement schedule varies per make and model of vehicle. As a general maintenance schedule to avoid any fuel filter related problems, the fuel filter should be change every 20,000 to 40,000 miles. Smokey’s Auto Repair will take Read More
What types of maintenance should be done during long car trips?
Before taking your vehicle on a long road trip, schedule a “health check up” with us. As a general practice, the health check up will inspect the oil change interval, the timing belt replacement schedule, all fluids, belts and hoses, Read More
What should you do when your temp gauge begins to rise and you are in traffic?
If you are in traffic and your temperature gauge begins to rise, shut off power-using systems such as the air conditioning. Next, turn on the heater and fan to the hottest/highest setting. The heater unit will act as a small Read More
How do you clean dirty battery terminals?
Battery terminals can only be successfully cleaned by removing the cables. Multiple tools are available designed to clean the terminals and cable ends once separated. Smokey’s Auto Repair offers this service free of charge.
Can spark plugs really go 100,000 miles before being changed?
Improvement in spark plug technology does allow for some styles of plugs to function properly for 100,000 miles. Check with your mechanic to verify the correct spark plugs and expected mileage before requiring replacement.
How do you know how much air to put in tires?
Tire pressures are normally listed on the tire label found inside the driver’s door on most vehicles or the owner’s manual. Tire and auto manufacturers also have suggested tire pressures available on-line.
Will putting radial tires on an older car that came with bias-ply tires hurt its suspension?
Radial tires installed on an original bias-ply tire vehicle will not hurt its suspension. The handling and ride characteristics of the vehicle may be changed depending on the quality of the replacement radial tires.