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Whenever auto tires are over- or under-inflated, Twin Falls drivers aren't getting the performance and protection that they need. The best way for local drivers to avoid dangerous blowouts and other problems is by regularly monitoring and maintaining their tires. At The Car Store, we want to help consumers understand why tire pressure matters.

Tire Pressure Plays A Major Role In Determining Fuel Efficiency

When tires are under-inflated, cars have to work a lot harder to both build and maintain speed. That's because under-inflated tires are soft and sagging. 

In the past, auto manufacturers and experienced techs like those at our The Car Store service department recommended oil changes every 3,000 miles. This recommendation still holds true, but not for every car and driver. Here are two exceptions to bear in mind.

Conventional vs. Synthetic Oil

The 3,000-mile oil change rule primarily applies to conventional oil, an oil made from crude oil. Today's synthetics contain many more additives to maintain optimal viscosity, lubrication and filtration over longer periods. 

 

Most people think it's the car's battery that powers their electrics, but that is only true while the car's engine isn't running. As soon as you start your car, that job belongs to the alternator.

Simply speaking, an alternator is your car's generator. When a vehicle's engine is running, it cranks a wheel on the alternator to generate electricity. This is why you can play your radio while your car is running without any problems, but leaving your headlights on while your car is parked will drain your battery.

Your vehicle is likely equipped with a very important feature that will help you monitor the pressure in your tires. Your tire pressure sensors will alert you if the following is necessary.

• Over time, your tires may need to have air added to them. This can come from the normal wear and tear of daily driving. Cold weather can also cause the air in your tires to condense.
• There is the possibility that you have over-inflated your tires. This isn't a good idea because it can cause your tires to blow out while driving.
• Problems with your tire pressure…

Staying on top of all necessary service becomes important when caring for a car. When taking a vehicle in for an oil change, consider requesting a multi-point inspection. This way, the belts and hoses receive an inspection. Those parts can dry out, crack, and snap when they reach a certain age point. So, you want them examined.

Leaks in coolant houses can lead to overheating. Snapped drive belts means a stalled car. Such situations aren't inconveniences, as disabled vehicle situations can become worse. So, make sure all these parts receive inspections.

 

Now is a great time to prepare your vehicle for spring so that it is ready for summer. The automotive experts at The Car Store want you to be an informed vehicle owner that knows how to properly care for your car in each season.

Start your vehicle spring refresh by ensuring that you are up to date with all of your maintenance services. A qualified professional should check the condition of your belts and hoses. Be sure to pay 

The Car Store wants to provide you with some helpful tips that you can use when it comes time to install a child safety seat into your automobile.

• Choose the proper car seat for your child. Pay attention to age requirements and sizing.
• Use the instruction manual for installation. Keep it in your glove compartment box in case you ever need to move your seat in a hurry.
• During installation, make sure the seat is reclined back slightly.
• Tighten the anchors and tethers as tight as they will go.
• Make sure the child safety seat doesn't move in any…

The crew here at The Car Store are committed to helping drivers stat safer on the roadways. Here are some tips to pack your roadside emergency kit correctly.

• Pack a small first aid kit that will assist in dealing with small injuries until medical help arrives.
• Be sure to pack a good quality set of jumper cables so any other vehicle can help you stop a dead battery from leaving you stranded.
• Put a good quality flashlight and plenty of batteries in your emergency kit.
• Make sure your vehicle has a working jack and lug wrench, then place some road…

Every time you stop to think about the most valuable parts of your automobile, don’t forget the humble dash camera. You should have one on your dash by now. If you do not, you need to get on that. Insurance companies would like very much if you would help them with their various claims by getting a dash camera that records everything that is going on in front of you.

The need to capture all of the activity in front of you is all about ensuring that there is

Since the mid-1930s, salt has been the preferred de-icing agent for many municipalities. Salt is cheap, easy to store, and incredibly easy for cities and counties to apply. Unfortunately, however, salted roadways during the winter months are both safer for Twin Falls drivers to traverse, and detrimental to their cars. At The Car Store, we want to share several easy strategies for protecting vehicles from salt corrosion.

Be Mindful Of Moisture

When paired with salt, moisture opens the door to rust. Be mindful of the different areas of your car that are prone to trapping moisture.