What Are Performance Tires?
Often in New England, we hear about snow tires or all-season tires. With the crazy weather changes we see, it makes sense that these are the two of the most common tires in Nashua. However, we also see plenty of beautiful spring and summer days that are ideal for performance tires. Although the term is, also, familiar, many people don’t fully understand the true definition and use of a performance tire. Here at RK Auto Repair, our team of experts take pride in the years of experience, and wealth of knowledge we provide to our customers. So, if you were ever curious about performance tires, this article is for you!
Defined
Performance tires are designed to give driving enthusiasts increased handling response and traction in both wet and dry conditions. Because of the range of benefits that a performance tire provides, they may, or may not, be the right type of tire for your driving needs.
The Design
With unique tread patterns, constructions features, and rubber compounds, performance tires enable a better handling experience. Beyond handling, a few of the other benefits these tires provide include:
- Higher speed capabilities
- Ability to stop shorter
- Enhanced grip
- Tighter handling with corners
- Enhanced steering response
Are Performance Tires Right for Me?
Although we’d love to give you a straight answer to this question, there isn’t one. When selecting the best tires for your vehicle, you need to consider your driving priorities. Because drivers look for different experiences when they’re behind the wheel, different tires will satisfy those needs. For example, if you frequently drive for work, you’ll want to focus on a tire that can handle gas mileage and provide longevity with ride comfort. However, if you don’t mind sacrificing those items and are more interested in the driving experience, then performance tires may be the ideal solution.
Over the past several years, we have seen an increased demand for performance tires in Nashua. If you think this type of tire may be the solution you seek, contact the team at RK Auto Repair. Our experts can assist you in selecting new or repairing your existing tires. For more information, visit us online at https://rkautorepairll.wpengine.com or call to schedule your next appointment 603.595.7575.
Many vehicle enthusiasts look forward to this time of year in New England. Summer cars are out, tops are off, and updates are happening. One of the biggest trends we see at RK Auto is the changing of tires. With winter conditions far behind us, winter tires are off, and summer tires in Nashua and surrounding areas keep vehicles looking their best during the warmer months. However, before running out and switching your tires, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
Manufacturer’s Speed Rating
One of the most important factors to take into consideration when choosing tires is the speed rating. Ratings will let the driver know the maximum recommend speed that a tire can be safely driven. For many, this element is not an issue. However, most summer tires are made for high-performance vehicles and provide increased speed and agility. If racing is a seasonal pastime, be sure to watch the rating levels.
Driving Conditions
Summer tires are categorized seasonally for safety reasons. More specifically, they are not designed to function in cold weather. This type of tire can generally handle three out of the four seasons. Once the cold air sets in, the rubber of the tire can harden creating undesirable driving conditions. Their optimal functionality can be maintained in temperatures over 44 degrees Fahrenheit. However, when rain is the consideration, summer tires perform better than all-wheel tires. Helping to control hydroplaning at higher speeds with increased traction, summer tires may keep drivers safer during the drizzly spring months.
Often, summer tires can be thought of as “every day” tires because of the versatility throughout many of the New England seasons. However, keeping in mind their restrictions is extremely important. Furthermore, summer tires in Nashua, for many, mean low profile or high-performance tires. This type of tire falls into a separate category with entirely different functionalities and precautions.
For more information on which tire will best suit the needs of your vehicle, contact the experts at RK Auto Repair. Voted the best mechanic in the area, the team at RK Auto is fully licensed and insured. Visit them online at rkautorepairll.com or call today and get your summer tires in Nashua taken care of before the season passes you by! d
At one time or another, we have all experienced the need for auto repair services. Whether small or big, many of cringe at the thought of having to bring our vehicle into the shop. However, if you’re looking for auto repair in New Hampshire and search out your local auto repair shops, the process doesn’t have to be so painful. Local repair shops, like RK Auto Repair, offer many benefits that dealerships no longer provide to the consumer.
Convenience
Not only is your local repair shop around the corner, but they are also a one-stop shop servicing all of your vehicles needs. From oil changes to exhaust system repairs, local shops can handle most concerns without the hassle. Another added benefit is that your appointment and turn-around time is typically faster than that of a dealership.
Personal Attention
There is something to be said about friendly, personalized service. As a consumer, when you walk through the door and are greeted with a genuine smile and referred to by name you’re left feeling great inside. By utilizing the services of your local auto repair shop, you can be sure that not only your name, but your vehicle will be known. Thus, you’re left feeling that you are in good hands. Further, this type of service will save you time. Without having to repeat your vehicles concerns to each new face, your local shop will remember for you.
Dependability
Much dependent on word-of-mouth, repair shops strive to provide top-notch service to their customers in hopes that their name will be passed on. Chances are, if your friend or family does recommend a local auto repair shop to you, you’ll check them out. Why is this? Because you trust the person that referred you. However, you would not have been referred to if the auto repair shop wasn’t dependable. In today’s busy world, nobody has time to go back and forth on issues that should be adequately corrected the first time. Being dependable ensures customers not only come back time and time again but refer to you to their friends and family.
Budget Friendly
Although dealerships have mastered the wow factor in appearance and staffing numbers, it comes at a cost. The overhead of a local auto repair shop is typically must less than that of a dealership. Thus, lower operating costs mean lower repair costs.
Next time you require auto repair in New Hampshire, consider RK Auto Repair. With over 30 years of trusted experience, the team at RK Auto is fully licensed and insured. Providing free estimates and loaner cars, RK Auto Repair is sure to make your next auto repair service a pleasant one. Visit them online or call today to schedule your next appointment (603) 595-7575. \lsdpriori
Your fleet is an investment. Like anything else, we protect what we invest in. Why would your business line of vehicles be any different? The livelihood your business depends on each day; your fleet needs to be reliable and performing at its optimal level. RK Auto Repair offers the best fleet maintenance in Nashua, NH. Providing their customers with unique service that goes above the rest, at RK Auto you are family.
Cost Effective
With the proper maintenance schedule, your fleet will provide years of reliable service. Eliminating unnecessary, costly repairs, RK Auto will help keep your budget in line with an effective preventive maintenance program. By adhering to the schedule, you will guarantee longevity for your fleet.
Timely Maintenance
We understand how hectic life can be. Therefore, at RK Auto, we like to go above and beyond for our customers. Keeping track of lengthy and timely reports are things of the past. After your maintenance program has been established, our staff will notify you when it is time to schedule your next upcoming service. Thus leaving you with a peace of mind that your fleet is in good hands.
Performance
Staying on top of all maintenance and repairs will keep your fleet running at its optimal performance. However, it is equally important to have communication with your first line. Your drivers know the vehicles better than anyone else. Be sure to have an open line of communication with them regarding the performance of their assigned vehicle. By addressing concerns as soon as they are noticed, you will save costly repairs.
RK Auto realizes the importance of your fleet to your business. Our experienced mechanics take preventative measures to keep your company on the road with reliable vehicles that you can count on. If you currently have or will have, a fleet needing fleet maintenance in Nashua, NH contact RK Auto at (603) 595-7575. Backed with knowledge and versatility, RK Auto Repair has been named one of the best mechanics in NH.
You love your car but need a change. Upgrades to your vehicle are a great way to give your vehicle a new look and feel. Custom exhausts can be the simplest and cheapest way to accomplish your need for change. With the proper size exhaust, your car will have a new look and sound. Beyond the appearance, you’ll notice benefits on improved fuel economy and performance. However, exhausts are not one size fits all. When you decide it’s time for your new custom exhaust in NH, contact the professionals at RK Auto Repair. With over 30 years of experience, the staff will be sure to customize the best exhaust type suited for your vehicle.
Axle-back
One of the quickest exhaust upgrades you can choose is the axel-back. This type of exhaust replaces the stock system from the rear axle to the muffler. Hence the name. Requiring no cutting of stock components, the typical turnaround time on installation is less than an hour. The driver will notice a small change in power. The most noticeable difference will be the sound your vehicle puts out. Overall, the axle-back has the least effect on performance and fuel economy enhancements.
Cat-back
A step up from the axel-back system, a cat-back exhaust will provide drivers with more noticeable enhancements. This custom exhaust replaces stock components from the behind the catalytic converter to the muffler. The replacement provides a fairly decent increase on the original performance and fuel economy. Some upgrades can make a vehicle noncompliant with smog emissions. One of the best features of a cat-back system is that your emissions will remain the same.
Header-back
The header-back system is a complete replacement of stock components with aftermarket components. If your goal is to have the most significant impact on performance and fuel economy, this is the upgrade for you. That being said, not all vehicles are ready for this type of upgrade. In most cases, preparations need to made to the vehicle before installation can occur.
With Spring around the corner, now is the best time to consider a custom exhaust in NH. Depending on the vehicle and desired results, choosing the type of exhaust system can be tricky. Contacting your local professionals at RK Auto Repair will ensure the best and safest installation for your vehicle. Contact them today at (603) 595-7575.
The saying goes “You can’t reinvent the wheel.” As far as car parts go, the tires are the only part you won’t get anywhere without. Sure an engine, accelerator, exhaust, and every other part is important, but without those, you could still roll. You depend on your tires in Nashua to get you where you’re going, but how often do you check them? Every piece of a car has a shelf, life including your tires in Nashua. With proper care and maintenance, you can extend that shelf life considerably. Here are some ways you can make the most of your tires.
Tire Pressure
How long your tires last relies heavily on the tire pressure. Without the proper inflation pressure, your tires can’t perform the way they’re supposed to. While underinflated tires are more common, overinflated tires are just as hazardous to the lifespan of your tires. Not every car has the same required tire pressure. Luckily you can find the proper inflation pressure listed along the side of your tire.
Alignment
For your car’s wheels to wear evenly, you need to maintain proper alignment. On top of your tires, having your wheels out of alignment can signify other mechanical problems. The last thing you need is a wonky ride.
Remember to Rotate
Depending on which position on your vehicle the tire occupies, different forces are applied. Without rotating your tires, they will begin to wear unevenly, putting some at a higher risk for damage. The only way to keep an even wear is to rotate your tires. Mechanics recommend rotating your tires every 5000 miles.
Balance is Key
If you’ve ever noticed a vibration while driving, it could be a sign that your balance is off. On top of being annoying, an unequal balance can contribute to tire wear. The more factors that wear away at your tires, the shorter their lifespan becomes.
When it comes to tires in Nashua, every driver is responsible for taking care of them. Knowing the factors that can lead to worn out tires is the first step to preventing damage. The better care you take of your tires, the longer they will last you. If you are in need of new tires, contact RK Auto or visit us online.
As anyone who lives in New England can tell you, there’s a significant difference between driving your car in the summer and driving in the winter. Aside from the frost on your windows and ice on the roads, the cold weather impacts how the different parts of your vehicle work. If you don’t let your car warm up before taking off, you may end up searching for auto repair in Nashua NH.
How Brakes Work
It seems simple. You press on the brakes, and your car slows down. This is a process of cause and effect. You step on the brake pedal, and the brakes apply hydraulic pressure to the brake pads, so they press against the rotor. This slows the vehicle down. One thing to be remembered is that energy isn’t created or destroyed, only converted into heat. The heat is released through the vents in the rotor. When it’s cold outside, the process remains the same but with different results.
Cold Weather
The energy that moved your car is converted to heat through friction. Friction, in turn, results in heat. Brakes can become so so hot that they stay heated long after you’ve turned your car off. Heavy braking can result in brake fade over time. On cold days, you won’t experience any difference in brake performance. However, the lifespan of your brakes will be affected. Because cold days often come with wet roads, the moisture acts as a lubricant on your tires. This allows them to heat up at accelerated rates. So, your brake pads will wear away faster, forcing you to seek auto repair in Nashua NH.
Living in New England means that winter is unavoidable. The cold weather shows up around mid-October and sticks around until mid-March. Knowing how the cold affects the maintenance of your car is essential for any responsible driver. It can help you to avoid accidents. When you do need auto repair in Nashua NH, contact RK Auto at 603-595-7575 or visit us online.
To the rest of the country, New England is this idyllic region with apple orchards, beautiful trees lining the streets, and people who talk without pronouncing their R’s. It’s essentially a perfect place. Those of us who live in New England know better. Winter in the area is never as lovely as it looks on Christmas cards. We usually don’t see snow until it’s most inconvenient. Once we do get snow, it takes three months of shoveling to get rid of it. Winter driving conditions can get hazardous quick. Be prepared this winter and consider getting winter tires in Nashua for your car.
Air Capacity
Here’s a little science lesson: as temperatures rise and drop, air expands and retracts. It’s similar to how wooden doors warp when it’s hot out and return to their regular shape in cold weather. If you’re driving on old tires in Nashua, the temperature can cause issues that result in flat tires. New tires are durable and can handle the change in temperatures during the winter.
Tread
The best way to judge your tires’ tread is the penny test. If you place a penny in the tread of your tire and can still perfectly see Abraham Lincoln’s face, your tread may not be up to snuff. The tread of your tires is what keeps you on the road. It grips the surface you’re driving on so you can move forward and brake.
Handling
Tires have a lot to do with how your car moves. For one, their spinning motion causes the rolling that gets you going. However, other factors such as turning become much harder with old tires. If you find you can’t take turns as naturally as you could, or you hear skidding as you change directions, it’s time for new tires.
Peace of Mind
With advanced safety features, driving is theoretically getting safer every year. However, nothing is certain. The best way to feel safe in your car is to know it is prepared for anything. If you’re entering the winter on old tires, you’re increasing your risk of an accident. Give yourself the peace of mind you need to get through the winter by investing in new tires.
Don’t take any chances with your safety or the safety of others. New England winters are nothing to joke about, and road conditions can be hazardous. Invest in winter tires in Nashua this season. Contact RK Auto Repair at 603-595-7575 or visit them online.
October is the month where all the fun of the fall takes place. The weather is still warm enough to head to the pumpkin patches and corn mazes. Halloween is right around the corner, and you’re having a blast planning your costume for the festivities. However, as fun as October can be, there are some hazards that come with the fall. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that driving conditions change with the seasons. Before you get into an accident and need to find auto repair in Nashua NH, take note of the hazards that come with driving at this time of year.
Animals
2018 was quite the year for roadkill. The reproduction rate in squirrels was at an all-time high, meaning their food supply couldn’t sustain them. Critters like squirrels, raccoons, chipmunks, and others that compete for nuts have been taking to the road and dying as a result. Watching out for their bodies, so your car doesn’t slide. Also, deer like to wander about in the fall. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for animals this fall.
Leaves
Sure, the leaves this time of year are beautiful. The golds and reds in the tree are almost enough to keep you from remembering they’re just dying. As the leaves die and fall to the ground, they clump together and create slick surfaces on the road. If you hit a patch of leaves, especially wet leaves, you may lose control of your vehicle. Be safe to avoid needing auto repair in Nashua NH.
Rain
The spring and the fall are New England’s primary wet seasons. Sure, the winter has snow, but that’s more miserable than wet. The rain in the falls can come in quick and leave the streets slippery. Even worse, the rain can come and decide not to leave, worsening visibility for drivers.
Pedestrians
Safe drivers are always looking out for pedestrians in the road. Sometimes you’re lucky enough to see PED XING signs, or crosswalks to let you know if an area has high foot traffic. Still, kids are back in school and trick-or-treaters are coming sooner rather than later.
Distracted driving can results in accidents and collisions on the road. With fall fully underway, you need to know what to look out for in the street. If you do need auto repair in Nashua NH, contact RK Auto Repair at 603-595-7575 or visit them online!
As you drive your car, the engine runs and heats up as it does. As the engine runs, it can reach temperatures of over 500° Celsius. Overworking your engine can cause your car to overheat and break down. Luckily, your car is equipped with a coolant system to keep your engine temperature in check. Of course, just like any part of your vehicle, your coolant system can get damaged over the years. If you’re worried about your car’s coolant system, consider getting auto repair in Nashua. Here are three warning signs that your coolant system may need to be checked.
Leaking
A warning sign of low coolant levels is white smoke coming from your exhaust. Yes, you will always see smoke coming from your exhaust, but the smoke to look out for will be thick and white. This is an indicator that there is a leak in your coolant system, allowing the heat to burn up your antifreeze. Another sign of a leak will be pooling of a green substance under your car. No puddle is too small. If you ignore a small puddle, chances are the leak will get worse. In instances of white smoke and green puddles, consider auto repair in Nashua.
Sweet Smell
While sweet smells can be a sign of good things like cookies or fruit, a sweet smell in the cabin of your car is not. Not to say an air freshener isn’t a good idea, but an unusual, sweet smell popping up should raise a red flag. Antifreeze smells sweet, and the scent can waft into your car if your coolant system is leaking or overheating. When a sweet smell pops up in your car, get to a mechanic to run diagnostics on your coolant system.
Steam
500° Celsius is the equivalent of 932° Fahrenheit. The average person starts complaining at around 83° Fahrenheit. This extreme temperature can cause your engine to overheat and release steam if your coolant system isn’t running correctly. The moment you notice white smoke or steam coming from the hood of your vehicle, pull over immediately. This is a surefire sign you need auto repair in Nashua.
You’ve heard the phrase “A car is worth more than the sum of its parts,” but your car isn’t worth much if those parts aren’t functional. Your coolant system is a necessity when it comes to keeping your engine at a manageable temperature while driving. If you notice any of these three sings, find auto repair in Nashua. Contact RK Auto Repair at 603-595-7575 or visit them online today.